Bi-coastal designer, Cynthia Vincent, recently opened her NoLita flagship store where she personally handpicked the wallpaper, flooring and dramatic chandelier. A fashion-forward, one-of-a-kind shop offers feminine looks and accessories of shoes, handbags and jewelry. All the jewelry displayed are products of Cynthia’s stops at worldwide destinations. My friends and I admired her flattering silk and beaded tops… and of course temptation gave in as we each purchased one! Her collections are a perfect mix of modern and Bohemian, and are favorites of celebrities like Sienna Miller. When I first entered the store I was captivated by the look… a contrast of current Hollywood glamour, accented with a 1970s flair. There’s a sense of a home collection brewing which is noted by her exquisite collection of pillows.

As the saying goes… sometimes “two heads are better than one.” Such is the case with Duo, a classic, yet modern shop in the East Village. Sisters Wendy and La Rae Kangas have introduced emerging local designers to both the Los Angeles and NYC markets. All pieces are proudly manufactured in the United States. Their collection of vintage classics appeal to their customer base. I’m still thinking about a timeless Dior dress that was impeccably designed. A special touch of the shop is seen on the garment tags of all their merchandise. Each is punched out by hand on an antique 1920’s typewriter! This dynamic “duo” displays jewelry designed by another of my favorite designers, Wendy Nichol, who I’ll write about in a future edition.

No one has even had to ask me twice to review an Italian designer… especially one with the name of Krizia! The noted Italian store has recently migrated from the Upper East Side to the Meatpacking District due to their quest to attract a younger clientele. Situated between Diane Von Furstenberg and the future home of the Whitney Museum of Art, this downtown store will feature two lines from the collection… Krizia and Krizia Poi. The top designer, Mandelli, adheres to his principles of romance and creative touches that are reflected in each garment. His pieces are influenced by the designs of architect Zaha Hadid, and sculptor Tony Cragg. I was fascinated with the history attached to the name Krizia. It was derived from an unfinished dialogue that Plato delivered on the subject of women’s vanity! Classical and experimental, Mandelli has developed a style and look worthy of its ancient origin.

Al Abayan, former director of Japanese cult brand Number Nine that was housed in Tribeca, breaks out and makes his return to the NYC retail scene. Fashion for men and women, interior furnishings, art, objects, shoes and accessories are artfully displayed throughout the shop. When I stopped by yesterday to congratulate Al, he told me that he feels “New York lacks retailing with dreams.” The environment of Patron of the New has “soul, life and creates dreams!” Al has enlisted several friends to design furniture and fixtures for the lofty and hip space. Fashion will be kept to a small group of designers so their collections can be well represented. Collections set to launch are: Josephus Thimister, Gustavo Lins, Azzaro, Nicolas Andreas Taralis, no-editions, Denis Colomb, and Undercover. He’s truly delighted to return to Tribeca to open this one of a kind lifestyle store.

Having recently watched the Royal Wedding with bedazzling bling, I decided to stop by Mariko to check out their Upper East Side shop. Faux gems and pseudo pearls showcase this glamorous jewelry boutique. This high- end costume jewelry store has an assortment of dramatic accessories to adorn suits, cocktail dresses and gowns. My friends and I tried on chunky necklaces held together with faux stone crystal earrings, black and white chokers (one of my favorites), faux pearls and cocktail rings. All designs are made in the United States, France and Italy.

A New Yorker who often shows her collection in the tents during Fashion Week, Lepore has established another outpost of her chic store on the Upper East Side. Both her flagship store in SoHo and her uptown shop carry bohemian-inspired feminine clothing and fashion statement accessories. Feminine sensibility is visible in both her boutique and her fashions. The pink stained wood floors and sparkling white chandelier are offset by the fanciful dresses, flirty tops, form-fitting suits, and silk tops edged with lace. Many of her bright colored dresses are adorned with brooches. Lepore’s accessories such as her jewelry line, shoes and handbags, are equally eye-popping.

