November 27, 2010

Saturday's Spot

Trying to lose a few of those extra thanksgiving pounds fast??  Why hit the gym like the rest of the post turkey day crowd when you could jump and groove to A-trak's tunes at Terminal 5 tonight for the Hardfest Turkey Soup show.  A-trak is joined by Tiga, Flying Lotus, Miike Snow, Yelawolf and Destructo...guaranteed to be a nutty night, hope we see you there!!!

November 26, 2010

Friday's Bite

We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving! This week for Friday's bite we're doing things a little different. Below is a photo and brief synopsis of what we wait 364 days a year for. Feel free to comment on who did it best. Enjoy! xx

From 12:00 on this glorious Thanksgiving clock: Sugar and salt-cured ham; whipped mashed potatoes from scratch draped with old-school, rich, silky gravy; orange, cinnamon cranberry sauce; [middle] sausage, mushroom, chestnut, and ciabatta stuffing; creamy cauliflower and brussel sprout gratin with toasted breadcrumb and pine-nut topping; classic maple whipped yams; steaming hot homemade buttermilk biscuits; and finally, tender, juicy turkey with herb butter. <3 lk, the little foodie.


Thanksgiving with a Santa Fe twist. Oven-roasted Turkey with sage, rosemary, and thyme. To top it off, thick home-made, herb-seasoned gravy, spiced with fresh pepper. In the back, Home-style Green Bean Casserole featuring hand cooked onion rings, walnuts, and cremini mushrooms. Mashed cauliflower florets sprinkled with fresh chives and pepper, and of course, a healthy dose of butter. The stuffing brought a spicy kick to the dinner table in true New Mexican fashion: turkey and jalepeno pepper sausage with diced and toasted whole wheat bread, sage, celery and onion, all baked to perfection. The Roasted Sweet Potato Puree with maple syrup and toasted pecans was a huge hit, as was the slowly-simmered cranberry relish with orange rind, cinnamon, and lemon zest. I hope your Thanksgiving was as tasty as mine! MC


Get ready. Starting with juicy, deep fried Turkey dressed in homemade gravy. Salty, flavorful stuffing with smoked chorizo. Baked maple glazed sweet potato. Grandma's ULTIMATE cranberry relish--tart and sweet. Mashed potatoes whipped with butter and pepper, dressed in the homemade gravy. In the middle there, artichoke hearts sauteed with pancetta, carrots, and thyme. Last but not least, boiled mini onions sprinkled with shaved parmesan. Salivate away.  Xx AT


Thanksgiving in Virginia means a 27 pound grilled turkey, fresh whipped mashed potatoes, ooey, gooey, crunchy macaroni and cheese, simple, delicious sweet potatoes, white and dark meat turkey with handmade cranberry sauce and traditional stuffing, green beans with garlic, and roasted vegetables. xx MS

XO the Razz Girls

November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Holidays!! We hope you and your brother looked like this.

November 24, 2010

Wednesday's Je Ne Sais Quoi

As we head off for a weekend filled with food, family, football and oh yeah, Black Friday shopping (!) we knew it was the perfect time to highlight our picks as we gear up for the holiday season. 

So here is The Daily Razzler Holiday Gift Guide 2010:

For your secret santa at work: 
Started as a DIY blog, this talented and inventive author shows everyone how to create the clothes and accessories of your dreams—with a personal twist! Buy P.S. I Made This
Perfect sweets to sweeten up your coworkers this season! A Barcelona-based confectionery company turning out delicious candies in unexpected flavors. From $5-$15 at Buy at Papa Bubble

