The Premium Life

“Darling, I love you, but give me Park Avenue!”

As I was crossing over Park Avenue on Friday night I had that god-awful, Green Acres song stuck in my head – as if I’ve ever even seen that show! I was skipping along, super excited to meet my friend at the newly revamped Mark Hotel on 77th Street and Madison Avenue – I did mention this renovation a few months ago – it is finally open!

The Mark Hotel is an original 1927 building, but the old-school-styled set was recently revamped and merged Art Deco glamour with modern furnishings, lots of marble and beautiful artwork. The Mark turned to renowned French designer Jacques Grange, whose clients have included some of the world’s greatest and most exacting style-setters, among them Yves St. Laurent, Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld and Caroline, Princess of Monaco.
Grange has unleashed the full range of his talents, creating public spaces that engage and delight, and private rooms and suites that calm and soothe. In addition, he not only oversaw and designed furnishings, he collaborated with the Parisian design gallerist Pierre Passebon to commission a host of objets d’art, furniture and lighting fixtures, specially created by celebrated artists and artisans, including Ron Arad, Vladimir Kagan, Mattia Bonetti, Paul Mathieu, Eric Schmitt, Rachel Howard, Todd Eberle, among others.
The hotel has layered one-of-a-kind offerings, including a full service salon by iconic Frederic Fekkai called CHIC by Frederic, a state-of-the-art gym and a restaurant by the famed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, called The Mark Restaurant. On your way into The Mark Restaurant, you’ll pass through the modern, swirling “cloud” bar at Mark Bar. This place is already a staple with the hoity-toity Park Avenue crowd – and soon to be with my crew as well… Read more »

A few months ago I walked into the office on a Monday morning to find a very chipper coworker at my desk (I wanted to punch her in the face).

“So a friend of mine from high school just got hired as the Wine Director for Danny Meyer’s new restaurant in the Gramercy Park Hotel. I’m going to the opening! You should write this place up!”

“Danny Meyer is HUGE,” I replied. “What’s the name of his new place?”

“Maialino — can’t wait to tell you all about it!”

Of course I felt a twinge of jealousy, knowing that she was going to the opening of this restaurant — I knew it would be a hit, even in bitter NYC. My boyfriend lives across the street from the Gramercy Park Hotel so I figured I’d make a cameo appearance soon enough. I tried to tell him all about it, but couldn’t remember the name (or how to pronounce it). A few days after the opening we decided to be lazy fools, crossed the street and ventured into Danny Meyer’s first shot at Italian goodness, Maialino, a Roman-style trattoria.

We immediately snagged seats at the bar and began reading the wine list — it’s written, chalkboard-style, above the bar. I’m not a huge lover of Italian wines so I ordered a Soave and the boy stuck with some version of Pinot Noir (perhaps it was a Pinot Noir, I just don’t remember – blame it on the al-al-al-al-alcohol). I caught a glimpse of my coworker’s friend, Wine Director Stephen Mancini, and contemplated asking him for some help with the whites, but I didn’t want my actions reported back to the office. After all, what happens if I call out – uh *cough* SICK. I decided to remain anonymous. (I’m really not as big of a lush as I make myself sound). The wine list is pretty extensive, the all-Italian list features 85 bottles; 18 of those selections are available both by the glass and quartino. The restaurant currently offers six Italian beers all by the bottle – including my fave, Peroni!

The long, walnut bar (which is where we always end up) backs up to three windows, overlooking the famed Gramercy Park (watch out for Julia Roberts). The tables, chairs and barstools are custom-designed walnut, adding to the rustic, Italian feel. The wood-planked floors are made from reclaimed, locally found oak and the blue and white checked tablecloths drape over the tables, adding to the homey atmosphere. In the center of the restaurant is Maialino’s cucina, featuring a salumi, cheese and antipasto station on one side; with a coffee, dessert and bread station on the other.

The Executive Chef, Nick Anderer, hails from Gramercy Tavern.  This is his first Top Chef spot! Though his menu has been awarded two stars by the New York Times and has been hailed from coast-to-coast, I’m not exactly blown away. We went there for brunch a few weeks ago and I had to order three (very altered) meals in order to fill my finicky stomach. I felt like I was in a commercial where the couple goes out to eat dinner AGAIN after their meals at the newest hotspot restaurant – the portions couldn’t stuff a rabbit. I’m a freak when it comes to food, so pay no attention to my dislike of goat cheese, red meat, egg yolks, the other white meat, fish of all kinds, milky substances and dessert. Read more »

I’m sure you’ve heard about Andre Balazs’ Standard Hotel — not the one in *cough cough* LA — the one straddling the High Line in Manhattan. I credit this place with giving Hogs & Heifers an excuse to raise their cover charge — maybe they’re just trying to keep the dancing girls off of the bar! Anyway, I’ve already done the Standard Grill and the Biergarten (yep, I’m that cool). The Grill reminds me of Pastis — with more southerners than Euro — and the Biergarten is — well, I can drink tons of German beers and practice my manly belching skills.

