National Watermelon Day: Innovative inspiration

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Happy August! I’m excited about this month being packed with exciting celebrations such as National Watermelon Day on August 3. Watermelons are great by themselves as they’re rich with healthy nutrients, but they’re also great to use in recipes! Here are some great reasons to get your watermelon fix on:

1. Beyoncé has her own ‘Watermelon Water’: She partnered with WTRMLN WTR, and launched her own LMN-ade flavor timed to the Lemonade album. The LMN-ade flavor is WTRMLN WTR’s Vitamin C Superstar and is packed with watermelon flesh, watermelon rind and Vitamin C, which supports health and happiness. *Since Beyoncé’s investment into the company, WTRMLN WTR has accomplished to be in over 15,000 stores nationwide and in all 50 states – giving Americans a healthier choice.

2. Watermelons are 92 percent water, making them the perfect refreshers for those hot summer months and they’re ideal hydration solutions.

3. Watermelon is what your skin is craving: Watermelon is packed with antioxidants and free radical–fighting lycopene, meaning the delicious fruit is really good for your skin, too. It also is rich in beta carotene which will give the body protection from UV light this summer!

4. 6 Billion Pounds of Watermelon are Considered ‘Ugly’: Billions of pounds of watermelons go to waste each year in the U.S. simply because they are they are blemished, dented or discolored. Brands like WTRMLN WTR are using these cosmetically challenged watermelons and turning them into health fuel. In 2017 alone, WTRMLN WTR is predicted to save over 50 million melons that would otherwise be discarded.

5. Whole Foods Market wants you to get your Watermelon fix: Whole Foods Market is kicking off a four-day sale on WTRMLN WTR beverages. From August 3 through 6, customers can pick up two bottles of any flavor for $5, and select stores nationwide will be hosting sampling events.

You can also get ready for the big celebration with these amazing recipes provided by WTRMLN Water!

Thai Ginger Coconut Soup
2 Bottles WTRMLN WTR
4 oz Crab or Lobster Meat
10 Cherry Tomatoes
1 Stalk of Lemon Grass
2 Chopped Shallots
1 Tablespoon Chopped Ginger
1 Tablespoon Chopped Garlic
1 Hot Red Thai Chile
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
3 Tablespoons Shredded Coconut
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
Salt to Taste
Seafood Salad Garnish
8 oz Crab or Lobster Meat
2 oz Chopped Cilantro or Thai Basil
1 oz Chopped Chives
1 Tablespoon Aromatic Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Preparation
For the Soup, heat pan with olive oil, and cook ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots until clear. Add tomatoes and Thai Chile, then cook for 35 more minutes on medium heat. Add crab, Lime Juice, Coconut, WTRMLN WTR. Blend thoroughly after removing Lemongrass from the soup. Season to taste with salt.
Strain and garnish with salad, a drizzle of olive oil, and cracked pepper.

Popsicle
2 cups of WTRMLN WTR
1/4 cup of tequila
1/4 cup margarita mix
1 tbsp Tajin
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Directions:
Combine the watermelon juice, tequila, margarita mix and fresh lime juice together into a carafe ( for easy pouring ) and then sprinkled in a bit of Tajin into the bottom of each mold. Note that the Tajin will spread once you start pouring the liquid in the mold so pour oh so slowly!
Freeze overnight for 24 hours and then you’re ready to party. Olé!

WTRMLN Strawberry Chia Smoothie
1 bottle WTRMLN WTR
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ frozen banana
½ cup almond milk
1 TBSP chia seeds

WTRMLN Chai Melon
1 oz brewed chai tea and chilled
2 oz Rye Whiskey
Serve over ice
Top with WTRMLN WTR
Garnish with a dash of bitters
Melonita
1/2 Lime
Several Basil Leaves
1 tsp Coconut Sugar
0.25 oz St. Germain
0.25 oz Cointreau
1.5 oz Blanco Tequila
WTRMLN WTR to top
Salt Mix (2 parts Black Salt, 1 part Lime Zest, 2parts Tajin Spice, 1 part Coconut Sugar)

Preparation
Muddle and strain Lime, Basil, & Coconut Sugar. Salt the rim of a margarita glass, then strain cocktail over ice and garnish with Basil & Lime.

