Vis-à-vis: Something New And Delightful In Brighton Beach

By: Anne M. Raso

I recently hopped on the Q train to Brighton Beach in the quest to try a restaurant that is being publicized as “Brighton Beach’s first fine dining experience.” I have only had Russian food in this neighborhood in the past, and those restaurants tend to run the gamut from mom and pop to fancy, but in general they all serve classic Russian fare without much straying from the usual classics. Vis-à-vis is different; it’s a classy fusion of French, farm to table and Modern American. They have super fresh seafood, grass fed beef and vegetables grown as “close to home” as possible. The décor is on the formal side and the main dining room has a country club feeling while the bar area gives off the vibe of a glamorous Manhattan nightclub with its huge chandeliers and fancy cognacs/armagnacs in big glass cases.

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Tech Meets Love: Wattpad and After by Anna Todd

By: Finance Foodie, in conjunction with One2One Network

I recently was sent a copy of the book After, by Anna Todd. Being an avid reader, I was interested in this book not only for its juicy plot (good girl college student falls in love with a troubled bad boy) but for the unique way this book was written.

The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Pt. 4: Under $50 Stocking Stuffers For All!

By: Anne Raso and Finance Foodie

Part 4 of our guide showcase cool gifts that won't break the bank.

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The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Part 3: Unforgettable Gifts For Foodies!

By: Anne Raso and Finance Foodie

Let's face it - the holiday season is just an excuse to eat well and eat often. Part 3 of our Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide tackles gifts for that finicky foodie in your life.

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The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2: Unforgettable Gifts For Him, Her and the Kids!

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

We’ve got all your holiday shopping needs covered—even if you have to pick out a gift for a hard to please guy, impossible lady or spoiled kid!

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The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Pt. 1: The Five Best NYC Places To Buy Last Minute Gifts 'N Gourmet Goodies!

By: Anne M. Raso

This is the time of year when you want to avoid long lines at all costs, whether you are buying a holiday gift or just trying to bring some nice "eats" over to a friend's house to help celebrate the holidays! Here are FF's Top Picks for easy, breezy holiday buying! All are open late seven days a week!

Guerlain

Specialty Food Association Holiday Taste Test: Enjoying Unusual Gourmet Products Perfect For Holiday Meals & Snacking!

By: Anne M. Raso

Nine sweet and nine spicy gift ideas were presented for tasting at an exclusive event on the offices of the Specialty Food Association recently. In case you don't know, they're the folks who bring the wonderful Fancy Food Show to New York and San Fran (and occasionally other destinations) each year. Guests included the entrepreneurs behind two of the products: Rick Fields of Rick’s Picks, with Smokra, and Kate Pratt and Michel Mazuret, the duo behind East Hampton Gourmet’s gift-worthy, and gluten-free, East Hampton Gourmet Crispbread.

Zingerman's Peanut Brittle

The Lodge Club—Bringing Gastro Goodness To The West Village!

By: Anne M. Raso

I really enjoyed the dark dance club atmosphere of the dining room at the back of The Lodge Club in the Village. The music varied from disco to punk rock to today’s alt rock and the food was fine gastropub fare. They are getting famous for their roasted bone marrow, but I stuck to more basic Modern American versions of the comfort food classics that are on the menu. Portions were respectable and most can be shared between two diners. The Lodge Club is from the same folks who brought you Bounce and Vero Midtown, so you just know they have high standards for ingredients and kitchen staff. Chef Olnowich has works for Olives NYC and the restaurant at L’Ecole (the French cooking school downtown) so you just know that he’s creative before you set foot in The Lodge!

A Mighty Meaty Meal at Texas de Brazil

By: Alex Loanzon

Following a gluttonous Thanksgiving Day meal, the Mister and I decided to continue on the path of excess throughout the weekend by going to a buffet on Saturday night - I mean, why quit while we're ahead (on the weight gain) LOL? Enter Texas de Brazil (TdB), an upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.

