The Premium Life

Sometimes it is fun and more of an experience to spread a night amongst a few restaurants to sample a range of styles and ambiences in the same category of cuisine. We did exactly that…

There are a number of authentic Russian restaurants tucked away in the theatre district. We bopped to a few restaurants to taste, smell and sip the differences. Our first destination was Firebird situated on restaurant row (46th between 8th and 9th) which in itself is quite an area to visit. The street is lined with brownstones and café after café from every part of the world. When we entered the restaurant you feel like you were transported to a dazzling townhouse in St. Petersburg in the 1900s. The opulent decor sets the tone for the decadence your senses will soon embark. The selection of Russian vodkas was immense lining the entire mahogany bar like stout soldiers. We had Tom, the knowledgeable bartender and the owner of Firebird guide, us to the “jewels” in the sea of vodkas.

We sampled four brands: Czar’s Gold which is served at the Kremlin. Only 300 cases are produced a year. The taste was smooth and rich with a clean full aftertaste. Czar’s Village (which was our favorite) was ultra smooth and complimented the caviars beautifully. Jewel of Russia Ultra was superb as well. Only 5000 cases are produced per year and the bottles have an etched image of a Russian folktale. The final specialty vodka we tried was the Imperia which is more accessible but truly delicious; Crisp, smooth and when served ice cold… remarkably refreshing.

Although the food menu seemed tempting we had a mission– to experience superb vodka and of course Caviar. We ordered two types of caviar. The Hackleback (domestic), was rich in color, sweet with a mild finish. The Golden Osetra (imported) are rare golden eggs that deliver an earthy, nutty and fruity flavor. There is a luxurious dining room on the third floor for private parties.

The next spot we checked out was Russian Samovar. I chose it on the basis on reading from positive reviews and that they had live music. When arriving at the restaurant it felt rather close, gritty, and sans live music. We stuck with it and gave it a shot…literally. There were a variety of infused vodkas ranging from blueberry and pineapple to pepper and horseradish. The mistake was attempting the food. The fish plate was average served to us like we were at a diner on the side of the road. The chicken kiev was far from authentic lacking spices, the creamy interior and flavor. There is a place for everyone’s taste and style and that is why there are choices. But Russian Samovar was not mine. On to the final Russian destination of our Russian sampling.

We popped across the street to The Russian Vodka Room where I immediately felt like it was an ideal representation of a pub/jazz lounge in Russia. It had a totally different vibe then the opulence of Firebird and the grit of Russian Samovar. It was dark and cozy, bustling with regulars enjoy the array of infused vodkas and authentic Russian dishes, and an older man was at the piano playing Russian folk and jazz.

In addition to the 100 plus list of vodkas, The RVR also has their own selection of infused vodkas: Cranberry, Peach & apricot, Apple cinnamon, Garlic, pepper & dill, Coriander, Raspberry, Strawberry, Horseradish, Tarragon, and Ginger cased in large glass jugs.

I couldn’t resist trying the classic Russian dish that my grandma prepares kasha and mushrooms. It was warm and hardy. The mushrooms were moist prepared in a light cream sauce which blended nicely with the texture of the grain. The servers were attentive, the energy was lively, and I would be interested in sampling more of the highly rated picks: Gravlax with Potato Pancakes, Duck Liver Plate with Cognac, Lamb Shanks Braised In Red Wine with Junipers and Rosemary, and Chicken Shnitzel with Dill Butter and Potatoes.

The night was a true Russian extravaganza! The plan to experience a few places in one neighborhood with the same cuisine added a thrilling twist to the adventure while never leaving the city. If you need any assistance planning your next experience feel free to contact us at www.premiumlg.com

After hearing all the hype about  the play “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza and featuring James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis and Marcia Gay Harden, I finally had a chance to check out for myself what all the fuzz is about. I came in with low expectations and very little knowledge of what the show was all about.

One hour and a half later (no intermission) I came out with my stomach hurting from laughing so hard. I can honestly say that from the moment the show started until the very end, I did not stop laughing. 

The premise of the story is about two couples who meet to discuss a playground fight between two of their children. Gandolfini and Harden play the couple whose son was hit in the mouth by Daniels’ and Davis’ son with a stick after being called a snitch. The couples meet and try to rationally discuss the incident and what should happen next. What starts out as a civilized conversation quickly turns into a hysterical display of what happens when adults behave badly.  

Daniels in particular is amazingly funny when he continually picks up his cell phone to deal with an impending pharmaceutical pr crisis. I had heard from friends that Gandolfini was not that good in the show but I have to disagree. From the beginning he tries to play the nice calm husband who tries to act civilized but you can see him  biting his lip trying to remain as civil as possible. Eventually “the shit hits the fan” and he loses it displaying his animalistic persona we are familiar from his Sopranos days.

