New York
There are 16 entries for the tag
New York
I am glad that Wanwisa of Modern Vintage submitted her birthday party for my real-life party column. She planned an original party. She set the tone by hosting a Sunday brunch with 16 guests. A brunch is less predictable than a dinner party. And lunchtime is best for business meal or meeting your girlfriends.
Wanwisa selected Bouchon Bakery and Café in New York to host her event. It has the right amount of French bistro feel. This will be heaven for me since I cannot resist French pastries. The Bouchon French Toast sounds divine.
Categories:
REAL-LIFE parties
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, November 03, 2008 6:21 PM | Feedback (0)
Forget Jason of Friday the 13th, there is a creepiest serial killer on TV. His name is Dexter. That show is something else. I enjoy how they tell the story on Dexter.
I already mentioned how to host a mystery murder party this Halloween. This is another twist on the theme.
The Costume
I found online an official licensed Dexter costume that provides a military green jumpsuit, a matching surgeon style hat, a shiny black apron, and black boot tops. Practice a psychopath, detached guy attitude for the perfect impression.
Categories:
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, October 27, 2008 11:13 PM | Feedback (3)
Frank Bruni of The New York Times published a worth reading article about gender equally and old gender roles at dinner.
I am not talking about business meals where the rule should follow the business relationships and not the gender. What I have to say applies to social meals. The distinction between business and social events require more skills from servers. I admit that it is not an easy job but servers need to pay attention; they need to read the table.
Since my youth, I have been a defender of women rights for equality. But I also recognized that men and women have different tastes and expectations. I believe that many etiquette rules could prevail in our modern society without diminishing women. Called it chivalry if you like, I see it as a matter of savoir vivre.
Categories:
MANNERS
DINING
posted @ Sunday, October 12, 2008 8:12 PM | Feedback (3)
Since a copy of this book does not sit yet in my cookbook library, I will tell what it is all about from the own words of the writers, Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito.
Baked: New Frontiers in Baking was released October 1st, 2008. If you are already a patron of Baked, you will be thrilled to won that you get access to the recipes on which Baked NYC built their reputation.
You will be able to recreate at home bakery favorites like The Sweet & Salty Cake, the Peanut Butter Crispy Bar, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Loaf, and our very own Cheddar Chipotle Biscuits.
In total, you get 80 detailed Baked recipes. The book is divided in sections: Breakfast, Cakes and Cupcakes, Pies and Tarts, Brownies and Bars, Cookies, Confections and Chocolates, and Drinks.
Not every recipe has a picture since the book only contains 40 color photos from New-York photographer Tina Rupp.
Categories:
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
COOKBOOKS
posted @ Sunday, October 05, 2008 5:56 PM | Feedback (0)
I marked down this hipster bakery and coffee shop on my itinerary for my next visit to New York. Baked NYC is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Baked first caught my attention for their third place as the best cupcakes in New York city. That ranking was obtained on the 2008 New York City Gourmet Shopping & Entertaining survey organized by Zarat. In fact, three NYC bakeries shared the third place.
It is finally the design of the place, the beautiful photos and the stylish cupcakes that convinced me to bookmark Baked. I hope these cupcakes taste as good as they look.
Baked’s Sweet and Salty cupcake
I am curious to taste their famous Sweet and Salty cupcake. This creation is composed of a dark chocolate cake infused with salty caramel, topped with caramel chocolate ganache and fleur de sel. I know this is a winning combination. MSN.com named it the one the best cupcakes in the United States.
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:46 AM | Feedback (1)
Serving burgers is so common that the stylish hostess is always on the lookout to elevate the basic recipe. Using a better cheese or changing the condiments is one way to go. Now the French Chefs are playing with the burger recipes.
Eating Habits
I still see many European who immigrated in Canada eating their hot sandwich or their burger with utensils. It feels strange. I must confess that I eat warm submarines with my knife and fork at home because it is less messy. But burgers and French fries are finger food. For their comfort, I provide two large napkins to every guest when we serve hamburgers.
