CityStyle.com

Robert, Jack Spade, and More

Editor — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:00:16 +0000

This weekend has got the Christmas Pudding spirit.

ROBERT, AT THE MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN

Perched atop MAD at Columbus Circle, this new restaurant, named for popular party planner Robert Isabell, offers great views and a Mediterranean-influenced American menu (view the menu) cheffed by Brady Duhane (formerly of Union Prime). Because nothing pairs with a little modern art like a Mad Manhattan (Bourbon, Blood Orange Vermouth, and Liquored Cherries).

Robert, at The Museum of Art & Design, 2 Columbus Circle (near 58th Street), Midtown West, (212) 299-7730, robertnyc.com

THURSDAY

30% OFF JACK SPADE

Prediction: we see strenuous Holiday jet-setting in your near future. Solution: a better bag. Get yours at JackSpade.com. The popular label is toasting the Holidays with a special everything-is-30%-off online sale. Use the secret code: “TAKE30″. Hurry, the deal ends tonight at midnight…

Explore jackspade.com.

FRIDAY

70% OFF DUNHILL

…Or you could just hit Dunhill’s Friends & Family sale at the The Flatotel Hotel. Through tomorrow, select leather goods and accessories are yours for the taking. And by taking, we mean up to 70 percent off.

Dunhill Friends & Family Sale at The Flatotel Hotel, 135 West 52nd Street (near Sixth Avenue), Fifth Floor, Midtown West, dunhill.com

SATURDAY

FREE MAC AT MACBAR

The good chefs at Macbar are feeling warm and cheesy and want you to feel the same way. Show up at noon on Saturday and if you’re one of the first 300 people on line, you’ll be treated to a luscious serving of free mac and cheese. We hear Macbar also be donating $10 per freebie to the Have a Heart Children’s Cancer Society, too.

Macbar at Delicatessen, 54 Prince Street (off Lafayette Street), Nolita, (212) 226-0211, macbar.net

Editor’s Note: CityStyle returns in the New Year (with a tan!). Enjoy the holiday season. We mean it.

Ho, Ho, Holiday Gift Guide

Editor — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:00:10 +0000

Holiday season is officially here. And with it comes the joys of giving (and receiving) glorious gifts. Here, our short-list of toys, threads, and other cool stuff. Enjoy.

FRED’S COOL JAZZ ICE CUBE TRAY

Sometimes the best bar in town is the one at home. Especially when your ice cubes are shaped like Stratocasters. That’s the idea behind Fred’s Cool Jazz Ice Cube Tray. For less than a ten spot, you get a trio of groovy guitar molds made of premium food grade silicone. Bonus: they also double as Popsicle molds. Hendrix would be proud.

Get into the guitar lifestyle at amazon.com.

FRIEND OR FOE’S SINATRA TEES

Of course, if you would prefer to wear your appreciation of music, the good looking tee shirts from the jazz aficionados at Friend Or Foe have got you covered. For their latest collection, they’ve hooked up with Ol’ Blue Eyes. So the next time you feel like channeling a little Rat Pack, start here.

Check out Friend Or Foe’s full Holiday 09 Collection.

WALLETS BY MAKR

Sure there a lot of handsome wallets out there. But not many are hand-crafted to such precise measurements using premium leather for so few Washingtons. That’s the charm of MAKR, a superb, little leather-goods shop located in Orlando, Florida. Think of them as stylish, wallet-friendly wallets (and bags).

Peruse the goods at makr.com.

THE VIPER SMARTSTART

It’s not easy to get excited about winter. But when your ride’s equipped with the superior technology of Viper SmartStart (and you have an iPhone), the coldest season is that much easier. With VSS and an iPhone, not only can you remotely start your car from your apartment, you can also get the heat started too. Ah, technology.

Learn more about Viper SmartStart here.

BACON POP

Standard microwavable popcorn is okay. But sometimes you want something more… bacon-y. (Or is it bacon-ish?) Either way, the bacon-loving food engineers at Justin & Dave’s have a greasy good solution: it’s called Bacon Pop. As in bacon-flavored popcorn. You can thank us later.

Experience bacon in a whole new way at baconpop.com.

Guggenheim’s New Restaurant, Endless Chili Crabs, and More

Editor — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:41 +0000

This weekend is ready for a Winter wonderland.

