As we head into the holiday season, The Algonquin Hotel’s December event lineup is open to both hotel guests and New York City locals. The hotel will spread holiday cheer with a variety of festive performances, cocktails, and experiences including:

• Cocoa and Carols Happy Hour: Daily, 5-8PM, Every evening this December, all are invited to enjoy Specialty Cocoa while Christmas carols chime at the Blue Bar. Drinks will include Mexican Hot Chocolate spiked with mezcal
• KT Sullivan Cabaret:  December 5th, 12th and 19th, Sullivan will perform her iconic Christmas Cabaret. As noted by The New York Times, Sullivan is a thrilling Off-Broadway performer with over eight published albums
• Rocco Dellaneve’s Rat Pack Christmas: December 7th, 14th and 21st, Rocco Dellaneve will perform iconic songs from the Rat Pack Christmas album with special inclusions of Santa with Sinatra, Rocco of the Snow, Rudolph and the Rat pack
• The Serafina’s and Broadway Vocalists: December 8th, 15th and 22nd, enjoy the high kicking – precision line dancing Christmas tradition around The Algonquin tree. The Serafina’s will be available for pictures and autographs from 6pm to 7pm, followed by special Broadway vocalists

A portion of proceeds from all events will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Beyond the December events, The Algonquin Hotel is located in a prime position nestled in the heart of Times Square and Fifth Avenue, making it the perfect launchpad for a New York City holiday experience. The hotel is a historical jewel that emphasizes the importance of making unique, storied experiences. Since its opening in 1902, The Algonquin Hotel is famous for its timeless style and desire to honor the literary and cultural elite. The distinguished Round Table Restaurant and Blue Bar offer tasteful dining inclusions and curated cocktails that are sure to excite everyone.

Photo credit: The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Festival of Lights, starts today Thursday, December 7^th and goes through Friday, December 15^th. From classic Jewish foods to fan-favorite chocolates, there are many options to celebrate Hanukkah in New York City.

New York’s iconic Li-Lac Chocolates, celebrating its 100^th Anniversary has been enjoyed by generations of locals and tourists alike. Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, Li-Lac, has remained true to its tradition maintaining the same single-minded focus on product quality. Its confections are handmade daily in its Brooklyn Factory using many of the original techniques and equipment from 1923.

Li-Lac Chocolates makes for the perfect Hanukkah gift for friends and family. They have a broad selection of specialty molds and gifts, now offering more than 120 items making it one of the largest selections of gourmet chocolates in the world.

All of its chocolates are certified Kosher and gluten-free.

A few gift options for Hanukkah include:

• Dreidel Filled with Gelt
• 20 pc. Chanukah Chocolate Gift Box
• Chest of Gelt
• Menorah Pop

The full list of Hannukah chocolates may be viewed here.

To learn more about Li-Lac Chocolates rich history, you may view a comprehensive press release here.

Store locations: Industry City/Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, Bleeker Street, Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards and Grand Central Market.

Ships: via FedEx in the United States and Canada.

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The popular Upper East Side Jewish Delicatessen PJ Bernstein will be rolling out a special Hanukkah menu, available for catering, delivery, takeout as well as dining in.

One of the last remaining of its kind, PJ Bernstein has been a staple in its neighborhood since opening its doors on the northeast corner of 70^th St. and 3^rd Ave. Serving the classics since 1965, it continues to be a hotspot for locals and celebrities, attracting the likes of Mayor Ed Koch, Liza Minelli, 2 James Bonds in Sean Connery and Daniel Craig, and Cuba Gooding Jr., to name a few.

Highlights of their Hanukkah menu include the following, but are not limited to:

• A Special Prix Fixe Menu with a Mixed Green Salad, Matzoh Ball Soup, Brisket with Mini Latkes, Kasha Varnishka, Gravy, Apple Sauce, and a Mini Danish.

      Appetizers:

• Famous Potato Latkes, a holiday favorite
• Baked Knishes

                  Entrées:

• Smoked Sturgeon
• White Fish Salad
• Roasted Chicken

Sides:

• Baked Sweet Potato
• Egg Barley

Desserts:

• Chocolate Rugelach
• Challah Bread

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.