A Super Sweaty Soiree

This was at my annual birthday bash Saturday night. I was right there with Jonah sweatin’ to the 90s, doing Blind Melon and Green Day proud. Nothing like a lil love from Page 6. 

 

‘Superbad’ to super-sweat

Last Updated: 10:48 AM, November 18, 2009

Posted: 12:40 AM, November 18, 2009

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Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/super_sweat_izVyXSl0C3WMqqUbuRqLjO#ixzz0XK5KAe3C

Time Out! It’s Time For MY 2009 Eat Out Awards

Every year I look forward to Time Out New York’s Eat Out Awards. As a foodie and bar/restaurant enthusiast, I also like to come up with my own. It’s still early in the year, so I have not yet been to all of the spots on my list, but these are my picks for 2009 thus far:

Green is The New Black

I celebrated Earth Week by hosting the Vivons Vert (which means “Let’s Live Green” in French for all you non-croissant eaters) Eco-Friendly Fashion Show. The night featured go-green designers, Christine Marchuska of cmarchuska, ELSAandME by Maja Svensson and Global Ghetto Organics, at Ultra Lounge at 37 West 26th Street in New York. In true green fashion, a portion of the proceeds from the event was donated to the Charity; The Nature Conservancy, “Protecting nature. Preserving life,” and at the end of the evening we all joined hands and sang Kumbaya together, well, no I just made that last part up.  However, it was a great night overall of eco-friendly fashion, fun, and free Vodka, as SVEDKA generously kicked off the evening with an open-bar.  SoNu water and Omerta Entertainment were some of the other proud sponsors, and I was proud to imbibe everything that they were sponsoring. The night was a success and proved that it IS easy being green afterall.

Spending Less Beans on (Coffee) Beans

 

I’m a self-admitted coffee addict, a java joneser, a cappuccino craver. I’m hooked on trying new flavors, brands, types, and tastes and I pride myself in knowing the best hole-in-the-wall coffee shops…even in midtown Manhattan where a Starbucks bulwarks each corner with a battalion of baristas. I use coffee as an alarm clock, to punctuate every meal, and as an excuse to create social gatherings. 

 

In times like these when you have less loot for lattes, one must adapt and find another way to feed your fix. The trick is to make coffee at home whenever you can and view buying a coffee at a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Juan Valdez, etc as a treat or dessert…or in addition to your dessert for all my fellow junk-food junkies.  Because I prefer Dunkin Donuts to Starbucks, I now brew my own Dunkin Donuts coffee in the morning and pour it in a reusable to-go cup, fully embracing my “Go Green” gospel. (For those of you less environmentally conscious, go ahead and buy your own disposable “to go” cups, but then go plant a tree or something).  If you are going to make your own mocha, another cup of joe you need to know is the Archer Farms brand that is carried by Target.  Archer Farms offers unique flavors such as “Coconut Macaroon”, “Chocolate Raspberry”, and “Honey Nut Drizzle” aka heaven in a mug for less.                                                                                    

So during this recession, my advice is to embrace your vice, and turn to DIY coffee.  Do your own brew. As one of my favorite coffee brands, Dunkin’ Donuts, declares, “You ‘Kin Do It”. 

 

FASHION WEEK 2009 – Audemars Piguet/Purple Magazine Party at SOHO HOUSE

I kicked off Fashion Week 2009 at Soho House for the Audemars Piguet/Purple Magazine dinner party.  Fashion week is great for foodies and food enthusiasts such as myself, because no one eats, and I get to eat everything.  

 

 The dinner was limited to 120 invited guests, including Leelee Sobieski (who was wearing a denim button-down paired with denim jeans, a combination that Joey often donned on “Full House”), Mila Jovavitch, Mischa Barton (who just kept reapplying eye makeup), Kate Spade, Zac Posen, Terry Richardson, and Jared Leto (whose new blonde ‘do made him a dead ringer for Kurt Cobain – pun intended). Also in attendance was Dree Hemingway, an up-and-coming model on the scene who also happens to be great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway. (Aside to imaginary camera as they do in “The Office” – So to reiterate, not only is she related to one of the most legendary writers of all time, she is also gorgeous and 98 pounds. How does this happen?)  Of all the guests, I was most excited about the presence of Patricia Arquette.  I’ve been a huge fan of hers since her impeccable performance in 1993’s True Romance and I’m a sucker for her current role as psychic medium, Allison Dubois, in Medium.  (I also love 1985’s Desperately Seeking Susan in which her sister Rosanna Arquette stars alongside Madonna. I mean, who doesn’t?)

