Gin Halloween Cocktails from BULLDOG

As a lover of vodka - from vodka sodas to extra dirty martinis - I rarely stray from my liquor of choice.  But, from time to time, even a vodka girl can appreciate a really good gin.  This Halloween, enjoy some of BULLDOG’s fall inspired cocktails at a late-night costume party or to relax after passing out candy to hundreds of tick-or-treaters!

NIGHTMARE ON BOND ST.
1 ¼ oz. BULLDOG Gin 1 ¼ oz. Maraschino Liqueur 1 oz. Lemon Juice
¼ oz. Sambuca
Liquorice Stick (Garnish)
Combine BULLDOG Gin, Maraschino Liqueur and lemon juice into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain contents into a martini glass. Pour Sambuca into a snifter or bar spoon and ignite. Pour flaming Sambuca into the martini glass. Garnish with a liquorice stick.
Caution: The flaming Sambuca pour should only be performed by an experienced bartender.

ICHABOD CRANE
3 oz. BULLDOG Gin
1 oz. Organic Pumpkin Water*
1 oz. White Sugar Simple Syrup
1 oz. Egg White
1/8 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Dry Shake. Wet shake. Double strain and serve in a goblet.
*To make your own pumpkin water, use 2 parts boiling water to 1 part canned organic pumpkin. Stir vigorously until completely blended with minimal resistance.

DANTE’S GINFERNO
1 ½ oz. BULLDOG Gin
½ oz. Ginger-infused Simple Syrup (or Ginger Liqueur)
½ oz. Lillet White
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Prosecco or Dry Champagne
In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients other than the Champagne. Shake and strain into a Champagne flute and top with prosecco or dry Champagne. Garnish with an edible flower.

Happy Halloween! xo

Halloween Dining at White & Church

White and Church, a new concept restaurant from Chef Matteo Boglione, begins celebrating Halloween this evening through Monday night with themed cocktails and pumpkin based dishes in Tribeca.  Toast the typically kid-friendly holiday with adult beverages and delicious fall inspired meals.

(Insect Cocktail via Serious Eats)

Do bugs spook you?  Try one of the Insect Cocktails for $14, such as Summer (Coconut Cruzao Rhum, sugar, heavy cream, crickets).  For a very special splurge, indulge in a Flaming Pumpkin Cocktail (white chocolate, Creme de cocoa, rhum 12 years, heavy cream, 138 Proof Absenthe) served inside a pumpkin for $20, created to get you tipsy just for Halloween!

Halloween specials added to White and Church's solid Italian menu include Pumpkin Soup (amaretto cookies, fresh thyme oil), Pumpkin Tortelli Pasta (burrata sauce, black truffle shavings), and a Pineapple and Pumpkin Souffle (with raspberry sauce).

They will be celebrating Halloween from 5pm - 1am, Thursday - Saturday and 5pm -midnight, Sunday - Monday.

Afraid you'll miss out?  Stop by during the day this weekend, as their recently launched brunch menu includes classics and comforts from Poached Eggs (prociutto, burrata cheese, black truffle) to the White & Church Burger (stuffed with mac n' cheese, served with fries).   From brunch to dinner, White and Church brings standard dishes with high class and creative cocktails to Tribeca.
White and Church.  281 Church Street.

Single Girl’s Survival Guide: Halloween Costumes

Dressing in the least amount of clothing possible, while looking sexy (okay, let’s be honest, leaning on the slutty side), made for the ideal Halloween costume during your sorority days.  As an adult, wandering around Manhattan in lace panties and a push up won’t fare quite as well as it did on your college campus.  Need a guide to the best Halloween costume at your upcoming party in a Brooklyn loft or downtown dive bar?  The Single Girl’s Survival Guide to Halloween Costumes will rescue you from a spooky night of embarrassment.

