Events Archives | My Life on and off the Guest List

NYC Food & Wine Festival Preview Dinner with Knob Creek Bourbon

October 5, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Food, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

During the month of October, all foodies prepare to attend the NYC Food & Wine Festival, a 4-day festival, hosted by renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary insiders. We had the pleasure of getting a preview from one of the participating brands. Our culinary journey highlighted the brand’s product as the main cooking ingredient. What was that ingredient? Knob Creek Bourbon!! Their local Grill Pro, Jason Baker, was back to give us an exclusive recipe he created exclusively for NYC Food & Wine Festival. We also enjoyed signature Knob Creek Bourbon cocktails and a behind-the-scenes look at how their bourbon gets its flavor.

It was a majestic evening of great cocktails, a delicious meal, and a mesmerizing process of the whiskey-making industry. We started off the evening with three Knob Creek cocktails, Rose on the Rye (pictured below), Kentucky Luau, and Smoked Rye Old Fashion; all of which will be available at the NYC Food & Wine Festival.

In addition to a taste test of Knob Creek sauces, the highlight of our exquisite dinner, which included Arugula Salad, Grilled Vegetables, Pulled Pork Sliders, Three Cheese Mac & Cheese, was the Grilled Chicken Thighs with Knob Creek Alabama White Rye Sauce. This wonderfully creamy and smoky chicken dish will be highlighted during the NYC Food & Wine Festival’s Titans of BBQ event at Pier 97.

After the amazing dinner, we got to see first hand how Knob Creek gets its flavor with two demonstrations; a live barrel rebuilding and charring demonstration, by one of their highly skilled Coopers. For those who don’t know, Coopers are craftsmen that make and repair wooden casks. Check out our Instagram post of the live charring, it’s an amazing thing to see.

What an amazing experience from an amazing bourbon brand! We advise you to attend the 2019 NYC Wine & Food Festival to partake in Knob Creek and Grilling Pro Jason Baker’s delicious offerings. You will definitely be happy you did. The NYCWFF takes place from Oct 10th – Oct 13th.

Let's Do This Bitches a New Daytime Drag Extravaganza BRUNCH

This Brunch is a Total Drag: Drag Brunch at Haswell Green’s

October 5, 2019/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Events, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Have you noticed weekend brunches have become somewhat pedestrian? We mean lacking in excitement. While it’s great to connect with friends, the overall experience doesn’t deviate from the usual mimosas, runny eggs, etc. What if we told you there was a better way to do brunch; a more entertaining way. You can still enjoy connecting with your friends but with entertainment. Welcome to Drag Brunch at Haswell Green’s, an experience that brings “dinner and a show” to your weekend brunch festivities.

Haswell Green’s drag brunch is aptly named, Let’s Do This Bitches; this daytime drag extravaganza stars the very talented Ritzy Bitz and another drag queen for your total entertainment. Get ready for a comedic and lip-syncing extravaganza. On the Saturday we attended, Misty Mountains Davenport, daughter of Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 11’s Honey Davenport, was the co-headliner. Check out our social media coverage on our Instagram page. While the bottomless brunch menu does feature mimosas and Bloody Marys, they also offer a signature “mean girls”-inspired cocktail, ‘That’s So Fetch”, to go along with the hilarious and fun performances.

When one thinks of brunch, pizza doesn’t normally come to mind, but during the Haswell Green drag brunch, you’re able to order from three pizza varieties – Breakfast Pizza, Classic Margherita, or a Sausage Pizza. We indulged in the breakfast pizza which featured onions, peppers, eggs and lots of cheese.

If you want to stick to breakfast favorites, the menu also features Greek Skillet, Huevos Rancheros, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Waffle Fries, Grilled Cheese Benedict, Steak and Eggs, Guacamole Goat Cheese Toast, and Chilaquiles. Bee Pollen Pancakes and Almond French Toast are also available for those with a sweet tooth. Those who love savory will love the Brisket Burger, Mac & Cheese, and the Fried Chicken Waffle (featured below).

Aside from the great food and amazing performances, our favorite part of the event was the crowd participation. Several guests were invited on stage for a Lipsync for your Life challenge a la RuPaul’s Drag Race. Needless to say, thanks to the bottomless brunch cocktails, hilarity, and a few shocking instances ensued. After the show, we all got to take photos with ladies.

With an incredible $45.00 unlimited drinks and entree package, there’s no reason to miss out on the fun! Brunch hours at Haswell Green’s run from 12:30 pm to 4 pm every Saturday & Sunday, with the drag show running from 1 pm to 3 pm. Haswell Green’s is located at 240 West 52nd Street. For Let’s Do This Bitches drag brunch reservations, call 212-245-2801.

