Food Trends in New York 2008

2008 is nearly over. A year of events, parties and invitations will come to end giving its place to the new born 2009. With a quick glance at my red 2008 calendar (notebook), I realized that I attended nearly 200 parties and events this year (this number includes gallery openings, store events and product launches, food festivals, lifestyle shows, fashion events, book presentations and a handful of house parties). I, indeed, feel blessed to have witnessed the New York events scene and with no more excuses or delays, I will make a note on the NY food and drink party trends that marked this year.

1. Red and White wine. It is from California, South America or Australia with the exceptional Italian or French, wine drinking is far more popular than beer in the NY party scene. And I am not complaining!

2. Minuscule hamburgers: you will find them in fashion and store parties and event organizers launches. Those mouthwatering bites are my best friends in moments of painful hunger or after excessive alcohol intake. Never undervalue them. They might be small but they are tasty.

3. Yellow cheese: from Parmesan to vintage Parana, yellow cheese is always a must-offer in NYC parties. It's easy to grab, easy to eat and easy to digest (in theory at least) so wherever you go, you will find it. Most of the times in the company of various types of crackers and bread.

4. Minuscule crab cakes. I often feel that they are made for the non-carnivores, those who are vegetarians but they still eat fish. I don't want to repeat myself. See my comments under Minuscule hamburgers. You will get it!

5. Bread sticks. Forget the low carb diets. It seems that bread sticks have become a very popular choice of party attendees. Italian style or just the standard American, you will find them in a number of events. And if you like them, have a bite!

6. Macaroons and mini cupcakes. Macaroons are not everywhere but their presence is significantly increasing. Crusty, creamy and with the almond taste left in the mouth are definitely my favorite "sweet" reward. I can't say the same for cupcakes. They are everywhere (it's New York after all, don't forget it) but the combination of sugar with the fake, colorful whipped cream on top have made them my worst enemy.

7. Champagne. No comments. My favorite. Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot or whatever. French Champagne is here to stay. Indulge with no guilt.

PS: Comments are personal obviously but all of the above are pretty much everywhere based on my blurry and almost thirty pages of food notes from the party scene.

Holiday parties

The Holiday season is here and will stay for the following ten days or so until the new year will enter our life. Party invitations do not show up in my mail box at the same pace they did a few weeks ago, maybe because event organizers and publicists know very well that participants prefer to spend time with family and friends (for the time being at least) or to travel.

So, are there any party trends to follow this season? From what I saw in New York, not really. Canapés and hors d'oeuvres are always popular together with grapes, crackers and cheese, wine and champagne. Champagne and prosecco are offered generously, wherever I go. A way to celebrate the holidays or just a trick of event organizers? From gallery openings, to store shopping evenings to new book launches, the flutes make their presence visible.

I am not complaining. I like champagne. And prosecco. And all the cocktails that come together. Speaking of which, I for the first time tasted the chocolate champagne cocktail, an amazing combination of champagne and Godiva's liqueur. I didn't mind the sweetness. Just excellent!

And despite the "recessionista" party predictions and announcements, I didn't see anything missing. There is plenty of food as always, alcohol, shopping discounts and live music! I would even dare to say that there is more this year than last. An indication indeed of a slowdown economy when event experts do EVERYTHING to convince us to shop? The odds are on their side.

So, just enjoy. Whatever is offered to you for free, embrace it. Maybe it won't be there next year.

Happy holidays! I will be back with some ideas for your house parties soon!

Monkdogz Urban Art gallery opening

Once again, the crazy, funky gallery has an opening. Tomorrow, 12.18 from 6pm at 547W, 27th street.

See you all there!

Living Italian House Closing House

LIVING the Italian House in Soho concludes it's eight-week residency on December 20th, but not before the closing party on December 17th.
The event will take place in the LIVING pop-up shop at 172 Mercer Street from 6-8:30pm. Maybe it's not too late to RSVP at rsvp16@bdeonline.biz. Click on the e-vite for more info.

