The Big Apple is back in business this summer. The streets are full of people shopping and especially eating out. Here are some of our favorite places to get you excited in July.
A top selection is the patio deck at Katsuya
Everything about this exquisite establishment pleases the senses and creates magic that sparkles this summer. Just adjacent to Hudson Yards at Manhattan West you will find seats on this outdoor deck that offers up amazing views and even more amazing food and drinks. Enjoy such popular menu items as Pop Rock Shrimp with Spicy Ponzu Mayo, Crispy Batter or the legendary Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with Grilled Sushi Rice, Spicy Tuna Tartare, Serrano. Of course no visit is complete without Chef Katsyta’s Signature Baked Crab Handrolls with buttery Baked Snow Crab wrapped in Soy Paper.
Katsuya at Citizens also boasts a wonderful indoor sushi bar along with the 100-seat rooftop terrace.
Down in the West Village try some eats for a great cause. The Stoli x Sveta Cocktails for Ukraine pop-up is a Ukrainian-themed immersive pop-up that will support World Central Kitchen, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises.
Stoli Vodka selected Ukrainian family-run restaurant Sveta, owned by Ukrainian immigrant Sveta Savchitz and her son Alan, for the Stoli Vodka x Sveta Cocktails for Ukraine pop-up to further support their pledge of raising $1,000,000 for World Central Kitchen to send meals to Ukrainian refugees.
If you are looking for a perfect day outdoors, the classic lemonade stand you know and love has grown up: two New York icons have come together for a limited-time collaboration. Fishers Island Lemonade has popped up a lemonade shack at Taco Vista on Governors Island.
Located in the grassy area outside of Taco Vista – just to the left of the ferry when you arrive on Governors Island – anyone stopping by can sip in the shade, hang on the lawn, nosh on tacos + oysters, and stop by the shack for refreshing Fishers Island Lemonade. Now through the end of July, visitors will be able to enjoy the delicious, full range of Fishers Island Lemonade as well as a signature frozen slushy, available only at Taco Vista. If you’re stuck in the city over the Fourth of July or looking for something fun to do in the sun, check out the Fishers Island Lemonade Shack on Governors Island.
Then head north in town. A Tavola in La Devozione at Chelsea Market, by Giuseppe Di Martino, owner of Pastificio Di Martino, the world’s leading pasta maker, is partnering with Italy’s internationally renowned chef Massimo Bottura, owner of three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana. The restaurant will be serving Gemelli and Massimo’s Pesto, gemelli pasta by Pastificio, a double twisted pasta shape and Chef Bottura’s pesto made from mint, basil, Parmigiano, and breadcrumbs; a nut free tradition remade for sustainability and the chef’s no-waste approach.
Partial proceeds of each dish sold from this summer until the fall of 2022 is being donated to Bottura’s NPO Food for Soul, and the New York-based NPO Refettorio Harlem, in support of its ongoing community meal initiative.
Masseria dei Vini is an authentic Italian dining experience located in Hell’s Kitchen. The restaurant features daily crudos, a large selection of house made pasta, traditional dishes from Puglia, where Chef-Partner Pino Coladonato was born, and a large selection of wines mainly from Italy. Many proteins are created in a Ferrara wood-burning pizza oven that has lava rocks from Mount Vesuvius giving the dishes a distinct taste. The extensive wine program was designed by partner Enzo Ruggiero, whose passion for wine began as a child going to local vineyards with his grandfather where they would stomp grapes to make the family wine. The program contains more than 400 different labels, with approximately 90-percent of the catalogue coming from Italy, and the other 10-percent from around the world.
PJ Bernstein offers delivery and takeout options for all their traditional Jewish deli specialties and will be open from 10 am – 8 pm on Independence Day. The restaurant has remained a staple in the New York Jewish deli dining scene for over five decades.
The Catering and Party Menu is perfect those looking to nosh on some hearty sandwiches with options for anywhere from 10 – 20 people. Starters include classic salad options such as Potato, Macaroni, or Cucumber Salad, among others, and customers can also lean with healthier options like PJ’s Vegetable Platter, served with carrots, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, and house made onion dip; and the Whitefish Platter served with an assortment of bagels, cream cheese, olives, Bermuda onions, tomatoes, and fresh lemon. Cold Cut Platters are prepared with three and a half to five pounds of select meats as well as Eli’s Bread. house dressing, and pickles. Then for the main event and those looking to dive into some of NYC’s best pastrami, brisket, and corned beef, PJ’s Famous Sandwich Platters come with either 12 jumbo sandwiches and five pounds of a choice of side salad, and 20 Jumbo sandwiches and seven pounds of a choice of side salad.