Downstairs Bar

The Explore Chinatown Food And Culture Walking Tour: See (And Taste) Chinatown As You Never Have Before!

By: Anne M. Raso

I recently went on the three-hour Foods Of New York Tour called the Explore Chinatown Food And Culture Walking Tour that can be booked on www.foodsofny.com for $65! Considering how cheap the food in Chinatown is, I wondered if it would provide good bang for the buck, and I am happy to say it did--and not just because of the food. I found out so much about Chinatown, from the unusual items mourners place on the altar at funerals to insure the deceased has a good afterlife to secret side streets that no one seems to know about and that offer great souvenirs and other mementos. I never had so much fun in Chinatown and it was great to learn about each dish as I was eating it.

Manhattan Chinatown

Latest Craze: Bingo Parties

Brought to you by New Look Bingo

Bingo is a classic game: it has helped people unwind and entertain for centuries. It’s a great pastime and also a fantastic icebreaker in a social gathering. What could be a better way to party up a storm than the good ol’ game of bingo? So call in your peeps and throw a bingo party at your house.

A Little Slice of Mexico at Cafe El Presidente

By: Finance Foodie

Cafe El Presidente, the newest offspring from the owners of super chill and hip Nolita taco shop Tacombi, recently opened this year in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. Being a fan of Tacombi, I had to stop by last weekend for lunch and check this new kid on the block out.

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Morton's The Steakhouse: The Legend Lives On (And For Good Reason)!

By: Anne M. Raso

The luxurious Morton's Steakhouse on Fifth Avenue is as great as ever and I think ever steak maniac should have it on their "bucket list"! There is a nothing like a prime piece of Midwestern grass-fed beef grilled in a specially made broiler just for the restaurant--and you can watch from one of New York's most luxurious dining rooms that actually has a dark yet modern ambiance. Wait, let's make it more of a Hollywood glamour ambiance! The decor is definitely Hollywood movie star inspired with oversized ceiling lamps and comfy banquets with the wonderful, brightly lit cook staff area at the helm. On the trip downstairs to the restrooms, black and white photos of current Hollywood megastars line the walls including one of then late 30s George Clooney with Morton’s staff.

The New Grace's Marketplace: Grace, Style And The New "Foodie Central" of The Upper East Side!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to attend the opening day of the eagerly anticipated new Grace's Marketplace at 1299 Second Avenue on the Upper East Side. It was back in April that proprietor Grace Doria learned that her successful business of 29 years had to move from its convenient location at the corner of 71st and Third (the landlord simply did not want food businesses in his building any longer). Ms. Doria found even bigger digs in a newly constructed building at 68th and Second, and it opened on the exact day (November 4th) as her old space opened 29 years ago.

Grace's Grand Opening

The Grand Tasting At The New York Food & Wine Festival: Feasting, Fun And Doing Something Nice To End Hunger!

By: Anne M. Raso

I recently attended my first-ever Grand Tasting at The New York Food & Wine Festival at Piers 92 and 94 even though it’s been happening for seven years now. I was expecting something like the Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center, of which I am a longtime veteran. There are a lot of similarities although there are less foreign food brands than at the Fancy Food Show. Do you get as stuffed walking around and sampling from more than 100 booths? You betcha. I gained five pounds yesterday from all that feasting—plus, this year there were more than 100 types of wine to try, not to mention a lot of bourbon and rum!

All Hail Haldi: Curry Hill's Newest And Possibly Best Eatery!

By: Anne M. Raso

As a matter of fact, the first thing that the server asks you after the gratis papadam (which is in a unique burrito shape) and accompanying condiment tray appear on the table is if you like your food mild, medium or super spicy! I will also say right here that their Raita is extra mild as opposed to having the strong cucumber taste that is traditional. Haldi is a simple yet striking Indian restaurant smack dab in the center of the legendary Curry Hill. There is copper cookware hanging from the ceiling but otherwise it is a modern space with clean lines and the occasional piece of classic Indian and New York street scene artwork. There is a fun wall mural of a Checker cab driving by the Taj Mahal to the immediate left when you walk in. The wonderful smells of Indian spices as you enter make you salivate but don’t worry—if you are someone who prefers your Indian cuisine mildly spiced, they take that into account!