WTRMLN WTR Mule
1 bottle WTRMLN WTR
1.5 fl oz. Vodka
½ fl oz. lime juice
½ cup ginger beer
1 watermelon wedge for garnish
ice cubes

Directions:
Pour WTRMLN WTR, vodka, and lime juice into a mug
Add ice cubes and ginger beer
Stir to combine
Drop a watermelon wedge into the mug for garnish

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

 

Matii Salon: A luxurious venue for hair trends and styling

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I recently stopped by Matii Salon for its grand opening event on Monday, June 26, 2017, celebrating National Beautician’s Day. The salon is located at 875 Third Avenue, on the Mezzanine level in Midtown Manhattan. Bernhards Ziverts, Master Stylist and owner of the salon, shared his perceptions on the latest hair and beauty trends. He also welcomed guests into the beautiful, new salon that is brightly lit, has great decor, and comfortable seating. Bernhards has over 30 years of experience in hairstyling and is an expert when it comes to precision dry haircuts, working with diverse color palettes and assessing hair health.

Matii Salon works with an assorted range of men and women’s hairstyles, offering cuts, blowouts, highlights, and more. It also focuses on hair and scalp health. At the salon’s celebration, guests enjoyed delicious small bites and cocktails created by celebrity Chef Chris Nirschel. They also got to enjoy complimentary hair treatments or blow outs. Guests also had the option of getting their makeup done by Louis Philippe.

Cynthia, one of the salon’s stylists, gave me a blowout and wow, what a delight! She left me with beautiful, bouncy curls and great volume. She used Oribe products and was both super friendly and attentive. Louis did my makeup and I loved the glow that he gave me, making my eyes pop! This salon is an absolute gem with an extraordinary staff and a range of services. Definitely check this gorgeous venue out!

Photo by: Matii Salon

Allora Alto Rooftop: A lounge with charm and creativity

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If you’re looking for an intimate yet energetic rooftop in Midtown, let me suggest Allora Alto, a rooftop lounge at The Bernic Hotel. It just hosted its grand opening a few weeks ago. When you first walk in, you’re greeted by a custom-made L.E.D. light wall created by Dario Gimenez Design that rotates colors. The light is also visible from street level. With views of 47th street, East River, and the surrounding Midtown area, the space is breathtaking. The lounge has banquette seating, a copper front bar and an 18-foot equestrian mural painted by artist Zach Hodges.

Allora Alto Rooftop features an assorted selection of cocktails, wine, and small bites. During the grand 0pening celebration, we enjoyed rosé, Lemon Sorbet Mojito, Grapefruit Gin Sorbet. Small bites included Mozzarella En Carroza, veal meatballs, chicken parm pizza, pizza margarita, and truffle fries. My favorites were the Mozzarella En Carroza and the Chicken Parm Pizza. I love cheese-laden dishes and these were amazing! With a good mix of small bites and cocktails, along with the incredible views, this hotspot is a must-visit!

Summer Fancy Food Show: A journey with gourmet items

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Last month, I attended the 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center. Close to 3,000 exhibitors from all over the world  showcased 180,000 different specialty food and beverage products at the show. This year’s partner country for the show was Turkey. I talked to brand representatives from Dorval, Brookyln Organics, Pirouline, Brent & Sam’s, Goup Premium Food. I also chatted with the teams at Probios, Gerolsteiner, Grupo Valdecuevas, Tomasello Winery, and Dry Sparkling. It was great seeing an assortment of products from Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, Argentina, USA, Brazil, France, and so much more! The show offered 3 days of educational seminars, sampling tables, new product exhibits, and the sofi awards.

I always enjoy attending this trade show because I get to network with friendly, informative people at these incredible brands. It’s always challenging to figure out what part of the exhibition hall to start in since there is so much to choose from. However, it’s an experience unlike any other filled with delicious items! I’m always excited about sampling products that I’ve never tried before. This year, I had the opportunity to try so many products that are new to me. Cheers to another successful and engaging adventure at the Summer Fancy Food Show!

