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A Last Minute Planner’s Guide to NYE with 14 Options Around Town

New Year’s Eve is coming up fast. If you’re in New York City, to stay or to visit, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to live it up NYC-style. If you’re still looking for that perfect party to ring in the new year, check out these excellent parties to spice up your night.

Tender

New Year's
Tender Lounge

 Tender (130 W 47th St) inside The Sanctuary Hotel is hosting a NYE celebration with seatings from 7pm and 9:30pm. The first three course prix fixe seating is $85 per person, and the 9:30pm seating is $110 per person and also includes dancing to follow and a champagne toast as the ball drops leading right into an after party to liven up the celebration while you’re immersed in the lively energy between the heart of Times Square and the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Center. Reserve your spot by emailing: events@sanctuaryhotelnyc.com

 Nerai

 Nerai (55 E. 54th Street) offers a contemporary twist on sophisticated Greek dining in the heart of the city. To celebrate NYE with an elegant seated dinner, Nerai will offer an epicurean meal with the choice between a four-course prix fixe menu at $115 per person, or Executive Chef Moshe Grundman’s 7 course tasting menu at $145 per person. The four-course menu includes a Winter Salad, Tuna, or Artichokes as starters. Then choose between a Lobster Pasta with squid ink linguine in a metaxa bisque or a Black Truffle Spaghettoni with creamy truffle sauce, kefalotiri espuma with fresh shaved black truffles. Main dishes include Lavraki, a pan seared mediterranean sea bass with wild mushroom farro, horta and pomegranate reduction, and Lamb Loin with lemon potato gnocchi, honey glazed carrots and roasted Brussel sprouts. And cap off the epic meal with dessert in the form of Saragli or Karidopita. The tasting menu can be found here. Make reservations by visiting: https://nerainyc.com

 Brooklyn Chop House

Brooklyn Chop House

 Brooklyn Chop House (150 Nassau St.) offers up  Dim Sum & Chops giving diners everything from homemade dumplings and noodles to their 30-35 day dry-aged Pat LaFrieda Prime Steaks. Specialties include the 7lb LI Peking Duck, the Surf & Turf with 2 – 8oz South African Lobster Tails and a crispy 16oz Filet Mignon for two, and the Alaskan King Crab Legs

  for two with garlic and ginger. With the crave-worthy food being served, it’s the perfect spot to dine in on NYE. A price fix menu will also be available for groups of 8 or more, starting at $125 per person. For reservations, visit https://www.brooklynchophouse.com

 Beyond Sushi 

 Beyond Sushi will offer a 5 course tasting menu for $95 per person at their flagship location (134 W. 37th St.). Vegan specialties including black sesame bellinis, seaweed caviar, smoked cashew cheese, mousse lemon zest and chervil.  Entrees include white winter truffles with Arborio Italian rice risotto, topped with seared chanterelle mushroom truffle foam and nasturtium leaves, and Hot Impossible Pate on whipped potatoes, with caramelized cipollini port wine reduction sauce. Cap off the year with a chocolate lava cake. Reserve your spot by visiting: https://beyondsushi.com

 Ainslie in Williamsburg

 Come in and celebrate the new year at the beautiful 10,000 square foot, 340-person multi-level Italian wine bar, beer garden and restaurant Ainslie (76 Ainslie St).  Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, steak, free-range chicken and more. The restaurant boasts four bars and offers an extensive drink menu including 20 wines by the glass, four wines on tap and 16 beers from local craft breweries on tap. There will also be a DJ spinning from 9pm-2am. Reservations of all sizes are welcome and can be made by visiting: https://ainsliebk.com/

 Bell Book & Candle

 Bell Book & Candle (141 W 10th St) is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner for $95 per person featuring dishes such as the Hawaiian Yellowfin tuna nachos with tempura kale, guacamole, sesame and spicy mayo, a Shellfish Bisque with rock shrimp and a Grass-Fed Filet of Beef with root vegetable gratin, mushroom ragu and white truffle oil. An optional open bar is also available from 9pm – 12am for an additional $95 per person with party favors, a balloon drop and confetti cannons and in addition to a champagne toast at midnight.