Burgers are Turning Chic on the New York Times
This is why I enjoyed reading an article from the New York Times. It explains how the French Chefs are reinventing this American dish. My husband is cooking our version of the Café Salle Pleyel Burger tonight. I will talk about it if we like it. But I can tell you that it smells good in the house.
Categories:
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Feedback (1)
The best dinner parties can be the improvised ones. Simply assure your success by keeping on hand a few easy to make menu.
I gathered wonderful recipes from Eric Ripert, the French Chef at Le Bernardin in New York city. Naturally fish is at the center of this menu. On a hot day, I feel fish is the perfect meal.
Eric Ripert started a food blog at the beginning of June 2008 called Avec Eric (that translates to With Eric). The edge of his blog is a series called Get Toasted where Eric prepares gourmet recipes cooked in an over the counter toaster oven.
The instructional videos are quick and fun to watch. Moreover, Eric is not shy to pass along cooking tips. By watching him, you should become a better cook.
Must Try Summer Recipes
These recipes are quick enough to prepare that you can cook them on week days.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Friday, July 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Feedback (2)
As I read the outline of this amazing culinary event integrating art and design every steps of the way, I felt some envy for the NOTCOT team that went to Monkeytown for the Dine on Design event.
I wrote down this address for my next visit on the Big Apple. Monkeytown is in Brooklyn, New York.
The most intriguing is the Back Screening/Dining Room where Monkeytown hosted performances with a meal. The back dining room has 4 large screens connected to a surround sound for multimedia performances. Communal seating for 50 persons adds warmth to the place.
Ultimate Integration Of Design And Performance In A Meal
Dine on Design paired dining and design in short-lived gastronomic events where designers, artists, chefs and performers are able to present new and event specific work in a dynamic setting.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 16, 2008 11:23 PM | Feedback (1)
Last night, we went to Costco. Every time we go there, I stop at the book sections because Costco typically sells the book cheaper than the bookstores.
I find it easier to buy book at Costco since we drive to go there. I do most of my shopping by foot; so weight is an issue.Otherwise, I buy my books online.
You probably noticed by now that Apartment Therapy is one of my all-time favorite blogs. To show my support, I bought yesterday Apartment Therapy Presents. I enjoy it! Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan wrote a book filled with inspiring decoration ideas.
What is inside the book?
Like his blog, the book showcased real apartments done by real, talented people. Interior designers created a few apartments. Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan mostly selected amazing spaces done by homeowners. You will be surprised that most homeowners have an artistic or design background.
Categories:
GIFT IDEAS
BOOKS
posted @ Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)
Watch this video where New York event planner and designer David Stark creates cute flower arrangements from flowers available at the Deli shops.
Look at how David Stark gave style to ordinary carnations, daisies, gerberas and roses.
Another Concept
For the same challenge, artist and landscape designer Paula Hayes arranges lilacs and alliums on a vase she designed. Even though these two flowers are part of my favorites, I did not like what she did with it.
Look in your own backyard
Our lilac tree is in bloom right now. Lilac smells so good. I will find the time tomorrow to show you my own arrangements. Hopefully, I can create something that I will be proud of.
New York magazine converted everyday objects as flower vessels. This is another way to easy give a punch to a simple bouquet. Check out the post on Apartment Therapy NYC for more ideas.
>>> Sourcing:
Via: PlantTherapy: The Everything Guide to Flowers [Apartment Therapy NYC]
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, May 31, 2008 7:33 PM | Feedback (1)
A superbly decorated cake makes a statement at any party. Here are some adorable and fun cakes for a graduation party, a baby shower or a kid birthday party.
On LovinSullivanCake Web site, we can read that the owner Kate Sullivan learned baking and cake decorating from books, and many trial and error. She has more than learned it, she mastered it. Her designs are cutely refined.