More importantly, let’s move onto the food. Fortunately for Soho House (and by Soho House I mean, myself, since I eat here often) chef Neil Ferguson is now on board.  I loved Chef Ferguson’s work at LES restaurant Allen & Delancey, and am excited that he has made the move to the private club.

The menu was a gem featuring Ferguson’s brilliant smorgasboard. The highlights were the wild mushroom risotto and the roast potatoes which actually tasted like a french fry/french toast hybrid – aka scientific perfection.  Also to note was the breathtakingly light and flavorful cheesecake in which I basically took a bite for every eyeshadow application that Mischa made. 

Besides the divine dinner menu, we must also discuss the menu’s gorgeous back cover by Purple Magazine co-founder and editor and artistic genius, Olivier Zahm.  Olivier’s collection, Love Diary, is on display at the Audemars Piguet New York Boutique on 40 E57th St. A special thank you to Olivier for featuring naturally curvaceous and sexy (read not emaciated) women for this collection. (I’m sure straight men and lesbian women everywhere, also thank you). 

It is up for debate whether the main eye candy of the evening was the eclectic mix of celebs, the delectable dishes from Chef Ferguson,  the seductive photography from Olivier Zahm, or the regal showcases of Audemars Piguet watches on either side of the room.  Regardless, the one thing I’m certain that all 120 guests would agree upon, is that it was an overall excellent “time”. 

Kudos to Audemars Piguet for hosting this delightful dinner party. 

 

SOHO HOUSE

29-35  Ninth Ave (Between 13th + 14th)

Phone: 212/627.9800

Members-only club: Sun-Thu 11am-3am, Fri-Sat 11am-4am

FOOD – Les Sans Culottes: Encouraging diners to get caught with their pants down.

I had passed by this unassuming French neighborhood spot countless times without ever attempting to go inside.   Part of the reason is probably because I could never pronounce the restaurant’s name (I studied Spanish in high school and never understood why anyone opted to take the less practical French.  I’m like a local celeb in my midtown east ‘hood because I ask for my daily coffee with skim milk en Espanol in the restaurant’s adjacent bodega).  Anyway, I never attempted to enter the French bistro, but I did manage to take a look (peeping-Tom style) into the decorated window every time I passed to get that café con leche.

      Like clockwork, I’d always find a packed house of patrons merrily drinking goblets of spirits while throwing their heads back mid-guffaw.  I could never hear what was going on from the street, but they could have been singing “Master of the House” from Les Miserables for all I knew.   The restaurant could actually serve as the set of an off-Broadway rendition of the award-winning musical.  That did it – I had to go in.  So I put on a beret and made a reservation for two.

We were fortunate enough to be seated that same night, as another party had cancelled due to the inclement weather (the beret came in handy).  Upon being seated, we were greeted by a tower of sausage…a “sausage tree,” if you will.  I admit I was overwhelmed at first, (and by “overwhelmed,” I mean that I reverted to an awkward pre-teen, sheepishly shrinking in my chair unsure what to do with the tiers of phallic meats).  However, I was immediately reassured (and revived to my 20-something age), once greeted by our hospitable server.  Jolis instantly made us feel like family as he correctly pronounced the name of the restaurant (so I wouldn’t have to), and explained that Les Sans Culottes literally translates as “Without Trousers.”  This referred to the working-class commoners who fought (without uniforms) for their independence during the French Revolution.

