El Chavo del Ocho!

Most, if not all, Hispanics in my age range grew up watching El Chavo, one of the most adored characters in Spanish-language television. Which is why I'm kinda excited that Jakks Pacific has partnered with Univision to launch a line of El Chavo toys that will include action figures, plush, dolls, role play products, dress up, seasonal toys, table top games and novelty items that celebrate the world of "El Chavo".

Jakks is expected to launch the line Fall 2013.

Our Beloved Community: The DREAM realized

“Our Beloved Community: The DREAM realized is a youth arts exhibit presented by the Police Athletic League and AffirmationArts.

For one evening, Tuesday, February 19th, the exhibit will feature works from the youth participants and staff of the William J. Duncan Center. This project has been influenced by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. andother historical figures of the Civil Rights movement. The pieces in thisexhibit will showcase an array of artwork in the form of sculptures, paintings and videos.

Staff members developed this particular exhibit from the deep desire to showcase their kids' art work. They want them to feel proud and excited to have been in involved in this creative process and to continue spreading Dr. King's message of the "beloved community". 

Come out and support these young artists on Tuesday,February 19^th from 6pm – 9pm at the Affirmation Arts Gallery – 523 West37^th Street, NYC.

To learn more about the Police Athletic League and find out about other events through out the city, please visit www.palnyc.org. Like them on Facebook as well!

Sunday's are for Brunching: Harry's

I rarely travel all the way downtown on the weekends, unless it's for brunch! I met up with a couple of friends for brunch a few weeks ago and I'm so glad they dragged me from Wash Heights all the way down to Hanover Square. Bottomless brunch is the way to get me in the door and keeping my glass full to the brim during my meal is the way to get me to go back! Good food? check. Good service? check. Nice space? double check. 

My one piece of advice is to make a rez and get there early around 12pm - 12:30pm because it gets packed. This is not one of NYC's little secrets, tons of people know and tons of people like!

For more info on Harry's, visit www.harrysnyc.com.

Family Movie Night with The Jungle Book

Friday nights are often family movie night, whether at the theater or at home. With the snow storm we had no choice but to make it an at home family movie night. 

This Friday, movie night was with my nieces Breylin and Franchesca, and the movie of choice? The Jungle Book: Rumble in the Jungle. As soon as I showed them the DVD package they were crazy with excitement. Breylin grabbed the Mowgli figurine, Franchesca grabbed Baloo and I grabbed the popcorn!

Plot synopsis: There's trouble in the jungle, and as usual, Mowgli and Mani are at the center of it all! While they enjoy their time drumming away at logs in the jungle, Shere Khan plots to put an end to the noise. Meanwhile, Tabaqui is stuck in a well, Appu gets lost, and there's something fishy going on at the Cold Lair… Will Mowgli escape the clutches of the evil Shere Khan, and manage to still have time to join his friends in the jungle rhythm? This action packed feature length film promises to bring you the best of The Jungle Book.

Franchesca is 3 and she wasn't so interested, she kept walking in and out of the room. But Breylin, who is 5, was so into the movie right from beginning to end. She gave it two thumbs up and said her favorite part was the whole movie. She wanted to watch it a second time and we did! It's not like the original movie, but it's definitely good to watch. It's a cute movie for the family to enjoy together, especially kids 4-6 years old. I give it two thumbs up as well. 

The DVD comes with a downloadable activity kit. Breylin and I are saving that for this weekend. The DVD releases exclusively at Walmart for $14.86 (DVD and collectible toys) today, February 12th! The national release is this May 2013.

To learn more about The Jungle Book and other great family movies, visit Phase 4 Films at www.phase4films.com/kaboom.aspx.

Handbags are my fave accessory!

Take a break from the cold today and check out Manisse at Henri Bendel. Stop by and say hello to handbag designer Julia Djaafar as she presents her snake skin clutch collection on Thursday, January 24th - Saturday, January 26th and Monday, February 11th - Wednesday, February 13th from 10am - 8pm.

Henri Bendel New York, 2nd Floor
712 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(56th Street and Fifth Avenue)


More Info: www.manisse.com / www.henribendel.com
Find Manisse on Facebook.

Heavenly Dessert!

Went to Serendipity 3 in New York City a couple of nights ago. What a treat! Highly recommend the Frozen Hot Chocolate and Forbidden Broadway Sundae. Words can not explain how delicious.

Sundays are for Brunching: Corcho Wine Room

Another great brunch spot in Uptown Manhattan is Corcho Wine Room,  a small, cozy wine bar tucked away on Dyckman Street near Broadway. Corcho brunch is a la carte and one of my absolute fave brunching spots. It's close to home, small but inviting and the staff is extremely attentive. Not that many people know about Corcho yet, so it's not crowded. You don’t have to wait long for a table and you don't feel like you have to eat and run (which defeats the purpose of brunching).

 

Prices are pretty great too. Entrees run $7 - $10 and portions are a good size. It's filling but not overwhelming. My favorite menu item is the Croque Madame, ham and Gruyere cheese layered between brioche gratinee, topped with a sunny side up egg and a side of salad.

My partner in food crime seems to want to try poached eggs in every spot! Once again, she ordered with trepidation and was pleasantly surprised. At Corcho you get two poached eggs sitting on top of a warm brioche with crispy Serrano ham, coated with sage sausage bechamel gravy. Yum!

Corcho brunch offers unlimted Mimosa and Sparkling Sangria with your meal. If you want to add on, you get an entree plus cocktails for $21.99. It's a nice deal! My favorite brunch cocktail is the Guava Mimosa.

When I started brunching at Corcho we were there for hours, being refilled with the yummy Guava Mimosa. As usual, all good things must come to an end.  I've found that as brunch spots get more popular, the time limits begin on the unlimited cocktails. Now, there’s an hour limit to the Mimosas and Sparkling Sangria, but they do an excellent job refilling your glass. You can probably squeeze in 3 maybe 4 solid glasses.

I didn't have dessert last time I went to Corcho, but if you have room for it you should definitely indulge. Also, you must try the Corcho Fries (topped with parmesan and rosemary).  We usually order a side for the table, they're simply too good to pass up. 

I have one request. Once you've settled in, look up at the ceiling. You'll find a lovely surprise. Let me know what you think about it. 

For more info on Corcho Wine Room, visit www.corchowineroom.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. 

MTV's Washington Heights

MTV's Washington Heights premiered tonight and I'm not impressed. Maybe I haven't given it a fair chance and need to watch a couple of more episodes.

It certainly isn't like the Jersey Shore, but I was hoping it would be a little more exciting and representative of the Heights that I grew up in and still live in. I had mixed emotions of seeing my beloved neighborhood on TV. Most people just want to see Washington Heights, more specifically Dominicans, represented properly.

I want to give the show another chance so I'll continue watching. I've been told that the show picks up and I hope they're right.

For more info on the show, visit www.mtv.com. New episode of Washington Heights airs next Wednesday at 10pm EST.

New York City Restaurant Week

One of my favorite times of the year is quickly approaching, NYC Restaurant Week! Get ready for good eats at Manhattan's trendiest and best restaurants from January 14^th – February 8^th. Enjoy a three course lunch ($25) or three course dinner ($38) Monday - Friday. Some restaurants offer weekend deals. 

Some of my fave spots:

(Calle Ocho)

(Mesa Grill)

(Marble Lane)

I’d start planning out my restaurant week ASAP. For a full list of participating restaurants visit www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.