Tag: Tribeca

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Entertainment Featured Movies Uncategorized

Tango Shalom Wins Best Film for Peace and Tolerance at Cannes – Downtown Q&A: Judi Beecher

Judi on the set of Tango Shalom. Photo by X

Tango Shalom has just won Best Film for Peace and Tolerance at the AFI awards for peace and tolerance at the Cannes Film Festival. Earlier in July, we sat down with a star of a film, Judi Beecher. Here’s what we learned.

We met Judi Beecher at the rally for the Battery Park City Community which won the fight to prevent Governor Cuomo from building a large monument for essential workers on their beloved land. While standing on a common ground for the love of grass and trees, we discovered another common ground. Beecher is not only a lover of Downtown but a lover of the arts. She is a multi-award-winning international actress, singer-songwriter, and filmmaker. Talk about a triple threat.

Her most recent project is with the NYC-based-in “Tango Shalom”, a film about a Rabbi who gets a calling from God to become a tango dancer, but his religion prevents him from touching women he is not married to. To get some sage advice, he confides in several other religions. Beecher plays the role of the Rabbi’s wife and tells us all about it – all the way from Cannes Film Festival.

 

Downtown Q&A: Judi Beecher
Judi Beecher

 

Downtown: How did you get into acting?
Judi Beecher: I studied business and international relations at Cornell University then interned for six months in a French Bank in Paris while modeling on my lunch breaks. I then briefly had a very successful import-export company at 512 7th Avenue in NY, repping upscale French and Italian clothing lines. When my best friend from college asked me where I saw myself in 5 years, I realized I wasn’t completely happy doing what I was doing. So I read the book “What Color is Your Parachute”. I realized that since I was a child I was always performing, everything pointed to acting, singing, and directing, so I closed my business and enrolled in Acting School.

DT: Who did you study under?
JB: I studied with acting masters and founders of the Actors Studio; Uta Hagen, Billy Hickey, Bobby Lewis, and Elaine Stritch at the Stella Adler Conservatory. I also did a two-year Meisner program at Gately Poole and Actors Movement Studio and Playwrights Horizons in NYC. In Los Angeles, I studied with Larry Moss and Gordon Hunt.

DT: Can you name some of your previous works?
JB: I was just on the French TV series, “La Garçonne” the same producers as “Call My Agent”.  I was in “Taken 3” with Liam Neeson, Dany Boon’s, “Family is Family”, “Law and Order,” “The Shield”, “Jag” and much more. 😉 I won Best Actress for the Romantic Comedy, “Only in Paris” which I also produced, and I was the voice and motion capture of the lead character Madison Paige in the acclaimed video game “Heavy Rain” where I was voted 25 best VO performances of all time by the “Complex” magazine.

DT: What roles did you have in the making of Tango Shalom?
JB: I played the role of Raquel Yehuda, the Chassidic Jewish Mother of five and the wife of Rabbi Moishe Yehuda who is told by God that he must enter a televised dance competition to resolve his financial problems. I was also an executive producer on the film.

DT: Where did the inspiration for the film come from?
JB: The inspiration came from Jos Laniado who plays Moishe Yehuda and who also co-wrote the film with his brother Claudio Laniado and Joseph Bologna. Jos is an actor, teacher, and also a Tango Dancer, who went regularly to Chabad where he imagined what would happen if a Rabbi got a calling to dance the Tango, and Tango Shalom was born!

DT: What motivated you about this particular film?
JB: Tango Shalom is about bringing cultures and religions together in a sweet, loving, fun way. It exemplifies the power of family, love, support, and being open to others’ faiths.  In the film, Moishe is forced to ask a Catholic priest, a Muslim imam, and a Sikh holy man for advice. Together, they hash out a plan to help Moshe dance in the Tango contest without sacrificing his sacred beliefs.

The film industry is a powerful medium, just before meeting Claudio Laniado at the Cannes Film Festival. I had recently had an epiphany that I needed to work on projects that would do something to change the consciousness of the planet, a few years later I auditioned for the lead role! The film is a feel-good film, with a message, fabulous music and dance! I can watch the film over and over again and never tire of it.

