Tag: wine tasting

Categories
Culture Living

Downtown TripPicks: June 26 – July 3

Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.” Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.

Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.

 

Asian Film Festival

At the New York Asian Cinema Festival, cinephiles can screen a wide range of films from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia that “say something both very local and specific to their countries of origin and something very universal.” Tickets start at $9.

The SVA Theater and Walter Reade Theater
Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 16 (check site for showtimes)

 

New Beer Garden on the Bowery  

Say hello to your new summer spot! The new Bowery Beer Garden boasts 40 beers on tap, a total of 80 TVs throughout its sprawling space, oyster happy hour with $1 oysters and delicious takes on American staples. It’s the perfect place to watch the game with a large group of friends.

Bowery Beer Garden (Lower East Side)
Daily from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

New York Pools Open

Beginning June 29, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle or cannonball in one of over 60 public swimming pools across the five boroughs. Cool off at Lower East Side’s Hamilton Fish Pool or Tony Dapolito Recreation Center in the West Village. Free.

Check site for complete list of locations
Daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (cleaning break from 3-4 p.m.)

 

Wine Guide and Tasting

Feeling clueless when it comes to wine? You’re not alone. Many before you have stood with blank stares trying to choose the right bottle of wine, for the right occasion. Bon Appétit writer Marissa A. Ross offers an “in-depth guide to wine that is both unpretentious and comprehensive.” Join her at the Strand for wine tasting and a discussion of her new book, “Wine. All the Time.” $15 admission includes $15 gift card; $20 admission includes a signed copy of the book.

The Strand (East Village)
Wednesday, June 28 from 7-8 p.m.

 

Seedy New York Tour

This adult only (18+) walking tour covers the less glamorous side of New York – we are talking about Sex, Liquor and Murder!  Walk through the Wickedest Ward and hear “stories of sordid murders, notorious criminals, and infamous houses of ill repute.” $25

South Street Seaport Museum (South Street Seaport)
Friday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m.

 

WTC Greenmarket Returns

After 16 years, the World Trade Center farmers market returns to Oculus Plaza. Swing by for fresh, local veggies and gourmet treats like cheese from Consider Bradwell Farm, Beth’s Farm Kitchen jams and, for those tough days, potato vodka from 1857 Spirits.

Oculus Plaza (Financial District)
Tuesdays from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Categories
News

Bastille Day With Vin Sur Vingt

Photo courtesy of Liana Sonenclar
Photo courtesy of Liana Sonenclar
All photos: Courtesy of Liana Sonenclar

On July 14, New York City celebrated France’s independence holiday; Bastille Day, at Vin Sur Vingt in the West Village.

The intimate and homely French bar designed to mimic the Bar A Vin in France, celebrated the holiday, which honors the storming of the Bastille (France’s royal authority center, located in Paris,) and the unity of the French people with eight of its most exquisite wines, such as Rose and Chardonnay, along with freshly baked bread.

Photo courtesy of Liana Sonenclar

Owner of Vin Sur Vingt, Sebastien Auvet, is committed to making wine a fun experience and as available as possible to his consumers. Auvet infused American living with French values by offering a simplistic and authentic variety of wine choices, and an escape to France after a long day in the city.

Vin Sur Vingt is known for serving its selection of 20 whites and 20 reds by the glass. Here were the top five wine choices of the night:

1. Crémant D’alsace Brut Zero Sans Soufre Ajoute– a blend of mainly Pinot Auxerriois with a splash of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to give it a mild and subdue after taste.

2. Domaine De Belle Vue Méthode Traditionnelle Brut Nature Rosé Billes De Quarts– a creation that came from Jérôme Brétaudeau in 2005 after taking over portions of his father’s vineyard. Domaine De Belle Vue has a fizzy and sweet undertone, but make a great dry wine to end your working day.

Photo courtesy of Liana Sonenclar

3. Domaine Sébastien Brunet, Petillant Naturel Grolleau– 100% Groelleau, aperitif with apple flavor creating a crisp, sharp and light cider taste.

4. Domaine Des Varinelles, Crémant de Loire Rosé– Pink colored Cabernet Franc with notes of wild strawberry and black currant had a floral champagne taste mixed with a little bit of sweetness. This is a great selection for a lightly sweetened wine.

5. Domaine de Montrieux Boisson Rouge 100% Gamay– Aperitif or dessert wine from an old Gamay vineyard in Loire and its certified organic. The Domaine de Montrieux took on a more sweet and smooth taste. People who don’t typically go for red wine would enjoy this drink.

-by Krissy Lewis

 

Categories
Events Travel

8 Cruises Around New York With Classic Harbor Line

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Images: Classic Harbor Line

As our warm-weather days are winding down, let us not forget that there is still time to plan a summer adventure with your friends and family. The Classic Harbor Line of New York offers guests a variety of experiences–none of which involve the stress of dealing with airlines and hotels. The cruises are great for any family, couple, or friend group looking for luxury the way it’s supposed to be–hassle free! Take a peek at some of the exciting packages and spend the day or night on the waters of New York City.

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1. The Architecture Cruise. This option provides guests with the opportunity to experience New York through the eyes of AIANY (American Institute of Architects New York) members, who guide the tour and introduce Lower Manhattan’s greatest skyscrapers, as well as the key features alongside the East River. Learn about New York City and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and champagne with your party as you cruise on a Gatsby-style yacht. For two hours and forty-five minutes, you will pass under eighteen of Manhattan’s bridges and circumnavigate the island. This cruise is ideal for any party, any size, and is regarded by many as one of the best experiences that Classic Harbor Line has to offer. Also note that due to popular demand for this type of cruise, Classic Harbor Line is also offering various time slots made available to all!