Monarch Rooftop: A foodie and cocktail oasis

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I love a good rooftop in the summertime. So when Monarch Rooftop invited me to check out its new summer menu, I was stoked. The 18th floor-venue is conveniently located on 35th street between 5th and 6th Ave, close to the Empire State Building. It recently revamped its cocktail menu with cool travel-inspired concoctions. They include Ibiza Fizz, a prosecco-based cocktail; the Captain Coconut, a rum-based cocktail; and the Bora Bora, a vodka-based cocktail. The food is also delicious with options such as the Avocado Tartine, the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, and the Mexican Flair (Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Guacamole). Both menus are changed seasonally to keep with the weather’s vibe.

In addition to the cocktail and food selection, views and atmosphere at Monarch Rooftop are incredible. Whether you choose to stay in the indoor lounge or the outdoor patio, you can clearly see the Empire State Building. When the sun’s out and there’s not a cloud in the sky, the view can’t be beat. The venue has comfy couches, beautiful décor both inside and outside, and ample space for hanging out. It’s the perfect place for a private party with friends or a happy hour with co-workers. Definitely check out this summer hotspot!

  

Chandon’s American Summer Fête: Toasting the season

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Recently, Chandon invited me to its American Summer Fête at the Elevated Acre. It was a beautiful setup with assorted activations and lots of sparkling wine of course! We all enjoyed glasses and mini bottles of Limited Edition Brut Classic Summer and Limited Edition Rosé Summer. Plenty of food went around as well that included tacos, empanadas, lobster rolls, burgers, and more. There was also an area displaying vintage photos and a description of Chandon’s history. We all partook in many photo opps both with the beautiful decor and at photo booths.

With the beautiful view and multiple activities, it was definitely an entertaining afternoon. There were large Connect Four games as well as a bean bag toss area. Rebecca Minkoff had a pop-up store selling her handbags. Additionally, DJ May Kwok kept us all dancing with lively DJ sets. For those who wanted to relax a bit more, there were comfy cushions, blankets, and swing chairs to lounge on. Chandon certainly knows how to put on a lively celebration. This one gave us all some inspiring ideas for our own soirees. Cheers to Chandon and to an unforgettable summer!

City Lights Sail on America 2.0: Sailing the city in style

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I love cruising on the Hudson River, especially in Manhattan. My favorite cruising brand is Classic Harbor Line, which offers an assortment of incredible sailing experiences. I went on its City Lights Sail on America 2.0 and enjoyed every minute of it! I saw spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, and Ellis Island. The classic boat itself is a contemporary tribute to the 1851 schooner that won the America’s cup. She’s a beauty at 105 feet long with a strong set of sails. The one hour and forty-five minute journey is incredible!

We started out near Chelsea Piers and worked our way on to the Statue of Liberty. During the trip, we enjoyed a few rounds of champagne, wine, or beer served by friendly and attentive staff members. The best part of the experience is definitely seeing the NY landmarks at night, brightly shining on the Hudson River. It got pretty breezy for the last half of the journey, but the staff was fully prepared with thick, warm blankets. If you’ve never been on a sailing cruise in the city before, I highly recommend the City Lights Sail on America 2.0. You can find upcoming dates and buy tickets here. It’s sure to be a worthwhile, memorable experience!

 

Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe: Creative Italian fare

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A few weeks ago, I attended a media dinner at Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe in the East Village. The restaurant, owned by industry expert Anthony DeGrezia and his fiancée Saje Dyer, features fine Italian fare in an intimate atmosphere. The dishes come from DeGrezia’s family recipes with new names to fit the East Village vibe. A great starting item is Rolling with the Eggplant that’s filled with ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Another one is Grandma’s Lamb Specialty, lamb meatballs served with a mushroom polenta crostini. And, of course, the Caesar Cardini, a fresh take on the Caesar Salad.