Quest, Ivanka and Eric Trump event

I had the chance to attend the Quest, Ivanka and Eric Trump cocktail and shopping event last Thursday. It took place at the Ivanka Trump Boutique, with plenty of people, champagne and cocktails, and "smallindulgences". Guests celebrated the season by shopping for a cause: a percentage of all purchases were donated to the Eric Trump Foundation in support of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Here are some photos of the evening!

DWR event tonight

There isn't a more sensible way to kick-start your holiday shopping than an independent gift fair showcasing emerging local designers and their affordable wares. Back by popular demand, ModernMart is returning to DWR Tribeca with 12 young design groups, including two local DWR employees. Go to our Brooklyn-based partner Supermarket (www.supermarkethq.com), the webstop for break out product designers, to register for a surprise raffle to be awarded the night of the event. For even more modern merriment, DWR is featuring its largest gift selection ever with many items priced under $100. The first 100 in the door will receive a complimentary goodie bag (no pushing, please). For stamina, Champagne and chocolates (www.mastbrotherschocolate.com) will be served. Guest designers will accept cash only.

RSVP to tribeca@dwr.com

ModernMart IV: Holiday Gift Fair at DWR

Wednesday, December 10, 7–9pm

124 Hudson St, New York City, NY 10013

Vintage YSL at Housing Works

Housing Works Thrift Shops recently received a generous donation of nearly 500 vintage Yves Saint Laurent pieces from a single donor. This amazing collection—including leather skirts, slinky evening gowns, pinstriped power suits, flirty blouses and elegant coats—will be unveiled in its entirety at a free and open-to-the-pubic cocktail party. All items will be available for purchase at the event. Refreshments to be provided by the Works Catering.

WHERE: Housing Works Thrift Shop at 157 East 23rd St. between Lexington and Third Avenue, 212-529-5955
WHEN: December 11, 6pm to 9pm
CUSTOMER INQUIRIES: 212-529-5955

(The dress in the picture it's a vintage YSL for $150)
http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/vintage-yves-saint-laurent/

Champagne Tuesdays with MCM‏

This week is the kick off for MCM Champagne Tuesdays at The Plaza Retail Collection! Every Tuesday for the next four weeks, MCM invites you to join us for cocktails and shopping.

Customers who purchase during the champagne hour will be gifted with MCM product.

Alain Godon at Galerie Elysees

A world-renowned Contemporary Artist, Alain Godon unveiled his first American exhibit at Galerie Elysees: a portrayal of New York City and its society and culture through painting. Followers of Godon say that he paints life through a child’s eyes and his works are really bright and positive to match this notion. Godon got his start painting chalk art outside of The Louvre in Paris (and was recently offered to do an exhibit there) and has since shown his works around the world in famous art capitals from Bali to Moscow, with most of his works selling before the paint is dry.

Definitely influenced by New York and its architecture, Godon's paintings are vibrant, colorful and, I would dare to say, happy. The show will be on display until January 4th 2009, so you have no excuse to miss it. Take a break from the madness of Christmas shopping and find peace and optimism, not far from Central Park!

Galerie Elysees
104 Central Park South
59th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)

DETAILS Block Party 2008‏

Join DETAILS for a day of shopping, style, music, food, drinks, and entertainment in New York City's Meatpacking District on Saturday, 12.6.

Stop by the Hotel Gansevoort to pick up your Block Party Shopping Guide and experience pop-up shops, interactive displays, prizes, free sampling, and more.

Visit DETAILSInsider.com for additional information.

Sip and Shop with Step up

Space is limited so go to http://www.suwn.org/eventDetails.aspx?d=b228391b-6870-ae58-e568-5b40b9fe280b to register for this shopping event on 12.9.

The stiletto heel glamour and appeal

Bliss Soho event

No RSVP is required. Just go to Bliss Soho and have some fun! Bliss Soho at 568 Broadway, 2nd Floor.

Lord and Taylor shopping evening

On Tuesday, 12.9. from 6pm. RSVP at rsvp@lordandtaylor.com

Instyle and Ann Taylor event

Thursday, 12.4 at 6pm to 8pm.