Do:


Vintage Shop.  Halloween costume shops may have the perfect accessories, from nurse needles to naughty school girl knee socks, but when purchasing your outfit, check out vintage shops for cheap, yet quality pieces.  Sequined frocks will make for flashy flapper dresses, while bell bottom jeans can complete a groovy hippie ensemble.  Vintage shopping will also save you money, while providing unique items that can’t be found in a generic costume-in-a-bag.

Make 'em Laugh.  Are you clever?  Are you known for making playful puns?  Create a costume based on a play-on-words, popular joke, or silly catch phrase.  You’ll surely be the talk of the party when you enter the room.

Reference Pop Culture.  Are you a news junkie?  Or a celeb gossip lover?  Imitate your favorite current pop culture reference.  Maybe dress up as Casey Anthony (too soon?).

Follow a Theme.  Is your crew tight?  Why not show your personalities and closeness as a group by dressing up in a theme!  Does the cast of Glee capture your sense of humor?  Do some of you resemble Disney princesses?  Work together on themed costumes to have fun together prepping for the big night, while making for great photo ops on Halloween.

Wear panties.   Seriously ladies, don’t go commando.  You never know how breezy the evening may get.   Or where you may wake up in the morning.

Don’t:

Buy it in a Bag.  Cheaply made costumes will cost you at least $50 for thin material that will barely cover your curvy booty.  As suggested, hit up vintage and discount shops for a cheaper, personal touch.  You also won’t run the risk of showing up at the party in the same outfit as anyone else.

Be a Play Boy Bunny.  You may still have a rockin’ body (maybe even more fit than during your beer-chugging late teens), but being practically naked in public as a late-twenty-something is a bit tacky.  Save the Play Boy Bunny roll playing for the bedroom.

Be a Cliché.  How many girls go running around as Britney Spears, a Cheerleader, or a skanky cat?  Show off your originality instead of being a boring Halloween cliché.

Stress.  Remember Halloween is an excuse for adults to go out and have fun with friends, while imbibing on strong themed cocktails.  Don’t put too much pressure on your costume.  Head out on the town and have some fun!

What are your do’s and don’ts for Halloween costumes? xo

Sushi and Sake 101 Class

Celebrating 15 years this fall as New York’s classic neighborhood sushi spot, Haru has introduced “Sushi & Sake 101” classes.  Sushi lovers will learn to properly roll their favorite raw seafood, while sipping skillfully paired sakes, selected by the experts at Haru.

From sourcing fresh ingredients to preparing your own nigiri and rolls, the chefs at Haru will teach you all of the basics.  Under expert, hands-on guidance, all guests work at individual sushi stations, to get a clear view of the chefs, while working closely to their date or friends.

(the rolls I made in Sushi & Sake 101)

If you’re looking for a non-traditional date night, Sushi & Sake 101, is the perfect idea for foodies and seafood enthusiasts.  Edamame is served to snack on, while learning the history of Haru in New York City as class begins.  During the course of the two hour instruction, each sushi student will make 4 rolls (including favorites such as tuna avocado and shrimp tempura), taste contrasting glasses of sake paired to compliment each plate, and take home a bamboo sushi mat to make these Japanese specialties in the comfort of their own apartment.

For the same amount of money you can spend on a standard dinner date, get your hands dirty with your crush, creating sushi delicacies and imbibing on quality sake.  Check out upcoming classes to purchase tickets and reserve your spot at one of the 7 Haru locations in the city.

The Meatball Factory Opening in the East Village

Run, don’t walk, to The Meatball Factory, which will celebrate their grand opening tomorrow, Tuesday October 25.  Serving up a variety of meatballs, sauces, crispy pizzas, pastas, and fries, this new meat-centric spot will soon become your favorite comfort food found on 14th street. Each flavorful menu item is also affordable - with nothing priced over $15!

