Category Archives: Events
The Fragrance Foundation 2023 Finalists Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, Cipriani 42.
The Fragrance Foundation held the 2023 Finalists Luncheon at Cipriani 42 on April 4th. Along with the highly anticipated announcement of finalists, 5 winners were announced. Emceed by Spectrum TV Personality & Author Cheryl Wills, who shared the story of her new children’s book Emma, which was gifted to all the guests at the end of the event.
The Fragrance Foundation revealed the 2023 Honoree for Lifetime Achievement Perfumer is Anne Flipo, Master Perfumer at IFF. Anne has been at IFF 20 years and in the industry as a perfumer 35 years. Her creative achievements and fragrance success stories in the USA & around the globe include classics in a multitude of brands such as Lancôme, Jo Malone, Frederic Malle, Givenchy, Coach, Calvin Klein, YSL, Paco Rabanne, Viktor & Rolf, and many more.
This prestigious honor will be celebrated as well as previously announced Hall of Fame Honoree Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO L’Oréal at TFF’s annual iconic event at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center June 15th.
The winners announced at the event were the Indie fragrance of the year that went to Amouage Opus XIV Royal Tobacco, Innovative fragrance Veronique Gabai Aroma Heart, Packaging of the Year Luxury Christian Louboutin Beauty Loubimar, Packaging of the Year Prestige/Popular Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau, and Fragrance Editorial of the Year, Town & Country, Why Fragrances with Green Notes Are Going To Be Everywhere in 2023 by April Long.
Photos Courtesy Regina Fleming Photography.
For more info on the Fragrance Foundation and their events and initiatives please visit: fragrance.org
Fragrance Foundation Connections Media Brunch Heralding New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 #FRAGRANCEFORWARDTFF
Photos by Rob Kim/Getty Images
The Fragrance Foundation held their Inaugural Media Connections Brunch at Melbas, the famous Harlem eatery know for it’s sumptuous southern cuisine and celebrity clientele. Held in an intimate setting, the sit down brunch was attended by 40 top brand owners, media, designers, influencers, and style makers. Celebrating New York Fashion Week and learning about the latest on the #FragranceForwardTFF initiative dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fragrance industry.
Linda G. Levy, President of the Fragrance Foundation kicked off the networking hour by introducing brand owners Chris Collins, founder of World of Chris Collins, Teri Johnson, of the Harlem Candle Company, and Francisco Costa of Costa Brazil.
New York-1 anchor Cheryl Wills reported from the event as part of the network’s official NEW York Fashion Week coverage. Notable guests included television personality Dahiana Perez, designer and artist Rebecca Moses, Ambassador Digital’s Musa Jackson, Elle’s Kathleen Hou, WWD’s Noor Lobad, Ama Kwarteng from Coveteur, Pat Stevenson, publisher of the Harlem News Group, the New York Beacon’s Audrey J. Bernard, influencers Tiff Benson and Rosa Chang Crespo, author and fashion editor Walter Greene, El Diario’s Listeth Perez Almeida, Avril Graham, Harper’s Bazaar US, award winning journalist Jacklyn Monk, TelevisaUnivision’s Maria del Pilar Casal, Fashionsweek’s Maya Litovsky, Anne Raso of LuxLifeNYC.com and Instyle’s Pat Velasco.
To learn more about the Fragrance Foundation please visit: Fragrance.org
Runway 7 New York Fashion Week Fall 2022: Spotlight on Brand To Watch Gaucho-Buenos Aires
The inspiration behind this collection is how Argentina interacts with the world in terms of history, culture, design, and place weaving the strength, integrity and a storied culture to create modern fashion that is also timeless in tradition.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage In NYC December 21st through the 24th.
By Maya Litovsky
Just in time for Christmas, everyone’s favorite Peanuts holiday special comes to life in A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. New Yorkers can celebrate the holiday season with the Peanuts gang when the show plays its New York City premiere engagement, December 21 – 24 at The Palladium Times Square (1515 Broadway, NYC).