Although the name makes us think high-end, Shishi is the opposite. This easy-to-navigate Indie shop is filled with trendy women’s wear, accessories and jewelry. Their chic cocktail dresses, zippered tunic tops and collection of jeans all caught my eye. The glittery chandelier and plush red couch are hidden behind this unmarked woman’s boutique on the Upper West Side. Stroll by slowly or you’ll walk right by! Since there are only five items per each style, you won’t see your purchases worn by many women throughout the city.

Although Rome-based, all goods from VBH are produced by the artisans of Florence. This luxury line of jewelry and handbags are often seen in Vogue Magazine. Their small metallic leather clutches are one-of-a-kind. The store is un-store like. There is no large sign in front, and as you pass by you might not realize it’s a store. VBH is a 1921 exquisite landmark bank, turned boutique. The sleek handbags and jewelry are placed throughout the three rooms. Modern artwork and home accessories are expertly placed to accent the collections. As I tried to figure out what the letters stood for, I thought that perhaps it meant “Very Beautiful Handbags.” I soon learned that the initials are those of the designer, a former colleague of Valentino.

From gastroteca to gastroteque, celebrity chef Jody Williams shifts from Italian (owner of Gottino) to French cuisine, keeping a small scale neighborly focus. The new fifty-seat bistro is a comfortable and cozy dining spot in the West Village where guests meet for casual food and drink at any time of day. Hours are from 8am until 2am! The impeccable renovation of the historic Pink Teacup is reflected in the marble counters and reclaimed white oak floors. The petite chalkboard, another detailed touch, highlights the daily menu options that frequently change. Coq au vin and escarole salad are noted staples. Her seasonal menu is stacked with tartines and charcuterie. Martha Stewart is a fan… now that’s a testament to the quality of the food. Williams plans to market olive oils and her signature pesto to go. Buvette is tres quaint!

Having recently reviewed uptown’s Osteria Cotta as one of my handpicked new spots, I couldn’t wait to dine at La Follia, the downtown sister restaurant. Suzanne Riva and her husband Mario, the team behind Irving Mill, have finally opened an Italian neighborhood restaurant near their home in the Gramercy Park hood. The warm atmosphere of the Osteria is framed by its brick lined walls and the adjacent candlelit enoteca… a spacious, yet cozy wine bar. Rustic Italian food at its finest! The menu is broken down into antipasti, salad, small plates, crostini, salami, and cheeses. My kind of dining! Next time I’ll sample one of their homemade pasta dishes. Congratulations to the team that has achieved uptown and downtown success!

The long awaited SoHo spot that was formerly the Cub Room, has opened as The Dutch, an American restaurant and bar. Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde fame (on my A-list of restaurants), is the executive chef of The Dutch, which is conveniently located within walking distance of Locanda Verde. The sound of the word ‘Dutch’ to Carmellini is a “little bit old school.” Arriving for late night dining, all of us gave a thumbs up to the Ricotta Ravioli, Seasonal Green Market Salad and Skirt Steak Roll. Try their fresh pies which are baked daily. The Dutch is “inspired by local cafes, country inns, corner taverns, neighborhood bistros, seaside joints, old school dining halls and the same mix of cultural influences that makes NYC great.” Not bad for a place named after a destination that was originally a Dutch farm!

There’s another “Dutch” worthy of writing about. Vandaag, a Northern European influenced/Scandinavian restaurant in the East Village, serves bountiful farm to table ingredients from the local Hudson region. “Vandaag” means “today,” and Chef Clark, formerly of Corton, creates daily specialties such as Arctic Char with artichokes and Pork with heirloom beans and pears. Vandaag is also a gin bar, offering cocktails made with Dutch gin as their house specialty, along with Belgian beers on tap. The minimalist room is decked in the native color of light blue. The entire front of the restaurant is one large picture window… perfect for gazing at the tulips in bloom, making me think of Amsterdam. My guest and I lingered and tried their signature dessert…”Stroopuvafell.” Sharing was key as we indulged in a waffle infused with caramels!

Located in Louis Candela’s sleek Upper Eastside townhouse, Bistro Chat Noir melds both classic and contemporary elements of French cuisine. Frequent celebrity sightings from Hollywood’s A list adds to the evening’s festivities. Both Steven Spielberg and Madonna are patrons. The food is sumptuous and the atmosphere captivating. My top recommendations are the Branzino, Tuna tartare, Frisee Salad… and for you dessert lovers, the profiteroles. Handmade sconces produce the low lighting ambience and the crimson banquettes add to the romantic setting. Their outdoor terrace is open all summer, creating a garden party setting. Go online and view their affordable three-course meal for Mothers Day! Bistro Chat Noir is truly a taste of “Montmartre on the Upper East Side.”

