To launch his newly christened Ampersand Studios, Bentley Meeker took us back to the very beginning.   On April 21st, 2010, the lighting designer extraordinaire entertained the who’s who of the special events industry by hosting a cocktail reception to showcase his new event space and to celebrate his 20th anniversary in the business.

Some of Meeker’s top clients and industry friends including celebrity cake-maker Sylvia Weinstock, caterer Ronnie Davis and Harriette Rose Katz of Gourmet Advisory Services attended the the lavish event. Food stations including a vertical gyro spit and lobster roll stand as well as gourmet hors d’oeuvres were provided by Restaurant Associates.  Rentals were supplied by Party Rental.

The highlight of the party was a speech from Meeker himself who graciously thanked his early supporters and explained the presence of the (smoking) 1989 Chevy Caprice NYC Taxi that was parked in the room.  With his signature sense of humor, Meeker recounted his humble beginnings as a one-man show traveling by cab and carrying milk crates filled with lighting gear to each client job.

Housed in the same building as his lighting design firm, Ampersand Studios is Meeker’s new 5,200 sq feet ground floor event space with drive-in access, polished concrete floors, white walls and 15 ft ceilings.  Capacity ranges from 510 guests for a fashion show with runway to 400 guests for a cocktail reception to 250 guests seated for dinner with a dance floor.

Another first look for Meeker’s guests, the designer introduced an innovative new lighting offering – the FlexiFlex™ system (patent pending), developed by RGBLights, which delivers robust LED technology in a flexible, modular mesh system.  The lightweight panels of lights can be joined together to create a large indoor/outdoor flat video display or contoured to form unique shapes such as the pillars at Ampersand Studios.

Ampersand Studios, 500 West 36th Street (at 10th Avenue), New York.  For booking information, contact Kage Konsulting at 646-873-4999.

Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging Inc, over the last 20 years, has become established as the leading event lighting company in New York City. Bentley Meeker and his extremely talented design staff craft dramatic lighting environments for every kind of occasion and budget.  For inquiries and booking, call 212-722-3349 or contact via email.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Terry Gruber Photography

Inspired by the hawker stalls of Southeast Asia and Sydney’s Thai food culture, Aussie Chef Adam Woodfield and his partner Luke Fryer have set out to reinvent the typical Thai restaurant in New York City.  At Betel, their newly launched West Village hotspot, the unique menu features a mix of smaller dishes and communal plates offering three distinct flavor profiles: sweet, sour and spicy.

Highlights include Chicken Betel Leaf with smoked eggplant chili and shallot jeow, Pomelo, Asparagus & Cashew Salad with Thai basil, chili jam and coconut dressing and Stir-fried Tuna with chili jam, snake bean, cashew nut.

London based designer Martin Brudnizki, best known for his work on Le Caprice at the Pierre Hotel (New York), Cecconi’s (Los Angeles) and Jamie Oliver’s Recipease (London), brings his “minimalist deluxe” aesthetic to Betel combining rich woods and silk covered lanterns with industrial touches such as exposed brick and an aged pewter top for the main bar.

An ideal place for entertaining, Betel offers a 24 seat bar, a 20 seat high table for casual dining or standing, 55 seats in the dining room with one large communal table for 14 as well as an intimate 20 seat lounge behind the bar with low seating – perfect for private dinners or a small cocktail party.

Betel | 51 Grove Street, New York (between Bleecker and 7th Avenue), 212 352 0460

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Martin Brudnizki Design

 21 Club (21 West 52nd Street, 212 582 1400)
One of New York’s most legendary speakeasys, the 21 Club has housed an elaborately disguised vault since the 1930′s.  The secret wine cellar has become a coveted destination for personal events for up to 22 guests including 21st birthday parties, bachelor parties and rehearsal dinners.  Guests are treated to excellent American cuisine and an award winning wine list while soaking in the rich history of the notorious Prohibition-era room.

Adour (2 East 55th Street, 212 710 2277)
True gourmands and wine enthusiasts are well versed in the cuisine of Alain Ducasse.  His restaurant Adour reflects a collaboration between Executive Chef Joel Dennis and Wine Director Thomas Combescot to offer a modern French menu with wine pairings that complement and balance one another.  David Rockwell designed the magnificent interiors including a private dining room with 50 individual wine vaults to house the personal collections of both celebrities and oenophiles.

Gusto Ristorante e Bar Americano (60 Greenwich Avenue, 212 924 8000)
Serving regional Italian cuisine with savory pastas that are expertly fatti in casa (homemade), Gusto is more than a neighborhood favorite.  Their wine cellar is a cozy nook on the lower floor of their West Village restaurant which can accommodate up to 12 for private dining.

