Recently in New York Category

The NYC Japan Street Fair is back this summer with a new name: JapanTown! Uniting a diverse array of local Japanese businesses and household brands, JapanTown is a series of three festivals held in the East Village, Midtown, and the Upper East Side, focusing on Japanese "cool" culture, Japanese healthy food, and Japanese soul food, respectively. Introducing distinct Japanese products and attractions, JapanTown welcomes everyone to experience the rich culture of Japan and learn more about the New York Japanese business community.

Starting off JapanTown on July 17th, 2010 is the Cool Japan festival in the East Village, NYC's unofficial Japan Town. Highlighting the popular elements that make Japanese culture "cool," this festival offers Japanese robots to antiques to favorite snacks such as yakimochi and okonomiyaki. Visitors are also invited to participate in a Japanese street fashion contest; winners receive a prize from a JapanTown sponsor.

The Healthy Food & Green festival on August 22nd in Midtown enlightens visitors about select wholesome Japanese foods. Look for macrobiotic specialties from Souen Noodle restaurant, pesticide-free Japanese produce from Suzuki Farm, miso beef from Marukome, and soy products from Kikkoman.

The Soul Food festival on September 26th in the Upper East Side is all about Japanese soul food--the authentic dishes unique to specific regions of Japan. Visitors can sample such eats as Kyushu grilled tonton pork, Japanese curry, fried soba and gyoza, and konjac. The agricultural government of Kyushu, Japan's southernmost island, is to showcase its regional products as well.

JapanTown began in 2009 and was enormously successful, with an estimated 80,000 visitors browsing the wares of 30 vendors, which sold a massive quantity of items and distributed up to 10,000 product samples within six hours and 450 food samples within four hours. It is estimated that 200,000 visitors are to visit the three JapanTown festivals this year.

JapanTown is still accepting vendor and sponsor applications. For more information, please visit www.nyjapantown.org.

Restoration of Historic Stanford White Building Attracts Top New York Names

Opening in Spring 2010, The Chatwal New York re-creates the iconic glamour and style of 1930's Gotham, recognized and idolized the world over. Occupying top billing on its theater district block - also known as the "Great White Way" - the landmark Stanford White-designed building was originally host to the famous Lambs club, America's first professional theater club. Meticulously restored and modernized by Master Architect and Designer Thierry Despont, the circa-1905 building will be the first member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World in Manhattan's theater district. www.thechatwalny.com

A Grand Legacy in the Making:

The Chatwal Hotel New York is the vision of Mr. Sant Chatwal, entrepreneur and Chairman and CEO of Hampshire Hotels & Resorts. With a goal to create intimate gathering places and rooms with the highest attention to detail - The Chatwal truly joins past with future, while maintaining a uniquely New York character. The opening of The Chatwal New York also marks the launch of Sant Chatwal's new luxury hotel brand, The Chatwal - with plans in the works for additional luxury properties outside London and in India.

The Design:

The restoration of the historic former Lambs Club building into The Chatwal New York has been undertaken by world-renowned master architect and interior designer, Thierry Despont. Showcasing the mid-century Empire Art Deco style prominent during the Lambs Club golden era, the revival mixes classic Deco period work with modernized twists. A prime example of a "Baby Grand" hotel small in scale complete with all the design and amenities of larger properties. The Chatwal offers the glamour of yesterday and today, with interiors from Despont inspired by the famous Malletier (travel trunk makers) of the period, celebrating travel pieces as finely crafted objet d'art. Recurring flourishes of angular nickel trim accenting glimmering jewel-toned glass are evident throughout, as The Chatwal New York toasts glamorous travel in all its forms.

Guest Experience:

Guestrooms at The Chatwal New York capture the clubby, elegant and comfortably chic atmosphere of this New York landmark. Of the 88 guestrooms, 38 are larger suites, and behind each door, no attention to detail has been spared. In-room finishes include fine suede covered walls and leather-wrapped double closets, the Chatwal's retro playing cards and a specially crafted Backgammon set. The attention to modern small touches makes a difference complimentary internet access, a laptop-sized safe, a 42-inch HD flat screen IP television with Blueray DVD and multi-language options, a movie library, and in-room stereo system with an iPod dock all provide a comfortably wired experience. A rarity in New York City, private terraces are available on request for those who treasure their outdoor space. The service philosophy mirrors the accommodations, with guests benefiting from personalized, attentive service of the highest standard - from a discerning staff directed by General Manager Joel Freyberg.

