CRYSTAL CRUISES TO LAUNCH EVENING BISTRO

cruise, Food, Restaurants, Travel Comments Off

Jan 262012

With almost a dozen dining choices on each ship, Crystal Cruises’ most popular daytime gathering spot, The Bistro, is expanding to evening hours. Reflecting the space’s European-style sidewalk café ambiance, the complimentary menu will offer “small bites,” desserts, and “midnight” snacks, along with premium wines and flavored coffees. The new nightly café debuts in April on Crystal Symphony and June on Crystal Serenity, shortly after the ships go all-inclusive.

The Bistro has long been a meeting place for cruisers due to its central location and quick, easy access to continental breakfast, fresh fruits, afternoon snacks, and wide selection of teas and coffee drinks, from morning to late afternoon. Signature Guy Buffet china and Six-Star service remains at night, but gastronomic offerings greatly expand:

· 6-8 pm: Charcuterie of cured meats, prosciuttos, and pâtés, plus international cheeses paired with premium wines and champagne.

· 8-11 pm: Artisanal cheeses, with complementary accompaniments such as truffle honey and fig chutney, plus an assortment of fresh fruits and desserts, including a chocolate fountain and petit fours handmade by onboard pastry chefs, with fine wines, digestifs, and hot drinks.

· 11 pm-12 am: Late-night munchies such as mini-sandwiches, freshly-baked pizzas, quiche, tandoori chicken, and trendy beef “sliders.”

“In traditional Crystal luxury fashion, our evening Bistro brings aboard the elegance and international panache of a European café experience—a central place to meet, people-watch, and enjoy a glass of wine or espresso and a snack,” says Vice President Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister. “In addition, this expansion really enhances the culinary and social options for guests who spend a full day sightseeing and/or like to mix up their evening dining.”

Casual dining on deck is also offered most evenings with a new Chinese “Comfort Food” menu augmenting choices on Crystal Serenity.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. The ultra-luxury line’s extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants; and, starting this spring, all-inclusive premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes throughout the ship.

Disclosure

Until February 28, couples can receive $1,000 to $4,000 in “Book Now” Savings on 48 remaining 2012 worldwide itineraries, including 25 seven- to 15-day voyages visiting the Mediterranean from March through December.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Filed under: cruise, Food, Restaurants, Travel Tagged: cruise, Food, Restaurants, Travel

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

____________________________________________________________________

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/

Esperanto Spiced Oil Now Available Online!

Food, Food shopping No Responses »

May 292010

ESPERANTO SPICED OIL COMES TO YOUR HOME RESTAURANT FAVORITE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT EATERY AND ON THE WEB

Esperanto Spiced Oil is ready to come to your home!

Now you can get your own bottle of Esperanto’s liquid gold delivered right to your door! Since opening over 10 years ago, denizens have been flocking to the East Village pan-Latin restaurant for flavorful food and drink in a festive and fun atmosphere. Besides its authentic Brazilian and South American menu items, its spiced oil, served with rustic bread, has been a favorite among many guests. Now, Esperanto is offering its unique blend for sale at the restaurant and on the web.

Esperanto Spiced Oil is a zesty combination of olive and canola oils and fennel seeds, cumin seeds, pepper corns, hot pepper flakes, salt and garlic. Originally formulated for dipping, Esperanto Spiced Oil is also perfect for use in marinades, sauces and dressings or whenever your dish could use a little of the exotic.

If you can’t get to Esperanto, which is located at 145 Avenue C at 9^th Street (212-505-6559), now you can visit www.esperantony.com and click on the “Buy Our Esperanto Spiced Oil” button to place your order at $7.00 for one 12 oz bottle, $13.00 for two bottles or $18.00 for 3 bottles (plus shipping). Esperanto Spiced Oil is $6 per bottle at the restaurant.

Add a little zip to your favorite dish with Esperanto Spiced Oil!