DT: Tango Shalom has garnered an 80% rotten tomatoes rating already. That’s quite the high score for rotten tomatoes! How does that make you feel?  
JB: It makes me feel fantastic. The film isn’t out yet and already we have won 7 awards.  I can’t wait for it to open in theatres worldwide so everyone can see it!

DT: For how long have you lived in downtown NYC?
JB: I’ve lived in Battery Park City/Tribeca for 11 years, it is the longest I’ve lived anywhere!

DT: What is your favorite spot in Downtown NYC?
JB: I love Rockefeller Park and Grand Banks when the weather is nice. I love to sit on the sailboat, have dinner and feel like I’m traveling in the Caribbean, in my own backyard.

For more Downtown Q&A, click here.

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Business Featured Finance Living NYC

58 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOWER MANHATTAN BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

58 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOWER MANHATTAN BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
https://www.instagram.com/marzenka_/

Maybe this year is the year to accept that the 2020 Holiday season will be different.

It’s not that long ago that we made it through the toughest two seasons to spend quarantined, spring, and summer. Is this not the time of the year, that most of us long for? Shedding our heavy winter clothes, and shaking off those dreary blues, not to mention those few extra pounds we put on over the long winter months, snuggled up with cookies, hot cocoa, and scrumptious Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding?

Wait… that was me I was talking about.

Personally, I think we need to be a little less worried about jumping on a plane to see Grandma and Grandpa, or jetting off to that island paradise just so you can jump in the beautiful piercing blue ocean in that new bikini, or parasail your way over the long white sandy beaches. It’s so overrated!

What’s not overrated is staying the course, thinking about others, do your part, from populating your travel miles with or picking up on your travels the worst virus in our lifetime.

Downtown Alliance compiled 58 Ways to Not Leave Lower Manhattan.

Shopping

Holidays are a little different this year, with many people forgoing big family celebrations in favor of smaller, home-based events. All the more reason, then, to make your homebound holiday even more special.

If you’re sticking around Lower Manhattan, we’ve rounded up some great spots in the neighborhood for seasonal cheer. Here, we’ve included some tasty eateries, eclectic shops, and other local highlights. Note that most of these establishments have been hit hard during the pandemic and could use some extra help these days, so you’ll be giving back as much as you’re getting. Happy holidays!

1. Thai Farm Kitchen

This South Street Seaport staple serves contemporary Thai cuisine from thom kha kai to Panang curry. A tall glass of Sapporo makes for a great addition to the meal. (21 Peck Slip)

2. Adrienne’s Pizza Bar

Pizza maker Nick Angelis’s menu features gourmet Italian cuisine — make sure to try their house specialty, the grandma-style pizza. (54 Stone St.)

3. Babesta

Babesta is an excellent resource for new and seasoned parents alike for the best clothing, learning toys and equipment to raise your bundle of joy. (56 Warren St., Brookfield Place)

4. Black Fox

Kick back with a great cuppa caffeine and an afternoon cookie (trust us) from 70 Pine’s resident coffeeshop. (70 Pine St.)

5. Blue Park Kitchen

This delicious walk-up establishment offers the rare combination of fast-casual convenience and locally-sourced produce, grains and proteins. (70 Pine St.)

6. Luke’s Lobster

Classic lobster rolls, crab rolls, shrimp rolls, and cole slaw are all on offer at the Financial District location of Luke’s Lobster (26 South William Street). The seafood shack is also dishing up lobster bisque and New England clam chowder for colder days, as well as DIY lobster roll kits for those who’d prefer to cook (or look like they’ve cooked, via Instagram) at home.

7. Taim

Taim offers satisfying servings of falafel sandwiches, cauliflower shawarma, sabich, tasty fries and more. (75 Maiden Lane)

8. Wattle Cafe

A lovely independent cafe boasting excellent superfood waffles, organic bites and excellent coffee blends for all flavor profiles. (19 Rector St.)

9. Bowne & Co.

Learn about the origins of letterpress printing in Lower manhattan, take a workshop or purchase unique gift items. (211 Water St.)

10. Brookfield

Brookfield Place covers all of your shopping needs with more than 40 shops ranging from Gucci to Rite Aid. (230 Vesey St.)

11. The Rink at Brookfield Place

The Rink at Brookfield Place is available for corporate outings, private lessons, birthday parties and special events. (230 Vesey St.)

