Landmarc: Columbus Circle

It's holiday party season, something that despite the dropping temperatures, I enjoy embracing with little dresses, good food, drink and of course: reconnecting. This afternoon, I took the pleasure of Landmarc, Columbus Circle. The slate hues, simple square designs and wood lend a quintessentially urban-chic New York atmosphere.

The contemporary French bistro-Italian fusion menu lent itself to a gorgeous private party cater of abundant cheeses, buttery cured meats, fruit and crudites. Perhaps the most surprising talent was the guacamole, salsa verde and margaritas. Service: attentive. Soundtrack: hip hop.

image: via

turtle bay: what is the charm?

(Liz and I...)

Words have been tossed around about Turtle Bay- a seemingly ordinary venue that carries a strong following. I've heard tales of people dancing: large crowds. From the look of it: I couldn't tell you why. The food is average, (at least the courses that we were offered at the holiday party- mozz sticks, egg rolls, chicken in various forms, cheese cake?) We had reserved the upstairs area- which was quite engaging with the factory layout, or perhaps it was a barn? More likely a factory considering the Upper Manhattan area. Regardless, the turnout was fabulous, the crew enthused. It was quite wonderful to engage and learn more about the team, particularly with those from the Boston office.

(w/ Dean, from the London office)

I would have to say that Turtle Bay is a good spot to host a party. The event planner took care of our requests, the open bar was a lovely detail, and the bartenders were not only in abundance, but attentive and cohesive in the fast-paced, high-demand environment. My one complaint was the difficulty in getting their via mass transportation. The MTA was off-kilter and I found myself getting off a 4 train at 59th and Lex, jogging to Turtle Bay, through a bitter cold. When I arrived to link up with my boss, I was being introduced to all the important people, in Citron colored moccasins, messy hair and my least favorite (and yet warmest, ergo I begrundingly bought and continue to utilize it...) Not so classy...Any who, the full set of photos here.

The Second Annual Ugly Sweater Party

In the spirit of the rapidly approaching holiday season, I joined hometown friend James and his roomies, for their Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party. Among the festivities: Beruit, Coors Light, vodka with cran from an econovat, sweater speak and Pug.


Photographed above: James in his usual ensemble. 3-D sweater-vest with various Christmas-themed symbols, the go-to Santa slippers and new edition this year: baseball/Santa hybrid hat.


Although efforts to dress up were made from the majority of party guests, I have to admit that last year trumps this year. Note: the Moomoo/ shirt combo on the far right, above photo. Although not exactly holiday fair, it did stir up a Simpson's nostalgia in me, "Did you see that Simpson's where Homer gets fat and goes to the fat person clothing store and says, 'I don't want anything weird, just give me a Moomoo'? "

*Laughter* "Yea, or when he can't use the phone," he supported me.

"Right, and the operator comes on, 'Your hand is too fat. To order a special dialing wand, mash your hand onto the keypad.' "

There is a comfort in the Simpsons spanning over childhoods of different rearings.


Pilgrim proved to be the ingenue of the party. Although the little guy got too warm for his candy cane striped sweater, he donned a Christmas bow, and made several rounds to greet all of the party guests. He also got involved with beruit by chasing rogue ping pong balls.

The holiday party was sealed with 'that guy.' You know the one who shows up in the Santa suit. He reported, "Well actually this was given to me. Check this out."

*Pulls out his cell phone*

"I was at this event. There were like five-hundred Santas"

"So you rode the subway in your suit?" I prodded.

"Hey, what are you drinking there in that Nalgene bottle? Water?"

"Wine. Some people consider them the same. Water and wine. I mean we're going for the whole Christmas theme here," I offered.

"Didn't they recall those Nalgene bottles?"

"Oh right. They did. The wine does taste like a Nalgene bottle. Maybe I should toss the bottle? But it has all these stickers."

Another guest interjected, "Eh, just put dry goods in it."


Throughout the evening, Santa lost piece by piece of his ensemble. I just thought I'd throw that out there.

Good things. Happy Holidays from BK.

A holiday party at 10/50 Lounge

It began to snow last night as I trotted to the Manhattan bound F train. After transferring to the C (how gross are the C trains?) and hopping off in Hell's Kitchen, I skipped through children and adult chiming, "Snow! Snow! Snow!" to the doorway of the 10/50 Lounge. Inside the Urban Building holiday party was bumping. 

An open dance floor and private room sits adjacent to the main restaurant and bar area. The DJ bobbed his head in the corner. Women were drinking tequila sunrises. Familiar faces considered each other. Appetizers drifted around the room on trays. Among the nibbles were standard fair: taquitos, dumplings, mozz sticks.

The obligatory speech. 

Earl takes the reigns, followed by Jackie and John.

 These are three of my favorite people: sharp, exceptionally dressed and driven.

As the evening progressed, more faces drifted in. Considered the dance floor. Engaged.

The evening shaped out well. I've missed these folks.