Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THE OBSERVERS
New York CitY restauraNts Go artisaNal exploriNG New York states woNderful wiNeries Best spots to Get Your driNk oN
COVER PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF TMRW WINES the Worlds Most Romantic Wines
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServerSummer 2012 quarterly reStaurant advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
ICEWINE
cewine Exclusives, CEO & President Victoria Gunn aspires beyond the import and distribution business and looks to bring romance back to wine by reintroducing Icewine as The Most Romantic Wine. Neglected in the past and often misconceived as a dessert wine, Icewine has been released from the confines of the dessert menu and sits in its own category that is to be compared to no other. The Icewine harvest, done entirely by hand, commences when the temperature drops below 18 degrees. As the frozen grapes are pressed, the natural water portion of the juice remains within the grape skins in the form of ice crystals. A tiny but precious ration of highly concentrated juice is extracted, yielding only one-fifth the amount of an unfrozen grape, each frozen grape yields just one luxurious drop of Icewine. Unlike dessert wines, Icewine grapes are clean and do not undergo noble rot. This clean grape gives Icewine its balanced acidity and clean finish. We believe that this labor-intensive handcrafted delicacy brings back the romance found in the vineyard, in the winemaking, and in the anticipation of creation. Wine
Icewines from smaller high-quality vineyards to make the highest quality Icewines available to the world. Our smaller, more focused import and wholesale distribution business allows for greater concentration on our portfolio brands, and our goal is to fuel a change in the market position by shaping a new image for the Icewine industry expressed Victoria Gunn. We have chosen to provide the highest quality products, and with strict standards set in place by Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) of Canada, we know that the products we carry have been inspected from the vineyard to the bottle. Icewines are underappreciated for their extraordinary complexity but are also misunderstood as being less than versatile. Its versatility is impressive; from an aperitif, to a chivalrous compliment to spicy dishes, to a gastronomic ingredient in cooking. Mix any Icewine selection from The Most Romantic Wine collection to a myriad of your favorite liquors to commence a Romantic Journey an ultra luxury cocktail. Icewine also beckons to be enjoyed with that fine cigar to enhance the premium plumes of smoke. This Icewine has unbelievable complexity, the flavors are a decadent rainbow of surprise, an amazing alternative to Port in particular, for premium cigar smokers... a marriage made in Tobacco Paradise!, raves 4th Generation Tobacco Master Blender, Carlos Jimenez, about an Icewine Exclusives portfolio brand - Cornerstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc. The Most Romantic Wine collection is a sweet luxury that flatters everyones wine cellar. Icewines are rich and opulent on the nose with a sweet seductive perfume, lush and refreshing on the palate, emulating passion and romance. Icewine Exclusives brings a new and exciting way to embrace lifes every moment. Any time is a good time for our Icewines, The Worlds Most Romantic Wine. Sit back and relax - see, taste and Feel The Euphoria ...of what youve been missing! Visit www.TheMostRomanticWine.com for The Most
barons have been replaced by a digital romance that of cases sold or numerical ratings, explains Victoria Gunn. Icewine is more personal; although it can be paired with food... it seductively invites pairing with mood. Distinctive characteristics from each varietal evoke a different emotion and initiate your admiration for such a delicately handcrafted artisanal infusion of substance and sentiment. The feeling about this Liquid Gold is intangible but real, it defines the passion between people. Created with the philosophy that celebrates the flavorful romantic culture of wine making, Icewine Exclusives carefully selects handcrafted
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
MyCityWay NOW
Download
Live traffic feeds, up-to-the-minute travel times, transit updates in the palm of your hand
PLAN
EXPLORE SCORE
Find top restaurants, great coffee, shops, attractions, spas and bars, block by block
Trustworthy directions, gas price comparisons, shopping deals, Wi-Fi hotspots and so much more
www.mycityway.com
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
AT CHESEA ARTS TOWER | 545 W 25TH STREET 21ST FLOOR NYC 10001 CONTACT PERRY BROCCO | PERRY@THEGLASSHOUSES.COM WWW.THEGLASSHOUSES.COM | T. 212.242.7800
Our dedicated private dining coordinators will help you plan and personalize your event so you and your guests can have an unforgettable experience. Whether you are hosting a corporate event or celebrating a special occasion, our goal is to ensure quality and hospitality. We want you to be able to enjoy your event as much as your guests!
