StyleWhipped

Event Recap: Jeremy Argyle & The Balvenie

This past week, my husband and I hosted a fabulous little event at the Jeremy Argyle store in NYC's Soho. Joined by single malt Scotch maker The Balvenie, this party brought together friends, fashion-industry insiders, TV personalities, and Scotch drinkers alike. But first, a little background...

Recently I brought you a profile of my new favorite men's dress shirt designer, Jeremy Argyle. With a gorgeous, decked-out-in-purple store on Spring Street, owner Brian Guttman has brought to the menswear market exactly what it was missing...perfectly tailored dress shirts with thoughtful details that you could wear with a suit or with jeans, to a meeting or out at a lounge. When I first visited the store, Brian and I got talking about how great it would be to host an event together in their space. At the same time, my husband David is a passionate collector of single malt Scotch (and even had a 3-page article written about him in "Bloomberg Markets Magazine" last year...). Because of this, he has established relationships with many of the distilleries' Brand Ambassadors, including the equally-passionate Sam Simmons from The Balvenie (a collection of single malts coincidentally distilled by "David Stewart"!). Together, we all decided it would be a great pairing...Scotch and dress shirts...Soho and the fashion crowd...a warming spirit at the end of September. And so this event was created...

More than 60 people joined us to browse Jeremy Argyle's current collection and preview just some of his upcoming Fall '09 collection, which brings even more intricate details like contrasting shoulder seaming, the tiniest bit of gold thread woven through a dark plaid, as well as both bolder new prints and some serious classics like an embellishment-free-but-totally-perfect-as-is white shirt. Our guests, which ranged from Wall Streeters and attorneys to fashion editors and TV actresses, were also treated to a tasting of five fill-the-air-with-an-amazingly- rich-aroma single malts. Offered were The Balvenie's 12-year-old Double Wood, 15-year-old Single Barrel, 17-year-old Rum Cask, 21-year-old Port Wood, and their newest launch, the 17-year-old Madeira Cask bottling that very few have yet to try.

We had veteran Scotch drinkers in the crowd who were thrilled to sample the newest bottling, friends who had never had one sip of the spirit (and were, of course, quick converts after that first taste), and even a nightclub owner who was ready to place an order right then and there. Meanwhile, across the room, other guests couldn't tear themselves away from the seamingly endless array of shirts from Jeremy Argyle...I think a new devotee of the brand was created just about every other minute! I can only imagine how many returned as customers this week alone (well, actually I can imagine from the amount of emails I've gotten!).

In the end, everyone had a really good time and was so excited to attend something a little "different" from our usual packed-in-a-massive-room, vodka-sponsored fashion events. David and I have to extend personal thank-you's to Brian Guttman at Jeremy Argyle for inviting our crew into his lovely store, Sam Simmons for his extensive knowledge and making our guests feel like they were getting personal lessons in Scotch, and all of our friends and colleagues for joining us and making the night truly one-of-a-kind...

~ Alison

Please have a look at all the fantastic event pictures from photographer Dillon Couvillon here: http://dillonandre.smugmug.com/Other/Style-Whipped/9813873_geYZR#P-1-25

  

  

  

  

  

 

 
 

We're ready for a Frocktail...

It's official...Stylewhipped's coverage of New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer '10 is complete! We hope you've enjoyed our commentary and are looking forward to some of these amazing pieces hitting the stores for Spring! Now I don't know about you, but we could definitely use a cocktail to celebrate...and thanks to Matt Bernson Shoes' collaboration with the brand, we recently became fans of (ri)1 Whisky, which was the main ingredient used in a delicious (and season appropriate) cocktail called the "Frocktail," served at the Tracy Reese flagship store during the fabulously fun Fashion's Night Out. It's always exciting to be ahead of the trend, and that includes everything from fashion to food to culture to cocktails.

So print out this tasty recipe and serve the (ri)1 Whisky "Frocktail" next time you host an event. I guarantee all your guests will enjoy it...and you'll be the cocktail trendsetter of the night...!

