Pubbelly: Simply stated, it’s hog heaven

The gastropub has come to Miami, Miami Beach that is, in Pubbelly located around the quieter end of South Beach around 20th Street. Smart move, the space has the perfect non-Art Deco-looking Chelsea New York reminiscent look and feel. It fits perfectly with what the trio of young hip owners are going for.

High ceilings, brick walls, rustic but city like, it’s the antithesis of bubblegum, neon, pastel South Beach and the unique menu is the perfect complement. Asian-inspired Gastropub’s the concept here, an unusual blend for sure but one that works.

Try the spaghetti and meatballs with lemongrass, sommen noodles, tomato and peanuts best described as tangy with a surprising addicting flavor. The McBelly with porkbelly, kimchee, barbecue, pickles and shaved onions is a must as is the pubbelly ramen with porkbelly, lemongrass broth and a poached egg. Menu’s divided into small plates (the first two mentioned here) and larger ones like the ramen, as well as veggies, raw/marinated/cured options and sides. Brews, sakes and wines are great here too with a huge selection.

Pubbelly is located at 1418 20 St., Miami Beach, FL

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The Charlesmark Hotel: Boston’s Best Kept Secret

charlesmark Location, location, location – when you are looking for a stay in Boston, finding a reasonably priced hotel in the center of all the action is what most people have in mind but actually finding that property can be difficult – until now. The Charlesmark Hotel located right on Boylston Street across from the Boston Public Library and the Copley T station, the modern hotel sits prominently at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. With Free wi-fi, a complimentary continental breakfast, a super cool lounge, a Thai dinner menu and rates as low at $119 per night, the Charlesmark Hotel just might be the best value in town.

David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

The David Rubenstein Atrium, a vibrant public visitors’ and ticketing facility on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets is open daily with an array of services for local residents, the general public, and the thousands of people who visit Lincoln Center and the surrounding community every day.

Come to the David Rubenstein Atrium on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets and explore:

* A vibrant community gathering place to linger in and enjoy, with plenty of places to sit
* A venue for free weekly performances as part of Target Free Thursdays
* A resource for day-of discount tickets to available Lincoln Center performances
* Food service from Chef Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft café
* A staffed Information Desk
* Restrooms
* A destination for free Wi-Fi access

Gigi Restaurant: Small bites, big flavor

The latest incarnation in the ever-growing restaurant scene in the Design District is Gigi Bistro. Intimate and hip, it’s obvious they’re going for their own vibe here. Stool seating here outnumbers actual tables and that’s fine. Reaching for shared bites while sitting next to each other is easier than an outstretched arm across a table.

And that’s what they want here, lots of sharing. The small portions, I hate to call them tapas the term’s so overused these days, make for a great experience of sampling different dishes. It’s obvious Chef Jeff McInnis is always thinking up new menu items judging by the small two-sided menu that’s handed out upon arrival (and one side’s all drinks). He makes delicious Asian-inspired buns filled with either beef brisket or with shiitake mushrooms topped with sticky, icky sauce (yes, that’s what it’s called) and sesame. And the super refreshing homestead avocado and tomato salad with citrus, hearts of palm and crunchy rice is a true original.

Gigi is located at 3470 North Miami Ave., Miami, FL

Savvy Snoot

Making consignment shopping cool, Savvy Snoot presents an ever-revolving inventory of designer furniture and accessories at their two hip, relaxed and easy to shop Atlanta locations. Picking only the best of the best from local consigners, Savvy Snoot is a spectrum of design styles featuring photo worthy vignettes that pair turn-of-the-century bookcases with traditional sofas, modern lamps, and original art by local artists. The urban-eclectic mix of consigned goods is fused with found objects from national shopping trips and custom furniture pieces that capture the Savvy Snoot “collected look”.

Never knowing what you’ll find behind the doors, Savvy Snoot transforms cast-off pieces into trendsetting must haves making the wildly popular locale the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind pieces to complete a design or become the inspiration to the decor of a room.

Savvy Snoot has three locations:

Midtown at 1080 Brady Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404.355.1399
Historic Alpharetta at 30 North Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga.30009, 770.442.1315
East Cobb Merchant’s Walk at 1311 Johnson Ferry Rd, Suite 540, Marietta, GA 30068, 770.977.1339

Visit savvysnoot.com for more information.

Azul

Chef Clay Conley is at the helm of Azul. His diverse cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean flavors with Asian influences. The rising star chef honed his culinary reputation at Todd English’s acclaimed Olives restaurant, where he served as executive chef and culinary director.

At the focus of Azul, a magnificent white marble open kitchen and raw bar vie for your attention with the floor to ceiling windows that showcase the picturesque bay views. Once the food arrives however, your attention is sure to be captured by the dishes themselves – like Grilled Chop and Loin of Colorado Lamb with Harrisa, Charred Eggplant, Braised Shank Bastila and Feta and “A Study in Tuna Roll,” Raw Tuna, Tempura Avocado, Asian Sauces with Ossetra Caviar.

