The MBA...was it all a Dream (Downtown)?

Last Chance Beer Blast!

Last week was Senior Week and it was SO much fun! Our final event was Last Chance Beer Blast at the Dream Downtown (http://www.dreamhotels.com/hotels/new-york/new-york/dream-downtown/hotel-overview).

We worked with a company, Host Committee (http://www.hostcommittee.com/), to set up the event. Out of the graduating class, we had several hosts responsible for promoting the party to our community. For $25, each attendee got access to a 1-hour open bar and then could stay afterwards. I decided to be a host and it was a great idea!

Swanky Set-Up!

As a host, I had a designated seating area for people that RSVPed under me. I also got a handwritten note from Host Committee, some small desserts, "props" and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (not cheap "sparkling wine")! As a host, I had to get 10 people to sign-up for the "Perks" of the table - it was a great way to incentivize me to promote the party and then split the bottle with my guests!

The party got real CRAY

I didn't snap any pictures of it, but as you can imagine, people jumped in the pool! Instead of diving in, I dove into this paper popsicle!

Paper Popsicles have no calories

Christine and I headed out after a couple hours to dinner. Stay tuned for my post! When we were walking to the restaurant, I saw this cute PUG poster. I cannot get enough and wanted to share it with you.

Rasta Pug!

If you're organizing a party, Dream was an awesome spot - especially if the weather is good - and Host Committee worked out really well! They even take professional photos of the event and share them with you!

Cheers,

Liz

 

I Love Your (Rum) House!

A Pre-Theater Cocktail!

Before our 3pm Broadway Show , Courtney and I ordered a cocktail at The Rum House (http://www.edisonrumhouse.com/) located at The Hotel Edison. I've gone to this place before with another close friend (Olivia) so I knew it would be a great place for a pre-show drink. Also, this spot has awesome hours (Mon-Sun 12pm - 4am). Many bars don't open until after 4pm or later, so keep this bar in your back pocket if in the area early in the day!

Don't You Love This Menu?

I checked Yelp! reviews to get some inspiration for my order. Based on some RAVES, I got the Tortuga, made with Brugal Anejo (a golden rum), Muddled Citrus, Fresh Ginger and Cinnamon.

The Tortuga!

If you examine the cocktail closely, you will see a large piece of candied ginger NOT an ice cube. I took a too large bite out of it - WOW! Packs a punch. The atmosphere of this place is very inviting and old-fashioned. Check it out!

Cheers!

Liz

 

Let Me See Your Peacock!

Oh My, Is That a Spotted Dick?

After our drinks at Hill and Bay, we headed over to The Peacock (http://www.thepeacocknyc.com/), a new British restaurant and cocktail parlor that recently opened in The William Hotel. It opened earlier in January 2014 and has a sister pub downstairs, The Shakespeare. How British! I just cannot help myself.

The Commitment to Branding is Noticeable! 

We arrived a little bit before our reservations, so we enjoyed a cocktail in The Library Bar. The setting is very much like a library with alcohol, so whoever named it should be promoted. I was automatically a fan. After reviewing the cocktail menu, I decided on the Bramble, made with Tanqueray, Lemon and Blackberries. It is served in a Julep Cup - love the detail!

Bramble

Courtney ordered the Arbor Blush, made with Rose, Kapp a Pisco, Green Grapes and Chandon Rose.

Arbor Blush

When Courtney tried my cocktail, she did have buyer's remorse. This is why you order more than one! We brought our cocktails into the main dining room for dinner. It is set at the back of the hotel lobby and separated by French Doors; it is a nice touch. It makes you feel like you're at a super secret location, especially since the dining room is fairly small. Nice touch! Additionally, the tableware was personalized.

It would be hard to pass this plate off as your own...

Even the BREAD PLATES had a Peacock - I was so impressed!

Hopefully that adorable peacock won't melt the butter!

While we reviewed the menu, we both ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. It was delicious and STRONG. I sipped that puppy.

Bulleit Rye Manhattan

After I reviewed the menu, I decided on the Lancashire Hot Pot. It included Braised lamb shoulder, roasted vegetables, rosemary and Yukon potatoes. It was PHENOMENAL! I loved it! Since this is British food, it was a bit hearty/heavy. The portion was the perfect size since it was so filling.

Lancashire Hot Pot

Courtney ordered the Braised Chicken and Red Wine Risotto - she loved it! I didn't snap a picture though - my b! I was too focused on my meal, so you know it was yummy!

We had to get dessert. A group next to us had ordered four desserts and we asked their favorites. They said the Sticky Toffee Date Pudding and they ranked the Spotted Dick last. I was going to make a comment, but I contained myself. Naturally, I would hope most would not prefer to order such a thing! I kid, I kid.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding was served with a toffee rum sauce and sticky toffee ice cream. It was yummy!!!!! LOVED IT.

