Donatella Arpaia, celebrated her new venture with iconic Italian winemaker, MARTINI

celebrity, cocktails Comments Off

Aug 122011

Celebrity chef and culinary personality, Donatella Arpaia, celebrated her new venture with iconic Italian winemaker, MARTINI, in New York City last night with a chic soiree at her Chelsea lounge, DBar. The 8-months-pregnant Italian-American beauty showed up to the event in a bright yellow Lamborghini with her husband, Dr. Allan Stewart, in tow. Dressed in a fitted, turquoise dress, Arpaia posed for photos and spent the evening mingling with press and invited guests in the cozy, dimly-lit bar, gushing about her family, the new partnership and sharing advice on adding glamour to your everyday life.

The event marked the official launch of Arpaia’s role as the brand’s culinary and entertaining expert, a venture in which she will share her expertise by creating unique recipes, offering simple-yet-sophisticated pairing suggestions and sharing tips on how to set the stage for the perfect gathering with friends and family.

Party-goers were treated to sweet and savory treats including truffle-oil popcorn, caprese salad, assorted pizzas, zepolis and cannolis, all prepared by Arpaia’s namesake restaurant, Donatella. In addition, guests enjoyed MARTINI sips including the Dolce La Poire, Rosato Royale and mini bottles of Rose and Asti as well as Arpaia’s signature cocktail, The Donatella. The tasty new libation includes MARTINI Bianco and Prosecco, cucumber, basil, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and GREY GOOSE Vodka, all served on ice and garnished with a Campari tomato.

+The Donatella

3 ounces MARTINI Prosecco

¾ ounces of GREY GOOSE

½ ounce of MARTINI Bianco

3 slices cucumber

1 leaves of basil

1 cherry tomato

½ ounce of lemon juice

½ ounce of simple syrup

Garnish: Compari Tomato

In a cocktail shaker place all ingredients. Muddle gently. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a tall glass. Top with Prosecco. Add garnish.

Disclosure

Filed under: celebrity, cocktails

Lair Restaurant & Lounge is Hip, Hot, User Friendly and Yes Mom, You’ll Like The Food:)

bar, club, cocktails, dim sum, downtown, Entertainment, Food, New York, Nolita, Restaurants Comments Off

Jul 292011

Restaurant | Lounge

Established: October 2010

Location: 201 Lafayette Street | Btwn Broome & Kenmare Streets (Nolita)

New York City

Telephone: (212) 334-5247

Fax: (212) 334-5248

Email: info@lairnyc.com

Website: www.lairnyc.com

Managing Partners/

Owners: Michael Levin

Illarion Parmit

Executive Chef: Chris Cheung

Venue Size: 2000 sq. – ft

Capacity: Den – 50

Bar/Standing – 100

VIP – 100

Total – 250

Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday

5:00PM to 2:00AM

Thursday – Saturday

5:00PM to 4:00AM

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Specialty Drinks: Mamma Mule Feel Good

Absolut vodka, cinnamon five spice syrup, apricot & ginger beer

Flame de Milo

Saffron infused Bombay dry gin, liquor 43, cava, flamed orange peel

Pass the Grapes

Barsol pisco/Appleton reserve, agave, red bell pepper puree, mescal ringe, red wine float

Mr Hot Pants

Herradura reposado, mescal, campari, passionfruit, thai chilli pepper agave

Maid in the Cave

Hibiki 12 year Japanese Whiskey, ginger infused agave, cucumbers muddled, club soda

____________________________________________________________________

Specialty Dishes:

Chicken ‘Pillows,’ Crispy Chicken Skin,

Johnny Blue Sauce

v Roasted Bone Marrow, x/o Marmalade,

Scallion Pancakes

v Oysters On The Half Shell, Seared Scallop, Truffle Essence (Above)

v Lobster, Bacon, Avocado Salad in Crispy

Wonton Rolls

v Eggplant and Mushroom Sui Mai

v 28 Dry Aged Black Angus Beef Dumplings

Sweet Plate Menu:

v Shanghai Walnut Crusted Marshmallows

v Scoop Caramel Apples, ‘Crispy Plum’

____________________________________________________________________

Lair Restaurant & Lounge

Safari meets urban glamour at this nighttime haunt where a chicly rustic interior of exposed brick, distressed wood, hand-painted ethic art work are accented by the earth tone color palette and lavish throw pillows. With a collective mix of music and a hip downtown crowd, Lair has all the settings for any night out. Located in New York City’s Soho/Nolita area, Lair is a bar, lounge, restaurant and private event space, all in one! With plush banquettes and the glow of glittering chandeliers and candlelight, this stylish venue features low table tops, an extensive bar, delicious modern Dim Sum plates and cozy seating arrangements. Lair is the ideal location for an after-work drink and appetizer or post-drink and small bite recap!

