Syrup & So Much More: The Waffle

Unlike other modern breakfast places in Los Angeles, The Waffle serves both modern and classic breakfast and lunch food in a diner-style environment fit for a Brady Bunch family member.

The Waffle pic

This breakfast eatery has become famous for their endless breakfast options including specialty waffles such as their Blueberry Lemon Waffle as well as six versions of Hash Browns such as their Smoked Salmon with cream cheese, red onions and capers. For starters, The Waffle created fun and unique appetizers such as a Flight of Savory Waffles and Waffle Dip and Chips featuring spinach, artichoke and parmesan dip accompanied by homemade potato chips. The restaurant also serves signature lunch specials and vegetarian dishes.

The Waffle has not only become popular for its food, but they have also become known as a “dog-friendly” eatery where dogs are welcome on the front patio. This eatery is also open late for those looking for breakfast after dinner, or drinks.

Buckingham Fountain

The fountain was commisioned in 1927 by Kate Buckingham to honor her late brother Clarence. She had frequently traveled to Europe, where she admired the huge public fountains and wanted to bring some of Europe’s monumentality to Chicago.

One of the largest fountains in the world, the Buckingham Fountain measures 85m/280ft in diameter. It features 134 jets powered by 3 pumps.

The fountain’s hourly 20 minute water display starts with small sprays. While the basins are filled, more and more jets are activated until it reaches its climax when the central jet pushes water up to a height of 46m/150ft. The animation is best seen at dusk – after 8 pm – when it is accompanied with music and beautifully animated with a now computerized choreography of color spotlights.

National Museum of Mexican History

For more than two decades, the Museum has presented a vast range of educational exhibitions that have continued to offer a vibrant and comprehensive picture of Mexico’s art and history, and of Mexican communities in the U.S. Our understanding that Mexican culture is “sin fronteras” (without borders) guides our exhibition schedule and permits us to display artistic expressions from both sides of the border. From ancient Mesoamerican civilizations to contemporary artistic movements, the Visual Arts Department has a longstanding history of producing original exhibitions with first-voice scholarship. Fifteen of the exhibitions organized by the Museum have traveled across the U.S. and Mexico to other museums. All of the exhibitions we have presented over the years have interpreted our history and culture in order to preserve the knowledge and stimulate appreciation of the Mexican culture.

T- Shirt Deli

With gleaming white deli cases, rolls of perfectly waxed butcher paper, brightly colored stickers, and open-air wicker baskets, these are the ingredients in displaying our freshest selection of tees. They selected homegrown American Apparel brand shirts and started to stock as many font choices and colors as cheeses in a New York deli.

The city of Chicago is buzzing with the news of a t-shirt store with a whole new flavor. The T-Shirt Deli was picked as a “best one of a kind shop” by Frommer’s Guide to Chicago and has been featured in O Magazine.

Moo Shoes

MooShoes, Inc. is a vegan-owned business that sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories. MooShoes offers its services through an online store as well as in its lovely retail store in New York City, the first cruelty-free store of its kind in NYC. We’re open 7 days a week for your shopping pleasure. Here are our store hours.

Founded in 2001 by sisters and Queens natives, Erica and Sara Kubersky, MooShoes was originally located near the Gramercy Park section of Manhattan in a defunct butcher shop. After a brief period on Allen Street, MooShoes re-located to its current location at 78 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It’s an amazing neighborhood, especially for vegans, and there’s a ton to do in the area.

MooShoes is also home to a slew of rescued cats who were adopted from some of our favorite local organizations, many of whom hold adoptions days at our store from time to time. We’ve been lucky enough to hold many events at the store for many talented, genrous individuals and organizations in the vegan community.

MooShoes is run by one of the greatest staffs ever. Don’t believe us? Meet our staff and see for yourself. Still want to know more? Check out our FAQ section.

Kara Ross

Kara Ross’ love of fine jewelry began at the age of 13 when she designed her first ring. The New York-based designer and certified gemologist went on to launch her eponymous accessories line in 2003, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are as dramatic as they are wearable. Invest in embellished cuffs and dazzling drop earrings.

Roseark’s Red & Violets are Bedazzled

With hundreds of jewelry stores in Los Angeles, it takes a truly unique store to stand out amongst the rest. Roseark, located in West Hollywood, is filled with designer one of a kind pieces and elegant jewelry that is every L.A. fashionista’s secret gem. Designers such as Kathy Rose (Bravo’s Launch My Line) and Jennifer Meyer (Tobey Maguire’s wife) showcase pieces like wrap around snake cuffs and over the top emerald cocktail rings.