MURRAY’S CHICKEN INTRODUCES FIRST ANTIBIOTIC FREE, UNCURED CHICKEN BACON

Food No Responses »

May 232010

HOLY CHICKEN!

WHO SAYS BACON HAS TO BE UNHEALTHY?

MURRAY’S CHICKEN INTRODUCES

FIRST ANTIBIOTIC FREE, UNCURED CHICKEN BACON

Move over Pork and Turkey this New Tasty Bacon is made with

Only seven clean, simple, honest Ingredients and

Contains 83% Less Fat than Pork Bacon and

No Artificial Preservatives or Nitrates

Murray’s Chicken, the poultry industry’s leading innovator, has created a new, one-of-a-kind product – uncured, gluten free chicken bacon made from Certified Humane antibiotic free chickens. True to the rich taste of traditional, premium bacon, but with 83% less fat than the leading pork brand, no nitrates and preservatives, this naturally hardwood smoked chicken bacon provides uncompromising quality and flavor.

BACK WITH A BAM! EMERIL LAGASSE RETURNS TO THE KAHALA FOOD & WINE CLASSIC, APRIL 9 AND 10, 2010

Food, Wine No Responses »

Feb 212010

"Who Dat" Cooking at the Kahala Hotel & Resort Again? It’s Emeril’s Kitchen for the Weekend Featuring Signature Dinners, Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings and Cigars

Fresh off of last June’s Kahala Food & Wine Classic, chef Emeril Lagasse returns this spring for another soon-to-be-sold-out Kahala foodie extravaganza. The Kahala Hotel & Resort welcomes back the beloved star-chef of New Orleans cuisine, and will also feature wine selections from the award winning Schrader Cellars and cigars from Davidoff.

Chef Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of thirteen award-winning restaurants, including three in New Orleans (Emeril’s, NOLA and Emeril’s Delmonico). He is a national TV personality and best-selling author of 14 cookbooks, including Emeril’s New New Orleans Cooking, which introduced the world to his creative take on Creole cuisine, and his latest book, Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast. His new, hour-long primetime television series "The Emeril Lagasse Show" will debut on March 28 on ION Television. He was the featured chef at the last Kahala Food & Wine Classic in June 2009.

The Kahala Food & Wine Classic featuring the Best of Emeril’s Kitchen includes these events:

Good, Healthy and Delicious Offerings From ORGANICVILLE

Food, Food shopping, organic No Responses »

Feb 132010

Technorati Tags: food preparation,health,organic,ketchup

ORGANICVILLE ANNOUNCES ORGANIC KETCHUP AND BARBEQUE SAUCES

Organicville Brings a Healthy Alternative To The Condiment Aisle

Organicville Foods Inc. of Emeryville, California has introduced its newest line of USDA certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free products with no sugar added. With the agave-sweetened ketchup and two barbeque sauces to suit every taste,

Organicville’s line of healthy, socially-conscious foods is offering every customer and every family a tasty alternative for adorning every-day meals.

We LOVED the KETCHUP. Forget that “name brand” that we American’s adored (I’m as guilty as the next . . . it was very good). You have never tasted (even in a restaurant) a Ketchup so intense, complex and downright delicious. (OK. It’s good for you as well.)

Organicville’s exciting new Organic Ketchup is made with the finest vine-ripened tomatoes and organic seasonings, without any sugar added! Most brands sweeten ketchup with high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners; these synthetically processed substances dangerously impact the glycemic levels in many food favorites. Sweetened with agave nectar, Organicville’s richly flavored ketchup has the fresh, hearty taste and texture kids expect, with 25% less sodium for health-conscious parents. This ketchup will add a zesty flare to burgers, hot dogs, french fries, and more.