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Comfort Food Classics at Harding's New York City

By: Finance Foodie

As Fall comes to full swing in the Big Apple, there really isn't any better way to feel all warm and cozy than an All-American comfort food brunch. Therefore, this past weekend, the Mister and I took a trip to the Flatiron district to check out Harding's new "Tastes of American" autumn brunch menu.

The Aloha

Ellary's Greens: Proving That Eating "Green" Can Be Exciting!

By: Anne M. Raso

Last week, I was lucky enough to try Ellary's Greens in one of the historic storefronts on Carmine Street (#33 to be exact) and I was dazzled by the super farm to table freshness of this 1 1/2-year-old eatery—which named after owner Leith Hill’s grandmother and great grandmother. The decor is quaint, with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, old-fashioned glass cases filled with healthy desserts, and high ceilings featuring an overlay of laser cut metal (the motif seems to be of leaves growing on stems, almost like a beanstalk).

Green Thai Curry Tofu

Graceful Services Spa: A Shining Star Of Spa Week

By: Anne M. Raso

Spa Week is coming up October 20-26 and it gives spa lovers all over the country too score their favorite services for a flat 50 dollars. I got my all-time favorite spa treatment, an hour-long hot stone massage at Graceful Services in Manhattan last week. I had never been there before but what a treat it was. If you love the relaxation of this service as much as I do, I strongly suggest you book it at spaweek.com ASAP.

Epazote: Your New “Go-To” Mexican Eatery On The Upper East Side!

By: Anne M. Raso

I fell in love with the French-inspired Mexican of Epazote in Yorkville. I like the casual yet dusky atmosphere, complete with Day Of The Dead and rural Mexican colorized photos on the wall and friendly, efficient service, it’s definitely going to be your next “go-to” neighborhood eatery. The prices are right and many of the plates can be shared. They also have the classic guacamole called Guacamole Azteca ($13) made in a mortar and pestle in front of you and to your exact specs, which is the way a lot of people start off their meal. At their recent press tasting, I found the guac chef had over a dozen ingredients he could add to the classic mix of fresh avocado, salt, chopped tomatoes, cilantro and lime juice.

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New Season, New Look - Getting Gorgeous at Angelo David Salon

By: Finance Foodie

Besides indulging in a Pumpkin Spiced [insert food /drink item], I can't think of a better way to start the new Fall season than a brand new look. Feeling tired and weighed down by my long lifeless hair that carried me through this summer, I decided this was the best place to start. So this past weekend, I decided to pay a visit to the Angelo David Salon in Midtown to give my look a bit of an update.

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Chloe 81: A Superlative “Speakeasy” On The Lower East Side Brings You Back In Time!

By: Anne M. Raso

I’m not sure if it’s because of the success of Boardwalk Empire (set in the Prohibition Era) or just because hipsters need a new retro movement to follow, but bars and restaurants with a 1920’s speakeasy look have taken over the artier neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Chloe 81 is one of these places—it features a lot of pale yellow subway tile and dim lighting, and actually has a semi-secret club room downstairs that features a bar, dancing and a DJ. I went to Chloe 81 for an early dinner because a crowded 11 PM scene with beautiful people is just not my thing at the advanced age of 53, LOL!

