The Black Dress Traveler

Bet Your Dining Dollars on the 4th Annual LUCKYRICE Festival in NYC

image courtesy LUCKYRICE

Save the date and rev up your appetites for the 4th Annual LUCKYRICE Festival in New York City. Presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE^® EAST Gin and benefiting City Harvest, the Asian culinary festival returns to New York City from April 29 – May 5, 2013 before kicking off a national tour to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami.

image courtesy LUCKYRICE

LUCKYRICE festivities include the Night Market, Grand Feast, Cocktail Feast, and the new LUCKYRICE Parlor - a week of dinner parties helmed by chefs such as Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food, NY), Ivan Orkin (Ivan Ramen, Tokyo) and Saipin Chutima (Lotus of Siam, Las Vegas) at the old Bowery Station in downtown Manhattan. The LUCKYRICE Culinary Council is a veritable dream team of chefs and includes José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Anthony Bourdain, Floyd Cardoz, David Chang, Susur Lee, Anita Lo, Masaharu Morimoto, Eric Ripert, Marcus Samuelsson, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. 




In honor of 2013 as the Year of the Snake, all LUCKYRICE events will feature the signature Bombay Sapphire East 'Snake in the Glass Cocktail.
1.5 oz. Bombay Sapphire EAST
1/2 oz. Lemongrass Infused Snake Shochu
3/4 oz. Cinnamon infused Martini Rosso
3/4 oz. Fresh Mandarin Juice
Pinch of Mandarin spiced tea - sprinkle over lit match or flame to toast onto cocktail.
Lemongrass Stalk Garnish
Shake and serve on the rocks. (Rocks Glass)

LUCKYRICE VIP Festival Passes are $400 but many events are available a la carte for $88 (did you know 8 is considered a lucky number in many Asian cultures?)  Click here for more information on how to eat, drink and get lucky at LUCKYRICE. 

Arrivederci Dr. Aniello Musella: NYC's Italian Trade Commissioner Returns to Rome

Console Generale Natalia Quintavalle and Dr. Aniello Musella

Although I've never been to Italy, for the past few years the Italian Trade Commission has shown me la dolce vita. Led by Dr. Aniello Musella since 2005, the Italian Trade Commission office in New York does an excellent job of spreading the word about Italian cuisine, culture, fashion, and wine. Whenever I get an invitation to one of their functions, I do everything I can to be there. But last night's event at the Consulate General of Italy was a bittersweet one - it was a farewell party for Dr. Musella. He and his wife Susan are returning to Rome where he will assume his new post on April 1st at the Italian Trade Commission's headquarters as Director of the Office of Industrial & Institutional Planning. Last night Dr. Musella was presented with a very high honor - the Onorificenza di Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana in recognition of his contributions and service to the Republic of Italy as a civil servant.

An elegant, charming, and humble man, Dr. Musella's presence at an event always made me smile. Forward-thinking, he showed a genuine respect and appreciation for what us serious bloggers do long before other prominent institutions did -  and for that I am eternally grateful. 

 In his remarks last night,  Dr. Musella said that he will miss New York, especially the friends that he's made here. As he so eloquently stated, New York City is an exciting place to be but can be a lonely place without good friends. As demonstrated by the crowd gathered together to salute him last night, Dr. Musella's friends and associates will be a little bit lonelier when he leaves for Rome. Arrivederci Dr. Musella and buona fortuna! I hope to see you again when I finally make it to Italy!

A New York Minute: French Macarons & Lousiana Zydeco

In NYC? Add a little sugar & spice to your week and make time for Macaron Day and Louisiana Zydeco.

Macaron Day NYC 2013
Wednesday, March 20
Do you prefer your desserts with a dash of je ne sais quoi? Then you don't want to miss Macaron Day. Participating Big Apple bakeries (Francois Payard, Bouchon Bakery, Epicerie Boulud, and more) will treat customers to one free macaron (while quantities last). These colorful French cookies with their crunchy yet giving exteriors and creamy fillings are the perfect little sweet treat - petite in size but big on style and flavor. Macaron Day NYC bakeries will also donate a portion of their sales on Wednesday to City Harvest - an organization dedicated to feeding NYC's hungry.  So don't just show up for a free cookie - buy a few and support the cause!



Let's Zydeco: Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys
Sunday, March 24, $23
Doors Open 5:30 PM for dinner, drinks and socializing
Zydeco dance lesson at 6PM. Music 7-11PM
Yes, you can do the bayou boogie in the heart of Manhattan! Known as the Zydeco Sweetheart, Rosie Ledet is an award-winning musician and the Wall Street Journal raved that "today's premier female artist is Rosie Ledet, whose soulful voice kicks her male counterparts right out of the club."
I've gone to several of these Let's Zydeco events over the years and they are a blast -  great live music and a diverse crowd who loves to dance!

Say Sí To a Meal at Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie in New York City

 Squid Ink & Cuttlefish Croquettes, Coriander & Citrus Aiolis
crispy on the outside, creamy, rich, and savory on the inside - these croquetas are addictive.

