New York City’s Capitale exuded Saturday Night Fever on a Wednesday for the annual ACE Gala.
NEW YORK, NY – To many dining enthusiasts, the Mr. Chow restaurant brand symbolizes upscale Chinese-American cuisine.
NEW YORK, NY – Fall, the season when New Yorkers admire the changing of the leaves, exchange their summer clothes for wool overcoats and down jackets, and assemble inside for gala season.
As autumn sweeps into the bustling heart of New York City, the chill and rain of the last week led a friend and I to an enchanting establishment that transports diners to the serenity of the Hamptons amidst the Flatiron district’s urban buzz.
In the dimly lit theater, a lava lamp background casts an otherworldly glow as a bright spotlight illuminates a motorcycle center stage.
New York Fashion Week is back and active, as everyone gathered near and far to be apart of the many shows, press events and after parties. It’s a full week affair and on Saturday September 9th I had the pleasure of attending Leonardo 5th Avenues NYFW Runway show located at the infamous Spring Studios.
New York City on a rainy September evening, anticipation and excitement filled the air. I had the privilege of attending a highly anticipated fashion show at Spring Studios, a venue renowned for hosting some of the most prestigious events in the fashion industry. Leonardo 5th Avenue promised to be an unforgettable experience, and I was eager to immerse myself in their collection. Designers, Leonardo and Ana Sofia, debuted their RTW Spring/Summer 2024 collection on the runway with the rainy day, but the show must go on. Leonardo’s show was filled with so many unique attendees dressed to impress. As the doors to the hall opened, I made my way to the front row, where the runway extended like a glistening pathway. The stage was bathed in bright lighting, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. The pristine white catwalk seemed to stretch into infinity, a canvas awaiting the artistry of the designers.
The show commenced with a breathtaking display of creativity and innovation. The designer’s collection was a unique expression of their artistic vision, and I was captivated by the diversity of styles on display. From sleek and minimalistic ensembles to bold, avant-garde creations, every piece pushed the boundaries of fashion. The destructed tailored suits, paired with the models dark grungy black Smokey eye makeup, was the perfect combination of elegance and grunge. The models, with their impeccable poise and grace, glided down the runway at first in pairs of two. They walked with a vampire blank expression, sharp movements and confidence that brought the garments to life. The music pulsated in harmony with the designs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the spectacle. This is my first viewing of the brands clothing and I was blown away. The innovation of turning unisex suits into rockstar styled outfits is amazing. The collection was a mix of high fashion quality with street style inspiration. One model had a suit with a studded choker, long cape attached to the romper style suit and chunky leather high heel boots. This was a moment everyone’s jaw dropped in awe of this silhouette.
What I found equally fascinating was the backstage chaos that contrasted with the elegance on the runway. Hair and makeup artists worked tirelessly to ensure each model’s look was impeccable. Designers and their teams hurriedly made last-minute adjustments to the outfits, and the energy backstage was electric. As a fellow model, I saw a few familiar faces that are good friends of mine and other fabulous models I’ve shared a runway with. It’s always a proud moment to see models flourish and grow while being chosen to walk show to show throughout the chaos of fashion week.
The final walk, where all the models appeared together, was a spectacular. The audience erupted in applause, acknowledging the immense talent and hard work of the designers, models, and everyone involved in making the event a reality. Leonardo and Ana Sofia graced the runway with their presence and walked amongst a roaring applause in support and congratulations to their showcased collection. They took pictures, press gathered for interviews and others hurried to the next show.
Congratulations to Leonardo 5th Avenue. I am now aware of this brand and will be on the lookout for what is to come of their next collections and even interests in pulling one of their fabulous evening wear pieces. For more information about Leonardo 5th Avenue, check out their instagram and vogue runway pictures online.
NEW YORK, NY – With its origins stemming from the later half of the 20th century, Diner En Blanc (French for “dinner in white”), has established itself as an annual tradition in NYC since 2011.
When I think of summertime, the first thing that comes to my mind is concerts and what tickets I can score before they’re all sold out. Thankfully, AfroPunk Fest is the best end of summer music festival to see all of your favorite artists, one last time before the sun sets early and the weather turns chilly. This years line up is a collection of fierce, unapologetically black artists featuring Brooklyn native Joey Badass, Harlems princess Teyana Taylor, Rapper/Producer Flying Lotus, Vince Staples, Baby Tate, the absolutely Iconic Durand Bernarr and more.
NEW YORK, NY – It is at Nar, the latest Turkish restaurant to open in New York’s Flatiron District, that the restauranteurs Andy E. Arkun (The Polo), Erhan Bahceci (Food Cellar Market), and Zeynep Tansung (Izmir Commodity Exchange) seek to bring a contemporary flair to traditional Turkish cuisine.