PHOTO CREDIT:  21 Club, Gusto Ristorante and Adour

Related Post:  Charming Il Buco

For an exclusive directory of the best event spaces in New York from private rooms to roofdecks, visit our new site, The Venue Pages.

Stay away from the trendy spots, which will no doubt have a very long wait, and turn to some of New York’s iconic restaurants for delicious food and scenic outdoor seating.

From pretty neighborhood streets to hidden garden terraces, here are a few of our favorite spots around town to gather friends for a lazy summer get-together.

The Harrison (355 Greenwich St at Harrison, 212 274 9310)
This charming restaurant, from the owners of The Red Cat, has sidewalk seating for up to 40 people facing a quiet block in Tribeca.  They serve a rustic, seasonal menu by chef Amanda Freitag and have a tradition of Sunday Suppers, a weekly prix fixe meal of 3-courses consisting of homestyle dishes.

Bottino  (246 Tenth Avenue at 24th Street, 212 206 6766)
Opened in 1998, this Tuscan eatery was one of the first restaurants in West Chelsea.  Now it remains a popular neighborhood spot for the art scene and boasts a modern, outdoor area at the back of the restaurant ideal for group dining and small events.  The menu is simple and seasonal with well executed favorites like Fennel, Baby Arugula and Shaved Parmigiano Salad and Ravioli Verdi, homemade spinach pasta with fresh ricotta and swiss chard.

Paradou (8 Little West 12th Street at Gansevoort, 212 463 8345)
This quaint French restaurant was an early resident of the now bustling Meatpacking District.  It’s a 19th century carriage house amid a sea of trendy, modern shops and clubs. Walk to the back to a hidden garden for a romantic setting that works well for an intimate dinner for two or a birthday dinner for 20.  With its Provencal cuisine and extensive wine list, it’s a little touch of the South of France in the heart of NYC.

 PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of The Harrison, Bottino and Paradou

For an exclusive directory of the best event spaces in New York from private rooms to roofdecks, visit our new site, The Venue Pages.

Sponsored by Shanghai Tang, the event was catered by the hotel’s restaurant, Shang, the first American restaurant by chef Susur Lee, who is known for his renowned global Chinese cuisine. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres including, Shrimp Stuffed Chinese Doughnut, Sweet and Sour Chili Sauce and Wuxi Pork Puff with Wasabi Sour Cream.

Two signature cocktails were created in celebration of the Year of the Ox including Yen Yen (V2 vodka, cucumber puree and Canton ginger liqueur) and Forbidden Fruit (fresh lemon juice, Aperol, V2 vodka and wolf berries).

The Supper Club, founded by Tamsin Lonsdale, has two branches in London and New York with an upcoming launch in February in Los Angeles. Visit www.thesupperclubnewyork.com for more details.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of The Supper Club New York

Delicatessen, with its chic décor and breezy ambiance, offers three distinct spaces available for private events. These include an upstairs dining room, which can seat 96 for a seated dinner or about 175 for drinks and appetizers; a skylit courtyard equipped with a hidden DJ booth that can accommodate 28 for a seated event or about 60 standing; and the “Minibar,” a dimly-lit, intimate downstairs lounge that can hold about 30 to 40 guests for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The restaurant’s haute finger foods (think cheeseburger spring rolls and Reuben fritters) have already garnered much buzz, and can be found on the passed hors d’oeuvres menu, which costs $25 per person for two hours. For more substantial fare, three-course prix fixe meals are available at $27 per person for lunch and either $35 or $55 for dinner. Two-hour beverage services start at $35 per person for beer and wine, continue at $55 for well drinks and $60 for specialty cocktails. Delicatessen can also customize drinks and hors d’oeuvres. And in these economically tough times, Delicatessen represents a pretty good deal. “What we provide is value, but it’s also a really cool space,” notes owner Mark Thomas Amadei.

Indeed, being cool doesn’t mean just catering to celebrities. Delicatessen wants to be known also as a neighborhood spot, which is why it won’t normally offer complete buy-outs for private parties. Egalitarian, indeed. It’s nice to know that everyone can still party like a rock star.

Delicatessen is located at 54 Prince Street (at Lafayette Street), New York. To host an event, contact Travis Christ at 212-226-0211.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Delicatessen

Tucked in the back of chef Anita Lo’s West Village restaurant, bar Q, is a striking, enclosed atrium designed by Hiromi Tsuruta that seats up to 40 diners. Lo (of acclaimed Michelin-starred Annisa) has long been known for fusing Asian and American flavors. Here, she enlivens a quintessential American staple – barbecue – with Far Eastern flavors all in a chic, white-on-white minimalist setting.

“The food is fun,” explains Lo. “It’s Asian-style barbecue but with a little sophistication that can work for either a very casual event or a more formal one.”