There's a culinary invasion from Spain conquering New York City one croqueta at a time and my taste buds have happily surrendered. Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie is the latest restaurant with a celebrated chef from Spain to claim their piece of the Big Apple and the buzz has been intense. A partnership between Chef Dani Garcia (he's been awarded 2 Michelin stars for his restaurant Calima in Marbella) and Yann De Rochfort (the owner of NYC's popular Boqueria restaurants), Manzanilla is spacious and elegant with striking chevron floors, dramatic high ceilings, luxurious banquettes, and an open kitchen.

And, the food? Well, I popped in for lunch today with a friend and had a delicious meal. Manzanilla's food is playful without being frivolous - flavor reigns supreme. I look forward to going back and trying more items on the menu. Until then, here are a few of my favorite dishes from today.

Kale Salad
kale, black olive dressing, valdeón blue cheese, poached quail eggs, puffed wheat, almonds
This salad has a lot going on but it all worked. The textures and flavors played off each other beautifully - savory, sweet, crunchy, and lush.


Artichoke
slow poached egg, glazed baby artichokes, iberico pork lardo
The humble artichoke reaches new heights in this rich dish.

Iberico Pork "Secreto"
slow cooked iberico skirt steak, spicy chorizo, caramelized onions, spicy mayo, piparra
I don't care how many calories this sandwich has - it was AMAZING. Thin and juicy slices of meat, the heat of the chorizo, the crunch and zing of the piparra peppers, the richness of the mayo = sandwich perfection! 

Manzanilla is located at 345 Park Avenue South. For more information, visit their website.

My New York: STIX Mediterranean Grill Makes a Strong Point with Simply Delicious Food

STIX Greek Salad - simple & delicious! Vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, feta cheese, white onions, Kalamata olives, capers, and extra virgin olive oil

Healthy food that tastes indulgent is always a winning recipe and STIX Mediterranean Grill has mastered the technique. A recent addition to New York City's vibrant Gramercy Park neighborhood, STIX charmingly combines a casual ambiance with tasty food and attentive service.

I recently dined at STIX and chatted with the affable owner Stathis Antonakopoulos. Stathis's vision is to take the STIX guest on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean diet is getting major buzz lately but this time-tested and delicious way of eating is far from a fad. Olive oil, grilled seafood & lean meats, and an abundance of fresh veggies and fruits have stood the test of time and feature heavily on the STIX menu. And, many of the grilled items are served on skewers and provided the inspiration for the name STIX.

In the morning, diners can stop by STIX for an Italian espresso, fresh Greek yogurt with homemade toppings, and a variety of baked goods. The main menu is available for lunch and dinner and includes a creative selection of salads, soups, main courses, skewers, and spreads inspired by Greece, Spain, Israel, and Italy.  The flavors may be exotic but STIX is committed to shortening the distance from farm to table and sources their protein and produce locally whenever possible. Wines from throughout the Mediterranean are also available by the glass along with cocktails.





Stathis Antonakopoulos, owner of STIX Mediterranean Grill.



I loved the Shrimp STIX - juicy and perfectly seasoned with a marinade of extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and oregano.


Absolutely addictive, these Greek Fries blanketed in feta cheese & oregano are certainly not a health food but with so many other healthy options on the STIX menu, you can afford to splurge a little.

STIX Mediterranean Grill is located at 112 East 23rd St (between Park and Lexington Avenues). For more information, visit the STIX website.

 

The New York Hot List: Millennium Broadway Hotel Deal, Wicked Hot Chocolate, Best Bread in El Barrio

Last year, a record 52 million tourists visited New York City - wow! I think I gave directions to at least one million. Really, I absolutely love helping visitors find their way around my hometown and sharing my picks on what to see and eat! If a visit to the Big Apple is on on your agenda, here are a few hot tips for your trip.

Millennium Broadway Hotel "Take the Money and Run" Winter Promotion
From January 2 through March 31, the Millennium Broadway Hotel is offering guests 50 “City Fun Bucks” per room, per stay to spend as they choose. Simply book a deluxe room and, upon checkout, present your receipt for up to $50 of city spending and that amount will be deducted from the room charge. Purchases can include theater tickets, concert tickets, museum entrances, shopping, meals, cab fare and metro cards. Room rates start at $179 per night and must be booked by January 31, 2013, with stays completed by March 31. (This promotion applies to Friday, Saturday and Sunday night stays.) For more details, visit the website or call 1-800-622-5569.

Wicked Hot Chocolate at Jacques Torres
Walking around NYC in the winter can get a bit chilly, so warm up with a delicious cup of Wicked Hot Chocolate from Jacques Torres. Wicked Hot Chocolate blends rich dark chocolate with a hint of ground ancho and chipotle chili peppers, cinnamon, and allspice. I had a cup yesterday and it was fabulous - rich, creamy and chocolatey with a subtle kick of heat!

Hot Bread Almacen at La Marqueta
Located in East Harlem's historic La Marqueta, Hot Bread Almacen serves up Hot Bread Kitchen's amazing multi-ethnic breads. More than just a bakery, Hot Bread Kitchen provides low-income, foreign-born men and women with training as bakers as a path to financial stability. Their breads are available at various retailers and greenmarkets but only East Harlem has El Bialy del Barrio - an insanely delicious egg and cheese sandwich made with their onion bialy and drizzled with Mexican hot sauce!

