Where To Eat And Lounge In The Hamptons This Summer

By Alexandra Reconco

The Hamptons is the place to be as Summer winds down, for its amazing lounges and restaurants. Here is a list of some of the best lounges and restaurants in the area for you to enjoy and discover.

75 Main

“The perfect Hamptons hangout,” 75 Mian is the premier Hamptons locale for modern Italian fare in a chic and seductive environment. Offering an assortment of sumptuous culinary specialities, 75 Main is the place to be to relax with sultry music and with a sophisticated atmosphere.

Oreya

Located in the beautiful Southampton, Oreya is a new mediterranean dining experience that features lush outdoor seating, a newly reinvented pool, and open air lounge. Serving innovative cocktails that feature the latest on mixology trends that are for sure to impress. Oreya’s mission is to restore the grandeur and sophistication of dining in the Hamptons. “Oreya is not a meal, it is a lifestyle experience.”

Gurney’s

This seaside restaurant is downtown Manhattan meets Montauk which offers soulful Italian food with seasonal dishes, fresh seafood selection and a list of world-class wines. Every table has a panoramic view of the ocean that makes this restaurant a place to visit when in the Hamptons.

668 The Gig Shack

Live Music. Surf Cuisine. Local Wine & Beers.
668 The Gig Shack is a local favorite that stays true to its Montauk root yet with a unique international twist. Offering live music, surf cuisine and local wine and bees, this lively location is the place to unwind and have some fun.

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What To Know Before You Book Your Trip To Tulum Mexico

Alexandra Reconco

Are you looking for a quick and easy trip that’s not too far from home but far enough to feel like you’re getting away? Well, we have the perfect vacation spot that’s only a little over 4 hours away from JFK. Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is best known for its beaches, well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, and breathtaking views and excursions. Tulum is a dreamy paradise that is home to some of the most beautiful world wonders such as the cenotes and bio reserves which truly look like they are out-of-this world. Tulum is the perfect vacation spot and to ensure that this vacation is stress-free, we have curated a guide for the best hotels, and activities so that you don’t have to worry about planning.

Where to Stay

Ahau Tulum

“Where nature is the new luxury.” Ahau Tulum is an eco-friendly hotel resort that mimics a healthy ecosystem. Ahau Tulum is the place where you truly become one with nature and truly find yourself and have nature fill your heart and soul. Ahau Tulum offers all different kinds of cabanas to choose from that make the experience with nature even more surreal. Ahau Tulum offers a variety of food and offers the best quality of the freshest ingredients in order for the guests to receive the best of what nature can offer.

Casa Malca

Getting away for Casa Malca means connecting yourself with the wild but also allowing yourself to let go. Located on the beach, Casa Malca is surrounded by white-sand, crystal-clear water and the wonders of the rainforest, the ideal place that makes it feel like your in an alternate reality. Casa Malca offers four restaurants all different so that you can experience something brand-new at varying sensory and pleasure levels.

What to Do

Go visit the Cenotes:

Cenotes are a natural pit, or sinkhole that results from the collapse of limestone bedrock which then exposes groundwater underneath. Tulum is jam-packed with incredible cenotes and below are some the best that are truly a wonder worth seeing.

Tulum Ruins

Visiting the ruins should be on everyone’s list when on vacation to Tulum. This Mayan city  is very well preserved and sits atop of a beautiful beach and was used as a seaport that traded mainly turquoise and jade. Tulum is very famous and a crowd favorite because of its elegant setting on the sheer limestone cliffs and is the only Mayan city built on the coast. Visiting the ruins is the perfect day trip for those who want to immerse themselves in history and learn about the Mayan culture.

Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve in Tulum that was established in 1986 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Sian Ka’an means “gate of heaven” or “place where heaven begins.” This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that will show you an authentic experience with local guides and show you the wonders of the ecosystem and wildlife. Visiting Sian Ka’an is the perfect adventure for those who love nature and love to explore the wonders of Mexico.

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Top 5 Wines Under $30 According To Wine Spectator

Alexandra Reconco

Wine Spectator editors have revealed their Top 100 wines of 2019. The editors survey all kinds of wines over the previous 12 months and select the Top 100 based on quality, value, availability, and excitement. From this list, we have compiled the top 5 of the wines that are priced under $30, which is perfect for all the upcoming dinners and gatherings this holiday season.

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2015 Tenuta Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva (Price: $30)

This wine is a flavor explosion of cherry, plum, some floral notes, wild thyme and iron aromas that all highlight this complex, vibrant red. This red wine is beautifully balanced and has well-integrated tannins and lively acidity that allows for the wine to age well.