Charles M. Schulz’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning story has been a longstanding tradition, warming the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over 50 years ago. Now, the live stage adaptation of the classic animated television special brings all your favorite characters to life -all set to the original special’s dialogue as well as the unforgettable sounds of the classic Vince Guaraldi musical score. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage celebrates the timeless television classic as the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage, by Charles M. Schulz, is based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, and adapted for the stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer, by special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. The show is produced by Gershwin Entertainment / Todd Gershwin. Directed by Robert Coulson, the cast of A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage features D’Marreon Alexander as Linus, Giuliana Augello as Violet, Connor Barr as Charlie Brown, Sophia Delucchi as Sally Brown, Chloe Gabila (Ensemble), Andrew Hainz as Pigpen, Will Jewett as Snoopy, Brent C. Mauldin as Schroeder, Lucy Rhoades as Frieda, Sam Sanderson (Ensemble), Elliot Wallace as Shermy, Emma T. Wilcox as Patty, and Leah Windahl as Lucy. The live performance features choreography by Charlotte Bydwell; music supervision and additional arrangements by Garrett Taylor,; scenic design by Adam Koch, Associates; costume design by Jeffrey Meek; lighting design by Nathan Scheuer; and sound design by Josh Samuels.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage plays Dec. 21 – 24 at palladiumtimessquare.com (1515 Broadway, NYC). Tickets, starting at $25, are on sale at ticketmaster.com
Encourage Kids Foundation Serving Up Smiles Signature Tasting Event To Benefit The Encourage Kids Programs
By Maya Litovsky
The https://encourage-kids.org Foundation hosted their Serving Up Smiles premier tasting event that included decadent plates from the hottest chefs and top named restaurants in NYC, a VIP Speakeasy Lounge presented by Go Tab, Inc., Shinju Japanese Whiskey, world-class wines, cocktails, and incredible auction items at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.
“I want to thank all the sponsors, board members, guests and my team for a wonderful and successful night. The outpouring of support for the work we do at the enCourage Kids Foundation in helping humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the child life community, is beyond humbling. We look forward to seeing everybody at our next event,” Michele Hall Duncan – CEO enCourage Kids Foundation.
Guests were greeted outside by DJ Chef who had the crowd dancing their way through the entrance doors. ABC Sports Anchor Ryan Field emceed the evening alongside Michele Hall Duncan and Culinary Chair/Chef & Partner TAO Hospitality Group, Chef Ralph Scamardella. The music and dancing continued inside with Acute Inflections and Live Wire Band. Malik Yoba (Actor Empire & NY Undercover) ate and danced his way through the evening having a great time with the guests.
“What a great event for the perfect cause, said Actor Malik Yoba. I look forward to continue to support the efforts of the enCourage Kids Foundation for a long time.”
Participating restaurants included BAKEYOREY, BRYANT PARK GRILL, BUTTER, CARDINALI BAKERY, KELLARI TAVERNA, LAMIA’S FISH MARKET, LAVO, ME CASA, MYKONOS BLEU, OMAR’S KITCHEN, SKORPIOS, SPICE CULTURE and SPYCE sauce.
Participating wines and spirits included AQUAFINA, BROOKLYN BREWERY, BUBLY, DR. PERRICONE HYDROGEN WATER, FERVOR MEZCAL, HARLEM HOPS, LOS DOS TEQUILA, OWL’S BREW, PRESSED, REVEL SPIRITS, ROUTESTOCK -WILSON DANIELS, TEQUILA ARMERO, WHITLEY NEILL GIN and ZYR VODKA.
Event sponsors included FEIL FAMILY FOUNDATION, ARK RESTAURANTS, BRYANT PARK GRILL, COUGAR CAPITAL, THE DONUT PUB, SIGNATURE BANK, LUCY and DAVID BALL, BUCHBINDER & WARREN LLC, SANDERS FAMILY, EMERSON AMUSEMENTS, and GO TAB.
About Michele Hall Duncan – President & CEO enCourage Kids Foundation
President & CEO, Michele’s expertise in the nonprofit and development space, leads the organization in developing varied Programs and overseeing the growth of the Pediatric Hospital Support Program. The relationships she has fostered over the years with Child Life staff and all levels of hospital administration, have helped her to develop an integral understanding of their needs and has helped position the organization to be on the forefront of state-of-the-art programming.
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Cosmoprof 2021 North America Is Back
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By Maya Litovsky
Cosmoprof made a huge comeback In late August at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center after being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid 19. As the world begins to live a new normal, emerging and established brands traveled to Las Vegas to come together and build relationships, collaborations and show off their brands.
The event was a bit smaller than years past due to travel restrictions especially from Asia, but we liked being able to navigate the Convention Center and felt we were able to meet and connect with more brands as a result. Special areas included Discover Beauty, Discover Green, CBD Beauty, The Beauty Vanities, Tones of Beauty and Discover Beauty Spotlights. There was also a section devoted to professional beauty for those in the beauty trade and Cosmopack that is all about packaging.
There were educational opportunities with Cosmotalks. A conference like format with seminars, classes, and workshops with top beauty and business professionals.
Next year Cosmoprof is switching it up and relocating to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Anticipating a larger event for next year as travel restrictions loosen as vaccinations are up and cases are down, we are looking forward to next summer. The event will take place from July 12th-14th 2022.