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Mama Mia! An Italian Filled Day at the Greenwich Village Foods Of NY Tour

By: Finance Foodie

Over the years, I have taken many a New York City food tour – being a food writer, I've always felt food tours, when conducted properly, are helpful in discovering culinary gems that I otherwise would miss. However, as the popularity of food tours exploded and the number of operators multiplied, it’s been harder to separate the good, bad, and just plain ugly tours…

Viva Mexico! Rosa Mexicano ‘s Desde 1984 Menu

By: Finance Foodie

In 1984, Chef Josefina Howard opened the first Rosa Mexicano in New York City’s Midtown East. Since then, the concept has expanded to 14 restaurants around the world, as demand for authentic and regional flavors of Mexican food has exploded. To celebrate the restaurant’s 30th anniversary, the Desde 1984 menu was created to allow guests to savor the most loved Rosa dishes over the past three decades.

Desde 1984 Menu

Strong and Satiated at Shabu Shabu Kobe Midtown Pre Opening Party

By: Finance Foodie

As the weather gets (finally) cooler, nothing screams fuzzy sweater weather better than a nice big pot of Japanese shabu shabu. For those unfamiliar with this delectable dish, shabu shabu consists of placing thinly sliced raw meat, vegetables, and noodles in lightly seasoned boiling water, then dipping the contents a variety of sauces and consuming with steamed rice. Not only is this dish fulfilling and flavorful, it is also healthy and low(er) fat due to the cooking technique. Last week, I was invited to check out Shabu Shabu Kobe, a soon-to-be-opened Japanese resto specializing in shabu shabu – of course I had to grab my fuzziest cardigan and head over to Midtown for a visit.

Blown Away at Harbour House Restaurant and the Inn at Mystic

By: Finance Foodie

Now that Fashion Week has finally past, I was in desperate need of detox weekend where I could get away from the hustle and bustle and surround myself with the beauty of trees and greenery. Therefore, when the proprietors of the Inn at Mystic invited me to check out the place for the night and have a fresh seafood dinner at their restaurant on site -- well considered me checked in already!

New York Fashion Week Part 2: The Fabulous Parties and Lounges

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

The parties are the lounges are really what some fashionistas live for—especially for those dying to strut their stuff on a “step and repeat” and get their names out there in the press. I personally prefer the more low key events where I can sip a cocktail, get my nails done and mingle with friends.

Christian Siriano Fragrance Launch

New York Fashion Week Roundup Part 1: The Shows that Rocked, Shocked and Wowed

By Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

This past New York Fashion Week (NYFW) lasted about 11 days and was enough to knock even the most seasoned fashionistas off their highest Louboutin pumps! There were numerous shows overlapping both inside and outside the Lincoln Center—with actually many more outside the tents since it tends to be more cost effective.

Breaking Bad star R.J. Mitte at Desigual

Beauty & Essex’s Champagne Brunch Is Back—And It’s Beautiful And Bountiful!

By Anne M. Raso

I love Beauty & Essex’s retro glamour vibe with a funky edge—there is even a pawn shop with high-end collectibles from guitars to 14K gold cabochon earrings! The Champagne Brunch not only gets you’re a family style spread of eight different dishes, but each diner gets two glasses of Moet & Chandon Brut Classic from California. Knowing that most eateries charge $16 a glass for this type of champagne makes this brunch special a real deal! There are a lot of the “young and beautiful” to look at as well.

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The America’s Got Talent BBQ: Games, Good Food And Great Talent!

By: Anne M. Raso

About 50 journos descended upon the legendary NBC Studios Commissary (now named NBC Studio 9C) last night for a fabulous BBQ that included games, prizes (that included AGT merchandise), classic BBQ food and show talent.

Howie Mandel

Flying High at Aerial Acrobat Entertainment

By: Finance Foodie

Feeling bored of our usual gym routine of never ending treadmills and free weights, the Mister and I decided to try something a little different for our daily workout. So last Thursday night, we ditched the Big Apple and crossed the river to Jersey City for a beginners trapeze class with Guinevere DiPiazza, owner of Aerial Acrobat Entertainment .

Lois Lowry's The Giver Gives...And Then Some!