 Clinton Hall

 End the year the right way as you say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020 at one of Clinton Hall’s locations in FiDi, E. 51st Street or Williamsburg. Grab your friends and watch the ball drop while enjoying a 4 hour open bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight in addition to pass hor d’oeuvres. Tickets begin at $50 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-lure-group-8949803130?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=dc728dbf2a&mc_eid=3ad4141e22

 Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop’s NYE Bash Hosted by Joonbug

Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop

 Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop (37 W. 24th St.) will host a Joonbug NYE bash from 8pm – 2am complete with a 5 hour premium open bar. One of New York City’s top DJ’s will provide a lively soundtrack as guests dance nonstop to their favorite Top 40, Hip Hop, House, Dance, and Mash Up hits. As midnight approaches, get ready to raise your glass in a complimentary champagne toast and count down live with the whole room as you ring in the New Year. General admission tickets begins at $99 and can be purchased by visiting: https://joonbug.com/newyork/newyearseve/sir-henry-rooftop-new-years-events-new-york

 Bob Moses Headlines at Schimanski in Williamsburg 

 Bob Moses, the Vancouver-bred, Brooklyn based deep house duo Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance will cap off the year with an epic New Year’s Eve club set at Schimanski (54 N. 11th St.) in Williamsburg on Tuesday, December 31st. The Grammy winning duo came to life in the Brooklyn underground scene in 2012. In May 2018 they announced their headlining US tour in addition to the release of track “Heaven Only Knows”, which was quickly followed by news of the duo’s second full-length album Battle Lines and first single “Back Down”.  Tickets begin at $59 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.schimanskinyc.com/calendar/2019/12/31/nye-2020-bob-moses-club-set

 DEG Presents Above & Beyond at New York Expo Center

 There is no place on the planet as exciting to spend NYE as New York City.  On Tuesday, December 31, titans of the electronic music genre ABOVE & BEYOND will ring in 2020 with a special headline show at an incredible cavernous location in the Bronx–the 60,000 sq foot New York Expo Center. Presented by Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats label and New York nightlife impresario DEG Presents (formerly RPM Presents), Jono, Tony, and Paavo return to one of their favorite cities for the biggest party of the year.  Watch for news regarding friends who will support in the festivities. Tickets begin at $79 and can be purchased here.  

 Ten Hope in Williamsburg

 Ten Hope (10 Hope St) is offering up a 3-course price fix menu with early seatings from 6 pm – 7:30 pm at $55 and late seatings between 9 pm – 10:30 pm for $75. Leek soup will be featured for the amuse bouche. Starters offer a choice between Scallops with chickpea mash, dill oil, and romesco, and Crispy Octopus with Israeli salad, and nigella aioli. Entrees options include Filet of Steak with Pomme Puree and Roasted Broccolini, a Wild Mushroom Pasta with truffle butter and breadcrumbs and Poached Halibut with parsnip purée and braised leeks. For dessert enjoy gooseberry marmalade Creme brûlée. Make reservations by visiting: https://www.tenhopebk.com/

 Zeppelin Hall’s NYE 2020 Party

New Year's

 Come as you are to Zeppelin Hall’s (88 Liberty View Dr.)  New Year’s Eve party with absolutely no cover in addition to free hats and noisemakers for all. Watch the ball drop on one of their many Hi-Def Screens while you dance the night away to a live DJ and ring in the New Year without spending your life savings.  For more information visit www.zeppelinhall.com

 Ring in 2020 on the Water at Molos

 Ring in the New Year at Molos (1 Pershing Rd) in Weehawken with a live DJ, party favors, and dancing – all the necessities to kick off the new decade. There will also be a 4-course dinner for $125 per person. Enjoy Greek and Mediterranean inspired seafood dishes with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

 The Springs in Greenpoint 

 Say hello to 2020 from The Springs (224 Franklin St) Ho Ho Holiday Lounge in Greenpoint without breaking the bank. Doors open at 9 pm with no cover required and complimentary party favors will be doled out. Drink and dance your way into the new decade with DJ Alanna “That’s So” Raben beginning at 10 pm. RSVP by visiting: https://www.thesprings-bk.com