12. Pearl Diner

Paging omelet lovers: Pearl Diner, the 48-year-old Downtown institution at 212 Pearl Street, is now available for in-person service as well as delivery via apps like GrubHub and Seamless.

13. City Acres

City Acres Market is an all-in-one grocery store, caterer and restaurant specializing in the highest quality products, and its beer selection is first-rate. (70 Pine St.)

14. City Blossoms

Whether purchase to-go bouquets or designing an exquisite floral centerpiece, this mother/daughter-run operation will ensure a beautiful arrangement. (62 Trinity Pl.)

15. Crown Shy

The former chef of 11 Madison Park and the Nomad features a menu of plates like Red Snapper Crudo, Grilled Quail and Roasted Short Ribs. (70 Pine St.)

16. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Residents and visitors alike fancy this chic, award-winning steakhouse with a killer martini bar. Specialties include the popular Japanese Wagyu beef. (99 Church St.)

17. Da Claudio

This longtime neighborhood standby is perfect for a relaxing weeknight meal (p.s. the Bucatini Arrabbiata is awesome). (21 Ann Street)

18. Sant Ambroeus

Beloved Italian restaurant and coffee shop Sant Ambroeus has expanded its New York City presence with a new location in Brookfield Place (200 Vesey Street) — offering up the usual cappuccinos, gelato and homemade pastries, but will also feature some of Sant Ambroeus’ more robust restaurant options including salads, pasta and even a few elegantly prepared seafood and steak options.

19. Eataly NYC Downtown

Eataly’s Italian specialty grocery has you covered with handmade cheeses, fresh pasta, espresso beans, and the finest quality seafood. (101 Liberty St.)

20. fellow barber

fellow barber is not only the ideal spot for a stylish, affordable haircut; it’s also where you’ll find expertly crafted, US-made grooming products. (18 Fulton St.)

21. Fields Good Chicken

Winner, winner chicken dinner (or lunch!) at this fast-casual restaurant dedicated to amazing poultry dishes. (101 Maiden Lane)

22. Fresh Salt

This neighborhood watering hole has been serving up seasonal cocktails and top-notch grub since 2004, back when the Fulton Fish Market was still swinging in the Seaport District. (146 Beekman St.)

23. Gnoccheria

Come hungry, leave extremely satisfied by the pillowy Italian potato classic as well as Neapolitan pizza offerings. (100 Broad Street)

24. Greenwich St. Jewelers

Give yourself extra time to peruse the gorgeous, carefully curated collections of precious metals and gemstones at this family-owned jewelry store. (64 Trinity Pl.)

25. Bombay’s

Though Bombay’s Indian Cuisine has a small menu, owner Sonal Vyas and staff work hard to ensure that all its offerings are delicious and made with lots of love — from crispy samosas to tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices — and it’s also reasonably priced for the neighborhood.

26. Suited

When business partners Andrew Fazio and Wilson Johnson teamed up to create Suited, Lower Manhattan’s newest cafe, it was with the understanding that you can find good sandwiches or a good cup of coffee all over New York City, but not always at the same place. That dilemma has now been solved. (45 John Street)

27. La Parisienne

A lovely French cafe tucked away on Maiden Lane offers excellent dishes for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and weekend brunch. (9 Maiden Lane)

28. Le District

Le District has all of your grocery needs, from daily essentials to French-inspired fare. (225 Liberty St.)

29. Leo’s Bagels

“Leo’s” stands for the classic bagel breakfast “Lox, eggs & onions” — recommend trying their specialty as well as other bagel, cream cheese spreads and smoked fish offerings. (3 Hanover Square)

30. Mad Dog & Beans

Located in a landmark building, Mad Dog serves up traditional Mexican cooking that includes fresh guacamole and potent margaritas. (83 Pearl St.)

31. Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese

Ironically, Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese isn’t in Brooklyn, but what it sells is a classic Brooklyn roast beef sandwich, the likes of which you’d generally have to go all the way to Coney Island to get. (upstairs at City Acres Market, 70 Pine Street)

32. magic mix juicery

Nutritious breakfast bowls, filling lunches, snacks and — yes — fresh-to-order juices to keep your body happy and healthy. (102 Fulton St.)