Bear Donut will be crafting a red, white, and blue commemorative donut for the holiday, and with a purchase of a small box (composed of four donuts), an additional free donut will be added. This offer and specialty donut are available from July 2nd – 3rd only as Bear Donut is closed on the Fourth of July.
Bear Donut bakes fresh donuts twice daily, the first batch arriving at the counter at 10 am and the next at 2 pm, in three varieties of signature donuts developed by Jang: Bear Donuts, chewy and crispy donuts made with sweet rice flour in a bubble-ring shape dressed with powdered or glazed toppings like Powdered Sugar or Cheddar and Lavender or Pink Chocolate Glaze; Glazed Donuts, classic ring-shaped donuts also made with sweet rice flour in flavors ranging from Classic glaze to a sour Grapefruit Poppy; and specialty light and airy brioche Cream Puff Donuts, perfectly round and double the height of the other donut varieties filled with such options as Double Milk Tea and Matcha Custard, each topped with powdered sugar and Dirty Choco, filled with Nutella and glazed with semi-sweet chocolate.
El Cartel Tapas Bar and Restaurant, a family-owned and operated restaurant rooted in Colombian cuisine and culture which has just opened in Hell’s Kitchen, will be offering an array of specials for the Fourth of July Weekend for Friday (7/1), Saturday (7/2), and Sunday (7/3), priced from $30 – $55, but closed on Monday (7/4).
Entrée specials include a choice of: Seafood Rice and Bass Filet, a coastal flavored seafood rice with fried striped bass ($30); Filete Cartagena, fried, stripped filet topped with a homemade red sauce and shrimp served with rice and fried cassava ($35); and Parrillada for Two, a well-packed meal for two consisting of pork chops, chicken breast, skirt steak, shrimp, and Colombian chorizo served with fried yuca, French fries, yellow rice, and black beans ($55). Beverage is not included in the price.
If you happen to be in the Hamptons for the weekend check out an exquisite culinary experience with the opening of the restaurant El Turco. Truly divine and fully authentic Turkish inspired food will captivate guests out East this summer with authentic Turkish menu selections served with renowned Turkish hospitality. Located close to the heart of East Hampton at 44 Three Mile Harbor Road, the newest El Turco will come alive in the stunningly well-designed space during the July 4th holiday weekend and officially opening July 8th. El Turco has created a chef’s tasting experience that will take guests on a culinary journey with the best use of Turkish food reflective of the grand tastes and traditional expressions of the rich cultural heritage mixed with a modern presentation of bold flavors.
And lastly, reservations will go live next week – Wednesday, July 6 – for NYC & Company’s 30th Anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week. The link for reservations is – nycgo.com/restaurantweek
Happy restaurant hopping!
Cover art by Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
Here are some exciting things in the news.
City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, held the third annual Closing the Care Gap event last night with its Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) fundraising group. Hosted by music industry icons, Lyor Cohen, global head of Music at YouTube and Google, and Sylvia Rhone, chair and CEO of Epic Records, the event brought together industry professionals and influencers to inspire, educate and support opportunities to achieve access to the best treatment and care available for all people facing cancer.
“Too many people needlessly suffer due to lack of access to the latest medical innovations and systemic barriers that prevent them from getting the best cancer care,” said John Carpten, Ph.D., director of City of Hope’s National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, director of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, chief scientific officer and the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair. “At City of Hope, we are working to carry out solutions that increase the likelihood that every person living with cancer — regardless of race or region — can get the best care.”
The US Open Tennis Championships has IHG Hotels & Resorts creating memorable and interactive fan experiences. There is a secret gift for superfans, which they can unlock with a special password. Beginning August 27, guests staying at select IHG hotels in NYC can unlock the surprise by whispering “Game. Set. Swag.” at the front desk to receive an IHG swag bag full of goodies to use at the US Open.
Kits are first come, first served, while supplies last, and are available to guests checking in at the below NYC-area IHG hotels
And coming up, the Grand Kyiv Ballet is excited to announce an upcoming American Tour this fall, featuring the performance “Snow White.” The show is scheduled for September 26, 2023, at the King Theatre in New York. This tour holds a special purpose, as it aims to support the renovation of the Kyiv State Choreographic College, an important institution in Ukraine. The principal dancers relocated recently to Seattle because of war, and it’s their first American tour.
From beauty to fashion to sips, we have had some wonderful fun with these amazing products that dazzled brightly this shiny summer season.
For fashion lovers –
Portland Leather Goods has a wallet that is perfect for holding your ID and credit cards without compromising style.