Pre-theater dining at its finest. Elsewhere, located in the Theater District, serves local, seasonal and sustainable cuisine. The eclectic American menu promotes sharing… and that is what my friends and I did. We sampled a few of their signature dishes – Grapefruit Glazed Cod with escarole and chorizo, and the Chicory Salad with bacon and figs. Sibling to restaurant Casellula Cheese & Wine Café, we decided to top our meal off with their excellent presentation of artisanal cheeses. The restaurant is warmly lit with banquettes in the main dining, and the garden room is ensconced with a thirty-year old fichus tree as the room’s centerpiece. I especially liked being able to open any bottle of wine as long as two glasses were ordered. Elsewhere is the solution as to where to grab a bite in Midtown at any hour.

The former Sous Chef of Gramercy Tavern and restaurateur Danny Meyer teamed up to open Untitled, located in the Whitney Museum of Art on the Upper East Side. Reminiscent of an untitled work of art, I think their name is fitting for the restaurant. Contemporary farm-to-table American cuisine is reflected in their menus. Although open daily for breakfast and lunch, Untitled is currently serving dinner only on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Inspired by the classic coffee shops that once lined Madison Avenue, Untitled serves their coffee and pies with panache! Stumptown Coffee (one of my favorites) is their coffee of choice, and their featured caramel apple pie, is baked by the Four & Twenty Blackbirds Brooklyn bakery. If you go for breakfast, the huckleberry cornmeal pancakes are a must and are served all day long!

Chin Chin owner, Wally, lends his name to Walle, a chic, yet comfortable restaurant in Midtown East. Former Monkey Bar chef, Chris Cheung, delivers sophisticated midtown friendly cuisine… a mix of American classics with a Chinese flair. A few of my Pan Asian picks are Walle’s Fried Oysters, Baby Back Ribs, and their Walle Burger. Three backlit dining areas and the outdoor dining space are both created with modern architectural elements. Walle is another spot for celebrity sightings. I missed seeing Barbra Streisand, but as a NY Yankees fan, I was delighted to be dining at Walle’s with a perfect view of Derek Jeter!

A wine bar without attitude… with an unassuming façade, this cozy Lower East Side spot is a quiet retreat in this hipster ‘hood. Intimate setting, reasonable prices, delicious small plates. You may even find the owner behind the bar. Exposed brick walls, chandeliers, communal tables… and oh, don’t forget the wine list – 120 varieties of wine from around the world to please your palate. And for more value, their Saturday and Sunday brunch is just $24.95 for ‘bottomless’ mimosas and bellinas!

I’ve been so excited to start featuring rooftop bars, but the weather hasn’t cooperated. Finally, the heavy coats go back deep into the closet and outdoor bars are in! With views of the Empire State Building along the skyline, this spot is perfect for some late night cocktails. Have one of those “I love NYC” evenings of meeting interesting people, enjoying the company of friends and strangers, drinking an ice cold cocktail, while meandering on a rooftop with panoramic views. They even have two of those old-school viewfinders. Feels like spring!

Any performance at Blue Note in Greenwich Village is a treat and I go at least 4 times a year. The performances are always fresh and entertaining. That’s just the case with this featured performance by Stanley Clarke. He’s a legend on the bass, started the “bass revolution” in the 70s, and became the first bassist in history to headline tours, selling out shows worldwide, and have his albums certified gold. There are always lines around the corner at Blue Note so get your tickets fast! May 24 – 29

Baseball season is in full ‘swing’ so featuring a sports bar is just fitting. This spot is a draw in Tribeca for natives and visitors, and especially residents of Tribeca. This is a fun place to go to watch a game and hang out with friends. It’s full of sports memorabilia and you can also play games on table-top gaming boards… I always have a good time here… don’t expect trendy or chic, expect a casual good time and a delicious drink.

