Monthly Archives: November 2017

Benares: Modern Indian Cuisine In The Heart of Tribeca #BenaresNYC

Benares is a modern Indian restaurant with banquet seating, dark hardwood floors, and a bar/lounge area. The eatery celebrates the cuisine of Northern India with a western twist.

During our meal the Chef brought out some of the restaurants most popular dishes tweaked with a few requests from us of classic Indian dishes.

We started out with the Bhel Puri, puffed rice crisps with chopped onions, potatoes, avocado & corn kennels served a trio of chutneys. The chutneys were flavorful yet not overly spicy.

Next came the Chicken Tikka, an indian classic, grilled Tandoori chicken marinated in yogurt & spices. A delicious vegetarian option, the Khasta Gobhi, lightly battered cauliflower cooked with garlic and crushed pepper in a tangy sauce. The final appetizer was the Konkani Shrimp, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Cocktails

Grilled Fish

Chicken Tikka Smokey

Atom Bomb

The entree list is extensive with a dedicated Tandoori menu. We highly recommend the Cheem Thenga, jumbo prawns grilled and simmered in coconut curry. The grilled fish marinated in spices, served with lemon sauce was also quite good. We did mention to the chef that we are seafood lovers and don’t eat much red meat so he brought out a seafood/chicken centric menu.

For meat lovers the “Barrah Masaledar”,lamb chops, and the “Raan E Akbari”, rack of lamb in a rum flavored sauce, served oven roasted with a vegetable medley have gotten winning reviews.

Indian restaurants have notoriously not been known for their desserts but the Atom Bomb changed our mind. Super moist chocolate lava cake served with rose petal cream is a must try!

There is an ample wine and beer list along with specialty cocktails. There are many classics like the Dark & Stormy and The Moscow Mule along with house specialties like the Benares Martini made with Bulldog Gin, Lillet, Grapefruit and Orange Peels Soaked in Housemade Bitters.

Benares is open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. Take out and delivery options are available as well as a lunch menu.

Benares- Tribeca 45 Murray Street New York, NY 10007 (212) 766-4900 benaresnyc.com

Posted on November 28, 2017 | Image

ASPCA Honors Heroes at the 2017 Humane Awards Luncheon @ASPCA

Getty Images: Judy Obregon/ Chuck Scarborough

Getty Images: Ct Kid Governor Jessica Brocksom

Getty Images: Dog Rescue

Getty Images: Flame The Cat

Getty Images: Bill Bratton

Getty Images: Elaine Nash/Fleet of Angels

Getty Images: Rescue

Getty Images: Mission K9 Rescue

Founded in 1866, The ASPCA is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the leading voice for animals.

Last week we were honored to be invited to cover their Annual Humane Awards Luncheon at Cipriani in NYC. As huge animal lovers and advocates this charity is one of our personal favorites. Hosted by Chuck Scarborough, the event honored both human and animal heroes as well as disaster responders who rescued thousands of animals and brought them to safety during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

The honorees included ASPCA Dog of the Year “Rescue”, who provides essential physical and emotional support to Jessica Kensky, who became a double amputee after being injured during the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing.

ASPCA Cat of the Year “Flame”, rescued as a stray kitten in 2015, Flame became the official cat of the firehouse, providing firefighters comfort and companionship during stressful and tragic times.

ASPCA Citizen Hero Award went to Judy Obregon from Fort Worth, Texas. After discovering a dumping ground for injured, deceased, and unwanted animals Judy formed a network of local volunteers to rescue animals, arrange veterinary care, and assist with their adoption. Over 300 animals have been rescued to date.

ASPCA Henry Bergh Award went to Mission K9 Rescue in Houston, TX. This organization assists retired and working military dogs in reuniting with their handlers and adoption after returning home from tours of duty. To date Mission K9 has reunited more than 70 canine teams and has rescued more than 100 dogs in need.

ASPCA Equine Welfare Award went to Elaine Nash, founder of Fleet of Angels in Evans, CO. The organization manages large equine crisis and rescues horses in need through a network of thousands of trailer owners and service providers. Most recently Fleet of Angels assisted in rescuing horses displaced by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

ASPCA Tommy P. Monahan, Kid of the Year award went to Jessica Brocksom of Milford, CT. 11 year old Jessica won the job of 2017 Connecticut Kid Governor on her animal welfare platform. Jessica works actively to help animals and owners in need, including advocating for legislation to allow to have therapy animals with them while testifying in court, and helping increase awareness of leaving animals in cars during hot weather.

Guests and supporters of the ASPCA included Jill Rappaport, Wes Gordon & Paul Arnhold, Ellen Scarborough, Jean Shafiroff, Mark F. Gilberston, Sharon Jacob, Arriana Boardman, Serena Boardman, Bill Bratton, Christopher Spitzmiller, Lisa McCarthy, Barbara Cates, Jeff A. Pfeifle, Madeline Weinrib, ASPCA President & CEO Matt Bershadker and more.