Conveniently located downtown in the Soho/Nolita area this dynamic newcomer embodies a chic lounge, restaurant and private event space, all in one. Lair is intentionally designed to be just that. The distinct rustic metal work is innovatively crafted, resembling to some a Paris train station and to others a private chamber. Socialize with fashionistas, models, celebs and the corporate clientele in front of the cleverly designed and ever-changing lighting that exudes from the 30 foot bar or burrow into a dimly lit corner under the hand drawn ancient cave murals for an intimate encounter.

We are always surprised by the excellence of the cuisine in clubs and Lair is no exception. Experience the succulent dishes created by the renowned Chef Chris Cheung (a veteran of Nobu, Ruby Foos and Monkey Bar), while sipping on specialty cocktails. Our favorite libations being Mr Hot Pants, a sexy blend of Herradura reposado, mescal, campari, passionfruit, thai chilli pepper and agave. For something more potent and with a bit more kick, go for Maid in the Cave, where Hibiki 12 year Japanese Whiskey, ginger infused agave, and cucumbers are muddled,in club soda.. Average price is $15.

While there is an expensive bottle list, wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $11 and The Stella is always dependable and just $7. We appreciated the friendly service and lack of attitude, making Lair a perfect spot for first dates and corporate or holiday parties, product launches, cocktail or fashion events, dinner parties, birthdays and more. The staff is professional and knowledgeable to facilitate your event needs. Lair provides a quality of visual, edible and audible sensory appeal that makes you want to come back again and again. The music is not too loud and if you hit it right, there may be live entertainment as well.

The Inventive Cuisine: is Modern, Kosher and might be described as global Dim Sum. Two appetizers per person provide a copious meal and range from about $9 to $13. Favorites include delicious Chicken ‘pillows’, with crispy chicken skin, Johnny Blue sauce; and unusually delicious Roasted bone marrow with X/O Marmalade; a classy rendition of Oysters on the half shell, seared scallop and truffle essence;
Mango ‘noodles’ salad, rock shrimp, chili lime; Coconut bao bread, 5 spice local honey hoisin butter; and Lobster, bacon, avocado salad in crispy wonton rolls. Don’t miss the Dry aged black angus beef dumplings or the light Chicken and foie gras san jin dumplings. We loved the Eggplant and mushroom sui mai. For dessert nut crusted marshmallows arrive beautifully scorched with a delightful brittle and real chantilly cream (worth a visit on its own).

Lair is the go-to for hosting and catering any event! and will help plan any soirée including: corporate and holiday events, fashion shows, dinner parties and luncheons, birthdays, meetings, product launches, wedding receptions, album release events, film/photo shoots and more! They will even design and accent the event with decorations and entertainment including: balloons, flowers, banners, logo branding, customized themes, DJs, comedians, dancers, live bands, drummers, video games, casino tables, Tarot card readers, Champagne Ice or Martini Bar, flat screen TVs and more! and the Celebrity Clientele include Adam Lambert Ally Hilfiger Craig Robinson, Richard Branson, Tika Sumpter and Tommy London.

But you needn’t be a celeb to get behind the velvet ropes and enjoy one of the most pleasant club experiences around, a local feel of being wanted and some really good vittles.