The Glasshouses is a premier event space in NYC with unmatched specular views of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. The Glasshouses with its high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows provides attractive modern canvas setting for any type of events. Please visit us at www. theglasshouses.com.
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
212.228.2775 www.buenosairesnyc.com
The New York Observer|Summer 2012|5
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
months I left. I worked at Porter House for a while and then I went to Buttermilk for two months, before I found this. I was always French and Seafood then I found out about this place. Whats exciting about your spring/ summer menuseason highlights perhaps? That it changes. Being able to do what I want, whenever I want. Ive never been able to work at a seasonal, local restaurant before. Here you are limited and directed to whats freshest and best. For me, the exciting part has been to learn about those things and focus on that. Its fun and challenging! There is a lot of focus on community here. How do you foster that energy? I am from California; Ive been in New York for six years. I worked in big New York restaurants and small Brooklyn restaurants. I really dont try to cater to the neighborhood. Although this kind of neighborhood is exciting to me. Ive changed the menu a lot. I try to do what the restaurant says: food thats local and seasonal. Ive only been here a month and a half, but Im always trying to improve and change the menu. Hopefully new people will come in and want what were supposed to be. home to ultra gourmet establishments such as: Billys Bakery, Pain DAvignon, Francois Payard, Lukes Lobster, Burke in the Box by David Burke, Sushi of Gari, YoArt and Tartinery.
GoinG LocaL
BeNjaMiN-Mile le HaY aND Melissa WileY
omemade, homegrown and homegood. The reason why so many New Yorkers love the local artisanal food and wine here is the quality. Despite the presence and popularity of larger, more commercial vendors, several notable players are leading the way for artisanal establishments and carving the a path for similar spots in the New York dining world.
Sunday evenings were about family and friends getting together to share homecooked meals and bottles of wine. So with our Sunday Supper menu at Asellina, were bringing the comforts of home to a lively environment and offering a fun way to cap off your busy New York weekend, said Chef Porceddu. Delicious dishes on the main menu include perfectly grilled calamari and a house-made Spaghetti with a fresh tomato sauce and lamb meatballs. Enjoy a sweet ending to the evening with the homemade sorbetti.
Lunch options at The Plaza have undergone some artisanal additions. Todd English Food Hall has been expanded to in- ziO RiSTORANTe clude a new 3,200 square-foot space called 17 weSt 19th Street The Plaza Food Hall, which features gourwww.zio-nyc.com met vendors. Kristin Franzese, Executive Zio Ristorantes Chef Massimiliano Vice President of Retail at The Plaza, explained: When we began the process of Max Convertini, a Puglia, Italy-native, said that his Pugliese cuiselecting great partners to sine always incorporates be a part of The Plaza Food seasonal and local ingreHall, our approach was to dients. My family goes choose iconic brands that daily to the market to buy were known not only for food for the day. Or we go their high quality product, to the fisherman to see the but for their craftsmancatches of the day. Here ship, she said. Using local, in [New York City], with seasonal ingredients is an all the purveyors that it important part of what has to offer, local does not we want to share with our mean the same thing anyguests and we accomplish Salmon carppucio at Zio. more. Seasonality does this in a few different ways. At Todd English we offer a selection of chees- though. Zio serves up plenty of delicious es, pastas and sausages which are made Mediterranean fare sure to please the palin-house. The Plaza Food Hall will now be ate of any refined gourmand.
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
Bacon + Bakery =
Life is Just Better with Bac n.
Order Online at www.Baconery.com 917-675-3385
Located Inside Books of Wonder Cafe 18 West 18th Street in New York City
H st
Zoe for Kids organic extra Virgin oliVe oil the newest addition to the award-winning Zoe product line.