2016 Sans Liege The Offering Santa Barbara County (Price: $29)

This wine is distinctive, refined and offers strong flavors of black cherry, cigar box, green olive, and cured meat accents that builds on the richness of the wine.

2016 Bodegas Mas Alta Priorat La Vilella Alta Black Slate (Price: $23)

This red wine features a round, soft texture that has ripe black fruit flavors, licorice, toast, and earth notes. This wine is pretty floral and has a cinnamon flavor on the finish.

2017 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico (Price: $22)

This wine has flavors of pure cherry and blackberry fruit which defines this intense, racy red. This red wine is firm and tensile, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste of vibrant fruit, graphite and tobacco flavors.

2017 Petra Toscana Zingari (Price: $15)

This wine has notes of dark cherry, black currant, and blackberry that truly make this wine, a wine for everybody. With accents of fresh earth, thyme, and rosemary, this wine has depth but has a wonderful balance.

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Tips For Your Curly Hair For Winter

Alexandra Reconco

Winter is a brutal season for all types of hair but one of the most difficult types of hair to keep and maintain healthy during the colder months is curly hair. Curly hair is some of the most temperamental types of hair that changes according to the season, and for winter this is the season that truly pushes our hair to the limit. The cold air dries the hair out and makes it nearly impossible to keep the hair from drying out, becoming dull, and quite honestly looking like a hot mess. But luckily for all my curly-headed people out there, I have experimented and narrowed down some amazing products and tips to help all different curl types.

Deep Conditioning and Hair Masks

Deep conditioning curly hair is the best thing you can do to protect the hair from drying out and making it look replenished and healthy. Deep conditioning fortifies the hair with nutrients, moisture, and protein and helps prevent breakage and brittleness, and it keeps the curls hydrated. Depending on how dry your hair gets, you can deep condition as much as you need, I usually deep condition once a week but you can do it up to 2-3 times a week. Another tip for a more homemade, DIY approach to a deep conditioner is using an overly ripe avocado and mashing it up and putting extra virgin olive oil and mixing them together. Massage the mixture into the hair and let sit for half an hour, rinse and wash normally.

Kinky-Curly’s Stellar Strands is an amazing deep conditioner that helps curly hair that is prone to dryness in the winter. Stellar Strands is a deep hydrating treatment enriched with Macadamia and Argan Oil for intense moisture and shine, Stellar Strands rejuvenates dry, brittle hair and strengthens weak strands. Elasticity is improved and breakage is reduced. Stellar Strands maintains the hair’s natural shine, silkiness and softness.

Kinky-Curly Stellar Strands (8 oz.) $13.00

Kinky-Curly Stellar Strands (8 oz.) $13.00

Another hair mask that I highly recommend is SH-RD which is a Taiwanese hair care brand that uses rosemary to stimulate hair growth, soften hair, maintain moisture for the scalp and accentuate curls. SH-RD Protein Cream is formulated Silk Protein Complex, which combines the moisture and protection of silk amino acid and hydrolyzed silk protein. This product smooths and seals the cuticle while locking in hydration and strengthening the hair. UV Protection/Heat Protection/Chlorine Damage Protection.

SH-RD Protein Cream (2.71oz) $28.00

SH-RD Protein Cream (2.71oz) $28.00

Oils

Natural oils play a vital role in the health of your curls but during the winter, hair can feel dry and brittle. Below are some ways you can incorporate oil into your hair routine. The natural oils that your scalp produces travels down the length of your hair shaft to protect it from the elements and moisturize your curls. The more twists and turns in each strand the harder it is for sebum to reach the full length of your hair. The result is hair that can sometimes appear frizzy, dull and coarse.

  • TIP: Combat dryness by adding oil to your routine. Oils have natural conditioning properties, but also work to seal moisture into the hair shaft, so a hot oil treatment is a great way to get the most out of all these benefits. Adding oils encourages the cuticle layer to close and seal in moisture, creating a protective barrier.

  • TIP: Split and damaged ends can cause excessive frizz and keep your curls from looking defined. Lightly coat your ends with oil to temporarily smooth and seal them. This will reduce the appearance of fraying and dryness, as well as protect against further damage.

  • TIP: Smooth down frizzy, dry ends or halo frizz at the crown once your hair is fully dried and styled. You have to be careful how much you use: too much can weigh your curls down and leave your curls looking limp and stringy.

  • TIP: If you’re using oil post-styling, try a dime-sized amount. You can always add more if your hair or curls are extra thirsty. Rub your palms together and gently scrunch the oil throughout your hair or smooth it down the length of your hair, by sandwiching your curls between your palms.