Disclosure

LAIR: 201 Lafayette Street (between Broome St & Kenmare St).
201 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012
t. 212.334.5247 (LAIR)
f. 212.334.5248

Sample Menu & Prices Subject To Change

Pickled local root vegetables, roasted peanuts, grape “ice”
Chinese chips, housemade duck sauce
Chicken ‘pillows’, crispy chicken skin, Johnny Blue sauce
Roasted bone marrow, X/O Marmalade, scallion pancakes
Oysters on the half shell, seared scallop, truffle essence
Mango ‘noodles’ salad, rock shrimp, chili lime
Coconut bao bread, 5 spice local honey hoisin butter
Lobster, bacon, avocado salad in crispy wonton rolls
House salad, ginger dressing
Dry aged black angus beef dumplings
Chicken and foie gras san jin dumplings
Eggplant and mushroom sui mai

nut crusted marshmallows
Ice cream/sorbet selection
Caramel apples, ’crispy plum’

Sample Bottles
Jack Daniels
Jameson
Makers Mark

Veuve Cliquot
Taittinger Rose
Dom Perignon
Cristal
Cristal Rose

___________________________________________________________________

About Michael Levin: With seven years of bartending experience under his belt, a finance background with companies such as Chase, bar management skills in Brooklyn and a knowledge of New York’s nightlife scene, Michael determination to open his own restaurant and bar is undeniable. Collaborating with a high school friend that shared the same dream (Illarion Parmit), Michael brought on board Celebrity Chef Chris Cheung. With an unique vision of crafting a modern Dim Sum menu and specialty cocktails, Lair, his first endeavor, opened in mid-October 2010.

About Illarion Parmit: Growing up in Russia and having a background in finance, Illarion’s passion for food led him to study the culinary arts at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. With his passion for business and gourmet cuisine, Illarion found himself interning at the prestigious Jean Georges Restaurant. Learning the ins-and-outs of the business, along with his ten year experience in the nightlife industry, Illarion pursued his desire to open up his own space. Going into business with a high school friend (Michael Levin), Illarion opened up Lair with celebrity Chef Chris Cheung.

About Chef Chris Cheung: Chris Cheung grew up in New York City and graduated with honors from the New York Restaurant School in 1992. Working at various locations throughout culinary school, Cheung began to develop a plan to open his own restaurant and successful launched Little Bistro in Brooklyn and Almond Flower Bistro in Chinatown. His past career highlights include crafting dishes at Nobu, working as an Executive Chef at Ruby Foo’s and China Grill and cooking with several esteemed chefs such as Wylie Dufresne, Didier Virot and Jehangir Mehta. In October 2010, Cheung became the executive chef of Lair and has crafted an one-of-a-kind contemporary Dim Sum menu

201 Lafayette Street
Btwn Broome & Kenmare Streets
New York City
www.lairnyc.com

Filed under: bar, club, New York, Restaurants Tagged: Club, Cocktails, dim sum, downtown, Entertainment, Food, food restaurant, New York, Nolita

ANDREA MARCOVICCI GREETS THE HOLIDAY SEASON

bar, Cabaret, cocktails, Entertainment, Food, New York, USA, Wine Bar Comments Off

Oct 282010

ANDREA MARCOVICCI GREETS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A“BLUE CHAMPAGNE” TOAST

NOVEMBER 16-DECEMBER 30

“The greatest cabaret star of her generation.”

…International Herald Tribune.

For her record-breaking 24^th year at the famed Oak Room Supper Club of the

legendary Algonquin Hotel, the “Queen of Cabaret,” Andrea Marcovicci, returns to her first love—the torch song! “Blue Champagne: The History of the Torch Song” runs November 16^th -December 30^th, with Shelly Markham on piano and Jered Egan on bass. To honor the occasion, the Algonquin has created the “Blue Champagne Cocktail,” its newest signature drink (combining Blue Curacao and Veuve Clicquot Champagne).

“Blue Champagne: The History of the Torch Song” not only revels in the heartbreak inherent in this most vulnerable genre of music, but the show is carefully balanced with zany numbers in a quest for comic relief from unrequited love songs, as well as wonderful stories of the legendary ladies of torch…Helen Morgan, Ruth Etting and Libby Holman, among others. With her latest show, Andrea brings her unique insight to this tale of longing, losing and gunplay! Highlights: “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Body and Soul,” “Just Like A Man” and “Shakin’ the Blues Away.”

Shows are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8:30 and Friday and Saturday at 8:30 and 11, with a $60 cover charge weeknights and late weekend shows and $65 for early weekend shows, plus either a $30 minimum or $60 prix fixe dinner. Reservations: (212) 419 9331 or bmgurn@algonquinhotel.com

There will be special holiday shows Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas at 7:30 pm, matinees at 2:00 pm December 22^nd and 29^th, and Monday December 27^th at 7:30 pm. The Algonquin is inaugurating “New Year’s Eve Eve” December 30^th at 8:30, an end of the year annual festive evening featuring camaraderie, great food and matchless entertainment, with Andrea hosting another Algonquin First.

