What To Expect At This Years New York City Wine & Food Festival

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Imagine yourself as a tourist, but one that’s traveling in search of tasting all the best of New York. That’s what this event does and helps out The Food Bank of New York and No Kid Hungry as all the net proceeds go to these organizations. Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival Presented By Coca-Cola will take place Oct. 12 - 15 and it’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event. This wine and food festival spans the island of Manhattan and the Brooklyn market Smorgasburg will travel its way to the bridge to coincide with event.

You can spend all day at events at the  New York City Wine & Food Festival, from brunches to culinary demos and hands-on classes where you can learn to make food and eat it too! Walk around at the food tasting events with almost each event featuring a Food Network star. Hang around for a rooftop party and then swing by a late night party to dance the night away. For families attending the Wine & Food Festival, there are several kid-friendly events such as the Family Ice Cream Fun-Dae with Mario Batali and Ayesha Curry.

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Other newly-introduced events for the Festival's 10th anniversary include:

• Femme Fatale with Speed Rack hosted by Anne Burrell
• Pie vs. Cake hosted by Duff Goldman
• Late Night Adventures in Dean & DeLuca hosted by Hannah Bronfman
• Israeli Brunch hosted by Michael Solomonov
• Late Night Sandwich Eggs-travaganza hosted by Eggslut
• Lucky Rice hosted by BD Wong
• Chinese Tuxedo Brunch
• Dale Talde Brunch with Eggslut
• Eastbound and Down hosted by Josh Capon
• Rooftop Rosé at The Top of The Standard hosted by Katie Lee and Elvis Duran
• And more!

So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now before they’re sold out! 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

By Alix Vo

Moving To Park Slope Has Now Become Easier

While you may be moving into Brooklyn for the first time or wanting to try out a new area, one always has many questions as they figure out a new area. While brokers are always helpful they may not be located in the area you want or as knowledgeable as you would like. For those looking into Park Slope they can now look to Douglas Elliman, as they continue to expand into Brooklyn.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate announced the opening of their new Park Slope office located at 187 Seventh Avenue, which has two times the space of the firm’s original 154 7th Avenue, Park Slope office.  The new office will be filled with 50-60 talented giving you the insights you need for finding your new Park Slope home.

“We are thrilled to be able to move into a larger, more dynamic space that will allow our agents to thrive and to be active, engaged members of the community.” said Molly Townsend, Executive Manager of Sales, Brooklyn. 

“187 Seventh Avenue is in the heart of Park Slope, and we’re sure that this prime location will be ideal for Douglas Elliman’s new office,” added Max Dobens, Senior Regional Executive Manager of Sales, Brooklyn. 

Douglas Elliman was represented in the transaction in-house by Louis Puopolo and Peter Gross of Douglas Elliman Commercial, while Joshua Gettler and Matthew Gorman of New Street Realty Advisors represented Sugar Hill Properties.

At Your Table: A Personal Chef Experience While Planning an Event Abroad

By Peter Minkoff

Newyorker in London? Planning an event? In need of a catering service? We got it covered!

At Your Table is an established artisan personal chef catering service with the style and creativity only world renowned culinary experts are able to bring to life. Being around for almost a decade, the brand has already made a name for itself in the bespoke dining industry, attaining stellar reviews from numerous satisfied companies and individual clients in the UK and Australia.

The company currently services the UK regions of London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds as well as every major city in Australia. You can organize private dinner parties, intimate settings or even large-scale events requiring substantial catering for numerous attendees.

An adventure of style and taste

The renowned service of the At Your Table staff is characterized by the need to serve your unique wishes and cater to your specific needs, allowing you to tailor your menu in preparation for the event. The chefs do not only cook your meals in a divine display of artisanship and experience, but the accompanying team of waiters will ensure your private setting is transformed into an intimate and relaxed ambiance.

The private sommelier provided to your by the At Your Table staff will make sure to present the best wine options to complement your meal, either by securing exquisite tastes for the party or even serving the best options from your private collection.

The fine culinary art

As for the food itself, the At Your Table chefs certainly are the masters of their trade. Ranging from a wide variety of fusion dishes all the way to modern European and Italian cuisine, there is no shortage of innovative and dazzling flavours to satisfy every palate.

A chef of your choice will be able to offer you their signature recipes, crafted with years of culinary experience under the tutelage of renowned culinary institutes around the world. The interesting detail that makes for a unique experience is the fact that the chefs tailor their menus according to the season, making sure the ingredients are fresh and of top quality at all times.

This is where the bespoke experience of At Your Table truly shines, as you will be encouraged to get in touch and fine tune every detail in order to create a unique menu that complements your specific tastes and the unique palates of your guests. You can choose from a variety of options, ranging from ten-course tastings to exquisite three-course meals.

These culinary experts consider their trade to be a true art form, and although open to various suggestions, they will remain steadfast in maintaining the integrity of their signature creations. You can inquire about vegetarian and vegan cuisine and tailor the menu to your liking, as they say, within reason.

