It’s almost time for that special day of the year in which we honor the father figures in our lives. Whether you celebrate Father’s Day with your dad, uncle, grandpa, or any person who is a father figure in your life, it’s always nice to get that person a little something. Whether big or small, a gift is a nice way to show appreciation for the all that this person contributes to your life. If you’re stuck on what to buy, or if you just need a little bit of inspiration, we’ve curated a gift guide with ideas for every type of dad.
For the stylish dad, you truly can’t go wrong with anything Gucci. Not only are these shoes stylish, but comfortable. Plus, a good pair of slides is so convenient to just slip on and get out the door when dad-duties need to be fulfilled.
Here at Downtown Magazine, we love to support small businesses. Etsy is a great place to find the most unique and personalized gifts. This briefcase is so stylish, yet classic, and with your dad’s initials monogrammed onto this briefcase, it will be a truly special and timeless gift.
For all of the goofy dads out there, this t-shirt is perfect. Why go to the gym and cut out carbs for a ‘Dad-Bod’ when you can just toss on this tee and call it a day? You’ll not only be giving your dad a dazzling blue tee for those sweltering summer days, but you’ll also give him a good ‘LOL’.
For all of the dads who love to kick it outside on the campgrounds, you couldn’t find a more perfect gift than this. ManCrates will do all of the work for you; in this gift basket, you will receive items such as a cook set, various tools, a compass (how vintage!), and even some beef jerky!
It’s so important to capture the happy moments in life, and now that everyone does so on their phones, it’s even more important that we print out our photos for safekeeping. You just never know when you’ll accidentally drop your precious iPhone into the toilet (goodbye, 3,000 pictures!), which is why it’s even more important to develop your photos! This HP gadget makes it super easy to do so, straight from your phone, in high quality. This gadget is such a great idea for the stay at home dad who loves to capture life’s best moments with his kids.
Nothing is more annoying than having to reheat your coffee all morning (I know, first world problems). This Keurig mug will keep your coffee hot all morning. If your dad works from home, this mug will keep his morning cup of joe at just the right temperature, so he won’t have to keep leaving his work to microwave his drink!
For the dad who juggles work, school pick-ups, and lots of time on his feet, these shoes are the perfect, fashionable choice. Not only are these memory foam sneakers going to look snazzy with any outfit your dad dons, but his feet will feel like they are resting on clouds all day. Nobody does comfort better than Dr. Scholl’s, and your dad’s on-the-go feet will thank you.
If your dad would rather experience his gift than open it, Cloud 9 Living is a great platform to find various of amazing activities for your dad to experience. From helicopter flying to scenic cruises, to spa packages, you will find an experience that your dad will remember and cherish for life.
Give Dad a massage gift certificate from Haven Spa. Incorporates long, gliding strokes and kneading techniques on the upper layers of the muscles. This massage relaxes muscles, improves circulation, increases the range of motion, and stimulates the skin and nervous system. It enhances balance and harmony while creating a sense of relaxed well-being. Haven’s Signature massage oils reduce excessive friction and nourish your skin. Pressure can be light to medium.
Book Dad in for a calm, warm summer night, with Iron ChefMasaharu Morimoto’s Sushi and Sake Sunset Sail. This light dinner sail features a refreshing assortment of four sake flights that are perfectly paired with two plates of sushi. Dinner is served on New York’s newest and most sophisticated schooner, America 2.0. While relaxing and enjoying the calming waves as they brush against the boat, you will observe the New York skyline, Battery Park, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Regardless of how he became your Dad, remember him on this Father’s Day.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… two turtle doves and a partridge in a Pear Tree.
Or, how about a fresh cup of coffee brewed in this beautiful French press from Bodum? On day two of the 12 days of Christmas, wake up to this splendid copper French press, an ideal present for the coffee lover – or to give your kitchen countertop a pop of copper. “Chambord” copper 34-ounce French Press, $50, by Bodum, available at crateandbarrel.com.
The signature dome-topped Bodum French press boasts a beautiful copper-plated finish in this classic plunger-style brewing method, revered for producing fresh coffee with rich, full-bodied character. Bodum took over a small clarinet factory in Normandy in 1982, not to make musical instruments, but to maufacture their relatively unknown Chambord coffee maker. Combining the skills of local craftsmen with modern production, the French press became accessible and affordable to the legions of fans who love the taste of the coffee brewed in this unique style. Tested best by the American Culinary Institute, this classic, beautiful and simple design is recognized worldwide as one of the best ways to brew coffee in just four minutes. It has a 34-ounce capacity, and is outfitted with a patented safety lid.