National Taco Day w/ Taco Dumbo Midtown West Grand Opening

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

Today is National Taco Day, what better day than that day to celebrate the grand opening of the new Taco Dumbo Midtown West. Granted, the grand opening was late last month but as we said, what better day than the day to celebrate all things tacos than to celebrate this taco heaven.

Taco Dumbo is no ordinary taco spot; this market fresh taqueria and cold-pressed juice margarita bar are inspired by the healthy lifestyle where the beach, surf, and sun are synonymous with fresh local food. The goal of Taco Dumbo is to not only provide delicious, healthy food but they also strive to cultivate positives vibes. They’ve created a space where you can relax and escape from the outside world while enjoying a curated selection of eats and drinks. It’s almost like escaping for a quick tropical beach trip (the “flight attendant, and airport body and baggage scanners that greeted you at the door were a great addition).

Walking into Taco Dumbo felt like no other. The vibe was an incredible party atmosphere; the music was pumping and you instantly felt transported from the hustle and bustle of NYC to the beaches of Southern California.

When it came to the food, rest assured, all-time classics are recreated. Using responsibly sourced ingredients. Taco Dumbo has curated a delicious menu that compliments all eating lifestyles. Inclusive food is woven into Taco Dumbo’s DNA, providing options for the meat-lover, vegan, vegetarian, kosher, dairy-free, or gluten-free eater.

Menu highlights range from a truffle shroom and rotisserie chicken “tinga” to beef short-rib and nori spicy tuna tacos. The chef’s special plant-based “impossible” taco pairs perfectly as a side to the grain bowls and salads. Market fresh ingredients are locally sourced and are an essential element in elevating the drink selection. Taco Dumbo allows you to create your perfect margaritas; with six types of pressed juice options and nine different salts for the rim, you can customize your margarita.

The entire team, kitchen, register and bar staff, are made up of people who genuinely care about putting good energy into the food. They aim to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. We enjoyed several rounds of “guess the song” with one of the servers as the DJ played hit after hit. That personal experience only added to the great service we were already enjoying.

Current Taco Dumbo Locations:

56 Prospect St., Dumbo Heights
2 Pennsylvania Plaza, Penn Station
1385 Broadway, Garment District
111 W 32nd St., Rosé Mansion
56 Spring St., SoHo

PARIS FASHION WEEK: Alianna Liu SS2020 RTW Collection

September 30, 2019/0 Comments/in Collection Previews, Events, Fashion, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

The ready-to-wear collections are on full display during Paris Fashion Week. It’s been non-stop fashion loveliness sauntering down the runways. One of these collections is the cat’s meow. Designer Alianna Liu’s SS2020 collection is literally inspired by her cats. For her spring/summer 2020 ready-to-wear collection, the silhouette is the key between her collection and the female body. It gives the audience the sensation of representing a confident and independent woman, as is her the brand’s identity. By combining luxurious soft fabric with a touch of transparency, the Alianna Liu SS2020 collection brings out the natural beauty of modern femininity, a certain softness, grace, and an ambitious and inspirational female figure.

Recognizing the emotional impact that the right colors can have in design work, the color palette of the Alianna Liu SS2020 collection was enriched by the intensity of rainbow senses; leading to a more balanced and vibrant feeling. The embroidery technique and hand drew prints connected directly to the personal aspect of the collection, her cats. She ensures ruffles are prevalent everywhere in this collection, communicating a romantic attitude that highlighted each look.

Every piece from the Alianna Liu SS2020 collection is designed particularly to stand out from the crowd. The shapes of the pieces are perfect for striking a look that people will notice and appreciate. Each detail celebrates the collection’s feminine sophistication; elevating them to the status of luxury fashion. This is a belief from the Paris-based, Chinese designer herself.

Alianna Liu’s collections are produced in France, paying attention to little details. At Alianna Liu, they believe sophistication is worth fighting for. Since 2018, Alianna has committed herself wholeheartedly to her brand; a brand for independent women, a brand all about empowerment through personal style.

This is the perfect collection for you fashionable cat ladies out there. What do you think of Alianna Liu’s SS2020 collection?

Breakfast Changer: Bantam Bagels NEW Bleecker Street Shop

August 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

Over the last few years, we’ve heard so much about portion control and enjoying food in moderation. Especially with the studies that show childhood and adult obesity is on the rise. Because of this, many people have cut out a lot of their favorite foods and snacks; but this drastic change is not really necessary. Everything can be enjoyed in moderation. While attending the Summer Fancy Food Show, we were introduced to one food brand that is “changing the way you breakfast”, Bantam Bagels.