THE WRIGHT STUFF

Cultural arts meets the culinary arts at The Guggenheim thanks to the debut of The Wright, the museum’s elegant, new restaurant. The intimate Upper East Side destination will be serving a modern American menu (think Slow Roasted Suckling Pig with Quince and Violet Mustard in a Apple Bacon Jus) created by David Bouley protégé, Rodolfo Contreras.

The Wright at The Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 88th Street), Upper East Side, (212) 427-5690, guggenheim.org

AMITY HALL OPENS

Good times are never far when you pair an awesome beer list (40 draft beers) with an awesome list of stuffed burgers. Get yours at Amity Hall, the West Village’s finest new cathedral for brewskis from all around the world. Preview the menus.

Amity Hall, 80 West 3rd Street (at Thompson Street), West Village, (212) 677-2290, amityhallnyc.com

FRIDAY

40% OFF ZEGNA

The luxe Italian label is celebrating the Holidays with a special end-of-season sale. Stop by their Fifth Avenue Flagship to score 30 to 40 percent off sartorial staples from the Fall/Winter 09 collection. Looking cool in the cold just got easier.

Zegna Flagship, 663 Fifth Avenue (between 52nd & 53rd Streets), Midtown East, (212) 421-4488, zegna.com

MONDAY

CHILI CRABS AT FATTY CRAB

Sometimes, brisk weather calls for a spicy solution. Thankfully, the good chefs at Fatty Crab are serving all-you-can-eat Chili Crabs on Mondays. The chin-staining Malaysian classic comes with a choice of rice or extra toast and unlimited Dungeness crabs for 39 clams. We hear the current record is 4 crabs.

Fatty Crab, 643 Hudson Street (between Horatio & Gansevoort Streets), Meatpacking District, (212) 352-3592, fattycrab.com, and Fatty Crab Upper West Side, 2170 Broadway (between 76th & 77th Streets), (212) 496-2722

The Rise of the Boozy Cupcake

Editor — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:45 +0000

You’re thirsty. You want drinks.

She wants cupcakes.

It’s a classic dilemma. Time for a red-hot solution: meet RED VELVET LOUNGE, opening next week for yes, cocktails and booze-infused cupcakes.

The first thing you should know about RVL is that it’s owned by Jason Lawrence and Cole Bernard, the crew behind high-end cocktail den The Eldridge. Which means, along with Baroque-inspired interiors, you can expect a stellar cocktail list created by award-wining mixologist Charlotte Voisey (Rose Bar) to go along with mini-sized boozy cupcakes from Soho-based Baked by Melissa.

Start things off with a quartet of Jameson-infused espresso cupcakes paired with a Jameson-espresso martini. For those craving sugary drinks to go with sugary desserts, we hear the rum-soaked vanilla cupcakes coupled with rum, fresh-pressed ginger, and fresh lemon juice are the way to go.

Then again, everything is sugarcoated at RVL…

Red Velvet Lounge opens next week.

Red Velvet Lounge
174 Rivington Street (between Attorney & Clinton Streets), Lower East Side
(212) 673-5020

Cranberry Doughnuts, YSL, and More

Editor — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:58:13 +0000

This weekend is planting doughnuts.

THURSDAY

FESTIVE FLAVORS AT DOUGHNUT PLANT

Doughnut Plant is taking the Holidays seriously. This year, the crowd-pleasing downtown bakery is pleasing even more crowds with seasonal flavors like sweet Cranberry, tart Pomegranate, and Marzipan. It’s seriously good.

Doughnut Plant, 379 Grand Street (off Essex Street), Lower East Side, (212) 505-3700, doughnutplant.com

THIS WEEK’S ULTIMATE DESIGNER SALE

When it comes to end-of-season sales, one thing is true: more is more. And with up to 80% off threads by Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Ungaro, Versace, and YSL, this close-out sale definitely has the most. Through Monday.

39 West 56th Street (between Fifth & Sixth Avenues), 4th Floor, Midtown West, (212) 935-2670

SATURDAY

THE ANTI-HANGOVER MARY DEBUTS

Yerba Buena Perry is doing brunch. Ease into the weekend with savory Cachapa Benedicts (sweet corn cake, asadero cheese, poached eggs, ham, hollandaise), Pan Dulces, and the brand-new Anti-Hangover Mary, a strong and spicy mix of Lotus vodka infused with vitamin B12, tomato juice, Tabasco sauce, and lemon juice. Preview the menu.