 For your girlfriends:
Recent grads are new to the work force, so here are some slippers that will relax your feet and keep them warm when the temperatures hit winter numbers--yet still stylish! $128.00
And why not throw this adorable matching bag in for good measure? After all…she did bring sushi samba and wine over every night that week you and your boyfriend were fighting…
If your little sister is similar to mine, they obsess over their new or soon-to-be new laptops...colors are playful, and they're guaranteed to please them--practical gifts but with a designer twist! $48.00
Family taking a tropical vacation this winter? Get your fashionable sister sunbathing ready with these awesome aviators from razzler fave Michael Kors.
For your brother:
All guys love finding new music and sharing with their friends—this season Dr. Dre and Skullcandy are taking the listening experience to a new level with these funky fresh headphones. If he’s more into earbuds stick with the mix-master Dre, if he likes old-school headphones head for the skulls—sidenote the Tour buds by Dre boast a tangle-free cord! Get your bro (younger or older!) amped up to listen with either of these new must-haves:
Or if he’s more of a tv addict—let him join all his technological outfits with Apple TV—the less expensive better looking version is out now, and will let him integrate his itunes, computer, youtube and tv into one power entertainment center—sure to impress those girls in the apartment next door. $99  Buy Apple TV

For your boyfriend--the serious relationship
These trendy Philip Stein watches have been all the rage this season. Keep him in the loop with these versatile watches!! Our editors pick; this classic style white dial sapphire coated number. Splurge ladies! It may be a recession, but every boyfriend should have a signature watch. Plus, for those recent grads putting in long hours at work—these watches certainly make watching the hours pass a little easier! $600 Buy Philip Stein Watch


30 for 30 Gift Set Collection, Vol. 1: The “30 for 30” sports documentary series, produced for ESPN’s 30th anniversary, has been highlighted repeatedly as one of the most interesting and entertaining shows on television in 2010. This set, released on Dec. 7, chronicles the first 15 films—huge sport events that your guy is sure to love watching on a snowy sunday this January (ESPN, six discs, $74.95)

And how can we not mention the go-to gift of the year: the iPad. If you’re stuck, this is a guaranteed stamp of approval from the hard to please man in your life!
starting at $400 at Buy iPad

For your boyfriend—just started dating relationship
These sweaters are brand spanking new and will please your man with their style, comfort, and easy colors that go great with everything. $98 
Dining table ping pong set—perfect game for the spring so he can take his friends on (and you!) wherever, whenever. $29 

The Jock Soap Best Shave Ever kit includes everything he needs to keep that facial hair in check and will give him the feeling of having a high-class barber shop in his own bathroom! $39 Buy Jock Shave Kit

For Mom:
The perfect set of make-up for any women who wants to look as young and radiant as they can. Chanel put together the perfect gift set this season; JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in In-Love, and LÈVRES CINTILLANTES Glossimer in Coral Love, and INIMITABLE INTENSE Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistiqué in Noir all, nestled in a signature makeup bag. Limited Edition. $95.00 Chanel Makeup Kit



Diptyque candle set—soothing scents and a warm glow, perfect relaxation gift for that mom on the go.
$88 available at Buy Diptyque Candles 


Anthropologie’s whimsical flower measuring cups: the absolute cutest way to inspire mom to get back to baking those favorite chocolate peanut butter cookies from your childhood.



For Dad:
Pops who likes to stoke the fire, put his feet up and relax with a brew? How about if he crafted that brew himself?? Crazy cool gift to impress the neighbor’s when they come caroling…
Buy Brewing Kit

“Masters of Cinema,” a collection of 10 books from the who’s who of impressive film, these small books profile the screen’s most influential directors, from Pedro Almodóvar to Martin Scorsese. $9.95 each; Buy Masters of Cinema

Got a dad less into beers and more into getting a good jumpstart in the morning? There is simply no better gift that the in-home espresso machine—bringing the delight of a delcious, awakening espresso into the comfort of your own home.  $279; Buy nespresso Machine

And of course we wouldn’t forget some eco-conscious options:


And oh hell, last but not least, why not a little something for your cute kitty:
Happy Holidays cuties!! Hope this guide gets you thinking about what to get those close to you…even in your post pumpkin pie haze…xxx the razz girls

November 23, 2010

This Week's Juiciest Bite

Tonight at the Highline Ballroom, one of our own Vanderbilt alum Ben Cameron is going to be rocking out with bands Roctopus and DJ Eurofunkenstein. Starting at 9:30 p.m., recent grads will be invading the scene ready to get weird for the 5th Annual Turkey Bender: Facebook Event