Their Mini Daisy Wallet is truly wonderful for any place you go this season. Carry it with ease in your pocket at concerts or in your beach bag. You will love the fun colors and exciting details.
Founder Susan DelPriore’s touch is on each piece, whether she’s designed it herself or curated it from top brands, such as Free People, Steve Madden, and Chinese Laundry. She’s involved in every buying decision and creation, ensuring a proper fit for every body size.
For picnic lovers on wine duty for the party –
PureWine – The Wand is an awesome purifier and the only product available that purifies your wine by removing both histamines and sulfites from a single glass serving.
For keeping summer going all year long –
Cover art by Lionel Gustave on Unsplash
Fall is just around the corner. The time is now to get your beauty on with an array of fantastic offerings. Here are some simply gorgeous things we love to make you feel beautiful this season.
Armani Beauty’s Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow is the absolute best eye shadow selection of the season. There is something so divine about using a product that goes on smooth like butter and feels like silk on the face. Every shade of color goes with any skin tone and will make the lucky wearer feel the power of luxury. It is exquisite and a true game changer in the industry.
Perfect for creating the Latte eye, and the water-infused formula is creamy, blendable, and long lasting. Use a neutral, matte shade like 30 on the lid, then apply a darker, matte shade like 36 in the crease. Then, go in with a neutral shimmer in the corner with shades 9 or 12.
Lights Lacquer is the nail polish that you have been wanting your entire life. Your hands take on divine sophistication with this incredible brand. Let your hand do the talking with this on because you will have a lot of wonderful things to say!
The female-founded, Latina-owned brand founded by KathleenLights, has launched YNBB III, the third volume of the popular nudes collection, featuring six new sheer nudes that were thoughtfully designed to enhance the natural beauty of all skin tones. YNBB III is the perfect collection for the latest nail trends dominating the beauty space, in the award-winning formula Lights Lacquer is known for. YNBB III includes rich sheer jelly & crelly (similar to a jelly, but has more pigment) tones.
Your hair is set to feel as much luxury with Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Shampoo and Conditioner.
Infused with blackberry and quinoa protein, this shampoo and conditioner helps preserve hair color and restore naturally lightened strands. The shampoo and conditioner are also beneficial for an irritated scalp.
Make your hair feel even more superb with Rogaine. The 1st FDA-approved over-the-counter topical hair loss treatment proven to regrow hair truly works. It fits easily into your daily routine, with offerings in two convenient formats: foam and solution; both which provide same great results with continued usage.
We love the way the Women’s Solution makes a noticeable difference in about a month without feeling like you have used harsh chemicals. Hair becomes noticeably thicker, especially on top root areas. This is such a sensitive topic for women, so they way it works well and in a sophisticated way is truly admirable and should be applauded.
For 35 years, Rogaine products have been proven to counteract the effects of hair loss by revitalizing hair follicles so you can regrow thicker, fuller hair. All Rogaine products feature minoxidil, the only ingredient clinically-proven to stimulate new hair regrowth in topical form.
Stream2Sea sunscreen brand developed by Autumn Blum, a chemist, entrepreneur, and ocean advocate who has testified before Congress on the harmful effects of chemical-based personal care products on the environment. What is available to the consumer is an incredible brand that protects your skin and for all the right reasons. The offerings of the company are great for both kids and adults. We even adore the way it is fantastic for people with sensitive skin. Enjoy your time in the sun during fall walks on the park or even brisk hikes on trails full of colorful autumn leaves.
Stream2Sea offers a range of sunscreen products that are consciously formulated to be safe for both the environment and the user. Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, the formulas are water-based and non-greasy, so you never have to worry about the sunscreen blocking your pores! The products are biodegradable and packaged in either recyclable sugar cane resin or PCR plastic made from recycled milk jugs. Its sunscreen formulas are enriched with a potent blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients like wakame seaweed, aloe vera, tulsi (holy basil), green tea, and olive leaf. These ingredients work together to protect and nourish the skin, making them ideal for adventurers from all walks of life. With Stream2Sea, consumers can make a wise decision that supports a better future for all.
PHYTO Pro Style line is favorite of celebrity stylists, this new and improved hairspray, naturally controls and tames hair, and provides medium hold and volume. Now reformulated with less alcohol, it is made with Silk proteins, which have filmogenic properties and boost shine. The ultimate red carpet favorite, this has been used on celebrities such as Emily Olsen and Angela Bassett to finish off and hold their looks.
The PHYTO PRO STYLE Volume Mousse was used on Lucy Hale’s hair at the 2022 Met Gala, this new formula is a dense, lightweight, creamy mousse that gives hair volume and body. It has been reformulated with Quinoa extract, which is rich in proteins, and the hydrating properties of Provitamin B5.
