Molto, Molto, Molto

A recent excursion downtown to the restaurant Otto reminded us of why we love Mario Batali. Not only are we strong believers that redheads do it better, but add a bit of Italiano in there and we’re sold. Otto is absolutely one of our favorite places to have a sniff of vino rosso, a little nosh, and, of course, some absolutely-to-die-for olive oil gelato. The superlatives could rage out of control on this one, kiddos. Amongst our other fave Batali joints? Del Posto (bellisima), Italian Wine Merchants (drinktastic), and Babbo (how do you say fabu in Italian?)

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

Ahhhhh...Thanksgiving. It's just such a great holiday. It's all about family, food and fun times. The team at Shackman Associates New York has plenty to be thankful for, and we hope that you, our lovely clients, colleagues and readers, do as well. May the spirit of the day remind you of all that you have to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter Is Truly Coming

Woe is us...Shake Shack is shuttering up for the winter on December 1st. Only in New York could a "roadside" food stand exist in the middle of a urban park, and warrant hour long waits for burgers and fries. We're the first to admit that we're part of the Danny Meyer fan club, but Shake Shack takes our amour de gastronomie one step further by reminding us of the days when finding the perfect pair of sunglasses for the beach was our biggest mission. You can bet that we'll be there opening day in March, flip flops in tow.

Give Me Your Tired, Your Weary, Your Fabulous

If it were up to us, one of the Seven Wonders of the World would most definitely be Gino’s Pizzeria on the corner near the office. This may have something to do with the fact that we’re hungry, but it just proves that wonder can be a very subjective concept. One of our favorite dames of all time, The Statue of Liberty, is up for a spot of glory in the newest competition to name today’s wonders. Competing against 20 other spots, including the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tour and our favorite Peruvian outpost Machu Picchu, we think that Lady Liberty has a good chance and hope the voting public agrees. Unfortunately, we will be unavailable for comment when the wonders are announced on July 7th- we’ll be vacationing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Now That’s A Can-Do Attitude

Until November 22nd, New Yorkers will be able to see some of the most inventive design in the city at “Canstruction,” on display at the New York Design Center. Competing teams of engineers and architects have utilized canned goods to design sculptures ranging from a typewriter to a big apple to a sushi feast. (pictured)

With a mission to “construct a world without hunger,” these competitions are scattered through the U.S. and Canada. After the competition, all of the items utilized in the competition are donated to local food banks, shelters and pantries to feed those in need. Call us crazy, but we’ve never seen baked beans, spam and tuna look so appealing.

We're Ready For Our Close-up

EVERYONE knows that New York is the capital for celebrity sightings. We were reminded once again this weekend when we took our guests to Rockefeller Center, only to have them sit front row for a taping of a performance by Christina Aguilera. Yes, the former mousekeeter is just one of the many of the glitterati who consider New York home or spend a considerable amount of time here. So, today, kiddies, we’re going to turn on our star-dar with an interactive quiz on some of the SA-NY team’s favorite celeb sightings. The first reader to email us (dmc@shackmanassociates.com) with the correct answers to our name the star quiz will get a copy of “Scenes from the City,” the new book showing iconic NYC film moments. Good luck!

1) This domestic doyenne was sprung from jail and we recently caught her dining at Café Gray in the Time Warner Center.
2) This soon-to-be-bride was bidding on auction items for one her favorite charities, a long, long, long way from the creek!
3) As a tag-along to one of our Central Park tours, our guests interviewed this legendary journalist on her favorite flowers in the Conservatory Garden.
4) The talk turned to our favorite salads at an Upper West Side restaurant with this international rockstar and humanitarian.
5) “Interpreting” the conversation between this lovely leading lady and her co-star, fresh from filming at the UN, was our top priority one evening at a Meatpacking District restaurant.
6) We didn't need any "proof" when we saw the flowing blond locks of this actress, who splits her time between New York and London.
7) Standing next to him in the elevator, we couldn’t help but notice that this former mayor really does have a pearly, white smile.
8) With NY as her backdrop, this movie icon made us want to pull out a bowler hat, men’s tie and vest to stroll the Upper East Side with her.
9) With his Sundance-kissed locks and twinkling smile, this legend will always be one of our favorite actors, and his charitable contributions are just another reason to love him.
10) Looking up to this talk-show host was never a problem when we’ve seen him on the Upper West Side, as the funny man is quite tall!

A Central Park Moment

To Shop is Human, to Buy is Divine

Amongst New Yorker’s favorite past times, shopping ranks quite high…just ahead of brunching and judging others. One question we’re commonly asked is where is the best place to shop? Well, retail bliss can be found even in the farthest flung corners of NYC, so here a run down of some our favorite haunts:

Best Place to take Asian Inspiration to the Masses: Pearl River Market (Soho/Chinatown)

The Hippest Market in Town to buy Cupcakes, Cold-cuts and Cabernet: Chelsea Market (Chelsea)

If We Were Celebutants: Jeffrey New York (Meatpacking District)

Because Even Your Kid Needs to Be Hip in NYC: Peanutbutter & Jane (West Village)

Favorite H&M: Soho Store (but NEVER on the weekends)

If We Were Carrie Bradshaw: Christian Louboutin (Upper East Side)

Store with the Best Design and Retail Eye Candy: Prada (Soho)

Store We Wish Was Actually Our Closet: Barneys (Upper East Side)

Ode To Blue

New Yorkers came out to vote again this week and have confirmed that the Empire State is among the bluest of the blue states. Today’s blog is an ode to other blue stuff around these parts. That’s right - we’re theming it up, blue-style.

Blue Note Jazz Club – Big city Jazz lives in the West Village at Blue Note.

