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New York City Secrets: Brooklyn Winery

November 12, 2010

Williamsburg has it all. The ?hipster haven? is home to the most sought-after, most underground, most diverse or just all-around best music, art, indie fashion, vintage shopping, food, microbrews ? and now wine. Brian Leventhal, however, saw that Williamsburg does have the potential to be an oenophiliac borough --wine just needed to be reinvented. And so, Brooklyn Winery was born.

Williamsburg has it all. The ?hipster haven? is home to the most sought-after, most underground, most diverse or just all-around best music, art, indie fashion, vintage shopping, food, microbrews ? and now wine. Brian Leventhal, however, saw that Williamsburg does have the potential to be an oenophiliac borough --wine just needed to be reinvented. And so, Brooklyn Winery was born.

 

Brooklyn Winery isn?t your typical wine bar. Keeping with Williamsburg?s artistic, hands-on legacy, the 8,000 square-foot space offers the opportunity to make your own wine ? something Leventhal and his partner, John Stires, wanted people to be able to do right here in the city. Master winemaker, Conor McCormack, is on hand to guide beginners to experts through the entire process; from crushing the grapes to bottling their creations. Brooklyn Winery also features a spacious wine bar and event space, creating a real headquarters for wine in Williamsburg. Wine enthusiasts and future wine enthusiasts can learn a whole new skill in winemaking, they can gather and sample local and house-made wines and they can form a new community ? which is just what Leventhal and Stires were hoping for.

 

In addition to wines you?ve never had before, Brooklyn Winery also boats a small plates menu supplied by nearby Radish ? things like lamb meatballs and gourmet popcorn. With locally sourced food and wine, it seems that Brooklyn Winery has successfully brought wine to Williamsburg in true Brooklyn fashion.

 

Brooklyn Winery is located at 213 North 8th Street between Driggs and Roebling Streets.

Globe-Trotter: Kimberly Ovitz

November 09, 2010

Kimberly Ovitz launched her first collection in the Spring of 2009. It?s hard to believe her namesake line hasn?t been around for over a decade. We sat down with Kimberly Ovitz to gain some insight into her busy life that most definitely includes traveling.
Kimberly Ovitz launched her first colletion in the Spring of 2009.  It?s hard to believe her namesake line hasn?t been around for over a decade.  Her minimalistic and equestrian- inspired pieces seem to be the staples that I most covet in my closet. Ovitz began interning in the industry at the ripe age of 14, and the rest is fashion history.  Love the Kimberly Ovitz line as well? You can bid on a Kimberly Ovitz package at www.charitybuzz.com for a studio visit and a hefty gift certificate to shop her collection.  How?s that for philanthropic fashion?
 
We sat down with Kimberly Ovitz to gain some insight into her admirable life that most definitely includes traveling.
 
 
You?ve worked with classic design houses like Chanel and mst cutting-edge brands like Imitation of Christ.  How do you incorporate these different experiences and influences into your designs?
 
I was able to take bits and pieces from each experience I had and apply it to what I am doing today.  At Chanel I viewed the process of how an ultimate high-end couture house develops a collection.  At Imitation I experienced a smaller operation in which the creative process was stemmed from various vintage pieces that were being re-worked and re-invented for a denim license. 
 
 
 

 

Are there certain places in the world that inspire you? What cities do you feel have a true style identity?

 

 

I?m inspired by anywhere I have traveled or lived.  I?m grateful for having had the opportunity to see many places to draw inspiration from.  I think every city has its own style identity.  LA, NY, Paris, London?they all have a different aesthetic.

 
 
What are your favorite travel destinations? Where have you never been  tobut are dying to visit?
 
Italy and the Bahamas. I would like to go back to Japan and also travel to Thailand, Australia, Bali and Fiji.
 
 

 

What are your travel essentials?

 

Books, bikinis, sweats and my two English bulldogs.

 

 
 
Where have you encountered the best finds?
 
Definitely Paris!
 
 
Click here to shop the collection!

New York FIT Show: Japanese Designers

November 05, 2010

The FIT Museum is currently housing the Japan Fashion Now exhibit. Curated by fashion academic-doyenne, Valerie Steele, it is the first of its kind to feature contemporary Japanese fashion in a complete journey from the 1980s to today. Starting with the key designers of the ?80s fashion revolution -- Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rei Kawabuko of Comme des Garcons, the exhibit moves on to new brands such as Undercover, Sacai, and Matohu. Naturally, the showcase also pays tribute to the important street trends and subcultures that Japan is so well known for; Classic Lolita, Prince Decoration, and Cosplay (Costume Play), which stand side by side in peculiar harmony.

