Has the new Gatsby movie (namely, Leo Dicaprio) inspired fantasies of the roarin' twenties? Now you can stay in the art deco Fitzgerald Suite, adorned with historical photographs of Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda. The Plaza has also curated a menu meant to give you a taste of the 1920's, and, naturally, a decadent champagne bar. Get your bubbly at The Rose Club's Gatsby Hour every Wednesday and Thursday with live jazz music for a roarin' good time.
A 45-minute Ancienne Ultimate Age-Delay Facial is the ultimate gift for mom this Mother’s Day. Not because she needs it, of course, but because after the pampering at this boutique spa, she’ll receive the equivalent amount ($125) to in store credit, which she can spend immediately afterward and treat herself to what she really wants.
An amazing breakfast doesn't have to be something you indulge in only on weekends. SCRATCHbread, a rustic, artisinal bakery in Bed-Stuy, serves five-star to-go breakfast options every day of the week, like the Build Your Own Grits, (single $3, double $6), with toppings like charred jalapeno, wood roasted mushrooms, Sicilian salsa verde, kale and dandelion pesto, and soft-boiled eggs.
This Veronique Leroy Bomber Jacket ($1,099) is the ultimate statement piece, combining all our favorite trends into one Spring jacket. Sheer? Check. Embroidery? Check. Leopard print? You know it. You can wear it with denim shorts and your new sneaks or over your favorite colorful print dress.
With rumors about pink slime and slaughterhouse horror stories dominating the news, vegetarianism is becoming more and more appealing. But that would mean giving up bacon. Which is why BK Cured wins a Brooklyn Choice Award, for providing us with delicious and guilt-free all-things-meat.
That means it’s not only healthier than normal granola, it’s also more versatile, perfect for cereal and yogurt as well as salads (or on its own, of course). It comes in delicious flavors like Cranberry Nut Crunch made with kale, dates, almonds, coconut flakes, cranberries, sesame seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon.
Psst…Want to know a secret? That unmarked bar-restaurant on the Bowery is Wise Men, a sexy brand-new bar and restaurant. This sleek and modern bar is an ideal date spot where you’ll you’re your favorite Arcade Fire songs while sipping classic cocktails like the Perfect Rob Roy (Deward, Vermouth, Peychard Bitters, $12). The surprisingly to-die-for menu items: the Pork Chop (with mustard, onions, and peppercorn, $18) and the Broccoli (charred with lemon, olive oil, chili flakes, $8). They will the best pork chop and broccoli you’ve ever had, at the best new hotspot in NoHo.
Every Bloody Mary should be garnished with a fat slab of house-cured bacon.
One of the great things about breakfast is that what should probably be dessert counts as the meal itself. A perfect example is coffee's favorite partner in crime, Dough's donuts. Unlike other doughnuts, these aren't overbearingly sweet. Whether you get the Blood Orange (pictured) or the Dulce de Leche with Toasted Almonds, they're the perfect combination of doughy, sweet, and flavorful.. They're also huge, making one doughnut a sufficient meal for just $2.
Smoked Pork Hash & Poached Egg ($11, pictured), made with house-cured pork with a flavor-packed Carolina-style rub, served with a cherry tomato salad and scallions. Add a personal French Press brought to your table, and you've died and gone to brunch heaven.
When it comes to sunglasses, go big or go home. These French Frieda Cheetah Sunglasses by Illesteva ($260) are no exception. The 50's Havana-inspired frames are the ultimate movie star accessory, a must-have for every Manhattan fashionista.
One of this season's hottest trends is a (possibly premature) nod to the nineties, which is fine with me if it means putting daisies on everything. These Daisy Sandals ($50) from Pixie Market are perfect for romping around in May flowers.
CLOS Wine Bar is a brand-new bar just off the Bowery where you and your date can have a wine-tasting experience right here in the city. You can spend the entire evening here indulging your taste buds, so conversation (and your palate) will never run dry.
Phosphorescent seems fitting as singer-songwriter Matthew Houck's chosen epithet. His folksy tunes may make you see fireworks. Thursday April 18th at 8 p.m. ($15)
Almost as exciting as Gatsby's parties themselves are the outfits--the beaded, sequined, feathered outfits. Prada will be hosting an exhibition of the costumes used in the film from May 1st-12th. The show will feature flapper dresses, hats, vintage kitten heels, and sparkly jewelry, as well as sketches and designs from Miuccia Prada and costume designer Catherine Martin.
Robert Moy, master balloon-folder, isn’t going to make you just another balloon dog. He’ll make you a wearable Darth Vader helmet with a light saber or wearable butterfly wings. He’ll make you an adult-size T-Rex if you give him half an hour. Needless to say, he’s a hit at kid’s parties.
Healthy eating is a habit that starts at a young age. Which is why Lisa Suriano started her company, Veggiecation, a cooking class for kids that shows them how yummy veggies can be! Her 163+ recipes are simple and kid-friendly, which make them easy to replicate at home. Check the website to schedule a class for a party, Scout troop, or classroom.
This summer, the Brooklyn Flea will cross over the East River into the South Street Seaport, giving Manhattan a much-needed taste of what Brooklyn has to offer! Starting Memorial Day Weekend, the Flea will open an outdoor beer garden and food court along Front Street between Beekman and Fulton featuring a rotating selection of vendors.
Hot sauce is the best condiment. It's good (and arguably necessary) on everything. A & B American Pepper Sauce is not only spicy and flavorful, but made in small batches with all-natural, high-quality ingredients. If you need more convincing before you toss the Tapatio, or if you just love hot sauce as much as I do, check out A&B at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo at East River State Park on April 20th & 21st.
Pearl & Ash is the perfect blind-date spot: you don't know anything about your date's taste preferences, so why not go somewhere that lets you make it into whatever you want it to be? Wine bar, cocktail bar, tapas bar...etc. etc.
