Archive for January, 2012

POSTED: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 1:59 pm

Super Bowl Sunday Funday!

If you’re staying with us at Distrikt this Sunday, February 5th, you’ll be part of the Super Bowl madness! Here are some nearby ideas for your Super Bowl Sunday:

 

Times Square will have a gigantic TV screen just like they did with the Championship Game two weeks ago; if the weather is not too brisk, this might be a fun option.

 

Bowlmor Lanes will be offering an open bar & food package, with food by David Burke. Reservation is required at 212-680-0252. Location: 222 W 44th St (between Shubert Aly & 8th Ave). http://www.bowlmor.com/timessquare/home.php

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Hospitality is a popular Justin Timberlake-owned restaurant 5 blocks away from Distrikt. Starting 6:30PM, you can catch the game on 8 HD TVS and 2 Large Projection Screens. $100 per person includes top shelf open bar from kick off till game end + Family Style Dinner + Guaranteed seating (Plus tax & gratuity). Free Big Blue Shots Every Time The Giants Score, and Free Big Blue Shots when you wear your Giants Gear! Location: 645 9th Avenue (Corner of 45th Street), 212-265-1000. http://southernhospitalitybbq.com/hk/

 

 

Park Avenue Tavern is the first restaurant in NYC to offer self-serve tap system! They have 5 flat-screen TVs that will play the game. Tables may be booked up at this point, but you can definitely walk in and hang out at the bar! Location: 99 Park Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets, 212-867-4484. http://www.parkavenuetavernnyc.com/

 


 

Social is offering a pretty cool event. Premium open bar from kickoff to end of game, passed hors d’oeuvres, full buffet, Super Bowl prizes, Meet & greet with autographs & memorabilia from NY Giant greats. Official tailgate party: 4:30pm – 6:30pm (with $3.50 Bud, Bud Light & Coors Light bottles, $4.50 well drinks, $15 and $2 sliders) Location: 795 Eighth Ave. (between 48th & 49th St.), 212-459-0643. http://www.socialbarnyc.com/

 

 

 

and so is Latitude. They’re accepting private and public reservations. They’ll be offering drink specials, a special football menu, prizes & giveaways, and they’ll show the game with sound on over 20 plasma TVs. Location: 783 Eighth Ave. (between 47th & 48th St.), 212-245-3034. http://www.latitudebarnyc.com/

 

 

Croton Reservoir Tavern also hosts a Super Bowl Party with no admission, serving food and drink specials. Location: 108 West 40th Street (between Broadway and 6th Ave.), 212-997-6835. http://www.crotonnyc.com/

Posted in If you're visiting in February... | No Comments »

POSTED: Thursday, January 19, 2012 9:46 am

Film Society of Lincoln Center

The Film Society of Lincoln Center, home of the prestigious annual New York Film Festival, has brought many innovative films of both American and international background. I’ve always loved visiting Lincoln Center for its serene and fantastic architecture and their utmost support of the arts, in any shape and form. This year I visited the Jewish Film Festival, which the Film Society sponsors and presents in collaboration with the Jewish Museum of New York.  I come from a Jewish background, went on a Birthright Trip (complimentary trip to Israel geared towards American-Jewish youths), and was very proud to see these films, but of course the themes were very universal.

Here are the two fantastic documentaries I saw:

Torn: http://www.filmlinc.com/films/on-sale/torn

400 Miles to Freedom: http://www.filmlinc.com/films/on-sale/400-miles-to-freedom

 

Torn tells the story of Romuald Waszkinel, who over a decade after he’s ordained as a Catholic priest, discovers he was in reality born to Jewish parents who left him with a Catholic family for his safety during the emergence of the Holocaust. Now, in his 60′s, can Romuald find and accept his Jewish identity by relocating to a religious kibbutz in Israel, or rather, can Israel and Judaism accept him?