The FIT Museum is currently housing the Japan Fashion Now exhibit.  Curated by fashion academic-doyenne, Valerie Steele, it is the first of its kind to feature contemporary Japanese fashion in a complete journey from the 1980s to today.  Starting with the key designers of the ?80s fashion revolution -- Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rei Kawabuko of Comme des Garcons, the exhibit moves on to new brands such as Undercover, Sacai, and Matohu.  Naturally, the showcase also pays tribute to the important street trends and subcultures that Japan is so well known for; Classic Lolita, Prince Decoration, and Cosplay (Costume Play), which stand side by side in peculiar harmony.  

 

 

Fashion Institute of Technology

Seventh Avenue at 27th Street

New York, New York

 

Hours

Tuesday to Friday, noon-8pm

Saturday, 10am-5pm

Closed Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays

 

Admission is free

New York City Secrets: 24-Hour Hotspots

October 12, 2010

They don?t call it the City That Never Sleeps for nothing. New York City excels in after-hours offerings. To get the full experience, the Big Apple must be savored by day and night ? and those bewitching hours in between. Pound a quad-espresso and get ready to see the sun come up.

They don?t call it the City That Never Sleeps for nothing. New York City excels in after-hours offerings. To get the full experience, the Big Apple must be savored by day and night ? and those bewitching hours in between. Pound a quad-espresso and get ready to see the sun come up.

 

The Spotted Pig

A down to earth gastropub located in the West Village, this is a great place to meet friends for a drink and some hearty fare. Don?t miss the amazing blue cheese burger with rosemary shoestring fries, which is even more delicious after some bubbly or brews at 2 a.m. 

314 West 11th St. (between Hudson St. & Greenwich St.)

(212) 620-0393

 

The Standard Grill

Located inside The Standard hotel and under the High Line, the latest landmarks in the cooler/richer-than-thou Meatpacking District. The kitchen is open until 4 a.m., which is perfect for the hungry souls that let out of nearby clubs like Tenjune ? or the penthouse party at the Boom Boom Room, right upstairs, where the crowd and views are beautiful and the door policy is unmercifully enforced.

The Standard Grill

848 Washington St. (at 13th St.)

(212) 645-4100

 

Hair Party 24 Hours

You?re busy ? but your looks don?t have to suffer. Tend to all your beauty needs here: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Service between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is by appointment only, however, so plan your late-night coloring and mani-pedis accordingly. 

76 Madison Avenue (between 27th St. & 28th St.)

(212) 213-0056

 

L?Express

Serving up yummy French bistro fare along with an extensive beer and wine list. There is no reason not to dine well in the wee hours. 

249 Park Avenue (between 19th St. & 20th St.)

(212) 254-5858

 

Coffee Shop

The Brazilian-cuisine-inspired menu is extensive. And the wait staff: mostly models. Get the cheese bread and see for yourself. 

29 Union Square West

(212) 243-7969

 

New York Sports Club

Many New York Sports Club gym branches are open 24 hours. Inquire about their special ?Night Owl Membership,? which offers use of their 24-hour locations between the hours of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. at a special rate. 

 

 

Duane Reade

This New York-based drugstore chain seems to be on every street corner. And you never know when you?ll need one. Forgot to pack travel essentials like toothpaste, soap ? or mascara?  No problem. Also useful for buying late-night snacks and six packs. Many locations are 24 hours. 

 

 

Kun Jip 

A great Korean eatery in Midtown?s Koreatown. Rowdy late at night as many continue their post-club drinking here. The kimchi chigae and bulgogi are as authentic as they come. Expect a line, but service is always prompt and the wait is usually no more than 20 minutes.   

9 W. 32nd St. (between Fifth Avenue & Broadway)  

 

 

St. Mark?s Market 

An unassuming but wonderful little deli and grocery store. Carries breads from Balthazar and Tom Cat, famous bakeries in New York. East Village locals and nearby NYU students love their fresh, delicious sandwiches. 

21 Saint Mark?s Place

(212) 253-7777

 

 

Sarge?s New York Delicatessen  

An authentic New York deli where the meat to bread ratio is clearly skewed toward the meat. The extensive menu includes staples like matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches and huge slices of cheesecake. Bonus: They deliver anywhere ? yes, anywhere ? in Manhattan, 24/7.

