Whining About Finals Over Wine

Happy Hour For The Win

Melissa and I were walking in Chelsea after our nail appointment the other day and we were in desperate need of an adult beverage. As we were walking, we caught a sign for a Happy Hour at a cute little Italian Spot: Pastai (http://www.pastainyc.com/). I'm always down for an affordable glass of wine.

I've been dabbling more in red wines. I'm going to Napa again with a school group and I want to start developing a taste/appreciate for red wines. We each ordered a glass of a lovely Montepulciano. The wine is very jammy and easier to drink than many red wines I've had before.

Lovely Red

The spot has its own personalized wine glasses - really classy. I want to come back for food - the kitchen was opening up when we were there and the fresh pastas looked delicious.

Cheers,

Liz

 

The Dove Parlour

This is what it tastes like when doves...drink?

This past Thursday, the Luxury and Retail Club at Stern hosted a holiday get together at The Dove Parlour (http://thedoveparlour.com/), a great little cocktail lounge near campus. I've visited this lounge multiple times because of its incredible Happy Hour. Sunday through Thursday, most martinis and specialty cocktails are $7 (as compared to $11).

One of my favorite choices is the Spiced Peach Cobbler. It is made with peach vodka, honey, cinnamon and organic vanilla soy milk. It reminds me of a slice of peach pie with ice cream. It is delicious and dessert in a glass!

The Spiced Peach Cobbler

If you happen to visit the Dove, the French Lavender and Silk Road Margarita are also lovely. This is a great deal during Happy Hour and I encourage you to explore!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Gyu-Kaku Happy Hour for the Win

Desperately Seeking Cocktails

Last week, Melissa and I went to Gyu-Kaku (http://www.gyu-kaku.com/ny/eastvillage.htm) for its fantastic Happy Hour (everyday from 11:00am to 6:00pm and 9:30pm to 11:00pm Mon-Thurs). I ordered the Saketini as my cocktail, a mix of vodka and sake! All cocktails are 50% off - all liquor brands too!

Saketini

We ordered a bunch of plates to share, including the rib-eye, hangar steak, and shishito peppers. If you use FourSquare make sure to check-in so you can get complimentary edamame! Both of us check-in, so we each got a bowl!J

Rib-Eye for BBQ!

Shishito Peppers

We had an awesome lunch! This is such a good spot to go during happy hour, otherwise it is a bit pricey.

Cheers,

Liz

 

My Life is Full of Sen

Cocktailing Event at Sen NYC

Last week, I organized an event for a club (Cellar) at Stern at Sen (http://www.senrestaurant.com/nyc/). It was a hands-on cocktail demonstration with paired Japanese cuisine. The venue is super swanky and our small group had a wonderful time. I was enjoying myself and didn't snap too many pictures of the cocktails or food. I managed to get one before the activities started of the bar set-up. 

We had four different cocktails. The Shiso Spritz (highlighting Vodka and Shiso Leaves), The Sen Mojito (highlighting Katana Sake and Malibu Rum), The Sen Cosmopolitan (highlighting Sake and Triple Sec) and the Mizu "NYE" Cocktail (highlighting Prosecco and St. Germain).

We nibbled on sushi, tempura, chicken wings and chicken skewers. So yummy!

I'd recommend going back here. The best feature of the restaurant is its square bar. It is an awesome focal point. Check it out during Happy Hour!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Picking Apples

Apple Restaurant & Bombar

A good friend of mine, Scott F., suggested getting drinks at a local spot near Stern. I couldn't believe he would actually suggest this spot for a good martini. I've walked past it many many times but never thought of it as somewhere to actually go inside! I want to come from a "Place of Yes," so I agreed and went to Apple (http://applerestaurant.com/).

Ketel One Dirty Martini

I am SHOCKED to admit I was wrong. The bartenders make incredible martinis for a great price ($10)! This is the spot to go near school. The interior of the spot is completely random and super weird. The bar is shaped like a piano. If you can get beyond the decor, the drink selection and pricing is a bargain. Happy Hour is 4-7pm, half off the entire bar. 

Good job Scott!

Cheers, 

Liz

 

Blind (Date) Tiger Ale House

Beers in the West Village

It is wonderful to write a post about a fabulous new drinking spot as well as meeting someone incredibly fascinating. I haven't had the best run of dates lately, but I was pleasantly surprised last night. The gentleman in question is a bit of a beer buff, so I suggested The Blind Tiger Ale House (http://www.blindtigeralehouse.com/) in the West Village. My Strategy professor at Stern is a huge fan of the spot, so I figured it was a safe bet. I suggested going during the Happy Hour (every week day from 11:30 - 8:00 pm, $1 off draught beers, cask ale, wine, prosecco or mead). We met at 7pm and the place was incredibly busy - a popular spot! We managed to find a quieter table in the corner and ordered the Brooklyner Weisse. It was lovely and we had several - yum!