Azul’s wine program, designed by sommelier Cynthia Betancourt, features more than 700 world-class wines. The award-winning wine list encompasses a mix of current releases, to classic vintages from the finest producers, with the latest boutique wineries worldwide.

Exotic Designs from CP Fusão

Georgia peaches can perfect their sheen at this fierce flagship. Clothes and jewelry that stop fashion and demand attention, designer and owner, Christine Phillips, has translated her European and Eastern travels into every gleaming item sold here. From Alexander McQueen to Malaysian sensation, Ren, there’s no shortage of fabulously one-of-a-kind finds.

Laurel Hill Cemetery for ’Til Death Do Us Part: The Love Stories of Laurel Hill

Gravesites don’t usually come to mind on the most romantic day of the year, but couples looking for an out-of-this-world Valentine’s Day can head to Laurel Hill Cemetery for ’Til Death Do Us Part: The Love Stories of Laurel Hill. Red wine and snacks follow the hauntingly romantic tour. February 12. 3822 Ridge Avenue, (215) 228-8200, thelaurelhillcemetery.org

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11AM-4PM

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11AM-4PM Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of New York City’s greatest traditions. On this day, everyone is Irish! The annual procession marches up past Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street all the way up past the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 83rd Street.

The first parade in NYC took place in 1766 when Irishmen from the evolutionary War brought the tradition to our New World. The military units continued to march each year until after the War of 1812 when local Irish fraternal and beneficial societies began sponsoring it.

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The Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show 135th Annual Dog Show will take place February 14-15, 2011 at MSG

The Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
135th Annual Dog Show will take place February 14-15, 2011 at MSG

* The Westminster Dog Show is a ticketed event. Tickets cost $20-145 each.
* Entry is limited to 2500 dogs.
* 170 breeds and varieties are judged during the two-day event

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New York City Restaurant Week Winter 2011 NYC Winter Restaurant Week runs January 24-February 6, 2011

Twice a year, in January/February and June/July, there is a unique opportunity to experience some of New York City’s finest restaurants for a fraction of the usual price. Throughout the city, restaurants participate in “Restaurant Week” where they offer a three-course lunch for $24.07 (& some even offer dinner for $35). Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to try out a restaurant that may usually be out of your budget, or test some new restaurants with a little less financial risk. Check out my tips for enjoying Restaurant Week.

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New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center The Fall 2011 Collections at New York Fashion Week

The fashion industry’s finest, and the celebrities who love them, are descending on Lincoln Center once again for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week from February 9-17, 2011.

All of the hottest designers are showing their Fall 2011 collections to celebs and fashionistas in the tents at Lincoln Center this year.

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Atlanta Winter Wine and Jazz Festival

Atlanta Winter Wine and Jazz Festival

winejazz2.eventbrite.com

Sip, savor and jam is the motto at the Atlanta Winter Wine and Jazz Festival. They’ll be vinos from around the world, recognition of Atlanta’s top sommeliers and grape gurus. They’ll be tasty treats, shopping courtesy of local vendors, and live jazz and local entertainment. Sipping starts Feb 20th at 2:00pm at the Georgia Freight Depot. Cheers!

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Salsa Atlanta

Salsa Atlanta

www.salsaatl.com

Salsa your worries away at Salsa Atlanta. $15 drop-in classes every Sunday will keep you on your toes. The 3rd Saturday of every month is Salsa bootcamp! Created in 1999 by Julian Mejia, SALSAtlanta has been promoting Cuban music and dances and teaching Rueda de Casino and Casino dance, also known as “Cuban Salsa” or “Salsa Casino” in Atlanta and Athens GA.

As part of their efforts to promote Cuban culture and its dances, SALSAtlanta has produced and sponsor many events during the years and hosted classes and dance workshops that embrace Cuban and Latin culture in the South.

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Best of Atlanta Party

Best of Atlanta Party

www.atlantamagazine.com/promotions/BOA2011.aspx

On Monday, February 28, you can sample selections from dozens of restaurants voted best by Atlanta magazine’s editors, including Rathbun’s, Bocado, the Porter Beer Bar, the Cookie Studio, and many more!
Wash it all down with drinks from one of the 15 open bars. And all that noshing is for a good cause! The proceeds benefit Camp Twin Lakes, a camp for Georgia’s children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other challenges.

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Southeastern Flower Show

Southeastern Flower Show

http://www.sehort.org/

Put some spring in your winter this season with the Southeastern Flower Show, celebrating 25 years this February. The show is Feb 25-27 at The Cobb Galleria Centre. There will be demos, gardens and competitions for novices and experts! Whether your talents lie in floral arranging, photography, horticulture or container gardening or just taking in the sights, there’s something for you!

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