33. Salon DeLouie

Salon DeLouie has been operating in the neighborhood for seven years, offering up cuts and colors to the busy workers of Lower Manhattan through good times and bad. And even through the COVID era, the salon is sticking to its most popular classics like coloring, highlights and cuts for all genders.

34. Martin Busch Jewelers

Longtime independent jewelry shop offers excellent options for all price ranges, original designs and watch repairs. (85 John St.)

35. McNally Jackson

Get lost in the vast selection of McNally’s beloved Seaport location. (4 Fulton St.)

36. Mysterious Bookshop

Explore the thrilling titles at this longtime niche bookstore dedicated to noir and the art of mysterious happenings. (58 Warren St.)

37. Neapolitan Express

Neapolitan Express is the perfect spot for organic, authentic pizza that’s good for you and the environment. (40 Wall St.)

38. The Greens at Pier 17

A reservation for The Greens’ seasonal rooftop dining concept nets you your own 10-person-max rooftop cabin, replete with banquette seating, a virtual fireplace, electric heating and delicious seasonally-themed dishes like mushroom risotto, hot smoked toddies, mulled cider and chipotle beef stew.

39. Casa Taqueria

When you need some flavorful takeout, this spicy standby at 40 Gold Street will never let you down.

40. Only Nails

Only Nails offers a selection of 300+ colors for their special dipping powder gel manicure and more than 400 colors for a gel manicure/pedicure. (86 Nassau St.)

41. One World Observatory

Gain a new perspective of our beautiful city from the top of One World Trade Center. (285 Fulton St.)

42. Petropolis

Spoil your four-legged BFF with organic snacks, adorable toys and grooming services at this doge palace. (91 Washington St.)

43. Poster Museum

Philip Williams’s gargantuan in-store collection boasts colorful prints, vintage posters and unique typographical art. You could spend days in here. (122 Chambers St.)

44. primp

Glow up each day with blowouts, makeup, massages and curated products at this Seaport District salon. (142 Beekman St.)

45. Proof

PROOF Coffee Roasters not only makes their coffee from ethically-sourced, locally-roasted beans. They also deliver! (65 Nassau St.)

46. Pure Liquid Wine & Spirits

A knowledgeable staff will help you pair the perfect spirit to any event at this inviting wine shop located in Westfield World Trade Center. (Westfield, South Concourse, Balcony Level)

47. Sauce & Barrel

Sauce & Barrel takes its name from the bar’s barrel aged cocktail program and has a menu that offers more than 15 pizzas. (97 Washington St.)

48. Schilling

Schilling’s menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Austrian dishes that features wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, braised lamb and more. For dessert, the strudel can’t be beat. (109 Washington St.)

49. Spa services at The Four Seasons New York Downtown

New Yorkers in need of rest and relaxation after months of lockdown can unwind at the Four Seasons New York Downtown, as the hotel’s menu of services from manicures to immune-boosting treatments are all be available.

50. Springbone Kitchen

Stay healthy all year with Springbone’s nutrient-rich bone broth, as well as other organic dishes. (74 Pearl St.)

51. Stone Street Tavern

Stone Street Tavern attracts diners looking for hearty American fare and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. (52 Stone St.)

52. Temple Court

Tom Colicchio’s excellent farm-to-table, American-style restaurant is set within the beautiful atrium and cozy corners of The Beekman Hotel. (5 Beekman St.)

53. Caravan Uyghur Cuisine

Caravan serves Chinese homestyle dishes in a cozy space, and believe us when we tell you that the Laghman noodles are so satisfying. (200 Pearl St.)

54. Stout NYC

If this 90 John Street staple isn’t tempting enough to frequent for their generous pours, consider their signature Stout Steak Sandwich to soak up all that sud.

55. The Tuck Room

The Tuck Room serves up exceptional contemporary plates for lunch and dinner, as well as early bird and late-night specials. (11 Fulton St.)

56. Cowgirl Seahorse

Don’t forget cocktails to-go when you order delivery from Cowgirl SeaHorse: In addition to its reliably reliable bloody marys during brunch, the Seaport District darling offers frozen margaritas in a sanitized mason jar inside a frozen food bag — so they’ll be delivered just as icy old as they come if you’d get ‘em straight from the bar. (259 Front Street)

57. Westfield World Trade Center

Westfield World Trade Center is home to all the stores and art installations you could ever imagine. (185 Greenwich St.)