In addition to the Standard’s 18th floor Boom Boom Room (did they really need to steal this from the Black Eyed Peas? I did hear they’re changing the name to QT) they’re also opening up another bar across from said horribly-named spot that I refuse to repeat. This sexy addition to the Standard’s adult Disneyland features a large hot tub, a pool big enough to hold at least twenty people and a Swine Flu vaccine — I kid, I kid — but they do sell condoms and bathing trunks.

Since this room’s existence is still on the hush hush, I’d venture to guess that you should expect an opening sometime before the official holiday season kicks off (judging by the pics, which are courtesy of Eater.com). I’m slightly allergic to bathing suits, but with the right amount of Grey Goose vodka and an amazing view of the Hudson River in a snowstorm, I might be tricked into spending an evening in the hot tub.

the hallway

Even though Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel is 2007’s news, I cannot turn away from the sexiness of this NYC staple. It’s a perfect first date spot—especially if you’re going to eHarmony it up (who actually admits to this?)—the dim lighting is so flattering it makes Uncle Fester look like Brad Pitt. I kid, I kid.

Now I must preface this entry by saying that I have not attended the nighttime, promoter-sponsored parties—I am a happy hour type of chick. I cannot muster up the energy to rage with the masses on a Friday night, even if it is with a date.

Whenever a guy asks me to pick the date spot (FYI guys we secretly loathe this—it’s your duty) I always drag them to Ian Schrager’s—yes, of Studio 54 fame—and Julian Schnabel’s revamp of this once dowdy joint. Hey, if a guy can hang with me and sip on $20 martinis at Rose Bar and then walk across the way to Pete’s Tavern for a beer, he’s my type of guy.

Medieval is the word that comes to mind when describing Rose Bar. I feel like I’m a maiden lost in a Spanish castle’s great hall where models serving bottles and beefy men in black lead me to Prince Charming behind the wooden, oak-leaf-shaped bar. On my way to the Vanilla Passion martini (which consists of Stolichnaya Vanil and Tuaca liqueur with coconut cream and passion juice) I always pause to take in the impressive sights. The walls are lined with authentic works from celebrated artists. You cannot miss Warhol’s fifteen-foot gold leaf “Rorschach” print, Schnabel’s “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” (near the red-felt, smoked-wood pool table) and “Suddenly Last Summer #2” above one of the two, 10-foot high, wood burning fireplaces. The red and white tiled floors are adorned with custom-designed, ultra-cushy velvet couches and chairs—the perfect excuse to whipser sweet nothings into your date’s ear!

The cocktail menu is pretty extensive and features a wide range of drinks to please the fussiest drinkers from the Ginger Fig (Reyka vodka with muddled ginger root and fig jam and fresh orange juice) to the Pineapple and Cinnamon Mojito (Sailor Jerry rum with muddled fresh pineapple, fresh mint leaf and cinnamon foam) and over to the male-friendly James Bond (Hennessy Cognac, Orange Curaçao, a splash of pineapple and fresh lime topped with Prosecco). As usual, I tend to stick with my Villa Maria New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Rose Bar also serves food during the lunch hours, but I’ve never eaten here and haven’t heard much about the cuisine at all so I stick to the booze.

It has been my personal experience that Rose Bar is on its best behavior between the hours of 1pm-9pm. During this time period you’ll avoid the kiddies, the celeb stalkers and the *cough* working girls. It’s quiet enough to hold a business meeting, take a client out for drinks or even that girl from marketing who your boss is also interested in dating…

Did she mention that she’s also on eHarmony?

Like the summer wind, my ex-boyfriend made a cameo appearance last Tuesday via Blackberry Messenger.

“Interested in dinner and drinks this evening, darling?” He wondered. After waiting 25 minutes to respond — games — I agreed to a meeting and suggested Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel.

I laced up my 4″ espadrilles and “gracefully” hobbled six blocks to The Carlyle, which is located on Madison Avenue at 76th Street. As I entered into my own personal Gossip Girl episode, I scanned the supremely sexy room looking for the boy, but the old Hollywood-style décor — and maybe a quick flashback of the bar in The Shining — commanded my attention. I had forgotten how absolutely stunning this bar is. The impeccable combination of the black granite bar, 24-carat gold leaf-covered ceiling, a grand piano, sumptuous, chocolate brown leather banquettes and nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops makes this a wannabe Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s dream come true! I made a bee-line for the bar because I needed a swig of my old standby, a Grey Goose martini, before his arrival. “Ali”, my couldn’t-be-friendlier, white-jacketed bartender could sense my uneasiness and began asking about my day at work. After a couple of minutes of chit-chat and a few sips of his delicious martini, my date arrived. Read more »

After spending all of my July 4th’s in the Hamptons, this would be my first one on the west coast. I was not sure what to expect. I was lucky enough to be invited to the SoBe Lifewater July 4th day pool party at the brand new Shangri-La hotel in Santa Monica (Just opened 2 weeks ago). The SoBe Lifewater 4th of July Party was sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and hosted by Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Rashida Jones. This turned out to be one of the best July 4th parties I have been too. Besides the weather being perfect, the hotel was amazing, their food was terrific , a fun crowd, and a great setting.