Chef Manuel Berganza's Modern Spanish Cuisine Marvels Manhattan at Andanada 141

In the kitchen with Chef Manuel Berganza

New York City has countless Spanish restaurants but only Andanada 141 has Chef Manuel Berganza – the first chef in Spain to earn a first-time, two-star Michelin rating. Chef Berganza developed his passion for cooking as a child in Gijon where his mother and grandmother taught him the fundamentals of traditional Spanish cuisine. Chef Berganza honed his craft at culinary school and cooking alongside Chef Sergi Arola (a protégé of the legendary Ferran Adrià) in Madrid and at Chef Grant Achatz’s highly praised Alinea in Chicago. These influences combined with Chef Berganza’s own vision meld together in a marvelous way in the thoroughly Modern Spanish Cuisine he prepares at Andanada 141. 

 The presentations at Andanada 141 are precise and creative but not in that annoying way that almost defies you to eat it – Chef Berganza’s creations encourage you to dig in. And, you’ll be glad you did. Chef Berganza is all about flavors and he deftly delivers dishes where the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through and combine together in an appealing way. “It is not just important to be unique. Most important are the flavors," said Chef Berganza.

 

 

Rape Asado (Monkfish loin served with roasted potatoes and liver puree).
Hearty and satisfying - I loved the simplicity of this dish. Great ingredients + great flavors. It reminded me of the very best home cooked meal.  


Pastrami de Presa Iberica (Iberian Pork Cooked Pastrami Style) - a very creative dish inspired by Manhattan. The pork is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and practically melts in your mouth.


Torrijas con Helado de Tomate (warm torrijas with tomato ice cream)
Torrijas are reminiscent of french toast - a sweet, fried bread. Chef Berganza's pairing of torrijas with his homemade tomato ice cream is a winning combination.

Andanada 141 offers fine dining in a casual ambiance and the dining room is pretty and welcoming. The front part of the restaurant is perfect for ordering tapas at the bar or at one of the communal tables.  Andanada 141 only serves wines from Spain, so this is a great way to familiarize yourself with some of the country’s amazing vinos. The rear dining room is quite lovely and a mural of a bullfighter in motion graces the wall.  In fact, the name Andanada refers to the highest seating area in the bullfighting arena. The andanada offers a birds-eye view of the action and attracts the liveliest, most enthusiastic bullfighting fans. Andanada 141 aims to capture that enthusiasm (minus the bullfighting!) by offering diners a prime seat in the midst of the modern culinary magic that Chef Berganza creates. He’s only been in New York a few months but I have a very good feeling that Chef Berganza is on his way to being the talk of the town.



Andanada 141 is located at 141 West 69^th Street in NYC. The restaurant is very close to Lincoln Center, making it a great place to enjoy a meal before seeing a performance. To learn more, visit the Andanada 141 website.

A New York Minute: Flamenco's Finest, Beaujolais Nouveau, and Hearts of Gold

Trust me, even native New Yorkers can feel overwhelmed by the city's endless entertainment options. Whether you are a seasoned local or a visitor to my hometown, I'm sure you'll enjoy these three events that have earned my little black dress seal of approval.

Festival Flamenco Gitano: Diego El Cigala
Tuesday, November 13
8:00 PM, The Town Hall
$45-$65
That voice, that charisma, that hair - vocalist Diego El Cigala has it all! One of Spain's most acclaimed Flamenco artists, Diego El Cigala will mesmerize the Big Apple with his distinctive and soulful voice. Me encanta!

 

Rue des Beaujolais
Thursday, November 15
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM, L'Express
Add a dash of ooh la la to your day and join other wine lovers in celebrating the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. Released to great fanfare every year on the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau will be the honored guest at wine events around the world. If you are in NYC, Rue des Beaujolais is THE event to attend. A day long celebration hosted by L'Express restaurant, the festivities include Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau , a book signing with culinary legend Jacques Pepin, live music by Franglais, all-inclusive meals (lunch $25 & dinner $35 - wine included), and more. The  event will be live streamed on big screens in NY and Lyon.

Hearts of Gold Gala
Friday, November 16
6:00 PM, Metropolitan Pavilion
$75-$1000
Enjoy a fabulous night out and support a worthy cause at the Hearts of Gold Gala. Hosted by celebrities Soledad O'Brien, Tamara Tunie, Emme, and Rhonda Ross, this sophisticated soirée raises funds for NYC's homeless mothers and children. This year's theme is "Come to the Cabaret" and features cocktails, dinner, silent & live auctions, a fashion show (showcasing fall looks from Tracy Reese and other designers) and much more. Founded in 1996 by former model and stylist Deborah Koenigsberger, Hearts of Gold has raised more than $2 million in support of NYC shelters - impressive!

My Manhattan: Sights & Bites

 New York City is one of the world's most visited tourist destinations and I feel blessed to call this crazy, creative, and chic city my home. If you are planning a visit to Manhattan, here are a few wonderful things that have recently caught my eye and tempted my tastebuds.


I was strolling along Park Avenue and suddenly these gorgeous, curvy, vibrant sculptures appeared - absolute joy! You can see The Three Graces in all their larger-than-life glory until November 15th at Park Avenue and 53rd Street. This exuberant work of art was created by the late Niki de Saint Phalle and more of her sculptures appear on the Park Avenue Mall from 52nd-60th Streets. Visit Art in the Parks for additional information.


