LIFESTYLE

Ascension Party Heats Up Fire Island!!

Hot Guys & Fun In The Sun At Ascension Party? Sign Me Up!

Ascension Party, the summer’s wildest weekend festival of music, dance and friendship takes place August 15-17 in the all-gay oasis of Fire Island Pines. Thousands of men from around the globe will flock to the sun drenched beaches for the three-day round-the-clock party that begins Friday night with the Ascension Underwear Party at Sip ‘N Twirl, headlined by DJ Grind. The fun continues Saturday at 6pm with the Ascension Tea Dance at Bay Walk featuring DJ Ralphie Rosario at the turntables, followed by Ascension Afterdark at Sip ‘N Twirl with DJ Theresa. The main event, the Ascension Beach Party on the Fire Island Pines beach, takes place Sunday at 12pm with superstar DJ Paulo. Tickets available now at Tagg NYC (720 9^th Ave, New York) and online at www.ascensionparty.com.

Project Publicity, Manhattan Digest, Ascension — Credit to: Project Publicity

In 2006, Eric von Kuersteiner had a vision to create a fun daytime party for the new generation of Fire Island. Since then, Ascension has grown into the island’s most anticipated and busiest weekend, with three days of stellar events, thousands of cute guys and unsurpassed entertainment—all raising money for charity, benefiting the Fund in the Sun Foundation. Since its inception eight years ago, the foundation’s directors – Hal Rubenstein, David Nickle and Eric von Kuersteiner – have raised more than $4 million for the protection of the environment and infrastructure of Fire Island Pines, while also donating grants to worthy LGBT charitable organizations. This year’s beneficiaries include the Hetrick-Martin Institute and the Harvey Milk High School; Live Out Loud; Friends In Deed, which provides support services for those with HIV/AIDS; One Heartland, which affords summer camping programs for GLBTQA kids; Standing Tall, which helps wheelchair-bound kids and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “The event raises money for some great causes but it’s also an explosive party featuring premiere talent and over-the-top production,” says von Kuersteiner. Previous Ascension entertainers include Kelly Rowland and Dragonette, as well as Erika Jayne, Kristine W, Neon Hitch and Crystal Waters. “Our team scours the US and abroad, attending all the major gay parties to scout the newest and hottest talent.” Sean Patrick Ryan produces the spectacular parties.

Manhattan Digest, Project Publicity, Ascension — Credit to: Project Publicity

“We offer incredible music, hot boys in sexy swimwear and the stunning backdrop of sunshine over the Atlantic Ocean”. von Kuersteiner concludes, “We assure you, you won’t be disappointed.” Ascension Party kicks off on Fire Island Pines: Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17, 2014 on Fire Island. Visit ascensionparty.com for ticket information.

Southern Cuisine Your Forte? Try The Derby in the LES!

by Ryan Shea

With the ever popular presence of cuisines such as Thai and Italian dominating the Manhattan food scene, sometimes its good to go outside your comfort zone and try something new and inspiring. With Southern Hospitality attempting to make its mark in the foodie scene here in NYC, there is one new restaurant that is sure to make a stir in the Lower East Side and beyond. This restaurant is called The Derby, which boasts southern cuisine and even better… BRUNCH ALL DAY! They boast classic favorites such as Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles just to name a few, with yummy starters such as house-made buttermilk biscuits with jalapeno butter and jam to start (Weeeee!!!). I sat down recently with owner Rob Shamlain to discuss The Derby and its hopeful future.

The Derby, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Derby

How did “The Derby” get started?

We wanted to create a friendly environment with southern hospitality that was light-filled and bright for brunch, but also sultry enough for dinner and drinks when the sun goes down. I’ve always loved southern-inspired fare, and knew this was the perfect place for my concept to come to life.

How did you come up with the name for it?

The phrase, “If jockey’s could eat, they would race to The Derby for the mouthwatering organic fried chicken and bourbon cocktails” really stuck in my mind. Whether you care for the horses or the hats, The Derby was the perfect name for a place worth whiling away the hours with biscuits and bourbon… or both.

Tell me about the type of cuisine you serve.

While the menu is southern-inspired fare, this is no greasy spoon. The Derby re-imagines Dixie favorites using the freshest organic, local meats and produce, with a farm to table menu that has something for everyone. If the tender rib-eye steak is too rich for your palate, the light whole fish redolent with fresh herbs and lemon offers a lighter option.