Look for our favorite brands to be featured in our Holiday Gift Guide going live on November 20th.
This Weekend Dan’s Taste Presents GrillHampton on 8/20 at Nova’s Ark
By Maya Litovsky
EnCourage Kids Foundation 18th Annual Golf Outing and Awards Ceremony
By Maya Litovsky
The enCourage Kids Foundation hosted their 18th Annual Golf Outing to more than 250 sponsors and guests at the Pine Hollow Country Club and The Mill River Club. After a day on the course, golfers and guests came together for an award ceremony led by Hank Celestino – L&L Holding & Event Chair, to celebrate this year’s honorees, Julie Arce of JLL, Rosemarie Krol – CBRE and Tiffany Mizen – IBM.
This year, one of the enCourage Kids, Danielle Sass along with her family attended the outing. Danielle was born with a rare neurological condition in which one side of her brain is abnormally larger than the other. From an early age, she experienced frequent seizures and the only remedy was to remove the affected half of her brain. “We are so grateful for the leadership of Michele Hall Duncan and the many programs such as Camp Pontiac, that brings happiness and a sense of normalcy to Danielle and my family,” said Hal Sass. “We are beyond grateful for their work, for the other families we have met and the experiences that we have enjoyed along the way.”
“I’m so grateful for the support of all the attendees, our sponsors and the many donors that continue to embrace our programs,” said Michele Hall Duncan – President & CEO enCourage Kids Foundation. “It is families such as the Sass family that keeps us working diligently to make a difference in the lives of the children and their families who need us most.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the work of our team and the lives that we change through our programs,” said Joe Wessley – Encourage Kids Board Chair. “I’m grateful for all those who continue to support our mission and who have come out today to make a difference.”
EnCourage Kids raised over $250,000 though sponsorships, raffles that included some amazing hotel stays, golf packages and gift certificates to world class restaurants, a Par 3 challenge, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place foursomes and Hole-in-One prizes including a 2021 Range Rover. Owl’s Brew Boozy Tea provided beverages on the course at the cocktail reception, Moo La La Catering provided a delicious ice cream station and Hydr8 provided bottled water.
About enCourage Kids Foundation
enCourage Kids Foundation helps humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the Child Life Community. enCourage Kids Foundation envisions a world where every child—regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.
enCourage Kids has served over one million children and over 300 hospitals across the nation. www.encourage-kids.org
Sustainable Swim Week Brings the Rewired Mind Retreat Eco Consciousness Lounge and Ethical Fashion
By Maya Litovsky
- Miami/FL Sustainable Swim Week, an official Miami Fashion Event, brings ‘Consciousness – Couture & Crypto’ via The Rewired Mind Retreat and Sustainable Fashion Showcases. The event is set to coincide with the 32nd Annual Miami Swim Week from Thursday, July 8 to Sunday, July 11, 2021. In association with AdAvenueGroup – Forbes France and ArtBasil, The Rewired Mind Retreat, Friday July 9 from 8:30am to 5pm is hosting “A Deep Dive into Sustainability” including a full spectrum of solutions; from personal to environmental. The four-day event unspools at the Kimpton Angler’s Hotel, 660 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
- Program for Sustainable Swim Week
- RSVP – www.therewiredmind.com
- https://fashionweekonline.com/miami/schedule
MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 3, 2021 / Join in Sustainable Swim Week, July 8 – 11, 2021 featuring an immersive showcase designed to re-imagine and re-define fashion today. Panels are set to explore Mindset Re-sets, Eco & Ethical Fashion, Financial Intelligence and Beauty Inside and Out.
Sustainable Swim Week will premiere with a Crypto Cocktail Reception, Model Casting and NFT Art Exhibit on Thursday, July 8 from 5 – 8pm. Guests are invited to make an eco-fashion statement with attire that is revamped, up cycled or re-imagined. Together we can make fashion “circular” while helping solve global challenges like microfibers in our oceans and exploding landfills.
The Rewired Mind Retreat on Friday, July 9 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the Kimpton Angler’s Gallery presided over by Kristen Connell, Founder of The Rewired Mind Retreat . The one day summit is designed to rejuvenate, refresh and reboot. Guests and distinguished panelists are encouraged to immerse themselves in sustainable lifestyle solutions that are equally groundbreaking and transformative while creating new milestones along life’s journey. The day is curated for those seeking a full-spectrum upgrade both inside and out. Distinguished panelists will provide insight, immersive experiences and actionable solutions that are sure to level-up the weeklong string of cocktails and catwalks throughout Miami Beach.