I spotted this wacky blue shoe car zipping down Lexington Avenue last week. Apparently, it was a promotional vehicle for the discount retailer Marshalls to promote their shoe department. Will it appear again? Who knows - but that's the magic of Manhattan - you never know what amazing sight will appear, if only for a fleeting moment.

I've had some pretty great culinary moments recently. Last week, I was invited to help judge chocolates at the International Chocolate Awards. It was pretty intense but very delicious! The winners will be announced soon.



Whole Roasted Suckling Pig at The Breslin

Thanks to my friends at Frederick Wildman & Sons (wine & spirits importers) and Pig's Nose Scotch Whisky, I finally experienced the chef's table at one of my favorite restaurants - The Breslin. Our guest of honor was a whole roasted suckling pig - juicy meat + crispy skin = hog heaven!

 

Kellari Taverna

I've been dining at Kellari Taverna for years and I always recommend it  when people ask for dining suggestions near Broadway theatres, Times Square, and Grand Central Station. Kellari Taverna serves authentic Greek cuisine and the seafood is amazingly fresh and expertly prepared. I had lunch there yesterday and it was marvelous - I've never had a bad meal at Kellari Taverna.

 

 

The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges

  A friend treated me to a very ooh la la evening of drinks and dinner at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges. The creative & classic cocktails, superb food and elegant ambiance get high marks from moi. And, I must commend the lighting that makes everyone look like a movie star!

A New York Minute: Never Ending Story Art Installation

New York City is one of the most creative cities in the world and I was recently reminded that presenting great art isn't the exclusive domain of large museums and galleries.  If you're in the Big Apple, I highly recommend Contaminate NYC's current exhibition Never Ending Story - it will be on display until October 15th at the Kristin Hanson Gallery (by appointment only, call 646 248 3679). Contaminate NYC is a social platform for immersive art experiences that challenges traditional boundaries by redefining artistic happenings and contaminating art forms, ideas, cultures, and aesthetics on a global level.

Created by London based textile artist and knitwear designer Chia-Shan Lee, the Never Ending Story installation won the environmental track of Contaminate NYC's 100 Hundred Days international contest for emerging artists. Inspired by both the concept of information overload in contemporary society and the waste of resources associated with the production of newspapers, Never Ending Story narrates a contemporary fairy-tale employing newspaper yarns as story-telling material.

I was amazed at how Chia-Shan created complex pieces of clothing and sculptures from the newspaper yarn. The garments have an earthy, organic and dream-like quality but are actually wearable pieces of clothing. In fact, the opening night of Never Ending Story featured dancers performing in the dresses and the fabrics conveyed both fragility and strength as the extremely agile dancers moved.

 

A dancer on the move in a Chia-Shan Lee design

An elaborate yet streamlined design from the Never Ending Story exhibition.


Founders of Contaminate NYC Elena Avesani (far left) and Alessandro Spreafico (far right) with artist Chia-Shan Lee (in black) with dancers wearing her creations.

Never Ending Story can be viewed until October 15, 2012 at the Kristin Hanson Gallery at 60 Reade Street in Tribeca by appointment only. Call 646-248-3679 to schedule a viewing. The dancers won't be there but imagine them bringing the designs to life as you view the pieces! 

A New York Minute: The Library Hotel Collection & Lunch Hour NYC

The Library Hotel

The Library Hotel Collection
HKHotels, an acclaimed collection of boutique hotels in NYC, has changed their name to the Library Hotel Collection. Each of their four fabulous hotels (the Library Hotel, Hotel Elysée, Hotel Giraffe, and the Casablanca Hotel) also has a brand new website. Book your reservation online for a stay at any time in the future through the new websites by July 31, 2012 and they will treat you to a "Welcome to LHC Package " that includes a box of Belgian chocolates, a bottle of Cabernet

Hotel Elysée

Sauvignon, and a choice of one of four classic books, including Pride and Prejudice. 

New York Minute: International Migration Art Festival

Forgot what you learned about not playing with your food! In NYC until June 19th, the International Migration Art Festival (IMAFestival) consists of Art Your Food, an international art contest whose theme is food and migration, and Sport Your Food, an exhibition combining art, food, sport and technology. Conceived by Rossella Canevari (Artistic Director) and Elena Maria Manzini (Producer), this playful festival has a serious goal -  discovering new talents and putting a unique spotlight on the cultural and social dimensions of migration. The Festival opened in Milan and, after its run in NYC, it will land in London during the period of the Olympic games.

IMAFestival organizers Rossella Canevari and Elena Maria Manzini with Italian chef Cristina Bowerman and her dish inspired by discus throw.
image: Arturo Stanig

Sport Your Food will be on display at NYC's Italian food & cultural mecca EATALY until June 19th. The idea behind the exhibition is that great artists and great chefs often share the genius that enables them to grasp the zeitgeist and the course of history. Five chefs and five artists teamed up in pairs to work on the Olympic games theme by creating recipes and works of art. The works are introduced by their creators’ holograms, which appear in full-scale, discussing art, haute cuisine and sport. For example, three Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura and the award-winning New York photographer & sculptor Gregg LeFevre, teamed up and drew their inspiration from pole vaulting. Apulian chef Cristina Bowerman and Sicilian painter Fulvio Di Piazza collaborated on an interpretation of discus throw.