In addition to such barbecue entrees as Grilled Shortrib with Korean Flavors or Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind, Roasted Yellow Pepper and Chili, bar Q has a great raw bar featuring classics like raw oysters and clams as well as sashimi and creative maki rolls. Exotic cocktails like the Cocktail Q (Poire Williams, Sake, and Elderflower) or the Margaret Lo (Kaffir Lime Margarita with a Chili Salt Rim) named for Lo’s sister, complement the eats. Lo will also work with clients to create customized menus for events.

Renting out the enclosed garden starts at about $120 per person (depending on the day of the week and menu options) and includes the use of the space for the entire evening. For larger events, a complete buyout of the restaurant is a possibility, accommodating up to 128 seated guests.

But, if you’re holding out for true outdoor dining, you’ll have to wait until April when bar Q’s outdoor patio seating for 28 (adjacent to the enclosed garden) will reopen.

bar Q is located at 308-310 Bleecker Street (near Grove Street), New York. To host an event at the restaurant, contact Jorge Salamea at 212-206-7817.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Bar Q

“The cuisine and the space highlight the quirky ‘in-between’ that develops when two disparate cultures meet,” explains O’Neal. This is translated into a British-Indo-Asian menu featuring dishes like Tandoori Marinated Foie Gras with Earl Grey prunes and Pheasant and Licorice Pie. The restaurant’s décor evokes the exotic without seeming kitschy or overly decorated. “We just want people to feel welcome here,” adds O’Neal.

Double Crown offers party goers myriad options including a fully private dining room that accommodates 40 for a seated dinner or 50 for a standing cocktail party while a full buyout of the restaurant can accommodate 100 people seated or 175 for cocktails. The communal table in the middle of the bar area can seat up to 22 guests for dinner.

For events, set menus featuring the restaurant’s signature dishes can also be arranged, starting at $55 per person/hour while canapés are $25 per person/hour and cocktails (including tasty libations like the Pink Grapefruit and Basil Martini and the Gooseberry, Red Chili and Elderflower Smash) are $25 per person/hour. While there are no room rental fees, there are food and beverage minimums for renting out the space.

Double Crown is located at 316 Bowery (at Bleecker), New York. To host an event at the restaurant, contact Elise Rosenberg at 212-254-0350.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Double Crown

In fact, it’s becoming a bona fide nightlife mecca, due in large part to Apothéke, the recently opened boîte from esteemed mixologist Albert Trummer and brother-sister duo Heather and Christopher Tierney.

Inspired by ancient apothecary traditions, the bar menu is divided into nine categories of drinks including ones to promote health and beauty (made with cucumber and floral notes), to relieve stress (featuring sage and lavender), or to entice euphoric encounters (made with coco and opium leaves), among others. The 250 cocktails offered are all expertly prepared and showcase homemade bitters and infusions, innovative flavor combinations, and even a special absinthe made from a 200 year old recipe.

The apothecary theme extends to the bar’s décor, with the shelves behind the strikingly back-lit marble bar stocked with herbal tincture-filled jars, myriad bottles of spirits, and old-fashioned looking vials, while the restroom doors are adorned with medicinal labels from long ago and a large caduceus (the symbol of medicine) which dominates one of the walls. With only eight tables, there isn’t much seating room, but, our guess is that the bar has a drink created just to cure tired legs.

For private parties, Apothéke can accommodate up to 100 guests, with a minimum of $5000 for two hours, or $10,000 for the entire evening. Custom cocktails can also be created by the talented bar staff to reflect the nature of the event.

Apothéke is located at 9 Doyers Street, between Pell Street and Bowery. To reserve the bar for an event, contact Heather Tierney at 212-406-0400.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Apothéke

James, the eatery the husband-wife duo opened this past summer, is located in the same building as their Prospect Heights apartment. Talk about being good neighbors.

“We wanted to invoke an old-world sensibility while adding a few modern touches,” explains Williamson. “We tried to avoid over-designing the space and instead worked to restore some of its original beauty.”

This meant touching up the original pressed tin ceiling and exposing the building’s aged plaster walls while custom banquettes, vintage mirrors, and a Dutch chandelier were added to complete the room.

Having been a chef at Bouley, Union Pacific and Café Atlas, Calvert knew that great food didn’t have to be overly complex, and so the menu at James reflects the simplicity of high-quality, seasonal fare. Expect to see end-of-summer heirloom tomatoes with chevre fondue as well as comforting classics like roast Amish chicken and shell steak with roasted marrow bone.

James can accommodate 25-30 diners for a seated dinner or 50-60 guests for cocktails. The biggest table seats 14, but larger parties require a complete buyout of the restaurant for $7000 to $10,000. Note: the cost of a smaller private party varies according to menu options.

James is located at 605 Carlton Avenue, (at St Marks Avenue) Brooklyn. For reservations, call 718-942-4255.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of James

For previous posts on Williamson Calvert, click here.

