On My List: James Restaurant

This weekend I am supposed to be in NYC visiting my sisters. The 20+ inches of snow predicted in Boston may put a wrench in my plans. But when I do make it for a visit the plan is to have brunch at JAMES.

The restaurant is located on the ground floor of an apartment building in Prospect Heights. It is run by the husband/wife team of Bryan Calvert and Deborah Williamson. They live in the apartment above and even have a rooftop garden where they grow fresh herbs for cooking. 

Photos: James Restaurant

Uber Cooking School

One of my favorite things to do is to take cooking classes from a talented chef. (In Boston my favorite venue is the Four Seasons.) But after reading about classes in Bedford, NY at RAINBEAU RIDGE FARM, it is next on my list!

I have heard about the farm for years - it is a sustainable organic farm in Westchester County not far from many of my friends. Among other things, they produce award-winning goat cheese which was the concentration of the class I read about in TRADITIONAL HOME. Sign. Me. Up.

Photos: Traditional Home

Rooftop Dining in New York

The hottest ticket in Manhattan is not for Broadway, but for a reservation for dinner on the roof of the new and oh-so-hip NOMAD HOTEL. 

The duo behind the Nomad are Chef Daniel Humm and restauranteur Will Guidara. Chef Humm was the executive chef at Eleven Madison Park where he and the restaurant received numerous accolades including four stars from the New York Times, five James Beard Foundation Awards, and three Michelin Stars. Guidara was the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park, where he spearheaded the transformation of the restaurant from French brasserie to fine dining.

Put it on your list the next time you are in NYC!

Photos: NoMad Hotel, Culture Divine

Eleven Madison Park Cookbook

If you have not eaten at Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan - put it on your list. Owned by restaurant guru Danny Meyer, this extraordinary spot has a four-star rating from the New York Times and the coveted three stars from Michelin. If you can't make it to New York you are in luck! Chef Daniel Humm and general manager Will Guidera have just come out with a cookbook. Buy a COPY for the chef on your list. And this gorgeous book has a trailer - so cool! Watch HERE

Photo credits: Eater, New York Times, NY Mag, NY Serious Eats

Hip Brunch Spot in New York

The STANDARD GRILL is one the the best spots for brunch or lunch in New York. Located under the High Line, the restaurant is made up of the two different spaces - one feels like Nantucket with whitewashed walls and the other room has the leather booths and cozy feel of a men's club.

On the menu there are crowd-pleasers like Brioche French Toast, Belgian Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Cobb Salad, Lobster Salad, and Chicken Paillard.

Get there early and grab a table outside and enjoy a side of people watching (and some celebrity sighting) with your Bloody Mary.

Images: Yelp, Martha Stewart, Brown Eyed Baker and Wikipedia

Party with Manhattan Flair

Through our friend and favorite caterer PETER CALLAHAN, I just discovered the jaw dropping work of floral/event designer LEWIS MILLER. Stunning!

The event was held at the New York Public Library (one of the most beautiful spots in the city). I can not stop drooling over this genius use of candles. 

The flowers and overall design = gorgeous.

Talented Zak Kunish

Last week I received an email from a PR firm in New York asking if I would like to interview their client for our blog. After looking at some of his work, I happily agreed to profile and interview ZAK KUNISH. Here are few shots of his floral and event design.

About Zak

Zak started designing parties at a very young age. Through his school years Zak’s business grew rapidly. His designs captivated clients including Levi Strauss, Revlon, Deutsche Bank, Rupert Murdoch and others. After graduating college, Zak went full steam ahead and merged his unique invitation business with extraordinary event design and décor. Zak’s talents, which focus on tabletop design, brought him into the New York City spotlight designing events for The Pritzker Organization, The Ritz-Carlton, The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, Exclusive Resorts and many prestigious event companies throughout the tri-state area.

Q + A with Zak Kunish

Two “must haves” when you entertain at home?

Chilled beer glasses and a fantastic appetizer

What magazines and blogs do you read for inspiration?
New York Magazine and NY Social Diary

What is your greatest extravagance?
I am a stickler for great service and fine food. My latest extravagance was going to Gordon Ramsey at The London Hotel for dinner and enjoying a great meal with lots of laughter.

Two famous people you would love to have at your next dinner party?
Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama

A few party “don’ts”?
If you are the host, don’t have more than one drink. It is not a good idea for guests to be leaving because you are intoxicated! Also, do not feel that you need to be over the top. Sometimes the simple parties are the best ones!

Two things you can’t live without?
My BlackBerry and chocolate milk

The best party you ever attended?
The absolute best party I ever attended was a friend's wedding in Florida. The food was superb; the mix of guests worked perfectly and the dancing was endless. I still remember it like it just happened last night!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I started my first company designing invitations when I was 14. It has evolved into full-scale event design company. This business runs through my veins!

Laduree Love

LADUREE opens today in New York and I can not wait until my next trip to town to go visit! Although Laduree started out as a bakery and then tea shop, it has evolved into a tea salon, pastry shop and restaurant. The next time you are in Paris, make sure to visit the original Laduree at 16 rue Royale in Paris. 

I love the idea of serving small trays of them at every table along with the traditional cake at a wedding. If you are not going to be in Manhattan (or Paris) in the near future, perhaps try making them from scratch? Find the recipe HERE.