Ann Taylor store

645 Madison Avenue, NY

Martini Mondays at W New York

Give the gift of shoes: Waste Not-Want Not / Soles4Souls event‏

Click on picture for information. The event will take place on 12.4 at Eneslow, at 470 Park Avenue South @ 32nd Street in Manhattan.

Onishi Gallery‏ Opening reception

Onishi Gallery is proud to present Emi Uchida in a solo show, Trace. In this exhibition, Uchida presents a new body of art in which she builds on the beautiful colors in her former work by adding charcoal lines on top of her colorful oil paintings. Her paintings use fresh and transparent colors echoing watercolor. Her process of laying lines is a way of finding herself through her paintings, which represent both her body and her soul.

Whether Uchida’s charcoal lines are thick, thin, quick, slow, strong or delicate, each stroke makes her aware of the passage of time and the singularity of each moment. Uchida considers her lines a trace of both herself and time; each line on the canvas is different and is impossible to replicate. When Uchida’s lines are piled on each canvas, they merge into one unified plane.

Emi Uchida Trace
December 4 – 23, 2008

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 4, 6-8 pm

Onishi Gallery
521 W 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
T. 212.695.8035
F. 212.695.8036
info@onishigallery.com
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm

11/26 Artcards Announces: pre launch party‏

New York pre launch party

You and your guests are invited to a special pre launch party in New York to celebrate the occasion of the 4th edition of the PooL Art Fair.

Hosted by: Frere Independent High Life NY M The New York Art World Artcards White Box,

Wednesday, November 26, 8pm - midnight

High Bar, 251 West 48th street at 8th avenue

Click to RSVP

http://frereindependent.com/events.php?id=253

Gustorganics

Having lunch at the first USDA Certified Organic restaurant in New York and the nation's first restaurant to use 100% USDA Certified organic ingredients can be a unique experience. Because not only the food but everything is organic, even the waiters uniforms and the paper mats on the tables. The only thing that is not organic is the water which is nonetheless purified through a top-notch purification system that takes out metals and toxins, but retains the good minerals and is offered free to the customers. Food is bought from local producers from the New York area while the restaurant stays open from 8am to midnight.

I tried the Risotto, refreshing and simple, a warm taste in a cold day, made only with mushrooms and parsley. The gluten-free penne with pesto and ricotta cheese was made from rice rather than wheat, another tasty dish with a more alternative approach for demanding dieters. Finally, I tasted the newly made quiche with tomato, mozzarella and basil, extremely light with minimum oils and a thin crust which made it an ideal lunch choice. I couldn't leave without giving a go to the natural fruit blends. I first tried the yellow Suave made with peaches, orange juice, agave and ice and I sipped the Rojo made with strawberries, orange juice, agave and ice, both full with vitamins A, B and fibers. Have a drink like this a day and you won't need supplements again!

While enjoying my green lunch, I noticed that this organic eatery is particularly popular with mothers and toddles due to the natural, organic ingredients and the quiet, relaxing environment. I learned that Gustorganics offers fresh baby meals daily, a nice surprise a mother wouldn't say no to.

Just before leaving the elegant restaurant at the corner of 6th Avenue and 14th Street, and with a final glance at the printed with soy ink brown paper menu, I made a stop at the price list: the experience does not come cheap but with the exceptional quality, the service and the environment, you will break even.

http://www.gustorganics.com/
519 Avenue of the Americas @ 14th street - New York - 212.242.5800

Designers Sale

La Maison Du chocolat opening photos

Have a look at the pictures to witness that good quality chocolate is never out of fashion: Director of Creation and chocolate/pastry chef Gilles Marchal is preparing his gorgeous cups of bittersweet pleasure, guests are waiting to enter the store in Wall Street, and more guests are just enjoying themselves with prosecco, canapés and of course chocolates and macarons!

Well done Maison Du Chocolat! We love you!