The city’s most prominent explorers, world travelers, philanthropists, financiers, entrepreneurs and socials gathered in the grand mansion on East 70th street, which had been transformed into an “Indiana Jones setting.” The Library was a surreal winterscape with jagged mirrors designed to look like ice upon which images of snow expeditions were projected. Sleds were bundled with bags and bathed in twilight. In the Trophy Room, a striking installation was mounted on the wall consisting of TUMI’s latest collection of bags hanging from rows of antlers.

Abercrombie and Kent, the world’s premiere luxury travel company, introduced its “Extreme Adventures” program of once-in-a-lifetime trips designed to test one limits to an inspired crowd of guests including, Matthew Modine, Nick Raynes, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Lisa Anastos and Katrina Pavlos, who entered to win an expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Natually, passengers on select A&K expeditions would be outfitted with bags from TUMI’s T-Tech Collection which were designed to withstand the extreme conditions of any environment yet stylish enough to navigate the urban streets.

To enter to win a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro, courtesy of TUMI and Abercrombie and Kent, visit www.ttech.com for details.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Hunt for Patrick McMullan

Now she has expanded her services with The Kagency which represents some of the world’s best musical talent including Duran Duran drummer, Roger Taylor; acclaimed DJ Nicolas Matar (of the award winning club Cielo); Aaron James; Timka and supermodel turned DJ, Eve Salvail.

We caught up with our friend Karrie (pictured here) to ask her about the launch of The Kagency’s new web site (which actually lets you listen to demos for each DJ) and her ongoing love affair with music.

Why did you start The Kagency?
Unofficially, I started the Kagency about 3 years ago because I was constantly being asked by people which DJs they should book for their private parties. I kept referring work to the DJs that I liked and, eventually, they all started to ask me to arrange their bookings for them.

Have you always been involved with music?
Music has always played a huge part of my life. My first concert was David Bowie (when I was in sixth grade) and I stood in awe of the man. After that I was begging my father for tickets to Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Ziggy Marley, Prince and many more. I grew up in Chicago and regularly sought out new talent/music, so I would sneak into clubs from the age of 16 to see Basement Jaxx, Doc Martin, Frankie Knuckles, Junior Vasquez and Louie Vega. I guess I was sort of a groupie, always wanting to hang out with the DJs and artists. Now I get to work with all of them!

How important is a good DJ at an event?
Music sets the tone for any environment, so having a DJ that can read the room and create the right atmosphere is a key element to any event.

What is on your iPod right now?
Groove Armada (Sound Boy Rock), Cinco (Cielo’s 5th Anniversary CD), Voices & Visions (Defected/Copyright), Martin Solveig (Rejection), Blackbox Recorder (School Song) and Dennis Ferrer (Church Lady)

DJ Eve Salvail knows how to get the party started. What are some of her favorite tracks?
(as selected by Eve)
1. No Request featuring Troy Carter – Marco G
2. Umbrella – Vandalism Remix – Rihanna
3. Calabria – Enur ft Natasha
4. Madan – Salif Keita
5. So high – Bob Sinclar
6. D.A.N.C.E – MSTRKRFT Remix – Justice
7. Shine On – R.I.O
8. Rejection – Bob Sinclar
9. 4 Minutes to Save the World – Bob Sinclar Remix – Madonna & Justin Timberlake
10. I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry
11. If I Never See Your Face Again – Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna
12. Stronger – Kanye West
13. It Takes Two – Rob Base & EZ Rock
14. Kiss – Prince
15. Clumsy – Fergie
16. American Boy – Estelle
17. 5 Letras – Alexis y Fido
18. La Vida Es Un Carnaval – Celia Cruz
19. Street Sound – Discogalaxy
20. This Time – DJ Antoine – Klaas Remix

To book a DJ for your next event, visit The Kagency or call 646-873-4999.

For one-of-a-kind spaces such as The Xchange, OpenHouse Gallery and The Spotted Pig, contact Kage Konsulting, a full service venue marketing and booking company.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of The Kagency.

Sam Martinez and Jeff Mancini, the owners of recently-opened Elizabeth, would say everything. Their restaurant, located in the former Rialto space in NoLIta evokes the charm of its predecessor (also owned by Martinez), but was designed to better reflect the vibrant atmosphere of the eponymous street it inhabits.

“The concept is a modern take on a classic English Gentleman’s Club,” explains Mancini of Elizabeth’s decor. “It blends classic details—from space to food and service, but blended with a fun, irreverent side that captures the downtown scene and the street we named it after.” Indeed, the restaurant marries a variety of styles from punk-rock inspired to estate chic, but champions an overall spirit of bonhomie.

