Veganism Meets Fashion

Musical artist Morrissey, who is collaborating with Stella McCartney

While everyone may be talking about the latest collaboration between Zac Posen  and Target (which I am excited for too!) another design team is in the works, Stella McCartney and British musician Morrissey. According to Ecorazzi, “the latest in green gossip,” the designer and the rock star are partnering to create a new vegan shoe collection.

Both McCartney and Morrissey are vegetarians, as Morrissey put out the 1985 album “Meat is Murder,” favorited by my fellow vegetarian younger sister. Stella has never used leather in any of her designs, since her start 15 years ago. The line is expected to debut next year.

-Caitlin

Take on Trivia Night

Trivia host Crocodile Lounge, where free pizza comes with every drink order (picture via MetroMix)

Do you put your friends and family to shame in Trivial Pursuit? Are you bursting with pent up useless information that you need to get out? Do you like to win free stuff? Then take part in one of these NYC Trivia Nights, a popular trend in bars across the city.

Crocodile Lounge, 325 E. 14th Street, Wednesdays 8:30pm

Free six slice personal pizzas with a drink purchase, skee-ball, and whack-a-gator are some of the perks of this trivia venue. To top it off, if your team wins, you get your bar tab paid for! Be careful, the questions are known to be on the difficult side.

Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street, Mondays 8pm

Entitled “The Big Quiz Thing,” Slipper Room’s trivia night includes easy questions, lots of people, and even the chance to take home $200. Usually a venue for Burlesque dancing, this LES spot is bound to provide a unique Monday night experience.

Johnny Foxes NYC, 1546 2nd Ave, Mondays 8pm

A traditional sports pub, Johnny Foxes has drink specials every night, including the ever-so-classy Bucket of Beer with 12 wings for $19.95 on Mondays. Also on Mondays is “The Big Trivia,” a fast moving, not too difficult competition with free drinks as prizes.

Common Ground, 206 Avenue A, Wednesdays 9pm

The Common Ground boasts deals Monday through Friday like the buy one get one free paninis and appetizers, $5 cosmos and appletinis, and $2 pints of Yuengling and Miller Lite. But what makes the venue even better is their Wednesday trivia nights in their library-esque bar.

-Caitlin

Three Reasons to Love Fulton Street

Shopping on Fulton Street (picture via Downtown Brooklyn Partnership)

1. New Sidewalks

The Fulton Streetscape Project has replaced the once messy sidewalks with new concrete on both sides of Fulton Street from Flatbush Avenue to Boerum Place. Don’t worry, the construction is minimized during shopping hours to avoid hurting local businesses. With only 18 feet left to go, the finishing touches will be completed by the Spring, including street lights, benches, bus shelters, and other streetscape elements. A 17,000 SF public square will also be added, entitled “Albee Square.”

2. Dazzling Holiday Lights

Three breathtaking gateways at the prominent entrances of the Fulton Street shopping district will be installed for the holiday season. The gateways are baseed on designs that the lighting contractor had installed in Italy, making this the first United States installment. On top of the light display, 22 pointsetta holiday streamers will be draped along Fulton Street. The decor is sure to keep the area sparkling through the next few weeks.

3. New Growth

On top of the already prominent businesses like Cookie’s Department Store, Crunch Gym, and Sleepy’s, new national tenants are moving in. Most recently is Arby’s, set to open at 347 Fulton Street in the historic Gage and Tollner Building. The eatery is scheduled to open before the end of the year, and will begin hiring locally.

Want to be a part of the Fulton Street community? Take a look at our space for lease 558 Fulton Street, a 600 SF space plus basement.

-Caitlin

Simits: NYC Breakfast Trend

Crunchy on the outside, and soft and buttery on the inside, simits are rivaling the bagel as the most popular NYC breakfast. Ring-shaped and encrusted in sesame seeds, simits are a traditional Turkish treat. Often served with tea, it’s often compared to a croissant, and can also be topped with cheese and tomato. Simit-carriers in the city include Gulluoglu (an Istanbul pastry bakery) at 982 2nd Ave and Ashley’s Europen Bakery at 96 Chambers Street.

-Caitlin

FINALLY! Dinner Served at the Breslin

The bar at the Breslin

After weeks of suspense and empty promises of a meat and cheese-filled dinner service, The Breslin has finally opened its doors for supper. I suggest you visit the Breslin semi-starving, as the rich menu is bound to keep you stuffed for days. Complete with a snack selection, including items like caramel popcorn, pork fat fried peanuts, and scrumpets with mint vinegar, the menu has meaty entrees like stuffed pig’s foot for two, chargrilled lamb burger with cumin mayo, and braised shin of beef with polenta and black cabbage. The average snack is about $4, small plates $15, and entrees range between $17-$50.

-Caitlin

Union Square Holiday Markets in Full Swing!