If you always dream of creating your own fabulous birthday cakes, do not be shy to try a simpler version. Kate Sullivan is not only a cake decorator, she is also an author of a cook book. Grab a copy of her book Fun & Fancy Cake Decorating: Tips and Techniques for Decorating Unique Cakes for any Occasion to discover her tricks.
Categories:
DINING
REVIEWS
COOKBOOKS
posted @ Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:20 AM | Feedback (0)
Tonight is the opening of the Architects and Designers Building (A&D Building) in New York City.
What is in it for you?
What is great for all of us is that the showrooms at the A&D Building are open to the trade and the public. You will get to see premium products for your home from kitchen and bath accessories, appliances, tiles and furniture.
Stay tuned since Architects and Designers Building will host special events to introduce new products with leading experts and celebrity chefs. I would love to live in New York right now.
Hours
The hours of business are Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5 PM. The Opening Night is Monday, May 19, 2008 from 6 to 9 PM. Check out the A & D Web site for Opening Night RSVP or for the showroom listing.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, May 19, 2008 10:59 AM | Feedback (0)
After beauty products, why not talk going out purses? Some women go crazy for shoes. I enjoy beautiful shoes but I prefer purses.
Every stylish woman should own at least a collection of purses to accessorize with her outfits. As I go to many cocktail events for business and pleasures, evening purses are a must for me.
New Going Out Handbag
My closet will host a new going out handbag soon. I like purses with a personality. Coriander, the latest pattern at Oktak seduced me. I selected the paprika color because bright colors are popular for summer 2008.
I bought my first going out handbag from Oktak last summer. The unique frame purse cleverly integrates the closing mechanism in the handle. I was surprised by how well it works. The design carries a feminine vintage vibe that I enjoy.
Categories:
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:34 PM | Feedback (0)
I love fashion and nice clothes. So I could not stop admiring these divine wedding dresses.
I wore a stylish ivory princess dress when I got married but if I was getting married this year, the hand-painted creations of Amarildine from Paris would be on the top of my list.
These front windows are artfully styled with crafted jewelries and accessories. To give you an idea, the hair and the bouquets were nicely done with white shredded paper.
If these gowns are not your style, Kleinfeld Bridal carries the largest selection of wedding dresses. And they carry their own exclusive collections created by designers around the world: London, Paris, Italy and Israel.
About Kleinfeld Bridal
Founded 60 years ago, Kleinfeld Bridal is an institution in Manhattan; they started in Brooklyn. Nearly 200 dedicated professionals, including on-site stylists and bridal consultants, and custom fitters, sewers, beaders, embroiderers and pressers can assist you. With the right fit, you will be the stunning bride walking down the aisle.
Categories:
FORMAL entertaining
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, February 18, 2008 10:58 AM | Feedback (1)
Yesterday, I went to Chelsea because I wanted to taste a fresh-brewed cup at Grumpy Café on the 20th Street in Manhattan.
After reading the January 23, 2008 article on the New York Times, savoring a coffee made with the $11,000 Clover 1s machine was on the top of my list.
And after having a terrible cup of coffee at the airport restaurant plus an average coffee on the plane, going at my Grumpy Café was my treat.
Was it is my appraisal? At first, the coffee was too hot so I could not fully appreciate it. But as it cooled off, I enjoyed the flavors of my freshly brewed coffee more and more. My husband shares my opinion.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Feedback (0)
Cupcakes are cute but sometimes we need a change of scenery. Arrive to the rescue the luxurious and whimsical Eleni's Cookies from a cookie shop in New York City.
These cookies are made from the finest natural ingredients. But why does this shop stand apart from the crowd? It is due to the way they decorate their cookies. If you serve them at your event, be prepared. These cookies are conversation pieces.
The way the owner Eleni markets her cookies is by theme instead of flavors. Several themes are designed for the hobbies, common Holidays and life celebrations. Their beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness collection looks and tastes wonderful.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
DISHING tips
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:35 PM | Feedback (2)