Cozy with a fireplace and very comfortable atmosphere. Auction House is a wonderful neighborhood spot with a welcoming air about it. Sip on your favorite libation and chat with good friends… my favorite is a cosmopolitan which they serve up quite deliciously! A highly recommended spot in the UES.

On May 19-23, ‘Miles Davis From Birth Of The Cool To Bitches Brew’ – each will be an amazing night of music. As they say about Miles Davis – “cool will always be cool” — so spend an evening reliving cool with a great lineup of talent playing Miles Davis! If you can’t make these evenings, then try Jazz Mondays with Les Paul Guitar Tribute, featuring a tribute to Rory Gallagher on May 23rd. Or, check the events calendar for other great jazz talent!

Cool, hip and a newcomer, Six Columbus Circle is complete with a wonderful new rooftop bar to enjoy! This spot is lovely with panoramic views that are perfect! Great drinks, superb sushi from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill downstairs and a happening atmosphere… indeed this is a great addition to the neighborhood!

Although this is an Irish Pub, it is not cozy and small as one would expect from a pub… it’s more of a beer hall! Location is great, especially in relation to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. This place is sweeping with ample sports viewing, a delicious raw bar and burgers, yet the layout is positioned well enough so you’ll never feel overwhelmed by the size. With a huge selection of beers on tap and over 100 brands of bottled beer available, this is a great spot for any beer palette.

Only in New York! A festival of 10-minute plays by 25 of Atlantic’s favorite playwrights… all honoring the 20th anniversary of the Atlantic Theater Company. The theater pays homage to its rich history and its future by presenting these short works of playwrights who have collaborated with the Atlantic Theater Company. These performances will be produced in three separate two-week runs at Atlantic Stage 2. Some of my favorite playwrights such as David Mamet and Sam Shepherd will be featured. I look forward to seeing snippets of the theater’s past theatrical life, as well as sneak previews of what’s to come at this incredible venue. Check the website for titles and dates of the two week run. May 18 – 29, June 1 – 12, June 15 – 26

A fiercely intelligent dark comedy about trying to survive on Earth when it’s no longer possible. Laurel Haines’ play, Future Anxiety, is set in the not too distant future when our planet has become uninhabitable. Directed by Jim Simpson, the cast features “The Bats,” the resident acting company of The Flea. A new generation tries to make sense of how to live on a planet with increasingly drained resources. The show is both funny and frightening, and as Simpson states… “if fits the Bats like a glove.” I was moved at this future paradigm as the play was the topic of our dinner conversation afterward. Haines has also written The Dianalogues, a play about the public’s obsession with Princess Diana. With all the hype about the Royal wedding, I thought it fitting to mention! Through May 26

The School for Lies is a hilarious take on Moliere’s classic comedy, The Misanthrope. Written and first performed in the 17th century, The Misanthrope is a comedy of manners satirizing the hypocrisies of the French aristocratic society. This theme is expertly woven into the modern day version of The School For Lies. In David Iver’s play, the truthful Frank, played by Hamish Linklater, falls for a gossiping society woman, played by Mamie Gummer (daughter of Meryl Streep.) An unexpected surprise was seeing Ms. Streep in the audience the night I was there! Frank’s character is compromised as he tries to win the heart of his beloved through false flattery. The play is quite entertaining as we watch the play unfold into comical misunderstandings and comical climaxes. Through May 22

The stage adaptation of Through A Glass Darkly made its world premiere in London in June 2010 where I first saw the production. The play (translated “as in a mirror”) is a moving adaption of the Academy Award winning film directed and written by Ingmar Bergman. Starring Carey Mulligan, Through A Glass Darkly, takes place over a 24-hour period. Ms. Mulligan’s character, Karin, is the central figure in the lives of her family. Karin’s tenuous grip on reality keeps her immediate family in a chaotic state. On an annual vacation on a remote island, tensions erupt as her father, brother and husband struggle over the obstacles in trying to help her. When a history of denial confronts everyone, Karin decides that she must take charge of her own destiny. The superb cast of four is an amazing ensemble produced by the Atlantic Theater Company. Closing night: July 3

American Ballet Theatre is under way for the new season! Many new ballets this season, and one in particular will be full of surprises… From Classic to Premieres Repertory Program! This ballet series will be full of collaborations with world class choreographers that will bring fresh content and new variations on dance! May 24 – 26, 2011. Also, for those wanting a classically moving ballet experience with a heaping amount of romance, you will want to go to the ABT for Giselle, May 27 – June 1, 2011.