(photo via Thrillist)

Relax in this cozy, brick walled restaurant, with wide windows opening out to the hustle and bustle of the ever-trendy East Village.  When ordering from “The Meatball Gallery”, choose the type of meat (or go meatless if being a vegetarian is your thing), then pick your favorite sauce.  ‘Lambda, Lambda, Lambda’ (Elysian Farms leg of lamb & shoulder, oregano & pecorino romano) is perfected when matched with ‘Shroom Central’ (roasted medley of wild mushrooms blended with veggie stock, thyme and a touch of cream).  For something truly special, order ‘Turducken’ (house blend of La Frieda Turkey, Bell & Evans chicken, Hudson Valley Farms duck confit, sage & allspice) smothered in ‘Truffle Time’ (The Black Truffle Sauce from Dave’s World Famous Black Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese - slow cooked cream, shallots, brandy, sherry, truffles, fontina, thyme & oregano).

Make sure to order a Crispy Crackerbread Pizza (or two) for sharing.  Each thinly crusted pizza is served with grated parmesan, crushed red peppers and fiery agave.  ‘Shrooming (roasted wild mushrooms, baby arugula & Truffle Time cream sauce) will make your truffle-loving high class friends happy.  The standout pizza is the ‘Thai This’ (green curry peanut sauce, Turducken meatballs, Thai Chiles and Grana Padano) for a sweet peanut taste with a spicy kick in the mouth.

For the ultimate hangover cure (or for a heavy meal to satisfy your hungry dad or boyfriend) The Meatball Factory offers fresh cut Idaho fries coated in cheese and sauce, known as ‘Poutine’.  Add on your favorite meatballs to top it all off for only $10.  For a suggested flavor match-up, order Hells Bells Vodka Sauce (Absolut Peppar, spicy cappicola, red bells, San Marzano tomatoes, oregano & cream) with Latin Stallion Meatballs (spicy El Cerdito chorizo, buffalo, Heritage pork, manchego, adobo & potato).  This piling heap of heaven will be topped off with queso, covering the crispy fries.

The vibrant and talented Chef Dave Martin has included his well-known dishes with an array of new flavors and specialties to The Meatball Factory menu.  Are you on a special diet requiring dairy-free, gluten-free options?  Or do you suffer from food allergies?  No worries, as Chef Dave has got you covered, keeping your diet and allergy needs in check with alterations and variations available throughout the offerings.  Check out the menu!

Visit The Meatball Factory with meat-lovers and vegans alike, as this menu of comfort food will satisfy everyone this fall!  The Meatball Factory.  231 Second Avenue.

Trick-Can-Treat

Still need Halloween weekend plans?  Beginning on Friday, October 28th at 5PM and lasting through Halloween, Idle Hands Bar invites you to rock out with your can out at the 2nd annual Trick-Can-Treat.  There will be 21 different types of craft canned beers available at the bar, from Crispin Brown’s Lane Cider to Blue Moon Belgian White.

You can pre-buy 13 craft canned beers for only $39 at BeerMenus.com.  Don’t feel like reliving your frat party days by chugging them all?  No worries - you don’t need to drink all 13 beers in one night.  This beer passport is redeemable until November 30th!

Purchase your beer passport now and head to Idle Hands over Halloween weekend for a night of spooky debauchery!  See you at the bar (in costume) xo

How to Wait for the Subway

Whether an electronic clock is giving you the countdown until the next 6 train pulls into the station or you’re sweating from the heat and anxiety of the unknown arrival of the next F train, you need something to keep your mind busy.

(image via)

Retro iPod Tunes.  Feeling nostalgic for the 90's?  Haven't listened to show tunes since your mother's last visit at a Broadway show?  Download songs you wouldn’t normally listen to and create playlists for those long, boring waits for the L train.

Make lists.  Need grocery items for this weekend’s cookout?  Recently ran out of beauty products?  Use this time to create to-do lists in your Blackberry.

Blog.  Do strangers give you inspiration for daily style?  Do interactions of couples question your thoughts on dating in the city?  Why not use your time underground to jot down notes for potential blog posts.  You can be a successful blogger too!

Stretch.  Feeling tight from last night's spin class?  Close your eyes, roll your shoulders, and take time for minor stretches to relieve aches and stress.

