Chelsea/Meatpacking » New York Bargains

Escada Samples Sale~~Up to 90% off retail.

Emma Dinzebach — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:00:13 +0000

German-born luxury women’s apparel retailer, Escada, was bought Megha Mittel after filing for bankruptcy in August 2009. Megha Mittal, daughter-in-law of he Lakshimi Mattal (CEO of the world’s largest steel company and 8th richest person in the world), plans to turn the brand from red-carpet only to everyday ready-to-wear.

Maybe that explains the deeply discounted pieces at the Escada Sample Sale, at the Metropolitan Pavilion on West 19th Street. Luxury clothing and some accessories up to 90% off retail values. Yesterday, the apparel section offered a large variety with timeless classics and wardrobe backbones as well as the marked Escada evening dresses. There are many pieces for work, interview or a day of shopping. Our Editor scored a pristine English riding-style jacket for $95 marked down from $950. The accessory selection was slimmer. Shoes were marked down, most of them 90% off retail price.

The sale drew a more conservative crowd of middle-aged, well-dressed professionals, which may explain how the organization remained in tact. Sizes are plentiful and staff are friendly and there to answer questions about sizes, prices and damages. Be prepared to check your belongings at the door. All sales are final.

WHEN: 3/7 – 3/10 Sun-Tues. (10-7), Wed. (10-5)

WHERE: 110 W. 19th St. between 6th & 7th Ave

Emma Dinzebach

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The Weekly Shop Report~~Retail season is in high gear. Save suffering retailers or humor Victoria Beckham this week…in shopping.

Emma Dinzebach — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:00:03 +0000

Retail season is in high gear, and we for one are happy for a reason to spend. In November, retail added 7,500 jobs and prepared promotion plans to keep customers shopping right through to twenty-ten. Where to shop? If you aim to save suffering retailers, the red list includes old favorites like Phoenix Footwear (not recommended), Zale, Cache, Bluefly and New York & Co. If you prefer to stick with the winners, Saks, Aeropostale, Movado, Syms, and Liz Claiborne in the black.

Louis Vuitton opened a sig store in Sin City. Talbots announced their plan to merge with BPW Acquisition Group in part to pay for their acquisition of Aeon. Talbots plans to use $300 million of their new money (eh, hem BPW’s money) to pay for the Japanese retailer. Fit experts, Intimacy, are capitalizing on “the Oprah effect” and announced their plan to expand from it’s Upper East Side location to a second store in Midtown East.

On the lowbrow, the ever-expanding Victoria Beckham will debut her new eyewear and denim collection on Net-a-Porter today.

But on the higbrow… or Highline rather. Target pop-up returns to Manhattan Friday through Sunday at Gansevoort and Washington at the entrance of High Line Park. Downtown their rejoicing that this year they won’t be forced to trek to Times Square for a taste of Alexander McQueen. Target-To-Go will offer consumers fifty gifts including limited edition Rodarte for Target a week before they hit Target stores nationwide. Only in New York do we get a first shot at a store we don’t even have. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Oops, I meant Ho. Ho. Ho. And Happy Hanukkah!

Emma Dinzebach

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Slightly Above Standard~~Dining at the new Standard’s Standard Grill

Emma Dinzebach — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:00:50 +0000

What do Jay Z & Beyonce, Anna Wintour, Twitter creator Jack Dorsey and designer Chris Benz and myself have in common? Hint: Not recession-proof bank accounts. We’ve all patroned the Standard Grill since it opened it’s doors to the public almost a month ago. Well, us and thousands of others. Highline Park and the emergence of sunshine mobilized New Yorkers and tourists alike to the Meat Packing just in time to try the new Standard’s Standard Grill. Of course, I didn’t see any of them when I was there, but hey, they didn’t see me either.

Before writing this review, I browsed through some Yelp reviews to measure my opinion with those of other diners. I found the usual mixture of disses and praises, but thought the reviewers missed a key element of dining at…well, of dining in general. Like writers have to know their audiences, food critics have to know their atmosphere. Gotham is chock full of restaurants with medium food but a great setting. While you may not love Tao, you know the ambiance is your best bet for say, a bachelorette party. While I sought to review the food at Standard Grill, I also, almost equally, sought to measure the environment.