By Anne M. Raso

Not being a fan of science fiction, I was skeptical about seeing The Giver but I quickly fell in love with it--it transcends the genre of sci-fi and teaches the lessons of love, tolerance and forgiveness via depicting a future society that's not so pretty. I had never read the book by Lois Lowry even though it is HarperCollins' top-selling "young adult" e-book of all time. There is mega-star power in The Giver including Meryl Streep as the Chief Elder and Jeff Bridges as The Giver, and it is possibly Jeff Bridges who steals the show as the one "elder" who doesn't act like a robot in a black and white world where everyone is alike in every way and issued orders on how to behave. Love isn't a concept in this new world--everyone just goes about their daily business with assigned jobs and roles in society, live in identical housing, eat identical food for dinner and even have assigned children that come from a stark baby laboratory where defective babies are done away with via shots and disposed like garbage down a shoot.

The entire cast

Tips for Making Money Made Simple

Express Yourself and Profit Off the Things You Love! 

Make Money Your Way explores some innovative ways to add valuable dollars to your bankroll. Enjoy money management advice that makes sense. Here’s a truism that will confuse some people: you don’t need brains to make money. There – I’ve said it. But before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important to understand precisely what is required. As a preface to this expose, I challenge you folks to take a look at some of the biggest success stories in the world: Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell and scores of others. Notice that all these people – and the list is extensive – have one thing in common: self-belief. Even if nobody believes in the merits of your idea, your determination to bring a useful or innovative product or service to the market will pay dividends. If nothing else, you will grow immeasurably and learn invaluable lessons in the interim. Take for example those self-starters involved in the casino games world. Sheldon Adelson is the 10th richest man in the world, but he has no formal education since he dropped out of City College in New York. All it takes is an iron-will and plenty of hunger for success. Surround yourself with the right people and you will be able to reach your goals, even if you’re not the Ivy League type!

You’ll Fall In Love With The Love Café and Bar

By Anne M. Raso

The one type of restaurant Manhattan has a shortage of these days are ones with a comfy feel—at The Love Café and Bar at 24th Street and Second Avenue, you’ll feel like you are in your grandmother’s living room although owner Margarita Abramov has pretty great taste in the unusual items that decorate the walls, including old window sills and Russian folk art. There are flowing white curtains on the front windows and a “no rush” atmosphere. Margarita’s husband and daughter can be seen hanging out there, and Abramov—a native of Odessa in the Soviet Union—kind of serves as a den mother for a large group of Russian models who miss food from the old country. It’s great to know that foodies do not have to trek all the way to Brighton Beach for “real deal” Russian eats these days.

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Villagio On The Park: An Italian With “A Little Something Extra”!

By: Anne M. Raso

I recently ventured out for dinner in Villagio On The Park (the former site of the longstanding Mickey Mantle's). In a chic spot with a view of Central Park, I expected small portions and outlandish prices but I got just the opposite. If you dig down-home Italian in giant portions that you can share (even though it's not a "family style" restaurant) and waiters that bring you "extras," you must try Villagio. It's the golden combination of quality AND quantity! The affable David Fuentes planned out what I was going to try (as opposed to letting me order) and I was very glad about it. I got some of his favorite dishes to try and a secret dessert that was not really on the menu that night! I loved the light airy feeling of the Villagio space--the floor to ceiling windows in front are open when the weather's nice, so diners have the choice of dining al fresco, "half in and half out" or totally indoors. Dozens of modern clear cube shaped lamps hang from the ceiling and the speckled marble modern bar has a clean, chic look.

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Super Saturday Hamptons: Bringing Out The A-List Crowd To Shop For A Good Cause!