Eye On The Strand Photo Contest Party

Eye On The Strand Photo Contest Launch Party,

7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway (at 12th Street) 2nd floor

Art Department (212) 473-1452 FREE

The Strand Bookstore, a New York institution since 1927, has one of the largest, most comprehensive collections of photography books in the world. The Strand has partnered with Aperture and Pratt Institute Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS), to host a photography contest, Eye on the Strand. Amateur and professional photographers alike from all over the world are invited to submit their photo representations of the Strand Bookstore for a chance to win an afternoon with internationally-renowned photographer Mary Ellen Mark, a collection of fifty photobooks published by Aperture, and more. A group exhibit Pratt CCPS Gallery in the summer of 2009 will include all of the winning images.

Aperture, Pratt, and the Strand will host a reception with Aperture photographers at the Strand Bookstore to celebrate their work and launch the contest. Aperture artists scheduled to attend, sign their books, and mingle with fans include Catherine Chalmers, Michal Chelbin, Donna Ferrato, Paul Fusco, Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz, Stephen Shames, and Hank Willis Thomas, among others.

The Eye on the Strand photo contest will run from November 6, 2008, through February 27, 2009.

Click here for more information on Eye On The Strand

Opening of "Askew" at Soho D & H Gallery‏

Opening reception November 20th
7:30 -9pm
bar by Zygo Vodka
Soho D & H Gallery
155 spring st. 4th FL
btwn Wooster & w. Broadway
RSVP: Sohodhgallery@gmail.com

Fiorentina De Basi shows her adoration for street art through mixed media photography. Putting together unlikely images commenting on society through urban goggles if you will. Her works are inspired by other artist she calls revolutionaries, to whom she pays homage in the series. Join us in the opening reception of "ASKEW".

There will be a celebration for her 5 museum tour after the reception at Boucarou where there will be a show of digital projections of her work. Complimentary drinks & Dinner menu available. 10pm, 64 E 1st St (1st & 1st)

Beauty Experience at DEX

Celebrate the Macallan

Celebrate the Macallan
You and a guest are cordially invited to join us for a tasting of the World’s Most Precious Whisky - The Macallan. At this private event, you’ll discover the heritage and traditionof several of The Macallan’s finest single malts. We look forward to sharing an evening with you. Please click below to learn more and find an event in your area.


http://www.celebratethemacallan.com/agecheck/?source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.celebratethemacallan.com%2F

Independent Retail Week ----New York

November 17–23, 2008 invites you to shop, indulge and be pampered.
Some of New York City's best independent stores in fashion, beauty and accessories offer you selected services and products at 20% discount.
- Find the perfect outfit for your office Holiday party
- Pick up cool gifts for friends
- Be beautiful with make-up, hair and massage
- Enjoy cocktails with friends

Go on spoil yourself!
Join us for the Kick Off Party on November 15th 12pm – 5pm
For more information visit http://www.independentretailweek.com/ or contact atorres@nolcha.com

New York Girl Style

Celebrate Star Designer 2008: Dana Maxx‏
November 13th at 7pm

at Nikki Midtown, 151 5oth street

Brooks Brothers event ---New York

La Maison Du chocolate opening --- New York

LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT PARIS
Geoffroy d'Anglejan, President and Chief Executive Officer and
Gilles Marchal, Pâtissier-Chocolatier, Creative Director
request the honor of your company
to the opening of La Maison du Chocolat Wall Street
Wednesday, the 12th of November 2008
From 6:00 to 8:00 PM

La Maison du Chocolat
63 Wall Street
New York City

R.S.V.P.
rsvp@acicognani.com
212-452-1662

Shop for a cause ----New York

Party with NYLON & Burton in NYC

Rizzoli New York reception and book signing

Rizzoli New York and Gagosian Gallery cordially invite you to a cocktail reception and booksigning in honor of CECILY BROWN

When:
Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where
Rizzoli Bookstore, 31 West 57th Street, New York City Between 5th and 6th Avenues