 

The brief history lesson put me at ease and gave me a greater respect for the carnivorous cornucopia that was positioned before me.   The meat was aligned with a bread basket and a trio of bowls filled with gherkins, house dressing, and paté. The second-in-command was the basket of crudité, with artillery ranging from whole cucumbers, peppers, radishes, and celery stalks, to oranges, apples, and cantaloupe wedges (Potence De Cochonailles, Panier De Crudités Terrine De Pate Et Vinaigrette Maison, complimentary appetizer).  We immediately ordered a bottle of the night’s house special, which was an enjoyable Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend ($29), recommended by our knowledgeable new leader, which proved to be a strategic move.  Something to note, this dining experience is not for the hurried.  The staff respect the independence of each course, and do not bring out the entrees until you have exhausted your time with the front-line of appetizers.  Once we (Tasmanian devil-style) devoured the meat/veggie dichotomy, my dining date and I unified by sharing the Crevettes Provencales (sautéed shrimps with a tomato and garlic sauce, $25 price fixed) and the Entrecote (shell steak, $35 price fixed).

 

            

The best part of our alliance with Jolis is that he offered an assortment of the six sauces that the chef concocted: mustard, cherry, brown mushroom, herb, peppercorn, and red wine. 

 

   It was a condiment lover’s dream and, in my eyes, Jolis instantly transformed from a loyal ally to a revered General.  The shrimps were perfectly prepared, and the steak, although very fatty, was divinely flavorful (especially after I ran each bite through the assembly-line of sauces).  Just when we thought Jolis was close to earning a Purple Heart (as well as ours), he brought us two desserts: the Créme Bruleé which he torched for us at our table, and a house Crepe which was not on the menu (I told you.  We’re boys.  Band of Brothers-style). 

 

 

                                                                                              

As we neared hitting a wall of indulgence, I came through like a bayonette and asked Jolis for a glass of sweet French wine.  Even I had no idea exactly what I meant, but he did, and brought us a glass of a non-descript clear drink on the rocks (I forgot the name; note, the bottle of house wine earlier, $9.50.)  It was just the secret weapon we needed to lead our dining experience to victory. Who knew that my earlier reconnaissance would lead to my joining the troops, drinking merrily, throwing my head back mid-guffaw, and even conducting the reprise of the Les Mis crowd-pleaser. But have no fear, I was donning pants…and my beret…while doing so. 

  

 

Inside Scoop:

-Make a reservation to ensure getting in.  This is a neighborhood standard.

-This is only for fans of the prixe fixe menu.

-This is only for fans of a fun dining experience who have the time to indulge.

 

Les Sans Culottes (French, Bistro)

1085 2^nd Ave @ 57^th Street

Phone: 212.838.6660

Hours: Lunch, Fri-Sun 12pm-3pm / Dinner , Daily 5pm-11pm

Credit Cards: Amex, Visa, MC

FOOD – The Smith

If you want to hear me reading the below review, click here. If not, read on, my friend – no offense taken:

Upon entering the east village restaurant, The Smith, I feel as though I am transported to the Lower East Side to one of my standard spots, Schiller’s, with that faux French Bistro feel, complete with Subway tiles and black and white portraits.  However, being surrounded by NYU coeds quickly reminds me that I am indeed at The Smith on 3rd and 11th afterall…it also reminds me that I miss doing keg stands at fraternity parties.  Anyway…I wait for my friend at the bar where I order a glass of the house red zinfandel (Clockspring ‘04, Amador County, $9).  Note: This has become a common practice for me.  If a bar offers a red zinfandel – I order it.  Although the wine is decent, I realize I ordered prematurely, once I glance over the titillating cocktail menu. How does one not order a “cocktail” when there are actually 3 different categories paying homage to “cocktails” on the menu – “Muddlers”, “Fancy Cocktails,” and “Long Pours.” I immediately order a “Cucumber Loco” (silver tequila / cointreau / cucumber / lime/ pinch of sea salt, $10) and ask for extra salt, as I believe I may have been a latina deer (aka una cierva) in a former life, due to my love for over-salted margaritas. The drink is heavenly as expected, and I continue to order too many of them (too many is subjective) for the remainder of the meal.  

