Events Archives | My Life on and off the Guest List

Plant-Based Goodness: Getting Slutty Vegan on a Cold Day in Harlem

March 17, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Saucy Wallflower

So….let’s catch up. How did you spend your President’s Day this year? I opted for a little excitement this year, and I wasn’t alone. True Story. Here’s my confessional:

I got a little Slutty on our National Holiday when I heard that Slutty Vegan came to Harlem NYC.

Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta based fast food company specializing in fast, and yummy plant-based foods, held their first pop-up in New York City ever. Their menu places a shining spotlight 100% Vegan versions of the All-American fast-food favorite, the hamburger. It’s irresistible, insatiable, forever side-piece, french fries. I went with an open mind to try something new and exciting and to have a little fun. And I didn’t leave until I had a One Night Stand. No pork, just vegan bacon.

The outstanding pop-up event, held at the Cove Lounge in heart of Harlem, was a kickoff to the larger Slutty Vegan Tour. It will stop at a number of major cities along the East Coast in celebration of the Grand Opening of their new brick and mortar location in Atlanta – 1542 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.

Back in New York, with lines wrapping around the block for hours. Over 900 people were served a taste of these delicious and satisfying burgers. We came to get the stuff that’s so good we waited in the cold for it!

3 FAST & SLUTTY OPTIONS CAME NEW YORK:

The Fussy Hussy
Impossible Burger patty loaded with pickle, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and slutty sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun.

The Sloppy Toppy
Impossible Burger patty loaded with jalapeños, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and slutty sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun.

The One Night Stand*
Impossible Burger patty loaded with vegan bacon, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and slutty sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun.
*We had a good time together. Now we are on a Down To Fork basis

If you’ve never had an Impossible Burger – you don’t know what you’re missing! If you are steering your diet to be more plant-based right now, start here! The Impossible Burger Patty is made of a proprietary mixture of wheat, potato proteins, coconut oil, and heme. It tastes so much like meat, that you will open your burger, thoroughly examine how beautiful the patty is, whisper sweet devotion while you put it back in the bun and ravish the whole thing.

Founded in 2018 by Pinky Cole in Atlanta Georgia’s West End community, the Slutty Vegan Dream Team started with the purchase of a restaurant-grade food truck. The goal was to provide fresh, top quality prepared vegan comfort foods to an area underserved by flavorful vegan eats. A reminder and benchmark to everyone across the country that plant-based eating can be absolutely delicious and affordable.

The Slutty Vegan tour went on to Baltimore, DC, and Maryland, Greater Georgia, New Orleans, Houston, and will end in Los Angeles at the end of March 2019.

Tullamore D.E.W. and IrishCentral Launch O’Everyone Campaign

March 15, 2019/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Events, Food, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

You know how every St. Patrick’s Day, many of you pretend to be Irish for the day as you bar hop enjoying several mugs on green beer. This year you don’t have to pretend. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Tullamore D.E.W. and IrishCentral launch the O’Everyone Campaign. Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey is celebrating how everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day by transforming non-Irish bars and restaurants into Irish-fusion pop-ups in four cities this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. We had the pleasure of attending a delicious and fun Irish mashup event where James Beard Award Nominee JJ Johnson’s subterranean NYC bar, Gibson + Luce, was turned into O’Johnson’s.

The O’Everyone campaign celebrations highlight the unique blend of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and the love of celebrating other cultures. To bring your own Irish spirit to life, t-shirts (O’insert-your-last-name or nickname) are available at www.OEveryone.com for purchase, ensuring that truly everyone can become a part of the celebration, in uniform, on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Now the O’Connors and O’Sullivans will be joined by O’Johnsons, O’Rousseaus, O’Spinellis, and of course, O’Everyone.

Throughout the holiday weekend, people from all backgrounds can join into experience St. Patrick’s Day festivities without green beer and shamrocks; instead, they can combine your own culture with the fun and delicious ways the Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

O’Everyone Campaign revelers can enjoy custom Irish-fusion food and drinks menus, selected by IrishCentral in the following four cities:

In New York, we saw Chef JJ Johnson’s Caribbean/American South concept Gibson + Luce become O’Johnson’s (see above photos). The O’Johnson’s menu included Crispy Irish Potato Cake with Eggplant Curry, Guinness Braised Jerk Chicken Wings, and a Corned Beef Smash Burger. Cocktails included The Shaking Shamrock and Pot of Gold.

