THE BOWERY

335 The Bowery New York, NY 10003 212.505.9100

 

In a city inundated with cutting-edge hotels, the Bowery Hotel in Manhattan’s trendy Lower East Side (LES) conjures the Manhattan of the early 20^th century in its design and ambiance while maintaining today’s standards in comfort and amenities.  While the façade of the Bowery looks like the typical factory-cum-loft conversion populating much of the LES, upon closer inspection, the Bowery is far from the norm.

 

Regal doormen outfitted in crimson waistcoats and top hats greet you welcomingly as opposed to the menacing “bouncer” types at other establishments in New York. In stark contrast to the exterior, the interior is decidedly bohemian chic with dark walnut paneling, aged tapestries adorning walls, elaborate draperies, exotic Moroccan tiles and a roaring sandstone fireplace giving the feel of a stately gentlemen’s club. Artists, hipsters and locals lounge on opulent furniture with plush velvet upholstery or relax outside on wicker armchairs surrounded by lush green foliage while sipping on intoxicating libations (Kate Hudson happened to be doing just that on the day of our visit).

 

The whimsy continues at the front desk where pigeon-hole mailboxes hold handwritten welcome notes. The friendly and attentive staff greet you warmly by name on arrival and supply you with room keys embellished with oversized scarlet-colored tassels that recall old world charm.

 

While the lobby is sultry and seductive, the rooms at the Bowery are quite the opposite with a light and airy openness. Aged armoires, Turkish Oushak rugs strewn atop hardwood floors, and delicate patterned draperies are reminiscent of a quaint bed and breakfast far from the city.  But the wrought-iron floor to ceiling windows framing views of uptown, the Chrysler building as well as the gritty East Village will quickly re-orient you to your locale.

 

Luxurious beds with crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets embroidered with the Bowery’s signature logo entice you into bed after a long day of shopping in the city. Pedestal bistro tables surrounded by rich armchairs sit beside the panoramic widows creating the perfect place for a glass of wine. Modern day conveniences like complimentary wireless internet, flat screen hi-def TV’s with DVD players, and iPod stereos will keep you entertained within the privacy of your room.

 

Not for the body conscious, the spacious marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, brass patina fixtures and rain showers are framed by voyeuristic windows peering into the neighboring buildings. C.O. Bigelow toiletries in their medicinal brown bottles complete the nostalgic feel of this period hotel.

 

Rooms from $325

 

- Shayan Rayani

 

 

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MACY’S AND AMERICAN EXPRESS PASSPORT

The fashion with compassion annual event was unleashed in its 27^th year at the Santa Monica Barker hangar. An al-fresco VIP reception with notable restaurants, all-you-can-eat See’s candies and Barefoot sparkling wine kicked of the event. The legendary Dame Elizabeth Taylor asked the audience once again to join in her fight against AIDS/HIV and the iconic Sharon Stone owned the runway as she invited audience members to join her team by donating funds for APLA. Featured designers included Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Levi’s.  A live performance by opera singer Melody Moore, Vampire-dancers, Harajuku Girls, and a nod to the rain forest with an expansive wall of water through which the stunning underwear models appeared made this one of the most memorable Passports to date.  Attendees included actors - Madeline Zima, Wilson Cruz, Raymond Michael James, author - Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla, and performer - La Toya Jackson.

GREEN LOUNGE

Nicole Sherwin Green Events and Celebrity Soul brought eco-awareness to the elegant Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel where speakers including Christine Devine (Fox 11 News), Jason Nelson (self-empowerment coach) and Alicia Silverstone (actress and environmental advocate) and attendees Christian Campbell (actor) and Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla (author) walked the “green carpet,” enjoyed organic food and libations, and opened up dialogue on how to live green and eco-consciously. Partners in the experience included Episencial - a luscious range of organic baby products, luxury eco mattresses from Hastens on Beverly and Mike Sullivan’s family of dealers at LA car Guy among many others who provided the celebrity hybrid transportation and hosted guests in their green suite.

THE 27^th AMERICAN WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

In October, the spectacular culinary event benefiting Meals-on-Wheels was thrown by the Puck and Lazaroff foundation. In its 27^th year, the event unfurled over the Universal Backlot and treated wine and food enthusiasts to the world’s top chefs and wine and spirit purveyors as live bands scored the celebration.  Participants in this eagerly anticipated annual event brought together names like Spago, Montage Beverly Hills, Mozza, Patina, BLT, Church & State and Payard chocolates to treat guests to an unparalleled culinary experience.

JEFFREY SAAD & SUSIE NORRIS SOIRÉE

The lovely home of uber-publicist Sarah Robarts of Ballantine’s PR provided the perfect setting for an exclusive, invitation-only gathering where celebrity chef, Jeffrey Saad gave a cooking demonstration and artisan chocolatier, Susie Norris successfully overrode any resistance to dessert.  Saad, featured on The Next Food Network Star and the host of Spice Smuggler on foodnetwork.com, seduced our palates with prawns tossed in North African harissa (a mixture of spices including chili peppers, garlic and cumin) and habanero-kissed tequila shots. Guests tried their best to show restraint as Norris, owner of Happy Chocolates and author of Chocolate Bliss, offered ‘healthy’ chocolates with passion fruit.