Yerba Buena Perry, 1 Perry Street (at Greenwich Avenue), West Village, (212) 620-0808, ybnyc.com

TUESDAY

80% OFF EUGENIA KIM

It’s officially hat season. Which means next week’s Eugenia Kim super sale is right on time. Drop by the stylish milliner’s Garment District showroom for up to 80 percent off men’s and women’s Fall/Winter 09 hats. Tuesday (12/8) through Saturday (12/12).

Eugenia Kim Showroom, 347 West 36th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), Suite 502, Midtown West, (212) 674-1345, eugeniakim.com

Serrano Ham Empanadas & Sherries in Chelsea

Editor — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:51 +0000

You’re well aware that you are what you eat.

So while you may have looked a little plump last week as a roast turkey, we think you might like something smaller.

And more Latin. Something like SOCARRAT BAR DE VINOS, the new Spanish tapas and wine temple from the paella artists of Socarrat.

To appreciate the latest eating/drinking gem from the budding La Nacional empire, simply look next door to their second restaurant, Socarrat. There you’ll be greeted with another sliver of a date-friendly venue with more soft lighting and more exposed brick. You’ll also be greeted with a Spain-centric wine list covering the country’s 16 regions with more than 120 vinos.

As for the food, Soccarat’s new wine bar aims to please with an entirely new menu of tapas. Spanish cheeses, such as Manchego and Aragones, are easy ways to start but the real fun begins with savory empanadas, like the Manchego Cheese & Serrano Ham combo, or tasty cocas, traditional Spanish pizza-like flatbreads, in flavors like Anchovies & Goat Cheese or Chorizos & Sardines.

Class it all up with a Sherry.

Repeat until comfortably fat.

Socarrat Bar de Vinos opens in two weeks (12/15).

Socarrat Bar de Vinos
261 West 19th Street (between Seventh & Eighth Avenues), Chelsea
(212) 462-2244 | socarratpaellabar.com

Sesame Old Fashioneds, Led Zeppole, and More

Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:20 +0000

This weekend arrives pleasantly early. Thanks, Thanksgiving.

CAKES BY LADY M

The secret to a perfect Thanksgiving is the desserts. This year, consider raising the bar with a luscious Pumpkin Mousse Cake or Lady M’s signature 20-layer crepe cake. Your guests will thank you. Your taste buds will thank you more.

Lady M Cake Boutique, 41 East 78th Street (between Madison & Park Avenues), Upper East Side, (212) 452-2222, ladymconfections.com

LED ZEPPOLE OPENS. ALMOST.

Speaking of desserts, the creamy artichoke slice slingers at Artichoke Pizza are putting finishing touches on their Coney Island-themed dessert bar. When it officially opens next week, expect funnel cakes, fried Oreos, fried calzones, soft-serve ice cream, and yes, amply sugar coated zeppoles.

Led Zeppole, 328 East 14th Street (between First & Second Avenues), East Village, no phone yet, artichokepizza.com

COCKTAILS AT MA PECHE

Momofuku Midtown continues to tease. This time with stiff cocktails. Stop by the soft-opened restaurant at the Chambers Hotel when you’re in the mood for unwinding with a complex Sesame Old Fashioned, a blend of toasted sesame infused Hennessy and caramelized simple syrup, or a refreshing sake-based 7 Spice Sour. Peruse the menu. Cheers.

Ma Peche at the Chambers Hotel, 15 West 56th Street (off Fifth Avenue), Midtown, (212) 974-5656, momofuku.com/ma peche

THE FALL SALE AT BARNEYS

There is such a thing as fashionably early. Get your head start on Black Friday at Barneys fall sale, starting tomorrow. Save up to 40 percent on men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, accessories and house wares. Ready, set, shop!

Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue (at 61st Street), Midtown East, (212) 826-8900, barneys.com

Sticky Buns, East Side Socializing, and More

Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:23 +0000

This weekend is fantastic like a fox.

THURSDAY

80 PERCENT OFF ARMANI

The luxe Italian label is seriously clearing the racks. Mosey over to the Metropolitan Pavilion and score up to 80 percent off Armani’s signature collection, Emporio Armani, and Armani Jeans. Looking sharp just got easier.

Armani Warehouse Sale at Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues), 4th Floor, Chelsea, (212) 463-0071, giorgioarmani.com

EAST SIDE SOCIAL CLUB SOFT-OPENS

Speaking of Italian, East Side Social Club, the soon-to-be-popular restaurant from stylish shutterbug Patrick McMullan and Billy Gilroy (Employees Only) is now in soft-open mode. Saunter in when you’re in Midtown and craving family-style Italian dishes and a Bellini Classico (or three). Look for the grand opening next week.