*Tips were given to us by Sahar Saidi, CEO & Founder of curly hair company LUS

Shampoo and Conditioner

Choosing a good shampoo and conditioner can truly transform your hair routine. Some products that I truly recommend to use for maintaining curly hair during the winter is AQUIS. This brand makes products that help hair combat water which truly dries out the hair and makes it more prone to breakage. “Wet Hair is Weak Hair.” AQUIS is pioneering a revolutionary science-based approach to haircare, transforming your hair’s natural strength, vitality and beauty. AQUIS works with the biology of your hair, restoring its strength from the inside out--unlike so many quick-fix, temporary solutions which only mask damage. You get healthier, more beautiful hair in less time and with less effort.

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AQUIS Prime Water Defense Prewash ($29/Sephora.com) - the essential first step in the haircare routine that is applied BEFORE exposure to water, when hair is most vulnerable, to protect from damage.  Clinically proven to reduce hair swelling by 46%.

Fight water damage while rebalancing hair’s natural pH and moisture levels with AQUIS Prime Rebalancing Hair Wash ($26/Sephora.com). Cleanse and hydrate while fortifying hair’s natural defenses against damage, thinning and color fade.

AQUIS Prime Restorative Leave-In Conditioner ($26/Sephora.com) - this lightweight mist replenishes, hydrates, and eliminates tangles while enhancing hair’s core strength to improve the quality, texture, and strength of hair for softer, more vibrant hair that is easier to manage and style.

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A First Look Into The Iconic Towers of the Waldorf Astoria

Alexandra Reconco

Launching in 2020, the world-renowned Waldorf Astoria New York is introducing a contemporary collection of studio to penthouse residences defined by unsurpassed amenities and legendary service.

credit to Noë & Associates/The Boundary

credit to Noë & Associates/The Boundary

The world-renowned designers who have designed unsurpassed interiors; Jean-Louis Deniot designed the residential interiors and amenities, Pierre-Yves Rochon was the mind behind the hotel interiors and legacy public spaces, and famed art collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury curated the art collection for the residents of the Towers. Also, with 375 condominiums in the Towers atop the 375-key newly-constructed Waldorf Astoria New York hotel, residents will have over 50,000 square feet of private residential amenities, as well as access to the hotel’s more than 100,000 square feet of amenities.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Collective Paper Factory in Long Island City

Alexandra Reconco

The Collective is a leading co-living company that believes in building long and short stay communities across a growing network of global cities. Founded in 2010 by CEO Reza Merchant, The Collective strives with its unique spaces to combine thoughtfully designed private living solutions with communal and public amenities, to promote connection, growth and inspiration in a community. The Collective Paper Factory, the co-living company’s first space in the United States is opening in Long Island City, Queens.

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The Collective Paper Factory introduces a robust cultural program including an artist residency and a co-living conference designed to educate and engage members and the community alike in the growing conversation about the future of co-living. This 125-room location will offer a stay model ranging from one night to 29-day stays, which allows for all kinds of individuals to experience the co-living lifestyle but also to contribute to the community. Paper Factory nightly rates start from $135, two week stays from $1,250 and 29-day stays from $2,300. As with The Collective’s longer stay models, rates are all-inclusive of Wi-Fi, professional cleaning, linen change and utilities. Through a partnership with Brooklyn-based Blind Seed, members will have access to an order-in wellness concierge program, which will include yoga, Pilates, herbalism, and reiki among other offerings for the mind, body and soul.

This November 15th, Paper Factory will host “Be More Together: A Collective Conference,” a series that explores the future of shared spaces, resources and actions, forging a more deeply engaged partnership between The Collective and New Yorkers. This event will showcase local scholars, makers and creators via talks, activations, exhibitions, and performances, including a native exploration of the surrounding neighborhood and borough.

Opening December 2019, another new addition will be ama, a restaurant inspired by different culinary traditions from around the world, serving comfort food with global influences. The new restaurant also connects to The Courtyard, a seasonal outdoor space with signature beverage programs. Coming next spring, Paper Factory will inaugurate its first local artist residency program, which will be open to makers living in the five boroughs of New York City.  The program will offer two artists of varying disciplines accommodations, accessible space and resources to create work at The Collective Paper Factory.

More to read:

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The Coziest Pop-Ups To Come In New York City

Alexandra Reconco

Now that it’s getting colder outside, most of us don’t even want to leave the comfort of our warm homes but sometimes it can get a little boring just staying at home. To avoid cabin fever, here’s a list of some cool indoor activities you and your friends or you and your family can all enjoy while still staying warm.