And the floor is tiled with pennies! The Standard Grill found a useful, um, use for America’s most confusing currency. Okay, so they weren’t the first. (The Paul Smith store in Paris has currency tiled walls and apparently some courthouse in Tuscon cashed in on the penny idea several years ago.) But it looks cool. In combo with the vaulted beamed ceilings and cushy red banquets, the Grill’s dining room is nice. As are the patrons – understated trendy and lively, the dining room and adjacent white bar room are packed from 7 to 9 or later, so if you aim dine in peace go early or eat late.
Chef Dan Silverman cooks a mean roast chicken as well as lamb chops and Steak Frites. I’m from the Midwest, and you know I’m choosy about my steak, but the steak at Standard Grill is actually delicious, cook beautifully and only slightly flavored. All Standard Grill’s meat is locally grown (plus) and prices hover around the low 20’s (plus, plus). The duck fat smashed potatoes are also amazing, if slightly bad for your figure. And the charred octopus is DELICIOUS. It may be one of the best octopus dishes I’ve had. Some friends had the trout, which was flaky and tender and came with pine nuts and currants, which sounds weird, but really worked. For dessert I had the humble pie (rhubarb and chocolate) with vanilla ice cream.

I’m not saying the Standard Grill deserves four stars for amazing cuisine – except the octopus – but it is reasonably priced, fun and has a great outdoor seating area. I think it’s a worth a visit as the ambiance makes for a fun night any day of the week and the patron’s maintain The Standard Hotel’s measure for cool…meaning it’s cool. We may need that if this summer ever heats up.

The Standard Grill open for breakfast 7a.m. to 11a.m and dinner from 5:30 seven days a week, located on the corner of Washington and West 13th Street; 212-645-4100

Emma Dinzebach

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Have you been to city’s best dive bar?~~Frying Pan- it’s not (only) about the make-out nooks

Emma Dinzebach — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:32 +0000

Hell we can’t afford to eat out anymore, so we’re taking our happy hour to a new level. Seal level that is. Since 1989, Lightship #115 AKA Frying Pan has made her home at Chelsea’s Pier 66. Becoming a Manhattan hot spot is a storybook ending for this ship who sunk in the late 70’s and lived underwater for three years before being raised by saintly saviors, sold to her present owners and made into a vessel for NYC tours and entertainment.

Um, we were entertained, so entertained in fact that we’re skipping DBGB’s and heading west to the waterfront tiki bar, which serves cold beer, better-than-average burgers and delicious garlic fries. Not convinced? Let me clarify, the whole vessel is a nightlife smorgasbord from the front quarter’s effervescent DJ lounge to live acts in the ship’s belly. New York Magazine described the dated couches and “ratty make-out couches.” Hm, well there are an abnormal amount of make-out nooks. Although I thought the couches were meant to signify male ownership of the jack. A woman would never want to make-out on something described as “ratty.” If it’s nice though, skip (no pun intended) the lounge and plant yourself on one of the deck’s plastic chairs for gorgeous views of the Hudson and a quixotic sunset.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons on the Frying Pan are a great time to unleash your inner swashbuckler. With patrons singing and scary bathroom trips two floors down (go with a friend), a weekend at Frying Pan is one to remember. Or not…depending on how much you drink. Warning: patrons take the nod to seafaring a bit serious and after many Bucket-O-Beers can get rowdy. As far as we can tell, there are few regulations and accidents do happen. (Our friend slipped and sprained her wrist.) In other words, be careful!

Frying Pan Pier 66, North River W. 26th Street & West Side Highway 212-989-6363

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Thai Twins: Spice & SEA

Emma Dinzebach — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:56 +0000

I’ve been frequenting both Spice and SEA ad nauseum during this depressing recession. A girls gotta eat! So imagine my surprise when I sat down to remind veteran NYCers that the ‘ol reliable Spice (originally on University, then made babies) still has those scrumptious signature shrimp fitters just to discover that Spice and SEA are a little more than kissing cousins. They’re Thai twinners!