(ri)1 Whiskey Frocktail
1 each fresh lemon and orange wedge
2 each seasonal fruits and berries
2 parts (ri)1
1 part Cointreau® syrup

In a mixing tin, add orange wedge, lemon wedge, seasonal fruits and berries and hand press with a muddler. Add sprits and syrup, fill tin with ice, and shake vigorously for 6 seconds. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over crushed ice. Garnish with orange wedge and seasonal fruit.

~ Alison
 

Event Recap: Matt Bernson & (ri)1

Last night was a great evening of multiple parties (more to come later...), and the first was a "Perfect Pairings" event from (ri)1 (a fabulous new Rye from Jim Beam) and Matt Bernson Shoes. Now, here at Stylewhipped, we are huge Matt Bernson fans. I have profiled his collection in the past, and can't wait to bring you a preview of what's coming up for Fall. We are such huge fans, in fact, that even I love his darlings-of-the-press flats (and my anti-flat campaign has been very well documented!).

But more on the party. On hand were the super-talented Matt, his amazingly funny sales director Bruce, their adorable publicist Malorie Kaye, and a smattering of fashion-industry insiders, press, and Rye lovers. The folks at (ri)1 did a phenomenal job presenting the new spirit in its super fashionable & sleek bottle, and even had delicious cocktails designed just for this event. And of course on display were some of Matt's covetable new designs (personally, I must get my hands on a pair of those grommeted patent boots!). Editors and stylists alike were ooh-ing and aah-ing over the striking heels and gorgeous neon-tipped ballet flats. And delightfully, we were all generously sent home with a full-size bottle of the delicious Rye (which will absolutely be put to good use at our next cocktail party!).

So make sure you check out both members of this "perfect pairing" online...Matt Bernson shoes can be seen at www.mattbernson.com and you can learn more about (ri)1 at www.ri1whiskey.com!

~ Alison

 

Daily Devotion: Sugar Sweet Sunshine

 For various reasons, I have several friends who are feeling a little down in the dumps lately. They've lost their job, business is tough, relationships are rocky...you name it. And while I can't whip out a magic wand and make the badness disappear, I do like to surprise them with a little treat. My favorite- a Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcake. In the past several years, cupcakes have become so popular, with everyone trying to top each other with who can make one that's the most over-the-top. Whether it's a pound of rich buttercream frosting on top that's sure to produce a diabetic fit, or intricate ornamentation that makes your cupcake almost too pretty to eat, I always go back to the cakes at Sugar Sweet Sunshine. They come in a size one person can actually finish, and have just the right cake to frosting ratio. No need for any bells or whistles. But while their appearance is simple, their taste is anything but. I like to describe these as the best cupcakes your mom ever made...only better. So if you too have friends who are feeling a little blue, head over to 126 Rivington St in NYC's Lower East Side and pick up a little sunshine. And don't forget to get one for yourself. Try the pistachio, it's my favorite!!

- Cindy  

Got a favorite treat? Email me.

Restaurant Mention: Midtown's Alto

This was an insane week of restaurants for my husband and me. On Wednesday we went to Acappella in Tribeca for the first time (which was a fantastic night of great friends and excellent Italian food in an old-school setting). On Friday, we finally went to Spice Market in the Meatpacking District (I know, I'm not sure how I'd never been there either...) - another night with fun friends and surprisingly, really good food. And then last night was truly the best cap to a week of restaurant-hopping...

We had plans with three other couples to go to dinner in Tribeca (we all live in the neighborhood), but couldn't get a reservation at the right time for the restaurant we wanted to go to. So because one friend's brother is a sous-chef in Midtown, we decided to head uptown to his restaurant, Alto, headed up by well-known executive chef Michael White. Now, anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm the one at dinner who has the most restrictions, creates the most menu changes and generally drives the waitstaff the craziest. I don't eat meat, poultry, dairy or anything raw. But I do love fish and seafood, and actually enjoy vegetables and crave good pasta. So when Jared Gadbaw offered to prepare our multi-course meal, everyone jumped at the opportunity to try everything on the menu. Except me, of course.  But Jared was patient and easy-going and made sure all six courses worked for me.