Some of the best jewelry from Roseark are the small and intricate pieces, such as the simple gold peace sign bracelet and horizontal cross necklace. Roseark’s true mainstream claim to fame came when Taylor Jacobson, star of The Rachel Zoe Project, sported a gold cross necklace each episode and twittered about her Roseark purchase. With beautiful jewelry, accessories and famous shoppers, Roseark is an absolute must for the jewelry aficionado.

If You’re Looking for Classy, Go To Trashy Lingerie

When the Playmates are on the prowl for Halloween costumes and the celebs are in the market for some serious lingerie, the only way to go is to go Trashy. The classy vibe is seen in the expensive price tags and even more extravagant party costumes worn by Hef’s ladies.

Trashy Lingerie, located on the corner of La Cienega, looks just as cute on the inside as it does on the outside. The bright pink exterior is home to the most amazing costumes and priceless lingerie. Anything from $300 dollar sailor outfits to mix-and-match bras and undergarments can be found.

The “members only” feature requires flashing a pink card at the door to gain access to all the goods. Once inside, the walls feature anything from lingerie sets to hooker heels by the dozen. The personal shopping experience with a lingerie expert makes the visit to Trashy feel ever so classy. If you are looking to go trashy but need a serious deal, check the website for Holiday deals offering anywhere from 40-50% off Trashy sets.

Sing Your Heart Out at Muzette

With over 70,000 songs in English, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, and much more, Muzette is DC’s first private-roomed karaoke joint. Located in the hustling and bustling Adams Morgan, this underground restaurant has a small dining area serving hot and spicy Korean dishes, a comfortable long wooden bar, and nine rooms of all sizes for karaoke without public humiliation.

Depending on the number of your party, the room size you request, and the time and day of your visit, prices for karaoke ranges from $25 to $80 per hour.

For more liquid courage to step up to your game and belt your heart out, Muzette has a wide variety of Asian beer, wines, and sakes for your choosing. Click here for more information.

Meat Market: Sink your teeth into it

The name may be a play on words for a pick-up bar but rest assured, Meat Market on Lincoln Road in South Beach couldn’t be further from that. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Sean Brasel along with sommelier Sarah Almand are a pair of pros at their craft.

The menu features signature steaks and reserve cuts as the stars, with a great selection of sauces and butters specially created to accompany them along with classic salads that make great starters. Pork, chicken and fish entrees and yet another classic, meatloaf make the grade here too.

For an even more unique experience, their monthly wine dinner series is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique culinary evening. The four-course meals include two appetizer courses, an entree course and dessert course. Each one is paired with the perfect wine. Succulent smoke-roasted duck breast with zinfandel and rugged dry-aged prime rib eye with hearty combination reds.

Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 305-532-0088 www.meatmarketmiami.com

Miami Twice: Great shopping for vintage goods

A mainstay of Miami’s shopping scene, especially for those who prefer something different than the mall, Miami Twice is a great place to shop for vintage goods.

Courtesy of Google Images

The store is packed with wares and accessories not easily found, rare gems that can make a wardrobe unique and different. Think great dresses and shoes from the early 1900s to the 1980s. They’ve also got modern designer duds and purses. They’re jewelry, especially brooches and costume pieces, as well as vintage shoes and purses from classic eras are all the rage here.

It’s a fun experience walking into this place and browsing through their merchandise, whether it’s for just looking or actually buying. A stop in Miami is worth a trip here. Hey, they’ve been in business a quarter of a century, they’re definitely doing something right.

Miami Twice is located at 6562 SW 40 St., Miami, FL 305-666-0127 http://www.facebook.com/pages/miami-twice

Fifty Ultra Lounge: Viceroy Hotel’s hot spot

One of Downtown Miami’s hottest hotels is surprisingly enough, a fabulous nightclub spot. The Fifty Ultra Lounge at Viceroy Miami is stiff competition for those clubs on the other side of the Causeway (meaning South Beach).

Appropriately named for its location, the view alone is unmatched by any other club because it sits on the building’s rooftop meaning unobstructed water and skyline views as far as the eye can see. The pool, which serves as the centerpiece here, is no slouch either, adding that perfect Miami touch.

FIFTY promises to bring you a “One-of-a-kind rooftop lounge with a fresh new look on Miami’s Nightlife scene.” There’s always something happening on this rooftop with Happy Hour, guest DJ’s, special Ladies’ Night events and Sunday afternoon pool parties. Celebrities are frequently spotted here so keep your eyes peeled.

Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue, 305-503-4417 www.viceroymiami.com

Dark Horse Tap: a neighborhood bar in Wrigleyville

While Dark Horse calls itself an English pub, it’s more than that, considering they have $1 Taco Wednesdays, among other non-British food specials. Plus, even when the Wrigleyville crowd at Dark Horse Tap spills outside into the front and back beer garden, patrons can still watch the game — especially the Steelers during football season — thanks to the large open doors and windows.

Another plus to this Wrigleyville Bar? Even though Dark Horse isn’t far from Wrigley Field, just off Clark Street, it has a more relaxed atmosphere than the other bars and clubs you’ll find in the area.

Museum of Contemporary Art thinks outside the box, and onto the plaza

Art isn’t meant to be kept inside the box, or on the canvas for that matter. At Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the curators try to put their chosen pieces in context, as much as the sculptures, video, balloon art, and other abstract expressions can be.

The abstract space constantly evolves as new pieces come in and out of the Streeterville location on a regular basis. But one thing is a constant at the MCA: abstract art that helps you look at the world in a very different light. Whether its an art project out on the plaza, or a display inside one of the U.S.’s biggest modern art museums, the Museum of Contemporary Art knows how to push boundaries.

Admission is $12, except on Tuesdays, when it’s free for Illinois residents. MCA is closed on Mondays.

Dream: This is no la la land but it’s a dream

Yet another velvet rope nightclub has debuted in South Beach. This one’s called Dream and features all that’s come to be expected from a high energy, open ’til the wee hours hot spot in what’s known as the American Riviera.

Like most of the nightclubs in the area, this one’s on Washington Avenue, the hotbed strip for late night party hounds. Dream’s decadent interior is filled with obligatory disco balls, multi-colored flourescent lighting, comfy tufted leather booths where celebrities and other high-rollers are sure to enjoy bottle service throughout the night.

The nightly themes, like Fantasy Wednesdays, Eyecandy Saturdays and Fubar Fridays seem to have a recurring theme. It’s pure South Beach decadence for sure. It’s what’s to be expected around these parts.

Dream is located at 1532 Washington Ave., 305-674-8018, www.dreammia.com

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy is BYOB

Don’t be fooled by Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s small theater space with only 40 seats. The stage might not be big, but the laughs will be, especially considering the theater is BYOB. Home to a handful of comedy groups, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy puts on a variety of performances, including improv, sketch, stand-up, and plays. On their current run, they’re performing the uber-popular comedy, “The Book of Liz,” penned by Amy and David Sedaris.

When not taking over the stage with their antic, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy also offers improv comedy classes for the masses. They also sell package deals for large groups.

Guthrie’s Tavern is all about the fun and games

Just a couple blocks from Wrigley Field on Addison, Guthrie’s is pretty unassuming compared to other bars in the area. But this small tavern served as big inspiration to the (now cancelled) TBS comedy “My Boys,” where a TV group of friends gathered each week to drink beer and play games.

Real-life friends can still do that at Guthrie’s Tavern. Not only does the bar offer stellar — and well-priced — signature drinks like Pimm and ginger ale, but it also serves up over 50 board games to test your motor skills while you drink. Sip a cocktail and claim it was the Colonel in the living room with the butter knife; it’s all par for the course in this Wrigleyville tavern.

Ride the rails during Chicago ‘L’ Tours

The Chicago ‘L’ system has long been the way tourists and locals alike have travelled miles across the city, whether it be to Wrigley Field or downtown for work. Since 1999, there’s also been another use for the elevated tracks: as a way to learn about Chicago’s rich history. Chicago-L.org hosts tours via the ‘L’ tracks through various institutions, including the Chicago History Museum and the Chicago Architecture Foundation. No matter what the tour or what ‘L’ line your guide will take you on, each tour offers tidbits of history and architecture lessons as you ride the city’s public transportation system. While tour fares typically aren’t expensive (usually around $11-$16, and that includes the ‘L’ pass), be prepared to walk.

Louis Vuitton: Exclusively carried by only a few

There’s something about carrying around that handbag with the LV insignia all over it. The matching keychain, wallet, luggage and other accessories make for an even bigger fashion statement.

The Louis Vuitton name still carries that element of panache and so the company likes to keep it that way. Their stores can only be found in the most exclusive of stores around Miami. Aventura Mall in the northern part of Miami, The Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, Dadeland Mall in the south end of Miami . The latest announcement is that LV will open a free-standing store in the hip Design District so that’s another one to look forward to. No worries either, these are not typical malls because of course LV would only be sold in very high-end shops which these are.