What is your favorite dishes in all arenas- appetizer, entree and dessert.

The house-made buttermilk biscuits are a perfect appetizer and come with jalapeno butter and jam. Perfection! The Chicken & Waffles are certainly a stand out item not to be missed as the entree, and the thick slices of watermelon for dessert are the perfect end to the meal.

Do you think you can make this restaurant a big deal in the LES?

Definitely. We’re located on the bustling corner of Stanton and Orchard, with open mullioned windows and outdoor seating. We provide the perfect vantage point for the best people watching on the LES, and we’re already packed for brunch and warm summer evenings.

Do you have plans to open up other locations across New York City?

I always have new projects in the planning phase.

What are you hopeful for in “The Derby’s” future?

I hope to acquire a liquor license for the downstairs in order to serve people more efficiently and offer a space for after dinner cocktails.

The Derby

167 Orchard St

212-777-8469

Official Site

A Bear Week Virgin’s First Time- How I Got Loose

by Ryan Shea

In my ten plus years of experience in and out of the bear community, I have unfortunately developed a somewhat negative vibe towards some of the activity around me due to a multitude of things. Whereas some I have dealt with first hand, I for one used to throw a ton of shade at people who would go to large scale bear events such as TBRU in Texas and Lazy Bear in California. Why? To me it just seemed like a poor excuse for the bear community and that it was a drug infested orgy scene that I could see at any local leather bar here in New York City. I really had no first hand experience at any of those events, so throwing around that animosity was unjust and really stupid when you get down to it. So cue to a couple of months ago when a friend from Toronto had an extra room available for the biggest bear event here in the United States, Bear Week, and asked if I wanted it. After some initial hesitation (mainly because financially it made sense but I was still apprehensive) I said yes and for the first time in years got genuinely excited for something bear related.

In the months since I booked the room, I have heard opinions from a variety of friends who have experienced Bear Week before. From the restaurants to go to and to avoid, the events that you want to be there for the entire time and the debauchery that y0u want to get yourself into, it can really jog a person’s head as to what you should do and what you want to do. As helpful as my friends were in this, this was the first experience since heading off to college ten years ago that I really wanted to be authentic in every way shape and form. I wanted to go in with a clear head and conscience and not rely on my past negativity to influence each day that I was there and the future days to come. It’s like anything else in life, like going to a movie but relying on outside critics to influence the true outcome of what your own brain thought of it. In this sense, I focused on myself and what I truly got out of it.

In the eight days there (which at some points felt like a month, but in a good way), I narrowed down my experience in Provincetown to a bunch of points that I think anyone can look at and reflect in how they felt going the first time and each time since then. Take a gander.

Bear Week and Provincetown is ultimately what YOU make of it.

After leaving PTown early Saturday morning, that is truly I think the best tip I could give anyone who is weary of going to Bear Week. This is a week that is truly special in so many ways when it comes to our community. If you go into it with a positive attitude, positive things can happen to you. The same goes for the opposite effect. If you are Debbie Downer the entire time, and are mad because a flock of men aren’t on your dick or the food you were eating didn’t pique your interest, then you are going to be swimming in your negativity and leave on a sour note. Who wants that, seriously? The thing about Bear Week is that it is planned so eloquently with so many different events, it really is up to yourself to plan accordingly and navigate this tiny island to whatever you feel is best. First time there and want to go to the meet and greet and Joe’s Coffee House? Enjoy. Want to bear (or bare) all at the Singlet Tea Party with thousands of other bear minded people? Do that. It really is all about pacing yourself, as this week can be truly overwhelming, and going with whatever flow you feel necessary. I think that is also a good mantra in life, is to go with what you feel is best, and not what other people feel.

It is a plus if you go alone or with a group of friends.

Even though I drove up with two very good friends from New York City and stayed with new friends from Toronto, ultimately I did come up alone in this as I didn’t plan ahead enough in time to come up with a group of friends. That can be met as challenging sometimes, as you don’t have 3-5 people around you to decide what to do on a daily basis. But, if you are an extrovert like me, it can lead to wonderful types of things. For one, I was able to make friends very easily as I had already known a good amount of people who were going. It made the social situation for me that much easier as I was invited to so many private BBQ’s, parties and events that I never felt as if I was left out. However, if you are an introvert and find it hard to make friends in social situations, you really won’t find that problem here. I don’t know if it is something in the water or the air in Provincetown but at Bear Week specifically everyone is super friendly and nice and want to get to know you regardless of your size, skin color or what you identify as in the bear/gay world. If you are ever at the epic and daily Tea Dance at Boatslip or soaking in the sun at the Provincetown Inn Pool, you will find that many people will simply just come up to y0u and say hey. I think that is such an amazing thing as in other areas of the country (ahem NYC. Sorry/Not Sorry) you truly deal with shady shadesters who stand in their cliques at all the bars and don’t let anyone in. So making friends when you come alone should never be an issue during Bear Week.