By: Anne M. Raso

Super Saturday is one of the most popular events every year in the Hamptons—not just because it brings out the Hamptons A-List crowd and provides plenty of designer bargains to attendees…but because it helps benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Kelly Ripa has been the host for several years now (helping the event get plenty of advanced coverage on daytime TV) and this year’s co-hosts were Covergirl spokeswoman Paula Patton, Donna Karan and InStyle Magazine’s Ariel Foxman. Ripa and the staff of QVC—who have been longtime sponsors of the event—broadcast live from the event as guests who paid $450 to $650 per head dined on exquisite Italian cuisine at Nova’s Ark Project provided by the legendary Sant Ambroeus and scoured for bargains. Along the way, they were handed samples from lots of fun vendors who had their own stands behind the white tent set up for the actual sale part of the festivities—there were plenty of cutting edge beverages from folks like Zico coconut water, Mamma Chia chia seed drinks, Titan Tea and Guarana Energy drinks.

From Crisp to Cool: Summertime Snack-a-Thon 2014

By: Finance Foodie

Summer is over half gone (although the humidity has just begun) - but don't be sad, the team here at Finance Foodie has been hard at work testing awesome summer snacks for your enjoyment! Whether it's a picnic party in Central Park, your desk at work as you countdown to Friday, or just beating the heat on your travels around town, here are some crisp and/or cool treats that will make your tastebuds shine all the time.

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Pepperidge Farm’s Holidays In July Dinner: Bringin’ On The Turkey And All The Fixins Just A Little Early!

By: Anne M. Raso

In case you don’t already know, the famous (and highly nostalgic) brands Pepperidge Farm, Swanson and Campbell’s Soup are all owned by the same corporation these days and the PR folks from there wanted to come out swinging’ with their best holiday recipes from their test kitchens—featuring their most popular products. They wowed New York’s fussy foodie press with both new-fangled and traditional recipes using their most famous products, many of which bring a warmth to baby boomers’ hearts just upon the mention of their names! (They even created a gingerbread house featuring a roof made out of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies to give it a little texture—it was so cute that no one wanted to take it apart and eat it at the Holidays In July dinner!)

gLAMBping it Up with Asian Sensation BBQ Lamb Kabobs

By: Finance Foodie

When I eat meat, I usually put lamb at the top of my list. Tender, juicy and naturally full of flavor - all you need is a little olive oil and rosemary to bring out its succulence. Furthermore, lamb is nutrient rich, making it a natural fit for healthy diets. On average, it’s an excellent source of protein, vitamin B-12, niacin, zinc and selenium and a good source of iron and riboflavin. Plus, lamb has five times more healthy omega-3 fatty acids than beef!

Source: Mountain State Rosen

Organic Spa Magazine’s “Organic Beauty & Lifestyle” Media Event 2014: The Best Of Green Spa Products And Philanthropy!

By Anne M. Raso

Organic Spa Magazine is not just about spas and the “green” health & beauty products they use and sell—this socially conscious publications also donates some of the proceeds from their publishing revenues and events to leading water charities. It was like a spa lovers’ dream to be handed a flute of champagne and wander around one of the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental. I started out with a couple of hand massages (after wonderful sea salt scrub treatments), my favorite being courtesy of Shea Moisture, who was partially there to launch a wonderful line of skin products made with acai and pomegranate called Superfruit Complex, not to mention a brand new makeup line that will be going into both spas and mass market stores.

The Derby: Soulful Southern-Inspired Cuisine Takes Over The Lower East Side

By: Anne M. Raso

I had fallen in love with The Derby in its previous incarnation--the Tiny Fork--which was a seafood-driven establishment where customers feasted on large raw-bar trays. The ownership is the same, but there is an all-new staff. The Derby has only been open 2 1/2 months at the time of this writing, and friendly manager Gabe Voytas is as helpful as they come. He can answer your questions about every fussy detail of every dish. This is his first foray into the restaurant world; he previously managed several hot nightspots in the city.

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Wedding Salon's New York Showcase Inspires Brides-to-Be for Wedding Planning Needs

Sponsored Post

The nation’s #1 premier luxury bridal show, Wedding Salon, is bringing together the top names in bridal to the JW Marriott Essex House. The bridal showcase is a one-day event, designed to look and feel like a luxurious wedding catering to engaged couples, celebrities and socialites.

