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.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Food Trends in New York 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monkdogz Urban Art gallery opening
Monday, December 15, 2008
Living Italian House Closing House
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.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Quest, Ivanka and Eric Trump event
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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
Monday, December 08, 2008
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
http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/vintage-yves-saint-laurent/
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Labels: Ad hoc store events, Designers and vintage sales, Fashion
Champagne Tuesdays with MCM
Saturday, December 06, 2008
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!
104 Central Park South
59th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)
Friday, December 05, 2008
DETAILS Block Party 2008
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.