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding

Overall, I look forward to returning. The service was VERY slow. I will give this spot the benefit of the doubt since it is a new operation and a new staff. Hopefully that will turn around quickly or people will not want to return. I'm sending good wishes to The Peacock! Go get um!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Super Swank Hotel

The Crosby Bar

I recently went to The Crosby Street Hotel (http://www.firmdalehotels.com/new-york/crosby-street-hotel/crosby-street-bar) for a date. The bar is awesome! I really loved the cocktails but it can be awkward to navigate cocktail documentation while meeting someone for the first time. That being said, I wasn't able to take any photos of my drinks. Sad face!

I had the Passion and Ginger Caipirinha, made with cachaca, ginger, fresh passion fruit and lime. I also had the Crosmopolitan, made with gin, Pavan, blueberries, lemon juice and Champagne. My final drink was the Mango Tango, made with Pavan, mango puree and Champagne. 

I definitely plan to head back and you should too!

Cheers,

Liz

 

A Trip to the Orient

Cocktail & Tea Time!

I wanted to surprise Amber with something special so I made reservations for afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/). The tea is daily at starts at 2:30pm. We got there a bit early (2:00pm) to make sure we could secure a window seat. Most of the seating has a good view, but when you're spending $$$ you want to make sure it is the best!

While we waited for tea time to start, we (naturally) ordered a cocktail. One immediately caught my eye: the Summer Solstice. It is a heavenly mix of vodka, blood orange juice, mango puree and Solerno liqueur (blood orange). This cocktail was magical and at $19 (!!) I was hoping it would be. I knew at a place like this you're paying for the view and it was worth it. 

Once we finished our cocktails, we moved on to tea! I ordered the Thunderbolt Darjeeling tea. It was a delicious black tea. Check out the scones, finger sandwiches and desserts! Nom! I highly recommend this spot for a special event - a mom in town, good friend or to impress a lady!

Until next time!

Liz

 

Checking in at the Wythe Hotel & The Ides Bar

Great View with Cocktails to Match

I'm a big fan of Williamsburg. I figured a great way to kick off my friend's first visit was with an introduction to the Wythe Hotel (http://wythehotel.com/) and its rooftop, The Ides Bar. I had been meaning to go but hadn't visited it yet - what better day than the Fourth of July? 

The rooftop didn't open until 2pm, so we ordered a cocktail at the main level bar. I got a Tom Collins. It was quite tasty! I've been on a gin kick lately. The cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda. The weather was super hot so this was the ideal way to cool down. 

The Ides Bar has a fantastic view of the city. I was shocked by how pretentious it seemed downstairs. There is a whole process of waiting in a roped line and having a hostess check IDs and then usher up groups up people to the elevator. It seemed a bit too Manhattan for the neighborhood. I can imagine it is a popular spot, but maybe it is getting too popular for its own good.

Once upstairs, I ordered a traditional daiquiri - not your frozen type. The basic recipe (that every bartender should master!) is rum, fresh squeezed citrus (typically lime) and sugar (natural is best). The drink wasn't as good as the one I loved at my work bar, but then again, the rum used was Zacapa - which is amazing!

I also got a glass of rose, but that is not exciting, so no picture!

Cheers!

Liz

 

Checked out another selection at the Library!

The NoMad Library Delivers Again!

My friend Amber had her first visit to NYC this past holiday weekend. I wanted to give her a proper tour of the city: a cocktail tour! I introduced her to some of my favorites and we found some new spots together. Her first night here, we went to The NoMad Library (http://www.thenomadhotel.com/). I went to this spot several weeks ago for the first time and was really impressed. Also, I love that it is only a couple of blocks away from my apartment!

I ordered the Petticoat. It is a delicious blend of Sichuan peppercorn-infused gin, apricot liqueur, velvet falernum and lemon. The cocktail had a very clean profile and a nice lingering taste. I was worried it may have been too spicy but the peppercorn adds depth and balance to the drink. Yum!

Onto the next post!

Liz

 

Checking out the Library

Reading is Important. So are Incredible Cocktails!

I live near The NoMad Hotel and I have wanted to check out The Library (http://www.thenomadhotel.com/#!/dining/library) for cocktails. I had the perfect opportunity last night! I started with the Coffee Cocktail. 

The drink was made with Cognac, vintage port, demerara, egg and nutmeg. The drink was very tasty and not too heavy. Sort of like eggnog, but not. The non-alcoholic components definitely masked how strong the drink was, which was very!

The next drink I got was the Matchlock. The drink included rye, bourbon, absinthe, vanilla, grapefruit, ginger, lemon, and angostura bitters. Yum! After this drink, I was all done! The cocktails are $15 and well worth it. Expertly crafted and delicious. 

Until next time,

Liz