Kegels.  I mean, why not?  No one will know.

Check Your Calendar.  Make sure all upcoming meetings, coffee dates, weddings, and birthday parties are included in your monthly calendar on your smartphone, so you don't double book yourself (again).

Have a Snack.  Not something gross and messy, but a sip of iced coffee or bites of a granola bar are acceptable to keep hunger pains away before your 10pm dinner reservations.

Read.  From the free AMNY to a trashy romance novel you’ve been dying to get your hands on, use the long wait time to get updated on local news or to escape to a fantasy.

Meet a Sexy Stranger.  Need directions for a faster route across town?  Chat up the handsome hipster standing next to the giant subway map and ask his opinion.  Or complement the guy who keeps staring and smiling your way on his stylish classic cardigan.  Why miss your chance at meeting a potential date because you were too shy to approach?  There’s even a website devoted to your Subway Crushes!

How do you stay busy while waiting for the train? xo

Tips to Escape a Bad Date

He’s rude, annoying, pretentious - and you haven’t even ordered a glass of wine, yet.  The next time you’re out with Mr. Wrong, use one of these evening-ending strategies to get your booty out of there...

Visit HPNOTIQ to read my article on How to Escape a Bad Date! xo

Halloween Cocktails for a Girls’ Night In

If you’re throwing a pumpkin carving party with your girls, fall snacks and of course Halloween-themed strong cocktails will be needed!  The feminine and sassy Hpnotiq features their newest addition, Harmonie, a refreshing blend of Premium French Vodka, Infused Natural Fruits, Flowers and a Touch of Cognac, for the perfect mixer in an array of Halloween cocktail recipes.

Check out these three deliciously spooky recipes for your Halloween party!

The Black Widow
2 oz. Hpnotiq Harmonie Liqueur
1.5 oz.  Black Cherry Vodka
Splash Cranberry Juice

Garnish with a glitter Spider ring.  Add black licorice laces lining side of glass to create a spider web effect or use chocolate sauce to create a web in the glass, put glass in cooler to set, pour drink.
 
The Mad Eye
1 1/2 oz. Hpnotiq liqueur (or Harmonie)
1 oz. super premium vodka
2 oz. lychee juice
Traditional Garnish, lychee eyeball:
1 canned grade AA lychee in syrup, drained
1/4 tsp. cherry, strawberry or raspberry preserves (can use Blueberry for blue eye look)
1 blueberry

Preparation:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Lychee Eyeball Garnish:
Dry lychee and fill with blueberry or raspberry preserves
Place blueberry, blossom end facing out, into the cavity.
Skewer with cocktail pick (search for Halloween theme picks or picks that look like a miniature ice pick for the full affect).

Vampire's Kiss
6 fresh (or Maraschino) cherries, pitted
1/2 lime, cut into 3 wedges
2 oz. ounces Hpnotiq Harmonie
1oz ounces gin
1 cup crushed ice
Garnish with vampire teeth and/or Misty stix

Directions:
Put the cherries, lime, and sugar into a large rocks glass.  Muddle the fruit and sugar by pressing them with a pestle or a wooden spoon until juicy and fragrant.  Add the gin, Harmonie and crushed ice.  Cover with a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds.  Serve.

What are your favorite Halloween cocktails? xo

Cheeses of France Pop-up Cafe

Did someone say “free cheese”?  There’s yet another tasty, foodie pop up coming to Openhouse Gallery and this one is absolutely free!  The Cheeses of France Marketing Council is putting plenty of cheddar behind a cheese tour, to prove the French know how to make the creamy, fatty goodness that is cheese.

The Cheeses of France Pop-Up Cafe at Openhouse Gallery will take place this Saturday, Oct 22 from 11a-7pm.  Top Chef Contestant Ash Fulk will be preparing dishes with French cheese including egg pie, mac n' cheese and grilled cheese.  Five cheese companies will be slicing up dozens upon dozens of samples of cheese and small glasses of wine will be served to sip along with the cheesey treats.  Head on over to Downtown's favorite venue for pop ups, and enjoy a Saturday afternoon of salty, gooey cheese tastings!
Openhouse Gallery. 201 Mulberry Street.