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Categories
Featured Fitness Health

Spark Your New Years Fitness Routine with NOVA Fitness

Photos courtesy of NOVA Fitness Innovation

People will do almost anything to get in shape. The choices are endless–the challenge is making that choice consistently enough to see a difference. Want to diet? I hope you have time to cook. The gym? That is an hour a day, and you had better have a shower option. And sports? You need to commit to a league to really get those results. Want a loophole? So does everyone.

NOVA Fitness Innovation takes a mad science solution to quick fitness. They cram 90-minute workouts into 30 minutes (20 with some short breaks) through the subtle art of electrocuting your muscle groups as you work out. Yup. They use Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology to target your muscles while they work, tricking them into thinking you are doing a lot more work than you are.

I know: this sounds like every late-night easy-fitness infomercial ever. You have probably seen the ads for belts that shock you into a six-pack while watching tv on the couch. Well, never fear: Nova’s methods are not easy–just fast. 

NOVA Fitness

How It Works

Leave your gym bag at home. Every Nova workout is done in Nova’s own jumpsuits, which are comfortable if revealingly form-fitting, as well as equipped with a bunch of pads packed with electrodes. It looks a bit like a space combat training outfit from a sci-fi action flick, but tighter. It is short-sleeved and goes down to your knees. You throw the rest of your stuff in a locker, set the lock, and head to class.

I did the strength-building class, but every class starts the same: the instructor straps a battery to your hip, and then begins the warmup. On top of loosening up your muscles for the workout, your Nova instructor wants you to build up a sweat. The suit, you see, only works when it is wet. It makes sense if you think about it. If it takes you a while to work up a good sweat, they keep spray bottles handy–refreshing and effective.

It took maybe the first 10 minutes to really feel the EMS system, but when I did…oh man. The shock didn’t hurt, exactly, but you definitely felt it, especially when you were working on that muscle group. It is not dramatic–more like tingles of varying intensities. Jackie, my trainer, had me doing circuits, and she was relentless. We cycled through until I was about to break and then took 5 min for water and recovery. We had to keep up that sweat, you know.

True to their word, the class was over in 30 minutes, and I headed to the shower. Their showers come with towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, so you don’t need to bring those either. I almost wouldn’t bother with the shampoo, though–after my workout, trying to get my hands over my head felt like lifting a car. 

Conclusion

You might still be skeptical about the electricity. Does it hurt? Does it help?

Hurt? No. Uncomfortable? Yes. But even the pros would never call exercise “comfortable.” If you’re working hard enough, you don’t even feel the suit half the time. As for helping? I’m not a scientist, but even if the EMS suit did nothing but tingle, the workout left me sore for days. Definitely worth checking out. 

See More

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Categories
Featured

Ring In The New Year With…

Confusion is the word that comes to mind when trying to pick just the right liqueur for that Christmas or New Year’s cocktail. Downtown‘s editors have done the work for you — we collected three of our very favorite festive holiday liqueurs, ones that your guests will still be talking about the next day. If you are looking for a special gift, then look no further.

 

 

Disaronno

Disaronno, the world’s favorite Italian liqueur, returns this holiday season with an exquisite look designed by renowned fashion house Missoni. Since 1953, the Italian luxury label has made its mark on the fashion world as one of Italy’s most celebrated. The iconic Missoni zigzag print, for which the fashion house is best known, transforms the Disaronno bottle, giving it a dressed-up look that’s perfect for gifting. This is our office favorite — with each sip, you look forward to the next.

To celebrate this collaboration, toast the season with a Disaronno Special Angela20 cocktail, highlighting the liqueur’s distinctive flavor in a blend of fresh lemon and ginger beer – full recipe below.
$34.99

DISARONNO 1 oz.
Vodka 1 oz.
Lemon Juice 1 oz.
Ginger Beer 3 oz.

