If you suspect that we are getting a little bit desperate to find Pink Things for featuring in this weekly space, you would be correct. Thankfully, the Pink Drinks of summer are not only keeping us refreshed, hydrated, and slightly buzzed, but they also make a nice post, don’t they? This tall cool one is the Watermelon Daiquiri offered at Bottino Restaurant in Chelsea. Bottino specializes in delicious homemade pastas and other Italian favorites, and it has the most insanely lush backyard garden / covered patio for a safe and relaxed dining experience. At this time in our lives when little things mean so much, we look forward to a future visit!
As citizens of NYC (and the globe) struggle to find a groove of normalcy in the Covid-19 Shelter-in-Place reality, it is not just isolated walks in the park that will help to get us through with our sanity intact, but also home delivery — specifically home delivery of food and booze. Here in Manhattan, filmmaker Steven Soderbergh’s branded spirit Singani 63 (also known as the national drink of Bolivia) and NYC cocktail den The Garret have teamed up to comfort you. Next time you place a Seamless order, take note that The Garrett is offering 750ml (approximately 25 ounces) “Staff Support” bottled cocktails available for Delivery throughout Manhattan. All proceeds will benefit the bar’s out-of-work staff. The Garret also offers lunch and dinner menu items.
In addition to the Singani 63 bottled cocktail, The Garret offers a ready-to-sip Old Fashioned, Negroni, Donkey Horse, Margarita and other favorites. Each of the eight available cocktails, priced at $50 per bottle, simply need to be poured over ice and are ready to serve. The featured Singani 63 “Staff Support” Bottled Cocktail is a take on the classic Vesper Rouge, containing Singani 63, Gin, and Lillet Rouge (a lightly spiced, bitter aperitif wine). Order now via Seamless! Cheers!
This vintage metal cocktail tray is absolute perfection and a dream to own for any fan of mid-century modern design! Embellished with a design of assorted Pink Cocktail Glasses and a boarder of prancing Pink Elephants, this 5 x 7-inch tray, officially known as a “tip tray,” was originally sold in sets of four. Currently, lucky collectors can find them in stores that specialize in vintage pop culture collectibles, and on eBay and other auction sites.
Above Image Courtesy of Scoozi Events; All Other Photos By Gail Except Where Notes
When you have attended as many catered events and cocktail parties as I have, you get the opportunity to sample a variety unique and tasty foods. But after your umpteenth morsel of Prime Rib on a Crostini, or Coconut Fried Shrimp, you might tend to encounter a lot of sameness among the small bites being offered by various NYC catering companies. Yes, you have perhaps tasted it all, until you are lucky enough to attend a party catered by Scoozi Events: and it is only then that your tastebuds will be fully awakened to true culinary innovation!
In operation since 1996, Scoozi Events is a full-service catering and event resource. Voted New York City’s Most Creative Catering Company, Scoozi is also a company with a conscience. Certified green with three stars by the Green Restaurant Association, Scoozi recycles, composts, and uses eco-friendly products in an effort to continue reducing its carbon footprint. The goal is to provide clients with an unmatched experience, from décor to cuisine; and the true magic is in the details. Recently, I was invited to a Chef Tasting hosted by Scoozi at one of their intimate midtown venues, where my mind was fully blown by the unique selection of mouth-watering Hors D’Oeuvres and craft cocktails that I had the extreme pleasure to enjoy. Take a look at some of my favorite bites!
Scoozi has an extensive menu of vegetarian-friendly small bites, including this Smoked Carrot ‘Lox’ on a Bagel Crisp with Cream Cheese and Dill Garnish.
Eggplant Nigiri: it looks like Smoked Eel Sushi, but it’s a teriyaki-glazed slice of perfectly torch-finished eggplant!
Chicken Verde Tacos with Scallion Crema and Queso Fresco on a Mini Flour Tortilla. These tiny tacos were presented on a long tree branch with wedges cut out to nestle each taco perfectly. Check it out!
