Friday's Bite

As 2010 comes to a close, I'd like to pay homage to one of the biggest food trends of the year: meatballs. From Andrew Carmellini's award winning lamb balls, to Kenmare's famous saucy sliders, meatball madness has spread throughout the city, and we've been bit with the ball-bug. Although popping up on menus everywhere, The Meatball Shop really takes this fad to a new level with a restaurant solely dedicated to this niche cuisine...and it's truly worth a visit.

bar area and menu

Nestled on the relatively quiet Stanton Street, The Meatball Shop explodes with energy and a buzzing crowd until their 4 a.m. close. Packed with city-wide foodies, BK hipsters, and LES regulars, the vibe is young and grunge-chic. Laminated menus dictate your meatball options, accompanied by a do-it-yourself marker to fill in your order. Pick from beef, pork, chicken, or vegetable balls, and adorn with the sauce of your choice: tomato, spicy meat, creamy mushroom, parmigiano, or pesto.
And, you can even chose if you would like them "naked," over pasta, or served on a mini slider, a baguette hero, or brioche bun. A sprinkling of greenmarket salads and seasonal sides are also available for noshing.

We recommend the pork ball with spicy meat sauce on a hero, with good friends after a great night, and a $3 P.B.R. nightcap to wash it down.

pork meatballs with spicy meat sauce and mozzarella on hero

chocolate chip cookie sandwich with vanilla ice-cream

<3 lisa, the little foodie
Little Foodie Blog

Party Juice of the Month

I’m a pretty eco-conscience person; I turn the sink off when I brush my teeth, I flash my lights down when I leave the house, and I’d rather take public transit in the rain than burn gasoline in my own private taxi (well....most of the time!). Needless to say, I try to live up my Liberal Arts Alma Mater’s focus on the green movement. And now, I'm happy to say I  found a new way to lower my energy quotient without breaking the bank or bad habits. And best of all, it involves alcohol.

Fair. , the “world’s first line of fair trade certified premium spirits “ combines sustainability, ethics, and a healthy buzz to create one of the world’s best premiere vodkas. Fair. is the first Quinoa-based luxury spirit, with Fair Trade certified™ ingredients. This line of extraordinary spirits supports the local economy of over 1200 small producers of Quinoa in the Andes while delivering an eco-friendly product of the highest quality. Fair. features a variety of distinct spirit flavors, including Fair. Café (which supports the Aztec coffee bean business), and Fair. Goji (the world’s first-ever Goji liquor made from the exotic Goji berry only found in the valleys of the Himalayas). The line’s crisp taste and flawless marketing approach make Fair. this week’s featured Party Juice.

 Fair. is only available for your sipping privileges in the most select cities across Europe and the U.S., including Berlin, Paris, San Francisco, and of course, New York. Carriers of Fair. in Manhattan include top lounges and liquor providers like Soho House, Cercle Rouge, Bubble Lounge, and Milk and Honey, to name a few. Drink responsibly, and drink Fair.

Learn more about Fair. in Manhattan at : Fair. in NYC

**MC

Tuesday's Fad features ANN YEE

This Tuesday were featuring the beautiful drapery and funky, adrogynous fits of local designer Ann Yee.  While her first line launched only last fall, her experience designing for labels like LaRok, Elizabeth and James and Alice and Olivia made her a pro at draping knits and creating cool pieces for New York fashion lovers like herself.  


We're dying to get our hands on that white draped top--not to mention our obsession with the pockets sneakily hidden in seemingly every outfit!! We were lucky enough to catch a quick conversation with Ann and discussed her two loves: designing clothes and New York City.


Daily Razzler: 
We cannot stop gushing to our friends about how much we loved your line at Fashion Week. The cuts and colors are perfect for going from the office to out with friends or hanging on the weekends; we love!! 
Our adoration aside--what do YOU love most about what you do?


Ann Yee:

I love creating things that can make someone feel confident and cool. My biggest reward is seeing people wearing my designs in this way.  Also, the process is actually fun from start to finish, from researching, collecting fabrics, sketching, draping, trim shopping, etc.  It’s very hands on which keeps it personal and I’m lucky I can call it my job!  I don’t think I’d survive at a desk all day…

Daily Razzler:
Ummm yes we hear you on that one!  We're pretty sure the only thing that could make a lot of people suffer long hours at a cold cubicle is...New York City. So what is it that you love about this city??


Ann Yee:

Makes my job so much easier --- there’s constant excitement everywhere you go and inspiration surrounds you 24/7.  The people are definitely incomparable and something is always going on.  I LOVE the flea markets – from Hell’s kitchen to Chelsea to the Brooklyn Flea – there’s always great treasures to be found that can spark countless ideas!! 


Check out http://www.annyeecollection.com/ for more information on this designer to watch--and get peeks at her latest outfits.  Here's to you Ann...and more pockets, please!