WHAT (to expect) 
 Beauty Makeovers by Lancôme at Bergdorf Goodman
 Cake creations and tastings by TLC’s Cake Boss and Sprinkles Cupcakes
 Fantasy Reception Table designs by Double A Events
 Couture gown displays featuring Pronovias
 Cocktails and beverage choices from Keurig Coffee, 360 Vodka and Tequila Rose
 An ultimate goody bag featuring Frederic Fekkai, Le Mieux and Dove

WHERE:
JW Marriott Essex House 160 Central Park S | New York, NY | 10019

WHEN: 
MONDAY, July 21st, 2014 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

PRICE:
$75 for two guests. For more info, to purchase tickets or to find the next upcoming show, please visit www.weddingsalon.com

Jill Zarin's Second Annual Luxury Ladies Luncheon: Fabulous Fun In The Hamptons Sun!

By: Anne M. Raso

This past Sunday, reality star/entrepreneur Jill Zarin had a party as fabulous as you might think it would be at her gorgeous contemporary Southampton home. There were giant rubber ducks in the Jacuzzi, burgers on the grill, fantastic hors d'oeuvres being passed and about 35 fashion and tech-forward companies with their merchandise on display.

Scene at the House

Life. Love. Lobster on the North River Lobster Company Sailing Restaurant

By: Finance Foodie

Over the past few days, the Mister and I have been trying our best to take advantage of what’s left in the last half of summer in the City. The other night, we decided to check out the recently opened North River Lobster Company, New York’s first sailing lobster shack docked at Pier 81 by the Hudson River. While aboard, passengers can enjoy fresh Maine lobsters and an array of other staple seafood items in casual yet cool atmosphere.

Fancy Food Show 2014: Good Eats, Great Peeps!

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

I've been attending the Fancy Food Show since the 90s and I have to say it is about the most fun you can have sampling food! You flit from booth to booth, meeting food vendors--some that have been established for 150 years and some that are new and looking for distributorship in this country! There were a few manufacturers I particularly liked, and as you can see from my choices, I love everything from spicy Sunday Sauce to Butternut Squash Lite Bites!

Going "Yonanas" At An Inaugural Tasting!

By: Anne M. Raso

I recent visited the offices of Trent And Company for their Inaugural Tasting--a press preview of new, health-oriented food products and equipment that are hand-selected by "trend spotter" Nancy Trent (you can actually tweet to her at @thetrendspotter and check out her tweets on the newest kitchen creations that not only taste good but are good for you)!

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SousVide Supreme 

Hecho En Dumbo: The Bowery's Best Mexican?

By: Anne M. Raso

I fell instantly in love with the understated Hecho En Dumbo in the East Village. It is just one long room with exposed brick walls and pipes and pretty much no art on the walls--you would think it was a hipster hang if you just looked at the bar crowd but the dinner crowd is a true mix of folks from the uptown business crowd to local tattoo artists. The food is served in a straightforward manner, with farm to table ingredients, fast service and respectable size portions.

Bringing Bison to Brunch at Ted's Montana Grill

By: Finance Foodie 

Last weekend, the Mister and I were in Midtown Manhattan during noon time. Feeling hungry and but too lazy to travel far for food, we decided to stop by Ted's Montana Grill. I had been to this finance crowd favorite a few times before for dinner, but was excited to try their newly created brunch menu.

The Baker's Dozen: A Father's Day Gift Guide!

By Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

Father's Day is coming fast upon us and most of us wait until the last minute to pick out something for dear old dad. Here is a list that will hopefully give you a great variety to “dad pleasers” to choose from--and all brands will be happy to work with you to get your goodies in time!

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A New Vegan Restaurant "Blossoms" On Carmine Street!