400 Miles to Freedom is the story of Avishai Yeganyahu Mekonen who grows up in a small, clandestine Jewish community in Ethiopia, where Islam is the primary religion practiced. His family escapes by foot and begins their journey to faraway Jerusalem. On their way Avishai, then 9 years old, experiences psychological and physical damage when he is kidnapped in Sudan. He is safely returned to the family eventually, however when they finally reach Israel, the life of their dreams is not exactly how they expected it to be. This documentary follows the lives of not only Avishai but all of those of the Jewish faith who is or was not easily accepted due to, mainly, the color of their skin.

 

Both the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Jewish Museum offer fantastic events and exhibitions throughout the year, so make sure to check them out when you’re in New York!!

 

 

5:15PM: Hopping on the A or C train from Distrikt! A quick 10-minute trip total to Columbus Circle.

Columbus Circle's beautiful holiday decorations!

 

5:30PM: Walking hastily over to Lincoln Center! I see the Empire Hotel! They have a great rooftop bar.

The clock across from Lincoln Center and the large, red Empire Hotel sign on their rooftop!

 

5:40PM: I have a few minutes until I have to get to the theater. Strolling around Lincoln Center!

The recently renovated Alice Tully Hall. Downstairs is a mini-concert hall and restaurant, and upstairs is a dance studio!

Another shot of Alice Tully Hall.

 

Side steps to Avery Fisher Hall

 

The steps leading to Metropolitan Opera House say "Welcome" in many different languages! They light up individually; very pretty!

 

5:45PM: I found the theater! The very newly constructed Francesca Beale Theater flaunts a chic, modern design, with a fabulous restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs, and a cafe and movie theater downstairs.

Found it! What a pretty movie theater with a restaurant on top! Walking over to get my ticket.

 

… Two hours later! 8:30PM! They were fantastic documentaries!

Filmmakers of 400 Miles to Freedom, Avishai Yeganyahu Mekonen and wife Shari, speaking to audience members after the film

 

Going home. See you next time, Lincoln Center!

Lincoln Center: Metropolitan Opera House

 

Good night, Lincoln Center!

Posted in What We're Doing | No Comments »

POSTED: Monday, January 16, 2012 1:49 pm

Where to dine on Valentine’s!

Did you catch that rhyme? Anyway, to spend time with your beloved this coming Valentine’s Day, here are some great restaurants that are offering Valentine’s Day Specials from February 10th through the 14th (dates vary depending on the restaurant). Some restaurants will be offering their regular menu as well. Our concierges will help you to make reservations so feel free to approach them! We simply could not list the dozens of wonderful restaurants, so for a full listing (or if you wish to go ahead and reserve a table on your own), we recommend the following site: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=8&ref=2138&pid=102 

 

Gramercy/Flatiron

ilili (236 5th Ave, between 27th St & 28th St) is a very popular Mediterranean restaurant located by Madison Square Park. For V-Day they’re offering a 5 Course Prix Fixe Dinner with a complimentary glass of La Caravelle Rose Champagne $80 excluding tax and gratuity.

 

 

Mesa Grill (102 5th Ave, between 17th St & 15th St) This Bobby Flay restaurant will be offering a pre-fixe menu created by him.


 

Primehouse New York (381 Park Ave, between 26th St & 27th St) This fantastic steakhouse will be offering a Chateau Briand for two and other menu specials this Valentine’s Day in addition to their regular offerings. 

 

Midtown West

A Voce (10 Columbus Cir 3rd Fl, between 59th St & 9th Ave) dons large windows that overlook Central Park. They will be offering a 4-course menu at $95 per person. 

 

Maze by Gordon Ramsay (The London Hotel, 151 W 54th Street) is renowned for their contemporary French fare. They will offer a 5 course Prix Fixe Menu at $125 pp, complete with a Red Rose for the lady. Dinner from 5 PM to 10 PM.

 

 

Times Square/Theater District

Blue Fin (1567 Broadway) is a beautiful seafood restaurant in the heart of Times Square. They’ll be offering a romantic-inspired dishes for the evening like “Joyeux Kiss Oyster Rockefeller,” in addition to their regular menus. 

 

East Village

Kajitsu (414 E 9th St, between 1st Ave & Avenue A) means a “day of celebration” in Japanese. If you want to try something a little different, this gorgeous Japanese restaurant will do the trick, as they serve a 9-course dinner at $80.  