You might also wake up to this splendid copper Dualit toaster by “Chambord” — theperfect gift for toast lovers, or if you’re craving a delicious Tartine’s this holiday season – it’s the perfect accessory for any kitchen countertop for $259.99 – $339.00. Classic design meets on-trend copper, designed for heavy-duty use and assembled by hand since 1945, the manually operated toasters will last a lifetime. A switch controls browning, and defrost and bagel functions are included.
Sometimes you need a place you can get good coffee and great food, while you do some work. Gotan ticks all those boxes. The popular café has three locations in the city – one in Williamsburg, one in Midtown and then our Downtown spot in TriBeCa.
The café in TriBeCa is filled with communal tables providing charging spots, making it a great place to sit and eat while you type away on your laptop. Even if you don’t need to get any work done, Gotan is perfectly suitable for getting together with friends or for grabbing a bite on your own. The menu offers a little bit of everything, from American fare to Mediterranean inspired dishes and French pastries.
While scrambled eggs can get boring, don’t worry about that at Gotan. Their creamy scrambled cheddar eggs on biscuit should be a food category of their own – and yes, we’ll choose biscuits over bread any day of the week. And would advise you to do the same.
And dare we say that the avocado toast is one of the best we’ve had in New York? The feta and lemony flavors are very refreshing. Other highlights include the Greek yogurt with granola, the cauliflower sandwich with tahini and the tuna avocado salad. If you just want a small sweet snack to pair with your coffee, there’s no shortage of delicious pastries at Gotan. We envy those who can resist the huge cookies and croissants.
The day of the dads is this weekend – Sunday, June 18 – and if you haven’t gotten around to buying a giftyet, this one’s for you.
Don’t rush to the department store in a harried frenzy just to leave with another satin tie or leather watchband. Your dad has enough ties, we promise. This Father’s Day, think outside the box. Here’s a list of five out-of-the-box ideas to make dad feel special this weekend and all year. Sometimes the best gifts can’t be wrapped.
Father’s Day Cruises
Set sail this Sunday and give your dad an experience instead of a gift. Two NYC cruise lines are offering Father’s Day cruises, and with a predicted sunny forecast, Father’s Day 2017 is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the water.
Hornblower, a cruise and event line, is offering a Father’s Day Beer & Brunch Cruise (best combo ever!). The cruise will sail past New York landmarks like Governor’s Island, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty while passengers enjoy an outpouring of mimosas, beer, live music and mouthwatering brunch foods. The cruise is two hours and tickets start at $100. Bookings are available on their website.
Classic Harbor Lineis also setting sail with Father’s Day cruises this Sunday. Choose from a variety of sailing and brunch cruises and whisk your family away for a day on the open water. More information is available on their website.
Photo courtesy of Classic Harbor Line
Pastry Subscription
What’s that one thing you dad loves more than his family (and golf)? If he’s like the rest of us, it’s pastries. Mah Ze Dahr, an up-and-coming bakery that’s been recently coined as a must-try by the likes of the New York Times and Eater, is offering the quintessential gift for the bakery-loving dads of NYC. The MZD “black card” subscription allows members to scoop a complimentary pastry every day for a year. For $300 this gift will keep your dad full and happy for 365 days, not just one.
Photo courtesy of Mah Ze Dahr
Monthly Cheese Club
Monthly clubs, subscriptions and boxes are always a pleasing gift option. With a variety of options and products that vary from month to month, monthly subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving, and surprising. Dean & Deluca offers a number of monthly clubs, including their Cheese of the Month Club which can be purchased in quantities of three, six and 12 months. Your cheese-loving dad will go crazy for the menagerie of gouda, swiss and brie, as well as accompanying crackers and jams each month. Options start at $195. Dean & Deluca also has a selection of other snacks and items perfect for dads available on their website.
Photo courtesy of Dean & Deluca
Monarch Rooftop Bar
See Father’s Day from the clouds! Rooftop bars are having a moment right now, and the city is sure to keep the trend going this Father’s Day. Monarch Rooftop Loungeis celebrating in style this Sunday with a $7 beer special that will go all day. They’ll have plenty of specialty cocktails and food to go around and keep everyone happy.