By: Anne M. Raso

Carmine Street is one of the West Village streets that is so beloved not only because of his history in Italian immigration and culture, but because its buildings have basically looked the same since they were built around 1900. Only the storefronts change frequently thanks to the staggering rents. It has always been a mecca for restaurants, and one of the best is the vegan Blossom On Carmine. It's an intimate space with exposed brick walls, dim lighting and an outdoor seating area. I chose a table right between the outdoor and indoor space so that I could have the best of both worlds. Best of all, the prices range from inexpensive to moderately expensive (for instance, appetizers cost $5-$9)

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A Box of Fun with PijonBox

By: Finance Foodie

PijonBox is a specifically curated monthly box subscription service that makes sure every college student gets everything they need to get through the school year. Starting at $25 a month, pick a female, male or gender-neutral box packed with delicious and healthy snacks, health and beauty supplies, household essentials and fun gifts to get them through each semester. I was intrigued by the idea, so I had to check a box out!

BeautyCon Comes To NYC And Makes A Splash At Pier 36!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to attend the first ever NYC BeautyCon in New York and I never anticipated anything so big, fast and furious! Beauty bloggers and the superstar bloggers they look up to stood on long lines to be able to “meet and greet” with each other, there was a VIP/Pro Lounge that included giant inflatables that reflected that the show was in the Big Apple (including five foot wide pretzel inflatables) and there were new and favorite products from top beauty brands offered at an incredible 40 per cent off.

Blow Me Away at Blo Blow Dry Bar

By: Finance Foodie

Blo, America's Original Blow Dry Bar, opened its fourth NYC location (and 40th in the world) in Chelsea on May 9th. Now New Yorkers can get a blo out in between gallery hopping and boutique shopping or just because! Since Blo was celebrating its opening with $25 blo outs last weekend (which is almost a 50% savings from its regular price of $40), I had to stop by to check it out.

Rollin' On The River with Manhattan By Sail's City Clipper Ship

By Anne M. Raso

I took a cruise along the good ol' Hudson last week that was a little rough and tumble since it was a sailboat and not a yacht but was loads of fun--and even historic. The Manhattan By Sail Company offers passengers awe-inspiring views while traveling on NYC's largest sailing vessel, the City Clipper. It's 158 feet tall with 120 foot masts. It's a replica of a pre-Civil War lumber hauling vessel and holds up to 150 passengers for one giant open air party. Of course, there's a bar and the most accommodating staff I have encountered on this side of the Royal Yacht Brittania (which I got to have dinner on in the UK last November). They offer you coffee and blankets if you get cold and will answer any questions about what historic New York and New Jersey sites you are passing while on the boat--and will even help find you a seat.

View during the Twilight Sail

Bonding With Great American Food At The Hudson Bond!

By: Anne M. Raso

I just had to check out The Hudson Bond this week—I noticed that lots of commuters stop there on their walk from their offices to the Port Authority and the décor was a pleasant surprise. It’s modern but with a lot of natural wood and high ceilings—and there is even a patio/atrium out back for smokers (probably one of the only ones allowed in the city these days). There are gorgeous elephant shaped topiaries on the back patio--which seems to serve as a bit of a man cave even though it is very elegant. There are big screen TVs all over The Hudson Bond but the sound is often turned down while dinner music plays—while I was there, I heard both electronica music and a best of disco era R&B collection. The crowd tends to be business people in their 30s, but by no means is it a “meet market.” It’s comfortable, spacious and non-pretentious.

Bar Area

The 7th Annual New Taste of the Upper West Side 2014

Sponsored Post

The 2014 New Taste of the Upper West Side will be back this May with an incredible lineup of both new and returning restaurants, notable chefs and star-studded hosts for an unforgettable three-night culinary celebration. This one-of-a-kind event created by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, (BID) will donate all net proceeds from the weekend to the community for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects such as the Columbus Avenue BID’s sustainable streetscape project, Wellness in the Schools program and Theodore Roosevelt Park Fund. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.newtasteuws.com