548 Third Ave (between 36th St. & 37th St.)

(212) 679-0442

 

 

Sunac Fancy Foods  

Often heralded as a cheaper alternative to Whole Foods, locals love their great selection of health foods and deli sandwiches. No need to derail your diet at 4 a.m.

765 6th Avenue (between 25th St. and 26th St.)

(212) 229-0301

 

 

Sunny and Annie?s  

A typical New York Korean grocery store with delectable deli offerings. The Pho Real sandwich is not to be missed ? and made even better with avocados. Wash it down with some consistently good coffee, too. Great value but cash only.

94 Avenue B (between 6th St. and 7th St.)

(212) 677-3131

Globe-Trotter: Elettra Wiedemann

October 06, 2010

Beauty and brains ? could Elettra Wiedemann be any more fascinating? The model and Lanc?me poster girl has Hollywood running through her veins ? her mom is Italian actress Isabella Rossellini, her grandmother is Ingrid Bergman (yes, of Casablanca fame) ? and a Master?s degree in biomedicine from the London School of Economics. Beauty and brains ? could Elettra Wiedemann be any more fascinating? The model and Lanc?me poster girl...

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New York: Flea Markets

September 27, 2010

Fall in New York is the perfect time to flea. Local artisans, DIY craftspeople, independent designers and vintage collectors bring you some of the most unique shopping you?ll ever experience. Keep your eyes open, bring plenty of cash, and practice hailing a cab with your arms full.

Fall in New York is the perfect time to flea. Local artisans, DIY craftspeople, independent designers and vintage collectors bring you some of the most unique shopping you?ll ever experience. Keep your eyes open, bring plenty of cash, and practice hailing a cab with your arms full.

 

 

Brooklyn Flea

 

Hands down the best flea market in New York and a wonderful way to spend a few hours/dollars on the weekend. Indie designers, vintage dealers and eccentric collectors provide the cool finds, including everything from NASA jumpsuits to ?70s sundresses. Saturday is outdoors, and the Sunday session is indoors at the former Williamsburg Savings Bank, which is a beautiful space complete with vault and mezzanine levels. Refuel with amazing food, from rustic Italian roast pork sandwiches to fresh-from-Maine lobster rolls. If you?ve only got time for one market in New York, make this the one.  

 

Saturdays: Fort Green, 176 Lafayette Ave (between Clermont + Vanderbilt Ave.)

Outdoors, 10 a.m. ? 5 p.m.  (Moves indoors after November 21 to Skylight One Hanson)

 

Sundays: Skylight One Hanson, 1 Hanson Pl. (at Flatbush Ave.)

Indoors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

 

 

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

 

This flea is not for the faint of heart ? and is also NYC fashion icon Lynn Yaeger's favorite. Antiques dealers haul in the weird, sometimes awesome, but always interesting.  Expect a lot of vintage jewelry, fur and a random mishmash of items, from home goods to vinyl records and handmade African chairs.

West 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. ? 6 p.m.



Hester Street Fair 

 

Nestled in a less trafficked area of the Lower East Side, this small market is worth the trip. Beyond the printed totes, vintage items and ethnic-inspired goodies, you?ll also find some very on-trend items at reasonable prices. Arguably the best market for food, it also features yummy, hard-to-find snacks such as Japanese fish-shaped waffles and artisan ice cream.

 

Intersection of Hester Street and Essex Streets

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. ? 6 p.m., April through December.

http://www.hesterstreetfair.com/

 

 

The Market NYC / Young Designers Market

 

Many young local designers from Parsons and FIT present their wares at this indoor market. Expect lots of handmade jewelry and T-shirts with interesting graphic prints.  A pretty affordable selection, and a great place to pick up a gift or two.

 

268 Mulberry St., near Houston St.

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. ? 7 p.m.

A New York Fashion Week Icon Speaks: Lynn Yaeger

September 07, 2010

New York style fixture Lynn Yaeger is one of the fashion world?s most recognizable personalities. A prominent fashion writer, she spent decades at the Village Voice and regularly contributes to Vogue, T The New York Times Magazine, and Travel + Leisure. She talks with L-atitude about what makes her tick: style, travel and her favorite city. New York style fixture Lynn Yaeger is one of the fashion world?s most recognizable...