What exactly is the Turkey Bender? Who the hell knows... but we're psyched. See you there!! xx




Tuesday's Fad features ArtsEcho Galleria



As a New Yorker, we pride ourselves on being super fast-paced. We like everything done quick and efficiently—with no mistakes. I mean walking in this city is the equivalent to a slow jog! With this being said, I trust that a majority of us focus on the destination rather than the journey—am I right? Next time you find yourself hustling to get somewhere on time, take a brief moment to notice your surroundings. You’ll notice everything from a cozy coffee shop to a gallery full of colorful, intricate pieces. In my case, I found myself drawn to a small vintage shop in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.

ArtsEcho Galleria was too adorable to pass up—with its mod outfit on display outside to the flashy sign that drew me in. After speaking with the owner of the store, I learned that she and her business partner were famous theater performers in the 1970’s and had traveled all over the world accumulating pieces from Paris to Milan. I also learned that ArtsEcho is the only vintage shop in NYC dedicated to supporting fiber artists selling everything from unique jewelry to vintage clothing. Additionally, they promote sustainable fashion by providing vintage fabric to emerging designers, which results in a collaborative in-house line of couture apparel. They even use the space to host events such as concerts, readings, and fashion shows!

Vintage Valentino




I told her that while I studied abroad in Rome I worked at Valentino, and immediately the designer was pointed out all over the store—like this vintage lime green peacoat. 








I found so many gems; a 1950’s “housewife” winter coat, an original Halston classic, a Christian Dior suit, hats from the 1920’s and 30’s, and top it off a Pucci handbag original. She was so fun too, making me try on everything—like this leopard jacket she’s had since the 60’s, love it! 

1950's Jacket
Select Pieces
Leopard Wear
Halston Hot Pink Jacket
Hats from the 1920's
1930's
Funky Finds
Pucci
Dior Coat

So if you’re in Hell’s Kitchen and want a fabulous vintage dress for an upcoming party or just want to pick up some classic originals head into the ArtsEcho Galleria at 455 west 43rd street.

Xx AT

November 22, 2010

Monday's Marks

As the Daily Razzler heads home for the holidays, Monday’s Marks is giving you a heads up on some galleries, exhibits and events to be sure to check out if you’re sticking it out in NYC for the festivities.
 
Hot Glue Hullabaloohttp://www.slamxhype.com/
 The Hole, 104 Greene Street: Hot Glue Hullabaloo; collaboration between downtown art legend Kenny Scharf and Virgina Beach art collective Dearraindrop (originated in my own Providence, RI!) Until December 4, this ground-floor gallery houses the wild collaborative of bright pop-ed, cartoonish, street-junk influenced paintings, sculpture and even a mini blacklight disco that are sure to brighten those gloomier post-thanksgiving days. 


Leah Tinari, Perfect Strangers www.artreview.com

Mixed Greens, 531 W 26th St, 1st Floor, Perfect Strangers, exhibit of Leah Tinari (older sister of a close friend of At's!) She incorporates photography into her paintings by working off digital images and turning them into painted collages of her world. We're loving Tinari's funky, cariacature-like approach to imagery--makes you feel like you're in on the subjects' amusing jokes... The images in Perfect Strangers in particular were created from snapshots taken of visitors during her last exhibition at the same gallery—interesting documentation of the relationship between viewer, artist and exhibition.  Plus, Mixed Greens as a gallery space is right in tune with the daily razzler’s mission; it was founded in the aim of promoting and supporting emerging artists, visions and spaces—their original goal was to make contemporary art accessible to the public—props for that!


Roxy Paine, Distillationhttp://www.artobserved.com/

And while you’re in the neighborhood, definitely wander next door to the James Cohan Gallery, 533 West 26th Street, for Roxy Paine’s, Distillation. Part of the artist’s Dendroid series, this winding, metallic structure brings to mind the knobby roots of the now exposed trees winter has revealed.  It is very different to see the structure in this environment than the open air of the Metropolitan rooftop that his piece Maelstrom inhabited, but in some ways equally compelling in inspiring thoughts on the aesthetics of shape and materials.