The Keynote Speaker for the event is Forbes Riley, award-winning TV host, author and one of the World’s Leading Health & Wellness experts. She is an inductee of the National Fitness Hall of Fame.
Also sharing their mission are Shannon King -Transcontinental™ Miss Texas USA Universe , Natalie Craig, ‘Walk in Their Shoes’ – a philanthropy empowering high risk children with new attire in collaboration with Under Armour™. Pamela Chanel David , author of “ The Reinvented Life,” empowers all to create their best personal and professional lives. Tiffany Sexton is presiding over the personal empowerment panel. Her mantra is “You can’t change what has happened, but you can create a better future if you choose to via operating as a survivor.”
Shelby Thomas, Co-founder and CEO of the Ocean Rescue Alliance , and 1000 Mermaids, a marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization, brings her passion about preserving our natural ecosystems to Sustainable Swim Week 2021. She is a panelist on the Ocean & Environmental Conservancy focusing on stewardship of our fragile eco system. Financial Intelligence & Crypto Consciousness will be explored with Fletcher Jewett , Robbie Long, Philip Nicozisis, Alejandro Glatt, Juan Carlos Caceres and moderated by Sara Quirconi . Today there are still doubts about the consequences of wide crypto currency adoption. In particular, many skeptics and environmentalists have raised concerns about energy consumption in mining crypto.
The day-long retreat will evolve into an evening rooftop fashion ‘fete’ with sustainable swim and resort wear by Sage Larock, TikiYogi and designers advancing in the Eco Channel challenge. Signature “conscious cocktails” mixed by Frankly Vodka and Rum Barcelo. to Taryn Larock. Sage Larock swimwear is a luxury brand produced ethically in Miami and Los Angeles out of upcycled fishing nets. Also working behind the ‘seams’ is Marisol Rocha with her latest TikiYogi collection, inspired by her stints in Bali and now Biscayne Bay.
An independent activation, Saturday, July 10th will see Tayo Ishola’s ‘Back to Eden’ fashion show elevates small businesses, women in leadership, health and wellness cognoscente. The four woman-owned brands: Eido Swimwear (also the event host), Abacaxi, Jnaba Diallo and Voglia Swimwear will be modeled in the evening showcase.
Annette Bibby Oliver of Dreamhouse MBG direct from Los Angeles and NYC will showcase everything from haute couture to emerging fashion “disruptors”. She is spearheading the much-anticipated Rooftop Grand Finale, ‘One Night in Tangier’ Sunday, July 11 from 6:00pm to 10:30 pm . An inclusive and diverse cast of designers will be basking in the halo effect of Lisa Nicole Collection (BravoTV’s ‘Married to Medicine’) and Alaini Taylor by ‘Murph.’ She launched her career designing for ‘ Beyonce ‘ with Diviant La Vie . Jalu , a debut swim collection by Jose Alexzander , and De La Concepcion , Alister Mekhai Eyewear , Tote N’ Carry will all be taking a turn on the runway.
Alexzander of Jalu is a committed contributor to the pantheon of sustainable and ethical design. His ‘Made in America’ collection is stylish, flattering and uncompromising. He will be joined by up cycled and ocean environmentalists who collectively advocate that “we are each responsible for creating and stewarding a greener planet.” The feel is luxurious belying the fact the fabrics are a magical result of recycled post consumer waste. More than fashion several spokespersons advancing beauty both inside and out will include Lorena Cosentino of Illari Skin, Beverlee Felkner of Beverlee Botanicals and Natalie Reeves of Nutritional Longevity .
“Fashion shows today are so much more than just connecting with retail buyers,” said Annette Biddy Oliver of Dreamhouse MBG , host of Sunday’s, July 11th Roof Top event themed – One Night in Tangier . “They can serve as valuable catalysts for brands by helping assert their place in culture, driving engagement with customers and the press.”
READ MORE about our distinguished panel of Guest speakers and moderators
Adalinda’s , Planet Fashion TV , Swim the Globe , Art Hearts and others are putting a unique spin on ethical fashion that follows the ‘thread’ from manufacturer to distribution and beyond. The entire ‘Sustainable Swim Week’ program is curated to provide an insider’s guide to sustainable well-being on all levels via multi layered upgrades. Sustainable Swim Week and The Rewired Mind Retreat is an engaging experience with meditation, mindset resets, immersive beauty demonstrations and conversations with those at the forefront of sustainable transformation and impeccable taste.