To find these exclusive spots where LV is sold visit www.louisvuitton.com and check the store locator section of the website.

Piccolo Sogno is a little dream, especially on the outdoor patio

Situated on the corner of Milwaukee, Grand, and Halsted, you don’t expect to find a beautiful Italian restaurant. But that’s what you’ll get — along with outstanding service, meals, and wine — at Piccolo Sogno. While inside the restaurant is nice, it’s the expansive outdoor patio, where about 75-percent of the seating is, that’ll make you swoon. Surrounded by large trees and sparkling lights at night, patrons can easily enjoy their exquisite but large Italian food portions that use seasonal ingredients. Rather have a lighter dinner? Piccolo Sogno also offers smaller appetizer portions of all their house-made pasta dishes.

Seasons 52 offers seasonal and healthy fresh food

Seasons 52 may be a chain of restaurants, but that doesn’t mean it’s like all the other chains out there. As the restaurant’s name implies, it specializes in seasonal fare so the menu changes as the seasons do. But that’s not all. While the ingredients are absolutely fresh, making the wide-ranging menu delicious, they’re also incredibly healthy. None of the dishes go over 500 calories.

While Seasons 52 may specialize in healthy, seasonal fare, don’t let this deter you from their dessert menu. The restaurant calls their desserts ‘mini indulgences,’ because while they may be decadent, they’re not packed with a ton of calories either.

City Hall: No government here, it’s all about the food

City Hall's Steve Haas and Tom Azar. Photo courtesy of Mishael Fernandez.

The name could throw anyone off — City Hall. Government, clerks, parking tickets, etc… but at this City Hall, it’s all about the food. Owner Steve Haas, an icon in the Miami community, especially restaurants and his chef Tom Azar wouldn’t have it any other way.

They’ve created a masterpiece of Art Deco cool here and Haas has experience with that after all, he’s run restaurants on South Beach where that architecture style rules. Azar, a protege of famed celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, has put together a stellar menu of brasserie style favorites. Using a play on words throughout the menu (appetizers are called “Opening Statements” and entrees “Primary Decisions”) the food is serious here.

Seafood and andouille gumbo with steamed rice and butter fried croutons or Latin-inspired seared scallops with jalapeno emulsion, pico de gallo, a black bean and sweet corn salsa and fried plantains make great choices.

City Hall is located at 2004 Biscayne Blvd. 305-764-3130, www.cityhallrestaurant.com

Margulies Collection: Wynwood District pioneer’s space shines

The once sleepy Wynwood neighborhood over the last decade has become a force in the growing and world-reknowned Miami arts community and pioneering the transformation is Martin Margulies, well known art collector.

At the giant Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, located of course in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District, the variety of art on display is impressive and obviously his life’s work. Contemporary and vintage photography, sculptures, installations and video pieces. Sculptures by artworld heavyweights Joan Miro, Williem de Kooning and Isamu Noguchi are here for the viewing. Amazing that works by such masters exist in one place together. This is an art lover’s dream and give yourself a few hours because working through the space requires just that.

The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse is located at 591 NW 27 St. 305-576-1051 www.margulieswarehouse.com

Jayson Home and Garden: a gardener’s dream

Rarely do we ever see a beautiful garden anywhere in the city but in a park, if we’re lucky, or someone’s back yard. Not so in Lincoln Park’s Jayson Home and Garden. Unlike cookie-cutter gardening stores, like Home Depot, this gardening oasis is an absolute delight to all the senses, particularly in their outdoor garden store. Even though they’ve cut back recently in their floral selection, Jayson Home and Garden offers top-notch plants as well as decor for inside and outside the home. Don’t expect to find wilting perennials here; rather this gardening store draws patrons in with a plethora of blooming flowers, and keeps you there — if only to browse — with unique and beautiful pieces.

Trapeze – An unique experience

Recently, I’ve learned how to fly. Flying trapeze got me closer to the experience of flying freely, than any other activity I’ve tried before. Trapeze School New York offers outdoor classes in their Hudson River Park location on top of Pier 40, for all level students. If you are a beginner do not panic, it is far from any danger, the instructors will guide you the entire time. The setting is breathtaking: you will literally feel like you fly above the Hudson River. And the energy it gives you is fantastic. Some people try it for the challenge, some for the unique experience, some for the work-out and many just for the fun. No matter what your motive is, you are going to love it, and go back for more.