Haven Ski Chalet by Will Cadena

Haven Ski Chalet by Will Cadena

Clicquot Chalet at Mr. Purple

The Clicquot Chalet at Mr. Purple is back for the winter season! Launching November 22nd, Mr. Purple atop Hotel Indigo Lower East Side will be transformed into a funky après-ski lodge in the sky. Step outside onto the terrace and guests will find a larger-than-life snow globe dome decked-out in Veuve Clicquot themed ski lodge decor, complete with its very own champagne bar. Once inside, visitors can enjoy a warm retreat from the elements while indulging in a number of festive cocktails on the specialty pop-up menu, including seasonal hot sips and exclusive Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktails, plus plenty of chocolate and cheese fondue to warm your soul - all while taking in the rooftop’s stunning views of NYC.

The Clicquot Chalet holds approximately 25-50 people so reservations (with a table minimum) are highly encouraged via Mr. Purple’s website. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Grand Holiday Bazaar 

On Sundays between November 24th and December 22nd, Grand Holiday Bazaar will host nearly 200 independent vendors selling goods and giftables that can't be found elsewhere, making it the perfect spot to find the otherwise unfindable. All of the vendors are small independent business owners and artisans, making each item one-of-a-kind or limited edition. Grand Holiday Bazaar is the only indoor and outdoor holiday market in NYC, and visitors can feel good knowing that 100% of the proceeds from booth rentals go to aide thousands of local public school children in the area.

Celebrate Christmas at The Milleridge Inn

The Milleridge Inn lavishly decks their 12 acre property in holiday themed decor with as many wreaths and poinsettias you can imagine in addition to custom-made, light-up figurines. The magic of their 25 Days of Christmas Village begins on Friday, November 29th with their annual tree lighting from 6pm - 8pm. Other events include a Santa's Workshop, Breakfast with Santa on Saturdays and Sundays in December, ending on the 22nd, with seatings from 9am - 12pm and Dinner Dance with Santa on December 8th, 15th and 19th from 5pm - 8pm showcasing a buffet dinner, face painting and a DJ with an appearance from Santa and his elves.

The Springs in Greenpoint turns into HoHo Holiday Lounge

The Springs in Greenpoint, Brooklyn transforms into the HoHo Holiday Lounge from December 4th - January 1st and will be open Mon-Thurs: 4pm-2am, Friday: 2pm-2am

and Sat and Sun: Noon-2am. This pop up lounge is sure to get you in the holiday spirit with colorful decorations, cozy fireplaces, and festive cocktails + slushies. The outdoor area will be a Santa Land with a magical sled available every day for free photos and Instagram pics! Santa is visiting on December 5th from 5pm-8pm, so bring the entire family! Of course, Greg Walsh will also bring his complete line of holiday products including the largest variety of Christmas trees in NYC with Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, Balsam Fir and the exquisite new Silver Fir.

A Winter Utopia Found at Haven Ski Chalet

During the holidays Haven Rooftop above The Sanctuary Hotel  transforms into Haven Ski Chalet, a winter utopia. Holiday decor features white lights, and even a faux snow machine that gives all the joy of snow but none of the frost. Enjoy seasonal drinks like including the Toasted Almond, Peppermint Cream, Ginger Toddy and Shot Skis served by waitresses dressed as ski bunnies.

Pink Holiday Pop-up at Moxy Times Square

Venture to the atrium on the 2nd floor of Moxy Times Square to experience an all-pink reimagined futuristic set-up wrapped in metallic ornaments. You’ll be able to sip on a bright, boozy Pink Velvet Hot Chocolate while creating your very own holiday postcard photo behind a giant neon frame.

At the same time, Magic Hour, the largest hotel rooftop in Manhattan, will be transformed into a magical ‘Pink Holiday Playground’ with ceilings covered in hot pink twinkle lights, oversized rotating mirror balls, human-size festive bears all anchored by the central carousel. New boozy holiday food and drink offerings include a pink “dough-pie”, a Cherry Snow Globe, and Disco Ball Sangria Punch!

Festive programming will also include a caroling flash performance, a winter scents candle making workshop with Brooklyn Craft Company, Kendra Scott jewelry bar and pink holiday nail art and meditation with Sundays.

Pink Holiday with Putnam & Putnam at Moxy Chelsea

In celebration of the holidays, celebrity-favorite florists Putnam & Putnam will be transforming their entryway shop at Moxy Chelsea into a full floral installation inspired by Moxy’s Pink Holiday! Upon entering the hotel, you will be immediately greeted by an oversized installation of cascading pink holiday florals providing a perfectly pink botanical photo opp for the ‘gram. After making your way through, stay warm with a Pink Velvet Hot Chocolate made with Godiva White Chocolate, Vanilla vodka and edible pink glitter at Bar Feroce. 