Image Courtesy of Scoozi Events
Mini Big Macs, Scoozi Style! These Baby Macs surpass the ordinary slider, taking the classic ingredients of a McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich but swapping the expected dill pickle for a slice of sweet Bread and Butter Pickle — for a little flavor thrill!
Another alternative to the traditional beef blider is the Ramen Noodle Burger; an open-faced, teriyaki-glazed Burger on a Ramen Noodle ‘Bun.’ Delish!
Mexican Street Corn on a Blue Corn Tortilla!
Spaghetti and Meatball, and Tuna Tartar with Sriracha Aioli on a Crispy Rice Cake. Everyone wanted to know how they got the pasta into that shape!
An updated take on the cocktail party favorite of Pigs in Blankets, Scoozicalls this the Beef Pig in a Pretzel Shell with Grain Mustard “Caviar.” Absolute perfection in a single bite.
Sizzling Lemongrass Chicken with Sticky Rice ‘Pop Up’ — These customized “General Zoe’s” Chinese Take-Out containers were presented in an oversized wok filed with uncooked white rice!
My thirst was quenched by a selection of refreshing and fruity cocktails: the Pineapple Orange Coconut Mojito (above) and Blackberry Mojito (below), both served with a fresh Sugar Cane stalk stirrer!
Blackberry Mojito
Image Courtesy of Scoozi Events
Yummy Alcohol-infused Cocktail Gummies improve on the usual Jello Shot, being part cocktail and part sweet dessert!
The Pink Paloma was my favorite!
For dessert, these Deconstructed S’mores are a Scoozi original: Toasted Marshmallow rounds dusted with Graham Cracker Crumbs and accompanied by a squeezable pipe filled with Warm Melted Chocolate! To enjoy; bite the marshmallow and simultaneously squeeze the chocolate into your mouth. Decadent!
Affogato is a traditional Italian dessert consisting of Espresso Cold Brew poured over Vanilla Ice Cream, here topped with whipped cream. Simple, but amazing! Notice that the attention to detail includes a fun miniature replica of a Greek Diner Coffee Cup. Adorable.
Assorted Desserts Image Courtesy of Scoozi Events
During the tasting, I had the chance to enjoy a marvelous, casual conversation with Scoozi Events President and CFO, Gianluca Ballarini, who is as charming as he is talented. Gianluca’s fascinating background includes a former career in the international fine jewelry business, and he can share stories both amusing and enlightening that probably qualify him as the guy at any party who everyone wants to talk to. But beyond being entertained by our chat, what I got most from Gianluca is the degree to which he cares about the services that Scoozi Events provides: because it’s not just business to him, it’s really more like a family. If I hadn’t already been won over by the fine food and drinks, Gianluca’s kind heart and commitment to customer service sealed the deal.
Beyond their impeccable food, cocktails and decor, Scoozi Events also work with many cool venues all over NYC, and they can recommend a variety of places to consider when you need a place to book an upcoming event. To find out more about Scoozi Events, see menus (including so much more in the way of food, cocktails and desserts than what you’ve seen here), and request a personalized proposal to plan every perfect detail of your next event, contact them via their website at Scoozi Events Dot Com!
Your Kitchen should be so much more than a space for chores and microwave meals: it should also be a place in your home that you go to for fun and relaxation. It If you feel guilty about leaving your kitchen in neglect, now is the time to turn things around. There are plenty of exciting ways for you to engage with this space. Below are four suggestions to get you started!
Prepare Your Own Cocktails
If you are someone who loves to spend time socializing with your friends, you should think about making your own cocktails. This is a brilliant way for you to save money and to create drinks that are perfectly suited to your tastes. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be a complicated process. You can start off with incredibly simple recipes and then work your way up to more complicated concoctions. If you have an eye for interior design, you could even treat yourself to a vintage drinks cart or invest in beautiful glassware. Many Los Angeles custom closets are made of glass, not just for the kitchen but even in the bedroom. Just imagine how impressed your loved ones will be if you are able to prepare their beverages from scratch.