58. Yoga carE

YogaCare was created to facilitate this transformation in becoming the best version of yourself – permanently — with several online programs that complement the mind, body, and soul in our journey towards each other.

Downtown Alliance 

Lead photo of Stone Street by Marzena Manganaro 

Categories
Architecture Featured Lifestyle Living NYC Real Estate

Sky Origami Sky-High Oasis Sky High Retreat

Sky Origami Sky-High Oasis Sky High Retreat

DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN

 

is a testament to human connection, and 77 Greenwich, one of the newest luxury residential towers rising into the NYC skyline, offers the ultimate perch from which to behold the bustling streets and beautiful vistas that surround it. Standing at the intersection of Battery Park City, Tribeca, and the Financial District, the building will seamlessly incorporate retail, educational, and residential uses, thanks to the unparalleled vision of two design luminaries: FXCollaborative and Deborah Berke Partners.

Together, the two firms have created a soaring, 500-foot, 42-story, environmentally sustainable haven with a stepped-glass curtain wall façade that offers each of its 90 condominiums stunning views of New York Harbor or the Hudson River. The distinctive shape, irregular against the NY street grid, is elongated to expand the view from each condo, while giving the appearance that the building has been stretched thin.

The ground-floor lobby is designed with dark granite floors and bleached mahogany walls and ceiling baffles, while the residential floors are filled with natural light. Every hallway and the heart of each condo is lit by large windows that reveal the sky and let sunlight in. “As you come up into the building,” says Stephen Brockman, Partner, and LEED AP at Deborah Berke Partners, “you start to ascend into the sky.”

The residences,

which range from one to four bedrooms, were designed by Deborah Berke Partners with clean lines and light colors, to highlight the open living areas and panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 77 Greenwich is meant to act as a refuge, a serene respite from the busy day-to-day of the city far below.

 

Sky Origami Sky-High Oasis Sky High Retreat
77 Greenwich Living Room

 

The tower

was also designed to encourage a sense of community. Each floor has only a few condos, allowing residents to get to know their neighbors. Shared amenity spaces on the 41st and 42nd floors feature a catering kitchen, a private dining area, and a children’s activity room. There is also a 3,600-ft rooftop garden, a “meditation deck,” and a double-height fitness center, as well as a built-in dog park which is located on a lower floor. Even the apartment interiors were devised for families and gatherings: The living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all in one open space. “It really is this communal, active environment,” says Brockman.

 

Sky Origami Sky-High Oasis Sky High Retreat
77 Greenwich Roofdeck

 

The 8-story cast-stone base of the building –

which incorporates an-1810 landmarked rowhouse, the Robert and Anne Dickey House— will also house a new public elementary school, a promising sign for the neighborhood. “I think it’s a telling story,” says Stephan Dallendorfer, partner at FXCollaborative, “that SCA (New York City School Construction Authority) sees that there’s a demand for schools down in the area, gravitating to a family-oriented neighborhood.” The retail spaces will also be located on the building’s ground level and lower floors.

 

Sky Origami Sky-High Oasis Sky High Retreat
77 Greenwich

 

Jacqueline Urgo, president of The Marketing Directors –

the exclusive sales and marketing agency for the residential portion of the tower believes that the residences will be “exceptionally well-received” in the marketplace. “Our targeted clientele is singles and professional couples, with a big walk-to-work aspect,” she says. “But we’re also targeting young families based on how downtown is growing as a residential destination—and by virtue of the size of our apartments.”

Work on 77 Greenwich should be completed sometime in 2020, but condo sales have already begun. “It feels ready to occupied,” says Brockman. “We spent a lot of time and effort to design something that feels special.”

Categories
Featured Lifestyle Living NYC

“Lights of Hope”

"Lights of Hope"

Long gone are the days when Downtown was dominated by the financial industry and the sidewalks were rolled up at 5:00 p.m., after the final call of the day. New businesses like Condé Nast, Seaport, Group M, Spotify, 10 Corso Como, Uber, Zola, have brought a vibrant, young and family-focused workforce with them.