I plan on popping by EATALY to check out Sport Your Food - it sounds deliciously interesting!


Holograms of Massimo Bottura & Gregg LeFevre
image courtesy Arturo Stanig

For more information, visit www.imafestival.com.

A New York Minute: Schiaparelli & Prada, Harlem Jazz Shrines & Wine Tasting

Metropolitan Museum of Art
May 10 - August 19
$25 recommended admission.
It looks like the Costume Institute at the MET has another blockbuster exhibition on their silk-gloved hands. Inspired by Miguel Covarrubias's "Impossible Interviews" for Vanity Fair in the 1930s, this exhibition explores the affinities between two iconic Italian designers from different eras: Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. The exhibition will showcase approximately ninety designs and thirty accessories by Schiaparelli (1890–1973) from the late 1920s to the early 1950s and by Prada from the late 1980s to the present. Signature objects by both designers will be arranged in seven themed galleries: "Waist Up/Waist Down," "Ugly Chic," "Hard Chic," "Naïf Chic," "The Classical Body," "The Exotic Body," and "The Surreal Body." 

Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival
May 7-13.
$10 tickets. Some shows are admission free.
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Harlem. Head uptown for the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival - a weeklong celebration of Harlem's legacy as a Jazz mecca. Venues include the Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Lenox Lounge, Showman's Cafe, Red Rooster, Columbia University, Abysinnian Baptist Church, Small's Paradise, Minton's Playhouse, and many more. Noted performers include Nona Hendryx and Wycliffe Gordon.

Mini Grand Tasting: A Taste Around the World with 20+ Wines
Saturday, May 12. 1-3pm at Italian Wine Merchants
$95
Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world at this mini grand tasting featuring more than twenty wines from Italy, France and North & South America. Sip on Champagne, Barolo, Burgundy, Super Tuscans and many more. 

My NYC: Follow My Big Apple Map on urbantag

As a native New Yorker, I love sharing my favorite hometown places with the world, so I was thrilled when the newly launched website urbantag invited me be a Tastemaker and to compile a map of my New York. Follow my map, and you'll see where I go in NYC when my sweet tooth is craving a French macaron, where my wanderlust guides me when I need the perfect travel themed book, or how I take my tastebuds on a trip to Spain with a savory bocadillo! Once you follow my map, you can also access it on the go by downloading the free iPhone app (Android coming soon). Check it out and let me know what kind of maps you would like me to create in the future.

And, I would love to know about your favorite places - urbantag gives you a single platform to share places with people you trust, ensuring your favorites are always available, social and fresh.  It is free to join urbantag and to build a map - so go for it - tag, you're it!

For more information, visit www.urbantag.com.

 

A New York Minute: Cecil Beaton Exhibition at MCNY

If your travels bring you to NYC, be sure to pop by the Museum of the City of New York and explore the exhibition Cecil Beaton: The New York Years.  Along with this gorgeous photo of Marilyn Monroe, the exhibition includes images of Greta Garbo, Marlon Brando, Queen Elizabeth, Mick Jagger, Audrey Hepburn, and other legends. Drawings and costumes are also showcased. (Did you know that Beaton designed the costumes for the film My Fair Lady?) Photographer, designer, writer - Beaton was truly multi-talented, a tad scandalous, and quite the bon vivant. The exhibition runs through April 22.

Another interesting exhibition currently on view at MCNY is The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan 1811-2011 (through July 15). It celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811, the foundational document that established Manhattan’s famous street grid. And, since this native New Yorker still gets lost when I am downtown and off the grid, I am most appreciative of the commissioner's vision!

PS. The Museum of the City of New York is one of my favorite museums in the Big Apple. It is small enough so that you can see everything in one visit but large enough to offer an eclectically curated and satisfying experience. And, the location on Fifth Avenue, just across the street from Central Park on 103rd Street, is very convenient. After your museum visit, you can stroll in the park, head uptown and see more of Harlem, or meander south and browse the boutiques in Carnegie Hill.

A New York Minute: Fab Events in the Big Apple

As a native New Yorker, I confess to occasionally taking my hometown for granted. So, I've decided to take a little break from daydreaming about my next getaway to see what's happening in my own backyard. Whether you are a visitor or a local, here are some fun Big Apple events. Get out and enjoy!

Chucho Valdes and The Afro-Cuban Messengers with special guest Buika at Carnegie Hall
Saturday, January 21. 8:00 PM
$25-$75
Eight-time Grammy Award winner Chucho Valdes will spice up Carnegie Hall with his vibrant Latin jazz. Joining him as a special guest is the amazing singer Buika. The daughter of immigrants from Equatorial Guinea, Buika was born in Palma de Mallorca (Spain). Buika's music mixes Flamenco with soul and jazz and her vocals are rich. Also, if you join the event page on Facebook, you will be automatically entered into a contest to have a song written for you by Buika. Me gusta!

Broadway Week - 2 for 1 Tickets
January 17 - February 4
Seeing a Broadway show can be an expensive proposition so act fast to take advantage of this amazing 2 for 1 deal. Participating shows include Anything Goes, Chicago, Chinglish, Memphis, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, Seminar, and more!