rsvp www.therewiredmind.com or www.artbasil.org
Read More About our distinguished panel of guest speakers: http://artbasil.org/sustainable-swim-week-brings-the-rewired-mind-retreat-eco-consciousness-lounge-and-ethical-fashion-read-more-about-our-distinguished-participants/
Contact:
Cristiane Roget
Sr. Correspondent-
AdAvenueGroup.com/
SOURCE: Ad Avenue Group – Forbes France
enCourage Kids Serving Up Smiles at Ben & Jacks Steakhouse
Michelle Hall Duncan and Ryan Field 
Ryan Field, Michelle Hall Duncan, Howard Cross 
enCourage Kids Foundation Staff and Ryan Field 
Ryan Field 
Ben and Jacks Steakhouse
By Maya Litovsky
Recently, Justin Hartley, NBC This Is Us, took over the web and hosted the enCourage Kids Serving Up Smiles event along with Ryan Field, ABC Sports Anchor, who emceed the event with Michele Hall Duncan live from Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse in NYC. Culinary Chair, Ralph Scamardella, Chef & Partner at TAO Group, Chef John Cleveland – Executive Chef & Owner Post & Beam LA, and Chef Jessica Scott – Corporate Pastry Chef 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, demoed their favorite dishes while guests had the opportunity to hop-in and out of the session rooms. Hartley was joined by musical guest Acute Inflections, Matias Letelier – Illusionist and Katrina “Kat Tat” Jackson – Commercial & Tattoo Artist. Duncan was surrounded by some former great football players such as NY Giants Super Bowl Champions Howard Cross and Luke Petitgout and former NY Jets star Tony Richardson, long-serving supporters of the organization. Guests enjoyed live music, seeing world-class chefs in the Kitchen, mixologists in the Bar, bidding on some great experiences and making memories in the photobooth. DJ Chef hosted the after party where attendees were dancing around their homes and singing along to some of the greatest hits.
“It was exciting to see how the event came together after months of preparation,” said Michele Hall Duncan. “I’m so grateful for the continued support of the sponsors, guests and athletes who continue to support us throughout the year. I look forward to continuing to fulfill our mission in making hospitals a better place to get better.”
The enCourage Kids honored Cory Elbaum (Angelo Gordon)and Rob Turner (Eastdil Secured, LLC) with the Jeffrey Gural Leadership Award. Dr. Kusum Viswanathan (Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center) received the Healthcare Leadership Award. Sponsors included Revel Spirits, GFP Real Estate, Signature Bank, Humana and Feil Family Foundation.
Serving Up Smiles as well as the mission of the organization has been supported by many in Hollywood such as Steve Schirripa, Susan Sarandon, Katie Holmes, Shannon Elizabeth, Suzzanne Douglas and Anne Hathaway as well as professional athletes such as John Starks, Erik Coleman, Charles Oakley, Tony Richardson, Howard Cross, Luke Petitgoutand Zab Juddah, to name a few.
GBK Productions Celebrity Gifting Lounge at the #NYCWFF @GBK-Productions
GBK Productions Celebrating Gifting Lounge was once again the place for celebs and media attending the New York City Wine and Food Festival (NYCWFF) to relax in-between food events, cooking demos, and panels.
During the 2 day event at The Parker Hotel in NYC, dozens of the world’s most famous chefs, celebrities, and more came together to enjoy great food, drinks, and the year’s hottest gifts & trips.
A few of the chefs who attendance included Andrew Zimmerman, Scott Conant, Adam Richman, Alex Brightman, Casey Webb, Michael Lomonaco, Richard Blais, Sarah Steffan, Scott Tacinelli, Angie Rito, Ario Cecchini, Josh Capone, Marc Forgione, and many more. The celeb cities in attendance included Whoopi Goldberg, Melissa Roxburgh & J.R Ramirez from NBC’s Manifest, Sofia Pernas, Erich Bergen from Madam Secretary, Felix Solis from Ozark, Ana Noguiera from Hightown, Lawrence Gillard Jr. from The Deuce and What Not To Wear Host Stacy London.
The travel brands in attendance gifted the celebs and selected press trips by Sailrock Resorts in Turks & Caicos, FitFarm in Tennessee, Raiwasa Private Resort in Fiji, and Palace Resorts in Cancun.
Other brands included Aragon watches, Fortune & Frame Jewelry, Warthers Cutlery, RAK Porcelain, Brachs Candy and Topo Chico Mineral Water who hand delivered cases of water for us to taste. We approve!
Us Weekly’s Most Stylish New Yorkers Event to Honor Fashion’s Fiercest During New York Fashion Week #NYFW
Fashion Week in NYC is a whirlwind of shows, parties, dinner and late night affairs. Attended by fashionistas, celebrities, influencers, models and the media.
