TRAVEL

Where To Go For Easter Brunch in New York City This Sunday

As if Manhattanites don’t celebrate the weekend brunch as is, they have an even bigger and better reason as it is Easter Weekend and many fab locations across the New York City area are offering some pretty great incentives to get you to dine and dish with your friends and family. The Waldorf Astoria, Corkbuzz in Union Square, Bateaux New York, and Spirit Cruises all have great amenities lined up for you to experience, enjoy and leave with a smile on your face. Having been to some of these before (Waldorf in particular) I know that each will provide a great time to have for all. Check out to see what each is bringing to the table and then some.

Waldorf Astoria, Easter, Easter Brunch, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria Sunday Brunch

Known for the country’s top Sunday brunch, the Waldorf Astoria New York will offer a special Easter brunch on April 5^th. Laid out in Peacock Alley, the renowned lobby restaurant, special Easter additions include citrus smoked salmon, smoked sturgeon, lobster & asparagus salad. Additional gourmet options incude cold dishes such as caviar and a seafood bar (crab, oysters, and more!), as well as hot dishes like made-to-order Eggs Benedict (originated at the hotel!) and numerous carving stations. The array of specialty desserts includes favorites such as Red Velvet Cupcakes (another hotel original!) and Baked Alaska. Brunch cocktails (including the Bloody Bunny, a carrot take on the Bloody Mary) are also available. $98 per person

Corkbuzz, Manhattan Digest, Easter Brunch — Credit to: Corkbuzz

Corkbuzz’s Union Square

The location is celebrating Easter Sunday with a brunch buffet featuring an egg station, French toast, ham carving, granola, and an assortment of meats and cheeses. Signature brunch favorites including the Grilled Cheese (mahon, saffron-apricot chutney) and Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes (apple chutney) will also be available to guests. Additionally, the champagne will be flowing with Corkbuzz’s Champagne Campaign – meaning half-off bottles of all champagne!

Bateaux New York

This Easter, families celebrating Easter can choose a Champagne Brunch Cruise or Easter Dinner in the all-glass dining vessel, Bateaux New York. Inspired by European river boats, guests who choose brunch will enjoy Quiche Du Jour, Roasted Banana French Toast and Amish Roast Chicken, while guests who prefer the dinner cruise will feast on Stuffed Pork Roulade, Braised Short Rib and Roast Wagyu Strip Loin. Starting at $69.90 per adult and $41.95 per child, guests will also enjoy live entertainment, attentive service and stunning NYC skyline views. In addition, those using the promotion code Easter20 can save 20%. To book, call 866-817-2463 or use the website here.

Spirit Cruises, Manhattan Digest, Easter Brunch — Credit to: Spirit Cruises

Spirit Cruises – New York Metro

Departing from Chelsea Piers, NY and Lincoln Harbor NJ, Kids can hop on Spirit of New York or Spirit of New Jersey brunch or dinner cruises for free this Easter! Cruisers will enjoy an engaging family friendly DJ, dancing and beautiful views of One World Trade, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and more. In addition, the contemporary buffet includes items like organic spinach and kale salad, roast salmon and tilapia, chicken parmesan meatballs, and kid friendly options like pizza or chicken fingers. This offer is limited to one free child per paying adult, with a maximum of two children per order and reservations must be made via phone by MARCH 22^ndfor this offer. To book, guests can call 866-483-3866 or use the website here.

Happy Eating Everyone!

City Kitchen Elevates The Food Hall Experience To A New Level

by Ryan Shea

We’ve all had experiences at our local malls and the less than fantastic food they have at the food halls that they provide the general public. Many of them are low in price but not exactly pungent when it comes to flavor and value so the savvy foodie like myself is left wondering what else is out there. Well, for the Manhattanite in all of us I found something that you will love in many different ways. This is City Kitchen, which is located inside the super fabulous Row Hotel on 8th Avenue between 44th and 45th Street. Hotel guests and Times Square locals are having the unique opportunity to indulge in some of the city’s most desired and buzzed about food concepts – without having to travel too far to taste them. City Kitchen brings to Row NYC a collection of restaurant trailblazers to continue the evolution that has made this property one of the most exciting to open in Times Square to date.