Pink Winter Wonderland at Moxy East Village 

The newest of the three Moxy hotels will be transforming the Alphabet Bar Terrace into a pink winter wonderland. The enclosed backyard space will feature over-the-top fuzzy pink throws, plush seating and Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas trees. A Pama Pointsetta pink cocktail featuring Viva Joven tequila will be on the menu for guests to enjoy while they get into the pink holiday spirit.

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Wines To Stock Up On This Fall

Alexandra Reconco

Are you looking for the perfect wine for a certain kind of person or an event but you aren’t quite sure what to get? Well, we got you covered with our list of all different kinds of wines that you could buy for that event you have to go to or for someone you aren’t quite sure what to buy them. Our list of wines are perfect for the fall time and can be enjoyed by all types of people even those who say they don’t really like wine.

Perfect with dessert: 2013 Kenefick Doctor's Cuvée

A significant wine, the color is a saturated ruby purple and the wine exhibits plenty of new saddle leather, crème de cassis, blackberry, truffle, charcoal and earth followed by a full-bodied, super-concentrated, layered mouthfeel that goes on for a good 45 to 50 seconds.” 95 Points, Robert Parker,The Wine Advocate

Pair it with pasta: LAPOSTOLLE Cuvée Alexandre Carmenere Colchagua Valley 2016

Lapostolle is one of the most dynamic and influential wine producers in Chile. The Cuvée Alexandre range is named for founder Alexandra Lapostolle-Marnier’s great grandfather (who created Grand Marnier), and is entirely sourced from their own vineyards. This wine offers expressive aromas of red and black fruit such as maqui berry and spices such as red pepper, vanilla and dill. It’s ideal for rich dishes, such as a four-cheese pasta with truffles.

For the in-between moments of joy: Erath 2016 Oregon Pinot Noir

 In between holiday parties and big family meals, it’s nice to have a bottle for intimate moments, like decorating the tree or baking fresh cookies. Erath’s Oregon Pinot Noir is the perfect wine for anyone.

For when you want to show off Ao Yun 2015

Ao Yun, the first wine estate in the Himalayas introduces its voluptuous and spicy third vintage, Ao Yun 2015. Born from the pioneering spirit and tradition of Moët Hennessy, this multi-layered and complex Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend is their most extraordinary vintage yet. Born from a dream beginning 10 years ago, Ao Yun is the premiere luxury wine from China, created in a previously unexplored terroir in the Yunnan province. 2015 was their warmest and driest year yet with the 2015 vintage revealing notes of cold chimenea, Mysore sandalwood, Dhofar incense, and crushed strawberries.

For a cold night in: YALUMBA Y Series Shiraz Viognier South Australia 2016

The Yalumba Y Series represents a collection of iconic classics and exciting new varietals. The Shiraz Viognier of this series displays luscious aromas of blueberry, vanilla bean and violets. The Shiraz grapes were carefully selected to ensure the perfume and aromatic profile compliment the fragrance of Viognier. The soft tannins and dark chocolate finish balance each other perfectly to show the beautiful synergy between the two grape varieties. Can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes such as slow roasted Turkish lamb and potatoes or stuffed eggplants.

For the person who can’t get enough of the holiday turkey: Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Eroica Riesling

Offering sweet lime and mandarin orange aromas, this Riesling is easy to match with a variety of foods – so no matter how many sides you put on your plate, this wine will pair perfectly.

For those who love to experiment with food and wine combinations: Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane

Offering melon and cantaloupe aromas with good acidity and a lighter softer tannin on the finish due to less time on the skins, this Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane is the wine to explore those food and wine combinations.  

For the person you want to impress: INSTRINSIC 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

If you need a gift that will impress, INSTRINSIC has you covered as the ultimate holiday present. This wine is every bit as delicious as the bottle is beautiful and features a rustic, yet silky texture. Whether it’s for your new beau or boss, this wine is sure to grab attention this holiday season.

For the person who loves to try something newMosmieri’s Rkatsiteli

Offering an acidic, balanced white wine with spicy and floral notes in the aroma, this Rkatsiteli is perfect for simple dishes, different kinds of cheese, dishes with potatoes, salads, and meat. This is amber wine but the fermentation is done in a steel tank, rather than in a qvevri: so, you get the grip of skins, but with some of the freshness that tank wines are known for.

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