What are Bantam Bagels? These “mounds of heaven” are mini filled bagel balls with cream cheese on the inside. It’s truly the most unique and exciting way to eat an authentic New York bagel. Founded by husband and wife team, Nick and Elyse Oleksak, Bantam Bagels come in all your favorite bagels varieties and a few new ones.

The varieties include Plain, Sesame, Onion, Everything, Cinnamon Sugar, Pizza Seasoned, Cinnamon Nutmeg, and Pretzel. The fillings include plain Cream Cheese, Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese, Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese, Veggie Cream Cheese, Maple Cream Cheese, Marinara Mozzarella Cream Cheese, Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese, Scallion Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Dijon Cream Cheese.

These delicious homemade bagels, which originated in the couple’s Brooklyn apartment, has made appearances on ABC’s Shark Tank and QVC; and now you can enjoy to your heart’s content at their wonderful flagship at 283 Bleecker Street in New York. As we mentioned before, we were first introduced to Bantam Bagels at the Summer Fancy Food Show. It was love at first bite when Elyse invited us over to her booth to indulge. We’ve been addicted ever since.

From the moment you step inside the store, you’ll be treated like family by Elyse and her amazing team. You’ll also delight in the newest additions to their product line, Breakfast Bagels, an egg bagel stuffed with cheddar cheese cream cheese, Egg Bites, and Bantam Pancakes.

We can’t sing the praises of these delicious, fun-size bagels enough. Trust us when we say once you take one bite of any of the varieties of Bantam Bagels products, you’ll never go back to regular-sized bagels again.

The Perfect Summer Soirée: Frescobaldi Toscana Alìe Rosé

August 9, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

We can’t believe we’re already hearing about summer’s end but with a month left, it is inevitable. Thankfully there was and is plenty to remind us about the greatness of the warmer season. We were part of the lucky few who had the opportunity to enjoy the superbly elegant Alìe Rosé with Frescobaldi Toscana estates and Brand Ambassador and Winemaker, Livia le Divelec. It was love at first sip for us of this bright, fresh rose. We were immediately enchanted by the sensuality and intoxicating personality of this intriguing pale pink rose.

Frescobaldi Toscana boasts six wine estates which feature various varietals. Today we focus on Tenuta Ammiraglia Magliano, the Toscana by the Sea. This wine territory is warmed by the sun and mitigated by the sea and is home to the Frescobaldi Toscana Alìe Rosé.

The Frescobaldi Toscana Alìe Rosé, an elegant rosé with a pale pink hue and subtle ruby highlights. It is a stylish, beautifully-balanced blend of Syrah and Vermentino. These varieties express their finest qualities when grown near the sea. Alìe boasts scents of white flowers, wild strawberries, and citrus peel, combined with a hint of earthy minerality; all typical of this growing area. With its delicate structure and lengthy, complex finish, Alìe Rosé makes an enchanting aperitif wine and a great meal companion.

In fact, Alìe Rosé was perfectly paired with the amazing dishes served at the event’s location, The Polynesian at The Pod Hotel 42. The richly flavored Tiki-inspired foods were paired wonderfully with Alìe. The flavors highlighted the fruity notes, intoxicating Mediterranean aromas, and deliciously refreshing bouquet of this mellow rose.

What makes the Alìe Rosé stand out against other rose wines? Several factors actually. It’s proximity to the sea, vineyard cultivation typical of white varieties and a production process off the skins for the Syrah variety all give life to Alìe. The sharp and unmistakable bouquet floods the senses with intoxicating aromas that meld with the fragrances of fresh and ripe fruit. September peach bursts forth, followed by floral notes with subtle scents of rose.

We’d love to visit the Tenuta Ammiraglia Magliano estate one day to personally experience the stunning beauty of the region and get first-hand knowledge of what makes this exquisite rose so delicious. For now, we have to settle for Brand Ambassador and Winemaker, Livia le Divelec’s extensive knowledge. Check out the My Life on and off the Guest List Facebook page for our interview with her.

Kenneth Cole Launches Mankind Legacy Fragrance

August 7, 2019/0 Comments/in Beauty, Celebrities, Events, Lifestyle /by Dynelle Skinner

We don’t normally cover many things for men, but when it involves meeting a fashion icon, the answer is always yes. We had the pleasure of being invited to the launch of the new Kenneth Cole fragrance, Mankind Legacy, with the famed fashion designer. Set against the stunning skyline of downtown NYC, the fashionable came out to celebrate the new fragrance for men.

