The newly redeveloped Asian and Mediterranean-inspired seafood hot spot Sagaponack is back at the Flatiron District. Inspired by the namesake town in the Hamptons, this culinary gem is a celebration of seafood paired with an array of expertly crafted cocktails (including non-alcoholic) that elevate every dining moment.

In October 2020, Sagaponack welcomed a fresh perspective with the addition of Kyung-il Lee, a seasoned managing partner renowned for his successful stint overseeing operations at the Michelin-Starred JeJu Noodle Bar. His arrival became a major shift for the brand, aiming not only to reopen its doors but to infuse it with renewed vision.

Which is why it was important to onboard a top-tier team. One of his strategic moves was bringing on the expertise of Executive Chef Phil Choy, an alumnus of the esteemed Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts. The chef’s trajectory took him to the heart of New York City, where he honed his skills in the Michelin-starred kitchen of Dovetail, working under the tutelage of Chef John Fraser. Following that, Choy’s talent was further recognized as he ascended to the role of sous chef at Boulud Sud, Daniel Boulud’s celebrated Lincoln Square establishment.

Together, Lee and Choy have since brought new life into Sagaponack’s culinary offering, from a tantalizing array of fresh oysters, a Sagaponack specialty, to the latest editions of Surf & Turf (Dry Aged Ribeye & Whole Lobster) added last month. This consists of a 40 oz dry aged ribeye cold smoked and seasoned with 5 spice rub. It’s served with a Cantonese-inspired Lobster sauce made with ginger, espelette, lemon; with a whole lobster that’s cooked in their court bouillon. Of the oysters, the Dressed Trio of cucumber, chili, and caviar, is an absolute must-try and a highlight to include in your expedition; an exquisite burst of flavors that dance harmoniously on your palate.

A standout was the Fluke Tartare, which was equally visually striking as delicious for the taste buds. Nutty and savory, this dish boasts a delicate balance of flavors, featuring coconut, Marcona almonds, and tobiko perched atop the fluke tartare. Its allure includes a tableside drizzle of a meticulously crafted sauce—a blend of cucumber, cilantro oil, chili oil, and lime—creating a sensory spectacle where smell meets taste – an intentional journey curated by the new team with all the sagavibes, no pun intended.

Meanwhile, the Cinnamon Fizz is the best alternative for a refreshing mocktail for all you non-alcoholic drinkers have been waiting for. Made of ginger lemon, cinnamon, and soda, the drink puts together a refreshing burst of flavors that works well with any dish on the menu. But for those who enjoy a craft cocktail and feeling adventurous, you could go for a Bateau Banane, a concoction of banana mezcal and curacao, or The Seaside Sunset, a blend of vodka, Chambord, lime, lychee, and orange in each sip – all made by mixologist Alex Parker. Did I mention they have happy hour on the daily, except for Sundays?

If you’re looking for comforting food, the Fried Artichokes, including pecorino, za’atar, mint, yogurt, is your go-to, alongside the Butternut Squash Soup served with ginger coconut cream, pumpkin seeds, and Aleppo, and certainly the star of the season. The new Lobster Mac and Cheese includes five kinds of cheese, which similarly they use for grilled cheese served during their events exclusively; after all, the restaurant does consider itself an event space, and rightfully so. Other highlights include the Asian-inspired twist on calamari, which adds an exciting dimension to the starters, seasoned with guindilla, parsley, and complemented by a zesty Calabrian chili aioli. If you’re out with a group, you can share a Seafood Paella featuring a multitude of seafood, from lobster stock, to chorizo and mussels, shrimp, and scallions.

All in all, Sagaponack blends both land and sea into a perfect pairing. The desert menu exceeds all expectations, with the Thai Milk Cake, as an impeccable choice to conclude your dining experience. The cake is composed of cinnamon, pecan, and mango perfection. The potent Crème Brûlée includes diced strawberries on top of its hard caramel layer; which was potentially made by Lee himself who’s been learning how to bake during his time managing the kitchen too.

Kyung-il Lee tells us,  “Working in the kitchen gave me insights from the chef’s and kitchen’s perspective. Embracing various viewpoints in hospitality, understanding kitchen operations enhances my knowledge of processes and the people involved. Being hospitable extends to employees, and working with the kitchen staff helps me serve them better as an owner.”

This reflects the sentiment on the site saying, “our goal for the restaurant was simple – bring in a talented chef with a passion for food. Someone who could whip up top-notch dishes while making it approachable.”

LOCATION: 4 W 22ndSt., New York, NY 10010

WEBSITE: https://www.saganewyork.com/

PHONE: 212-229-2226

INSTAGRAM: @sagavibes

HOURS: Monday–Wednesday: 11:30 am -3 pm; 5 pm -10 pm Thursday: 11:30 am -3 pm; 5 pm -10:30 pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am -3 pm; 5 pm -11 pm; Sunday: Closed

Reporting by Alison Andrea Lopez 

This is a perfect idea for a gift for the tequila lover in your life. The new 1800 Tequila x Carmelo Anthony Holiday Drop Shop celebrates the best taste in tequila and in life this holiday season.

As part of 1800 Tequila’s passion for sports and dedication to its community, all apparel proceeds from the 1800 Tequila x Carmelo Anthony Holiday Drop Shop will directly benefit The Carmelo Anthony Foundation to provide communities better access to recreational activities such as refurbishment of local basketball courts.

Featuring a partnership with brand tastemaker, 10-time NBA All-Star, and entrepreneur, Carmelo Anthony the 1800 Tequila x Carmelo Anthony Holiday Drop Shop showcases tasteful gifts for tequila, fashion, and sports fans alike.