If you saw the Empire State on May 5th, you would have seen it in the color red in honor of the 120th anniversary of Carnegie Hall… 120 years of incredible music! In 2011, there will be plenty of choice and lets be honest, anytime is a wonderful time to go to Carnegie Hall! May has some wonderful performances to enjoy. Highlights include a night of Bach performed by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal on May 14th – simply lovely! Also, if you haven’t listened to Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana live, then don’t miss the matinee performance by the New England Symphonic Ensemble on May 29th – it will be ‘music to your ears!’

Called electrifying by the critics, and making a Broadway debut, this performance is deep, sad, shocking and conflicted all wrapped into one. After 25 years off Broadway, this revival is making all the right moves with stunning performances by award winning Ellen Barkin to Joe Mantello who takes the lead (both were nominated for a Tony). This play has a heavy topic about the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, but it is so well done and brilliantly performed that you are taken in by the intensity of it.

Admittedly, you always hear about the reviews and you get worried that plays will not live up to the hype, but in this case, this is worth every positive word! It is very funny, satirical, and a pleasure to watch! Excellent cast and direction – and it’s no wonder that this musical just received 14 Tony nominations! Who would have thought that the creators of South Park could carry that clever dialogue to the stage with a pair of Mormon missionaries in Africa – singing no less… but they did and it’s expertly done!

The Art Bazaar (May 7 – 30, 2011)
175 7th Avenue (at 20th St)
(646) 588-5252
The Art Bazaar is not a traditional gallery experience. In May, you can check out works from 13 artists that are participating in an Open Call format… meaning they are basically representing themselves in this space! There are very few rules, so you can enjoy the art displayed how the artists want you to see their work!

Sean Kelly Gallery (May 6 – June 18, 2011)
528 West 29th Street (10th & 11th Ave)
(212) 239-1181
Robert Mapplethorpe: 50 Americans
This will be a phenomenal exhibit for 2 reasons… First because of Mapplethorpe and his sheer talent in photography, and second, because 50 randomly selected ‘typical’ Americans were given the task to come up with their favorite photograph by Mapplethorpe to be displayed! Each photograph will describe the reason that image was selected and what about the picture moved them…

Collecting Matisse and Modern Masters: The Cone Sisters of Baltimore (Through September 25, 2011)
This exhibit is not only a story of art masters, but also a story about building an art collection by Claribel and Etta Cone of Baltimore… who would have thought that these sisters who started their collection in the 1890s would have amassed 3,000 works including significant numbers from Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cezanne and other masters! The sisters had a ‘generous income’ and lots of time to scour Europe for their art collection – picking up some Picasso drawings for $3 each – imagine that! 50 important works will make their way to the Jewish Museum from the renowned Cone Collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art. Private collections are always fun to see as they show the nature of the collector – which makes this the perfect mix of extraordinary art and extraordinary characters!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Through July 31, 2011
This exhibit will be amazing – so plan ahead as you will not want to miss this one! Opening on May 4th, this exhibit comes to us to celebrate the wild imagination of a designer that pushed the envelope in fashion since he emerged on to the scene 16 years ago… we will remember him well with this tribute! His incredible talent is displayed with a clever sensibility to fabrics, form, design, dreams, future, history, nature, religion and romance, of course. You will get the full sensation that was always present at his runway shows – you will be in for an excellent experience all the way around!
While at the Met – don’t miss Anthony Caro sculptures on the Roof Garden!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Through July 31, 2011)
This exhibit will be amazing! Opening on May 4th, it comes to us to celebrate the wild imagination of a designer that pushed the envelope in fashion since he emerged onto the scene sixteen years ago… we will remember him well with this tribute! His incredible talent is displayed with a clever sensibility to fabrics, form, design, dreams, future, history, nature, religion and, of course, romance. You’ll get the full sensation that was always present at his runway shows… you’re in for a memorable experience all the way around! While at the Met, don’t miss Anthony Caro sculptures on the Roof Garden!