Central Park Reservoir – Named after a true blueblood, The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir has it all on a good day - blue skies and blue water. A popular destination for the athletically-minded, the Reservoir is THE place to be in the park.

Blue Ribbon Bakery – This funky village bakery offers ultra-fresh baked goods, straight from the oven. For full-service dining, check out their cafe or the Brooklyn outpost.

New York Giants – Season to season, it’s an emotional rollercoaster watching the boys in blue battle it out. It’s early in the season, so we still have hope – go Giants!

Blue Smoke – We love BBQ thanks to this Gramercy smokehouse. Featuring down-home grub and top-notch service, Blue Smoke never fails to impress.

Tiffany – One of our favorite blue things comes from Tiffany. Actually, it’s not the little blue box, but what’s inside it that we love. Hint, Hint, Hint.

Speaking of Standing Ovations

It is hands-down our favorite New York City holiday. A crisp, beautiful Fall day. 37,000 runners. 5 boroughs. Over 2 million spectators, cheerleaders and fans on NYC streets. It is just a phenomenal experience to be in New York on Marathon Day, and today was no exception. We saw Lance Armstrong living strong. We saw displays of courageous determination. We saw bodies, but never spirits, breaking down. And, most proudly, we saw our own Director of Operations, Jeff Ward, complete his 5th NYC Marathon with a smile on his face. It’s just another reason to add to the list of why we’re his biggest fans. Congratulations Jeff, and to all of the athletes who participated in today's marathon.

We’ve been Mohonked

The Hudson River Valley is dreamy. That’s right, dreamy. Especially during late Fall when the colors are exploding, the wineries are booming and you can escape to the Mohonk Mountain House for your corporate retreat. Don’t get us wrong – NYC is the place to be – but if you’re looking for relaxation, recooperation and revitalization for your corporate team…not so much. So, head up the Hudson and check out Mohonk. A recent visit reminded us of why we love it. Still owned by the family that founded it in the 1870s, Mohonk offers state-of-the-art meeting space, historic reception space, engaging team-building activities and natural escapes at their finest. Want to go horseback riding? Check. Looking to build your team with a rock scramble? Check. Need to unwind with a full-day at the spa? Check. Want to host a private skating party in an outdoor pavilion? Check. Ready to book a meeting at Mohonk? Check, Check, Check!

Razzle Dazzle, Schmazzle Fazzle

So, we have the lucky fortune of going to the theatre fairly regularly. We love it. The lights, the acting, the music, the dancing…it’s all good. What we’ve found is not so good is the stuff that happens surrounding the show. It seems as though some theatre-goers haven’t quite gotten the memo on the etiquette necessary for a night on the Great White Way. While some may consider this a rant, we prefer to think of it as a gentle reminder.

Cell phones – This seems pretty basic and for the most part, people are quite forgiving of an occasional slip of the ring. However, if your phone rings during a theatre production, please be advised that anything short of a desperate scramble to locate and silence your phone will result in glaring looks from those around you.

Snoring – It’s happened to the best of us. The theatre you’re in is dark, it’s warm, the actors are doing their best northern English accent turning their words into a melodic lullaby, and you…just…close…your …eyes…for…a…moment. Yup, you’re out. No crime there. However, breaking out into full honking snore definitely pushes the boundaries of acceptability. Our suggestion? Always go to the theatre with someone who is not afraid to jab you in the ribs.

Wrappers – Do not crinkle wrappers in the theatre. Ever. Period. It’s annoying.

Inappropriate Clapping – Why should people clap at the theatre? Because they like what they see or like what they hear on stage. But, it seems like some people just clap to…clap. As though a Pavlovian response to the end of a scene. We think that you should follow the sage advice of one of our favorite songs - “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.” Otherwise, keep it quiet.

Standing Ovations – This leads us into our biggest pet peeve - the standing ovation. We’d like to suggest that a standing ovation is not required every evening at the theatre. A radical thought, we realize, but a true one. We’re not saying they shouldn’t happen, because we have been known to jump to our feet to honor an amazing performance. But does it have to occur with every show, every night? We think not. Let’s reclaim the standing O, people. Restore it to its former glory. Save it for the nights when you are positive the show or the performer on stage is just inches from their Tony nomination.

‘Nuff said.

Prime Filet Ribeye T-Bone Flank Stuff

Now that we are coming down off of yesterday’s massive sugar high, we need a bit of sustenance. What better place to look than some of the city’s newest and most meaty-rific restaurants? We’ve already told you about Porter House NYC, but the newest movement in restaurants seems to be toward what Doctor Suess called “roast beast.” So, what’s out there? We’re tickled you asked:

STK – This appropriate addition to the Meatpacking District is right up our alley, with less “big macho steakhouse” vibe and more “you’re a glamazon in NYC.” Who knew that you could order steak in small, medium and large, just like clothing? Great lighting, good food, and an exclusive lounge scene downstairs, STK targets the femme fatale and metrosexual in us all.

Ted’s Montana Grill – Mr. CNN has come down from the mountains and delivered bison to Manhattan. Umm…did we need bison? Well, apparently we did. Besides being the catalyst for the chain of events that brought us Anderson Cooper (we heart you, Anderson), Ted Turner is the world’s largest bison farmer. His eco-friendly restaurant is now a fixture in Rock Center, bringing a new twist to the Media Alley on the Avenue of the Americas.

BLT Burger – We like to think that we’re best friends with Laurent Tourondel, for no reason other than the fact that we really like his restaurants. It’s fair to say LT wouldn’t count us amongst his nearest and dearest, but the much-buzzed about BLT Burger in the Village seems like a personalized attempt to get on our sweet side. We haven’t been there yet, but you can bet your bottom burger with blue cheese and red onion that we'll be there soon.