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New York City, City Secrets: Lower East Side

July 14, 2010

04.19.2010

Immigrant enclave turned rock and roll art hub, the Lower East Side, sandwiched between Chinatown and the East Village in lower Manhattan, was recently named New York magazine?s #2 Best Neighborhood to live in. It?s come a long way from its seedy roots, but a unique edginess still prevails. Old tenement buildings house some of the city?s coolest boutiques, bars and eateries. Come watch the cool kids, pick up a few things you won?t find anywhere else, and fall in love.

Immigrant enclave turned rock and roll art hub, the Lower East Side, sandwiched between Chinatown and the East Village in lower Manhattan, was recently named New York magazine?s #2 Best Neighborhood to live in. It?s come a long way from its seedy roots, but a unique edginess still prevails. Old tenement buildings house some of the city?s coolest boutiques, bars and eateries. Come watch the cool kids, pick up a few things you won?t find anywhere else, and fall in love.

 
 
SHOP
 
Daha Vintage
175 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002
212-388-1176
Daha has what other vintage stores don?t ? open white space, high ceilings and plenty of light. Perfect for browsing, not burrowing. Daha may just be the most tempting of the LES? vintage depots, a one-stop shop where you?ll find trenches, furs, sequins, florals, costume jewelry and an endless selection of bags (some Gucci) and shoes ? Daha?s specialty. Charles Jourdan?s and Ferragamo?s are frequently sighted here ? all clearly marked by shoe size. A helpful detail that reflects Daha?s all-around approach to making fashion actually friendly.  ?I focus on cute, wearable clothes,? says Daha?s curator/shop owner Susan Daha. ?A lot of my shoes are from the ?80s and made in Italy ? and that usually means they?re the kind of quality you don?t see anymore.?
 
 
Pixie Market
100 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002
212-253-0953
Pixie Market may be small ? 3 racks and a bargain bin ? but it?s had a huge impact on the local and international fashion landscape. Its wares, from international, independent and up-and-coming designers, have been lauded the world over. Pixie Market has a knack for carrying clothes that sell out like hot cakes ? eclectic, one-of-a-kind pieces for the early adopter. One visit to Pixie Market and you?ll be equipped with a crystal ball for the next year of trends.
 
 
Some Odd Rubies
51 Ludlow Street, New York, NY
212-353-1736 
?We zipped before everyone else zipped!? says Some Odd Rubies shop owner, Ruby, referring to today?s exposed zipper trend. Fact: She did it in 2008. Excellent intuition must be the reward for good karma. Ruby gives new life to oldies but goodies, mixing straight vintage clothing with reconstructed vintage and new pieces made from vintage fabrics, the latter of which comprises her SOR line of statement pieces and delicate dresses and tops in uncommon prints. Peek inside and you?ll see that the SOR label reads: ?I wanted to keep this for myself. ? Maybe I could borrow it sometime.? This concisely describes how you?ll feel: take it all home or, at least, try it all on. Serious shoppers have been known to spend upwards of an hour in the Southern-vanity-style fitting room.
 
 
Maryam Nassir Zadeh
123 Norfolk Street, New York, NY 10002
212-673-6405
Gallery or boutique? Maybe both. The lines between interior and fashion design are blurred at Maryam Nassir Zadeh -- or Exhibit A in the case of the Lower East Side gone upscale. Owners/gorgeous couple Maryam and Uday hail from Iran and India, respectively, and have backgrounds in art direction, and clothing, textile and graphic design. Their collective expertise is evident in the way both men?s and women?s attire and accessories are presented as works of art. You?ll feel the urge to treat everything with kid gloves: haute labels ? Vena Cava, Electric Feathers, All for the Mountain and Dieppa Restrepo, amongst others ? and high price tags have a home here.
 
TG-170
170 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002
212-995-8660
TG-170 is a true Lower East Side original, surviving 18 long years on Ludlow Street. A lot has changed around , but TG-170 remains true to its original vision, continuing to showcase the work of New York?s local design geniuses, as well as stocking pieces from better-known names. Owner Terri Gilles was one of the first to carryDaryl K and Built by Wendy. Neighborhood artists/former employees have helped make the space what it is today, creating wallpapers, posters and fitting room murals ? small and large details that make the shopping experience all the more robust. TG-170 is at once darling, daring and ever-ahead of the curve. Be sure to keep an eye out for precious jewelry that will give you a serious case of the gimmes.
 