Make Your Own Beer
Another great idea, for lovers of alcohol, is to use your kitchen to brew your own beer. Home Brewing is a wonderfully creative opportunity for you to make a product that you are truly proud of. Once you are happy with your recipe, you should consider sharing your beer with your loved ones. You could even think about setting up your own business. Why not start by designing custom beer labels online? This is a free and simple way for you to upgrade your bottles.
Prepare Your Meals From Scratch
Even if you are far from a culinary expert, you should still have a go at preparing your meals from scratch. There are plenty of cost-effective and simple dishes that you can prepare in under ten minutes. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with unusual flavors and ingredients. You could also start to create your own recipes instead of following someone else’s. Then, you could celebrate your progress by hosting a dinner party or throwing a party!
Make Your Own Edible Gifts
Alternatively, you could spend time in your kitchen making edible gifts. Home-made gifts the perfect option for anyone who is operating on a tight budget. However, even if money is no object, home-made gifts are still a brilliant way for you to show your loved ones just how much you care. You could start by preparing do-it-yourself kits for hot chocolates, gingerbread houses, and cookies. Then, you could have fun completing your own projects. Finally, you should have a go at combining all of your skills. Why not create a gift basket that is filled with a DIY cocktail set, a selection of your home-made brews, your favorite recipe cards, and a generous helping of edible treats? What better way to get the most out of your kitchen?
This cleverly-name-drink menu was spotted outside McGee’s Pub, the bar that served as the inspiration for McLaren’s Pub on the hit TV series How I Met Your Mother. I wonder if they also host a Trivia Night?
McGee’s Pub and Restaurant is Located at 240 West 55th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenues) in Midtown Manhattan.
NYLO NYC Hotel Blooms with its Inaugural Flower Market Event! (All Photos By Gail)
What could be more intoxicating to the senses than sipping exotic cocktails in a bar filled with fragrant, exotic flowers? Discover this multi-sensory experience for yourself each Saturday and Sunday through November, 2017 at NYLO New York City’s hotel lobby (including the bar, library, and piano lounge) which will be in full bloom as the space is transformed into a weekend flower market. Each weekend, a kaleidoscope of blooms supplied by Brooklyn’s very own CALA Floral Studio will take over the entire first floor of the hotel bringing in fragrant scents, and beautiful colors.
CALA Floral Studio will be presenting a myriad of arrangements from bouquets to buds, all available to take home or gift. In addition, classes teaching the making of floral headpieces will be offered and a floral cocktail menu will blossom. The hotel’s LOCLbar will be serving specialty floral cocktails every day of the week dreamed up by head bartender and beverage director, Earlecia Gibb.
Amongst a floral centered bar on weekdays and an overflowing flower market on the weekends, patrons can sip an Ultra Violet, a Singani cocktail with a violet ice sphere and orchids,
Also on the menu is the Rose & Ash, featuring Lapsang Souchong infused Absolut Elyx, rose cordial and activated charcoal.
For those who want to experience what spring tastes like, the Secret Garden is made of Bombay East gin, cucumber syrup, lavender bitters, Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic and floral buds frozen in ice-cubes. It tastes as beautiful as it looks!
The Flower Market is the second art launch from Arthouse @ NYLO, a multi-pronged initiative to breathe new life and artful character into the hotel. Following the success of Arthouse @ NYLO’s ongoing Silent Cinema series, the flower market is specially curated experience to celebrate and reflect the neighborhood and hotel’s artistic voice. As the city shakes the last ice chip off its shoulder delving into the warmer months, the flower market is one of several concepts that will bring art and creativity to visitors and locals alike.
In the heart of the refined Upper West Side of Manhattan, NYLO New York City is just steps away from Central Park, Lincoln Center and the historic Beacon Theatre, among countless other landmarks. Your private sanctuary in New York City, each room is packed with creature comforts like a spa rain shower, plush bedding, and tons of natural light. Serene, spacious, an escape from the city hustle in a central location.
NYLO New York City is Located as 2178 Broadway (enter on 77th St.) New York, NY 10024. 212-362-1100. For reservations, reservations@nylo-nyc.com. Follow NYLO at @nylonyc.