New York Restaurant Week
Through February 10th. (Mondays-Fridays)
Dine at some of New York's best restaurants without going broke. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer $24.07 lunches and $35 dinners for 20 days. Tax, gratuity and beverages not included.

A New York Minute: Holidays in the Big Apple

Visiting the Big Apple for the holidays? Sure, you already know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center but here are a few more fun things to enhance your itinerary. Happy Holidays!

Pilar Rioja: The Queen of Flamenco & Spanish Dance
Performances Dec. 14, 15, 17, & 18. Tickets start at $27.
Pilar Rioja dances with absolute precision and passion - she is a true force of nature. Go ahead and add a little ole' to your holiday season.

A New Holiday Revue at Jazz at Lincoln Center
Thursday, December 15 - Saturday, December 17
$30-$120
Deck the halls and all that jazz! The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will be joined by singer Kim Burrell in a performance of new arrangements of holiday jazz and spiritual classics. (photo: Clay McBride)

Caroling at the Morgan
Friday, December 16. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Free with museum admission! (the Morgan is free every Friday from 7-9PM)
The Morgan Library and Museum is one of my faves. The former private library of financier Pierpont Morgan, it is a stunning building full of priceless treasures. Come hear traditional and popular holiday music performed throughout the Morgan by singers from Mannes College The New School for Music.

Tinsel Tunes by The Tinseltones at the Merchant's House Museum
Saturday, December 17. 7:30 pm. $30
Step back in time with a concert of holiday favorites, from 1850 to 1950, performed by members of the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society in an 1850s parlor filled with 1950s decorations and vintage Christmas memorabilia. Built in 1832, the Merchant's House was occupied by a merchant family for nearly 100 years and is NYC's only virtually intact 19th century family home.

Let's Zydeco Holiday Party with Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble
Sunday, December 18. Dance lesson at 6PM, live music 7-10:30 PM. $22
Spice up your holidays with some rocking Louisiana zydeco performed by the acclaimed vocalist and accordion player Curley Taylor.  A previous Curley Taylor performance in NYC was hailed as "the top live show in New York" by TimeOut NY Magazine. Ho, Ho, Ho and let the good times roll!

A New York Minute: $15 Meals in the Big Apple for Anthony Bourdain

I have to thank culinary cool guy Anthony Bourdain for inspiring this blog post. Truly, I am a fan of the surly and sexy Bourdain but I don't always agree with him - he comes across like the class bully when he picks on cooks like Paula Deen and Rachael Ray that don't share his high brow palate. However, I immensely enjoy his shows and books - my Dad was a chef and when I read Kitchen Confidential it sparked great conversations between us. Bourdain's memoir really helped me to understand just how hard my Dad's job was and all of the drama that happens in the kitchen.

I just finished watching the New York episode of Bourdain's new Travel Channel show The Layover and was surprised to see that we have some fave places in common, like the swanky Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. However, there was one moment where I screamed at the television. While ambling his admirably lanky form (how does he stay so thin?) towards the stairs leading to the High Line elevated park, two young men asked Bourdain where they could eat in NYC for $15. I know that the fellas put him on the spot, but the best Bourdain could offer up was Papaya King (hot dogs) and Shake Shack (burgers). Don't get me wrong, a Papaya King dog with mustard and onions is tubesteak perfection - especially when paired with their sweet and frosty papaya concoction. I've been eating Papaya King hotdogs since I was a little girl and even Julia Child proclaimed them the best in NYC. And, Danny Meyer's Shake Shack absolutely does put out a high quality and tasty burger but I think that Anthony could have given those guys better advice.


Bourdain chowing down on the classic Papaya King 2 dog and a drink recession special. (Image courtesy New York Magazine)

Listed below are the suggestions I would have offered those two hungry and broke young men looking to fill their empty stomachs in Manhattan. They could eat at my picks and still have money leftover for a hot dog at Papaya King!


Indian meal from Tiffin Wallah (image courtesy Yelp.com)

Indian - There is a thriving Indian restaurant scene in the East Side neighborhood of Murray Hill that has been nicknamed Curry Hill. You can find some great deals here - the food is spicy, filling, and delicious. Curry in a Hurry, Tiffin Wallah and Curry Leaf are popular choices. There is also a cheap but delicious Vietnamese restaurant called L'Annam that serves up generous portions. When dining with a friend, you can save even more money by ordering two appetizers and sharing an entree.



El Aguila Tacos (image courtesy Yelp.com)

Mexican - New York has finally caught up with the West Coast and you can find taco trucks all over the city. But for a sit down meal, try El Paso Taqueria, El Aguila or Las Delicias in East Harlem. El Aguila, is a fave of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, and they have a deal for 2 tacos and a medium homemade drink for about $5.99. I like the tacos al pastor (pork marinated with chiles and pineapple) paired with horchata (rice drink) or agua de jamaica (hibiscus).

Bocadillo from Despaña

Despaña - Soho is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC but one of my favorite places for a fabulous nosh is Despaña. Known for stocking some of the best ham, cheese, and other goodies from Spain, Despana also makes wonderful food. Head to the back of the store and order one of their hefty bocadillos (sandwiches).