Summer is sizzling and in full swing as shown by Float Factory. This season the stars have been shining sunshine joy all over the country. From swimming pool to lakes and beachfront resorts, there has been so much fun!
Demi Bagby (aka Demi Baby), is a well-known fitness influencer and social media megastar. Over two million followers tune in to watch her video tutorials and workouts featuring CrossFit, weightlifting, calisthenics, yoga, parkour, cheerleading, acrobatics, skateboarding, surfing, and martial arts.
These videos not only challenge followers, but inspire them. In 2014, Demi Bagby suffered a freak accident during a cheerleading stunt. A misstep broke her back, left her paralyzed for three months, and transformed the rest of her life.
While recovering, Bagby became fascinated with CrossFit and calisthenics. In the very next year, she ranked 517th in the US CrossFit Open for 14 to 15-year-old girls, and ranked 23rd in the world the following year.
As an influencer, Bagby uses her story to motivate online followers to achieve fitness success and conquer physical challenges, but not all of Bagby’s social media posts show her breaking a sweat. In fact, some of her latest pics show her cooling off in her two favorite inflatables from Float Factory.
In one of those pics, Bagby takes aim with the water cannon on her Pool Punisher tank-style float. Her cannon is no joke, sucking an endless supply of water directly from the pool and soaking enemy combatants up to 30 feet away. Converting the photo to black-and-white and captioning it “MIA,” she’s clearly having a blast this summer!
Bagby’s second inflatable is another red and black Formula One racer, just like Fonsi’s. This photo depicts her chilling with back supports, armrests, and dual cup holders and waiting for the checkered flag to drop.
Luis Alfonso Rodríguez López-Cepero is best known by his stage name Luis Fonsi and his hit song “Despacito” featuring rapper Daddy Yankee. This Puerto Rican singer and songwriter won Song of the Year and three Billboard Latin Music Awards in the Latin Grammy Awards for “Aquí Estoy Yo,” but “Despacito” is his most prominent success. The song earned him three Grammy nominations, four Latin Grammy Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, seven Billboard Latin Music Awards, and sold over 11 million records — breaking six Guinness World Records.
Despite all of this, Fonsi’s latest Instagram post does not have anything to do with music. Instead, he shares a photo of himself kicking back and enjoying some summer fun on one of the newest inflatables from Float Factory.
Since the post was made, over 14 million followers have caught a glimpse of Fonsi racing across the pool in a red-and-black Formula One-style racecar. Decked out in a racing helmet, Fonsi is ready to make waves in the inflatable equipped with multi-directional steering and a Hydro Motor.
Alexa Collins has modeled for well-known brands like Baja Bae tanning lotion, LaBoom By Crystal tanning lotion, and TBS Swimwear. As a swimsuit model and Instagram influencer with over 3 million followers, her pictures often portray her poolside in stylish bikinis.
Most recently, her followers had a chance to see Collins’s favorite new pool toy. To heighten the suspense, she released an unboxing clip of inflating her blue and gray Formula One-style racecar. The next pic shows the fully inflated car in action with Collins at the wheel.
These influencers have built trust with their followers through authenticity. When they recommend a product, their followers know the suggestion is coming from someone who actually uses it and knows what they’re talking about, which is why brands like Float Factory partner with content creators.
The best partnerships between brands and influencers are a mutual win for both parties. Influencers use their platforms to promote products or services they love, while brands get access to an engaged audience who trusts the recommendations of their favorite content creators. As in the case of Float Factory, collaborations like this help both sides grow their audience and reach new customers.
Happy Summer!
Go bold and big this summer with your shopping list. If you have a summer birthday, celebrating an anniversary, want to do Fourth of July in grand style, or you simply want to spoil yourself this is the the list for you!
With the season heating up so are the deals and the selections that will make your days go by with glee. There is something for everyone in our big summer bonanza.
For those who are seeking travel adventure around the globe this season
This is the travel blanket off all blankets! Ultra-soft, lightweight blanket made of 74% Micro Modal and 26% Cotton. The Micro Modal Travel Blanket offers a soft, lightweight hand that rivals cashmere in a small size designed to fit in a suitcase or handbag. Also makes a wonderful day blanket for lounging on the sofa or in your Jetson Chair. Machine washable. Comes with a matching carry pouch.
For the fashion lover, get your style on this summer. The days are longer in July and August, so it gives you more time each week to look your absolute best.
Discover your next obsession with this affordable line that is cute and goes with everything. Fit is true and style selections are splendid. They even offer a unique selection of vintage pieces so you can find something truly unique for everyone on your list.