Us Weekly held its annual Most Stylish Event for New York Fashion Week at NYC’s brand new Cathedrale at The Moxy East Village. The 15th annual Red Carpet event is a NYFW staple welcoming some of the most fashionable and famous New Yorkers.
This year’s event celebrated 15 icons in the world of Fashion. The list includes Chris Benz, DJ Pamela Tick, Micaela Erlanger, Nam Vo, Violett Beane, Jennifer Fisher, Cara Santana, Cipriana Quann, Sara Haines, La La Anthony, Army Brook Sharp, Lil’ Kim, Deborah Roberts, and Ice-Tea and Coco.
The guests at the soiree enjoyed delicacies created by the Cathedrale kitchen with specialty cocktails and interactive activations by sponsors Biore, Smirnoff and Chapstick.
Celebrities spotted on the red carpet included 13 reasons why actress Amy Hargreaves, Marc John Jeffries of Power, Michelle Collins, Rachel Lindsey of the Bachelorette, Model Ralph Souffrant, Laura Pieri, Eva Gutowski, Designer Jennifer Fisher, Stylist Micaela Erlanger, RHONJ Melissa & Joe Gorda, Margaret Josephs, Jackie Goldschneider, Danielle Staub & Haley Hasselhoff, Antoine Bethea of The New York Giants, Greg Bello, Amy Herman of Million Dollar Listing, Luann De Lesseps, Designer Ramy Brook Sharp, Model Yasmine Petty, Actress Genevieve Angelson, RHOD Cary Deuber, Kary Brittingham, D’Andra Simmons & Cameron Wescott, Mariah Lynn of Love & Hip Hop New York, Actor Andy Carl with wife Orfeh Carl, Nick Young and more…………..
Photos below by Greg Pace:
Hamptons Roundup 7/20/19 Hamptons Happening @WaxmanCancer and South Fork Natural History Museum 30th Anniversary Gala @SOFO
Last weekend a couple of our favorite events of the summer happened in the Hamptons. The 15th Annual” Hamptons Happening” honored luminaries in cuisine and raised over $440,000 to benefit The Samuel Waxman Cancer Foundation.
This year’s theme was “Tour de Cuisine”, guests enjoyed tastings from over 25 food, wine, and spirit purveyors representing some of the favorite culinary destinations around the world. There were delicacies from Columbia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and the United States.
The band, titled Pat Farrell and The Cold Spring Harbor Band did a Billy Joel Tribute Show that rocked and had guests dancing in the big tent.
The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) 30th Anniversary Gala Celebrated the Wonder of The Wild, Marking 30 Years of Nature, Education & Exploration Empowering Families to become responsible Stewards of our Planet.
The evening began with a VIP cocktail party on the lawn featuring acclaimed chefs from The Bell & Anchor, Bostwicks Clambakes & Catering, Calissa Hamptons, Canal Cafe, Centro, East Hampton Grill, Grace & Grit, Montauk Shellfish Company, Page at 63 Main, Saaz Restaurant and the Southampton Social Club.
A buffet dinner catered by Elegant Affairs followed under the tent with an honoree presentation and a live auction featuring once in a lifetime trips to Belize and Madagascar, private dinners donated by Elegant Affairs, a yacht outing provided by Charles Charters and a stay at Villa Bella Vita in Turks & Caicos, and a shark tagging expedition in Nantucket with the at-sea lab MV OCEARCH.
Rolls Royce offered test drives to all the guests of their newest and most luxurious vehicles.
Taste Of The Upper West Side 2019 @TasteUWS #TasteofTheUpperWestSide
The Taste of The Upper West Side is a 2 night affair starting with “Summer In The City” on Friday night. Several restaurants made their Taste of UWS debut with tastings from Fish on The Fly, Friedman’s Restaurant, Melba’s Restaurant, Big Gay Ice Cream, Miznon, Mokum, Mojo Desserts, Solomon & Kuff and Tacombi Upper West Side. Event favorites such as 5 Napkin Burger, Shake Shack, Bodrum, Gabriela’s Restaurant & Kitchen, Playa Betty’s, Olma Restaurant & Bar, Sarabeth’s and much more offered their popular dishes and guests were treated to signature cocktails, beers, wines, and desserts.
The main event is Saturday Night’s “Best of The West”. The event began with an hour long VIP hour for guests to sample the elevated cuisine in a quieter more exclusive environment. Some of the restaurants present were Elea, Tavern on The Green, Lincoln Center Kitchen, RedFarm, Calle Ocho, The Mermaid Inn, Shake Shack, Boulevard Seafood Company, Burke & Wills, Carmine’s, Magnolia Bakery, Orwashers Bakery, and Insomnia Cookies. There was a dedicated mixology section sponsored by Park West Village Apartments, where one of a kind craft cocktails were created by 67 Orange Street, Da Capo, Manhattan Cricket Club, Maison Pickle, Nobody Told Me Cocktail Club, Tiki Chick, and Tito’s Vodka.