353 West St
New York NY
10014
(212) 242-TSNY

The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers

This post is for New York’s golf lovers, who can not practice freely in the city, but for all those whom never tried to play golf before. The Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers, has a 2,000-square-foot indoor center, perfect for all the golf lovers. The Club also offers private/semi-private classes for beginners and more advance golfers. They have fifty-two heated and weather-protected hitting stalls on four levels, so you can finally play regardless of the weather. You will also be pleasantly surprised by the amazing riverside views and the country club setting of the space. You can reserve the place for a private party, or take your group of friends and teach them how to golf, under the guidance of the Club’s friendly instructors. I can not think of a more unique location for an event, a date, or catching up with your friends.

Pier 59
23rd St. & Hudson River Park
New York, NY 10011
212.336.6400

Extra Virgin – Extra Good Food and Charm

Extra Virgin is no longer a secret for the residents of the West Village. In fact, it is one of the most popular brunch places in Manhattan. Extra Virgin feels very low key, with its exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and friendly staff, however the food is just as good as in any up-scale restaurant. They change their menu frequently, and they always offer

inventive Mediterranean dishes. I simply love their roasted chicken and the delicious artichokes Provençal. The place is always crowded, but if you are lucky to get a table outside, you will get a good feeling of the life in the popular West Village. The restaurant is on the corner of West 4th street and Perry street, one of the most charming blocks in New York City.

259 W 4th St

New York, NY 10014

(212) 691-9359

Flute – Sophistication and Fun

The French décor, the dimmed lights, and the delicious champagne make Flute one of the most romantic bars in New York City. Despite its charm, Flute is a hidden gem in Gramercy, known only by real New Yorkers. The place can be defined as upscale, but cozy and very comfy.
Their staff is friendly, and they will help you decide on the wide variety of one hundred and fifty champagnes, plus the wines, of course. Some nights you can listen to beautiful jazz played by a live, talented band. Therefore, Flute brings together class, sophistication, culture and fun – truly a NYC place, which you should not miss.

40 E 20th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 529-7870

The New Gansevoort Hotel

The Gansevoort Park is another gem brought to NYC by the Gansevoort Group, which turns to be their most impressive location yet. The entire place is funky, very modern, decorated with bright colors and hip furniture, but very comfortable and welcoming in the same time. According to the ‘connaisseurs’, Gansevoort’s Penthouses (PH1 and PH2) host some of the best parties these days. A significant part of the space is completely made of glass walls, offering amazing views of the city, and giving a modernistic feeling to the entire place. They also have a beautiful terrace on the top floor, where a DJ spins and summery cocktails are served. In general, more than one party takes place at the same time on these two floors, bringing together a mixed, stunning crowd of people. All these and more make the new Gansevoort Hotel a Must this summer.

420 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10016
(212) 317-2900

The Fabulous ABC Home

ABC Carpet is more than a store. This stunning place feels more like a museum, where you can take home your favorite pieces. The six floor flagship located in Manhattan at 888 Broadway and 19thStreet, is a combination of exhibits of European antiques, vintage goods, Asian rugs, glittering chandeliers, gigantic statues, modern pieces of furniture, and much more. Despite the variety of styles which they sell, everything is beautifully exhibited, and blends in perfectly. Most people go there to shop, but there are many people – including myself, who go there just for the visual experience. Yes, their items are luxurious, and they come at a high price, but ABC Carpet is truly the wonderland of home deco.

888 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-3000

Isabel Marant – comfort and style meet on Green Street

The French born designer Isabel Marant brings to the US the quintessential Parisian style. At a first look, her designs seem effortless, comfortable, but with details which give them a bohemian, modern twist. The muted colors, and the high-end textiles, make her clothing easy to wear, but visually beautiful. Even though, she is a well established designer in France, Isabel Marant opened her first boutique in New York in 2009 on Green Street (corner of Broom). Her store sells her main collection and a more affordable line – Etoile. She also designs and sels beautiful pieces of jewelry. With the opening of this store, Marant became increasingly more popular among NY’s fashion people, so her loose-fitted dresses and masculine jackets can be seen on Thursday nights at galley opening in Chelsea, or on a Saturday night in Meat Packing.

Therefore, Isabel Marant creates for the stylish woman, who wants to be fashionable, but feel comfortable at the same time, and look as if she didn’t put much effort in dressing up, even though she looks absolutely fabulous.

469 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 219-2284

Archive for August, 2011