XX at

Monday's Marks

It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving and as if our post tryptophan haze wasn’t bad enough, the reality that we’re going to be stuck in New York while the rest of the art world basks in the sunny glory of Miami Art Basel this week is just about sending us over the edge. The Daily Razzler isn’t one to feel sorry for itself though so we’ve compiled a few fun events to get our minds off missing out on the contemporary art party heaven that is taking over Miami this week:

1. The Grain of Emptiness exhibit at the Rubin Museum offers Buddhism inspired contemporary art, featuring the works of Theaster Gates, Sanford Biggers Wolfgang Laib, Atta Kim and Charmion von Wiegand.  While the notions of emptiness and impermanence might be the melancholy sentiments you’re feeling at being left out in the cold this week—the show will leave you with a zen-like happiness, and new perceptions of the influences of contemporary art.

Nov 11 – Apr 11, 2011 Daily (11am–5pm) Rubin Museum of Art 150 W 17th St



rmanyc.org





rmanyc.org



2. The opening reception for the pop-up shop, A.R.T./Module R is his Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30 in Brooklyn.  Looks to be a fun night with cocktails, meet and greet with architect/artist Donald Rattner and a chance to check out the store’s cool products dedicated to modular art & design—funky gifts for hard to please family members this holiday season.

                                              A.R.T./ Module R Pop-Up Store & Gallery,

                                                 400 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

                                                                 Art-rethought

3. If you’re determined to stay in Manhattan this Thursday, opt instead for the Groundswell Art Auction—might not be an oceanfront event but aiding the organization dedicated to mural arts and social justice will definitely make you feel good in this celebratory week for the arts.   The Benefit will feature a silent auction with more than 50 works for sale by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Vik Muniz, Swoon and Massimo Vitali.

                                  From 7-10pm at Affirmation Arts, Ltd., 523 W 37th St

                                                             Groundswell Art Auction

4. Itching to be a part of the notorious party action surrounding the Miami Basel week?  We’re heading to Brooklyn this Saturday, December 4, for the Warhol Factory Party—a raucous tribute evening put on by PIXIE007 and COPYCAT for PIXIE007’s birthday celebration. The space will be turned into Warhol's silver factory with live covers of Velvet Underground and other sounds of the 60's.  There will be go-go dancers, silkscreen art, video projections, and screen tests—who needs Miami when we can rock out like the pop-art legend himself?! Meet us there this Saturday 10PM-4AM $6

                                   Party XPO 929 Broadway Bushwick, Brooklyn

5. Wrap it all up Monday with a relaxing but thought provoking movie viewing of The Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1969), photographer Jerry Schatzberg’s disturbing but eye-opening peephole into the fashion world.  Schatzberg will be on hand tonight to sign copies of his new book, Women Then: Photographs 1954–1969  and discuss the film—you can get some artist interaction even stuck back here in the city! 

Monday December 6, 7:45pm $12 
                          Film Forum, 209 West Houston Street Film Forum



Or, if all else fails, curl up in the comfort of your own apartment and watch the amusing (and too true!) commentary on the contemporary art world of New York from the Jim Kempner gallery at The Madness of Art while perusing the recent grad friendly art website www.20x200.com, where today you can get 20% off the already awesome prices for cool contemporary art pieces—officially no need to fly to Miami to get started on your collection!  MSS

http://www.20x200.com/tag/maximalist

Recovery Sundays

On this sunny Sunday morning we found our recovery in the delicious form of the $10.95 brunch special at the East Village gem, Flea Market Cafe.  The decor reflected the name perfectly; a collection of antiques, collectibles and garage sale finds that made the room feel more like your grandmother's basement than a New York restaurant.  It was cozy and fun to look around as we sipped the complimentary coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice--pondering everything from vintage signs to a bike tacked up on the wall.  We settled on brioche french toast with fruit, tomato/spinach/chedder omelet with home fries and salad and a hot baguette with jam.  As the days grow colder we will definitely return to Flea Market--for the unbelievable deal and mouth-watering meals--next time we're trying the carmelized apple pancake!

Flea Market Cafe is located at St. Marks and Avenue A...and also boasts a sunset menu from 5-7 every day; $15, $17 or $19 for 1, 2, 3 courses respectively, plus a glass of wine or beer!  There's no missing your old cafeteria when you can get the delicacies of this foodie flea market for under $20... MSS

Flea Market Cafe Menu

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!!!

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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

Buy Tory Burch Slippers

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…

Buy Tory Burch cosmetics case

For your sister:

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

Buy Marc by Marc laptop case

Family taking a tropical vacation this winter? Get your fashionable sister sunbathing ready with these awesome aviators from razzler fave Michael Kors.

Buy Michael Kors Aviator glasses

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:

Buy Skullcandy Headphones

Buy Dr. Dre Tour Headphones

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 

Buy Lacoste Sweater

Dining table ping pong set—perfect game for the spring so he can take his friends on (and you!) wherever, whenever. $29 

Buy Dining Room Ping Pong

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.

$36 at Buy Anthropologie flower cups

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:

Eco-pick : Donate

Eco-pick: Fashion

Eco-pick: Read

And oh hell, last but not least, why not a little something for your cute kitty:

Buy City Cat Scratch Post

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

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 43^rd street.

Xx AT

http://www.artsechogalleria.com/