Once again, Downtowners have banded together to send a message to the world. We have been publishing for 11 years now, and the changes we have witnessed and been a part of are epic. It’s difficult to report on the tragic news but, with tragedy, there is always triumph. Here in Lower Manhattan, like the rest of New York, we bounce back.

“Lights of Hope” Buildings in Lower Manhattan to Shine in Red, White, and Blue

 

Lights of Hope
Photo by Kirit Prajapati

 

One World Trade Center, Pier 17 at the Seaport District, Brookfield Place, 111 and 115 Broadway, 55 Water Street and 20 Exchange Place will be lighting up in red, white, and blue to show hope and solidarity, while other Downtown buildings are working to join them over the next several days. Buildings throughout the entire city are encouraged to follow suit and add their own “lights of hope.”

“This is a moment to band together, show pride in a tough time, and light up the Lower Manhattan skyline with hope,” said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. “Whether it’s red, white and blue or with a single white beacon, buildings across Lower Manhattan will light themselves in honor of our determination to endure and recover.”

One of the initiating property owners offered this:

“In this time of need, we as New Yorkers and Americans are looking for symbols of hope – both in our communities and across the country,” said Saul Scherl, President of the New York Tri-State Region of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We Wanted to unite our community and light up the buildings of Lower Manhattan together to show our solidarity, our resiliency, and our persistent hope for the future.”

We as a city and world have gone through a lot in the past 20 years, the greatest trait is that we always come out on the other side stronger and better than before. Thank you to our leaders mentioned in this piece, and thank you to all who believe in hope!

See More

Development: Downtown’s New Diversity

Pier 17 Promises To Reopen The Waterfront

The “Big U” to Protect Lower Manhattan

Sale of 1 Chase Plaza Another Sign of Upturn in Downtown Real Estate

Categories
Dining Restaurants

Where to Feast On Christmas Day in Downtown NYC

Photo Credit: Manhattan With A Twist

After feasting and partying with friends on Christmas Eve, many want to go out for a nice meal on Christmas Day, whether it be prior to opening presents or after. Downtown Manhattan contains some of the best restaurants that’ll give your palette the merriest Christmas ever.

Bubby’s:

This Downtown New York City staple will be opened on Christmas Day which is such a delight because what better place to be at with your family on this special holiday? Both the Meatpacking and Tribeca locations will offer their brunch menu. Of course, their fluffy pancakes, finger-licking good fried chicken, as well as some holiday goodies such as Swedish pancakes with lingonberry, eggnog pie, and roasted duck cranberry hash will be served from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Photo Credit: Cititournyc.com

73 Gansevoort Street, 212-219-0666 and 120 Hudson Street, 212-219-0666

Tuome:

Strut over to this quaint Michelin-starred East Village restaurant. A one of a kind three-course Christmas menu will be offered and is priced at $82 per person. You’ll have the opportunity to order dishes such as persimmon with scallop, amaranth, calamansi, the “Pig Out” with Berkshire pork and spicy peanut noodles as well as beignets with goat’s milk caramel on Christmas Day!

Photo Credit: Chefs Feed

536 E 5th Street, 646-833-7811

Quality Eats:

This steakhouse brought to you by the prominent butchers at Smith & Wollensky and Quality Meats will be opened on Christmas Day and will showcase a Chinese family-style dinner for $48 a person. Come on down and have some Dim Sum, Mott Street “Hot” Chicken, Beef Short Rib Char Siu, some Crab Cake Fried Rice, and so much more.

Photo Credit: iloveny.com

19 Greenwich Avenue, 212-337-9988

Harolds at the Arlo in Soho:

A fantastic fact about Harold’s is that it’ll be offering an A La Carte menu on Christmas Day. The most amazing part is that there is no need for a hotel reservation to take advantage of this! This special Christmas menu will feature a tortellini stew with squash, kale, and beans, a roast Christmas duck à l’orange, prime rib, Parker House rolls, and a delectable Gingerbread Cake.

Photo Credit: Forbes

231 Hudson St, 212-390-8484

Dirty French:

This LES hot-spot is offering a prix fixe for $125 a person. The Christmas Day menu will feature dishes such as the Bourguignon, grilled oysters with garlic and parsley, Tuna Tartare, the restaurant’s prestigious Chicken with dijon and chanterelles, Steak Au Poivre with green peppercorns, and so much more. Make it one of the finest Christmases ever by dining at Dirty French!