Check it out - definitely during Happy Hour. It will please even the most discerning beer connoisseur. 

Cheers!
Liz

 

Too Hot Out...Starting to Feel like a Zombie!

Maison Premiere is a Premier Spot! 

I wanted to show Amber a bar that has a totally different character than many bars I've been to in the city. My good friend Lisa introduced me to Maison Premiere (http://maisonpremiere.com/) nearly a year ago and I've been a fan ever since! We ordered a zombie cocktail. It was delicious and strong!!! The crushed ice helps dilute the cocktail - it is definitely a sipper. I've gotten absinthe cocktails there before but I'm not a huge fan of absinthe. I think I mainly ordered it because the presentation is beautiful. I'll continue to stick to the zombie. 

As a side note, the oyster happy hour is phenomenal (M-F, 4-7pm)! Unlike many spots, all oysters are available for the special. You can get a wide selection for a great value. Be warned though, you want to get there early!!! Seating fills up quickly. Additionally, there is a beautiful garden in the back with more seating. 

Your favorite zombie lover,

Liz

 

Fancy Margaritas with Flowers

Hecho en Dumbo

After exploring Wise Men, the Ladies Drinking League headed to Hecho en Dumbo (http://www.hechoendumbo.com/). The ladies were hungry and tapas WERE NOT going to cut it! While we nibbled on guacamole (a bit spicy), the ladies ordered some Margaritas. We missed Happy Hour (sad face), so I ordered the full priced Hibiscus Margarita. It wasn't as good as it was the first time (don't you hate when that happens?), but I managed to drink it! I highly recommend coming back between 5pm-7pm: such a better deal!

Until Next Time,

Liz

 

Margaritas with the Lux Ladies

Is That a Mango in your Marg?

Sometimes the best way to be productive is to take a break. At least, that is my personal philosophy. The past several weeks have been a tailspin with school assignments, projects, travel and my parents visiting. That being said, I love having a full-schedule, but sometimes a gal needs a break. A time to unwind. Initially, I thought of going home right after class and skipping out on what would be a fabulous evening with some Stern ladies. Katey, Catie, Connie and Sarah are truly wonderful and all members of the Luxury and Retail Club board at Stern. It was nice to unwind with such a great group!

Now, onto the review! I have to admit, this isn't my first time at Agave (http://agaveny.com/). This West Village Mexican gem is a favorite. The Happy Hour features $7 Margaritas (typically $10) with additional fresh fruit puree added for no up-charge (awesome!). I chose mango. I've gotten it before and it continues to deliver! Although the frozen margaritas are pre-made in a machine, they still taste fresh and not full of "mix" or "sugar" like others I have had. I highly recommend it. Also, there is a 2-hour bottomless brunch on the weekends. You can have as many of those Margaritas as you can handle (make sure to have a free afternoon!!).

Now...back to my Brand Strategy PowerPoint presentation!

xoxo,

Liz 

 

Spring has Sprung

Spring Pear at EVR

The new Spring mixology menu has arrived and is it "EVR" (http://evrnyc.com/) so tasty! During one of the recent Cocktailing events (on Wednesday After Work), I ordered the Spring Pear. It is a dangerously tasty combination of pear vodka, spices, sage, maraschino liqueur, lime and agave. By dangerous, I mean, you order two and may forget that it even is Spring or that you're at a bar and not transported to a magically wonderful place. I love seasonal cocktails and this hit the spot - get after it, as my friend Lauren would say. 

Cheers,

Liz

 

Wanna Pranna?

Best to Drink (Thai Gaves) on First Dates!

As the title of the post indicates, I visited Pranna (http://www.prannarestaurant.com/) this past week on a first date. Although I haven't heard back from my date, I do know that I will visit Pranna again. The venue is spacious and the Happy Hour specials for tapas/drinks are great. Of course I didn't order a drink that was on special because I had my eyes on the Thai Gave. It is a (delicious!) blend of agave nectar, ginger juice, lime juice, fresh pineapple juice and tequila. If you're in Flatiron, check out Pranna! 

Sorry for no pics. I didn't want to hurt my chances of a second date with a spastic photo of my cocktail...guess it didn't matter! Pictures next time.

Cheers

Liz