The sign of a great hotel is a great night's sleep. The Chatwal commissioned Shifman Mattress to design a made-by-hand mattress, complemented with an expansive bed linen selection by Frette and pillow menu. Wrapping oneself in one of The Chatwal's plush Kashwere custom robes after a dip in the Rain Drop shower or Jacuzzi bath (complete with Asprey Amenities, exclusive to The Chatwal New York) is a perfect end to a hectic city day. Bathrooms also feature marble floors, mirrored walls and a 19-inch integrated mirror television. The hotel's turndown service includes a complimentary shoe shine service, bottled water, and the guest's preferred newspaper delivered each morning to their door. As this is the city that never sleeps, the fitness center at The Chatwal New York is complimentary to guests 24 hours a day.

Dining and Cocktailing at The Chatwal:

Paying homage to the building's original purpose showcasing talent and creativity, whether on stage, or in the kitchen and behind the bar celebrated Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is behind the 90-seat restaurant at The Chatwal New York. Offering diners an updated take on the classic bar and grill with an inviting, club-like ambiance, the menu will focus on traditional American cuisine and seasonal ingredients. This is a first time collaboration for Manhattan's established culinary and cocktail masters, Geoffrey Zakarian and Margaret Zakarian along with David Rabin, Will Regan and Jeffrey Jah (of New York's highly regarded Double Seven and Lotus nightclubs/cocktail lounges).

Signature breakfasts at The Chatwal will add a morning crowd of New Yorkers meeting up to start their workday in Midtown, and guests fueling up for a full Manhattan day. The regular lunch and dinner scene will focus on fresh market produce, grilled meats and seafood along with fine salads. Gourmet snacks, libations and afternoon tea will be served throughout the day. Similarly, the bar will brim with classic and refined cocktails made with the freshest juices, pressed each day on the premises. Pre/post-theater and after-work cocktails will be offered at the lively bar scene - a perfect meeting spot for friendly conversation, toasting a signed contract or discussing musical high points after a show. For those seeking the privacy of their suite for a meal, room service will be provided by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian 24-hours a day, with the same high standard of cuisine prevailing throughout the entire property.

The Lambs Club - A History:

Established in 1874, The Lambs Club was the gathering place of those who would make Broadway and Hollywood history. Legendary member names include George M. Cohan, W.C. Fields, John Barrymore, Milton Berle, Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin and Will Rogers.

SOURCE The Chatwal New York

WHO: Bear Mountain

WHAT: Oktoberfest

WHEN: Weekends, September 26 - October 25 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Monday, October 12 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

WHERE: Bear Mountain State Park

HIGHLIGHTS: The festival will feature authentic German food and beer, live entertainment and craft vendors. Visitors can also take advantage of the autumn splendor at Bear Mountain with a boat ride around Hessian Lake, a stroll in the park, or a magical ride on the Merry Go Round.

MUSIC SCHEDULE: September 26 - die Schlauberger (dSb) (www.schlauberger.com)

September 27 - Schwartzenegger Connection

October 3 and 10 - Alex Meixner Band (www.alexmeixner.com)

October 4 - Die Spitzbuam (www.nyspitzbuam.com)

October 11 - Plus Five Orchestra

October 12 - Diamond Chips

October 17 - Adam Barthalt Band (www.adambarthalt.com)

October 18 - Austrian Boys

October 24 - Fritz's Polka Band (www.fritzspolkaband.com)

October 25 - JT Lustiegen Musikanten

COST: Admission is free and parking is $7 per car

Bear Mountain Inn Complex, managed by Guest Services, Inc., offers 24 guest rooms at the Overlook Lodge, four stone cottages with six guest rooms each, and over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space at the Overlook Lodge, Cliff House, and Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. Activities for all ages and interests abound onsite with boat rentals, playing fields, picnic groves, outdoor swimming pool, nature trails, Trailside Museum and Zoo, Perkins Memorial Tower, and the Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round.

The historic Bear Mountain Inn is currently undergoing extensive work to bring it back to its original splendor. At the completion of the renovations, the Inn will offer 15 luxury suites, a spa, fitness center, full-service restaurant, and lounge with over 20,000 square feet of meeting and catering space, the Hiker's Lounge offering grab-and-go foods, and the Hudson Valley Store featuring park memorabilia and local crafts.

For more information on Oktoberfest and Bear Mountain please call 845-786-2731 or explore: www.visitbearmountain.com.

SOURCE Bear Mountain Inn

Alexico Group, the developer of The Laurel, a new Upper East Side luxury condominium, hosted an open house weekend June 27-28(th), 2009 to showcase the building's newest amenity spaces, The Laurel Club and The Trophy Club. Jeannie Woodbrey and Joanie Schumacher of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group welcomed guests to The Laurel, located at 400 East 67(th) Street. Another open house is this coming weekend, Sunday August 9th from 1 - 4 PM.