 

An overhead view of the Union Square Holiday Market. (picture via Fashion Geek)

After weeks of preparation, the Union Square Holiday Markets opened today at 11am, and will remain open until Wednesday December 24th. The square will be filled with imported and handmade holiday ornaments, decorations, antique prints, fine arts, toys, jewelry, candles, cashmere, and clothing. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the first holiday market, and will include over 100 gift boutiques. Make sure to fill up on the gourmet treats, baked goods, and hot chocolate being served all month long. The market will be open Monday through Friday 11am to 8pm, Saturdays 10am to 8pm, and Sundays 11am to 7pm.

-Caitlin

Ace Hotel Posts Signs with Attitude

The lobby of the Ace Hotel has blown up as one of the hottest hangouts of the moment. With its high ceilings, long tables, and comfy couches,

New sign posted in the Ace Hotel lobby

Stumptown patrons and  MacBook users, can’t help but wander in. The Ace is a weekend destination for fashion designers, models, and actors like Toby McGuire, and is right next to the recently opened  Breslin restaurant. While the waiters of the lobby are not pushing people to order something yet, they have placed small signs around the area that have a little attitude. Will the bar/restaurant/hotel lobby continue to allow the usual crowd, or will it be reserved for hotel guests only?

-Caitlin

 

Elite Bodies Grand Opening!

Personal Trainer J. Ellis Jones has been working hard to create the perfect place to pump up. Jones recently signed a lease with Besen Retail for a space at 226 Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn. He plans to open his doors on December 4th, giving a 10 percent off discount to new members. Looking to get buff before the new year? Jones will form a customized workout with 45-minute increment sessions and a vitamain plan just for you. Jones shared pictures of his brand new space with us, and with his state of the art equipment, it looks great! Make sure to visit his website for contact information.

-Caitlin

Swine Flu-Curing Cocktails

The "Hot Toddy," a traditional flu "curing" cocktail

According to the New York Times, Swine Flu-curing cocktails are being poured in bars all over the city. While many believe in the hot toddy, a warm mixture of whisky, lemon, and honey, Manhattan bars are creating complex concoctions to cure even your most severe symptoms. Try the “Flu Shot,” available at Drop Off Service on Avenue A. The drink consists of garlic-infused honey, jalapeno infused tequila, orance lemon ginger puree, and liquid drops of echinacea. Signe Grant, the owner of Drop Off Service, swears by the Vitamin C and immunity boosting power of the mix.

The Harrison on Greenwich Street is also looking to create an alcoholic cure. Their drink, the Western Smash, includes lemon balm, whiskey, and mint. Not too far away in Chinatown, Apotheke specializes in healthy cocktails with ingredients like tellow Chartreuse,  thyme, lavendar, cinnamon, warm rum, hibiscus, and rosehips.

While some believe in the curing abilities of the cocktails, doctors aren’t so sure. Noting that there may be a placebo effect, a Doctor at the University of Virginia said,”If it makes you feel better, go for it.”

-Caitlin

Thanksgiving in the City

In the city for Thanksgiving dinner, but don’t want to cook? Or maybe your apartment’s kitchen is like mine and is barely large enough to cook a chicken wing, nevermind a full bird. No worries! Plenty of restaurants are doing the cooking, and thanks to New York Magazine, we have a full list of options, but take a look at some of my top picks below.

The Little Owl, 90 Bedford Street, Serving 2-9pm

Traditional Pick: Try the four course tasting menu with wine pairings, including a Riesling roast turkey, gnocchi, sage-buttered chanterelles, and pear-and-pistachio cake.

Unconventional Pick: Shrimp and lobster ravioli with burst tomatoes.

 

Freeman’s, End of Freeman Alley, Serving 3-9:30pm

Tradtional Pick: Roast Turkey and a choice of ginger rum cake or sweet potato pie

Unconventional Pick: An entree of three cheese macaroni, with Bananas Foster topped with Rum Butterscotch for dessert

 

Craft, 43 E. 19th Street near Park Ave South, Serving 2-8pm

Traditional Pick: An Eberley Farms turkey with sausage-raisin-fennel stuffing and spiced pumpkin soup

Unconventional Pick: Arugula and Lemon salad with Wild King Salmon, blueberry jelly doughnuts for dessert

 

Telepan, 72 W. 69th Street, Serving 1-8:30pm

Traditional Pick: Roast pig dressed in maple, collards, and squash and sweet potato pie.

Unconventional Pick: Chickpea pancakes and a pumpkin cheese cake sundae complete with cinnamon caramel sauce and glazed pecans

 

River Cafe, 1 Water Street in Brooklyn, serving 1-8:30pm

Traditional Pick: A country style turkey with stuffing and gravy

Unconventional Pick: “Shellfish Duet,” or shrimp and Maryland style crab cakes with fresh mango and avocado. Finish with a chocolate Brooklyn Bridge.

-Caitlin