The Spotted Pig Owners Scale Up in Downtown Manhattan

What a difference seven years makes! The infamous AIG Tower, one of the symbols of the 2008 financial crisis, has been overhauled into luxury rental apartments. And more. It now has top chef April Bloomfield from the Spotted Pig as the operator of an ultra-dining and drinking venue on its top four floors.

Besides its incredible gourmet burgers, The Spotted Pig, located in a very quiet area of the West Village, has been a regular establishment for celebs. Bloomfield and her partner, Ken Friedman, also operate The Breslin and John Dory Oyster Bar at the Ace Hotel.

The new restaurant will feature 7,500 of indoor dining space and around 2,500 square feet of terraces. The venue will also operate a 1,000 square-foot lobby bar. We expect this to be an incredible venue that will accommodate destination meeting groups of all sizes.

Meeting Breaks: Socially Responsible Craft Coffee Now the King of Hot Beverages in NYC

Tired of bland coffee during meeting breaks? Don't like the long lines at Starbucks around the corner from your hotel? Boutique coffee shops are popping up everywhere in NYC. Their growth is so explosive that they are becoming as big as the craft beer industry.

Two of them in particular have gotten our attention:

1. Bluestone Lane. Its first location on Greenwich Avenue is accessible to hotels in the Meatpacking District, includes outdoor tables, an indoor courtyard, and has the vibe of a local English pub. Its other locations include: one across from Bryant Park, close to most Midtown Manhattan hotels; one near the Guggemheim and Metropolitan Museums, and an upcoming store in Dumbo, which is close to Brooklyn's trendy boutique hotels and the Tech Triangle.

2. Think Coffee. With locations throughout Manhattan, this unique roaster provides coffee fanatics with single source options on the menu, which means beans are farmed from the smallest geographic region possible. Think Coffee has an incredible give-back program that includes student empowerment in developing countries, helping war-torn communities, and installing solar panels in Central America. They also use compostable cups!

Bruce Willis Heads to Broadway via Stephen King

Action star Bruce Willis will make his Broadway debut this this fall in a stage version of Stephen King's "Misery."

Willis will play the role of hostage-author Paul Sheldon (played in the 1990 movie by James Caan), and Elizabeth Marvel will play Annie Wilkes, Sheldon's self-proclaimed biggest fan who captures him after he's in a car accident and forces him to rewrite his new book so it's more to her liking. Kathy Bates won an Oscar for her performance as Annie in the original movie.

Shackman Associates provides destination corporate meeting, association convention and incentive travel program attendees with unique Broadway experiences that have included backstage tours and interaction with key performers.

Spies, Pink Drinks, Jazz, and a Secret Room: 4 Trends in NYC Destination Meetings

Nitro and Bottled Cocktail Hours: Explosive Flavors From Science and Speed

We are seeing two big trends in New York City mixology that are transforming cocktail hour events at destination corporate meetings.
 
Bottling cocktails. Hate standing in line forever at an event? Bottled cocktails cut down on time and produce quality cocktails in seconds when attendees are thirsty. The key to a good bottled cocktail is creating something that has the perfect balance between alcohol and citrus or sugar that’s added.

Nitro Infusions. A Nitro Infusion is molecular mixology where bartenders are becoming deliciously mad scientists! They are manipulating shakers to create new flavors, textures, and unique cocktail presentations that enhance the overall drinking experience.  Some of the most popular infusions include the use of foams, gels, mists, heat, and solidifying liquids.

These drinks can get a little crazy. They include cocktails with suspended elements, cocktail gums, paper cocktails, solid cocktails, cocktail marshmallows, flavored ice spheres, frozen ‘nitro’ cocktails, cocktail popsicles, and even cocktail glasses filled with cotton candy!

The secret formula is really about equipment, especially among mixologists who work at molecular gastronomy restaurants. They are piggybacking on the the expensive items used by the chef to create incredible cocktail experiences!

Hotel News: Marriott Goes Boutique in NYC with Edition

Marriott's first New York City boutique hotel, Edition, is opening in the renowned Clock Tower by Madison Square Park. This is part of a trend where major hotel chains are either opening their own boutique properties or acquiring independent ones.

Edition offers approximately 2,100 square feet of flexible meeting and event space that ranges from an executive boardroom to studio space.  It also has three 1,350 square foot penthouses that feature views of the city and are ideal tor private events and gatherings.

Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, The Clocktower restaurant can accommodate  larger events and galas. The decor includes mahogany wood paneled walls and specially curated art.
Your destination meeting attendees can enjoy a fresh experience at boutiques like Edition while leveraging the advantages of loyalty programs. 

Make Your Cocktail Hour a Rooftop Jazz Event

New York City's rooftops are always a hot idea for the destination meeting happy hour. The challenge is finding one, especially on short-notice, that isn't packed or booked well in advance.

We have found one of the most unique rooftop venues in Manhattan that provides a sophisticated vibe, amazing views looking both west and east, and a jazz component for a chill experience.

We have previously blogged about the explosive growth of jazz throughout the city, and when we checked out the rooftop venue in Tribeca, one the industry's up-and-coming artists (on Billboard) was performing. This kind of talent is available for your event specifically because Manhattan provides more opportunities to earn money on a regular basis.

Bottle Service in Bed at a NYC Hotel in 2016

Ever wondered if you could get luxury bottle service in bed? You'll soon find out what it's like!

The Tao Group nightlife company, which runs the massively popular Tao nightclubs in NYC and Las Vegas, is opening its first ever hotel in the Meatpacking District in New York City.

The Tao-branded hotel will be located at 414 W. 15th Street in a new 23-story building and open in Summer 2016. We hear there will be a rooftop lounge that can accommodate 240 people, a 23rd floor lounge for the same amount of people, and another lounge and terrace on the second floor. We are expecting Tao's pan-Asian cuisine to be served in the rooms, which is already being done at the Maritime Hotel around the corner. Tao also runs the Tao Ink bar at the Maritime, so expect a similar concept for the Tao Hotel.

A Big Bang for "God" on Broadway

Jim Parson, the most popular science nerd on TV, is taking on a more heavenly role as the voice of God on Broadway. 

The 41-year-old "The Big Bang Theory" star is the lead in "An Act of God",which began previews yesterday and opens at the end of this month. The comedy production is based on the critically acclaimed book written by "God" and transcribed by "The Daily Show's" David Javerbaum.  While Parson may be best known for his role on TV, he told "Today" that Broadway is really is home. His last performance was in the 2012 revival of Harvey.

Shackman Associates New York provides destination corporate meeting, association convention and incentive travel program attendees with unique Broadway experiences that have included backstage tours and interaction with key performers.

Broadway: Watch the Magic of Penn and Teller

Penn and Teller might be the world's most famous magicians, and they have been bringing their radical brand of legerdemain to audiences for years. From July 7 to Aug. 16, they will be on Broadway with a limited engagement at the Marquis Theatre. 

Shackman Associates New York provides destination corporate meeting, association convention, and incentive travel program attendees with unique Broadway experiences that have included backstage tours and interaction with key performers.