E c
www.zoebrand.com
The New York Observer|Summer 2012|7
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
quarterly reStaurant advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012 Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
Wlffer scores points for its standout white blends. Investigate the oaked Chardonnay, the Perle, which avoids being too oaky by boasting apple and pear notes, with hints of caramel and butterscotch. You could also enjoy their superb, extra dry Ros on the terrace outside of the post-and-beam tasting room.
in Vino Veritas
RePoRTiNG BY BeNjaMiN-Mile le HaY, alexaNDRa sCHReCeNGosT, ColleeN CassiDY aND Melissa WileY ew York State is home to some of the countrys preeminent wineries. With a history of winemaking dating back to the 18th century, many pockets of the state have an ideal climate for growing Vitis labrusca and vinifera varieties. Be it the Finger Lakes or Long Island, there are extensive opportunities to tour, swirl, sniff, sip and spit. Each of these tastings is unique and allows visitors to experience fantastic vintages along the way. We consulted our oenophiles to discover a handful of their top choices.
room, two years later, on the western shore of Seneca Lake near Himrod, NY, where vinifera wines flourish in the dry, cool climate. Mr. Shaws meticulous winemaking approach results in outstanding bottles, including an exclusive Pinot Grigio and a notably complex Cabernet. We recommend giving the Keuka Hill Reserve a try, too.
UPSTaTE WinERiES
Winemaker Steve Shaw has been a highquality grape grower of the Finger Lakes for 30 years, contributing to the regions growth and emergence as a world-class producer of vinifera wines. After honing his skills in the 90s, Mr. Shaw founded the Shaw Vineyard label in 2002. He went on to build his production facility and tasting
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
he-minute es in the
The rise in bottle service has increased the marketability and therefore presence of many name brands, but people are getting bored of Vodka. There is demand for another beverage and that is Tequila. People want to do shots and shots of Vodka are boring. Recent years have seen the rise in advertising and popularity of brands like Patron, 1800, and Jose Cuervo as this demand for an alternative has increased. At the same time, this rapid rise of the high-end brands has left a hole in the market: People dont want to mix Patron or Don Julio because of its price point. There is a demand for a middle ground something that can be taken on its own and sipped while also affordable enough to mix in margaritas. This high end but affordable and fun marketing strategy is the base behind the matte Black Bottle which can be found everywhere from Lavo and Provacateur to an art studio in Red Bank and Ray Lavenders newest music video: We want people to see the bottle and be intrigued. Its a radical departure from the typical variously shaped glass bottles people expect tequila to come in. While an understanding of the bottleservice industry and New York nightlife is what launched Arty to his success, it is this core accessible-to-all mentality that motivates his recent projects beyond Alcaran. For instance, Artys latest venture Forever Young Wine, this with hospitality mogul Seth Greenberg, is attempting to break the hold of wine snobbery on the market: We want to use Spirit tactics for wine, to market a high quality product that is also fun and unpretentious. With his track record of success and understanding of the nightlife marketplace, from highend to typical consumer, it is hard to find anyone more equipped to tackle this formidable challenge. When asked about the typical Arty anecdote, Sarah Bromley, Brand Ambassador for Alcaran, responded, Everyone has cursed Arty in the morning. For a man selling you a great time there can be no bigger compliment.
www.facebook.com/RegattaBeverages
relishing relish
NaTalie GlaseR elish first started with clam bakes and barbeques, but quickly transformed into one of the most demanded catering companies in New York, sometimes catering to events with 3,000 people. (Book them way in advance, it takes about eight months to prepare for an event this big!) Aside from founder Claudine Reveres obvious love for food (shes been in the food business for twenty two years), she decided Relish was a perfect name for her catering company because she saw that relish was a popular condiment on concession stands while catering her first major event at the Trump Wollman Skating Rink. Relish business cards are now ketchup and mustard colored, Revere chuckled. What makes Relish a popular New York staple is their diverse and innova-
tive dishes, a hard-working staff, and their flexibility and success in catering to even the most unusual demands, like a Lebanese Jewish wedding. Relish doesnt have normal work hours, like most businesses. There are weeks with 20 parties, and there are weeks with only 5, but we are always busy, Revere says. Some popular food Relish is well known for is their macaroni and cheese and bite-sized hotdogs. However, they are always looking for more adventurous food to create. For instance, Relish catered to a fragrance event, where they had to come up with exotic and fun food to match the fragrance it represented. All the guests loved the dishes. Its no wonder Relish catering has been around for eleven years: their fun and cool twist on catered food has kept old clients coming back for more, and new ones begging them to cater at their events.