DUO Now Serving Brunch

Looking to try a new spot this weekend to get out of the rut of your standard brunch haunt? You’re in luck as DUO Restaurant & Lounge launched brunch this past Sunday.

After opening in “NoMad” this June, serving an array of delicious dinners, a lunch menu began in late September, featuring DUO Lunch Boxes named after the nearby neighborhoods of Madison (choice of chicken or shrimp sandwich, seasonal soup, sweet potato fries, mango and frisee salad), Flatiron (mini sirloin burgers, fresh tomato and mozzarella, parmesan truffle fries, market salad), and Gramercy (Maryland crab cake, crispy calamari salad, seared tuna with grilled pinapple and sweet pepper salsa).

The brunch menu offering is long, with both sweet and savory dishes to satisfy whatever your weekend afternoon craving might be.  Spoil your kid at heart with the DUO Cookies and Cream French Toast (served with vanilla bean crème and crushed cookies).  The Thin Pancake Style Crab Cake (served with smoked jalapeño remoulade and lime aioli) is perfect for seafood lovers.  For the Southern Belle (or for a hangover-induced appetite) order the Fontina Biscuits and Sausage Gravy (poached egg, baby arugula, grilled honey crisp apples).

DUO is beautifully designed with sexy chandeliers and stunning artwork.  Make reservations for brunch with your best girlfriends to sip on the DUO Bloody Mary (with celery wasabi foam and black lava sea salt), while dining on both classic and creative brunch dishes.
DUO Restaurant & Lounge (72 Madison Avenue at 28th Street) 

When Not to Say "I Love You"

(image via)

You’ve been dating for a few months, but he has yet to profess his undying love.  Those three little words have been on the tip of your tongue for weeks now, but you’ve had to resist blurting it out during superficial or awkward moments.  When the time is right, you’ll know when to tell him you’re in love.  He might say it first or you might feel the urge to shower him with your affection before he can even open his mouth.  Try not to confuse the right moment for your first “I love you” with these absolutely wrong situations.

During a One Night Stand.  He’s sexy, passionate between the sheets, made you laugh all night at the bar, but you don’t know his last name.  Refrain from professing true love to this random guy, just because you’re experiencing an intense orgasm.  You will be embarrassed, but at least only for a few hours, as you won’t ever have to see his face again.

During Sex.  While being intimate with your boyfriend, you may get emotional with heavy breathing, whispers of sweet nothings, and possibly tears of joy.  If you’ve already told him you love him, then saying it during sex is wonderful.  But, for your first time speaking those words to him, refrain when in missionary, as he may think you’re only saying it because you’re caught up in the moment.

When You’re Drunk.  You want him to take you seriously, and possibly say it back, right?  When you’re drunk, you’re apt to say and do things that you wouldn’t normally do.  Make sure you’re sober (or at least just relaxed by one glass of wine) when you tell him you’re in love.

On Valentine’s Day.  Just because love is in the air (as well as the smell of pink roses, chocolates, and expensive dinners) it doesn’t mean you need to say he’s the love of your life. Don’t use the excuse of celebrating Valentine’s Day, or any major holiday together, as the reason to say “I love you”.

Just Because He Said It.  Your man has just told you how he has fallen madly in love, but it took you by surprise.  Don’t just repeat him because it seems like the right thing to do.  If you’re not sure yet, or if you think you do love him, but were caught off guard, just make sure he knows how happy you are together.  Tell him you love him at the right time for you, not just for him.

When do you think is the wrong time to say "I love you"? xo

Autumn Tapped at Park Avenue Tavern

Welcome to the ultimate (gentle)man cave.  Men of New York (as well as ladies with a love for ale) will be find beer-induced heaven, just a few blocks from the commuter hell of Grand Central Station at Park Avenue Tavern.