For more information please visit: http://www.gagosian.com/

Tastings New York

Attending the "Tastings" Food Festival this year was a fun event and definitely, particularly delicious. Merged with the Chocolate show and with the not obviously present Tea and Coffee festival (I didn't see any coffee company exhibiting with the exception of the Starbucks energy drink), the tasting experience included salt, sugar, alcohol and also design water (!). I had plenty of samples from New York restaurants, new products, dessert treats, plenty of chocolate and enough wine but here are the "stops" that will remember from this weekend:

- The colorful, veggie chips: amazing taste combined with a colorful presence, excellent for parties as it matches the colors with crispy bites! http://www.terrachips.com/
- The favorite, now, Belgian waffles, Wafels and Dinges, despite the long line (and the rude people waiting), waffles came here and will stay for a while in New York
- Various new nut butters that mix nuts with spices and herbs (like coriander with hazelnut and almond butter from Marilyn's Nut Butters)
- The mini pumpkin cheese cake offered by the Tavern on the Green restaurant, buttery but not fatty, a well-deserved dessert or just a fun bite
- The design water bar (read next posting)

As for the chocolate show, I would make a note for:

- the chocolate dipped chip by Divalicious, an amazing for a first timer taste despite the guarantee for higher cholesterol levels
- a rich but nutty chocolate brand (Berkshire Bark) for those who love nuts and chocolate. Try the Midnight Harvest, a combination of Belgian dark chocolate, roasted almonds and hazelnuts, dried cranberries and fresh orange zest, a Real Poem of taste!
- the arrogant presence of the World Famous Chocolates but without samples (I really wanted to try the famous Callebaut, which actually did during the wine and chocolate pairing seminar).

With my stomach full and my taste satisfied, I have to say that Food Festivals are indeed an invitation for the senses but a challenge for moderation. Despite my good intentions, I can't still manage moderation - maybe this will be my goal for the next Tastings festival. Who knows, I may succeed!

Quantum of Solace event at BoConcept -- New York

BizBash Event Style Expo ----New York

The BizBash Event Style Expo was held yesterday - a big day for event planners, caterers, hotels, and everything else you find in the events management industry. Less crowded than last year but with the same amount of exhibitors, it was another interesting day to report on trends, party concepts and what is the next big thing for an amazing event together with endless tastings and treats.

The very well-known in New York catering companies Abigail Kirsch, The Glazier Group and DownTown Kitchen were giving out mouthwatering canapés and chocolate treats. I will stay on the bean salad in a cup served with a sweet potato cracker offered by the DownTown Kitchen, innovative and tasty! I was surprised to see so many M&S, in various colors and designs, less alcohol and definitely much less chocolate than last year's event. Godiva of course was present with chocolate treats and imposing design.

I was also surprised to see the Cirque du Soleil, one of my favorite spectacles (I watched five of their shows if I remember correctly). So, for your information, you can hire Cirque du Soleil for your private event or your corporate gala! If you can afford it!

On the front of trends, speaker L. Shriftman from Harrison & Shriftman events emphasized "experiential marketing" and less about advertising, creative partnerships (think a large automobile brand matched together with a hotel chain), technology (use blackberries for PR campaigns), conceptual design and the importance of being global for the global clients.

But all does not seem great in the events industry. With the economy going down, corporations and major brands have smaller budgets to use for their events than the previous years so event organizers have to think about the ROI before hand. There is still a large number of events taken place every day, especially in large cities all over the world. They are just different.

I was a bit disappointed with the lack of a press office by the BizBash organizers - for the rest it was a fun afternoon resulting in creative ideas!

Reiss shopping night ----New York

REISS INVITE YOU TO AN EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING AND BEAUTY NIGHT
October 30th 2008, 6-9pm
We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive shopping night at our West Broadway store. Come and enjoy a cocktail whilst you browse our new collection. We will be offering you a 10% discount off all purchases on the night!