Breaking Ground: The Whitney’s Founding Collection (Through September 18, 2011)
This exhibit will be fun to see as it displays the art collection by heiress Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and how her collection of American masters helped to build the Whitney’s founding collection in 1931. Gertrude Vanderbilt was herself a sculptor and she was able to have access to the iconic artists of the era… George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keefe, among others! Of course, being an artist and an heiress helped secure important works that set the standards for the Whitney for decades to come! Another rare chance to see the masters from the eyes of a collector!
While at the Whitney, check out the Glenn Ligon: AMERICA exhibit running through June 5th!

No matter how you slice and dice it, boxing is an intense workout – it burns over 800 calories an hour versus running at around 500. I took a class and could barely lift my arms the following week – this is a no pain, no gain type of workout, so beware! Having said that, it is also a great motion and coordination type of workout that takes sheer focus… and it has me coming back for more. Chelsea Piers offers varying levels from boxing fundamentals all the way up to ‘Fight Klub.’ I, of course, am quite content staying in the fundamentals! It’s spring and I can’t think of a better, more intense workout to get in shape for the summer! Try something new that will have you jumping rope, doing hand-eye exercises and footwork drills – you’ll soon be hearing the Rocky movie theme song in your head!

Sonic Yoga is serious yoga and a teaching center in Hell’s Kitchen, but most importantly, it is a high-octane dose of flow! Flow is the centerpiece of yoga disciplines, and vinyasa is the focus here! Feel the stretch with every class, every level and with every breath. Because this is a teaching facility, they have so much more beyond simply the classes, and depending on your level, unique workshops such as Liquid Flow that focuses on calm and restorative movements for the ultimate in deep relaxation and stretch… I feel centered already! Since Sonic Yoga has been around for some time, you’ll want to know that the space is bigger with 2 additional floors so you are sure to get the class you want at every level of practice. “Namaste!”

It’s spring and now that it’s finally getting warmer, it’s time to do the classic New York thing… rowing in central park! This is not just for tourists – admittedly tourists do flock to it – so here’s the trick, go early or go late – weekday is best if possible. Early is when it opens at 10am and late is after 4pm to dusk! As a New Yorker, the boats are something we always look at while strolling around Central Park, but another thing entirely being on that lake in the quiet of a boat surrounded by the beauty of it all! Oh, and the rowing, not as easy as it looks, especially rowing straight! Enjoy the adventure and prepare to have sore arms the next day!

The words “Honor, Courage, Commitment” on the WFBC website tells the story behind this fitness concept… “principles and rigors of the US Marine Corps.” But, don’t be afraid; just be passionate and committed about wanting a total fitness experience, because here, you are in good hands with Ruben and Alex. Yes, summer is just a few months away, and if you are serious (really serious) about getting in shape, this place can help you achieve it. This is a hugely popular gym that is worth every accolade and they will help you deliver results with total focus, huge variation with techniques and hustle! Be prepared… like boxing, this too will make you feel the burn… for days!

Weekends now through June, head to the Bronx for special animal-themed events, author readings, musical theater, yoga classes, character meet & greets, crafts, parades… May weekends include a meet and greet with Olivia, performances by the big purple dinosaur, and Animal Yoga. What is Animal Yoga? Kids (and adults too) roar like a lion and stretch like a cobra to increase flexibility, stamina, and strength. Your child can become one with his/her inner beast! I love the Bronx Zoo and try to get there every year with OR without little ones at my side.

Spring has finally sprung and outdoor festivals are in full swing! Get out there, moms, for this annual festival on the Upper West Side (how perfect for this month’s edition). There will be film screenings, music, informational sessions, poetry, live performances (including the Anna Banana Band)… there will also be live performances by Funniest Mom In America finalists. Grab a sense of motherhood community, while having a little fun! 11am – 5pm rain or shine.