The restaurant’s small plates menu, expertly prepared by chef Ryan Grant (formerly of Alain Ducasse, Jean Georges and Country) features contemporary, seasonal items like Watermelon Salad with Feta, Olives and Mache, and Poached Duck Egg with Corn, Chorizo, and Almonds, while desserts like the Rice Crispy Treats with Peanut Butter Fondue and Marshmallow were designed to evoke nostalgic memories of childhood. Menus can also be customized for special events, and, of course, celebrations must be fêted with innovative cocktails including the Midnight Tea (Earl Grey-infused Plymouth Gin, strawberry, lemon, and pink peppercorns).

Bad weather posing a threat to your party plans? Have no fear – a retractable roof over the restaurant’s scenic garden makes Elizabeth an ideal spot for year-round entertaining. This space (which includes private bar service) opens up into the Card Room and can accommodate 80 guests for cocktails or 75 for a seated dinner (food can be served either family-style or buffet). The entire restaurant can also be rented for up to 150 guests for cocktails or 100 guests for a seated event, and prices vary according to time and day of the week. Elizabeth also offers a prix-fixe dinner option starting at $55 per person for three courses for parties of 10 or more.

Elizabeth is located at 265 Elizabeth Street, between Houston and Prince Streets. For reservations, call 212-334-2426 or email info@elizabethny.com.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

“Pairing food with beer is most successful when the beer parallels the dish in certain aspects and then intersects with other flavors or attributes,” explains Moon. “For instance, the yeast in Ommegang Hennepin is going to parallel with the yeast in the soft-shell crab po-boy and then intersect the creamy aioli with a contrasting citrus hop.”

Spitzer’s Corner is also a great venue for hosting your own beer pairing dinner party, with several communal tables in both the front and back bar areas. The back bar area can accommodate 30 to 40 seated guests and 60 to 80 standing, while the front bar area can host between 80 and 120 guests.

Spitzer’s Corner is located at 101 Rivington Street, at Ludlow Street. For reservations, call 212-228-0027.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Spitzer’s Corner

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

Chiche shares some of her favorites from their extensive menu of established and lesser known (but incredible) vineyards.

Vilmart et Cie Grand Cellier d’Or Cuvée ($200) is a vintage Brut often described as the poor man’s Krug.

Henri Goutorbe Cuvée Prestige Brut Non Vintage ($85), made from 70% Pinot Noir, 5% Meunier and 25% Chardonnay, is a ripe and extravagant wine.

Champagne Loriot, made from 100% Pinot Meunier ($45), is the newest import, arriving in the US next month and sold exclusively at the Bubble Lounge.

Couples looking to celebrate an engagement with some drama can learn how to saber a bottle of champagne which is the act of opening the bottle by sliding a sword and striking a small spot where the seam meets the lower lip. Watch the video for an expert demonstration (but please don’t try it at home without proper instruction).

A private class at the Bubble Lounge is $50 plus the cost of the bottle of champagne. Engagement parties, including room rental, selection of champagnes, open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres are billed at $40/per person, per hour plus tax and gratuities.

Bubble Lounge is located at 228 West Broadway in New York and 714 Montgomery Street in San Francisco.

For information on special events, contact Yasmine Karrenberg at 212-431-3433 or yasmine@bubblelounge.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Julien Jourdes for FoodIncNYC and Laurent Alfieri

Notes on a Party introduces the Wedding Special, an entire week of editorial dedicated to fresh ideas, invaluable tips and interviews with the leading experts in the industry.

Chef/owner Philippe Massoud was certainly following the motto of “Go big or go home” not only in creating the cavernous, sumptuously designed space (which seats over 300), but also in the cooking, elevating what was previously considered street food to new heights. Sure you’ll find classic mezes like babaghanouj and tabbouleh, but they’ll be next to Wagyu beef kebabs, duck shawarma with pomegranate molasses, and sautéed lamb sweetbreads.

Evoking the warmth of the Mediterranean coast, ilili is drenched in soft lighting and wood paneling that seduces you from the minute you enter. It’s no wonder then that the restaurant finds itself hosting many celebrations, from fun, cocktail-fueled birthday parties to more formal, sit-down dinners. A private dining room downstairs can seat 52 guests for dinner or 60 for cocktails, while a private room upstairs, equipped with its own bar, will accommodate 46 for dinner or 60 for cocktails.

If you’re hosting a more intimate gathering, however, be sure to consider the tented lounge upstairs that seats 26. The curtained-off lair offers plush sofas ideal for lounging while sipping on the restaurant’s signature cocktails including the sweet-tart “From Beirut with Passion” or the tangy “Poison Sumac Margarita” as the DJ spins tunes from below. While set dinners may be served in the two other rooms, the restaurant recommends this hideaway for cocktails and passed appetizers.

ilili 236 5^th Avenue at 27^th Street, 212-683-2929.