Tribeca

Blaue Gans (139 Duane St, between Church St & Broadway) is a very cute and cozy Austrian/German restaurant minutes away from City Hall, Ground Zero, and Brooklyn Bridge. They’ll be offering a special and romantic 3 course dinner on Valentine’s Day for $65 per person. $35 for additional wine pairing. No a la carte available. Live piano music!!

 

Sarabeth’s Tribeca (339 Greenwich St, between Jay St & Harrison St) is a sister restaurant of the famed Sarabeth’s Uptown and Central Park South. Best known for their fabulous American menu, they’ll be offering a romantic $39 prix-fixe Valentine’s Dinner, including Caviar and Uni, Grilled Venison, Lobster and Truffle Cake.   

 

Meatpacking District

5 Ninth (5 9th Ave between Little W 12th St & 13th St) is a very cozy American restaurant situated in a townhouse with a warm & romantic atmosphere.  A $69/person 3 Course Dinner Menu will be served 5:30pm-11:00pm.

 

Spice Market (403 W 13th St, between 9th Ave & Washington St) Tantalize your senses with the Southeast Asian inspired cuisine of celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Choose from a $66 Prix Fixe menu or classic a la carte offerings.

 

Union Square

Blue Water Grill (31 Union Sq W between 16th St & 17th St) is a beautiful seafood restaurant in the heart of Union Square in downtown Manhattan. They’re offering a “Between the Chocolate Sheets” dessert as well as other special dishes and their regular menu.


 

 

 

 

Upper West Side

Ocean Grill (384 Columbus Ave, between 77th St & 78th St) is located right by the Museum of Natural History. They’re offering V-Day inspired dishes like “Sweet Hearts Salad”! 
 

 

Upper East Side

Cafe Boulud (20 E 76th St, between 5th Ave & Madison Ave) by renowned Daniel Boulud is right next to Central Park and by most Fifth Avenue museums such as the Metropolitan and the Whitney. They’re offering a special V-Day 4-course menu at $195, with an option of $95 for Wine Pairing.

Posted in If you're visiting in February..., Places We Eat and Drink | No Comments »

POSTED: Sunday, January 15, 2012 8:55 am

My New York: East Village!

Hi, Anna here! I’ve spent the majority of my adolescent years on the Upper East Side where my parents reside (more about that neighborhood another time!). When I was ready to leave the nest, I apartment-hopped for a few years just like a good New Yorker, and finally settled in my current neighborhood of East Village, where I’ve been for about three years now. The East Village is filled with diversity and young, creative types; it’s the perfect neighborhood for me. Here’s a sampling of some of the cafes and restaurants that I love and walk by everyday. If you want the address, simply place your cursor on the photo. And more recommendations follow the photos!     
Simply incredible (artichoke) pizza!!!
 

This cute restaurant offers a heated back garden!!

 

This theater/performance space geared towards new and alternative works has brought incredibly compelling works of art to the East Village.

 

The amazing interior of this kitchy diner will keep you entertained for hours!

 

This book store is a wonderful spot for rare books of philosophy, math, photography, etc.

 

This vegan cafe caters to all my vegetarian needs! It is on 8th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A.

 

Very fun low-key bar!!

Some more recommendations not pictured here:

Caracas Arepa Bar (93 East 7th Street): Simply incredible arepas with dozens of toppings!! (An arepa is a South American corn pancake) A tiny restaurant so expect some wait.

Cafe Orlin (41 St. Marks Place, 8th Street): I frequent this cafe because of their great cozy atmosphere and great outdoor seating in the summer! I can bring my dog!

Viniero’s Italian Bakery (342 East 11th Street): This old-fashioned cafe has been in business since 1894! Try their eclair and latte!

OST Cafe (441 East 12th Street): This bright cafe offers lots of comfy couches and books. Perfect place to relax and grab a cup of coffee or tea.

Angelica Kitchen (300 East 12th Street): Another great vegan restaurant. Their decor makes you feel like you’re in a log cabin in the middle of Colorado!

Posted in My NYC | 2 Comments »