Marmalade
The bad news: 11-year vintage vet Marmalade has been priced out of its rent. The good news: It won?t go quietly. Marmalade will be setting up a perma-pop-up-shop this summer at neighboring TG-170. It may not exactly be happily ever after, but vintage fiends, including fashion-forward patrons like Zoe Kravitz, will still be able to get their wild blasts from the past. Marmalade is certainly not for the meek.
 
 
 
EAT/DRINK
 
Schillers Liquor Bar
131 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002  (across from Maryam Nassir Zadeh)
212-260-4555
Part of the Pastisse-Balthazar empire, Schillers is great for brunch and even better for cocktails served stiff ? though their selection of Cheap-Decent-Good wines will also do the trick. The food, American, Am?ricain or Americano is hearty and flavorful ? be it the moules frites, Cuban sandwich or mac n? cheese. No calorie will be spared. Fun and confusion lurk in the sublevel bathroom where the Men?s and Women?s entrance leads you to the same washroom. Conversation ensues.
 
 
'Inoteca
98 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002
212-614-0473
Expect an hour and half wait at ?Inoteca, an acclaimed Italian eatery that specializes in small plates, paninis and some enticing larger pasta piatti. Get there extra early during New York?s summery months -- the outdoor seating is coveted and limited (by 7 p.m. only those with zen-like patience will be rewarded). Synchronizing your watch will be worth it ? the people watching here, at the intersection of cool, or Ludlow and Rivington, is unmatched, as is their wine selection.
 
 
Bereket
187 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002
212-475-7700
For all-night revelers or oops-I-just-spent-my-entire-paycheck gals that still have to feed themselves, there?s always Bereket, a Turkish kebab house that is one of the most affordable, reliable and delicious eats in the LES. Most people don?t see the inside of this place before 2 a.m., but they?re open 24 hours. Stop in for the lentil soup and spicy chicken pita ? and paintings by Lower East Side mural artist Marco.
 
 
Russ & Daughters
179 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002
212-475-4880
Russ & Daughters is nearly a national monument ? and most definitely the be all and end all of Eastern European Jewish fare. It was there before the Lower East Side was, opening and remaining in the same location since 1914. Bagels with horseradish cream cheese are the perfect way to start your morning. Other shmears and smoked salmon are top sellers. No need to brush up on your Yiddish ? but don?t forget the rugelach!
 
Max Fish
178 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002
212-529-3959 
It may be a tad too rock and roll and dive-y for most ? dare not enter the bathroom without hand sanitizer ? but ?. Max Fish is just that ? a testament to the original Lower East Side of art, angst and all-night-long. Supermodels like Erin Wasson and Lily Cole have been spotted here during Fashion Week. Hipsters flock to it all year ?round.
 
 
Chloe 81
81 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002
212-677-0067
Good music and a firm hand at the door make Chloe 81, an unmarked basement bacchanal on the cusp of the Lower East and Chinatown, one of the city?s best (and most secretive) destinations for the in-crowd. Go during the week ? Wednesday is the new Thursday, Thursday is the new Saturday, to avoid the barrage of non-regulars. Dress to make others feel inadequate. Live to tell the story.
 
 
 

 

Woman of the World: Lindsey Calla, NYC

June 30, 2010

A photographic series inspired by the women who inspire us. L-atitude?s Women of the World artfully blend global fashions with local flavor, bringing a lifetime of travel experiences to everyday style.
 A photographic series inspired by the women who inspire us. L-atitude?s Women of the World artfully blend global fashions with local flavor, bringing a lifetime of travel experiences to everyday style.
 
Lindsey Calla, Meatpacking District, NYC
 
What are you wearing?
A Bensoni dress and Otrera scarf. The scarf was a gift from the designer. The gold jewelry is Banana Republic and Lia Sophia; the watch is Fossil. I actually felt really inspired by different cultures and iconography, and I think the scarf sort of sparked that. The ?evil eye? reminded me of Greece. The flats ? I don?t usually wear flats ? are Boden and really comfy. The bag is Gucci and the sunglasses are from a store in Sydney called Dotti. 
 
If you could jump on a plane right now, where would you go and why?
I've been dying to go to Bhutan, Nepal and India. I recently came across a jewelry line that was handmade in Nepal that was so stunning. The culture fascinates me because it is so different than how we live here, more spiritual and deeply rooted in culture and tradition.  I also have an ongoing love affair with Sydney and Florence. There is something about Sydney that is so freeing and it brings out the best in me. I could live between both of those places and be pretty happy!
 