For private events, contact Eva Torres at 212-683-2929 or events@ililinyc.com

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of ilili

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

Relevant Posts: see It’s My Party for other exclusive venues

The restaurant’s wine list is every oenophile’s dream, and even the sleek décor was designed with Bacchus’ beverage in mind: the main dining room’s ceiling is vaulted like a cellar and the walls are adorned with photographs of wine stains. As for the food, it doesn’t fall short.

The restaurant offers some of the city’s finest charcuterie, including an outstanding slow-braised beef cheek terrine flavored with onion confit and a head cheese terrine from renowned Parisian charcutier Gilles Verot. Entrees, meanwhile, are pure bistro fare, so expect classic dishes like Coq au Vin and Steak Frites.

Just minutes from Lincoln Center, Bar Boulud is ideal for entertaining, offering several options depending on party size. The Vigneron room is available at lunch and dinner and features a single oval table for up to 20 guests. For large-scale events, the Sommelier room can seat up to 30 for meals or 50 for a standing reception and the Caviste room can accommodate up to 70 seated or 120 standing. No matter the event, the restaurant will work with you to customize a tasting menu with wine pairings to match.

Additionally, a donut-shaped table that seats 15 located at the back of the restaurant can be reserved for intimate gatherings or private wine tastings led by one of Bar Boulud’s knowledgeable sommeliers.

For large groups, call Lauren Fremont at 212-595-1313 x161 or visit www.barboulud.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: E. Laignel

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

Once an antique store on a quiet cobblestone street, Il Buco (47 Bond Street, 212-533-1932) has evolved into one of New York’s most treasured restaurants. Revered for its rustic Mediterranean cuisine, outstanding wine list and wonderful hospitality, Il Buco is an enduring favorite among notable chefs and restaurateurs including Alain Ducasse and Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert who have both been known to enjoy a late supper in the restaurant’s 200 year old wine cellar.

With its sconce lit brick walls, floor to ceiling wine racks and recessed alcoves with wrought-iron gates, the wine cellar is full of old world charm and history. Legend has it that Edgar Allen Poe, once a regular patron of 47 Bond Street, was inspired by the private cellar while writing his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado.”

Perfect for an intimate dinner party or cocktail reception, the wine cellar can accommodate up to 25 guests. To have the space exclusively, the room rental is $500 and the food and beverage minimum ranges from $2800 to $3500 depending on the night of the week.

A prix fixe dinner menu starts at $75 per person and includes a choice of five appetizers served family style, a choice of four entrées and dessert with coffee and tea. Some of our favorite dishes include raw fluke with sliced avocado, orange, pine nuts, lemon and cilantro and the Pappardelle ai Funghi, a delicious home-made pasta with porcini and black trumpet mushrooms, parsley and parmesan. Cocktails include passed hors d’oeuvres selected from a seasonal list of appetizers and crostini.

As a party favor, order custom gift boxes of their Umbrian olive oil, Fiore di Sale (sea salt) and aged balsamic vinegar for your guests.

For large groups in the main dining room, at the chef’s table or to reserve the wine cellar, contact Cat Supernavage at 212-533-0601 or visit www.ilbuco.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Il Buco.

Guests including downtown restaurateur David Rabin (Lotus and Los Dados), food columnist Danyelle Freeman (aka Restaurant Girl) and cocktail genius Sasha Petraske (Milk & Honey) sampled the Shrimp Po Boy from Chef Josh DeChellis (BarFry), Salt Cod Brandade from Chef Seamus Mullen (Suba & Boqueria) and Gravy Meatball Sliders from Chef Joey Campanaro (Little Owl).

As for the bar scene, the master mixers rotated every hour on the hour with new concoctions to satiate every taste and preference. Standout cocktails included the Partida Pina Margarita with pineapple and cilantro by Willy Shine of Contemporary Cocktails and the Poisoned Rose with Hendrick’s Gin by Charlotte Voisey, mixologist for William Grant and Sons USA.

The night ended with New York’s favorite guilty pleasure – Magnolia Cupcakes. Chief Baking Officer, Bobbie Lloyd and Master Icer, Elizabeth DeHaven lead an informal class on decorating and frosting in the kitchen. And, yes, those are their real titles…

The Astor Center (399 Lafayette, 212-674-7501), which resides in the landmark Theodore De Vinne Press Building directly above the acclaimed wine and spirits store, is a multi-purpose facility that features three distinct rooms:

The Study, a state-of-the art, amphitheater-style classroom for 36 students, features 50 inch plasma screens, individual light boxes for evaluation of wine and flush sinks at each station.

The Kitchen is designed to support education offerings for 16 active students or 36 demonstration style as well as serves as a fully functional facility for preparation of food.