Remember, it is best to leave details to the professionals, and let them tailor an unforgettable dining experience, imbued with taste and aroma, accompanied by stellar service and professional conduct.

In conclusion

At Your Table is the best possible solution for escaping the hectic nature of the modern world and creating an intimate, bespoke and unforgettable experience abroad, tailored to complement your every need. Whether you are organizing a formal gathering or planning a rekindling of an old flame for two, the culinary artisans behind At Your Table will allow you to create cherished lifelong memories, imbued with vibrant tastes and passionate aromas.

Step Inside This Carriage House Formerly Owned By The Vanderbilts

The stretch of 73rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues showcases some of New York's most notable architecture in the form of rare historic carriage homes built for wealthy families in the early 20th century. One of the most distinctive of these carriage homes – 167 East 73rd Street – has come to market, offering prospective buyers a unique approximately 5,000 SF canvas in one of Manhattan's most coveted neighborhoods.

167 East 73rd and its twin building, No. 165, were constructed between 1903 and 1904 by architect George L. Amoroux at the behest of prominent New York businessman Henry Harper Benedict, the president of the Remington Typewriter Co. and a founder of the typewriter industry in America. 

According to the 1980 Landmark Designation Report:

“The carriage house at No. 167 is a component of the rare surviving group of carriage houses, stables and garages built on East 73rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues to serve the wealthy families who lived on or near Fifth Avenue. Stables were a necessity of life during the period when private urban transportation was limited to horses and carriages. Only the very wealthy, however, could afford to build and maintain a private carriage house such as those found on this street.”

Inside this 18,000,000 Five Story Family Townhouse

The carriage house’s subsequent owners have included the philanthropist Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White – daughter of William Henry Vanderbilt and aunt of Whitney Museum founder Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney – as well as an art gallery, an antique dealer, and the studio of famed graphic designer and photographer Henry Wolf.  Most recently, it has been owned by the Vilcek Foundation and by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.

"The block has such a rich history and character, and the building is extraordinary," said Rick Luftglass, Executive Director of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.

The carriage house retains details of the 19th century limestone Beaux-Arts façade, but the inside has been completely transformed into a modern, elegant space. The parlor floor boasts 13' ceilings and is drenched in sunlight through the large windows leading to the rear balcony. The basement and parlor floors are facilitated as superlative commercial space, ideal for an art gallery or offices. In addition to the two residential apartments on the top floors, the third floor offers two massive terraces with approximately 1,400 SF of outdoor living space overlooking the beautiful historic block.

New York City's Top Luxury Buildings

There are two entrances, one from the large carriage house doors and another from the side door into the vestibule, allowing for optimal privacy between the office and residential spaces. Overall, the home includes 15 rooms -- 4 kitchens, 3 full baths, 3 half-baths, and 3 bedrooms.

For more information, you can look here

The $21.75 million carriage house is the co-exclusive of Cindy Kurtin and Jill Bernard of Stribling & Associates, and Jed Garfield of Leslie Garfield & Co.

What Is a Horizontal Tasting?

Are people always asking you how to get into wine? You've already done the research and drank the bottles but now you can host your very own Horizontal Tasting to teach those who are a little unfamiliar.  This is one of the easiest ways to teach beginner level wine drinkers about specific regions of the world. 

All you need to do is set-up a tasting with one grape varietal, such as Pinot Noir, to showcase how different weather, temperature, and soil can create a big difference of aromatics and flavor in your glass. You and your group will taste through each wine recognizing characteristics like aromatics, texture, acid, tannin, and flavors and as you move to the next wine each guest will see, smell and taste the change in region.

Below is our selection of wines for you to try during your next horizontal tasting. Feel free to get creative make your own Horizontal Tasting using other types of wines.

California- Sonoma County Region: St. Francis Winery Pinot Noir 2014v

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards source their Pinot Noir fruit from the cooler areas of Sonoma County where fog from the Pacific Ocean rolls in at night during the summer, dropping temperatures substantially. This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop deep flavors while retaining natural acidity. To capture the distinct varietal characteristics of each vineyard, the lots are fermented separately starting with a five to ten day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavor. 

Food Pairing: Pairs well with salmon, roast chicken, grilled vegetables and light pasta dishes.

Argentina- Río Negro Valley Region: BARDA BY BODEGA CHACRA 2014v 

Barda is 100% Pinot Noir. The fruit is produced at “Treinta y Dos” and “Cincuenta y Cinco” vineyards, with 20-year-old vines. The fruit is hand harvested with no automated mechanization used at any stage of the production process.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with roast beef, salmon, swordfish, and pasta's with meat or seafood sauces.

Burgundy Region: Maison Louis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos Saint Jacques Premier Cru 2013v 

There are 26 Premiers Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin, of which half are located in the valley called Combe de Lavaux, on calcareous and clay soil with marl. Clos Saint Jacques is oriented to the southeast and has only five owners. The Pinot Noir grapes are fermented in vats for up to 4 weeks, and then the wine is matured in oak barrels for 18 to 20 months.