Photo Credit: NY Times

180 Ludlow Street, 212-254-3000

The Fulton:

This Jean-Georges seafood locale is doing it up by offering the typical three-course prix-fixe for $108 per person. This menu is featuring some favorites from the regular menu, such as the Faroe Island salmon, longevity noodles, warm octopus and mozzarella. Seasonal desserts such as the special buche de noel will be offered as well. Of course, you cannot go wrong with some of the best views in the house!

Photo Credit: The Fulton

89 South Street, 212-838-1200

Temple Court:

Tom Colicchio does it again this holiday season at Temple Court. Located in The Beekman, Temple Court will offer a three-course prix fixe menu for $125 a person. This glamorous menu will give you the option to choose holiday favorites such as the Waldorf salad, potato gnocchi, and seared foie gras to begin your feast. Main dishes such as the Strip Loing and Duck a l’Orange will be offered. As for dessert, a Honey Custard Tart and Gingerbread Yule Log are two out of the four options that’ll provide you with that sweet ending.

Photo Credit: nycgo.com

5 Beekman Street, 212-658-1848

See More

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Mizu Sushi Dishes Fresh Fish

Sir Henri Changes Things Up

Seaport Food Lab – a different gastronomic experience at a cocktail party

Categories
Featured Fitness Health

Spark Your New Years Fitness Routine with NOVA Fitness

Spark Your New Years Fitness Routine with NOVA Fitness

Photos courtesy of NOVA Fitness Innovation

People will do almost anything to get in shape. The choices are endless–the challenge is making that choice consistently enough to see a difference. Want to diet? I hope you have time to cook. The gym? That is an hour a day, and you had better have a shower option. And sports? You need to commit to a league to really get those results. Want a loophole? So does everyone.

NOVA Fitness Innovation takes a mad science solution to quick fitness. They cram 90-minute workouts into 30 minutes (20 with some short breaks) through the subtle art of electrocuting your muscle groups as you work out. Yup. They use Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology to target your muscles while they work, tricking them into thinking you are doing a lot more work than you are.

I know: this sounds like every late-night easy-fitness infomercial ever. You have probably seen the ads for belts that shock you into a six-pack while watching tv on the couch. Well, never fear: Nova’s methods are not easy–just fast. 

NOVA Fitness

How It Works

Leave your gym bag at home. Every Nova workout is done in Nova’s own jumpsuits, which are comfortable if revealingly form-fitting, as well as equipped with a bunch of pads packed with electrodes. It looks a bit like a space combat training outfit from a sci-fi action flick, but tighter. It is short-sleeved and goes down to your knees. You throw the rest of your stuff in a locker, set the lock, and head to class.

I did the strength-building class, but every class starts the same: the instructor straps a battery to your hip, and then begins the warmup. On top of loosening up your muscles for the workout, your Nova instructor wants you to build up a sweat. The suit, you see, only works when it is wet. It makes sense if you think about it. If it takes you a while to work up a good sweat, they keep spray bottles handy–refreshing and effective.

It took maybe the first 10 minutes to really feel the EMS system, but when I did…oh man. The shock didn’t hurt, exactly, but you definitely felt it, especially when you were working on that muscle group. It is not dramatic–more like tingles of varying intensities. Jackie, my trainer, had me doing circuits, and she was relentless. We cycled through until I was about to break and then took 5 min for water and recovery. We had to keep up that sweat, you know.

True to their word, the class was over in 30 minutes, and I headed to the shower. Their showers come with towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, so you don’t need to bring those either. I almost wouldn’t bother with the shampoo, though–after my workout, trying to get my hands over my head felt like lifting a car. 

Conclusion

You might still be skeptical about the electricity. Does it hurt? Does it help?

Hurt? No. Uncomfortable? Yes. But even the pros would never call exercise “comfortable.” If you’re working hard enough, you don’t even feel the suit half the time. As for helping? I’m not a scientist, but even if the EMS suit did nothing but tingle, the workout left me sore for days. Definitely worth checking out. 

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