 

 

Hennessy Cognac

Hennessy Paradis Rare Cognac is a special delight. This product of more than 200 different cognacs has been aged in Hennessy’s cellars for up to a century. The cognacs are blended and allowed to age slowly in old oak casks, a process that gives Hennessy Paradis its rare, fine aroma and golden color. The taste is characterized by flavorful fruits such as pear, apricot, and raisin, with rose, iris, and lily floral accents. This exceptional cognac should be enjoyed neat in a crystal tulip glass. Sip slow and savor this delight.
$866.00

 

 

Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon

 

This very rare, limited-edition Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon takes generations of distilling know-how to produce. Only the most careful and expensive distilling method can be used to create a whiskey as special as this one. These extra-special bottles deserve an extra-special vessel — a handmade glass decanter from Glencarin Crystal Studio. The bottle information is engraved on each decanter, individually numbered, and hand finished with a silver stopper. A glass top for the decanter is also included. Perfect for the person who has everything.
100 Proof
$13,999.95

 

Categories
Events Featured

Four Seasons Hotel Downtown + Roberto Coin To Ring In The New Year

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown announced it will celebrate the New Year in style, with an exclusive promotion with iconic Italian jeweler, Roberto Coin. Each guest who checks in on December 31st at the new luxury property in Downtown Manhattan, will receive a gift certificate from Roberto Coin, with one lucky winner receiving a gift certificate valued at $10,000, redeemable at the Roberto Coin Boutique at Westfield World Trade Center.

While one lucky winner will receive this $10,000 gift certificate, no guest ringing in the New Year at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown will go home empty-handed. At check-in, all guests celebrating New Year’s Eve will receive a gift certificate toward a piece of Roberto Coin jewelry. These gift certificates can also be redeemed at the Roberto Coin store in Westfield World Trade Center.

As one of the latest additions to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ North American portfolio, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown features 189 guest rooms including 28 suites; 7,000 square feet of event space; CUT, the first New York restaurant by celebrity restaurateur Wolfgang Puck; and The Spa, including seven treatment rooms, an outdoor terrace, 24 hour fitness center and a 75-foot (23 meter) indoor lap pool

Ideal for both business and leisure guests, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is perfectly situated in Downtown Manhattan, close to an array of activities and attractions including One World Observatory, the Oculus, Westfield World Trade Center, Brookfield Place, the Brooklyn Bridge, Tribeca, the Seaport District, Wall Street, Financial District, Battery Park, The Whitney Museum of American Art and the Meatpacking District.

Reservations are still available for New Year’s Eve. Call 1-800-819-5053 to experience the ultimate luxury staycation in Downtown Manhattan. As the cornerstone of the Downtown neighborhood, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is an ideal location to cap off the New Year’s Eve celebrations for those attending parties and events in Lower Manhattan.

 

 

About Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
As the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts currently manages 106 properties in 44 countries. Open since September 19, 2016, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown provides a preferred address for both business and leisure travelers, and the highly personalized, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world. Recent awards and honors include 2017 AAA Five Diamond Rated and 2017 Winner of “Best Virtuoso Newcomer” in Virtuoso’s Best of the Best Awards. For more information on Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, visit press.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown or check them out on https://www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsHotelNewYorkDowntown

About Roberto Coin
Roberto Coin has been an icon in the jewelry industry for more than 30 years. His designs include his signature Appassionata Collection, the new Pois Moi Collection and the Roberto Coin Cento Diamond Collection.  His collection is available in Roberto Coin Boutiques and over 400 stores nationwide including better jewelry and specialty stores.

Since 1977 Venetian jewelry designer, Roberto Coin, has devoted his life to a passion for innovative design. Finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places he is truly an artisan at work. Experimenting with light, texture, color, and pattern, Coin’s style is ever evolving. His diverse collection, designed to fit every woman, is defined by a common thread—a thoughtful balance of elegance and creativity. Included in every piece of Roberto Coin jewelry is his signature ruby. The ruby symbolizes peace, prosperity, and happiness and is a special wish from the designer. For more information, visit us at https://us.robertocoin.com/

About Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Founded in 1960, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 106 hotels, resorts and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 44 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveler reviews, and industry awards. 