For the main entrée, I’m a big fan of the Truffled Money Bags, bag shaped pasted filled with ricotta cheese in a white truffle sauce. This dish is creamy and delicious! Unfortunately, due to my shellfish allergies, I couldn’t taste a few of the dishes. Though I heard that The Crustacean, a lobster and pasta dish, is delightful.

Tableside Italian Shoppe also has an extensive wine list and cocktail selection. My favorite cocktail is the Muddler, which has vodka, lime juice, prosecco, muddled basil, mint, strawberries. It’s very refreshing! Another satiating cocktail is the Marcelene Louise, a vodka and watermelon-based cocktail. The names are quite creative.

Be sure to check out this new gem in the East Village! Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe is at 345 East 6th Street, open Sunday through Wednesday 5:00 – 10:00 PM and Thursday – Saturday 5:00-11:00 PM.

&pizza: A hip kind of culinary and cultural experience

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Recently, &pizza, a Washington-based brand opened its doors in the Flatiron district. I got to check it out in its soft opening period, and wow can I tell you how spectacular it is! The venue features mixed media art installations by local artists and employs NY design materials for a unique, hyperlocal feel. I’m impressed by the notion that it’s more than just a pizza joint; it’s an experience for connecting with the city’s art and culture, the brand’s employees (known as the Tribe), and enjoying great food.

Speaking of amazing food, &pizza definitely knows how to create delicious pizza combinations. With options such as the Moonstruck, a mushroom-based pizza; American Honey, a pepperoni and honey concoction; and Maverick, a meat lovers creation, there’s a rich range of flavors. Or if you want to customize your pizza, from picking the type of dough to the number of toppings, that’s also an option. I love the oblong shape of the pizza- it’s so unique!

There’s also a range of beverages to choose from for an additional unparalleled vibe. They include signature craft fountain selections such as Dark Cherry Cola, Cereal Milk Cream Soda, and signature teas such as Peach Ginger Tea, and Sweet mint Tea. No matter what you order at &pizza, you’re sure to have a delicious, memorable experience!

Millesima: An exquisite fine wine shop with unique variety

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If you’re looking for a unique wine store with an extensive selection of fine wines, I have a great recommendation: Millesima USA. This Upper East Side gem is one of the five largest buyers of Bordeaux Futures and carries a wide selection of large format bottles. Earlier this month, Millesima invited me to its summer wine tasting at Kola House to get a taste of the store’s variety.  Featured wines that evening included: Drappier Brut Nature Rose, Chateau Peyrassol Cotes de Provence, and Alphonse Mellot Edmond Sancerre. Each of the wines carry assorted, beautiful flavors. They’re perfect for summer soirees in the Hamptons as well as to enjoy at home on a daily basis. Here’s a more detailed description for each one:

Drappier: Brut Nature Rose, Champagne – $59.99
– Drappier is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes. This 100% Brut Nature Rose is quite expressive with notes of strawberry and raspberry, and a hint of rose petal. It has a predominantly red palate with citrus notes, mandarin orange and a subtle savory note of white pepper.

Alphonse Mellot: Edmond Sancerre – $84.99
– The Edmond delivers aromas of licorice and fresh cut grass mixed with notes of honey, citrus and brioche. The rich flavors feature lime, vanilla, and limestone accents. After many years in the cellar, this Sancerre will deliver delicate mineral, toasty and buttery notes.

Chateau Peyrassol – $69.99                                                                                                                                                                   – This wine comes from mature, full-bodied grapes that have the signature qualities of the terroir. There are enticing scents of citrus, vine peach, apricot and fine floral notes. It has a delicate, lively, and dense palate that is notable for its balance and full body, punctuated by a long, fruity finish.

Hortense Bernard, GM Millesima USA gave everyone an informative presentation about the brand’s history and portfolio. What a fascinating wine shop! Cheers to Millesima!

Hortense Bernard, GM of Millesima USA (Photo by: Issa PR)

3 wines carried by Millesima

Inside Kola House (Photo by: Issa PR)

 

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