Spring is here and summer’s just around the corner! The newly opened Pier 25 is a fantastic place for families this season. There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages… a playground, turf field to run free, and a skate park for older kids. My favorite aspects of the pier are opening this month – MiniGolf and sand volleyball! This pier is the best in the city (in my opinion) for kids. They can exercise, practice their swing, and just run around. Or, if you’re looking for some much needed respite, take a leisurely stroll or take a load off in one of the cool ‘beach’ chairs while enjoying the spectacular view, reading a book, or grabbing a catnap! Opening soon… refreshment stands and a water taxi.

The EcoHealth Alliance is a non-profit conservation organization that protects wildlife and safeguards human health from the emergence of disease. This is their only 2011 event and not only will there be a seated dinner, cocktails, an auction and networking… but special guests by exotic pets. It is also the launch of their new service PetWatch,, a website and iPhone application to help people make informed decisions about exotic pets! Even if you decide not to spend the high ticket price, this offers a great resource if you’re looking to buy a new friend, or if you just want to donate to a great cause.

Whether you’re a pet owner or an ‘urban pet lover,’ the NYC pet show is THE event to go to! Interactive activities, meet & greets, seminars, panel discussions. Learn all you ever wanted to know about getting a pet, owning a pet, loving a pet! There will be products to buy, services to learn about, industry experts (including Victoria Stilwell, one of the world’s most recognized dog trainers), and even speed dating. You read it right… an opportunity to find a best friend and a mate! OnSpeedDating.com will host 40 minute speed dating sessions.

“My favorite places to take my dog, Figaro, are to the Dyker Heights Dog Park and the McCarren Park Dog Park. The Dyker Heights Park is huge and offers Figaro plenty of running space. I enjoy McCarren Park because it gives Figaro a chance to explore his hipster side.”
- Submitted by Danielle Vita of Ditmars

If you’d like to submit a story for our next edition, send an email!send an email!

NYC truly is the home for all things culture… why not pup culture? This SoHo boutique offers daycare, boarding, grooming, dog walking, in-home feeding services… at reasonable prices. They’ll even pick up your dog for you! The boutique is small, but you’ll find what you need. Keep your dog (or cat) looking good, feeling good. In New York, that’s the motto – strut your stuff and feel good doing it! Don’t forget to nominate your dog for ‘pup of the month’ while you’re there!

Casa Nonna
310 West 38th Street (8th & 9th Ave)
BLT Restaurants will bring Casa Nonna from DC to NYC… that’s a switch! Family style restaurant scheduled to open sometime in the spring.

Red Hook Lobster Pound Food Truck
Throughout NYC boroughs
Another DC idea coming to NYC. After launching 2 trucks in DC, they’ve decided to go mobile! Now Manhattan-ites will be able to enjoy a Brooklyn favorite. The lines will surely be long. Stay tuned for the starting date.

In Fashion
Tess Giberson
97 Crosby Street (at Prince St)
(212) 226-1932
Modern meets organic at her new shop. Her whitewashed SoHo place showcases her own brand, and also introducing the works of other artists that she loves.

For Your Health
SoulCycle – Union Square
12 East 18th Street (5th Ave & Broadway)
Weekly cycling classes at 8:30am followed by shopping and cooking tours at the Union Square Greenmarket… that’s a combo!

Eat & Drink
Pop-up: Bill Telepan at Pécan
130 Franklin Street (at Varick St)
(646) 613-8296
Bill Telepan has a temporary restaurant at Pécan coffee shop in Tribeca. For four weeks only, he’ll be serving a four-course $45 pre fixe menu.

Bottega Falai
267 Lafayette Street (at Prince St)
(212) 274-8615
Iacopo Falai just opened this Italian specialty shop next to Caffe Falai. Dried porcini, Mancini pasta, olive oils, and Italian cheeses and spices to name a few…

Brushstroke
30 Hudson Street (at Duane St)
(212) 791-3771
David Bouley’s long awaited minimalist restaurant finally opens to the public! A la carte sushi, cooked bites, and kaiseki tastings…

Buvette
42 Grove Street (Bleecker & Bedford St)
(212) 255-3590
Casual food and drink, I love this place! Read my review in this month’s Big Apple Bites section.

DUMBO Dessert & Gallery Tour
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and experience DUMBO, a NYC neighborhood known for its galleries, trendy shops, and waterfront luxury buildings. Explore contemporary art galleries, learn about the neighborhood, while enjoying baked goods from renowned NYC food shops.