At the same time, coming in a group has its great benefits. I knew several people who did that, and they always had their friends around to go with to each social outing. The only minor problem I would see in this is that it can be hard to go off on your own and hang with other people, but that might just be an internal thing. The fact is, no matter what you will have a good time regardless of the situation you bring yourself into upon arrival in Provincetown.

“Bear Week is such an endless orgy.” No it’s not.

I would say that HANDS DOWN the most common misconception of Bear Week is that it is a non stop fuckfest everywhere, full of nudity and NSFW material that you wouldn’t want your relatives and non-Bear Week friends to see floating on the latest bear related Tumblr page. It really isn’t, from what I saw. Scantily clad men? Of course. Most of these events were by water or had themes to them that designed this, does it make it scandalous in that sense? Fuck no. This sort of rings true to what I said above about making it your own. If you wanna go into this and have an hourly revolving door of men coming into you and your room then you do that. What I truthfully believe this week is all about is the following- making new friends, reconnecting with old ones, and enjoying the surrounding environment. Nothing more, nothing less. So for these Negative Nancy’s to go around and say that this is all Bear Week is (one person I heard even referred to this as an HIV Fest. Disgusting in so many ways), then think differently. It really is such an amazing social event that I would recommend anyone to go to.

Cook today. Cook often.

I’m a foodie. I’m a bear. I grew up with a mother who was a top of the line chef and always had yummy food available at my disposal growing up. What I’m trying to say is that a bitch likes to eat. So naturally I was excited about the foray of food that the restaurants at Bear Week had to offer. Coming from New York City I was hoping that a lot of what I ate was up to par with that my city had to offer, and I hate to say this but I was let down by most. Many were overpriced to a certain degree, but I can understand why they do this as this is one of their most profitable weeks of the year. I just found that even if you are going to overprice that it should have quality included in that as well, and not just a fast turnaround reminiscent of a TGI Fridays or Applebee’s. Some of the best food that I had when I was out was off the beaten path, meaning not directly on Commercial Street. Saki was a good example, as even though it was on Commercial Street it was hidden behind a not so great pizza joint and a Ben & Jerry’s. I experienced it the last night that I was there and the sushi was tasty and delicious. Another great foodie find was in the dessert arena at Provincetown Portuguese Bakery, which had yummy homemade treats from Chocolate Cake to Peanut Butter Pie to name a few. Definitely delicious.

Something I will learn for next year’s Bear Week is to ultimately cook more as homemade cooking tends to taste best. Some of the BBQ’s that I went to had phenomenally made home cooked meals that tasted far better than a lot of the establishments that I went to. No T No Shade to the restaurants, but ultimately I just felt a lack in taste and seasonings that the home cooked meals brought ten fold to bear week.

Just go and have the freaking time of your life.

Be happy. Get a drink. Meet some people. Have a Vacationship (a vacation based relationship. Cute). Eat your heart out. Make passionate love. Take a swim in the Bear Soup. Try some of the local vendors. Go to the bear mart for some awesome clothing, toys and more. Get some delicious Salt Water Taffy. Rent a bike or take a pedicab and enjoy the sights and sounds of PTown. Go to Stop & Shop the first day to check out what is to come for Bear Week. Just enjoy yourself, because this only comes once a year and when reality hits on Monday morning and you are back in your cubicle at work, you will regret yourself if you didn’t leave in a fully realized form. Trust me, as someone who used to think so negatively about this community I really have had an Oprah “aha” moment and have had a full change of heart. Bear Week is something truly unique and amazing experience that bear or not bear I would recommend anyone doing. Hopefully someone reading this will have a change of heart like I did and book reservations for it now.

Want to book for next year? Check out the official page for more information!