Roast Chow Fun from Hop Kee (image courtesy Yelp.com)

Chinatown still offers some of the freshest and most delicious meals in NYC. Usually, my strategy is to wander around and pick a no frills looking spot that is busy with locals. However, I will let Anthony Bourdain have the last word - he once featured old school Cantonese restaurant Hop Kee on his show No Reservations. Those two hungry youngsters could each fill up on wonton soup and share some Roast Pork Chow Fun.

A New York Minute: Art, Music, Wine, Food, and Hotel Deals

There is always something fun and fabulous happening in New York City. Whether you are a local or a visitor, get your little black dress ready for an amazing time in the Big Apple.

Save 20% at the Library Hotel
If you're looking for a lovely boutique hotel in NYC with great style and a convenient location, the Library Hotel is a fabulous option. For a limited time, you can save 20% off on hot dates, including Thanksgiving and the shopping days leading up to Christmas. To get rates as low as $199 per night, book online using the code HOLIDAY. The Library Hotel is located just blocks away from Grand Central Terminal and attractions like the New York Public Library, Times Square, Bryant Park, and Lord & Taylor. To learn more about the hotel, read the review I posted in April.

French Connection: Beaujolais Dinner at the James Beard Foundation
Friday, November 18. $170
One of my fave chefs, Jean-Stephane Poinard, will prepare an amazing feast of authentic French cuisine at the legendary James Beard House. The multi-course meal will be paired with Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau and Cru Beaujolais wines. A 5th generation chef, Chef Poinard is a member of Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises, the ultra-exclusive fraternity of chefs led by culinary icon Paul Bocuse. Chef Poinard is also a really charming guy with so much passion for food - I had the pleasure of interviewing him when I visited his restaurant Bistro de Leon in St. Augustine, Florida.

Contemporary Art Fair and the American Craft Show
Friday, November 18 - Sunday, November 20
$16
See two great art shows under one roof  and for one affordable price at the Javits Center. The Contemporary Art Fair NYC features work from international artists in various media, and was the first major show for independent artists in metro NY. The American Craft Show NYC features fine crafts from artisans across the country. (Image: painting by Mel Smothers)

Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys
Saturday, November 19. $23
Doors open at 6:30 PM for dinner, drinks & socializing. Zydeco dance lesson at 7:30 PM. Live music 8:30 PM - midnight.
Rosie Ledet, known as the Zydeco Sweetheart, will rock the Big Apple with the authentic sounds of Louisiana. Be prepared to boogie. I have been to a few of these Zydeco dances in NYC and they are non-stop fun.

Black Dress, Big City: See and Be Seen in New York

Do you live in the Big Apple or will your travels bring you to my hometown? See and be seen in your little black dress at one of these fun events. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

THE DRESS

Nanette Lepore: Dorothy Dress
$398
Made in New York City, this Nanette Lepore frock can take you to afternoon tea at The Plaza, gallery hopping in Soho and cocktails at the Monkey Bar. The black and cream Italian tweed is an absolutely timeless fabric that has been modernized with the fitted silhouette and pleated skirt. The bows and patch pockets with ruffle trim give this frock a playful yet sophisticated look.

THE CITY

Wine & Spirits Magazine 3rd Annual Top of the List Tasting
($55 pre-sale tickets available until Monday, April 11.)
Event is Tuesday, May 10. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Top of the List showcases the most popular wines on America's top wine lists paired with great bites from new & notable restaurants. Participants include ABC Kitchen, Grand Central Oyster Bar, La Maison du Chocolat, and many more.

The Orchid Show on Broadway at the New York Botanical Garden
Through Monday, April 25th. $20
The Botanical Garden's ninth annual presentation of the nation's largest and only curated orchid exhibition will thrill orchid enthusiasts and Broadway theater-lovers. Created by Tony award-winning set designer Scott Pask, it features iconic architectural elements from legendary theaters of the Great White Way dramatically interpreted with thousands of orchids. (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen.)

Indian Culinary Center: Jackson Heights Walking & Tasting Tour
Sunday, April 10. 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. $40
Explore the culinary delights of Jackson Heights with Geetika Khanna, founder of the Indian Culinary Center. Start your day with an authentic Indian breakfast with Masala chai and then visit stores that sell gold jewelry, saris and music. Stock up on exotic ingredients at a large Indian grocery store and get great deals on spices, veggies, and snacks. The adventure ends with a traditional Indian lunch.

Live Louisiana Zydeco
Sunday, April 10. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm. $22
Yes, you can do the Bayou Boogie in the Big Apple. Enjoy an evening of Cajun Fiddle Swing with the band L'Angelus from Louisiana.

Wine Tasting on Yacht Manhattan
Monday, April 11. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. $85
Join wine expert Wendy Crispell aboard the yacht Manhattan for a tasting of 5 wines paired with artisan cheeses. Tonight's event features organic and bio-dynamic wine.

DanceBrazil at the Joyce Theater
Tuesday, April 12 - Sunday, April 24.
$10-$39
The "high-octane, high-flying" (The New York Times) energy of DanceBrazil takes center stage at The Joyce with their landmark work A Jornada. Using the Afro-Brazilian art form of Capoeira as the base, it follows the path of Africans to Brazil. (photo by Andrea Mohin)

Black Dress, Big City: See and Be Seen in New York

Do you live in the Big Apple or will your travels bring you to my hometown? See and be seen in your little black dress at one of these fun events. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

THE DRESS
DKNY Sleeveless Sarong Dress
$245
A little black dress is always in fashion in the Big Apple. The quintessential New York designer, Donna Karan, is a master at creating clothes that celebrate a woman's curves. This fantastic frock will take you from day to night in style.