Please RSVP: REISSNEWYORK@AOL.COM
REISS 387 WEST BROADWAY SOHO

NEW YORK, NY 10012 TEL: 212.925.5707

Artists Space party for THE THING ---New York

THE THING, a quarterly periodical in the form of an object, was founded by San Francisco based artists Jonn Herschend and Will Rogan. Each year, four artists, writers, musicians or filmmakers are invited to create an everyday object that somehow incorporates text. The object is reproduced and hand wrapped at wrapping parties and then mailed to the homes of subscribers with the help of the United States Postal Service. Each issue is kept a secret from THE THING's subscribers, which now number above 1,000 and are scattered throughout the world. "We are not an edition house," says Herschend. "We consider ourselves to be a true periodical, and are interested in making the process of interacting with these artists, writers and filmmakers a more democratic experience."

Past issues have included contributions from artists Miranda July, Kota Ezawa, Trisha Donelly, Lucy Pullen, and Tucker Nichols. Issues have ranged from pull-down window shades with text silk-screened onto them, to beermats (coasters), to door-stops. Upcoming issues include contributions from the writer Jonathan Lethem, the experimental geographer Trevor Paglen, visual artist Ryan Gander and writer/radio personality Starlee Kine.

Wednesday, October 29th from 6-9PM

After-Office-Hours party for THE THING at Artists Space

Co-Hosted by Printed Matter

The reception is free and open to the public

38 Greene street, 3rd floor, Soho

Beard on Books ----New York

The Beard Foundation presents Greg Patent's book entitled A Baker’s Odyssey.

A Baker's Odyssey is a rich collection of recipes and culinary history, all gleaned from Greg Patent's exhaustive research in the American home kitchens of immigrants from around the world. Through his travels across the country, Patent learned the secrets to traditional baked goods originating from thirty-two different nations. From Scotland and Austria to India and Thailand to Mexico, Norway, and West Africa, the recipes represent the best of each culture's beloved culinary traditions. Patent provides detailed information on the origin of each recipe and its ingredients, and gives a real sense of the cultural heritage behind each dish.

When: Wed, 10.29.2008 at 12:00 PM

Where: The Beard House, 167 W. 12th Street

Beard on Books is an ongoing monthly literary series featuring readings and discussions with some of the food world’s most celebrated authors. Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino waters, illy caffè, and Green & Black’s® Organic Chocolate will be served. Book signing will follow readings and discussions, and books will be available for purchase from Mobile Libris.

MASQUERADE! @ The American Folk Art Museum

MASQUERADE!

Friday, October 24th from 5:30-9pm

The American Folk Art Museum, 45 West 53rd Street

The American Folk Art Museum invites you to a night in celebration of its fall exhibitions, with free admission from 5:30 to 9 PM, four floors of exhibitions, curator-led tours, and live music.

Free Admission Information: Space is limited. To RSVP or for more information, please email folk53@folkartmuseum.org or call 212-977-7170, ext. 329.

For more information, visit www.folkartmuseum.org.

Marcus Goldhaber at Jo Malone ----New York

Last Night, Jo Malone, the British perfumery, hosted a relaxing and indulging evening in anticipation of Marcus Goldhaber’s forthcoming CD, “Take Me Anywhere”. The flagship store, located in the Flatiron building, closed down their shop for the evening for a private party, welcoming guests in for an evening of pampering, fragrance sampling and free flowing champagne. As Marcus Goldhaber & The Jon Davis Trio took the stage, providing soothing jazz music for the eager audience, all-natural dark chocolate macaroons by Holistic Living Now were passed around by the chef. The Jo Malone staff was on site offering fragrance combining tips as well as full hand and arm massages to the guests. Marcus made exclusive advanced copies of his soon-to-be-released album “Take Me Anywhere” available and was signing CDs throughout the evening. Last but not least, event goers departed with a sense of renewal and charming Jo Malone gift bags!

Stay tuned for Marcus’ Official album release party on November 10th!

Godiva Boutique at Rockefeller Center event

Where: Godiva Boutique at Rockefeller Center

When: Tuesday, 10.28.2008, at 6pm to 8pm

RSVP at godiva@godiva.com

Kiku and Cocktails, NY Botanical Garden

Time Out at Avalon Morningside Park