Mankind Legacy by Kenneth Cole is a spicy woody fragrance for men with a global ingredient list. Partnering with perfumer Stephen Nilsen, they brought together notes from nine different countries to create this fragrance. Mankind Legacy opens with citrus and icy aromatic notes of sage that provides a lively freshness and surge of energy; comforting rosemary follows, imparting a feeling of well-being. Warm, reassuring notes of vetiver and Amyris create a long-lasting scent that asserts confidence.

“The inspiration to create this fragrance came from the notion that legacy-building is not about what we might achieve one day, it’s about what we can accomplish every day,” says Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. “I believe that we live in a complicated world with increasing possibilities, and as more and more people determine their purpose and realize their potential, the more meaningful it all becomes.”

Nilsen states, “While the finely crafted scent fits the Kenneth Cole brand legacy of impeccable grooming, it is the emotional legacy we impart that I wanted to capture in a scent.”

The men’s Eau de Toilette boasts top notes from France, Italy, and Indonesia; middle notes from Canada, California, and Morocco; and base notes from Haiti, Tunisia, and the Dominican Republic.

The fragrance notes include:

TOP NOTES – Clary Sage, Mandarin Oil, and Nutmeg Oil
MID NOTES – Fir Balsam, Pink Pepper, and Rosemary
BASE NOTES – Amyris, Vetiver, and Atlas Cedarwood

The packaging is inspired by New York City’s iconic architecture and ever-evolving facades. The bottle is encased in a metal band; reminiscent of the steel infrastructure that holds these buildings together for the years. The blue color represents the water and sky reflecting off of the metallic buildings. Mr. Cole addressed the crowd at the launch event, getting us more acquainted with his new men’s eau de toilette. Check out the video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mademoiselle Skinner (@guestlistblog) on Sep 10, 2019 at 12:13am PDT

Mankind Legacy is available now in 1.7 oz./50mL and 3.4 oz./100mL at www.kennethcole.com.

Final Fling Before The Ring: 3 Fun Summer Bachelorette Party Ideas

August 3, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

If you have a friend who is getting married in the near future, you may soon find yourself helping to plan an awesome bachelorette party for them. And the great thing about bachelorette parties is that they can be planned and customized to fit the style of the lovely bride-to-be. Whether you want to hit some of the 104 Las Vegas casinos or have a laid-back weekend at home, there are so many options. So if you’re looking for some fun and unique summer bachelorette party ideas, keep reading for 3 fun summer bachelorette party ideas.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Go on a Wine Tour

Many bachelorette parties feature some level of drinking. But if you go to the bars, you have to worry about getting everyone home safely. And with every state having some form of drinking and driving law like Michigan’s “Zero Tolerance” OWI offense, you could be risking getting in legal trouble, too. When you schedule a wine tour, you can choose transportation, like a fun limo or party bus, so everyone can have fun and be safe. Consider becoming one of the one billion mobile VoIP users and utilize the Internet to easily book transportation. And another great thing about wine tours is that that can be done during the day if you have activities planned for the evening. Get the group together with some matching shirts, party music, and have fun drinking some wine.

Have a Spa Day

If your soon-to-be-bride is more of a laid-back kind of gal, then a spa day could be the perfect bachelorette party idea. You can either book appointments for the whole group at a local spa, like Oasis Day Spa or even host your own spa day and your house. Make sure to book all of the important appointments, like facials, massages, and mani-pedis. This can be a great way to simply enjoy each other’s company and relax before the big day — a relaxing spa day is a good idea especially if the bachelorette party is planned close to the wedding day. You can even combine ideas and have a rejuvenating spa day before heading out to party at night.

Host a Pool Party

If you or one of the other bachelorette party attendees has a pool, then you have the perfect party location. With most American homes doubling in size since the 50s, that 2,500 square foot average is begging to host parties indoors and out. Who said you couldn’t stay home for your bachelorette party. Summer is the perfect time for pool parties and a bachelorette pool party can be particularly fun. Invest in some wedding-themed pool floats, like rings and champagne glasses, make tropical cocktails, and maybe even coordinate matching color swimsuits. Your bride-to-be is sure to love a fun day of floating the pool, listening to her favorite tunes, and eating and drinking yummy treats. But don’t forget to load up on the sunscreen to avoid everyone being super sunburnt come wedding day.

Summer is the perfect time for bachelorette parties because there is just so much to do. So keep these ideas in mind to help you plan the perfect ‘last fling before the ring’.