Posted on July 28th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
During difficult economic times the movie business and the liquor business both tend to prosper…. so why not combine them?? ReBar owner Jason Stephens took the initiative to mix liquor and film. This week, Stephens unveiled ‘ReRun‘ a 60-seat theater attached to his overwhelmingly successful American pub ReBar in DUMBO. This new theater space will showcase indie films while serving movie-inspired specialty cocktails (as well as traditional draft beers, and a full menu).
ReBar’s environs are spacious but warm, fitting for an old 19th century tea factory. This unique factory loft space, which can accommodate up to 200 guests, features charming pre-war details including 12 1/2 ft arched terra-cotta ceilings, art-deco antique lamps, and large stain glass windows. Executive Chef Jeremy Leech will be cooking up new American classics including burgers, filet mignon, and a mouthwatering 7-hour roasted pulled pork sandwich. While the cusine is mostly American, the drink menu is quite international featuring 15 tap beers (focus on Belgium beers) and 120 bottled selections. ReBar offers two private rooms for more intimate gatherings.
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Posted on July 25th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Today, Patina Restaurant Group announced plans to open an eatery at Lincoln Square. The new venue aptly titled ‘Lincoln’ will serve contemporary Italian cuisine. The restaurant is a marvel in modern architecture. The space, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is scant on sheetrock. Instead, the designers opted for a sleek all glass structure that overlooks Lincoln Square’s reflecting pool.
Lincoln’s architecture is as intriguing as its layout. Architect Liz Diller worked closely with CEO Nick Valenti to sculpt a layout that maximized usable dining and entertainment space. The restaurant features a lower level private dining room, a chef’s table, an outdoor terrace, a bar, and a 10,000 square foot “hypar shaped” roof space (open to the public). The focal point of the restaurant is the open Chef’s kitchen. Such open kitchen layouts seem to be a growing trend for eateries in the neighborhood (Bar Masa comes to mind). The restaurant is slated for opening this September, the official menu is yet to be announced. Let’s hope the dishes will be as impressive as the space itself.
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Posted on July 20th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Event Contact:
Mark Wood
Covet Restaurant & Lounge
137 E 55th St. NY, NY 10022
212-223-1802
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle midtown east is
Covet Restaurant & Lounge a new bi-level venue on E 55th St. Like many star-studded spaces, the façade looks rather unassuming. Once inside, you are whisked away to an enclave of rustic elegance. From the Indian soaked wood panels, to the cowhide ottomans and Russian bearthrow pillows, every detail of Covet’s interior space is warm and inviting.
Owners Eric Milon and Andre Hnatyszak modeled the space after the Alpine après ski lodges of St. Moritz. Mr. Hnatyzak explains,
“Covet exudes St. Tropez and St. Barths Glamour… The Mix in ambiance is designed for a well-heeled crowd attracting celebrities, models, politicians, foodies, the financial set, and fashionistas.”
Suffice it to say that Mr. Hnatyszak’s intended demographic is night owls. Covet’s Restaurant (capacity 66), located on the ground floor, features “late-night” dining serving a full menu till 2 AM. Executive Chef John Keller (Nobu & Bruno Jamais) manages the venue’s Asian Mediterranean cuisine. Some of Keller’s signature dishes include the Lobster Brulee and the Wild Boar Tenderloin.
Beneath Covet’s restaurant is the cocktail lounge & club, which is open until 4AM (capacity 300). Of course a lounge & club isn’t worth much without its mixologist. Famed mixologist Orson Salicetter (formerly of Apotheke) is in charge of the drink menu fixing an eclectic mix of libations. Covet’s signature cocktail is The Icarus a sweet drink which includes Louis XIII cognac and saffron (offered exclusively at Covet).
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Posted on July 18th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Posted on July 14th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
This May, John DeLucie Chef of the Waverly Inn opened The Lion tavern in the West Village. The restaurant is located in the same space that once housed The Village Restaurant as well as a popular 1960’s hang out. DeLucie preserved the venue’s unique “town home” feel, maintaining a dark oak decor fitting for a tavern (no small task in a town that values preservation). The restaurant’s environs are appropriately complimented by a hearty ‘tavernesqe’ menu. Notable choices include the Aged NY Strip, The Lamb Porterhouse, and the ’special blend’ Burger. This bi-level restaurant space can accommodate up to 120 seated guests and features a private dining room (accessible via balcony).
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Posted on July 5th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Cityview's Premier Cocktail Lounge & Event Space
Last week Great Places hosted an event showcasing CityView Racquet Club’s 80,000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor event space. This hidden oasis housed atop the Swingline Stapler Building in LIC, provides panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. No other event space so seamlessly combines high end sports and luxury at such attractive rates (up to 80% off if booked online). The capacious indoor cocktail lounge features a full bar, skyline views, and a fireplace for added ambiance. The furnished outdoor deck, which also offers great views, is ideal for a large BBQs or outdoor receptions. Catering for the event was provided by Creative Concepts and music was mixed by Generation Events’ DJ Jason Fioto.