Style icons, past or present?
I love Georgina Chapman, Bianca Jagger, [fashion blogger] Gala Gonzalez and Rachel Roy.
 
Where do you get inspiration for your blog, SaucyGlossie.com?
I [look to] art history and different cultures. I'm also always out at events and appointments to see what the latest trends are.  I interview a lot of designers ? and they always have amazing stories on how they created their pieces. Listening to them always turns me on to different things that I didn't know about before. My blog is constantly evolving like my style; it is always changing and shifting [to reflect] what?s catching my eye at that time. It's almost like a mini style time capsule!

New York, City Secrets: Macao Trading Co.

June 30, 2010

06.14.2010

These days in New York, if there?s a bearded gent on staff ? you know you?ve come to the right place. If he?s wearing a chambray shirt and there are a few Jim Jarmusch-look-alikes in the crowd ? you better make a reservation. Which is the case at Macao Trading Co., located on the cusp of Chinatown and Tribeca on Church near Canal Street, a relatively desolate intersection after dusk, spotted by only a few of the ?Rolex-Rolex-Louis-Vuitton? vendors trying to make that last black-market buck. Thanks to a cancellation, one of my best girlfriends and I were able to get a table for two during prime Friday-night dining time.

These days in New York, if there?s a bearded gent on staff ? you know you?ve come to the right place. If he?s wearing a chambray shirt and there are a few Jim Jarmusch-look-alikes in the crowd ? you better make a reservation. Which is the case at Macao Trading Co., located on the cusp of Chinatown and Tribeca on Church near Canal Street, a relatively desolate intersection after dusk, spotted by only a few of the ?Rolex-Rolex-Louis-Vuitton? vendors trying to make that last black-market buck. Thanks to a cancellation, one of my best girlfriends and I were able to get a table for two during prime Friday-night dining time.

 
Macao Trading Co. has that speakeasy feel.  If that speakeasy were located in the hull of a pirate ship [think: Gwen Stefani?s video for ?Rich Girl,? but with less swashbuckling and more understated swank]. The decorative mezzanine overlooking the dining area is cluttered with antique furnishings, rusted fans, trunks and crab traps. The bar is a greenish-glowing crystalline tower of spirits: a few of Macao?s specialty cocktails, with names like Dr. Funk (highly imbibable) and General Tso?s Champagne, are topped off with absinthe; Portuguese vinho verde is also available by the bottle. Rockabilly music presides over the buzz of dinner conversation and flickering candlelight. Follow a stairway wallpapered in salvaged city dailies and vintage china-girl pin-ups to the cellar bar/(sans-) opium den. It all feels a little ? badass. But that would be the point: Macao, a former Portuguese colony, has got its element of seedy underbelly. After neighboring Hong Kong pulled ahead in the late 19th century, its ?Red Lantern District became a sanctuary for smugglers ? gamblers ? war-profiteers ? underworld characters and high rollers.? Today, it is the ?ber-Vegas of the East.
 
To start, we ordered the duck confit spring rolls, crab and shrimp jade dumplings, and tortilha de macao (traditional Iberian ?omelette? but with lump crab and curry aioli). Be sure to double dip your spring rolls; the vinaigrette bites through the crunch, tickling the back of your throat and inner ears for a full-body experience. The tortilha was a miss, dry and seemingly devoid of crab meat ? if nothing else, it?s filling. The jade dumplings, oh-so-pudgy and inviting, are perfection. The cilantro dipping sauce is creamy and unexpected. For our main course, we ordered the coconut curry organic African chicken with spinach, or galinha ? Africana, a signature Macanese dish [the Portuguese were also in Africa]. The delicious curry gravy is worth lapping up -- prepare to get your hands dirty. My only complaint here: more spinach, please. As we exit, too full for dessert, bossa nova music starts soaking into to the night, which for me, was filled with visions of jade dumplings and plans for premeditated gluttony upon my next visit. I?m thinking manila clams with chorizo, curry lobster and a few more Dr. Funks.
 
Verdict: It?s times like these that you want to thank the imperialists ? evil colonial practices notwithstanding ? for being so damn intrepid, and New York for playing host to its many tribes.
 
311 Church Street
New York, NY 10013
Dinner and Late Night Only
212 431 8750
 

www.macaonyc.com

 

Bar photo credit : Hannah Whitaker

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