April 2010 Archives

The Haagen-Dazs® brand is celebrating a milestone birthday − and you're invited to share in the fun as we all sing for ice cream.  On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Haagen-Dazs will celebrate 50 years as the first super premium ice cream with its annual Free Flavor Day.  From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop across the country, ice cream lovers can wish the brand a "Happy Birthday" and enjoy a free scoop of one of three original all-natural ice cream flavors: Haagen-Dazs Chocolate, Coffee or Vanilla. 
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"This is a huge milestone for us, and we're thrilled to be celebrating our 50th birthday with our loyal fans," said Haagen-Dazs Shops brand manager Julie Fleigle.  "Free Flavor Day gives us an opportunity to give back to our dedicated supporters who have made us the successful ice cream brand we are today."  

Haagen-Dazs ice cream reflects decades of passion and creativity that began in the early 1920s when Reuben Mattus, a young entrepreneur with a passion for quality and a vision for creating the finest ice cream, sold fruit ice and ice cream pops from a horse-drawn wagon on the bustling streets of New York. The Haagen-Dazs brand officially launched in 1960 with three classic all-natural ice cream flavors - Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla - still popular favorites today.  At first, Haagen-Dazs was only available in container packages at gourmet shops in New York City, but soon distribution expanded throughout the East Coast.  By 1973, Haagen-Dazs products were enjoyed by discerning customers across the United States. In 1976, Mr. Mattus' daughter, Doris, opened the first Haagen-Dazs Scoop Shop in Brooklyn, New York. It was an immediate success, and its popularity led to a rapid expansion of shops across the country.

To find a nearby Haagen-Dazs Shop where you can participate in the Free Flavor Day festivities, visit the Shops locator on www.haagendazs.com.


April 21, 2010 / category: Desserts / link / comments (0)

Cocktails alfresco in NYC
April 14, 2010

One of the best things to do in good weather times is go have a cocktail outside to enjoy the breeze and fresh air (okay, maybe the air isn't exactly fresh)...

Here are two places to imbibe outdoors - and up high!

Press is on the 16th floor of Ink48 (a Kimpton Hotel) in Hell's Kitchen (address: 653 11th Ave at 48th St.)  It is scheduled to open this Friday, April 16th.
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The far west-side location allows for great Hudson river views to the West and amazing midtown views to the East.
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Not bad, ha?  I bet this place is going to be very popular!

The Rooftop is on the 12th floor of the Empire Hotel (address: 44 West 63rd St. @ Broadway) It has views of Lincoln Center.  The food is done by the China Grill people, so you know it's going to be tasty!  You can look at the cocktail and food menu here
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April 14, 2010 / category: Cocktails / link / comments (0)
Last weekend I found a wonderful new (to me, not new in general) spot on the Upper East Side: Bistro Le Chat Noir on 66th Street between Madison and Fifth.
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(Odd Fact - It happens to be diagonally across the street from where Imelda Marcos and all her shoes used to live!)  It is run by the woman who used to manage La Goulue, you can read an interview with her here

After a pleasant walk around the Upper East Side on Easter Sunday, a light bite was in order.  They had a really tasty and very Spring-ish lobster salad prepared with 1/2 a lobster, mesclun greens and fresh fennel in a citrus vinaigrette. The baguette they served was quite spectacular, crispy outside with a tender, chewy inside - just the way it should be.  I regret that I didn't ask who their baguette source was. You can check out the entire menu, here at menu pages. For the location, I would say it was a very good value too.
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They have a few tiny tables outside, they are nice because they are down a couple of steps so you are separated from the sidewalk foot traffic.  Also, since it's on 66th and not Madison there is less traffic overall.

April 7, 2010 / category: Restaurants / link / comments (0)
Sherry Lehmann is one of my favorite wine shops in the city. It's a beautiful store and everyone who works there actually knows about wine. Also, it's in a super convenient location (505 Park Ave. at the corner of 59th Street) near Bloomingdale's, Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn.

Here are their wine picks for April:

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April 1, 2010 / category: Wine / link / comments (0)