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.

Last minute holiday gift guide

With just hours left for shopping, many of you out there are still pondering what to get your loved one’s for Christmas. Here are a few last minute suggestions to help you shop for everyone on your list.

You can never go wrong with products from Bath and Body Works. You can create a gift bag including lotions, bath gels, hand sanitizers and candles, or buy a pre-packaged gift set. Select body care starts at $3! Bath and Body has some great stocking stuffer items as well. All of their products are available in mini size and fit perfectly into a stocking. Since it will be pandemonium out there today, here are a few scent suggestions: Sweet Pea, Cucumber Melon, Juniper Breeze, White Tea & Ginger, Cotton Blossom, Warm Vanilla Sugar and Click here to locate the store nearest you http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/corp/index.jsp?page=storeLocator.

 

If you have a wine and chocolate lover on your list, just go ahead and cross them off right now! The Chocolate Shop has a delicious selection of chocolate based wines. Many people are not convinced that chocolate wine is a good idea, but once you have a glass you won’t be disappointed. There are two basic styles of chocolate wine: cream based and wine based. The best known of the cream based products is Creme de Cocoa which tastes just like chocolate milk with a splash of brandy and retails for about $12 a bottle.  

Another well known Chocolate Shop wine is the Chocolate Red Wine with inviting aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate. This bottle retails for about $12 as well. Click here to locate a store near you that carries The Chocolate Shop http://chocolateshopwine.com/wine_finder .

One of my favorite gifts to give all year round is a sonogram picture frame. If someone on your list is pregnant, they’ll love this! You can find these lovely frames at Destination Maternity or Babies R Us, retailing around $12.

Don’t underestimate a nice pair of PJs!! This is a good one for everyone on the list. Target has some great pajamas for him, her and kids between $10 - $20. I’m pretty sure you know where the nearest Target is located, but just in case click here http://www.target.com/store-locator/find-stores#?lnk=Other_HP_P1_ESPOT-0|ESPOT-0.

 

Enjoy your shopping and your time with your loved ones this season. Merry Christmas!!

Holiday fun!

Fun nail polish will definitely lift your spirits and get you in the mood to party!

Girls' Night Out!

By Tuesday night most of us are ready for, at the very least, a glass of wine and some relaxation. If you’re looking for a little break with the girls Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar is the perfect place!

Ayza’s Girls’ Night Out is offered every Tuesday. To participate simply make a reservation and type the code Girls’ Night Out in a special requests' box to receive a complimentary Chocolate Shot (delicious) and a Belgian Chocolate Covered Strawberry (also delicious). To add to the night’s delight, make sure to check in on FourSquare. They reward you with a glass of wine! I would go with the Tropical Sangria, it’s very good!

(Chocolate shot and strawberries)

(Tropical Sangria)

My partners in food and I found out about Ayza via Facebook last winter. If you liked them on FB you would get a complimentary glass of wine. Of course we were sold! Since then the gang and I often frequent this half wine bar and half restaurant. We go to Azya especially for the chocolate martinis which are accompanied with a truffle by Jacques Torres. Fan favorite is the Raspberry Chocolate Martini. Absolutely yummy!! It’s a little pricey ($16 a pop), but so worth it.

(Raspberry Chocolate Martini)

During our latest visit, we were welcomed with a spiced wine in a sake cup that warms you up from the cold.

(Spiced Wine)

Next we went with our usual cheese and charcuterie plate. You’re given a choice of three, five or eight cheeses, and two meats. We went with Aged Manchego, French Brie and Valdeon, and the Sopressata and Prosciutto di Parma. The cheese plates are served with fresh berries, guava paste caper berries and toasted bread.

(Cheese and charcuterie)

Ayza is conveniently located in midtown near Penn Station and newly opened a location in the West Village (which I have yet to visit).

Best part is, even during winter you can enjoy outdoor seating under the heatlamps. Honestly, once you've been sitting for a while you'll forget that you're sitting outside.

Check out more on Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar at www.ayzanyc.com. Stay connected to Ayza on Facebook and Twitter.

Tis the Season to go Shopping!

Shopping party at Pamela Gonzales (Soho store 311 West Broadway)
December 19th, 6-8pm
Complimentary cocktails and 25% off Sandra Baquero Collection
RSVP at rsvp@sandrabaquero.com

http://www.sandrabaquero.com/
http://www.pamela-gonzales.com/storemain.html

Williamsburg Fashion Weekend Holiday Market

Finish up your holiday shopping this weekend at the Williamsburg Fashion Weekend Holiday Market! WFW will bring together designers whose work explores the full spectrum of body adornment from ready-to-wear to wearable art. You will find a range of one of a kind (or some-of-kind), locally made products. This group of designers are not only pushing the boundaries of design but are also pushing to change the fashion industry for the better; believing in transparent business practices, recycling, eco-friendly fabrics and local manufacturing.

December 15^th & 16^th –Saturday & Saturday

Bird River Studios343 Grand Street between Marcy and Havemeyer Sts
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.782.1791
http://www.birdriverstudios.com/

Some of the participating designers include:

  

Nathalie Kraynina Collection www.NathalieKraynina.com

La China Loca www.lachinaloca.com

Natalya Egorova www.NatalyaEgorova.com

Cristina Rose Rabusin www.etsy.com/shop/8020

Himane Sustainable Designs www.himane.com
Apartment 4B www.apartment4b.com
Brittany Erb www.brittanyerb.com