4 World Trade Center Photos

by Mark Giarrusso

12 and a half years after the tragic day of September 11th, 2001 the new World Trade Center has risen in the Financial District in New York City. These photos were taken this spring from 4 World Trade before the building was entirely open to the public. Does it replace what was lost? No. Can it’s mere presence erase that horrible day from history? It can and will not. But that is not its function. Nor should it be. With views that sweep across New Jersey, New York Harbor, the Freedom Tower, and uptown with the Empire State Building dead center on the horizon, it simply reminds us that We Will Rise.

Photographers note: All of the below photos were taken with an iPhone as I was unable to bring my camera into the building.

World Trade 7 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 6 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 1 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 2 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 5 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 4 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 3 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Places To Stay in New York City- Casablanca Hotel

by Ryan Shea

One of the main reasons why tourists and people come to New York City has to be the inevitable location of Times Square. Known for its glitz and glamour for historic locations such as FAO Schwartz & Radio City Music Hall to its seemingly gritty aspect that still remains over the course of its existence, it is one place that people love to check out, take photos in, and enjoy the day or two seeing the sights. As someone who works semi in this district, I find myself surrounded by a bevy of different hotels, both boutique and chain, offering many types of amenities for your upcoming stay. So which one should you choose when you are visiting New York City? I recommend the Casablanca Hotel, located right in the heart of Times Square on 43rd between 6th and 7th Avenue. As part of the fabulous Library Hotel Collection, this of the four boasts the most frequented of the four areas where the others are located and has a clever and unique aspect that drive the others to be some of the most successful hotels in New York City.

Casablanca Hotel, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Casablanca Hotel

Just for our readers, here is a bit of history about the Casablanca Hotel. The hotel is of course inspired by the 1940’s Academy Award winning movie “Casablanca” starring screen legends Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Berman. An oasis of luminous Moroccan glamour and hospitality, The Casablanca Times Square is only outshined by its talented and eager to please staff. I recently stayed for a night at Casablanca, and was truly impressed by the look and feel of the hotel, from its beautiful and vibrant colors, and what struck me the most was the true inspiration that this hotel gets from the movie of the same name. As someone who is big into hospitality, the staff couldn’t have been anymore gracious or helpful in my short stay there, from the check in to check out I felt like a valued customer who would come back at a moments notice.

The great thing about the Casablanca Hotel is that just like the other hotels in the Library Hotel Collection, they offer several great amenities that make it worth the stay for sure. Take a look at these fabulous offers-

A lavish continental breakfast including hot oatmeal, boiled eggs, bagels and cream cheese, fresh whole fruit and fruit salad with berries, assorted cereals, yogurt, pastries, muffins, juices, freshly brewed coffee, tea, espresso and cappuccino served daily in Rick’s Cafe;
The New York Times, the Daily News and the New York Post are also available each morning.
Cookies, fresh fruit, coffees and teas throughout the day.
Prosecco, fine wines, imported and domestic cheeses, and hors d’oeuvres each evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wireless High Speed Internet access throughout the hotel, with a computer for guest use in the Rick’s Cafe.
Daily passes to the nearby New York Sports Club, which features a full range of cardio and strength-training equipment; aerobic, cycling and body-sculpting classes; and sauna.

They also have some great offers outside of the fantastic ones listed above to enhance your stay while you are in New York City. Here are a couple of really awesome ones-

The American Museum of Natural History Package-

Skip the line with 2 VIP passes for the American Museum of Natural History including special exhibitions, the planetarium and IMAX, along with great savings on your prepaid accommodations.

Top Of The Rock Package-

Enhance your stay with a trip to the Top of the Rock and enjoy a bird’s eye view of NYC! Stay 3 nights or more in 2014 and receive up to 20% off our standard rates, plus 2 tickets to the Top of the Rock observation deck. Enjoy the breathtaking views of New York City from the 69th floor of this iconic New York City venue.

So the next time you are visiting New York City or have a friend or family member that is doing so, why not recommend The Casablanca Hotel? It will sure be an experience they won’t forget. To learn more about these special offers as well as rates and much more check out their official website.

Calexico Packs Flavor & Taste to the Lower East Side

by Ryan Shea

Calexico- Melding California & Mexican Flavors Right Off The F Train

Normally the Lower East Side hasn’t been on my radar lately regards to being the foodie that I am, however I was tipped off by a friend who said I had to try this incredible new hot spot called Calexico. After doing some research on Calexico, I noticed a lot of yummy and unique things on the menu and decided to bring a friend and try the place out. I was delightfully surprised and happy with the variety of flavors and options that Calexico’s menu brought, from their delicious wings and Carne Fries (chile-cilantro fries with braised beef brisket, caramelized onions, black beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole), to tasty tacos, salads, quesadillas and more. Overall it was a great experience that made me want to know more. Cue to my interview with owner of the Lower East Side Calexico Anthony Fauci about the history of Calexico, what is popular on the menu and where he sees it going in the future. Take a look.