The Gallery, a 1700 square foot space, is a beautifully restored room with vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and cast iron columns that seats up to 90 for dinner or 135 for cocktails.

Expect a variety of original classes taught by celebrity chefs, sommeliers and cookbook authors as well as many exclusive events. For information about special events, contact Director of Event Services Kathleen Laux at 212-763-0800 or visit www.astorcenternyc.com for a full class schedule.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Michael Harlan Turkell

Created by owner and nightlife impresario Lesly Bernard (of Clementine, Pravda and Taj fame), Tillman’s (165 West 26th Street, 212-627-8320) is a restaurant lounge that can accommodate up to 250 guests. The Fireplace, which doubles as a stage for live musical performances, can hold an intimate group of 20 guests while the VIP table in the bar can fit 8. Smaller groups of 4 can settle in each of the banquets throughout the main dining area.

Music is a major element at Tillman’s with an impressive schedule of live music and DJ’s playing Jazz, Classical Soul, Neo-Soul, Underground Hip Hop and R&B throughout the week. At times, patrons can take part in styling the musical soundscape by selecting from over 50,000 MP3′s through unique handheld devices.

Full of savory treats, the menu features grilled sandwiches with a gourmet twist including the Brie and Spiced Pear Sandwich (Triple Crème Brie and Spiced Roasted Pear on Brioche Loaf with Black Truffle Butter) or the French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese (Country Loaf rubbed with Roasted Garlic & Herbs, Gruyere, Caramelized Onion compote, served w/ Spiced Dipping Jus).

Classic cocktails like the Sidecar, Moscow Mule and the Dark and Stormy are popular, potent and expertly mixed by the bar staff. Open bar rates per hour include $28/pp for premium bar, $20/pp for basic bar and $90/pp and up for added passed hors d’oeuvres or buffet.

If you ask the charismatic, music-loving Bernard what you can expect on a typical night at his establishment, he’ll answer, “a little bit of soul mood, soul food and soul groove..my man!”

For special events, contact Victor Andrade at 212-627-8320 or visit www.tillmansnyc.com.

The VIP Gallery at Amalia (204 West 55th Street)

Amalia is an 8,000 square foot bi-level restaurant and lounge adjacent to Vikram Chatwal’s Dream Hotel. Among the many private rooms, the VIP Gallery is an intimate seated area under a dramatic ceiling with steel chandeliers and exposed original brick. Executive chef Adam Ross has created a wonderful Mediterranean American menu.

• The Scene: Sophisticated and hip in a midtown setting
• Your Guests: High profile (and paying) clients and top executives
• Capacity: 34 guests for dinner or 40 guests for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
• Menu Options: Prix fixe starts at $42/pp for lunch, $95/pp for dinner and $135 for 3 hours of passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar
• Food and Bar minimum: negotiable
• Contact: Kevin Crawford, Director of Events – 212-245-1234

The Green Room at Jane (100 West Houston)

Jane restaurant, from partners Jeffrey Lefcourt and chef Glenn Harris, is known for their exceptional American cuisine and great service. The Green Room is an inviting space with its own dedicated bartender and iPod compatible sound system.

• The Scene: Relaxed and friendly – a neighborhood Soho restaurant
• Your Guests: Visiting in-laws and close friends
• Capacity: 18-40 guests for dinner or up to 65 guests for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
• Menu options: Prix fixe starts at $29/pp for lunch, $45-$68/pp for dinner and $45/pp for passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar
• Food and Bar minimum: $2000 for December ($1200 for rest of the year)
• Contact: Jade Wilkison, Special Events – 212-966-3250

Downstairs at The Smith (55 Third Avenue)

A new American brasserie located in the heart of the East Village, The Smith has a relaxed vibe with a menu of comfort food and old school favorites. The homemade potato chips with blue cheese fondue are especially addictive. The private room downstairs can accommodate a live DJ or your iPod.

• The Scene: Young and cool – a new East Village hot spot
• Your Guests: Downtown hipsters and friends with non-corporate jobs
• Capacity: 64 for dinner or 100 for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
• Menu options: Prix fixe starts at $29/pp for lunch, $45/pp for dinner or $45/pp for passed hos d’oeuvres and signature cocktails
• Food and Bar minimum: $1200
• Contact: Jade Wilkison, Special Events – 212-966-3250

Don’t forget to tell them that Notes on a Party sent you. It never hurts to name-drop for a little extra attention!

Designed for tasting, a revolving canapé menu consisting of 10-14 small plates will be paired to your preference of wine. Signature dishes by Chef Brad Farmerie include glazed eel with pickled bean-sprouts and soft boiled quail egg (shown above) and heirloom tomato terrine with crispy serrano ham, Cabernet Sauvignon gastrique and olive oil powder.

