The Knockturnal was invited to attend an exclusive evening at Amali NYC, celebrating the launch of Ja Rule’s new whiskey brand, Amber & Opal. The night was a masterclass in what happens when authenticity meets elegance, a curated blend of conversation, culture, and craft that felt very New York.
It’s been a busy fall. Here are some of our favorite things on the scene.
Tourism Australia’s new live-action short film, G’day, starring Rose Byr4ne and Will Arnett, debuted online on October 19. The film is part of a new global tourism campaign inviting international travelers to Come and Say G’day, and plan and book an Australian adventure of their own.
Directed by acclaimed Australian director, Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), G’day the short film shows the unlikely adventure of a souvenir kangaroo named Ruby, voiced by beloved Australian actor Rose Byrne, and a toy unicorn, Louie, voiced by actor Will Arnett.
The short film follows Ruby and Louie as they ‘break out’ of a gift shop on the Great Barrier Reef and take an incredible adventure around Australia, visiting iconic sites including Sydney Harbour, Melbourne’s laneways, and stunning natural landscapes like Uluṟu and Nitmiluk Gorge.
Rose Byrne in her new role as Tourism Australia’s Global Ambassador and the voice of Ruby, said, “Having the opportunity to voice Ruby was such an honour – she’s a representative for what it means to be an Aussie – she is warm, welcoming, but also endlessly curious and seeing Australia for the first time. I’m so excited to be able to help welcome travelers to our beautiful country.”
In other news, Civetta Hospitality partners James Mallios, Kylie Monagan and Tanya Saxena welcomed guests to Amali at Chiotes Hall. The Upper East Side will never be the same – think Gossip Girl venue hotspot for a modern age and sensible crowd. The new event space and hidden gem on has a capacity for 150 seated guests and up to 200 guests for receptions.
The culinary team at Amali will oversee food, beverage and service for the space, which is equipped with two 15-foot dropdown screens with built-in projection and surround sound speakers. 4AM’s Director of Events Chris Bachmann provided the night’s talent, which included a DJ, Saxophonist, Steel Drummer and Magician along with the gorgeous lighting and staging.
Lastly, non-alcoholic spirit innovator Wilderton’s newest release Bittersweet Aperitivo was celebrated with Wilderton’s co-founder Brad Whiting and co-founder/lead distiller Seth O’Malley at the intimate new aperitivo bar Midnight Café in Manhattan West.
Midnight Café’s Iain Griffiths (Dandelyn, White Lyan) curated the drinks list with bites by Chef Chai Trivedi plus a DIY scent bar from Olfactory NYC, and botanical installation by Alimentari Flâneur.
Bittersweet Aperitivo is an n/a ruby red liquid hand-crafted in the Pacific Northwest from globally-sourced botanicals using a proprietary process resulting in a vibrant homage to the Italian aperitivo tradition. Think an n/a love child between Campari, Aperol and sweet vermouth. Bittersweet Aperitivo joins the brand’s two original expressions – the spicy, smoky Earthen and the bright, floral, citrusy Lustre.
Happy fall season everyone!