How did Calexico start?

Began with Anthony Fauci’s partner, Jesse Vendley, who was from Calexico, CA. He moved to New York and longed for his grandfather’s cooking and fresh ingredients.

Calexico isn’t just a brand, it’s a real place, a border town in the middle of the California desert that is locally known for its delicious take on Mexican food. Calexico the company began when three brothers from the town of Calexico set out for the East Coast with a simple mission: to recreate their family’s legendary cookouts on the streets of New York City. That was in June of 2006, and we’ve been at it ever since.

Calexico made its first appearance as street cart on a sidewalk in SoHo. The concept caught on and pretty soon there were people lined up around the block to try our Carne Asada tacos and pulled pork burritos. More street carts followed, and eventually restaurants.

We’ve kept growing all along, and recently we accelerated our growth by partnering with select franchisees to take the brand into markets beyond New York.

How would you best describe the cuisine at your locations?

Our menu features fresh, original interpretations of classic Mexican fare, a hybrid cuisine best described as “Cal-Mex.” Or as we call it, “Calexican.”

I like to say ‘scratch kitchen,’ meaning everything is fresh & never frozen! We are high style and fast casual.

What are your favorite dishes in each category (Tacos, Burritos, Appetizers)?

My favorite dishes include: the Baja fish taco because we spent a lot of time on the recipe and ingredients from the fresh mango to the spicy slaw! The Baja taco is one of our more popular items. Off the starters portion of the menu I would say the chicken wings; they are unique and not the typical deep fried wing. They are covered in special toppings that make them delectable. Lastly, I would say the burrito bowl because it is the option to have a burrito without the shell!

I noticed there are no dessert options available yet. Will those be added?

We have been contemplating having dessert but in order to add it onto the menu we would have to come up with the perfect dessert to compliment our menu. The item(s) would need to be special.

What are you hopeful for in Calexico’s future?

We hope for a healthy expansion of the brand. We are opening two Philly locations, by 2015 one to two Chicago locations, and the hopes of more stores in the horizon!

153 Rivington Street

646-590-4172

Official Site

Richard Avedon: Digitizing a Legacy with a Brand New App

by Ryan Leeds

It’s no secret that theater, fashion, and culture are among the greatest NYC treasures. For years, they’ve been the singular alluring factors for transplants aspiring to careers in these fields. For natives like the the late, iconic photographer Richard Avedon, they were sources of inspiration for what they already knew existed here.

Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation

Over the span of his sixty year career, Avedon captured the most beautiful, truthful, and vulnerable portraits from luminaries including Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Zero Mostel, Humphrey Bogart, Paul McCartney, and countless others. While a large part of his work was centered around celebrity, his eye was also on the political and social pulse of the Nation. Avedon encapsulated the rocky era of the Vietnam War , the civil rights movement, and the strain of many working class individuals.

Earlier this week, the Richard Avedon Foundation announced the launch of its’ first mobile app for iPad: The RICHARD AVEDON app. Developed in partnership with the technology studio Potion, it contains over 1,000 images and a virtual guide to the photographer’s archives. As more of his work is digitized, the Avedon Foundation will continue to update this informative, user-friendly, and fascinating resource. It is divided into three major areas: Fashion, Portraiture, and Reportage. According to the press release from the foundation, “the RICHARD AVEDON app catalogues the output of one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century and displays the arc of this extraordinary artist’s career.”

New Yorkers not only crave high culture of this caliber, but they also love a good bargain. This latest reference for visual history is free of charge and can be found on iTunes. More information is also available at http://www.avedonfoundation.org

Places To Stay While In Manhattan- Hotel Giraffe

by Ryan Shea

Sometimes things come best in a set of three. TLC, Bacon Lettuce & Tomato, and of course those guy triplets that make you giddy whenever you see them (hehe). Another shining example is the Library Hotel Collection, which has allowed me the privilege to stay in three of their four wonderful hotels (Casablanca Hotel Soon!). The first was The Library Hotel two weeks ago, followed by The Hotel Elysee last week, and finally I had the amazing experience by rounding it out with their last hotel, Hotel Giraffe.