Photo courtesy of Monarch
Drink Specials at Lovage
Another rooftop attraction this Father’s Day is Lovage Rooftop Lounge, the sister rooftop to Monarch. The establishment is giving a free glass of bourbon to all dads in attendance. Bring your dad to see the city views of the Empire State Building and Hudson River and enjoy their extensive drink menu.
Maybe it’s the fond memories of camping with your dad, a longing for the taste of melty and delicious s’mores roasted over a fire, or clear views of the starry, smoky sky, but whatever it is, summer is the time to answer what’s calling you to camp.
The Catskill Mountains beckon from across the state, and the Appalachian Trail from the north and the south. But there’s good news if you’d rather stick closer to the city – oodles of campgroundsfit for family trips and quick getaways are near to home. Once you pick your camping destination, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the appropriate gear. Save the hiking for your campout and skip the trek through REI, because we’ve compiled a list of essentials for summer camping right here.
Check out our picks for the best camping gear of summer, so you won’t find yourself squirming uncomfortably on the forest floor or drinking bacteria-ridden water on your next outdoor adventure.
Sleeping bag
Photo courtesy of thenorthface.com
When it comes to sleeping on the ground, comfort is key. That’s why investing in a quality sleeping bag is the move for camping in the summer. A sleeping bag like this one from the North Face, which is designed for temperatures above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, is ideal for June and July heat.
Campfire coffee
Photo courtesy of kuissential.com
This one is for when the crisp mountain air isn’t quite enough to wake you up in the mornings. The good news is you can still get your morning cup of Joe thanks to an array of products, even though your Keurig is safely at home. You can take along a kettle and French press, or you can bring along this collapsable silicone dripper and brew your coffee fireside. You’ll still need a kettle, but this way you can brew directly into your cup.
Tailgating table
Photo courtesy of cameronsproducts.com
This collapsable tailgating table will keep all your drinks and snacks off the ground and in arm’s reach. And weighing in at only four pounds, it’s easy to carry. Time to stock up on the trail mix.
Water filtration
If you plan on packing enough water for the duration of your camping experience, feel free to skip this one. But if you’re going the self-filtration and harvest-from-the-mountain-streams route, make sure to pack iodine tablets. This is to ensure the water is safe to drink and won’t cause stomach problems and other issues. Be careful to follow the instructions on the bottle, and not to mix up the taste-enhancing tablets with the actual iodine ones. You’ll thank yourself later.
S’mores sticks
Photo courtesy of cameronsproducts.com
While nature is the greatest provider in the realm of sticks, proper roasting rods will come in handy when creating the ideal s’more. Plus, they double as roasting sticks for other foods such as hot dogs. The Marshmallow Forks from Camerons are the key to scrumptious s’mores.
Apparel
Comfort is key on a campout. Wear lightweight clothing that wicks away moisture and keeps you cozy at night (think activewear). Or opt for a fun hiking skirt like this. Guys might want to go for some convertible pants for double the utility.
With Earth Day coming up this Sunday, Apr. 22, many New Yorkers will be reminded of the need to incorporate more sustainable concepts into their everyday living. Fortunately, New York has many options that are both fun and environmentally-sound, making it easy to go green.
Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with four people who have great food and wine offerings for Earth Day and beyond:
How would you describe your restaurant to someone who hasn’t yet experienced it?
David Stockwell, Faun: The faun is a mischievous mythical Roman pleasure-seeker of the wild, and that speaks to our approach with the menu and really the entire guest experience. The garden is a constant focal point, overflowing with flowers and fruits, it defines the atmosphere while providing hyper-local, seasonal components to our Italian-inflected dishes. A second course of house-made pasta will anchor your dining experience at Faun, but we recommend starting on the playful side with a round of shareable starters, and finishing with a soul-satisfying slow-cooked meaty main dish.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: Serious food, serious wine, casual atmosphere. French food with a Provencal touch, extensive wine list focusing on organic, biodynamic and natural wines.
Jay Nir, River Coyote: There’s no place like it, and the experience is everything, as the casual atmosphere of a coffee bar combined with the elegance of a wine bar is a charming atmosphere to experience. But one way to describe it would be a uniquely approachable, all-day wine and coffee bar, with a high standard of quality in every detail, offering 16 consciously curated red & white wines on tap, along with a truly-exceptional coffee program, and a menu of shareable plates from the kitchen. Deeper than all that, River Coyote is a place where everyone feels welcome and at home. We’ve been called a “gathering hall,” as different people come in at various times of the day for different reasons, yet are all present together in the same space. Come alone, with a friend, to meet friends, to make new friends, for the best coffee, for fresh wine, for hot food…There are so many reasons to come by anytime, without having to spend too much time planning and instead just being in the moment and doing what you feel.
