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.