Prospective buyers, brokers and residents enjoyed refreshments in The Laurel's new club spaces. In The Laurel Club, the building's two-story, 4,000 square foot private recreational space, guests shot pool, played foosball and arcade video games, and enjoyed movies in the Club's 30-seat private theater. On the lower level in The Trophy Club's Triathlon Training Center, a trainer was on hand to provide demonstrations of the The Laurel's cutting-edge training equipment, which includes custom designed resistance pools, Woodway "The Force" treadmills, CycleOps pro indoor cycles and SCIFIT ergo-meters. The two-story, 8,000 square foot Trophy Club offers residents extensive cardiovascular and strength training facilities and two pools, including a 50-foot infinity edge lap pool with a glass mosaic tile interior and a botticino marble deck.

"We are so pleased to welcome our residents and neighbors to the newly completed Trophy and Laurel Clubs. These spaces are beautifully designed and outfitted with the best equipment and furnishings. The Clubs offer buyers at The Laurel a place where they can relax, recharge and play while never having to leave home. Already we're seeing residents and their families enjoying the spaces; the theater and the Apple computer station are especially popular with the children in the building," said Woodbrey.

The Laurel, a 31-story glass and Indiana limestone residential building, was built to the highest LEED-certified standards using environmentally responsible construction. Offering immediate occupancy, residents can move in today and enjoy coming home to a top quality building with the best services and amenities on the Upper East Side including a full-time concierge, 24 hour doorman, bicycle and stroller storage, on-site parking and an on-site resident manager. There are 129 condominium residences in The Laurel, developed by Alexico Group and designed by award-winning architects Costas Kondylis and Brian Callahan, which range in size from studios to four bedrooms.

For more information please visit: www.laurelcondominium.com

SOURCE Alexico Group

Thompson Hotels, a collection of sophisticated, luxury hotels in major urban centers, has opened Thompson LES. The property is the hotel group's fourth in New York City; alongside chic downtown staple 60 Thompson in Soho, mod-inspired 6 Columbus in Columbus Circle, Gild Hall in the Wall Street area and the newly opened Smyth in TriBeCa.

Located at the corner of Allen and Houston streets in Manhattan's burgeoning Lower East Side neighborhood, the hotel's identity is the collaboration of some of the flashiest names in design. The architect is Ed Rawlings of Rawlings Architects PC, the interiors by famed interior designer Jim Walrod in collaboration with Ed Rawlings, and the room concept by Dodd Mitchell Designs. Inspired by the provocative undercurrent of its neighborhood's surrounds, the hotel embodies the ultimate in clean, industrial New York with timeless modern style.

Guests are able to enjoy a multiplex of hotspots, including the private terrace bar to the newly open Above Allen. Located on the seventh floor guests from Thompson LES are invited to access this private terrace bar. The modern design features sprawling lounge furniture and intimate table vignettes.

The third floor boasts an outdoor pool and lounge, with a filmstrip image of Andy Warhol photo lithographed onto the tile at the pool floor. The image is the work of artist Gerard Malanga, Warhol's muse and confidant during the iconic Factory days. The expansive second floor restaurant also features a giant color field painting by contemporary artist Peter Halley.

Thompson LES houses Shang, a Global Chinese restaurant with celebrity chef Susur Lee at its helm. The restaurant's design and cuisine strike a provocative balance between the familiar and the unknown. Red chairs, gold accents and dim lights compliment the sensuality of Lee's cooking, while wallpaper constructed from imprints of ancient Chinese drawings serve to authenticate and excite.

Thompson Lower East Side is home to 141 sophisticated rooms, including 127 deluxe rooms, 11 one bedroom suites, 2 signature Thompson Suites and a duplex penthouse. The rooms at Thompson LES feature low beds and couches, simple black and metal tables, exposed columns and ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of New York City. The influential American artist Lee Friedlander dominates the room through different variants of black and white photographs from his Apples and Olives book, in illuminated headboards that hang over each bed.

For the hotel staff's uniforms, Thompson commissioned industry sweetheart Rogan, the winner of 2007's coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion prize. Already famous with fashionistas and style mavens, Rogan's designs for Thompson LES deliver edgy, avant-garde style.

SOURCE Thompson Hotels

The St. Regis, what a place!  Home to the King Cole Bar and Adour (formerly Lespinasse), what an amazing place to own a suite.  And now you can with the St. Regis private residences.

 

The Deluxe Suite is 474 square feet and has one bath with double sinks and tub/shower.  It's larger than many NY studio apartments.