Macao-Style New Year’s Eve Party!

The Macao Trading Co. in Tribeca (picture via Gothamist)

Spend New Years Eve in Tribeca at a lavish party evoking the feeling of the red light district of the 1930′s… AND there’s no cover! The Macao Trading Company is hosting a celebration with two DJ’s, a burlesque performance, and a Chinese-Portugese menu. The restaurants serves some of the funkiest cocktails in the city, like the Esmerelda, muddled honeydew and minced ginger shaken with Armazem Esmeralda Cahcaca, Luxardo Maraschino liquer and lime juice. For something spicy yet sweet, try the Drunken Dragon’s Milk, Charbay Green Tea Vodka shaken with young coconut puree, Thai basil, and Macao five Spice Bitters. The menu includes Spicy Shanghai Noodles and Chinese or Portuguese style prawns, chicken, and fish. The party starts at 11pm at 311 Church Street, and keep an eye out for a new Macao-owned restaurant in Brooklyn at recently leased space 145 Borinquen Place.

-Caitlin

Petite Pomme Opens in Tribeca

Sophie the Giraffe, just one of the popular toys at Pomme.

Ultra-cute children’s shop Pomme expanded from its original location in Dumbo to Tribeca. The new store, Petite Pomme concentrates on babies and parents-to-be rather than older kids. Mixing classic and modern styles, new and vintage, imported and Brooklyn-made, Pomme brings a unique collection of child-devoted goods. The Brooklyn-based shop not only sells toys, but also decor and accessories. Have a newborn in your life? Visit Petite Pomme and purchase a baby play blanket, newborn kimono jacket, or an insect mobile. The new shop is located at 186 Duane Street, not far from space for lease 50 Hudson Street and another fabulous kid’s store PB & Caviar.

-Caitlin

The Best in the West

Edon Manor, selected as one of the best boutiques in the West Village

Fashion website Refinery 29 chose their favorite boutiques in the West Village and Tribeca, and I like how they think! With boutiques near Besen Retail spaces for lease (and leased) your shop could be a part of the “Best of the West” club. Take a look at some of their choices:

Rag & Bone 104 Christopher Street between Bleecker and Bedford

One of Retail Specialist Elliott Dweck’s favorites, Rag & Bone has simple yet chic styles for both men and women. Their pieces are classic and well-made, with a great selection of high quality denim. The shop is in one of the busiest neighborhoods of the West Village, not far from recently leased space 11 Christopher Street.

Darling Boutique 1 Horatio Street

Filled with top designers like Yumi Kim, Quail, Max & Cleo, as well as their own label, Darling Boutique has a romantic and feminine style. It’s the perfect place to find a dress for a special occasion. The shop also has a quiet garden in the back for shoppers to take a break from the bustle of the city. Nearby is space for lease 24 Horatio Street, which is also a nice spot for a boutique.

Albertine 13 Christopher Street

With Victorian inspired decor, Albertine sits right next to leased space 11 Christopher Street. The shop has a comfortable feeling, with a friendly staff, soft couches, and a collection of vintage jewelry and leather boots. The owner Kyung Lee, tries to choose smaller, unique labels, making it a spot for shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind wardrobe.

Edon Manor, 391 Greenwich Street

A cross between a country manor and a glamorous Victorian dressing room, Edon Manor is filled with rare books and custom made velvet furniture. The store sells clothing, shoes, and accessories with brands like Givenchy and Alaia. One of their most impressive features may be their shoe selection, carrying designers like Valentino, Moschino, Chloe, and Vivienne Westwood. The store is nearby space for lease 50 Hudson Street.

For the complete list, visit the Refinery 29 website here.

-Caitlin

Mediterranean Restaurant to Open in Williamsburg

145 Borinquen Place, the new home to a Macao-owned restaurant

Macao Trading Company, one of Tribeca’s hottest restaurants, will have a sister  in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  The restaurant’s owners signed a deal with Besen Retail to open a new Mediterranean themed restaurant at 145 Borinquen Place. The eatery hopes to open within four months in a triangle layout building, similar to the Flatiron Building, with a fabulous outdoor seating opportunity. The Macao owners love Williamsburg, as they live in the area, and they like the rich development of the neighborhood.

A space adjacent to the restaurant is also available for lease. With 35 feet of frontage. the spot is only two stops from Manhattan, near the Lorimer Street station. Besen Retail Specialist Murray Doueck who represented the tenant of the Macao deal said that the open spot ”is perfect for a coffee shop.” Interested in opening your retail next to the new restaurant? Call 212-213-6480 for more information.

-Caitlin

Iron Chef Back in Tribeca

Iron Chef Morimoto

Need another reason to love Tribeca? Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto does! After leaving his position as head chef at world-renowned restaurant Nobu to be a Food Network star, Morimoto is coming back to Tribeca. He has his sights set on Church Street to open up his second restaurant, not far from featured space for lease 50 Hudson street. While the dishes at his 10th Avenue restaurant can be up to $80, Morimoto plans to make his new project a more “low-key” blend of Traditional modern Japanese dishes with native meals from around the world, with the highest priced item at $24. Morimoto’s business partner Mark Stone told the Tribeca Trib, “It’s a more casual, neighborhood kind of feel.”