The Shangri La Hotel just completed a $30 million makeover. Originally built in 1939, the hotel still features its art deco past and old Hollywood glamour. The hotel features a swanky rooftop bar, gourmet restaurant, and great rooms. All feature eco-friendly elements like compact lighting, organic cleansers for housekeeping , bath amenities from Natura Green. The Dining Room at Shangri-La is not to be missed also. Try the deconstructed Cobb salad and the burger–you won’t be sorry.

The Shangri-La is perfect for your next corporate getaway or event. With 71 newly renovated rooms, the hotel is perfect for a corporate takeover. Premium Lifestyle Group can assist with planning poolside bbq’s, team building activities, a rooftop party, and more.

For more information visit or email Premium Lifestyle Group.

Often hotels streamline their décor to create a consistent look…in the lobby, restaurants and bar. The Le Parker Meridien NY does the exact opposite and the daring boldness pays off.

I enjoy bouncing around the city on the weekends experiencing a variety of venues in various neighborhood of Manhattan. It makes you appreciate the diversity and splendor of our beloved city.

One of my repeat spots is the Parker Meridien. I really enjoy the contrast of the opulence of Knave and the grittiness of the Burger Joint (which are located across the lobby from each other.)

We lounged at our favorite table in the Knave bar to kick off our weekend with some of the best Bloody Mary’s and coffee drinks the city has to offer. Every detail is done with complete care at knave. The bar snacks are even differentiated, as they serve to crisp warm fried olives along with the more common bar snacks at high end properties.

The décor is magnificent with hints of medieval accents. Knave is a passageway for guests to enter from 56^th street to the lobby. So while relaxing in the comfort of the hand crafted red velvet and wooden couches, there is time for optimal people-watching, gazing at the bustle of the hotel patrons on their journeys. The vaulted ceiling, soaring columns, and oversized mirrors create a spiritual vibe which sooths the soul.

Even though there is a significant amount of foot traffic through the long and narrow bar, there is an immediate respect for its beauty and the church-like ambience- this environment has the effect of dulling conversations as visitors walk through.

Cocktails, pastries, sandwiches and sweets are available throughout the day and evening.

After a few cocktails we were starting to build up an appetite. What is better than a juicy burger and fries to satisfy a weekend crave. The Burger Joint!

Behind the brown curtain entrance there was a line of salivating guests, awaiting their turn to shout out their order off the straight forward menu which is written in rainbow colors on a chalkboard.

The open kitchen houses the team of masters that have their burger shtick down to a science. The legendry hang out is wood paneled with initials carved into the benches, vinyl booth and sports memorabilia tacked on the walls.

Whether you are from Timbuktu or the Upper East Side, you better know what you want…it is equivalent to the pressure in the famous Soup Nazi line from Seinfeld!

The menu sticks to the motto…”If you don’t see it we don’t have it” – Your choice of a hamburger or cheeseburger with the classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, sliced pickle, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. I recommend the WORKS. Trust me. The flavors just mend to perfection!

Salty and crisp fries overflow the brown greasy paper bag they are served in. If you want to go all out, order a milk shake while you are waiting in line.

The Parker properties have mastered both ends of the spectrum of taste!  Visitors should also not forget to try the best brunch in the city at Norma’s .

For more information about the park Meridien please visit www.parkermeridien.com. For assistance in planning your next experience come check out our website at www.premiumlg.com. Eat well!

Tucked away in the idyllic hills of Litchfield Hills, CT, lies Winvian, a sophisticated getaway set on 113 beautiful acres of rolling, green hills and crystal clear lakes.

From the moment you arrive, the worries of the outside world slip away; whether it’s the old-school games in the main house, or the members of the kitchen gathering fresh ingredients from the on-site gardens, it does not take long to know that the memories from this whimsical getaway will last for a long time to come.

Eighteen uniquely themed cottages capture the imagination and immerse the Inn’s guests in sophisticated luxury (cottages range from a treehouse suspended 35 feet in the air, to a mammoth compound, built entirely of stone boulders – each has modern appliances and lack nothing in the way of convenience).

The Winvian is endorsed by Relais & Chateaux, assurance that the food is set to a very high standard.  Each meal is a bespoke experience and, like all aspects of the Winvian, will not disappoint even the most demanding of clients.

A beautiful 5,000 square foot spa is highly recommended and includes specialized rooms for each particular treatment.

The Gordon Brown House is where private events and corporate meetings take place. The venue is rustic-chic with all the modern necessities. It is the ideal space to create an event for any special occasion.

Winvian touches all your senses and is a perfect place to add a remarkably individual impression to any celebration. It is a place that brings you together with nature, makes you feel carefree while always feeling taken care of as if you were a guest at a friend’s fantastic home.

For more information visit the website, www.winvian.com. And for a more in depth review of Winvian subscribe to The Premium Confidential, PLG’s monthly newsletter, where a full analysis of everything Winvian has to offer appears. As always, if you need help planning your next experience contact us at www.premiumlg.com