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2. Schooner Sailing. The Schooner America 2.0 is the pioneer in relaxing daytime cruises. Built in 2011, it caters to the customer looking to truly kick back on the seas and embrace the breeze of New York’s Harbor. On the Schooner, you can experience true boating and get to know the harbor in an entirely new way. This option accommodates any size group from 6 to 60, and includes a narrated presentation of the island of Manhattan.

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3. Sunset Jazz. Enjoy some evening jazz and a complimentary drink on this cruise when you depart from the Chelsea piers on a Sunday afternoon. This cruise is the perfect option for a romantic date, featuring the talents of the cruise’s very own trio “The Sound Waves” playing works of Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington. Admire the views with your party all the way from Battery Park to Brooklyn in this one and a half hour cruise.

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4. Chef Morimoto Sunset Sushi & Sake. The famous Morimoto from the Food Network’s Iron Chef can be found on Classic Harbor Line’s Sunset Sushi & Sake cruise. This option is adaptable to guests, as you can choose the ways in which you would like your food served. Request an open saki bar if you wish, or fine cuisine served buffet-style. These cruises can be scheduled privately, however there is a selection of pre-scheduled Morimoto cruises if you would like to purchase tickets at a predetermined date.

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5. Brunch. This option includes a delectable ensemble of meal choices for each guest to enjoy. What could be better than brunch on a leisurely weekend? Brunch with a breathtaking view of Downtown Manhattan, of course. The menu offers a variety of brunch favorites, from Belgium Waffles to Salmon Platters. And be sure to save room for some Italian cookies and fresh fruits for dessert! This type of cruise is the perfect way to spend a day catching up with loved ones and rekindling your inner foodie.

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6. Wine Tasting. There are multiple Wine-Tasting options at Classic Harbor Line, NY. Each wine featured on the cruise is carefully selected and served to each guest, alongside the finest artisan and farmside cheeses. And if you have no time left during the summer to schedule one of these wine-tasting cruises, they are also offered during the holidays, an ideal way to celebrate the season in style.

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7. Full Moon. The Full Moon Cruise Option provides an opportunity to sail beneath the stars. You’ll sail by Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, among other city icons. There’s nothing like New York past sunset; guests will watch the city come alive. Complimentary wine, beer, and champagne will be provided to those who choose to attend the Full Moon Cruise, created with elegance and sophistication in mind.

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8. Full Day Bear Mountain. This nine-hour long event begins with an open breakfast buffet and travels north throughout the Palisades and the lower Hudson River Valley. After the boat docks at Bear Mountain, guests enjoy three hours of outdoor activities. This cruise is perfect for families and friends who enjoy hiking and exploring. If you wish, you can also visit the museum or zoo alongside the beautiful Hessian Lake!

If you’ve got a free day to spare and you’re looking for something to do with friends and family, then browse through the selection of cruises offered by Classic Harbor Line! There is bound to be one that fits your taste, time constraints, and craving for luxury. Don’t let the last month of summer fly by; these cruises are the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle of the city…but not too far away!

–Kelly Fleming

Categories
Dining

Go Pink With Your Drink This Summer: Celebrate the Return of Rosé Season

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The Hornblower Hybrid on which the event took place

La Nuit en Rosé, a wine festival dedicated to celebrating everyone’s favorite summer wine, was held this weekend aboard a luxurious Hornblower Hybrid Yacht along the Hudson River. With two afternoon and two evening cruises this past weekend,  La Nuit en Rosé featured 85 different rosé wines from around the world, which guests sipped while enjoying the beautiful downtown New York skyline.

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Gerard Bertrand Wine

According to the event organizers, Pierrick Bouquet and Jacques Azoulay, rosé wines have become a “summer-must and have gained an exceeding amount of momentum over the last few years.” The two said that the cruise would be “relaxed but chic. Elegant and very festive.”

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Champagne Jacquart

In addition to a myriad of different rosés, La Nuit en Rosé also provided guests with the musical stylings of the fabulous DJ Teal and DJ Bigg Higg as well as delicious offerings from local restaurants. Those who wanted to leave the cruise with their very own bottle of wine were in luck, since guests were able to order directly from renowned wine merchant, Zachys, through their smart phones. Some of our personal favorites include: Marquis de la Tour Brut rosé NV and Pineto Brachetto d’Acqui 2013. Bouquet and Azoulay were thrilled with the event’s turn out and said, “It really became more than just a wine tasting, it was an incredible event where people were able to discover and learn about rosé from all over the world, and talk with producers who came specially for this memorable occasion.”

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Jacques Alexandre Azoulay, co-founder of La Nuit En Rosé and Grace A. Capobianco, DOWNTOWN’s CEO and Publisher

The next step for Bouquet and Azoulay is, “La Nuit en Rosé Miami 2015 and of course La Nuit en Rosé New York June 2015.” Check out our Facebook for more photos from the event. And, for those who missed out on trying out some new wines this past weekend, don’t worry! You can still get in on the action by signing up for the La Nuit en Rosé Wine Club which will be launching on July 1st. Members can choose between 3-6 bottles of rosé wine to be shipped to their homes every month.

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Mini French Pastries from Canelé by Céline

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View of the New York City skyline from the yacht

– Elizabeth Sutherland

 – Photography by Caesar Caberto Jr