Also in New York, French Champagne spot Flute Bar will become O’Flute’s, and hip Indian/Australian eatery Babu Ji will be, you guessed it, O’Babu Ji’s.

In Los Angeles, Santa Monica’s Mexican standby Gilbert’s El Indio will become O’Gilbert’s; the refined Indian eatery O’Bombay’s will showcase Irish stout and curry mashups; Malibu’s beachfront beauty Gladstones will become O’Gladstones, and Hollywood’s old-timey cocktail lounge Spare Room will be O’Spare Room.

Chicago’s Mexican restaurant by day, nightclub by night spot El Hefe will transform into O’Hefe; Bub City’s Country Western Honky Tonk will become O’Bub’s, and BIG Bar at the Hyatt Regency will become O’BIG’s.

Boston will play host to a never before seen tropical Irish hybrid with O’Tiki Rock; the classic Southern dive Loretta’s Last Call will become O’Loretta’s, and Menetomy’s patriotic tavern will become O’Menotomy’s.

“As the leading Irish digital media company in the U.S., we are proud to share our culture and partner with these versatile bars and restaurants, all representing new and unexpected St. Patrick’s Day destinations for our readers to reinterpret our country’s traditions,” said Michelle Hanley, Manager of Brand Partnerships at IrishCentral. “America is quickly becoming a melting pot of ex-pats from all over the world, and we feel that O’Everyone reflects the fact that today you’re you, but on St. Patrick’s Day you can be an adopted member of the Irish community.”

“If ye don’t have an O in your last name, we’re here to give ye one and say anybody can be Irish on St. Paddy’s Day,” said Tim Herlihy, National Ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey. “We’re proud to be working with this killer group of talent from all backgrounds in the food and cocktail world, and we’re excited to celebrate with everyone on our favorite holiday of the year.”

For more information on the O’Everyone campaign festivities (and to order your shirt), please visit www.OEveryone.com, www.tullamoredew.com or www.IrishCentral.com.

Battle for Cassoulet Supremacy: D’Artagnan 5th Annual Cassoulet War

March 4, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Some foods fill you with joy, some excite you, then there are the ones that bring you back home. For us, it’s Cassoulet; the hearty, slow-cooked casserole-like meal traditionally made with gamey meats, pork skin, and white haricot beans. Everything about cassoulet is a delight for the senses. It looks, smells and tastes divine, like home. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity to attend the D’Artagnan 5th Annual Cassoulet War. What better way to try as many Cassoulets as our stomachs would allow. There’s a great quote by Chef Andre Daguin that perfectly describes our Cassoulet adventure,

“Cassoulet is not a recipe; it’s an argument between villages.”

The culinary event, which anyone who purchases a ticket can attend, boasted 30 notable chefs who battled it out for cassoulet supremacy. So while there is a classic method and recipe to this traditional southern French dish, it can have many interpretations. And that’s what the Cassoulet war is about, honoring those interpretations. While we grew up enjoying a thicker Cassoulet, the D’Artagnan 5th Annual Cassoulet War allowed us to enjoy varieties we never anticipated. We’d love to say we tried all 30 but even with the small portions we were served, we barely made it to 13. If we haven’t mentioned before (and if you’re unfamiliar), cassoulet is very filling.

If you’re looking to enjoy the fare of esteemed chefs from some of the US’s most renowned restaurants, this event is for you. We enjoyed Cassoulet from the chefs from Bar Boulud, Gramercy Tavern, Untitled at the Whitney, Gaby Brasserie Française, Fond, Ardyn, Villanelle, and much more from around the US. There were two Cassoulet categories in the war. One pitted the chefs take of the traditional recipe and ingredients; the other allowed the chefs to be adventurous with the ingredients and format in the “Revisited” Cassoulet category. For example, instead of the traditional white haricot beans, we saw Black Eyed Peas and Sea Island Peas; andouille sausage, brown sugar baked ham, and bacon replaced a few gamey types of meat; and in one instance, the traditional Cassoulet was reimagined as Beef Wellington.

During the war, each attendee had to vote for their favorite. As you can imagine, this was quite difficult. We had several favorites but narrowed it down to the following Cassoulets: Phillippe Lievre of Le Rendez-Vous Bistro, Ryan Lory of Ardyn, and Dieter Samijn of Bar Boulud as out top three out of the few we tried. I’m sure if our appetites were bigger, we’d absolutely have more on our list.