How did you go about creating an earth friendly wine program?
Bill Fitch, Faun: Decades of working with the world’s wines has led me to the conclusion that sustainably-farmed, organic or biodynamic grape vines produce better grape juice for the yeast to turn into wine. It isn’t just for the crucial ethical issues that one prefers such wines. It should go without saying that all possible efforts should be made to preserve the biodiversity and natural heritage of the one single planet we know with life on it; it is also crucial to preserve the integrity of the very notion of wine, ontologically and aesthetically. When you know that the wine you are drinking has submitted itself to the vicissitudes of climactic contingency, courageously faced what nature offers without the cosmetic surgery, the nip and tuck of the vast array of chemical additives and hi-tech subtractions and polishes, then the context of our subjective enjoyment of the beauty of wine can remain unpolluted.
There is no such thing as “natural” wine. Viticulture is mostly a monoculture of artificial selection. Feeding your poodle organic dog food does not make it a “natural” dog, but I think if we can resist the excesses of artificiality, in the vineyard and in the cellar, not only will the planet be better off, but so will our sense of taste.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: The wine list was not created to follow a trend or hype. It is what we love and what we believe in. And organic, biodynamic and natural wines are the wines we love. They show more purity than others. And on top of that, people behind those wines care about the earth, now and for the next generation. No pesticides, insecticides, no chemicals are used — if they have to be used, it’s a minimal dose.
Jay Nir, River Coyote: I was looking for the best way to offer quality wine by the glass for my guests, and wine on tap is exactly that, while also being environmentally sustainable. One reusable keg eliminates the use of 3,000 bottles, corks, closures, foil, labels, boxes and packaging over its lifetime. Kegs also lessen the transported wines’ weight, which has a large impact on the transportation industry’s carbon emissions. Wine bars serving wine by the glass from bottles have an incredible propensity for waste and inconsistency. Once a bottle of wine is opened, there is a short window to how long the wine can be served before needing to discard it, since oxygen quickly ruins wine. Wine on tap solves this by running nitrous into the keg to keep all oxygen out, so the last glass from a keg is as fresh as the first glass. Wine on tap also minimizes waste.
Do you have a favorite wine region? Is there anything new that really excites you?
Bill Fitch, Faun: It is difficult to pick one region. Middle Europe is certainly up there, as well as Austria, Moravia, and Slovakia. The warming planet has made it easier to ripen pinot noir in places like Switzerland and Germany. As bittersweet as it is, I have been very curious about the pinots and other reds from these traditionally white wine dominant regions.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: I don’t have a favorite region, it really depends on my mood, the food I’m going to eat, the people I’m drinking with. But I definitely prefer old world wines and French especially. In terms of a new region, I love Corsica. Any new/old vignerons crafting amazing wines with many of them working with biodynamic practices and natural — no sulfur.
Jay Nir, River Coyote: As I explore more wines to continue identifying and offering the best wine available, my appreciation for certain regions is always changing. For some time I’ve been in love with Willamette Valley, Oregon for its Pinot Noir, but more recently I’ve been impressed with the variety of biodynamic options coming from Italy, and now I’m looking forward to the previously-inaccessible French options that are just now becoming available on tap.
Faun owners David Stockwell & Carla Swickerath
What are some other ways that you try to be environmentally-conscious?