Project Orange Music provided the musical entertainment and had guests dancing to their tunes, much needed to burn off all that yummy
Russian Samovar: Authentic Russian Cuisine in the heart of The Theatre District #RussianSamovar @RussianSamovar
For over 30 years Russian Samovar has been a celebrity hangout for drinks, authentic russian food, and music in the theatre district. Founded in 1986 by Roman Kaplan and later joined by ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and nobel award winning poet Joseph Brodsky.
The decor has remained the same as when it was Jilly’s Canteen, owned by a pal of Frank Sinatra Jilly Rizzo. The red banquettes remain as well as the bar and Baryshnikov’s own baby grand piano which is used daily by performers and guests.
The cuisine is authentic Russian with lots of caviar options. We started with the fish platter served with blini or potatoes, followed by Siberian Pelmeni (Dumplings) served with sour cream on the side.
For the main course I chose the favorite dish of the house, Chicken Kiev. The chicken was tender and buttery served with creamy mashed potatoes. My guest chose the most classic dish of all Beef Stroganoff, lean tenderloin, sautéed mushrooms in a mushroom cream sauce, served with egg noodles.
Napolean
One of my favorite Russian desserts, me being of Russian decent is the Napolean. A light and flaky pastry cake with bavarian vanilla cream filling. We recommend this dessert to top of the meal!
There is a wide selection of specialty cocktails, lots of them are vodka based, as expected as well as a large selection of infused vodkas to sample.
Every monday evening there is a live show, performances vary, ours was in Russian so check ahead of time to choose a performance you prefer. There is a three course pre-fix menu ($45), tax and tip not included as well as an a la carte menu.
Russian Samovar is located at 256 west 52nd street New York, NY 10019 (212) 757- 0168 russiansamovar.com
Zavo, A Chic Mediterranean Restaurant On The Upper East Side is more than just dinner! #ZavoNYC @ZavoNYC
There are a million eateries in NYC so when looking for a memorable evening or special occasion we look for something that stands out. Zavo on the upper east side does just that. Offering fine Mediterranean fare and cocktails with warm friendly service, Saturday night showtime with a pre-fixe dinner menu is what makes Zavo a must visit.
The rotating show schedule includes Venetian Mystery Night and 1000 Nights, however the newest show premiering January 17th, is titled “Middle East meets Venice”, a mixture of both shows. Buy tickets here: Showtime 1/17. The evening includes a three course meal see ( menu ) and the show, beverages, tips, and tax not included. The menu includes classic favorites prepared with attention and detail including Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Tuna Tartare, Crispy Calamari, Black Sea Bass Fillet, Filet Mignon and to top off the meal Creme Brûlée and Apple Pistachio.
The ambience is upscale with well dressed patrons looking to have a good time and celebrate. Zavo is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or a just fun night with friends. Come checkout out this new show experience on January 17th.
Zavo is located at 1011 third ave between 60th and 61st street. New York, NY (212) 753-5500 www.zavonyc.com
GBK NYC Wine & Food Festival Official Thank You Lounge #gbkproductions #gbknycwff @GBK_Productions
Photos courtesy GBK Productions
The annual NYC Wine & Food festival is the largest gathering of the nations top chefs, wine & spirits purveyors and personalities in the culinary arts. GBK productions has hosted VIP backstage lounges for major events for years including the Grammy’s, Emmy’s and New York Fashion Week and is the official backstage host here at the two day festival.
A host of brands engage with celebrities, media, and influencers gifting them an array of products ranging from countertop ovens to luxury all inclusive vacations in the caribbean. Offering a relaxing respite from two days of networking the lounge offers snacks and drinks and even a trial run in the Kahuna chair, as seen above with Neil Patrick Harris.
Brand Sponsors included: Brava, Christofle Silver, John Boos & Co, Kahuna Chair, Loacker, Pinnertest, Porto Vino, Spindrfit, Prospek Glasses, The Cup Bearer, Power Air Fryer by Tristar Products, VinGarde Valise, and Warther Cutlery.
Palace Resorts gifted a 4 day 3 night stay at the luxury all inclusive Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios or the Moon Palace in Cancun. La Corte Dell’ Astore Resort in the heart of Selva di Fasano, Italy gifted a $4500 3 night stay in a luxury suite, paragliding and sailboat experience. Anticalma in Puglia, Italy also gifted a 3 night stay with dinner,considered by many to be the finest dining experience in the area.