Now to be honest, I'm not at all a foodie (um, obviously...), and going out to dinner is usually about the company, the scene and the champagne (!) for me. But Alto has really, really good food! I ate dairy-free risotto for the first time (dotted with scallops, mussels and clams) and also had my first Monkfish dish (with a tasty bean ragu). Everyone else was equally thrilled with their lamb, pasta with duck, sea bass, sweetbreads, truffled tortellini and all the other Northern Italian presentations Jared came out with. They even had my favorite fried doughnuts as a dessert (one of my few serious weaknesses...).

Tucked away in the ground-level of a non-descript building on East 53rd Street between 5th & Madison, Alto also has two private rooms for parties and is also open for lunch. The kitchen staff is graciously open to menu alterations to keep their patrons happy and healthy, and the option of ordering either a 3-course, $75 price-fixed meal or a 4-course, $85 meal is a nice one to have. Wine pairings are also available, and the food courses aren't little "tastings" but actual courses that will definitely send you home full. So a special thank-you to Jared and everyone who took care of us at Alto...we'll be back!

~ Alison

Fancy Meeting You Here...

Because I work from home (right now I'm watching my shih tzu sleep, worn out from a draining walk in the rain...), I tend to have a lot of meetings where "coffee" or "drinks" are invovled. Now, I don't drink coffee (I'm a tea girl) and I'm kind of cooked after two glasses of champagne (I'm also a very little girl!). So for me, it's always all about the ambiance of a place...and whether I think I'll feel comfortable enough to have a great meeting. I also live in Tribeca, so most of my world is below Houston Street (not even 14th!). So if I'm going to head all the way uptown to meet someone, it better be at a fun, fabulous, and maybe a little bit "fancy" of a spot...

So what are some of my favorite haunts? Ones that aren't too busy, that will let you linger for two hours over two glasses of iced tea, and that have food available in case your meeting runs long (and you've lingered over a few martinis!).  Often that means hotel lobby bars, but certain types of restaurants also do the trick. Downtown by me, the Tribeca Grand Hotel is my favorite, hands down. In fact, I have a meeting there tomorrow evening. A little further uptown in Soho? Like it's sister hotel in Tribeca, the Soho Grand Hotel provides the same level of sophistication and that European, stay-as-long-as-you-like feeling (and they are both dog friendly!).

If you're going to be in Chelsea, I have always liked The Park (its "scene" long over, the multiple choices of atmosphere are great for meeting new clients). Want to be super casual? The Chelsea Market and all its quirky little spots is a quick walk from two popular spots for events - The Altman Building and Metropolitan Pavilion.

Further uptown? During Fashion Week I stopped at the Bryant Park Hotel and The Morgan's Hotel much too often...! But seriously, both have fantastic lounges central to so much happening in midtown. And if you find yourself even further uptown on the west side of the city, the Lobby Lounge (really on the 35th floor) of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is just adjacent to Columbus Circle. On the east side? Why not suggest something a little different and hold court in the upstairs lounge at famed Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial? You can't beat the Saigon-meets-Paris feeling and the little appetizers are phenomenal.

No matter what part of the city you're in, please stop meeting everyone at Starbucks. Coffee is probably more expensive there than at a fab hotel bar, and no one is impressed with having to fight for a table and use those less-than-appealing restrooms. However, if you are going somewhere on the swankier side, don't forget to call and reserve a table because having to wait can kill a deal faster than you can say "great to meet you"...

~ Alison

Guest Writer David Stewart: The Holiday Spirit(s)

StyleWhipped is especially excited to welcome special Guest Writer David Stewart.  David is a single malt Scotch aficionado, and his own collection was featured in "Bloomberg Markets Magazine" in April 2008. He gives us some great ideas for last-minute gifts for those on your list who seemingly have everything. Oh, and he's also my husband... ~ Alison

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT(S)

I prefer drinking whisky to writing about it, and yet here I am. But I was asked rather politely so it was hard to say no! Specifically, I was asked to mention a few bottles (not just whisky) I would enjoy receiving as gifts for the holidays. Of course, you may wish to keep them for yourself, but whether you choose to share or not, here are a few worth considering.