The magic happens downstairs, in this two-floor Boardwalk Empire-esque tavern (the bar was modeled after a family-owned business from the 1920s).  There, in the Barrel Room, cozy up to your date or mingle with your buddies in one of the six booths, and test out the life-changing invention that is the built-in tabletop beer tap, which may be the coolest thing since the iPad.  Regulate your pours by the ounce, mix beers if that’s our thing, while a running tab of ounces consumed is tracked on a digital screen built into your table.

In love with a micro-brew that you can never seem to find in the city?  No worries!  Call at least 24 hours ahead of your reservation and the staff at Park Avenue Tavern will order your favorite keg to be ready for self-pouring happiness at the table upon your arrival.

The whole Barrel Room can be reserved for the perfect bachelor party, or for the bachelorette who can appreciate beer just as much as her fiancé.  Want to impress your new crush with an unexpected date night?  Reserve a table in the Barrel Room for your ale-loving dude.

Hello, Oktoberfest!  This fall, enjoy an array of pumpkin beers available for your self-pour tap in the Barrel Room.   For a special seasonal treat, choose from Becks Oktoberfest, Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Brooklyn "Post Road" Pumpkin Ale, Captain Lawrence Smoked Porter, Fire Island Pumpkin Barrel Ale, Goose Island Harvest Ale, Kelso Kellerfest, Paulaner Oktoberfest, Peak Organic Fall Summit, Samuel Adams Octoberfest, ShockTop Harvest Wheat, Spaten Oktoberfest, and Southhampton Pumpkin Ale.  What an amazing pumpkin collection!

With a location so close to Grand Central, Park Avenue Tavern makes for a convenient happy hour, dinner or a corporate lunch with your coworkers.  And don’t fear that post-work drinks means crappy bar food.  The menu at Park Avenue Tavern is anything but greasy finger foods and over-priced appetizers.  Share the tender Crab Cake (peekytoe crab, arugula, red pepper conserve, citrus vinegarette), indulge in the buttery Hot Ham & Cheese (brioche, parm cream, sunnyside egg, mixed baby greens),  and dine with style on the Tartare with Fries (raw tenderloin, caper, cornichon, aioli arugula, crostini, house made fries).

Make reservations now for a fall bachelor(ette) night out, a classy birthday keg party, or for a date with your manly man.  Whether you enjoy the whole Barrel Room with your crew or just one of the booths with your crush, or stop by for dinner upstairs in the main dining room, Park Avenue Tavern will provide a night to remember for beer lovers and foodies alike.
Park Avenue Tavern.  99 Park Avenue.

World Yacht’s Beauty Brunch for the Cure

On Sunday, October 16th from 11:30am - 2:00pm join World Yacht for their annual Beauty Brunch for The Cure, benefiting the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

World Yacht’s Princess will be transformed into a day spa haven with services offered and lovely giveaways!  Guests will sip pink champagne, while feasting at the brunch buffet served on the main deck of the ship.  All services and treatments are free, but a donation is recommended, as 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen.  World Yacht will be kicking off the day with a $2,000 donation.

Participants and gift bag donations include: Bliss 57, Vincent Longo, John Barrett Salon, Minx Nails, and many more!

Tickets are $59 (plus taxes and fees) and can be purchased at World Yacht.  Arrive early to begin and enjoy the beauty treatments!
World Yacht.  Pier 81, West 41st on the Hudson.

Seamless Craved Restaurant Awards

Seamless, featuring over 3,700 restaurants in the NYC Metro area for ordering delivery and takeout food, has launched the CRAVED Restaurant Awards, the first annual restaurant awards program which allows you the chance to honor the Seamless restaurants that bring you food happiness every day.

Remember the restaurant whose food cured your most recent hangover?  CRAVE it!  You know that place you always order from for a movie-night with your new guy?  CRAVE it!  Did you find a meal from a spot in your neighborhood that reminds you of mom’s home cooking? CRAVE it!