I highly recommend this play. It is a great way to spend 90 minutes before or after a nice dinner in NYC. One word of warning, the Bernard Jacobs Theatre does not allow you to drink alcohol at your seat, so you can either get there early and get drinks at the bar or got to a bar before hand. Of course, if you need help finding great seats feel free to contact us at  www.premiumlg.com

After being closed for over a year, last week on May 13th, Scores held a red carpet grand opening. I was lucky enough to attend this event which was full of celebs, nightlife industry insiders, amazing food, open bar, and of course beautiful women. Over 500 people attended the opening and many more waited outside to try and sneak a peek of the venue

Produced by Strategic Group (Owners of Tao, Marquee, Lavo and a newly announced club to open in the old Earth space), this was an event not to be missed. The old space has been re-done and the steak house has opened again. Scores is a classy way to entertain clients and enjoy an amazing meal.

The restaurant inside is called ‘Allure”. This restaurant features a delicious menu from one of New York’s top executive chefs. It also offers a rich decor and an ambiance that is next to none. As you dine you can enjoy the comfort and conversation of one or more of your favorite Scores ladies. Scores offers multiple VIP packages, which include dinner, private VIP time, and time inside the club. For private VIP gatherings and large group bookings, the President’s Club is available. This room allows for privacy with the beautiful Scores women.

Real estate mogul Robert Gans who already owns the Penthouse Executive Club on West 45th Street, purchased Scores and re-launched the club. Everyone from Mario Lemieux to Owen Wilson used to party here, so of course the club is eager to get back to its salad days; marketing director Jennifer Goldman says “It’s a Vegas experience for the high end nightclub crowd, bringing back the heyday of Scores from back in the day…” It remains to be seen whether or not Gans can restore Scores to its former glory, but if last night’s pre-opening party is any indicator, he’s well on his way. The lavish and ultra-exclusive debut can only be described as a success. If, like most New Yorkers, you didn’t get an invite to last weeks pre-opening, be sure to visit when it opens up to the public Memorial Weekend.

Outside of the “foodie aficionado world” many are not familiar with The James Beard Foundation… the JBF award is equivalent to the Oscars in culinary genius.

 JBF offers diverse programs including workshops, classes, conferences, readings, and other educational experiences that help people learn about and engage with food. The highlight, in my eyes, is the specialty dining experiences, featuring top chefs from all over the world showcasing their technique and culinary talents.

 I was fortunate to be invited to a lunch last week at the James Beard Foundation, which is actually established in Mr. Beard’s former townhouse tucked away in the west village.

 Chef Patricio Sandoval, of Mercadito  was being honored for his culinary triumph in the Latino flavors and asked to host the lunch to celebrate the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo.

 After arriving in front of the multi colored brick quaint townhouse on a charming tree lined cobble stone  street, I was escorted to the back garden greeted with a variety of Latino passed appetizers:

 Crispy cornbread bites with four dipping salsas, three variations of guacamole on homemade corn tortilla chips and, Crispy masa with wild mushrooms and Huitlacoche

 The talented mixologists, The Tippling Bros., were innovatively shaking up their version of a margarita:

 The Paper Daisy Cocktail,  infusioned sake served with  fresh lime, Agave nectar, and orange flower essence served over ice with habenaro salted glass. It was the ultimate afternoon refresher!

 Proceeding the cocktail hour we moved into the dining room where there was assigned seating. I was lucky to be placed with an eclectic group of individuals and great conversationalists!

 The four course lunch was paired with excellent Spanish wines.

 The meal ranged from a Goat soup served with onions, cilantro, chilies and lime (which is a real delicacy in Mexico), A Trio of Tacos:  fish, beer-battered shrimp and wild mushroom to a Pork shank with peanut mole.

 The meal was completed with a trio of Goat’s milk caramel, Rice, and Tamarind Flanes.

 Throughout the meal we received non- invasive education about the wine selections and unique cocktails. At the closing of the lunch Chef Patricio and his staff came out of the kitchen to introduce themselves.

 The whole dining experience was a true delight. What is so special about the JBF is that it gives patrons the access to experience a variety of chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds and specialties in an intimate setting with the chef, (not the sous chef) preparing your meal! One of the ultimate New York Culinary gems…

 The James Beard Foundation is open to the public, members receive discounted prices. Reservations are required. Please visit the site for additional information. http://www.jamesbeard.org/

As the summer months draw near, music lovers are once again getting ready for one of the premier music festivals in the New York metro area:  All Points West Music and Arts Festival. The festival’s name is inspired by the historical events that occurred at Liberty State Park, Ellis Island and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ) located on the festival site. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the now abandoned Central Railroad Station at Liberty State Park served as the gateway for immigrants on their journey into the United States as they embarked across the country to ALL POINTS WEST.

This year’s festival will take place on July 31 through August 2nd at Liberty State Park and the line up will include The Beastie Boys, Coldplay, Echo and The Bunnymen, Tool, My Bloody Valentine and many others.  You can buy single day tickets or three days passes to attend the whole weekend.  If you are looking for VIP access, please make sure you let us know by contacting us on our website. 

ALL ABOARD!