On August 24, Citi Taste of Tennis returned to New York City’s Gotham Hall. Food Network’s Chopped Champion, Founder and Executive Chef Bao Bao, and Former Tennis Player Prakash Amritraj hosted the event. Pro tennis players and chefs served it up city-style.
Tennis players Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Belinda Bencic, Sascha Zverev, and Ons Jabeur made appearances. Alycia Parks, Liudmila Samsonova, Desirae Krawczyk, Sachia Vickery, JJ Wolf, and Holger Rune sampled fantastic dishes.
Fig and Olive’s Chef Alain Allegretti served watermelon and shrimp carpaccio, cauliflower, and couscous tabbouleh. Barbados Tourism’s Chef Damian Leach served salt fish and shrimp fregola. Hunt and Fish Club’s Chef Chad Brown served gnocchi bolognese.
Segafredo Zanetti Coffee crafted delectable expresso cocktails. Zonin USA provided bubbles, while VOSS created “voss-tails.” Gin Mare and Chambord made innovative cocktails. Guests indulged in the fabulous Gotham Hall.
The elegant ballroom has an intricate stained-glass skylight and seventy-foot ceilings. Attendees chatted with tennis stars and enjoyed endless food from top chefs. They danced to DJ Ravi Drums’ percussion remixes.
Venus Williams
On social media, guests tagged @TasteofTennis and #CitiTasteofTennis.
Check out our red-carpet interviews!
Camila Giorgi
Ons Jabeur
More exciting interviews!
Liudmila Samsonova
Featured Chefs
Chef Bao Bao (Baoburg), Chef John Mooney (Bell Book and Candle), Chef Jassi Bindra (Amrina The Woodlands), Chef Sujan Sarkar (Baar Baar), Chef Fany Gerson (Fan Fan Doughnuts), Chef Admir Alibasic (One Rare Italian Steakhouse), Chef Kerry Heffernan (Grand Banks), Chef Jack Logue (The Lambs Club), Chef Chad Brown (Hunt & Fish Club), Chef Doc (Doc’s Cake Shop), Chef Alain Allegretti (Fig & Olive), Chef Shorne Benjamin (St. Lucia Tourism), Chef Ruffo Ibarra (ORYX Restaurante), Chefs Scheyla Acosta and Ann Cashion (Cashion’s Rendezvous), Chef Ryan Hackney (Chaos), Chef MAC & Chef Pinke (Flavorture), Chef Paramjeet Singh Bombra (Gulaabo Timeless Indian), Chef Nick Wang (Amami Bar & Restaurant), Chef Mike Viola (Boar’s Head Premium Deli Products), and Chef Joey Campanaro (The Little Owl).
Full Menu
Baoburg (Cooking Demo)
Chef Susan Askornann (Chef Bao Bao):
Pad Thai
The Lambs Club
Chef Jack Logue:
Grilled Cucumber Salad: Yogurt, Oregano; Allergens: dairy
Cured Yellow Tail, Almonds, Prosciutto, Basil; Allergens: fish, nuts, meat
Amrina Woodlands
Chef Jassi Bindra:
Short Rib Nihari Dumpling; Allergens: gluten, dairy
Kadai Vegetable Dumpling (Vegetarian); Allergens: gluten, dairy
One Rare Italian Steakhouse
Chef Admir Alibasic:
Steak & Cake
Mini Crab Cake
Beef Tenderloin
Corn Salsa
Allergens: shellfish & gluten
Chef Shorne Benjamin:
Oxtail Grilled Cheese (Allergens: dairy, wheat)
Sweet Plantains with Champagne Vinaigrette (Vegan)
ORYX Restaurante
Chef Ruffo Ibarra:
Bluefin Tuna: Organic Soy-Cured Egg Yolk, Peanut,Mustard Sprouts, Serrano Chili, Lemon Zest, Chives, Black Garlic Aioli, Local Seaweed Crackling
Smoked Watermelon: Feta Cheese, Fingerlime, Mustard Greens (Vegetarian)
Little Owl
Chef Joey Campanaro:
Corn Maque Choux (Gluten Free)
Sangria Steak, Caesar Salad Slaw, Garlic Crunchies
Hunt & Fish Club
Chef Chad Brown:
Gnocchi Bolognese: Beef, Pork, Veal, Basil; Allergens: gluten, dairy, eggs, onion, garlic
Gnocchi Mushroom: Black Truffle, Butter, Basil; Allergens: mushrooms, gluten, dairy, eggs, onion, garlic
Cashion’s Rendezvous
Chef Scheyla Acosta:
Steak Tartare; Allergens: dairy, eggs
Taramasalata with Salmon Pastrami; Allergens: seafood