David Stockwell, Faun: Sustainability is a constant goal. Here are a few of the choices we’ve made in its service: Sourcing seasonal product as locally as possible. We buy from a long list of local farms and fisheries, as well as sourcing what we can from our very own on-site garden. We compost as many of our kitchen scraps as possible for the garden, keeping a few thousand pounds each year of refuse out of landfills. We installed a filtration system to fill our own still and sparkling water bottles in house – negating the need to continuously transport glass bottles to and from Faun. We built out the interior and patio areas with re-used elements from Build It Green, a local company that salvages and re-sells building materials.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: We decided to make our own sparkling water so that we don’t have to order bottled water every day. Same thing with still water. We’re using a purifying system and don’t ever order bottles of water. We also limit the amount of paper — menus, wine list — we print every day. You would be shocked at how much paper you can just waste if you don’t pay attention to it. We are also recycling everyday; paper, glass, cans…
Jay Nir, River Coyote: River Coyote represents quality, passion and consciousness. We’ve gone above and beyond to properly-represent these values in our build-out, service and products. Not only no bottled water, but no bottled anything. It’s not just the wine that’s strictly on tap, the beer, cider, organic kombucha, cold brew, nitro cold brew, carbonated water and drinking water are all on tap as well. We also work closely with NobleTree Coffee, who has spent the past few years working the coffee farms they own in Brazil to understand how they can create sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of the environment. We reused a lot of materials in the buildout of the place. The marble window-counter is repurposed from the old bar that was here prior to our rebuilding the place, the communal tables are made of reclaimed wood, and more of the buildout was done with reused or repurposed elements such as the dining table-tops, the shelves, even the wood wine-barrel that holds our brass wine taps. Our lighting looks vintage but we actually have LED Lighting throughout the bar, and installed XLERATOReco hand-dryers to both minimize electrical usage and remove the use of hand drying towels. We choose organic wherever we can, with organic kombucha, selection of organic teas from Rishi, even our Housemade Vanilla Syrup and Raaka Chocolate for our Vegan Chocolate Ganache are all organic. One of the only bottles we have is for the all natural local milk we get from Battenkill Valley for our espresso with steamed milk. I actually looked extensively into getting our milk on tap to cut out milk bottles as well, but the technology is still improving and not yet at the standards we demand of quality, so we have milk bottles.
Racines NY / Photo: Cassandra Giraldo
Earth Day aside, what is coming up for your establishment?
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: Lunch is around the corner. We have many winemakers events as well as wine dinners throughout the year. We are starting Tuesday night flights on Apr. 25 with new arrivals from Rhone. On May 9 we have an incredible dinner with a vertical tasting of André Beaufort Champagnes. And of course, with spring here, we have exciting new items coming up on the menu.
Jay Nir, River Coyote: We are in the process of expanding our kitchen hours to offer food from early ’till late every day, so that we can do an even better job at blurring the lines as a place you can come any time of day.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
David Stockwell, Faun: “Free time” is a foreign concept to me right now, but I dream of surfing once again on a regular basis. It doesn’t need to be Costa Rica, I’d take the Rockaways — anything! But I am lucky and eternally grateful for the small but regular bits of time I get — mostly eating breakfast — with my daughter Ramona and “wife” Carla.
Bill Fitch, Faun: I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, biking, swimming. Luxuriating in as naturally wild a place as I can find. Stargazing.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: I don’t have a lot of free time but I try to spend as much time as possible with my family or playing ice hockey.
Jay Nir, River Coyote: Walking around the Lower East Side, feeling at one with the city, interacting with strangers, spending time with family, taking inspiration from the art — both street and indoors — listening to all the sounds, appreciating the complexity & beauty of it all, taking it in.
River Coyote wine pouring / Photo: Michael Tulipan
Other than your own spot, do you have a favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
David Stockwell, Faun: I’m a big fan of Ivan Ramen.
Bill Fitch, Faun: If someone else is buying, Le Coucou. If I am cast upon my own resources, I would say Amali in Midtown, where Dan Ross-Leutwyler is the chef. I would follow him anywhere.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: Rouge Tomate, Rebelle, Marta, The Modern, to name a few.
Jay Nir, River Coyote: We are already blessed to be in Manhattan, even more so to be on Ludlow at Rivington surrounded by so many fantastic places. Immediately around us are a dozen places where I have special memories and have a personal connection to. So I’d have to say my favorite restaurants are my neighbors.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
David Stockwell, Faun: If you’re an architect — with a job — and are thinking about quitting to open a restaurant…well hell, go ahead and do it! You’ll be poor and stressed out, but somehow, something about life will be better.
Arnaud Tronche, Racines NY: You have to lead by example especially with kids. Show them what to do on Earth Day and every day after that. You should also take them to restaurants! My six-year old daughter comes once a week to Racines and discover new flavors all the time. Yes, we are kid-friendly at Racines!
Jay Nir, River Coyote: For the kids…Enjoy the present moment, while looking forward to the future. Live consciously. Do what you love. Be happy now.
While scrambled eggs can get boring, don’t worry about that at Gotan. Their creamy scrambled cheddar eggs on biscuit should be a food category of their own – and yes, we’ll choose biscuits over bread any day of the week. And would advise you to do the same.
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