Claire Pentecoste, Little Curl, Big Curlhttp://www.higherpictures.com/




For those razz girls staying warm on the Upper East Side this holiday, don’t miss Claire Pentecost’s exhibition Interior Studies, at the Higher Pictures Gallery, 764 Madison Avenue. These black-and-white photographs of pencil etchings—made on studio and apartment walls and ornamented with pushpins, flower petals and plastic toys—are the perfect whimsical, imaginative imagery to inspire your holiday shopping and get you seeing the world in an ingenious if a bit weird, light. 



Last but certainly not least, heavy-hitting institutions, the Metropolitan Museum, the Whitney and the MOMA all pack a big punch going into this holiday season.  Our top 3 picks:

*Abstract Expressionists at the MOMA (our Christmas wish? Make this show part of the permanent collection!)
*The World of Khubilai Khan at the MET
*Modern Life: Edward Hopper at the Whitney
            -if you manage to get there before November 28, don’t miss Lee Friedlander’s America by Car, snapshots taken through rental car windows.

That's only the beginning of the shows and artists brightening the beginning of this festive season so stay tuned for more--until then, hope these exhibits get you out walking after that second helping of turkey!  XX ms

November 21, 2010

Recovery Sundays

As a newly certified Manhattanite, I love exploring all the things this island has to offer. From the featured “Friday’s Bite” to the trends of “Tuesday’s Fad”, the options for entertainment, culture, and fun are seemingly endless. This week, however, I decided to take a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy brunch with family and friends at one of the most celebrated breakfast spots ‘outside the island’, Downtown Atlantic. 




The service and food were just what I wanted on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and with some good company and conversation mixed in, I found myself in utter brunch bliss.

Complimentary Spiced Carrot Bread
A hearty, garden fresh Bloody
Fancy Eggs and Buttermilk Biscuits
The meal started with a basket of fresh, warm spiced-carrot bread – just the treat for our cold, winter hands. From there, we ordered the restaurant classic “Downtown Eggs Atlantic”, which boasted two perfectly poached eggs layered over a toasted English muffin, smoked salmon, and dill hollandaise. My sister tried the down-home family special - “Fancy Eggs and Buttermilk Biscuits with Southern Gravy”. The gravy was a hit with the whole table, featuring a special, spicy kick that is part of the Downtown Atlantic secret sauce. The Bloody Mary’s tasted garden fresh, and the bakery situated perfectly near the exit gave us something sweet and savory to nibble on as we ventured out into the Brooklyn cold.


Brooklyn Beers on Tap

Downtown Eggs Atlantic
Homemade Cookies


A quick subway home and I was back in Hell’s Kitchen, but Brooklyn’s charm stayed with me the whole ride. Next time you're in search of some old fashioned fun, quiet tree-lined streets, and a break from the hustle of Manhattan, look no further than across the Brooklyn Bridge, and be sure to check out Downtown Atlantic while your there. 

XX MC

Saturday's Spot

www.donhills.com
Saturday's Spot--this week's hotspot was Don Hills. The buzz around this Soho hangout soared when it reopened during NYC Fashion week, penned as a welcome alternative to the bottle-service glitterati of the meatpacking district--glamour but with a downtown edge. Helmed by Paul Sevigny and Nur Khan; this spot did not disappoint, delivering grungy, stripped down fun.  We spent much of the night dancing to rock remixes and Miike Snow, the collaged walls with green neon lights blinking only added to our euphoria grooving with the laid back crowd in this hazy heaven.






Looking for a funky hideaway for your music-happy crew?? Don Hills is the spot. When were loving it:

Nur Khan Sessions the owner's wild, handpicked concerts
Thursday night post Margaritas at El Cantinero in West Village
Saturday with an epic crew and dancing shoes



Painting on one wall...and a Don Hill's motto
www.rachelhruska.com