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR JOANNA PRUESS AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO

cook books, Food, Restaurants No Responses »

Jan 302010

Technorati Tags: cook books,restaurants,events,racing,Joanna Pruess,Empire City Casino

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR JOANNA PRUESS AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO AT YONKERS RACEWAY FOR A TASTE OF MARDI GRAS ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, AT 7:00 PM; “CARNIVAL IN THE KITCHEN” FEATURES CHEF DEMONSTRATION, TASTING AND BOOK SIGNING FOR ELITE CLUB MEMBERS

RECIPES FROM “CAST IRON COOKING: DELICIOUS AND SIMPLE COMFORT FOOD” WILL BE DELIVERED IN EMPIRE CITY’S GOOD TIME ROOM; PRUESS WILL BE JOINED BY HER HUSBAND, FOOD COMMENTATOR BOB LAPE

Call February 11^th “Fat Thursday” at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. As a prelude to the Mardi Gras celebration and “Fat Tuesday,” Joanna Pruess, the award-winning author of nine cookbooks, will prepare a Mardi Gras smorgasbord with recipes from her latest publication “Cast Iron Cooking: Delicious and Simple Comfort Food” and deliver a chef demonstration exclusively for Elite Empire Club Members. “Carnival in the Kitchen” gets underway at 7:00 pm in Empire City’s “Good Time Room.”

Pruess, whose popular books also include Mod Mex and Seduced by Bacon, has had articles and recipes published in the New York Times Sunday Magazine, the Washington Post, Saveur, Food & Wine, and the Associated Press syndicate. A former Westchester County resident in Katonah and Mt. Kisco, Pruess now lives in the Bronx, New York with her husband, restaurant critic Bob Lape, who will join her for the 7:00 pm dinner, demo and book-signing.

DeBragga.com Features the Holiday Rib - Roast and Chop - for this Year’s Table

Food, Food shopping, gourmet products, Holidays, mail order, shopping No Responses »

Nov 292009

DeBragga.com offers a fine selection of beef rib roasts and chops, as perfect for gift-giving as keeping for one’s own holiday table. To complement the cooking, DeBragga offers excellent pantry items such as sea salt and veal stock. All DeBragga orders are delivered next day, and all the meats are shipped fresh, so orders may be frozen without consequence to the meat. Gift orders may include gift messages to make each one personal. Shipping within 100 miles of New York City is only $9.99 per box. Limited quantities are available.

The selection of beef available as rib roasts or chops includes hand select Angus beef, aged both wet and dry, prime beef and naturally raised beef, also aged both wet and dry-aged. DeBragga’s American Wagyu beef ribs are dry-aged for 30 days and then sold as roasts and/or chops. Any of DeBragga’s beef rib roasts may be left whole, with seven ribs, or custom cut into a four-rib roast and three rib chops. All beef chops are frenched for a beautiful presentation.

Barefoot Bubbly is delightful and affordably priced at $10

california, Champagne, Food, Holidays, Wine No Responses »

Nov 212009

Technorati Tags: California,sparkling,wine,holiday

BAREFOOT BUBBLY^® PREMIUM EXTRA DRY

CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY CHAMPAGNE

Tickle your toes and your taste buds with Barefoot Bubbly Premium Extra Dry! The versatile and great-tasting Chardonnay Champagne is perfect for a special occasion or everyday celebration. Its delightful aromas and sweet flavors make a fun, flavorful and affordable addition to any meal.

Tasting Notes: This medium-bodied Chardonnay Champagne features aromas of ripe yellow apples, which complement the creamy texture. The tangerine and lime flavors will delight your palate.

Food Pairing: Champagne’s are often associated with festivities and celebrations, served with such treats as sweet cakes or pastries. Barefoot Bubbly also pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses, crackers, simple appetizers, and even spicy dishes.

Winemaking Notes:

Varietal Content: 80% Chardonnay

Titratability Acidity: .68

pH: 3.38

Alcohol Level: 11.8%

Residual Sugar: 2.6%

Pricing:

Barefoot Bubbly Premium Extra Dry is affordably priced at $10 for 750ml bottle.

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