THE CITY 

His and Hers
Through May 10th at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Free!
His & Hers explores the relationship between gender and fashion over the past 250 years. The exhibition includes a seemingly “feminine” 18th-century man’s velvet suit and a woman’s “power suit” from the 1980s. Other works include innovative designers such as Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace, and Vivienne Westwood.

Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, May 1.
This spring, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates Japanese culture and horticulture and remembers the victims of the earthquake and its aftermath in Japan. Hanami at BBG is a month-long celebration that celebrates the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season.

Tartan Week
Through Sunday, April 10.
This celebration of Scottish-American heritage includes whisky tasting, a tartan exhibition at Ellis Island, tribute to Scottish music, a fashion show, a parade up Sixth Avenue, handsome men in kilts, and more!

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival
Sunday, April 3. 10am-6pm. General Admission is free!
Yours truly is a carnivore but I am a big fan of well prepared and tasty vegetarian dishes. Sample cuisine from the Big Apple's best vegetarian restaurants at this fun festival.

Italian Wine Tasting at Bacchus
Tuesday, April 5. 7:30 pm - 9pm. $20 (plus tax)
Do you love Italian wine? If so, don't miss this great tasting event.  Barbera or Barolo, Sangiovese or Chianti, Italy has a wine for every taste and occasion. Taste for yourself at Bacchus - a great wine shop on the Upper West Side. Each participant will receive a beautiful Riedel Crystal stem from which to drink and to take home at the end of the evening - nice!

Si Cuba! Festival
Through June 16.
The Si Cuba! festival showcases the diversity of Cuban culture from the traditional to the modern. Check out award-winning films, lively concerts, dance performances, art and more!

 

Black Dress, Big City: Weekend in New York

Are you spending the weekend in New York City? Listed below are a few fun events happening in my hometown that I just had to share with you. Put on your little black dress and paint the town red!

Coffee & Tea Festival
Saturday, February 19 & Sunday, February 20.  $20 - $40
Can't get through the day without your latte or chai? Learn, taste, and purchase coffee and tea from around the world at the 6th Annual Coffee & Tea Festival.


Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing: How The Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment
at the Museum of the City of New York through May 1
Suggested Admission: $10
This exhibition traces the evolution of the Apollo—from its origins as a segregated burlesque hall to its staring role at the epicenter of African American entertainment and American popular culture. 

Italian Wine Tasting at Cellar 58
Sunday, February 20. $25. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Love your vino? Explore the distinctive wines of the northern-central Italian regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. Includes four wines and cheese.
 

Live Louisiana Zydeco: Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble
Sunday, February 20. $22
Dance lesson: 6:00 pm Show: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Spice up your weekend with some musical gumbo! Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble will rock the Big Apple with their bayou beats. Time Out NY hails this as  the "Top Live Show."

Holiday Monday at the MET
Monday, February 21. 9:30 ame  - 5:30 pm. Suggested adult admission is $20
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is normally closed on Mondays but you can spend Presidents' Day browsing this legendary museum's galleries. Current exhibitions include Guitar Heroes: Legendary Craftsmen from Italy to NY.

Black Dress, Big City: Fun & Chic Events in New York City

When The Black Dress Traveler isn't traveling or planning my next getaway, I love putting on my little black dress and exploring my hometown of New York City. Whether you are a local or a tourist, here are a few events where you can wear your little black dress and paint the town red.

Tango Inferno at the Joyce Theater
Through Sunday, January 23. Tickets $10 - $69.
Melt away the winter blues with some sexy and sizzling Argentine tango. Tango Inferno traces the evolution of tango from its origins in Buenos Aires' red-light district to today's dance halls and ballrooms. Put on your little black dress and dance on the Joyce stage during a sizzling pre-show Milonga, one half hour before the performance begins. (photo: Lorenzo di Nozzi)


Marcus Roberts Trio with Jason Marsalis and Rodney Jorden at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
Tuesday, January 18 - Sunday, January 23.
Cover: $30-35
If you love jazz, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center is the place to see and be seen! With breathtaking views of Central Park below, this is a venue with drama! Virtuoso Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts was discovered by jazz icon Wynton Marsalis. I actually saw Roberts perform many years ago with Ellis Marsalis and he is truly a brilliant talent.

Tea: Talk & Tasting at the 92nd Street Y
Tuesday, January 25. 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. $40
Did you know that tea was once so valuable in America that it was kept under lock and key? Discover tea's origins and the fascinating story of its world journey in this lively presentation by food historian and author Francine Segan. Learn how tea is grown and about its many varieties; about the Japanese tea ceremony and English High Tea history. Learn to brew the perfect cup of tea and even how to cook with tea! See various types of raw leaves and taste various teas including herbal brews.


Vino 2011 - Italian Wine Week at Bacchus
Tuesday, January 25. 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm. $15 (plus tax)
Are you craving a bit of la dolce vita? Toast the sweet life with wines from  Tuscany to Piedmont, Veneto to Alto Adige at the very fabulous Bacchus wine shop.