BBQ Shrimp with Grits; Allergens: shellfish
Chicken Liver Duck Parfait
Barbados
Chef Damian Leach:
Salt Fish & Shrimp Fregola: Sardinian Couscous Cooked Down in a Ginger Seafood Bisque topped with Salt Fish & Shrimp, Pickled Cucumber
Bajan Charred Mushroom Taco: Bajan Marinated Mushrooms on a soft-shell taco with Pickled Onions, Pepper Sauce/Avocado Puree, Tomato Salsa
Mixologist Dameain Williams:
Straight Serve Cucumber Cooler
Peachy Perfect Sangria
Chaos
Chef Ryan Hackney:
“Thai Breaker”: Smashed Cucumber Salad, Marinated Shallots, Makrut Lime, Thai Fish Sauce, Cilantro; Allergens: allium, shellfish, soy, gluten, (Also available gluten-free and vegan)
“Straight Down the Line”: Sashimi Style Hamachi Crudo, Lime, Ginger, Thai Chili, Yuzu Aioli, Crispy Shallots; Allergens: allium, seafood, soy, gluten
Boar’s Head
Chef Mike Viola:
Summer Melon Gazpacho Shooter: Chorizo Crisp (Boar’s Head® Superiore Uncured Chorizo Spanish Style Sausage), and Pecorino Romano-Black Pepper Frico (Vegetarian); Allergens: dairy
Boar’s Head® FireSmithTM Flame Grilled Chicken Breast & Dill Pickle Salad on Mini Brioche with Micro Greens, Kettle Chip Crumbles; Allergens: wheat, egg, dairy
Fig & Olive
Chef Alain Allegretti:
Watermelon & Shrimp Carpaccio Feta Cheese
Applewood Bacon & Spicy Cashew; Allergens: dairy, nuts
Cauliflower & Couscous Tabbouleh Little Gem Cup: Crunchy Seasonal Vegetables, Avocado, Toasted Pine Nuts & Dates, Fresh Mint, Honey Mustard-Lemon Dressing Gremolata; Allergens: nuts
Pure Grenada
Chef Belinda Bishop:
Creole- Style Fish: Pan-seared Fish Seasoned with Fresh Spices, Sautéed with Sweet Peppers, Onions, Garlic, and Ginger in a Spiced Tomato Broth
Cou-Cou: Cornmeal Seasoned with Farm-Fresh Herbs and Vegetables, with Freshly Made Coconut Milk Mixed into a Thick, Creamy Consistency (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Stewed Callaloo: Dasheen Leaf Chopped and Simmered Down in Herbs, Garlic, Sweet Pimento Peppers and Fresh Coconut Milk (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Flavorture
Chef Pine & Mac:
Jerk Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan); Allergens: onions
Braised Beef Sliders; Allergens: onions
Grand Banks
Chef Kerry Heffernan:
Oysters Champagne
Tartare of Cucumber, Shiso, and Roasted Shishito Mignonette; Allergens: shellfish
Cucumber Tartare
Gulaabo
Chef Paramjeet Singh Bombra:
Lamb Samosa; Allergens: dairy, gluten
Vegetarian Samosa; Allergens: gluten, nuts
Amami Bar & Restaurant
Chef Nick Wang:
Tuna Crostini with Tuna Tataki | Edamame Puree, Avocado, Mango Salsa
Allergens: gluten, sesame, allium
Bell Book & Candle
Chef John Mooney:
Rooftop Watermelon Gazpacho with Poached Shrimp; Allergens: Shellfish
Baar Baar
Chef Sujan Sarkar:
Tuna Bhel Tostada: Avocado, Radish, Onion, Cilantro; Allergen: Fish
Avocado Green Chickpea Bhel (Vegan)
Doc’s Cake Shop
Chef Doc:
Southern Style Cupcakes; Allergen: eggs
Blissful Banana Pudding; Allergen: milk
Fan Fan Doughnuts
Chef Jany Ferson:
Doughnuts
Segafredo Zanetti:
Espresso Martini: Segafredo Espresso, Absolut Vodka, Kahlua, topped with VOSS Sparkling Water
Sparkling Americano: VOSS sparkling water, Segafredo espresso, fresh orange slice
Chamboard:
Chamboard Royale: Chamboard & Zonin Prosecco, Black Raspberry Garnish
Courtside Crusher: Chamboard, Vodka, Lemonade, and Blackberry Garnish
Gin Mare
Gin Mare & Tonic: Gin Mare & Tonic Water
Mare Mule: Gin Mare, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, and Seventeen Ginger Beer
Zonin
Zonin Prosecco D.O.C.
Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz