Notes on a Party » Tasty Tidbits

Tasty Tidbits | Vogue’s Big Premiere

Celia Chen — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:47:30 +0000

One of the biggest fashion events of the season comes early this year with the premiere of Vogue documentary, The September Issue. Expected to join Anna Wintour at the A-list party next Wednesday night are industry heavyweights Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Patrick Demarchelier, Frederick Fekkai and actress Sienna Miller who makes an appearance in the film. Rumor has it that even the elusive SI Newhouse will do a drive-by. [via FWD]

Lots of buzz in the Meatpacking these days with the opening of Jane Hotel, Avenue and The Standard Grill (with their 18th and 19th floor indoor pool and cocktail lounge set to open in September). Add the new Double Seven to the mix. The long awaited relaunch of the hipster favorite owned by David Rabin is finally under construction at the old Rhone space for a November preview. [via GrubStreet]

Looking for value in your summer wine? California produces some fail safe choices that don’t break the bank. For under $15 a bottle, Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah and the Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc are affordable yet impressive options. [via Food&Wine]

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…

Tasty Tidbits | Armani Hearts NYC

Celia Chen — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:44:22 +0000

While New York Fashion Week was significantly pared down this season, one brand seemed to shine both with its star wattage and generous act of charity towards the city. Notable friends of Giorgio Armani including, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alicia Keys, Liam Neeson, Victoria Beckham and Anna Wintour were all in attendance at the launch party of his Fifth Avenue boutique and, along with Michael Bloomberg and Caroline Kennedy, witnessed the designer’s pledge of $1M to the city’s public school fund. [via FWD]

A telling sign of these tough economic times? The once secretive and exclusive cocktail establishment Milk and Honey has just published its private number (718.308.6881) on its own website for all the world to see. While early members of the private club (who paid pricey yearly dues) might bash newsletters like Urban Daddy and blogs like Grub Street for spreading the news, it was owner Sasha Petraske who gave up the digits in the first place. [via Grub Street]

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Patrick McMullan

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…

Tasty Tidbits | Champagne Wishes

Celia Chen — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:30:18 +0000

“Champagne brings people together,” says Arnaud Devulder, the 29-year-old wine director of Lever House restaurant. To truly enjoy each Veuve Clicquot bubble on New Year’s Eve, make sure you choose the right stemware to accompany your champagne. While Devulder prefers crystal like Riedel’s Ouverture flute ($9.95) for vintage and high end champagnes, the glass Veuve flute ($12.95, shown right) by Crate and Barrel is durable enough for everyday use. [via NY Times]

Looking for bubbles that won’t break the bank? Try a lesser known or smaller Champagne house for options that are reasonably-priced yet high quality. Pol Roger Brut Reserve is a medium bodied, well balanced wine that retails for $35. Another gem, which pairs well with food, is the Gosset Grande Reserve Brut at $55. [via Food and Wine]

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Tasty Tidbits | Thanksgiving on the Fly

Celia Chen — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:40:12 +0000

Two days and counting ’til the big Thanksgiving feast.

For all of you last minute planners, here are some life-saving tips on whipping up a hearty spread in 60 minutes. The secret? Roast your turkey in parts which drastically cuts down on the cooking time. Offer lots of delicious but easy to prepare sides including baked sweet potatoes and lemon steamed broccoli for a meal that your brood will truly appreciate. [via Domino]

It’s amazing that apartments in New York are equipped with kitchens at all. We are notoriously fond of eating out and Thanksgiving is no exception. Check out these special holiday menus at some of our favorite spots around town including 5 Ninth (Meatpacking), Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain (Midtown) and Lunetta (Gramercy) which features an affordable family style menu at $45/per person or a fancier prix fixe at $55. [via OpenTable]

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Domino Magazine

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…

Tasty Tidbits | Madonna Gives Direction

Celia Chen — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:49:44 +0000

So much for a stealth soft opening for the Thompson LES. The hotel on Allen Street, the newest from hotelier Jason Pomeranc, was swarmed by Hollywood’s A-list on Tuesday night for the Cinema Society’s post-screening bash for the film Filth and Wisdom hosted by Dolce and Gabbana. The guest of honor, Madonna, who was being lauded for for her directorial debut, was joined by celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Naomi Watts, Jessica Alba and the boys of Gossip Girl, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford. [via Style.com]

The UWS stroller set must be ecstatic with the news that Shake Shack is slated to open an outpost on 366 Columbus Avenue at the end of October. With a LED light facade that can be seen from Central Park, the ever-popular burger shack has expanded with a larger kitchen and milk shake station as well as a private room downstairs for birthday parties and corporate events. [via Eater]

PHOTO CREDIT: Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…

Tasty Tidbits | Best Noodles Dishes & Wine Bars

Celia Chen — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:22:02 +0000

Turns out New York is a great noodle town. Whether you are looking for a fast bowl of Japanese ramen or a decadent plate of lobster bolognese, there is something for everyone. For some of the top noodle dishes in the city, try the Indian Mee Goreng at Taste Good or the Linguine alla Vongole at Il Cortile. [via Gourmet]

These days it’s all about the enoteca. Who wants to commit to a full course meal when you can nosh on an assortment of savory dishes while sipping your favorite Cabernet? Some of the top wine bars in New York are tiny slivers of real estate with a relaxed neighborhood vibe. Visit the Monday Room for an expertly curated wine list, Bar Jamon for some Spanish tapas and a selection of 600 vintages or Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar for an eclectic bar menu and a three-glass flight. [via NYObserver]

PHOTO CREDIT: Shayla Hunter

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…

Tasty Tidbits | Fashion Week Redux

Celia Chen — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:38:58 +0000

When Mick Jagger decides to make a rare appearance at a New York City premiere, it’s no surprise that the film is on his favorite subject – women! Jagger attended The Cinema Society and NARS hosted screening of The Women, a remake of the iconic 1939 original. Holding court, Jagger was surrounded by lovely ladies all night including the stars of the film Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes and Jada Pinkett Smith as well as his current flame, L’wen Scott. [via FWD]

Rose Bar’s 2nd Anniversary bash might have been one of the tightest doors to navigate this Fashion Week. We hear that doorman Damien even bounced Kanye and an unnamed Gossip Girl from the velvet ropes. [via GrubStreet]

Everyone’s favorite shutterbug, Bill Cunningham may prefer to be “invisible” but that certainly wasn’t the case at a party held in his honor at Bergdorf Goodman last Thursday night. Part fashion anthropologist and long-time fixture on the social scene, Cunningham brought out a sea of admirers including, Debbie Mazar, Peter Som, CondeNet’s Jamie Pallot and Molly Sims, all fashionably dressed in the Sunday Styles best. [via Style.com]

According to music impresario, fashion visionary and cultural gadfly, Malcolm McLaren thinks that, “Warhol’s 15 minutes have gone mad,” when asked about the influx of celebrities at Fashion Week this year. [via NYTimes]

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Patrick McMullan

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…