Of all the hotels that I stayed in with the collection, this one happened to be the most current and modern just by way of design, architecture, and sophistication that it brought throughout. Whereas Elysee was more “Old New York” and Library felt like a “Posh Reading & Sleeping Experience”, Hotel Giraffe was a more modern take on the three. Located in the heart of Gramercy, which is now known by NoMad, I truly got to experience what a fantastic place this was. I loved how the room was designed, and it featured splashes of red (my favorite color) throughout. The bed itself was super comfy as well as the other amenities in the room such as the big couch, the beautifully designed bathroom, and beyond anything the lovely hospitality to which I was treated.

During my stay I sat down with Director of Sales & Marketing Ashley Van Goehring about how Hotel Giraffe started and what it has going on for the hot summer months. Take a look.

When was the Hotel Giraffe founded?

Hotel Giraffe opened its doors to the public in December, 1999. This December marks our 15^th birthday.

What does your hotel pride itself upon?

Like each property in the Library Hotel Collection, Hotel Giraffe prides itself on our excellent customer service and our ability to create a unique and exciting experience for our guests. From the minute you are greeted at the front door, we want you to feel like you’re at your ‘home away from home’. We were so proud to receive a 2014 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor because it really reinforces how important the guest experience is for people visiting New York City!

I got a very modern, sleek type feel when I stayed there. Is this what guests should expect upon their stay?

The style and architecture of the hotel is inspired by the Art Moderne period, so there is absolutely a sophisticated grace in the lobby, rooftop and guestrooms. I personally find that though our style exudes that subtle sophistication, it’s the warmth of the hotel that bring people back!

You are located right in the heart of the NoMad district. What restaurants or places do you recommend your guest see when they stay at Giraffe?

We are delighted to be a part of such a vibrant neighborhood, which is now commonly referred to as NoMad. We always recommend the rustic-Italian inspired Bread & Tulips, located in Hotel Giraffe. Guests of the hotel receive a 20% discount when dining in the restaurant! And because we’re in the warmer months of the year, we are happy to boast about the Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Giraffe, located on our 12^th floor. It has become quite a popular neighborhood destination for cocktails and appetizers! Of course, we are also so fortunate to be located near the famous Shake Shack in Madison Square Park!

What are some of the awesome amenities that your hotel provides?

We proudly offer Library Hotel Collection’s Signature Guest Amenities:

Continental style breakfast buffet in the Grand Lobby

Selection of coffee, tea, juices, cookies, and fruits throughout the day

Wine & cheese reception evenings from 5pm-8pm

Wireless high speed Internet access

Evening turndown service

Passes to nearby New York Sports Club

Is this the only Hotel Giraffe in the world or are there more?

There are no other Hotel Giraffe’s in the world, but we are happy that our LHC family is expanding! The Aria Hotel Prague which we launched 10 years ago has rejoined our collection and are excited to open the Aria Hotel Budapest in late 2014. We are also going to be opening Hotel X Toronto in Canada in 2015, it’s a wonderful time to be a part of this collection

Do your rooms have particular themes like some others in the Library Hotel Collections?

Though our rooms are not individually themed, in each room our guests will absolutely enjoy a relaxed atmosphere featuring captivating photography. And if you look closely, from the room number plagues to the copy of Tall Blondes located in each room, you’ll find quite a few subtle hints of giraffe!

What else can you tell my readers about your fabulous hotel?

We are currently offering a quirky and romantic Summer package, Summer Fling! Upon arrival, guests who reserve this package receive 2 express tickets to the Empire State Building, a $20 gift certificate to Shake Shack and voucher good for 2 complimentary cocktails on our Rooftop Lounge. This special is available through August on our direct website, www.hotelgiraffe.com.

The Hotel Giraffe

365 Park Avenue South

212-685-7700

Hotel Elysee- Old New York In The Modern Era

by Ryan Shea

When we live in such a modern world that we do with all the technology available at a moment’s notice, sometimes it is good to just stick with the classics. So when you are looking into a nice hotel to stay in, why not one that boasts the stay of legends like Marlon Brando, James Caan and Tennessee Williams? This is of course, The Hotel Elysee. This legendary establishment, which has been around for almost 100 years, is located in the heart of midtown and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, restaurants and so much more. I got the opportunity to stay one night over the weekend and had a wonderful time.