For more info and to donate please visit ASPCA.org

Posted on November 20, 2017 | Image

Dr. Andrew Jacono: Master of the “Natural” looking facelift.

Walking into the swanky brand new office of Dr. Andrew Jacono, 630 Park Avenue, we noticed Damien Hurst art on the walls, a sleek elegant decor, a VIP waiting room, and walls strewn with plaques showcasing the philanthropic work Dr. Jacono does in third world countries as a volunteer surgeon with “Beyond our Borders” and “Healing the Children”, providing free surgery here and abroad for children needing reconstruction due to birth defects, trauma, or disease.

Dr. Jacono is a dual certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery in his Manhattan location. He is prominently know for The Natural Looking facelift, making patients look up to 15 years younger without that pulled skin effect we have all seen on actresses and socialites. Looking at before and after photos on his computer, the transformations are truly amazing. The results are you, only better, well you 15 years ago. Natural best is his motto.

Over a timespan of 20 years Dr. Jacono developed and perfected the most advanced deep plane lift. The procedure lifts the cheeks, jowls, and neck line. The key to a youthful appearance is a strong jawline and lack of jowls, even more important than wrinkle free foreheads or eyes. Incisions are made under the muscle layer leaving skin intact, unlike in a standard facelift. This creates a natural looking appearance without any tightness.

Dr. J knows that not every patient is ready or wants a surgical face lift. He offers several non-surgical options using Ultherapy to lift, strengthen, and tone the skin. The treatment is 30 to 60 minutes, lasts 2 to 3 months with no downtime. Sculptra, known as the liquid facelift, builds collagen in cheeks, across the jawline and under the eyes. the injections create a rested rejuvenated appearance. A firm believer in a natural looking appearance he customizes filler dosages where needed on the face to not create an over filled face. Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiuses, and laser treatments are performed as well depending on the needs and goals of the patient.

During the consultation the Doc explains the expected results and expectations for every procedure. He is brutally honest so that patients understand that fillers/non-surgical options are great,but they will not heed the same result as a lift. He explains the advantages of pro-active treatments to prevent aging and how work on younger patients can have better and longer lasting results.

Dr. Jacono’s 3rd book “The Face of The Future” gives a more in-depth insight into the most modern/ hi -tech current invasive and non-invasive procedures available to maintain a youthful appearance. The book can be purchased here: Amazon.com

For more info on Dr. Jacono and to book a consultation please visit newyorkfacialplasticsurgery.com

New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery Andrew A. Jacono, MD FACS

630 Park Avenue New York, NY 10065 (212)570-2500

Posted on November 11, 2017 | Image

Mozzarella E Vino: Italian Mozzarella & Wine Bar in the heart of midtown @mozzarellaevino

Located on one of the most elegant blocks with luxe boutiques, hotels, and The Museum of Modern Art around the corner this chic eatery is heaven for mozzarella & wine lovers. Tourists and locals alike can stop by for a glass of wine and a “Affettati & Formaggi” sampling or a full meal of homemade pastas, lasagnas and meat dishes.

We started our meal with the classic tasting of Buffalo Mozzarella, Buffalo Provola, and the freshest Burrata served with cherry tomatoes. The mozzarella is made in Campagna and shipped to New York every few days. You can mix and match the cheeses and meats to your liking. The waitstaff will advise on wine pairing suggestions depending on your selection.

We also tried the fried zucchini sticks which were crispy and golden and not greasy. The homemade pastas were next and are a must try. The ravioli is homemade and filled with fresh ricotta, also shipped in from Campagna. The lasagna is delicious, tender layers filled with fresh ricotta, mozzarella and sausage. The sauce is classic Marinara perfectly spiced. Gluten free pasta is available and is possibly the best we ever tried.

For the main course I opted for the Scottish salmon. Flaky and tender it is served on a bed of organic greens. A tasty and healthy option. My companion went for the chicken medallions flavored with black summer truffles served with fingerling potatoes, french beans and organic cherry tomatoes. For veal lovers we hear the “Vitello Tonato” is a must.

For dessert we chose to split the Torta de Mascarpone “tiramisu style” and the chocolate cake filled with Sicilian orange compote. The tiramisu was creamy but not too heavy and is a staple in classic southern Italian cuisine.

Mozzarella & Vino is located at 33 west 54th street between 5th and 6th ave. New York, NY 10019 (646) 692-8849 mozzarellaevino.com connect@mozzarellaevino.com

Sister restaurant Il Gattopardo located along the same block at 13-15 west 54th street is another option for the freshest Southern Italian comfort food located in an intimate and elegant townhouse setting.