The 1800 Tequila x Carmelo Anthony Holiday Drop Shop is a limited-edition apparel capsule collection featuring four bespoke items designed and produced in collaboration with Carmelo Anthony and his apparel lifestyle brand STAYME7O. The 1800 Tequila x STAYME7O collection includes: 1800 Tequila x STAYME7O Varsity Jacket (hero product), 1800 Tequila x STAYME7O Hoodie, 1800 Tequila x STAYME7O Snapback Hat, and 1800 Tequila x STAYME7O Embroidered Fabric Patch.

Consumers can purchase apparel from the 1800 Tequila x Carmelo Anthony Holiday Drop Shop through various bundle sets ranging from $75 – $295 while supplies last. Sign up to get notified for early purchase access on 1800Tequila.com/HolidayDropShop.

24 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.

I am starting first with Chanukah which starts December 7th. Here are great little surprises and treats. First up are these festive Chocolate Dreidels ($14) are  handmade with the finest chocolate, and filled with milk chocolate gold-foiled Gelt coins for a surprise inside that never disappoints. They make a great addition at any Chanukah celebration everyone will love! Each Dreidel contains 3 coins. Gluten Free. Kosher Certified.

Then there are the adorable Menorah Pops. At $4.95 its a sin not to indulge.

Menorah Pops $4.95

Their unique selection of Chocolate Gift Boxes, Towers and Gift Baskets stand out among New York’s discerning chocolate enthusiasts. We loved the box of 30 Chocolate Mini Presents at $25 these bite-sized solid premium milk chocolates wrapped in Italian foil are perfect for filling stockings or party favors. Gluten Free. Kosher Certified.

 Li-Lac Chocolates are fresh, gourmet chocolate hand-crafted in small batches for exceptional quality and superior taste. They also come in dairy free, sugar free and Kosher certified making them perfect for the family. These chocolates are creamy, tasty and so delightfully sinful.

Handmade in Brooklyn, not only are you supporting a local business but freshness is guaranteed.

Li Lac Chocolates are now my go to chocolate place for gifts.

It was the holiday mixer that hit all the sweet notes.

Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi and Ziploc hosted a fun interactive holiday party at the New York City Milk Bar flagship location on November 29. Attendees at the special affair got to hear Christina’s tips and tricks for the holiday season, as well as see Ziploc’s latest innovation, the Stay Open Design bags.

“Ziploc bags have been a favorite tool of mine since I started baking because they are so versatile and easy to use. From rolling out and freezing dough to ensuring my baked goods always stays fresh, there’s no shortage of ways that I use Ziploc^® at home and in our bakeries,” she said. “The new Ziploc^® Stay Open Design bags help give me an extra set of hands in the kitchen. As soon as I tried them, I was immediately reminded of mixing puppy chow in a Ziploc^® bag as a child, and I knew this would be another perfect collaboration.”

Teaming up for the release the bakery’s first-ever, limited-edition take on “puppy chow” dessert – Ziploc x Milk Bar Holiday Mix – is a perfect way to start December. Perfect for festive gatherings, hosting gifts, stocking stuffers, family road trips and long sessions on the couch watching holiday movies, the offering features popular holiday flavors, including corn square cereal, white chocolate, cookie butter, sprinkles, and sugar cookie pieces.

Each bag of the Ziploc^® x Milk Bar Holiday Mix comes pre-packaged in a quart-size Ziploc^® Stay Open Design storage bag. Ziploc^®‘s latest innovation helps ensure the contents will stay fresh and easily snackable thanks to a cuffed opening and patented stand up bottom that keeps it upright and open for filling and sharing with confidence. For the month of December, pick up a bag at the New York City, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles Milk Bar stores for just $7, plus tax, while supplies last.

And, for anyone in NYC, starting December 1, you can also book the perfect holiday activity, a build-your-own holiday mix-making experience! Attendees will learn Christina Tosi’s tips and tricks with the Milk Bar expert bakers and walk away with a gallon-size bag of holiday mix gifting for their own enjoyment.

For those not located near a Milk Bar store, don’t worry! Milk Bar and Ziploc^® are sharing the exclusive recipe for free on both of their websites – a wonderful opportunity for a festive home activity with friends and family. Ziploc^® also created a one-stop shop, to easily find all the ingredients needed at Amazon, Target or Walmart, including Ziploc^® Stay Open Design bags that allow for easily folding, filling, scooping and snacking.

Photos by AP for Ziploc®

Lifevine is a wine that is oh so fine this holiday season for all the right reasons.

If you are looking for an alternative for drinking this holiday season look no further than these incredible bottles that will forever find a place in your home.

The wine brand with zero sugar is a wine lovers dream. All in the brand’s portfolio is excellent in every single sip and it feels oh so good to know it is one of the first wines to list both serving facts and ingredients on the bottle. They believe in providing you the transparency you deserve so that you can make the best choices about what you put in your body.

As the company states, “We set out to produce a wine to fit your active lifestyle. We wanted a wine that offered excellent taste, purity, zero sugar* and full transparency. That is why we created Lifevine. We are committed to the highest level of transparency because we believe you should know what’s in your wine. Beyond zero sugar*, we want our wine to be free of harmful toxins and pesticides, without compromising quality or flavor. For this reason, we lab test all of our wines and submit them to a 3rd party standards organization to certify and award for things like organic and purity.”

Your holiday parties are set to buzz with delight with such an amazing alternative that tastes great and will not make you feel guilty the next day.

Varietals include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and more. Lifevine is lab tested for purity, certified pesticide free and committed to label transparency.

Here is to your perfect holiday with Lifevine.