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

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

Downtown Atlantic

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

Friday's Bite

Like all real American girls, you have a little black dress in your closet, a straightener in your bathroom, 100 friends on BBM, and your yoga studio on the next block. But let's be honest, your citizenship would not be complete without your undeniable love of juicy, melty, all-American cheeseburgers every once in a while. While, yes, Shake Shack or 5-Napkin Burger does the trick most of the time, sometimes you just have to splurge into a decadent burger abyss. At DB Bistro Moderne, the $32 sirloin burger stuffed with short ribs and foie gras is one of those sinfully perfect items that is worth every penny, calorie, and yoga session. 

Daniel Boulud, chef of Daniel (one of the four 3-Michelin Star restaurants in NYC) opened DB Bistro Moderne as one of the crowning jewels of the theater district. The French bistro fare is prepared with chic elegance in accordance with classic French flavors, and the buzzing, modern space lays the perfect backdrop to a classy crowd. DB also boasts a stand-out wine list and knowledgeable Sommeliers, who will guide you through your meal. Pair a crisp white to enunciate your delicate scallops and a bold red stand up to your booming burger. Merci, Monsieur Boulud, for the most luxurious American burger I've ever set my lips on. 

<3 lk, the little
Little Foodie Blog

The Original DB Burger: Sirloin Burger Filled with Braised Short Ribs and Foie Gras served on a Parmesan Bun

Maine Diver Scallops served over Risotto, Fall Squashes, Mushrooms, and Drizzled with Pumpkin Oil

Tomato Tarte Tatin with Goat Cheese and Black Olives

Apple Mille-Feuille: Apple Confit, Confiture De Lait, Rum Ice Cream

Pumpkin Caneloni, Pumpkin Diplomat, Vanilla Cream and Graham Cracker Ice Cream

Hazelnut Marjolaine Gâteaux, Milk Chocolate Coffee Mousse, Devils Food Cake, Coffee Ice Cream

Spotlight Thursday—
A place where the beer flows like wine… Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano.. I'm talking about a little place called…Sweet Paradise!!


This week’s limelight is on Headband and Hooligan—USC alums migrated east to get you dancing in NYC. These music gurus have been drumming and mixing since the ripe age of 14 or so and team up under their monikers to bring heady beats to New York's recent grad scene. Fun fact: Headband once caught a pitching session for Mariano Rivera—if he’s good enough for the yanks he’s sure as hell good enough for you. Plus, rumor has it Hooligan played HORSE with Obama. And won.

Ok reputations aside—this Saturday they’ve teamed up with Sweet Paradise (everybody’s favorite secret hide-away on the Lower East Side, complete with candy, liquor and a jukebox…um hello!) to bring us Pleasure Treasure. All night Sweet Paradise is offering $5 shot and beer combo and $8 Jameson/beer special...that's sure to get your boyfriend off the couch. Bottom line: this evening is dont-miss guaranteed party-your-face-off fun with a sexy crowd, insane beats and strong drinks—does it get any sweeter?

Sweet Paradise Lounge

        located at:   
14 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002                                                              Better see you in paradise...MS




The Elusive Twosome

 

This Week's Juiciest Bite

Every women has their signature perfume; I have Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, my friend is a fan of a fruity little bottle she got in Paris, and let's just say my mother's Elixir Des Merveiles by Hermes still lingers in the air 20 minutes after she's left. However Gerald Ghislan, founder of Histories de Parfums, is doing something exclusively different. By traveling all over the world, Gerald listens, reads, and discovers; drawing inspiration from every one of his trips and encounters. Born in France and brought up in Morocco, Ghislan created a collection of twelve rare and delicate perfumes. Always having been surrounded by the Mediterranean, Ghislan developed a unique palette and nose for gastronomy, learning the art of mixing and distilling specific flavors.

Each one of these twelve bottles is dedicated to some of his favorite writers; Casanova, George Sand, and Jules Verne, to name a few. The bottles tell the brief history of each legend mixed with the aromas and scents of their childhood and overall life. All made in France, they are meant to compliment and work alongside one another to tease and awaken the senses, all while recognizing familiar flavors like; rosewater, lavendar, and vanilla. If you are not intrigued already, my beloved Bendels in hosting the juiciest party of the week tomorrow--Taste of a Scent starting at 5:00 p.m. Gerald Ghislan will be there discussing his praised adventures and handing out free martini's in similar flavors mentioned above. There will be travel-sized spray samples given out and the best part is it's open to everybody. See you there Razz girls. Xx AT

Casanova. Venice, the riparian city of love. Inviting to memorable pleasure. Contains tunes and touches of lemon sublimed by the elegance of lavender.


Taste of a Scent
Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Henri Bendel 55th and 5th Ave.

Wednesday’s Je Ne Sais Quoi—HUMP DAY…well let’s be honest, feels a little more like bump in the road day…but there is good news to be had on this mediocre Wednesday in NYC.  It comes in the form of Piola, an Italian pizzeria in Union Square. And for once, we’re not talking about the pizza.  From 8pm to close every Wednesday, Piola showers its female diners with free wine included with any entrée. FREE WINE. Pretty sure Kool & the Gang would write a new rendition of Ladies Night for this. Oh and they have some pretty great other promotions as well—check it all out at Piola Union Square

http://soulfunkjazz.files.wordpress.com/

See you ladies there!  MSS


Piola NYC





  

Tuesday's Fad features METALSKIN

This past Thursday, Big Drop NYC teamed up with the new leather accessory line, METALSKIN, to host a fabulous party that had shoppers like myself in awe over all of the colorful wrap designs. Founded in 2009 by designer Alicia Halegua, METALSKIN is the ideal integration of leather skins and metal elements—DUH METALSKIN.