East Side Social Club at The Pod Hotel, 230 East 51st Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenues), Midtown East, (212) 355-9442, esscnyc.com

THE STEVEN ALAN SAMPLE SALE

Word on the street is that the goods are really good, and abundant for men and women, at this season’s Steven Alan sale. And at up 80 percent off, who are we to question? Through Sunday.

Steven Alan Showroom, 87 Franklin Street (between Broadway & Church Street), Tribeca, (212) 219-3305, stevenalan.com

SUNDAY

HOTEL GRIFFOU DOES BRUNCH

Lobster Thermidor Fondue. Duck Confit. Fresh Sticky Buns. That’s just the appetizer menu when you’re brunching at Hotel Griffou. The trendy West Village restaurant/bar is now serving everyone’s favorite weekend meal (view the menu) and a very impressive list of cocktails (4 types of Bloody Marys and 4 types of Champagne cocktails), too. Here’s to the weekend.

Hotel Griffou, 21 West 9th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues), West Village, (212) 358-0228

A Little Morocco At The Jane Hotel

Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:35:13 +0000

So you just woke up.

Downtown. On the West side. With a craving for fresh avocado drizzled with lemon juice and virgin olive oil on seven grain toast. (Yes, you’re decadent like that.)

Turns out, you’re in luck: CAFÉ GITANE’s second location is now open at The Jane Hotel.

The popular Moroccan café with roots in Nolita, famous for its good looking patrons, is taking its scene to the even more popular West Village hotel. Fans of the original location will feel just as comfortable at the café’s latest locale.

For now, you’ll have to make do with Mediterranean-style breakfast service. The menu (view it here) is the same as the one on Mott Street. Start things off with a fresh croissant, baked eggs (basil and tomatoes, or smoked salmon), or an orange blossom waffle with maple syrup, and of course, an espresso.

We hear the café will be opening up for lunch and dinner in the next few weeks.

Just in time for pre-gaming, when The Jane Hotel re-opens.

Café Gitane is now in soft-open for breakfast.

Café Gitane at The Jane Hotel
113 Jane Street (at West Street), West Village | (212) 255-4113

Momofuku Midtown, Lucy’s Cantina, and More

Editor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:41 +0000

This weekend will have another magnum.

BAR HENRY OPENS

The charming and buzz-worthy bistro by the Cafe Henri crew has officially opened. Descend to a lower level reminiscent of romantic old New York and start things off with the impressive (and wallet-friendly) wine list, some oysters (raw or fried) and hearty proteins, like the New York Strip, Slow Roasted Chicken, or Pork Chops, all sourced from the legendary Pat La Frieda. Merci Henri.

Bar Henry Bistro, 90 West Houston Street (off West Broadway), West Village, (646) 448-4559, barhenry.com

MA PECHE IS DOING LUNCH

Attention all Momofuku fans: Má Pêche, aka Momofuku Midtown, is now open with a limited menu! For those working above 14th Street, lunch now means a selection of flavor-happy bánh mìs (chicken and pork) or salads (view the menus), and a soft drink, all for a ten spot. We hear the full menu is set to debut soon too…

Má Pêche at the Chambers Hotel, 15 West 56th Street (off Fifth Avenue), no phone yet, momofuku.com/ma peche

FRIDAY

LUCY’S CANTINA ROYALE OPENS

Speaking of Midtown, Lucy’s Cantina Royale debuts today. The Cali/Tex Mex inspired eatery will be serving signature tacos and burritos made with your choice of chipotle skirt steak, pulled lime cilantro chicken, or pineapple scallion pork. Plus they have a roof-deck bar on their side.

Lucy’s Cantina Royale, 1 Penn Plaza, 34th Street & Eighth Avenue, Midtown West, (212) 643-1270, lucyscantinaroyale.com

SURFACE TO AIR SAMPLE SALE

Clean cuts and carefully edited accessories are the foundation of the perfect wardrobe. Build yours at Surface To Air’s annual sale, featuring select items from the Parisian creative force, at up to 60 percent off. Friday through Sunday, noon to 7pm.

Surface To Air Sample Sale at 5 Crosby Street (between Howard & Grand Streets), Soho, 6th Floor, #6D, (917) 450-5440, surfacetoair.com