Manhattan Digest, Hotel Elysee — Credit to: Hotel Elysee

The room itself was gigantic. Like mind-blowingly huge! But it was filled with so many beautiful items. The grand piano (which actually worked) was magnificent and really added such a nice touch to the entire experience. I loved all of the beautiful portraits that was on the walls and coffee tables, as well as the incredible furniture that covered most of the room. The bedroom itself was super comfortable, and included my very own terrace!

As an avid television watcher, I was happy to see that there were two separate ones in the bedroom and the living room. This space is large enough to entertain multiple guests, so I would recommend that instead of going out for the night why not stay in at the Hotel Elysee and host your guests? Overall, with the hospitality and the amazing room it was a fantastic stay that I hope to experience again.

While I was there, I got to interview Cheryl Golde, Director of Sales & Marketing, about the Hotel Elysee and what makes it so unique and awesome.

When was the Hotel Elysee founded?

It was founded in 1926.

What does your hotel pride itself upon?

Our customer service and our staff for sure 🙂

I got a very classic, old fashioned type feel in my particular hotel stay. Is this what guests should expect upon their stay?

Yes, we are absolutely “old world, old New York”

What restaurants or places do you recommend people check out that are nearby to Hotel Elysee?

We definitely recommend the Monkey Bar located in the hotel as well as Cellini, just across the street.

What are some of the awesome amenities that your hotel provides?

Complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary nightly wine & hors d’oeuvres reception from 5-8pm, complimentary wifi, complimentary passes to NYSC, 2 complimentary bottles of water upon arrival and a Belgian chocolate bar.

Is this the only Hotel Elysee in the world or are there more?

There are other Hotel Elysee’s, however they are not affiliated us.

Do your rooms have particular themes like some others in the Library Hotel Collections?

Each of our Presidential Suites is themed after an individual. We have the Presidential Suite honoring Vladimir Horowitz (which houses his piano), the Presidential Suite honoring Tennessee Williams and the Presidential Suite honoring Vaclav Havel.

What else can you tell my readers about your fabulous hotel?

The Hotel Elysee is on East 54^th Street between Park and Madison Avenues and is walking distance from the world’s best shopping such as Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman, just to name a few. The Hotel Elysee has been home to movie stars such as Marlon Brando, Ava Gardner, Sidney Poitier, John Barrymore and James Caan as well as to artists such as Maria Callas and Vladimir Horowitz, whose personal piano still stands in the Hotel’s Piano Suite. In addition, famed writers such as Tennessee Williams, Harold Robins and James Clavell and legends such as Joe DiMaggio and Tallulah Bankhead have called the Elysée home over the years. The original concept of the European-style hotel was to offer “discreet and uncompromising” personalized service, which it continues to do each and every day. The Hotel Elysee has been home to the Monkey Bar since it opened. Today, Graydon Carter, the editor of Vanity Fair and owner of the Waverly Inn is the new owner with his partners Hotelier Jeff Klein and Jeremy King.

Hotel Elysee

60 E 54th St

(212) 753-1066

Official Site

Fathers Day!

by Brian Connolly

To the two best dads on fathers day! A day with a new meaning, now that gay men can adopt children, have children without prejudice from agencies and raise children as straight couples would. How do we celebrate this hallmark occasion now? EASY! Hallmark have released its first gay fathers day card. This comes just 4yrs after Hallmark created wedding cards for homosexual couples. This fathers day seems to have a highlight on more inclusion of the LGBTI community as President Obama has also invited two gay fathers to join him at the White House to celebrate fathers day with other fathers from across America. Where the White House recognizes both men as fathers of their child, their home state of Michigan does not, still only one parent is legally a father to the child, while the other father is not. As always with every triumph we are still reminded there is a still a long way to go to equality.

Perhaps one day when I become a father the card aisles will be filled with “my two dads” “best dads ever” cards for my children to begrudgingly buy and give me in exchange for cash. Regardless of what we think the corporate card companies may hopefully follow Hallmarks examples and begin saturating the market with similar LGBTI cards for all to purchase and distribute.

The LGBTI community is a strong influence on business on high streets and have been referred to as the “pink currency”, it is more than likely that soon we will be saturated with LGBTI themed goods in our stores to purchase on holidays along with all the other soppy, loving, congratulatory cards, gifts and ideas we purchase to explain how we feel towards each other.

The sentiment may be fake, but I for one think its nice to be included in yet another aspect of society and see being gay normalize further.

LIFESTYLE

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