Nominations are running now through Saturday, October 15th. Voting will then begin on October 16th for the restaurants with the most nominations in each category, and the winners will be announced on October 30th.

Want a chance to win a $20 gift card to enjoy a night in of dining from one of your favorite Seamless restaurants?  Enter my giveaway by answering: “Which restaurant will you nominate?” in my blog comment space or by tweeting your answer to @sarahmshaker with the hashtag #CRAVEDawards on Twitter.

Enter my giveaway before this Friday, October 14th by 5pm.  The winner will be picked at random and emailed the $20 gift card after the giveaway is over. xo

East Village Eats Tasting Tour 2011

Are you a foodie who can’t get enough of all that the East Village has to offer?  For $50 (or only $29 via Thrillist - if you order now before they run out) you can get a day filled with delicious foods below 14th street during the East Village Eats Tasting Tour, to benefit Fourth Arts Block (FABnyc), on Saturday October 22 from 1-5pm.  Spend the afternoon on an adventure from eateries to bars, enjoying favorites from Luke’s Lobster, XOOM, Jimmy’s No. 43, Hecho en Dumbo, MONO+MONO, Idle Hands Bar, and more!

Tickets include a bite at participating restaurants, cheap drink deals to wash it all down with, and a free raffle ticket for a dining & theater excursion in the East Village via FABnyc.

The tour is entirely self-guided, so you and your friends can spend time wandering the neighborhood, while filling up your tummies.  Remember that all tours must be started by 4PM to enjoy all of the benefits!

Order your tickets now!  See you around my neighborhood xo

How Not to Look Like a Tourist

(image via)

As New Yorkers, we notice tourists sticking out from the long line at Katz's to the sidewalks of Times Square. These tips will help any newbie New Yorker to blend in with the city crowd.

Don't Stare.  Even if a woman wearing nothing but a black thong in a see-through white dress sits next to you (this happened to me at Le Bain, of course) act like nothing out of the ordinary is happening.

No Sneakers or Sweats.  Unless she is hitting the gym, training for the marathon, or heading to a game of tennis, a New York woman will not wear running shoes or workout gear to run an errand. Stylish yet functional footwear (ballet flats or sandals) and basic non-athletic sneakers (black Converse) are a New York must for heading to the bodega for detergent or stopping by Whole Foods for groceries. Sweatpants and old sorority t-shirts are a thing of your college days past.  Throw on black leggings and a long shirt or a cotton dress for your casual city chores.

No Blow-outs Needed.  New York ladies are low maintenance when it comes to everyday beauty and style.  A pop of bright lipstick on a bare face and a high bun is a day-to-day look for many downtown girls.  We may shell out big bucks for professional blowouts before a date or event, but on a normal day, less is definitely more.  Wavy, messy, I-just-had-sex hair is also acceptable.

Show Crazy Confidence.  New York women flaunt what they’ve got.  Six feet tall, but still want to rock heels? Love bright orange and want to wear it head to toe? Sure! In this city, it'll only make you shine as your cool, unique self.

Walk on the Right Only.  To keep the foot traffic flowing, you must keep to the right.  If you need to stop, to tie your shoe or gawk at a landmark, please move over even further to the right. If you stop in the middle of the sidewalk, someone is bound to shove you.

Walk Quickly.  New Yorkers walk at a brisk pace, and if they stop or even slow down, they step out of the way for others to easily keep up their pace. Walk briskly in the right direction.

Don’t Look Up.  Tourists look up at skyscrapers, churches, billboards, and bridges. New Yorkers look down or at eye level and just keep on moving.

Pretend You’re Not Starstruck.  If you spot a celebrity, don’t ask for their autograph or a photo on your iPhone.  But, obviously sharing the news on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog is completely acceptable.

What are your tips for tourists or newbies to look like New Yorkers? xo

7 Reasons to Date a Younger Man

Cougars are so hot right now. Beautiful, sexy, successful women all over the country are dating significantly younger men (Hello, Demi and Ashton).