Lunching at Spice Chelsea last week, I had a delicious lunch special that included those yummy little fitters as well as Tom Yum soup and Hawaiian Ginger Pineapple stir fry. It was crowded with attractive men. In Chelsea ladies, you can look, but you cannot touch.
And I couldn’t get my fill of Thai food apparently, because later that week my mouth was burning on fire at SEA from my mango green bean salad. Spicy deliciousness. I followed it with the model popular noodless pad thai. It took all of my effort to pass on a glass of $6 Pino Grigio, but if I were you, I’d have one…or two. Drink away those April showers! And with all of the locations (Chelsea, Uptown, Union Square new Astor Place Spice and SEA on 2nd and in the BK) you really have no excuse not to.

Spice East Village, Chelsea, Union Square, Uptown

SEA East Village, Brooklyn

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Can & Did

Emma Dinzebach — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:00:37 +0000

Graphics & Art from the Obama Campaign

Ahhhh the clever minds of the city’s artists… To celebrate the election of our 44th president, Barack H. Obama, and to salute his new gig with S-T-Y-L-E, Danziger Projects opened their newest exhibition, Can & Did, with an Inaugural toast Tuesday night at their Chelsea Studio. The cozy reception kicked off the exhibition, which will run through February, while simultaneously signifying the hope and confidence many Americans have in our new administration. I was granted a sneak peak before the main event, and here are some visuals you have to look forward to: The Obama “O” created by Sol Sender, Andy Keene, and Amanda Gentry, award winning photography by David Turnley from the campaign trail and visuals by Robert Indiana, Shepard Fairly and more. Can’t get enough? Visit The Obama Art Report to find out where you can view more Obama related visuals and can purcahse Obama related artwork. Note to low cash flowers: act fast. These pieces are sure to be gone before the recession.

Danziger Projects 521 West 26th Street near 10th 212-629-6778 FREE

Can & Did January 20th – February 28th

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West 10th Part II: Alta

Emma Dinzebach — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:33:03 +0000

So directly opposite from Piadina is a slightly larger (bi-level) but still intimate tapas restaurant called Alta. Again, desecend a couple stairs, yet this time find yourself greeted by a cellar-style bar with A-M-A-Z-I-N-G sangria. Yum. I had to wait a minute for my large party (another birthday) to arrive and while doing so realized that I too had once arranged a dinner party here. It was a blizzard out and we were the only people crazy enough to brave the elements. That was a younger, more naive me. Sigh.

Oh, our table is ready. If it were my birthday I would not want to be seated in this table directly next to the host/serving stand. Not to mention that they sat two people on one side, three people on another and one on the end. Asymmetry semi-repulses me. Just south of the first mini dining area is an enchanted room furnished with the same wooden tables, but look up – greenery adorns the balcony railing…very Lord of the Ringsy. If you are on a date, judge him (or her) by where you sit as second level, railside is the only way to go.

We sat down at our table and after failing to bring the entire party menus – I had to reach behind me and get them myself! – the bus boy proceeded to spill six glasses of water on the birthday girl. Poor Essie. Luckily she’s a good sport. They brought us six drinks to make up for it, but never adequately replaced las aguas. AND I thought they should’ve asked us what we wanted rather than just making us these fruit punchy drinks because I certainly wouldn’t have chosen that. I WANTED SANGRIA.

Onto the food: It was delicious – however, like the agua, sporadically served. Dietary restrictions of several guests at our table forced us to try basically everything on the menu. The crab canonlini and the lamb meatballs were yums. The date/gorgonzola dealie (center) was so so. I loved the tuna tartare, but I always do. The cheese plate was good and had this peanut buttery spread, which I was informed were not peanuts, but tasted like peanuts, that pleased my palate. The service: Shoddy at best even though the maitre’d took such a liking to me that he insisted on escorting me to the door of the ladies room. “Upstairs, take a left, first door on the right,” would’ve done just fine thankyouverymuch.

Alta 64 West 10th Street, near 6th Avenue; 212-505-7777; Dinner Daily

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West 10th Part I: Piadina

Emma Dinzebach — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:50:31 +0000

Evidently, my friends double heart West 10th Street, particularly between 5th and 6th, because I’ve dined there twice in the past two weeks. And, yeah, I get it. The tree lined street could charm a crackhead. The brownstones decorated with pine roping and Christmas lights exude enchanment of another era, a different New York. And if that wasn’t enough, a stroll headed West will conclude with two remarkable restaurants: Piadina (Italian) to your right and Alta (Tapas) to your left. Piadina, named after a thin Italian bread, has a loyal following that transcends the Village. Unprovoked, my friend Julie described it as “…the best Italian in New York for a great price.” Descend the unassuming ivy-covered staircase and you’re greeted by a quiant, dimly lit, savory smelling eatery. The brick walls and wooden chairs give an Old Worldy Italian vibe, while the artwork and quirky white kitchen tools hanging from ceiling (see below) nonchalantly serve as reminders that you actually are still in New York.