Scotch is what I reach for most.  I have managed to stumble across a few in-store tastings recently that led me to some great single malt Scotch whiskies which you may not have even heard of. At Park Avenue Liquor Shop near Grand Central Station, I sampled and brought home an unexpected Tomintoul 12-year-old whisky. This is a limited edition that has been finished in a Oloroso Sherry Cask ($73). There was also a single cask Old Pultney from 1990, bottled at cask strength, that had loads of spice, vanilla and fruit with a long finish ($121). Both will definitely be shared with family and friends over the holidays.

Sometimes an old favorite can be forgotten. Last week I stopped in to my local wine shop, Chambers Street Wines in Tribeca, and heard the magic words "we have a scotch tasting tonight." Highland Park 12 ($38) and 18 ($80) year-old single malt, I am happy to be reacquainted with you! Both were better than I remembered with lots of honey and a smooth ending.

Just sometimes, I do stray from whisky. Sometimes it's to a spirit that is aged in wood (like whisky) and so in one sense isn't so different. Two dark rums that I return to again and again are Santa Teresa 1796 ($35) and Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva ($28). As both are aged rums (a minimum of 15 years for the Santa Teresa and 12 for the Diplomático), I tend to sip them as a rich after-dinner drink.  These can each be found at Astor Wines and Spirits in the East Village.

And once in a while it has nothing to do with aged, deeply flavored spirits. Sometimes I crave something altogether different - and that means gin. It means a gin & tonic, or as I always have when I go to a steakhouse, a gin martini. Traditionally, I have always stuck with Bombay Sapphire for both, but a few years ago discovered Hendricks gin ($32). The discovery was helped by the fact that it is made by William Grant & Sons, a company in Scotland that produces whisky and whose master blender is named...David Stewart. How could I go wrong?  After tasting it, I was hooked and could close the book on my gin research. Of course, that's until my friends at Park Avenue Liquor Shop turned me on to Hayman's Old Tom Gin ($30). This is a recently revived style of lightly sweetened gin from the 18th century, and is delicious on its own, just over ice.

Whether you buy any of these spirits for yourself or as gifts, I hope you enjoy them this holiday season!

- David Stewart for StyleWhipped.com

 

Daily Devotion: Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection

 This is the time of year when I start stressing about holiday parties. Sure there's figuring out what to wear, but what to bring?? My mother taught me never to show up empty-handed to someone's home. Whether it's a housewarming, a dinner party, or a poker game, you've got to bring a little something. Come holiday time, everyone shows up armed with a bottle of wine or champagne. While there's nothing wrong with a little booze, I just don't really want to be one of the thirty bottles of champagne shoved into a corner somewhere.

My latest go-to gift has been the Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection 9-pc. The presentation is top-notch with their rich purple packaging holding the most perfect collection of truffles. And while just about everyone loves chocolate, these truffles come in amazing flavors. Just to name a few--Wink of the Rabbit combines deep milk chocolate, soft caramel and organic New Mexican pecans, Black Pearl combines ginger, wasabi and dark chocolate with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, and Chef Pascal truffles are made of dark chocolate with Kirsch and dried Michigan cherries. If that doesn't do it for you, Vosges also offers a Gift Set of Mini Chocolate Bars, a box of Caramel Marshmallows covered in dark chocolate, and my husband's favorite, the Mo's Bacon Bar + Rogue Shakespeare Stout. Yes people, it's a chocolate bar with bacon! Order online or tempt yourself by visiting a store near you. I hope this saves some of you a little stress and grief this holiday season, but if you're still stressing, get yourself a box!     

 

- Cindy

Got a Daily Devotion suggestion? Email me.