Judges for the war included Philippe Bertineau, David Campigotto, Erwan Caradec, Christian Constant, Jean-Louis Dumonet, Elizabeth Falkner, Christophe Fazan, Sara Moulton, Andre Soltner, Jean-Jacques Rachou, Jean-Pierre Xiradakis, and Antoine Westermann. Winners of the Cassoulet War included Chef Andy Knudson of Marc Forgione, winning the best “revisited” category; Phillippe Lievre of Le Rendez-Vous Bistro, winning the People’s Choice, and Dieter Samijn of Bar Boulud, won the judges’ decision.

As if the D’Artagnan 5th Annual Cassoulet War couldn’t get more amazing, D’Artagnan showed support in ending world hunger by making a donation to Action Against Hunger, a charity organization that helps to eradicate hunger worldwide.

Although we could barely move, we fully enjoyed attending the D’Artagnan 5th Annual Cassoulet War. We highly recommend you attend next year’s battle.

Captain Morgan x Adam Devine Get Romantic this Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Celebrities, Cocktail Recipes, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

For Valentine’s Day, Captain Morgan Rum and Captain Morgan Chief Party Officer Adam Devine brought fun, delicious rom-com and Valentine’s Day themed rum cocktails to the “Isn’t It Romantic” movie premiere. What better time for some Captain Morgan x Adam Devine romance than Valentine’s Day.

Captain Morgan Chief Party Officer and Isn’t It Romantic costar, Adam Devine, at the movie’s premiere at The Nomad Hotel in Los Angeles.

Celebrities and guests enjoyed hanging out at the Captain Morgan bar while sipping a specialty Captain Morgan Love Bites cocktail named appropriately for the movie and of course Valentine’s Day. After the movie screening, guests attended the Captain Morgan sponsored afterparty at the NoMad Hotel. Along with enjoying more specialty cocktails, they also partook in an on-site photobooth and pose for photos in front of the Captain Morgan floral wall (as Adam Devine shows above).

To make your Valentine’s Day a little extra special, we’re sharing two Captain Morgan x Adam Devine’s Isn’t It Romantic-inspired rum cocktails that you can create at home. Whether you’re celebrating with your best friend or want to woo the love of your life with a delicious libation, we’ve got you covered. Check out cocktail recipes for The Best Friend and The Leading Lady cocktails below:

THE BEST FRIEND

1.5 oz Captain Morgan White Rum
1.5 oz Passion Fruit Juice
2.5 oz Champagne
Pour in Captain Morgan White Rum and Passion Fruit Juice. Stir and top with Champagne.

THE LEADING LADY

1.5 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.75 oz Mixed Berry Preserves
.5 oz Simple Syrup
Seltzer Water
Berries for garnish
Combine Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Fresh Lemon Juice, Mixed Berry Preserves, Simple Syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake (what ya mama gave ya or like a polaroid picture) and strain into a highball glass over ice. Top with seltzer water and garnish with berries.

We hope you enjoy these two amazing Captain Morgan rum cocktails and have fun celebrating the day of love.

NYFW: Greta Constantine Fall/Winter 2019 Presentation

NYFW THE SHOWS: Greta Constantine Fall-Winter 2019 Collection

February 9, 2019/2 Comments/in Collection Previews, Events, Fashion, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

Our first show of the NYFW season was quite the statement maker. In a time when we’re seeing the negative effects of fast fashion and fashion houses choosing to be more sustainable, designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong are boldly “shopping their closets” – specifically their fabric closets. The duo behind Greta Constantine has decided to revisit past fabrications available in their coffers for their Fall-Winter 2019 Collection. This eco-friendly decision is a great step forward for any designer; of course, the fabrics were the last things on our minds as we were captivated by the bold looks from the Greta Constantine Fall-Winter 2019 Collection.

With this Fall-Winter 2019 Collection, Greta Constantine answered the question, “is it possible to be demure and provocative?” Of course, that answer is yes. Nary a sight of bare skin was shown except for the models’ faces. With volume, lots of layering, and a sense of chasteness, the Greta Constantine Fall-Winter 2019 Collection proves that a woman isn’t boring just because she’s covered up.

The collection boasted high collars, lots of sparkle (especially bodysuits, and turtlenecks), a mix of classic and bold hues, and of course volume. The volume we saw in oversized sleeves, shoulders, and pant legs, elongated sleeves, and lengths. We loved several looks from the Greta Constantine Fall-Winter 2019 Collection. Favorites included an oversize sequin tee, high-neck tulle jacket, puffy brocade jacket, and a dark grey wool dress layered over a yellow gold sequin turtleneck.

The ready-to-wear womenswear collection has been around since 2006. Based and founded in Canada, the Greta Constantine collection is available in over 40-doors worldwide across 15-countries. You can find past collections at Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom, and online at Moda Operandi and Farfetch.

With this foray into more demure fashion, we have to ask? Are you ready to give up your bodycon fashion pieces for a more modest style? Will you welcome looks like those in this collection into your wardrobe? We’d love to hear your responses.

THINX Period-Proof Underwear Pop-Up Shop Opens in NYC

December 29, 2018/0 Comments/in Events, Fashion, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

Although its natural, there’s nothing enjoyable about having your period (no matter how many commercials try to convince you otherwise). It’s painful, uncomfortable and can get expensive. Ladies, have you ever calculated how much you spend in tampons and pads a year? Plus there is the fear of the dreaded and embarrassing leaks. If you’re not familiar with THINX Period-Proof Underwear, we’ve got you covered on getting acquainted. THINX is the period solutions company and creators of period-proof underwear; and if you live in NYC, you’ll definitely want to visit their pop-up shop.

THINX undies are washable and reusable. Every pair of THINX is made with a signature 4-layer technology for ultimate protection. They absorb your period and are a more sustainable solution than single-use disposable products. Depending on your flow (light, medium, heavy), THINX can replace pads, tampons, liners, and cups. For extra protection and those heavy flow days, they can also be worn with tampons and cups.

We had the pleasure of attending the opening event of the THINX Period-Proof Underwear pop-up located in Soho, New York. Hosted by Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarin, we toured the store, met the THINX team, and got familiar with the products. Jill is actually a huge fan of THINX products, especially their Icon’s pee-proof underwear for bladder leaks. Icon underwear is available in five styles: hi-waist, hiphugger, french cut, bikini, and thong. Their color options include black, beige, grey, and blue.

If you think period-proof underwear are nowhere near stylish, think again. THINX period-proof underwear are available in a variety of styles including bikini, boy short, hi-waist, hiphugger, and thong. Cotton underwear fans will love their organic cotton brief, bikini, and thong offerings.

At the pop-up, all three THINX brands – THINX, THINX (BTWN) and Icon – are available. The store offers a customized Cycle-Set Bar, allowing shoppers to pick out their perfect cycle-set. THINX (BTWN) is specifically for young girls, ages 9-16, and come in three different styles: bikini, brief, and shorty. They are available in two colors/one print: Tidal Wave, Beet Juice, and Let’s Polka.

The THINX Period-Proof Underwear is open seven days a week, from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm and runs through February 28th, 2019. You can find it located at 199 Lafayette Street.

Ketel One Vodka #GrowyourOwnGarnish Event

Grow Your Garnish: Adding a Decorative Touch to Ketel One Cocktails

December 27, 2018/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Saucy Wallflower

In true New York fashion, we walked into a space filled with beautiful greenery Tuesday night; a variety of fragrant herbs spilling from the wall to ceiling. Talk about fresh spaces! We were set to learn about the fun side of urban herb gardening – growing and selecting the perfect cocktail garnishes to make exquisite cocktails with Ketel One Vodka. Growing your own garnishes and adding a decorative touch to your cocktails is a fun side to gardening we never expected.

FarmOne, an urban vertical farm (the only of its kind) located in New York brought the greens and an aromatic herbal garden from their farm. Their hydroponic botanists guided us through discovering our individual taste profiles, suggesting combinations to heighten the flavor and color of all of our drink and dining experiences when entertaining at home. Each guest received a biodegradable party plate to snip, smell, and nibble many unique herbs, flowers, and micro-greens from the Edible Bar.

When we tell you that Farm One herbals are unique, believe us! Their purplish-bronze fennel was much more fragrant and deep in color than any I’ve experienced in an organic market! The Lemon Balm herb was incredibly floral, and blooming with citrus. These rare herbs are sought after by Farm One’s Michelin-starred clients – Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, and Chef’s Table, among others.

Farm One grow over 200 culinary herbs to date! We explored all the notes and flavor characteristics of each plant, as we made selections for the Ketel One mixologist to use in our custom cocktails.

Cocktail Guru Pam Wiznitzer then led two groups in learning out to make our own perfectly garnished Ketel One herbal cocktails! She came straight out of the gate with a PRO TIP! When mixing a cocktail, always start with the least expensive ingredients first; that way, if for any reason you need to adjust flavor, or start over, the premium ingredients do no go to waste!

In our mixed cocktail tutorial, Apple Mint was the star in the deliciously green and fresh, subtly fruit-infused cocktail. As a lover of Green drinks and pressed juice cocktails, this one is an absolute favorite. Seeking a little more green in your life? This cocktail incorporates a wide range of herbs for a surprising and light burst of flavor. See the recipe below

Ketel One Garden of Green

1.5 oz Ketel One Vodka
.5 oz Snap Pea Reduction*
.5 oz Lemon juice
Splash of soda water
5 leaves of Apple Mint
A small handful of Micro Mizuna
Tear apple mint leaves and throw in a mason jar. Add all ingredients except the soda water and add ice and cap the jar. Shake vigorously. Open and top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with micro mizuna and serve directly from Mason jar.

If your green thumb isn’t what you expected, you can always head to Farm One for their exotic herbs and edible flowers. You’ll get the tools to make a Ketel One cocktail and forget that gardening phase that never happened!

You can take a tour of Farm One‘s facilities, Manhattan’s only indoor hydroponic farm, where you can sip complimentary beverages as you taste dozens of new and rare culinary plant varieties from around the world. This sensory experience is unlike any other in New York.

EDITED BY GLASGOW SKINNER

Restaurant Review: Boucherie West Village’s 2nd Birthday

December 13, 2018/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Events, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

There’s a lot to celebrate during the holiday season but for traditional French brasserie and steakhouse, Boucherie West Village, the holiday season is also a time to celebrate their anniversary. We had the wonderful pleasure of celebrating their second birthday with them in a family-style meal of French holiday classics and timeless bistro favorites. Since they opened two years ago, Boucherie West Village and Chef Jerome Dihui, have been captivating the palettes of fans.

The 320-seat Boucherie provides a diverse array of dining options. It boasts a spacious dining room, a seat at the butcher counter, and an intimate second-floor gallery with private dining and outdoor cafe, where we were seated. With chic french cocktails, timeless French classics, and dry-aged steaks, our evening at Boucherie West Village, was filled with more than holiday magic. Join us on our culinary journey below:

COCKTAILS

We enjoyed two wonderful cocktails at Boucherie. We couldn’t begin our traditional French foodie adventure without having the classic French cocktail, French 75. So delicious, we ended up having two. We followed soon after with Boucherie’s Old Cuban, a blend of Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Cartron, Gingembre, Lime, Mint, and Sparkling Wine. It was our first time enjoying this cocktail and we have to say it’s a truly sophisticated rum drink.

STARTERS

MOULES NORMANDES

French cuisine is known for the use of creams, cheeses, and wine; so what better way to begin than mussels cooked with white wine in a heavy cream sauce and bacon as a first course. We thoroughly enjoyed this classic dish, it’s wonderfully hearty without feeling stuffed.

RAVIOLIS AUX CHAMPIGNONS

A wonderful, mushroom ravioli with black truffle beurre fondue, and burgundy truffles. We couldn’t partake because of our allergy to mushrooms but the consensus of the table proved that it is as delicious as it looks.

ENTREES

CHATEAUBRIAND POUR DEUX

You will swoon over this perfectly grilled center-cut filet mignon with assorted vegetables and bone marrow bordelaise. We tried to save our appetite for our own dry-aged steak but we just couldn’t resist this succulent cut. We highly recommend this perfect for two steak dish.

SUPREME DE POULET ROTI JUS DE BALSAMIQUE

This divine chicken dish arrived at the same time as our main, so we didn’t enjoy a lot of it. The little we did try….wow!! The perfectly crisp skin and juicy inside were as we said, divine.

STEAK FRITES AU POIVRE

Alas, our Pat LaFrieda New York Strip steak with four peppercorn cream sauce and french fries had arrived. Every rustic bite of the rich flavor of this dry-aged steak was incredible. If we hadn’t mentioned before, Boucherie West Village is known for their exquisite steaks. One bite and you’ll know what we mean. We cannot recommend this restaurant enough, whether you love steak, French cuisine, and great food.

Boucherie West Village is located at 99 7th Avenue South in New York’s West Village. We’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve visited.