Everyone was picking up some of these colorful bracelet must-haves that can be worn alone, stacked as bangles or snapped together. They come in what sounds like a burger joint menu; classic, double classic, thick, cuff, and vegan. I opted for the Cuff Shimmer Python, because it’s the perfect accessory to work alongside my new Haute Hippie jacket…plus it’s perfect for adding a little shine to any cocktail dress.

Rachel Heller models a double classic

CW's Alexandra Vissicchio

Available in a core selection of neutral colors as well as changing special-edition bolds, each bracelet is made from genuine leathers (embossed, patent, metallic, perforated) and exotic skins (python, lizard and karung) that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood/style. Look out CC SKYE, METALSKIN will undoubtedly be stealing your spotlight soon enough.

Cuff Shimmer Python: $139.00

Classic Black Matte Snake makes the perfect holiday gift: $98.00

For something brighter, try the Classic Ocean Blue: $48.00

xx AT

                                                                 Shop METALSKIN

  Mondays Marks--With the monumental sale of a Roy Lichtenstein painting at Christie’s contemporary art auction last week ($42, 642, 500 to be exact) it seemed a fitting time to explore a contemporary art venue.  The New Museum, on Bowery and Prince, currently houses two exhibitions: Free and The Last Newspaper.  Both were insightful, at times upsetting, but ultimately engaging, explorations of the ideological properties of the daily news.  At a time when we are inundated with information on all fronts—the reconstruction and reinterpretation of media—both social and original press—was hugely eye-opening. The works spanned about 40 years, the most recent being an installation of collages/paintings  updated with new pieces whenever he was inspired by the news, by Nate Lowman (ironically a sort of media magnet himself, known almost equally well for his art as his relationship with Mary Kate Olsen and appearances on the New York social circuit). 

Both exhibits tapped in to the collective experience that the news creates—and focused on how these ties and disconnects have been heightened by the “freedom” that comes with social media and the internet. The most striking of these was Lisa Oppenheim’s “The Sun is Always Setting Somewhere Else.” (2006) Created from Flickr images of sunsets she pulled from US soldiers stationed in Afghanistan and then re-photographed against the backdrop of her own horizon in New York—the forged connection we can make with each others experiences stood out as simultaneously painful and beautiful.  In The Last Newspaper, artists used everything from mixed collage to complete re-creation: Alexsandra Mir redrew the front pages of tabloids like The Post, the bad news of the day appearing in almost child-like scrawl. Hans Haacks’ piece, News (1969/2008) made only from a RSS newsfeed, paper, and printer, was humming and hah-ing in the corner as we perused—tirelessly spitting out the minute by minute tragedies and triumphs of our world—creating a giant heap of paper on the floor.  While the works in these exhibitions are not necessarily visually striking—their message is powerful. So much so that as I walked out I couldn’t help but notice a wall of advertisements, graffiti unceremoniously sprawled across—looking almost identical to some of the pieces within the show.  Bottom line; check out the New Museum because this is one artistic discussion we are all apart of. 
deep thoughts for your monday :) MSS

Rose II, new outdoor installation by Isa Genzken

Lisa Oppenheim, The Sun is Always Setting Somewhere Else (2006)




Aleksandra Mir, Lets go Get Em!, Mail Bomb Alert (2007)

 

Hans Haacke, News (1969/2008)




Nate Lowman's evolving installation

 


View from the New Museum sky terrace





Ads and graffiti outside the museum--not so different than the commentary witnessed inside



Recovery Sunday

Pirate Mike doing his thing at Iggy's

63 and sunny this weekend led to a lengthy and boozy brunch on Saturday before the Heineken Inspire Encore concert--mental notes: Donnybrook's irish brunch leaves a little something to be desired in the food department, pirate Mike at Iggy's on Ludlow and Rivington makes a mean (variations of mild, medium, hot and VERY hot) Bloody Mary and a combination of Diplo tunes, free heineken and black light walls is pure perfection.

Diplo

Heineken vision

However, all this led us to spend much of today curled up in bed. The still balmy weather forced us out around 3 though and after wandering the New Museum on Bowery (check Monday Marks tomorrow for a full recap) we were ready for some good and greasy recovery grub.  Pulino's, Keith McNally's relatively new restaurant, shone bright red across the street and surprised at the rare lull we saw through the windows, we hurried over.






While the service was spotty and the pizzas (funghi/pancetta and salame picante) upsettingly bland--the spectacular mozzarella burata, flavorful cannelloni beans and peaceful buzz of eating in a golden glow of liquor bottles and hanging prosciutto, made 5pm Sunday recovery at Pulino's something to look forward to as the weather cools and getting out of bed is increasingly challenging.









Pulino's Menu

the entirety of Pulino's corner of Bowery seemed highlighted with red--how could we resist??

Canelloni beans with vegetables, pecorino and bruschetta

Funghi/Pancetta and Salame Picante pizze

Mozzarella Burata, prosciutto with apples 

the exposed kitchen was the most bustling section of the room