The waitstaff is excellent. (The poor guy patiently took our picture like ten times.) I’m notorious for having others order for me (um, no pressure) and was pleasantly satisfied with my waiter’s choices: steamed clams and gorgonzola polenta. The somewhat spicy calamari pasta draws a following and had three fans at our table of seven. We all loved the side of spinach and devoured it in oh so Popeyesque fashion, along with pea and prociutto pasta and plates of tomato and mozerella.

When I finally took a break from my group’s incessant remeber when-ing and adoring praise of ~~Robert Pattinson~~ Edward Cullen, I realized that like us, other patrons were engrossed in their own reminiscent convos. Because Paidina is best enjoyed with people you know: good friends, old friends, family and neighbors. While it produces tasteful meals that leave you lifted from wine and lingering for coffee and Tiramisu, more importantly, Piadina creates new memories for times to come.

So this year, and by this year I mean next year because I’m writing this on December 30th, let us resolve to be thankful for the people we have to go to Piadina with. (It was a lousy nod to the New Year, but a nod nonetheless.) Happy 2009 Food Lovers.

Piadina 57 West 10th, between 5th and 6th; 212-460-8017 cash only

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Bellino Sample & Stock Sale

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:42:12 +0000

BELLINO SAMPLE & STOCK SALE

November 14-16, Fri – Sun 10-8

Chelsea Market

75 Ninth Avenue (15-16 Streets) suite 2307

I went to the Bellino sample sale yesterday to review it for you and I ended up spending $700. Oh well- I guess it’s an occupational hazard. I bought two satin sheet sets, a blanket and a duvet set. I have to say that the selection was amazing and after a night of sleeping on my new sheets I see why people would pay three times what I paid: Flat Sheet Satin $80; Fitted Sheet $80; Duvet Set Satin $100, Blanket Quilted $150.

Unlike other sample sales I’ve been to, the customer service was exceptional. When I got the card from the handsome Italian guy who helped me I found out he was the VP of Operations, Mr. Gianni Romagnolo de Laurentis. Hold your horses ladies, the lovely fiancée was there helping as well. We got there 20 minutes after opening so the Chelsea crowds were not up yet but I would assume it got really busy later on. This time around they rented a lovely space in the Chelsea market; we’ll let you know where they will hold the next one.

New York Shopping

-Mirela

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Happy Birthday USA!

Staff Writer — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:54:30 +0000

America sure looks good for being 232 years old- think she’s had some work done?

If you waited for the last possible second (like moi) to plan how you’ll be celebrating the home of the brave this year, fear not. Here are some fool-proof ways to get your fourth on.

Food. . .

. . .Because the Nathan’s hot dog champ can’t be the only one indulging. Celebrate the U.S. and the N.Y. with a good old fashioned chow down. The Great July Fourth Festival is a down-home American birthday party with a global twist. The street fair showcases 600 international food vendors, as well as arts, crafts and merchandise exhibitors like Indonesian Jewelry and Chinese Pottery. The fun ends at 8, just in time watch. . .

Fireworks!

Because what would today be without a little pie in the sky? There are breathtaking views of the Macy’s Fireworks Extravaganza*, which start at 9pm, from all points of the vogue city. The very best are:

Manhattan: Southbound lanes of the FDR drive from 14th to 42nd Street will be open for the public from 7:30pm to 10:00pm.The FDR Drive will actually be closed to vehicular traffic between Houston St. and 63rd St. from 7:00pm until 1:00am. Dancin’ in the street!

Brooklyn/Queens: Great views from Hunter’s Point, Queens, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and anywhere with an unobstructed view of the East River between 23rd & 42nd Sts.

***Be sure to tune in to 1010 WINS AM to hear the muscial accompaniment

Happy Independance Day New York!!!

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