Terms & Conditions: One gift voucher per room. Gift voucher will be given at time of check-in on December 31, 2017 only. Prize and/or value to be redeemed at the Roberto Coin Boutique in Westfield World Trade Center. No refund on unused value. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or offer. Prize and/or value must be redeemed by January 31, 2018.

Categories
Technology Uncategorized

Must Have Gadgets for 2015

With a new year comes many new things, including new technologies. Google, Panasonic, Anker, Looxcie, and Philips are all bringing their creativity and convenient ideas to the table. Stakes are high, which only means that technology will continue to impress us as consumers. As we continue to dive deeper into the technological age, our everyday routines become easier with the help of these gadgets. Keep reading to see DOWNTOWN’s top five picks for must-have gadgets to start off 2015 the right way!

 

1. Google Chromecast

Photo: Courtesy of money.cnn.com
Photo: Courtesy of money.cnn.com

Price: $35

For a small expense of $35, consumers can end the problem of “nothing being on television.” Google’s new Chromecast is the portable media hub that will help you bring contents from your laptop or desktop to the big screen. Plug it into the HDMI port of any TV and it will stream Netflix, YouTube, Google Play, AND your Chrome browser. As this product become more popular, Google plans on adding additional services.

 

2. Panasonic SC-NT10 Bluetooth Speaker

gadgets
Photo: Courtesy of shop.panasonic.com.

Price: $99.99

People are always looking for the best portable Bluetooth speakers out there. The combination of price and features in Panasonic’s SC-NT10 goes beyond sound quality. These speakers survive through splashes of waters, dust or sand, being dropped, or left in the cold. They can also be used as a Bluetooth speakerphone. The Panasonic SC-NT10 Bluetooth Speakers are small in size (2.2 inches high by 4.7 inches wide) but loud in sound. These speakers are perfect for travel or a trip to the beach!

 

3. The Astro E4

Photo: Courtesy of jessbanderson.com
Photo: Courtesy of jessbanderson.com

Price: $249

The Astro E4 will power your smartphone or tablet with its impeccable battery storage. This product contains a fantastic 13000mAh lithium ion battery inside, which is able to charge six smartphones. Not only does it hold the power to charge a number of devices, but also charges two at a time. This charging device is incredibly portable based on its size, comparable to that of a smartphone, and includes the front LED that doubles as a flashlight when necessary. This will put an end to your boring commutes with a dead smartphone or getting lost while driving in an unfamiliar area, unable to access Google Maps.

 

4. Looxcie HD Explore

Photo: Courtesy of werd.com
Photo: Courtesy of werd.com

Price: $249.99

With the increased interest and inclusion of video in everyday life and travel, the Looxcie HD Explore is sure to be a hit. This camcorder is high-quality, wearable, only 2.9 ounces, records 720p video at 60 frames per second or 1080p at 30 fps, and sends all the footage to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. The Looxcie HD Explore Clip can be clipped to your hat, bike helmet, car windshield, or surfboard to take everywhere and anywhere. There is also a $50 waterproof case available for the extra adventurous.

 

5. Philips Hue Connected Bulb

image-HUE-PACK
Photo: Courtesy of dailytech.com

Price: $199.99 for a three-bulb starter pack

The Philips Hue connected bulb is the ultimate convenience for 2015. The tools Philips provides allows for your bulb to become an extension for everything. It can be controlled using a smartphone, tablet, or PC. It will turn off when you leave home by detecting your phone’s location,will wake you in the morning, and will warn you when important emails or packages arrive by flashing. The Hue can also detect the weather, such as rain or snow, without making you have to look out the window.

 

As technology evolves, it becomes more desirable by every type of individual, tech-savvy or not. With different price points and amenities, there is bound to be a gadget out there for everyone. Keep your eyes open for more to come, especially with birthdays and holidays in the new year. These desired gadgets of 2015 forecast the development for even more convenient and interesting technological concepts in the future.

-by Deirdre McAndrew