The Sofitel Tony Awards Suite and VIP experience: Bucket list worthy for a true Tony’s fan.
The Sofitel in NYC is located in the heart of midtown only steps away from where the Tony awards are presented every June. Known as the official hotel of the Tony’s, the week leading up to the awards show, there is a whirlwind of events the hotel hosts from nominee lunches to evening cocktail parties.
For a true VIP experience the hotel offers the $100k Tony Awards package where you will feel like a celebrity in your own right. This package includes 7 nights in a gorgeously appointed suite with of course official Tony’s memorabilia, two VIP tickets to the Tony Awards at Radio City Hall, Styling by Christian Siriano, Hair & Makeup by Nomi Beauty, After Party tickets, and two tickets to any three of the nominated plays. Sofitel also donates $50,000 to the Broadway League and The American Theatre wing when this package is purchased.
The suite is tastefully decorated with loads of curated Tony’s memorabilia with most glorious being the 600 square foot terrace with a view of the Chrysler Building. The terrace is big enough to host your own Tony’s soiree. The suite is available year round for about 2K a night.
Every Tony’s aficionado must eat, so a meal or two in Sofitel’s french brasserie Gaby is a must. The french staff is very outgoing and knowledgable about the dishes served. Our favorites during the Sunday brunch were the homemade croissants and pastries, the authentic french onion soup and the classic eggs benedict. The Steak & Eggs looked delicious, a few neighboring guests were enjoying them. A full cocktail and wine list is available.
For more info on Sofitel New York (45 west 44th street New York, NY 10036) visit sofitel-new-york.com
Delmonico’s 150th Anniversary Ladies Luncheon @DelmonicosNYC
On Friday April 20th Delmonico’s Restaurant in downtown Manhattan celebrated 150 years of hosting a ladies only luncheon, comprised of 150 female leaders in business, media, food, and the arts. Delmonico’s was the first restaurant in the United States to serve women independently of men.
Chef Gabrielle Hamilton of PRUNE , a three time James Beard award winner headlined the luncheon exactly 150 years to the date in 1868, that celebrated this victory.
The original menu has similarities to the current one offered last week at the luncheon and can be seen here: original luncheon menu. Our luncheon menu which is still available for lunch & dinner until the 28th started with Trout Roe and Shaved Radish, followed by Malakoff. Entree choices were Colorado Lamb Loin Chop or Cold Poached Mackerel. Dessert was a creamy bruleed rice pudding with strawberry merengue.
Delmonico’s is an iconic New York institution that helped pave the way and remains diligent in maintaining this tradition. A must visit for a special dining experience.
Amparo, The Story of Havana Club Rum @RealHavanaClub #TheAmparoExperience #forevercuban
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 03: The guava daqueri on display at an immersive theatrical experience “Amparo” presented by HAVANA CLUB Rum on April 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Havana Club)
A decades long battle over ownership rights to rum brand Havana Club has been recreated in Theatrical form and titled “Amparo”. A combination of storytelling, song, dance and live music. Bacardi goes the distance to explain why they are the true owners of the brand.
An immersive and interactive experience at Bill’s Townhouse in New York City, created by liquor giant Bacardi, takes the crowd through 1950’s pre-revolutionary Cuba, telling the story of the Arechabala’s family to the United States after the communist Cuban government took control of their company.
Roberto Ramirez, marketing director at Bacardi, believes the best way to convince consumers that they are in fact the authentic Havana Club, is through characters who showcase the journey.
Bacardi purchased the original recipe for the rum from the Arechabala family in 1994, However, Pernod Ricard too sells Havana Club and claims they are in fact the authentic version as it is distilled in Cuba and owns the company’s trademark. This marketing campaign by Bacardi began in Miami, came to New York, and will continue to other cities nationwide later this year.
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring cocktails made with dark and light rums.
We were all given different color keys and divided into groups. These keys led us to veiled spirits meant to be unveiled with shots of Havana Club rum. Every group explored a different facet of the Arechabala family’s journey and struggle in communist cuba and their eventual exile to the United States.
- Havana Club Anejo Blanco is distilled and aged for 1 year in oak barrels in Puerto Rico, blended then aged for a few more months. It is a medium bodied rum perfect for cocktail making.
- Havana Club Anejo Clásico is distilled and aged for 1 to 3 years then blended and aged some more. Can be mixed in cocktails yet smooth enough to drink neat or on the rocks.
FashionsWeek: Beauty, Fashion, Travel, Tech & Dining By Maya Litovsky 