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
that calls for Campari, it reminds us oddly of pancakes and coffee at Sunday morning brunch.
rom tried-and-true classics to more experimental concoctions, weve checked out some of the best spots to sip on summer cocktails.
1 oz Fresh Lemon juice, serve on ice with short glass Directions: Pour all ingredients into a shaker, pour over fresh ice and garnish with slice of blood orange.
The A Voce restaurants on Madison and Columbus create elegant and refreshing cocktails, made with Italian ingredients. sanguinella 1 oz Campari 1.25 oz Limoncello Il gusto della Costa 2 oz Fresh orange juice
At Lanterns Keep, the only East-Coast bar nominated for Worlds Best Hotel Bar by Tales of the Cocktail and the only NYC bar landing in the top 10 finalists for the award, you can find The jungle Bird. According to Beachbum Berrys Intoxica, this drink dates back to the Aviary Bar in the Kuala Lumpur Hilton. One of the few tiki cocktails
Vai boasts a stylish sidewalk caf, perfect for sipping on a seasonal summer cocktail like the cool Cucumber Martini made with cucumber-infused gin, fresh cucumber and lime juice. Hungry? Vai offers a plethora of Mediterranean fare.
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
718.399.8805
www.forninoparkslope.com
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
Caf Condesa
An intimate restaurant in the West Village serving breakfast, lunch, and bistro fare dinner featuring exquisite New York style dishes with Latin American accents.
718.399.8805
www.forninoparkslope.com
f you crave delicious Mediterranean food, aegean Restaurant on Third avenue and 93rd street is the place to go for delicious, reasonably priced Turkish cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, from the exposed brick wall to the soft Turkish music playing in the background. Guests enjoy the hospitality and fine home cooking that Turkey itself is famous for. The restaurant serves authentic Turkish cuisine. The menu starts with a large selection of hot and cold meze, and an array of classic salads, as well as a few innovations. Entrees include many of the most traditional Turkish dishes, including: a selection of charcoal-grilled meats and fish, and a few intriguing additions; it also features a very nice wine list with an emphasis on Turkish vintages; this wine list is unique and has been lauded for its depth and breadth of excellent Turkish labels; carefully crafted by small producers from the Mediterranean whose wines deserve to be tried and enjoyed! A recent patron had this to say, Aegean is stylish, no matter what your occasion.
A Turkish delight
I was looking for a nice, affordable place where I could have healthy and tasty meal and I am so glad I found this place. They have a great menu and considering the quality of the ingredients theyre using; its really very affordable. I had my favorite Tabuleh for lunch, followed by Cheese Pastries. The last one was especially delicious! The chef comes from Bolu, where all famous Turkish chefs come from and the biggest surprise of he night for me was the belly dancerI was about to leave after enjoying my meal, when I saw a belly dancer started dancing; it was a show that you cant find anywhere. The owner who is a very warm and charming gentleman told me that we should try their brunch special on Sunday (13.95 two course of meal and a bottomless carafe of sangria)...Now thats a deal ha???
Celtic-inspired fare & one of the most extensive beer lists in the city.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL RESTAURANT, PLEASE VISIT aeGeaNNYC.CoM oR Call 212.996.1313
To Advertise: 212.407.9386
Special quarterly Food & SpiritS advertiSing Supplement to the new york obServer Summer 2012
To Advertise: 212.407.9386