Event Contact:
Julie Sommers
Events Director
718.389.6252
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Posted on June 29th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Yachts for 100+ Guests
- Capacity: 400+
- Location: NY
- Amenities: Dance Floor, Full Kitchen, Dining Area
The Atlantis is ideal for wine-tasting parties and high end corporate events. Lots of Yachts can offer charters aboard the Atlantis to Atlantic City, Connecticut, Sag Harbor, and Long Island.
- Capacity: 150-200
- Location: NY & NJ
- Amenities: Full service bar on each level, dining room, full kitchen, A/V capabilities
The Princess by World Yacht is perfect for large corporate events or dinner parties. Each level boasts panoramic views that are truly breathtaking when circling Manhattan.
- Capacity: 500
- Location: Florida
- Amenities: Indoor dining space, 3 levels, outer decks equipped with whirlpools
This capacious yacht based in Florida boasts 3 separate levels and an outdoor whirlpool.
Yachts for 50-100 Guests
- Capacity: 49
- Location: NY
- Amenities: Elegant 1890’s style schooner with 70′ft main mast.
Some yachts have sails! Classic Harbor Line’s Adirondack schooners are the “fastest resident sail vessels” in NY Harbor. The Adirondack Schooner boasted record finishes in the Chesapeake Bay Schooner race 14 years in a row.
- Capacity: 49
- Location: NY
- Amenities: Full bar, upper/lower deck, 1920’s decor
The Noa Danielle’s art deco interior creates an intimate and warm atmosphere ideal for a formal event. The Noa Danielle is perfect for weddings commencements, receptions, and cocktail parties.
- Capacity: 100 (seats 35)
- Location: NY
- Amenities: full bar, 1920’s decor, heated & air conditioned interior space for year round comfort.
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Posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Here are some innovative yacht event ideas. There are more choices than you think!
Wine Tasting Events
What better place to enjoy a fine Merlot than aboard a yacht? Classic Harbor Line offers a wide array of wine tasting events aboard all their schooners. Throughout the year, Classic Harbor Line hosts wine tasting events that focus on specific types of wines and distinct international flavors. This month, award winning wine enthusiast Wendy Crispell, hosted a Greek wine tasting event.
Historical Events
While a historical yacht event may sound a bit dry (pardon the pun), Caliber Yacht Charters and Classic Harbor Line offers events that can truly appeal to the history buff. As you sip champagne aboard a private schooner, a NY Harbor Historian can provide some interesting historical tidbits and trivia.
Destination Events
Not all Yachts meander aimlessly. Charter companies such as Classic Harbor Line can accommodate for just about any destination in the New York region. For the more seasoned traveler, Lots of Yachts offers destination charters in Florida, The Caribbean, and The Mediterranean.
Dockside Events
Sometimes the best events are those that never leave the shore. Many charter companies provide dockside events as they offer more freedom and flexibility for visitors. Manhattan Steamboat can accommodate for dockside events.
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Posted on June 21st, 2010 by Lori Hill
Lori Hill, President of Lori Hill Event Productions discusses the Irvine Nature Center.
If you want to hold your meeting or event in a natural setting away from the noise of the city, then consider Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, Maryland. Located in Baltimore County about 10 minutes outside the Baltimore Beltway, Irvine is a leader among Maryland’s environmental education centers. It features a meeting and event space, a fabulous Nature Store with great eco gift items, a deck overlooking the 116 acres of woodlands, wetland and meadows, a large tent for parties of up to 150 and an interactive exhibit hall which is also great for receptions.
The mission of the Irvine Nature Center is to inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, increase awareness of environmental issues, and to encourage individuals to sustain Earth’s ecosystem. Therefore, it is no surprise that local materials were used to build the state-of-the-art facility which employs a number of green features using U.S. Green Building Council LEED guidelines. Some LEED compliant amenities include a vegetated roof, waterless urinals, low flow fixtures, rain barrels and energy efficient lighting.
The Center also practices single stream recycling and composting and has a green standards checklist for their caterers. In fact, all suppliers who work with Irvine have to adhere to their environmental guidelines and the Center strives to always select local, independently owned vendors whenever possible.
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Posted on June 16th, 2010 by Eric Wasnick
Upstairs opened this month at the Kimberly Hotel. Perhaps in keeping with the trends of rooftop venues these days, this space houses a retractable glass roof for inclement weather (think Glass Bar). The 3,000 square foot rooftop space can accommodate up to 200 guests for cocktail receptions.
Below is a rather cool video highlighting the space produced by the hotel. Cheers to their marketing pizazz!
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