The Dutch
131 Sullivan Street (at Prince St)
(212) 677-6200
Opened in the old space of The Cub Room, check out my review in this month’s Big Apple Bites section.

La Birreria – Eataly’s Rooftop Beer Garden/Restaurant
200 5th Avenue (23rd & 24th St)
(212) 229-2560
It’s finally opening! I just went in and got the scoop straight from the staff… a massive rooftop brewery and restaurant with breathtaking views!

Leopard at des Artistes
1 West 67th Street (at Central Park West)
Opened in the new space of the legendary café Café des Artistes. Southern Italian menu…

Limited Time Only
171 East Broadway (Pike & Rutgers St)
(212) 228-3100
A bi-level kitchen where visiting celebrity chefs come in to cook for a ‘limited time only’. Never a dull moment!

London Candy Company
1442 Lexington Avenue (93rd & 94th St)
(212) 427-2129
Yes, people are still talking about Kate and William! This newly opened shop sells all of the sweet favorites of the English.

Madison Square Eats
Madison Square Park
Eat to your heart’s content at this annual ongoing market featuring food from local vendors. Pizza, chocolate, and pretzels… oh my!

Monument Lane
103 Greenwich Avenue (at W 12th St)
(212) 255-0155
A new American tavern that opened in the West Village. Executive chef Brian Murphy excites!

Pier Garten
Seaport
Water Taxi Beach is being replaced with an upscale beer garden! It’s trying to attract a more mature crowd, so no more sand and fake trees… you’ll find communal tables, real trees, ping pong and billiards! Quite a change…

Sockerbit
89 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave)
(212) 206-8170
Falai does it again! This time in the West Village… Swedish fish is the specialty, plus 139 kinds of chewy, jelly candies from Sweden. Sweet tooths rejoice!

Silver Lining
75 Murray Street (Greenwich St & West Broadway)
The owners of Little Branch have opened a 125-capacity spot right next to newly opened Theater Bar. It will feature live jazz… most nights without a cover charge!

Stuzzicheria
305 Church Street (Walker & Lispenard St)
(212) 219-4037
Uptown meets downtown. No, this isn’t a new opening… they decided to close for 2 days to do a little revamping. They are now reopened and have updated some of the look of the place, but more importantly have gotten a new chef… they snagged Ron Suhanosky from one of my favorite uptown restaurants, Sfoglia!

Theater Bar
Franklin Street (Church St & 6th Ave)
(212) 334-3633
Finally – I’ve been waiting for it to open to the public! This long-awaited Albert Trummer hot spot is just as the name implies. Go to eat, drink… but more to enjoy the show. I can’t wait to write about it next month!

Tiny’s
135 West Broadway (at Duane St)
(212) 374-1135
Housed in a historic 1810 landmarked building, Matt Abramcyk’s new spot is finally open… with just 60 seats and a place where ‘everyone knows your name.’

The Vault at Pfaff’s
643 Broadway (Bleecker & Bond St)
(212) 253-5421
A new NoHo speakeasy/upscale cocktail center from the 1850s with vaulted brick archways (hence the name) and old photographs… a great date spot with a great history… quite a story!

For Fun
Brooklyn Flea Market
Fort Greene & Williamsburg Locations
Now open Saturdays in Fort Greene and Sundays in Williamsburg – hundreds of top vendors of everything you can think of!

Bryant Park
Now that the weather’s nice, check out all of the things to do in Bryant Park… Pétanque, ping pong, chess, fencing, outdoor yoga – check the schedule online.

May 20 & 21 – New Taste of the Upper West Side
Upper West Side
Co-hosted by the owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, the event features chefs from the best of Upper West Side restaurants, including many featured in this month’s Urban Expeditions!

May 21 – Taste of Tribeca
Tribeca
Annual culinary festival benefiting PS 150 & PS 234, both affected by September 11th. Wine tastings, raffles, family zone, entertainment, and food tastings from many of Tribeca’s best restaurants!

Saturdays – Hester Street Fair
Hester Street & Essex Street
Now open Saturdays through October… one of my favorite street fairs in the city.