You will love the Flora Lambskin Leather Moto Jacket on summer nights.
STATE is a mission-driven family bag brand that gives back. The Graham Shopper ($145) is an amazing example in the line. Zip from yoga to the airport with our new puffer shopper tote. Lightweight and sleek, yet incredibly spacious and packed with functionality, this bag was made to move with you. For every State bag purchased, they support American children and families in need in the ways they need it most. Our giving initiatives include donating fully packed backpacks at our signature bag drop rallies, fueling #WhatDoWeTellTheKids activations and special projects with partner charities and schools in which we so deeply believe.
The brand is making a splash with their new swim line.
They have perfected the Certified Clean First Layer —bras, underwear and tanks—making them supportive, deeply comfortable and free from harmful chemicals and fabrics including pesticides, chlorine bleach, flame retardants, formaldehyde, heavy metals and carcinogenic, allergy-inducing dyes. The undergarments are made with ethically sourced materials best-in-class blends of European silk to deliver the highest quality first layers possible.
For those looking to get their beauty game amped up, these are splendid to try. All will love the great glow you will get when you try these.
This will bring joy to your skin. Neon Hippie brings together future forward science and the best ingredients the earth gives us. The brand’s lead chemist has led the way and created a proprietary blend of seven skin transforming mushrooms, called the 7 Shroom ComplexTM. They’ve chosen the seven most productive strains cultivated specifically for skincare, each of which has an effect on its own, but when you blend them, it creates a ballet of activity that performs to quench eco-damaged textures and promotes cellular turnover.
The MicroTouch Titanium Max is perfect for beauty grooming at home. The micro-precision trimmer has an ultra-thin head with a perfectly-angled, side-mounted blades, that goes beyond where clippers and scissors can. Now, with micro-oscillating German stainless steel blades, bonded with Titanium, the MicroTouch® Titanium Max™ finishes your groom like nothing else can.
The signature cleansing cream cleans and conditions without harsh foams and damaging detergents found in traditional shampoos. We love this product and it is good for Earth! Minimize our impact on the environment from Hairstory. Through manufacturing, packaging and shipping, everything Hairstory does is done with the intention of being a more sustainable and environmentally mindful business. Making the switch to New Wash reduces your carbon footprint, your plastic consumption, and your water consumption by enabling shorter showers, cutting back on both water use and carbon emissions to heat the water. The pouches use much less plastic than a single plastic bottle, and the savings are doubled for shampoo and conditioner each.
The Moisture Shave Cream is a great option rather than a traditional shaving gel as it functions as a 4-in-1 solution. Treat yourself to moisturizing indulgence as you shave with Kiss My Face Moisture Shave Creams. It comes in Fragrance Free, Cool Mint, Lavender & Shea and Cedarwood and Bergamot.
The Ekos Creamy and Exfoliating bars are wonderful. The vegan soap bar set made with Amazon bioactives protect, revitalize and moisturize the skin during the bath moment.
For those looking to take their fitness to the next level, these amazing finds will amp you up all season long.
This shoe will transform you. The Kane Revive provides superior cushioning coupled with precise biomechanics. The proprietary blend of EVA, a 10mm heel raise, and arch support ensure an easy transfer from heel to toe, allowing foot and leg muscles to recover.
Copper Fit knows what it’s like when you are unable to perform at your best. Instantly smooth, shape, and support your core with the Coreshaper designed with 4-shaping supports to help support lower back muscles, and copper-infused to reduce odors. You will also love their Energy Compression Socks to help absorb shock as well as a targeted compression band that gently hugs your arch to help reduce foot and leg fatigue.
New York Pilates’ fantastic spray-on deodorant created with 70% cane alcohol and a blend of essential oils will leave you feeling fresh during your workout. The newest addition to the brand’s SUPERFICIAL skincare range and is perfect to throw in your gym bag. It is guaranteed to become an essential part of your daily routine.
For those with kids looking for a fun day, these are amazing options. It can be at home or at your children’s favorite place to visit. These are things they will treasure forever.
Blok Watches are Swiss-made, sustainable, and stylish analog watches for kids. Gift your kiddo a grown-up kids watch with all the watch fanatic bells and whistles: ETA Quartz movement, kid-proof sapphire crystal lens, stainless steel screw down crown, waterproof, 10-year battery life and adjustable strap. Comes in 6 different colors.
For those looking to travel, summer is the perfect time to explore. These are things that will make your time on the road absolutely perfect.
Simple and easy baking kits that kids will enjoy in the kitchen with parents. Make something delicious as a family and bring to a BBQ or picnic this season.
Happy Summer!
Cover art by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash
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