My friend and I start with the “Mac + Cheese” ($10)  Note: This has also become a common practice for me. If a bar offers mac and cheese – I order it.  The mac and cheese was predictably comforting and was perfectly crusted on top.  We follow up with a his and hers roasted chicken salad (arugula / apples / walnuts / brie / grilled onions, $17.)  I leave off the latter, as I’m going out after. The salad was overdressed if you’re on a diet, but I am unfamiliar with that term, so I found it delicious.  Note: Anything with brie is delicious by default.  We shared an order of the fries ($5) which were well-done and crispy, and I was very pleasantly surprised they were as good as they were.  I am a recovering fry snob.

We punctuated our meal with a traditional sundae (warm chocolate brownie / vanilla icecream / gratuitous whipped cream, $5.)  I push the whipped cream aside and devour the harmonious brownie/icecream combo. It is your standard satisfying assembly-line dessert that you’d expect to get at a TGIF or Outback Steakhouse, and then I recall that the space was previously occupied by a Pizzeria Uno.  Ah, the spirit of the chain-restaurant resides with us.  Regardless, the dessert is delectable, and I regretfully eat each bite, as I realize it is bringing me to the bottom of the bowl.  

Overall, my experience at The Smith was delightful.  If you’re looking for a good go-to spot for “fancy cocktails,” dependable delicacies, attentive service, and patrons potentially donning letters from the Greek alphabet, then The Smith has YOUR name written (preferably from the English alphabet) all over it.  

INSIDE SCOOP:

-Sunday Nights: Get a burger and beer for $14

-Make sure your friends aren’t meeting you at Smith’s, a different restaurant on McDougal

-Also on the menu that sounds order-worthy: pumpkin salad with blue cheese, cranberries ($10)

THE SMITH

55 3rd Ave (bet 10th & 11th St.)  212/420.9800

Sun-Mon, 10am-midnight; Tue-Thu, 10am-1am; Fri-Sat, 10am-2am

www.thesmithnyc.com

 

DRINK – Penn State KILLED Ohio State @ SIDEBAR

 

A pride of NYC Nittany Lions, including myself, were filled with pride yesterday at Union Square sports haven, SideBar, where we proudly watched our undefeated Penn State team POUNCE Ohio State.

 

THE GAME:

                                                   (3) Penn State 13, (9) Ohio State 6

IT WAS OVER WHEN…	GAME BALL GOES TO…	STAT OF THE GAME
Lydell Sargeant intercepted Terrelle Pryor at the goal line with 27 seconds left.	Penn State’s defense. The Nittany Lions held the Buckeyes in check and forced two key turnovers.	1. The Nittany Lions beat the Buckeyes in Columbus for the first time since joining the Big Ten in 1993.
Up Next: No. 3 Penn State at Iowa (Nov. 8).

THE BAR:

Sidebar owners Mike Sinensky and Sean McGarr (of the Village Pourhouse) have launched a new space fully equipped with 7 flat screens, which has already become a favorite for Big Ten alum. Each Saturday, the 3-roomed bar is literally packed with jersey-donning 20 and 30 somethings enjoying pitchers of Bud Light and plates of wings.  And when I say wings, one should take note that there are 4 varieties: hot and tangy, bbq, Chinese style, and mango-honey mustard. SideBar’s menu is not your average sports bar selection. If you’re not in the mood for wings (to which I personally cannot relate), go for the innovative spins on your favorite spectator staples such as the Smoked Salmon Nachos (crispy taro, onion, creme fraiche, chopped egg, black American caviar,) the Foie Gras Devilled Eggs (with crispy proscuitto & mesclun greens, dried cherry vinaigrette,) or the The Mac Daddy And Cheese (sea shell pasta porcini mushrooms and black diamond white cheddar truffle bread crumb gratiné). What you probably SHOULDN’T do is to order the cheap champagne by the glass ($8) which they offer, (because you think you’re still at the brunch you were at earlier.) No matter how happy you are that your team won, that cow bell from the night before is still reverberating in your head the next day. And by your, I mean mine. Next time, I’ll skip the momosa brunch and go straight to the pitchers of Bud Light at SideBar. 

SideBar – 120 E. 15th St @ Irving Pl. 212.677.2900