The sample menu includes comfort food cuisine like fish and chips, steamed dumplings, homemade bagels, and fried bananas. Because of the few late-night dining options in the downtown area, Morimoto is hoping to keep his eatery open until 4am, but is still awaiting approval from the community board. Morimoto said, “It’s been my dream to open a restaurant in Tribeca. I still have a lot of friends down here.”

-Caitlin

Drink Tribeca

Just when you thought the hottest NYC neighborhood of the moment Tribeca couldn’t get any trendier, it gets its own liquor. Tribeca Light, a ready to pour cocktail in pomegranate, mojito, and margarita flavors, was recently launched by American Vintage Beverage. The drink has half the calories of bar-made cocktails and is mostly aimed at women. American Vintage Beverage has not responded to why they chose Tribeca, or where the beverage can be purchased, but this being the most happening spot in the city right now, it makes sense. Will Tribeca be the only neighborhood with its own branded drink, or will we see others? Perhaps a Flatiron Fizz or Soho Suds? Maybe a Midtown Mug or a Bowery Brew? Only time will tell.

-Caitlin

Take a Ride on the Glambulance.

Wanting to add some spice to your look, but don’t know where to start? MJ Diehl and Roman Milisic (better known as the House of Diehl) will come to your rescue tonight. “The Glambulance with House of Diehl: Recycled Clothes, New Ideas” teaches participants how to look fabulous on a budget. The design duo appeared on Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel, as well as created “Style Wars,” on tour in November.

The DIY fashion lesson will take place at 7:30 pm at 92YTribeca, at 200 Hudson Street, not far from space for lease 50 Hudson Street. For just $12, you get a ticket for some of the most inventive and valuable fashion lessons from expert stylists. Check out the video of House of Diehl’s NYC Style Wars below:

-Caitlin

Tuesday is Waffle Day in Tribeca!

The Wafel & Dinges truck

Food trucks are one of the greatest features of the city. Whether it’s ice cream, falafel, or pizza, cheap eats are available on the street all over New York. A popular treat truck is “Wafels & Dinges,” serving Belgian waffles. But what are dinges? Dinges are the variety of toppings that make a waffle a “wafel.” Bananas, chocolate fudge, maple syrup, and their specialty sauce “speculoos spread” are just a few of the decadent accessories. Ice cream-covered waffles are also available, along with coffee, tea, and Belgian hot cocoa to wash it down.

Tuesday is waffle day in Tribeca! Visit Wafel & Dinges on Hudson Street between W. Houston and King, not far from featured space 50 Hudson Street. For extra free dinges, keep up with their blog and twitter pages for secret passwords and trivia questions. Today’s mysterious message: In honor of fall, get extra dinges for your best “fall.” Cryptic.

-Caitlin

Frying up the hottest food trend

Fried Chicken, trendiest comfort food of the moment

Fried chicken is the trendiest comfort food of the moment, as opposed to hamburgers, which is so last spring, and don’t even get me statred on mac and cheese. Tribeca restaurant Locanda Verde is taking advantage of the fried chicken-following and hosting “Monday Night Fried Chicken.” Chef Andrew Carmellini will be cooking up the poultry, and serving it along with fresh local corn, butter biscuits, collards with honey and pepper vinegar, coleslaw with pickled jalapeno, and chunky tomato, red onion, and cucumber salad. The country-themed meal doesn’t end there. Finish with your choice of pie, a blueberry crumb or a  nectarine plum.

The feast takes place in Locanda Verde’s cozy wood-covered private dining room. Music is another part of the Monday night package, with Brooklyn’s “The Woes” playing a live show. Head down to TriBeCa, not far from space for lease 50 Hudson Street, for this trendy Southern comfort food.

-Caitlin

Five Things to do in TriBeCa this Weekend

Take a trip down to Manhattan’s chicest neighborhood of the moment this weekend!

1. Spot a celebrity at Warren 77. A classy vintage sports bar paying homage to New York Sports History, the space is simple and elegant. A favorite of Josh Hartnett, and models Hilary Rhoda and Lily Donaldson, the bar’s signature cocktails include the “West 12th” (or vodka, fresh mint, cucumber, lemon juice, and club soda) and the “red velvet” (champage, wild berry puree, and lemon juice).

2. Dine at Gwyneth Paltrow’s favorite new restaurant. Daily Candy reports that Paltrow enjoys Roc Restaurant on Duane Street. The New York Press chose it as “Best Tribeca Restaurant,” claiming seafood like the swordfish, calimari, and crab cakes to be their specialty. Enjoy the indoor or outdoor seating.

3. Get a Deal at Housing Works- The largest community based AIDS service organization runs this thrift shop filled with upscale resale. Some of their hot items include Gucci monogram totes for $150, Kate Spade Leather handbags for $60, and an amazing selection of kitchenware and furniture. Their Tribeca location is at 119 Chambers Street.

4. Get a facial at the Tribeca Med Spa. Rid your skin of city germs and grime with these specialty facials that will give you a glow. Options for both men and women, the spa uses a blue light treatment to unglog pores. You will leave the Hudson Street location refreshed and renewed.

5. Check out the featured space, 50 Hudson Street. I know, I know, I had to throw that in there. Space for lease 50 Hudson Street is in a great location, with neighbors like children’s store PB and Caviar and American Apparel. The space is 2,000 SF, perfect for a restaurant, boutique, or yoga studio.

-Caitlin