Although there have been recent reports that couple are headed towards a split, we can’t blame Demi from trying. There’s plenty of perks to being with a younger man - even if commitment isn’t one of them.

To read my 7 Reasons to Date a Younger Man, visit HPNOTIQ! xo

Evolve Electric Motorcycles Launch Party

Evolve Electric Motorcycles, a new vehicle for a new generation, is about to celebrate their launch in New York City.   Evolve is 100% electric.  “No gas.  No oil.  No emissions.”   Your do-good friends who have been going green the past few years can be confident knowing these bikes are the latest solution in the electric movement.

Evolve Electric Motorcycles is having an official launch party this Thursday, October 6th in the penthouse at Milk Studios.  This party may be invite-only, but you can still get the scoop on what will go down that evening and get a sneak peak at their soon-to-be-revealed concept bike.

Luckily, Evolve is giving away 5 VIP tickets to the party.  One lucky winner will even win their very own Evolve Electric Motorcycle!   How cool will you look commuting to work on a sleek and sexy Evolve Electric Motocycle, while your Brooklyn neighbors sweat and exhaust themselves on regular old (actually vintage-style old) bicycles?  Just head over to Facebook and "like" them!  This contest ends tomorrow, Oct. 5th at 8pm, so hurry up and click!

If you’re chosen as a winner (or are one of the lucky invited press guests and friends), they've lined up a kick ass group of hosts, and will be serving Kanon organic vodka cocktails, as DJ Chelsea Leyland will be spinning all night.

Even if you can’t attend, you will be able to pre-order your very own bike for only $100 down (fully refundable).  Evolve Electric Motorcycles are developed and created by a young, cool NYC team, who focused on building a motorcycle for city kids just like them - with sustainability (and most of all fun) in mind.  This brand is even hip to social media - check out their free app, where riders can find and message one another on the road.

Enter the Facebook contest and follow them on Twitter @evolveelectric! xo

Madison Square Eats is Open

Madison Square Park has turned Worth Square, the small traffic island just west of the park (known as the home to Shake Shack), into a foodie haven.  Madison Square Eats, which reopened last Friday, features more vendors than ever.

Open until 9pm, it’s the perfect spot for lunch, if you can sneak out of the office or dinner to share a variety of foods with your friends or a date.  Whether you’re hungry for a full meal of savory items from pizza to pork buns, or craving a sweet treat, like a mini cannoli or cupcake, this festival has just what you’re in the mood for.

Roberta’s, Bushwick’s hip spot for delicious eats and this past summer’s wildest Sunday Funday party, Tiki Disco, is serving piping hot personal sized thin crust pizzas.  The Bee Sting (mozzarella, tomato, soppressata, chili oil, and honey) gives you a spicy kick in the mouth with a sweet way to soothe the burn.

Want something a bit more creative than a ball park frank? Asia Dog serves hot dogs with flair.  Try the WangDing (Chinese BBQ pork belly and onions) and the Mash (spicy ketchup, jalapeño mustard, and crushed salt and pepper potato chips).

Always debating just who has the best lobster roll in NYC? Check out Red Hood Lobster Pound for a lobster roll (Maine Roll of fresh-picked Maine lobster meat, a touch of homemade mayo (or not), a bit of celery and spices. Or a Connecticut Roll with just lobster and butter).  Want comfort food?  Their creamy Lobster Mac N- Cheese is not to be missed.

Cheese lovers rejoice!  Milk Truck is serving a variety of gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.  The Three Cheese Grilled Cheese (Aged Gruyere, Cheddar, Domestic Blue, Carmelized Granny Smith Apples, on Rosemary Pullman) was a hearty balance of salty and sweet.

For a specialty dessert, visit Stuffed Cannoli.  With a long list of rotating flavors each week, choose from seasonal favorite Pumpkin Pie to Mud Slide, a chocolate lover’s dream.

Madison Square Eats at 24th & Broadway. Open until Oct. 21st!