Personally I think that the real charm of The Monday Room comes from its chief wine steward – a soft-spoken, delightful Spaniard named Rubén Sanz Ramiro who is as passionate about wine as he is knowledgeable. Ruben will expertly guide you through each tasting with plenty of information about the wine and even some curious anecdotes about the winemaker.

Located at the same address as PUBLIC (210 Elizabeth Street, 212-343-7011), The Monday Room is designed and owned by the award-winning, architectural firm, AvroKO whose clients include The Stanton Social, Sapa and Social House in Vegas.

The Monday Room is available for dinner parties (for up to 24 guests) but you’ll need to spend a minimum of $3500 in food and beverage to secure the room exclusively. Chef Farmerie and Ruben will construct a tasting menu with anywhere from 3-8 courses each paired with a different wine. An outdoor terrace has recently been incorporated into this space making it capable of holding up to 32 people seated and up to 40 guests for a standing reception.

But, our recommendation is to go to The Monday Room on a date. Besides its cozy and intimate interior of rich leather banquettes and dark wood paneled walls, the experience of sharing and tasting such exceptional food and wine together is sure to be pleasurable. And, just in case you have a lull in the conversation, you always have Ruben to entertain you.

For private events, please contact Marion Emmanuelle at 212-343-7011.

Tamsin Lonsdale, Founder of The Supper Club, couldn’t agree more. For her, hosting a brilliant event is all about having the right mix of guests. On Tuesday night at the launch party (sponsored by Eos Airlines and Moet Hennessy USA) for the New York chapter of her members-only dining club, Brit socialite Lonsdale gave us a taste of her entertaining style. An elegant yet edgy cocktail party at the National Arts Club (15 Gramercy Park South) was created by seasoned event planner Joey Jalleo and new catering talent, Kimberly Belle of The Dinner Belle, who were inspired by the old world charm of the townhouse.

With her team of founding members and ambassadors, Lonsdale hand-picked some of New York’s brightest young things for a night of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. There were the usual Brit boys, Euan Rellie and Rufus Albemarle; the film aficionados, Katrina Pavlos, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict; the designers, Jeremy Kost and Andrew Buckler; society tea hostess, Tracy Stern; the fashion eccentrics, Patrick McDonald and Richie Rich; the socials, Emma Snowdon Jones and Susan Shin; and a handful of the fashion elite made up of editors, stylists and publicists, Jackie Astier, Kate Schelter, Kate Lanphear, Melissa Skoog and Tony Alcindor.

When we asked Lonsdale who her dream dinner guest might be, she coyly answered, “anyone with a sparkle in their eye who can add a little something to the table.”

Trust us when we say that an invitation to sit at “Tamsin’s table” will take a lot more than that. First you’ll need referrals from at least two founding members. Then you’ll need to ace your “interview” with Lonsdale and her team at one of their introductory cocktail parties.

Sound a little rigorous for a dining club? It is….

But, according to Lonsdale, she doesn’t accept anyone that she wouldn’t personally invite into her home. (Translation: if you get in, you’ll be in good company.)

Memberships in New York are $750 per year which gets you (and a guest) into a variety of events at exclusive venues and private homes , access to their member database and special deals with many of their partners including hotels, restaurants and airlines. International memberships for both New York and London (home to the original and ever-popular Supper Club) go for $1000. Visit the web site for more information.

To read more buzz on The Supper Club (courtesy of PR team OW! Onorato Wixom), check out the articles in the NY Observer and in NY Magazine.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Chance Yeh for Patrick McMullan 

I’m sure if you ask owner and floral designer Olivier Giugni about it, he would tell you that it was enchantée. His lush garden has been artfully landscaped with an original mix of trees and plants including wax privet topiaries, Japanese stewartia, Japanese Maple (Lace leaf green), morning glories, asparagus ferns, different varieties of jasmine and even pineapples. Born in Provence, Giugni has always been inspired by the rich color palette of the South of France and its fragrant herbs which mixed with his strong sense of modern design gives him his signature style.

Truly a hidden paradise on an otherwise hectic corner of downtown Manhattan, L’Olivier Floral Atelier (213 West 14th Street, 212-255-2828) would be very special venue for an engagement party or even a small wedding. The 1500 square foot garden can host 50 guests (standing) for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A bar can be set up in the charming pergola with a few food stations near by. Dinner can be served in the 1500 square foot interior of the floral shop which can be transformed by his event staff to hold one long (and dramatic) table of 30 with 2 round tables of 10. For those looking for something more intimate, L’Olivier can set a table for 12 guests on the covered outside deck.

Having one night in paradise does come at a price. Renting the floral atelier and private garden starts at $4000. Catering, staffing and flowers (by L’Olivier, bien sûr) are not included with the venue but can be arranged through the event department for an additional cost.

For more information, contact Caroline Bailly, Events Director at 212-255-2136.