Dubbed “a heartbreaker” by PEOPLE magazine, while the San Francisco Chronicle was “seduced by a temptress.” The New York Times stated, “She has a masterly balance between poignancy and wit,” and to the New Orleans Times-Picayune “she sings so beautifully that you find tears stinging your eyes.” Andrea Marcovicci has sold out Carnegie Hall and appeared in concert with numerous orchestras and at the White House. She has acted in films, television and theatre. Costars include Danny DeVito, Woody Allen, Sir Michael Caine, Sir John Gielgud and Sam Waterston. Her latest film, Irene in Time, has recently been released on DVD, and she has created more than 30 nightclub acts.

http://www.andreamarcovicci.com/

JACK JONES RETURNS TO THE OAK ROOM OCTOBER 26TH FROM WORLDWIDE “GREATEST HITS” TOUR

bar, Cabaret, cocktails, Entertainment, Luxury, Music, New York, Restaurants, Travel, Wine Comments Off

Oct 182010

The legendary Algonquin welcomes back double Grammy Award winner Jack Jones for his annual exclusive three-week Oak Room engagement. From October 26^th through November 13^th, Jones offers classic renditions of the timeless standards that have made him an international superstar in an age of rock and hip-hop with panache.

His voice has matured over the years and displays a vast range and impeccable breath control. Mr. Jones uses has an appealing huskiness in the lower register that soars to a clear head voice, whether in full throttle or in falsetto. His stage presence and acting shine through clearly in such renderings as the easy opening (and closing reprise), “Friends”“ and “I Am A Singer.” “Love Makes the Changes,” an obscure Michel Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman song that with an understated rendition of “The Impossible Dream” are theatrical highlights and a striking interplay and riffing with the incredible Musical director/pianist Mike Renzi and the agile Chris Colangelo on bass. Kendall Kay on drums adds the perfect musical balance.

With 52 years in show business going for him, Jack Jones presents a youthful demeanor and at 72 and is without question the best act in town.

Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:30 with no late shows. There is a $75 cover charge per person Tuesday through Thursday and $100 Friday and Saturday, plus either a $30 food and beverage minimum or $60 prix fixe dinner, with dinner seating at 7 pm. Reservations: 212 419 9331 or bmcgurn@algonquinhotel.com.

The Algonquin Oak Room reigns as the best cabaret venue in New York with its inspired roster of entertainers, ever improving restaurant, benevolent service and aura of bygone civility.

Born in Hollywood to singer and film star Allan Jones (“A Night at the Opera,” etc.) and actress Irene Hervey, Jack Jones made his professional debut at 19 with his father in Las Vegas and soon thereafter signed a recording contract which produced his fist hit, “This Could Be The Start of Something Big.” His two Grammys were for the singles “Lollipops and Roses” and “Wives and Lovers,” which was also nominated for Song of the Year. With more than 50 recorded albums (17 of which made Billboard’s Top 20), Jack Jones continues to charm audiences worldwide with his wit, sensitivity and amazing vocal power. Jack’s credits include guest performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the White House. He recorded the theme songs for the film Love With a Proper Stranger and the hit TV show, “The Love Boat.” A recent release, Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett, pays homage to a friend and influence, a group that also includes Mel Tormé (who called Jack ‘the greatest pure singer in the world), Billy Eckstine and Frank Sinatra. His latest release is Love Makes the Changes: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

________________________________________________________________

SONGLIST

(subject to revision)

FRIENDS

I AM A SINGER

DON’T QUIT NOW

PEOPLE

JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS

GOD ONLY KNOWS

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE

SHE

FLY ME TO THE MOON

I’M GONNA SIT RIGHT DOWN AND WRITE MYSELF A LETTER

SOMEWHERE

LOVE BOAT

LOLLIPOPS & ROSES

WIVES AND LOVERS

LADY

CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE

I CAN’T WAIT TO MISS YOU

IF YOU GO AWAY

BY MYSELF

WHAT’S NEW?

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FOOL

THE LORELEI

ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL

DIO COMO TIAMO

ON MY WAY TO YOU

RIGHT AS THE RAIN

LOVE MAKES THE CHANGES

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

WE’LL BE TOGETHER (or) THE SINGER

REPRISE FRIENDS