Food Pairing: Serve with game, meats, mushroom dishes and strong cheeses.

Barda 2014

Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint Jacques Premier Cru

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014

How To Be a Fashion Minimalist this Fall

The fall fashion forecast was definitely inspired as well as versatile, and with the abundance of floral prints, bold silhouettes and deconstructed classics one might be inclined to believe that minimalism has given way ‘maximalism’. This, of course, couldn’t be further from the truth. Minimalism is still holding the reins, especially now that it’s autumn. This season is every minimalist’s dream as they get to experiment, play with layers and prove that minimalism is everything but boring.

For all of those who are feeling increasingly drawn towards the realm of simplicity and timeless, effortless elegance only minimalism can provide, worry not. Putting together a minimalist look is easier than it seems, and all you need is a bit of guidance so you can choose just the right garments that will then blend together as if they were made with the intention of ending up with each other.

First and foremost

Before you can dive into the world in which getting dressed in the morning takes five minutes with the result of an impeccable outfit every single time, you have to first learn some of the basic rules. The first rule is one regarding the color palette.

In order to avoid clashing garments stick to a neutral palette consisting of various shades of grey and beige, then the inevitable black, as well as white, navy and at times maroon, burnt orange and shaded spruce – after all, the last three are Pantone’s colors of the season and given their neutral warmth they are sure to fit right in. With the exception of a subtle plaid print and evergreen stripes, leave other prints behind as they can stir trouble in the matching department.

The second rule concerns the cut. Always pick timeless non-trendy cuts that will always be in style and never purchase anything you haven’t tried on because one of the key elements of minimalism is the perfect fit. No matter how gorgeous a piece looks, if it doesn’t fit like a glove, leave it behind. Finally, allow only high-quality garments made from sustainable (therefore durable) materials to enter your wardrobe. You’re building a long-lasting wardrobe arsenal and so quality is crucial if you want your clothes to stand the test of time.

Starting over

Once you’ve picked up on these simple rules, it’s time to start building your wardrobe. For girls, this journey starts with dresses as they are the simplest yet most powerful tool one can pull out of a closet. A gorgeous black dress with a touch of drama in the form of subtle lace details that follows your shape is an impeccable choice.

For men, the journey starts with no other than a great tailored suit. Black would be the obvious choice, but truly any color from the ‘prescribed’ color palette will do as long as the cut is classic and timeless. Speaking of suits, both men and women should own at least one but preferably more than one blazer. In order for you to remain fashionable, one of them can be tailored and the other oversized. The second will be a perfect autumn outerwear for those casual low-key days, and it can even feature the plaid print.

Now, we move on to tops. Both men and women should own a classic white shirt. Your closet will be grateful as this is one of those chameleonic garments that go wonderfully with both casual and dressy outfits. You can pair it with the blazer or a gorgeous sweater. A snug light beige wool sweater goes amazingly well with a white shirt, especially if you throw in a pleated midi skirt in black or even maroon. For guys, both black and grey will do the trick, and if a pop of color is what you’re looking for, then shaded spruce is definitely your pick.

As autumn is all about chic layering skills, don’t forget to stock up on basics. By that, we mean simple T-shirts in all the mentioned shades. Never underestimate the power of a simple tee as it’s the perfect foundation for any casual chic look. Black and white striped cashmere sweaters are a definite must for both.

 As for jeans, the same rule applies to both ladies and gentleman. Your first priority is the perfect fit so make sure you scout the perfect jeans for your body type. Steer clear of embroidery, patches and ripped jeans – the goal is a lasting not fading novelty. Always go for dark instead of washed jeans – it’s very difficult to look polished in washed jeans. Now, this next garment is for boys only – simple grey sweats as there are very few things sexier than a man sporting this casual piece.

Bring on the fall

Fall would not be complete without a few fine outerwear garments to complete the look. While both boys and gals can take the same classic route with the utmost sophisticated camel trench coat, if for guys this is a tad too dressy, a classic leather jacket makes for a super-fine alternative. Every girl should own a black biker jacket – the ultimate fashion chameleon, because even minimalist gals deserve a bit of edginess.

Carefully curated footwear

One of the fall’s staples for every girl are black and camel ankle boots. Simple black patent leather loafers should also be on your list, along with nude pumps and simple white sneakers (something along the lines of Adidas Superstar. Boys should stick to classic suede shoes, white sneakers as well, and for a bit of edge, black army boots or the best Adidas Yeezy Boost deals.

Minimal all the way

Nothing more than a great timepiece and eyewear is necessary or desired when it comes to men’s accessories. For girls, this universe is a tad larger, but make sure to keep your jewelry subtle (silver and gold only). Finally, a woman’s best friend – the bag. Don’t experiment with these, keep them solid, well-made and with no excessive details.

By Sophia Smith