I was fortunate enough to stay in The Row Hotel before as a review for Manhattan Digest, and was thrilled overall with the incredible art landscape of the room and hotel itself and how it really had a great duality with modern and classic architecture overall. The addition of City Kitchen really is the cherry on top of the already delicious pie the property itself has to offer. City Kitchen is a nostalgic nod to the classic working kitchen and features industrial décor such as white subway tile, marble, reclaimed wood, gingham, and statement Italian glass chandeliers. Fixed steel and turquoise leather stools along the floor-to-ceiling windows provides customers with an unobstructed view of Times Square. The unique brand and personality of the assorted purveyors will be reflected within their own space, making City Kitchen as diverse as the streets of New York.

City Kitchen, Manhattan Digest, Row Hotel — Credit to: City Kitchen

The fabulous thing about City Kitchen, given that warm weather is upon us, is that a lot of the food that each vendor provides really translates to what we are expecting for the spring and summer seasons. So here is what I would recommend trying at each of the vendors as me and a friend went over the weekend and had a field day with all of them. In the mood for sushi? Try Asuki and check out their Manhattan or Tuna Lover roll. ilili box skews Mediterranean with a variety of really delicious wraps and salads. A good combo would be their Duck Shawarma with their Green Lemonade. The flavor in the Shawarma is an explosion whereas the Green Lemonade has a nice kick of cucumber in it which blends well with the sweetness of the drink itself. Gabriela’s Taqueria is your one stop for all things tacos, tacos and more tacos. Even breakfast ones! Try a classic and go with their steak taco. Simple, cooked well and the perfect bite for your afternoon meal. Kuro Obi is your Ramen headquarters, and a great place to stop by on a rainy day. Try the classic Ramen with pork belly. Just remember the two words- pork belly. Enough said.

Luke’s is renowned for one thing- Lobster Rolls. Just get that, trust me. It was hands down the best lobster roll I have ever had. Pair it with a cold soda, pickle and chips and you are good to go. I have actually reviewed Whitman’s for Manhattan Digest before, so naturally I was pumped to try them out again as they are big on their burgers. The PB&B Burger (Peanut Butter & Bacon). An odd combo at first but when you try it the flavors really blend well together.

Now if you are looking for a quick snack, there are three vendors there that fit that bill as well. Sigmund’s boast a wide array of my favorite snack- pretzels. I would try the truffle cheddar as it is warm and soft on the inside with the truffle cheddar adding a great flavor on the outside. For dessert, Dough is the place to go as they have a great line of doughnuts with unique profiles. The Chocolate Nib was more than enough for me, as it came topped with a ton of delicious chocolate. Want something a little lighter? Try Wooley’s shaved ice, which comes in leche, coffee and green tea and has a bunch of great toppings. A delicious ending to a wonderful experience.

I would recommend trying at least one of these places out as it would fulfill any food palate out there. For more information, check out their official site. Happy eating everyone!

Hungry? Check Out Ibis & Bistango In The Kimberly Hotel

by Ryan Shea

Sometimes two really is better than one. And make no exception, these two restaurants fit that bill and then some. I recently had a fantastic stay at The Kimberly Hotel, located on East 50th between 3rd and Lexington. While I was there, I became aware of two great restaurants with very different cuisines at each. Bistango, located directly to the left of the hotel, is the best in Modern Italian cooking, whereas Ibis, to the right, dabbles and dazzles in Mediterranean. During my stay at The Kimberly I was delighted to experience both first hand, and they were top notch when it came to decor, quality, service and of course taste. Check out my review of both.

Bistango

Upon entry to Bistango, you get a warm and inviting sense from its environment, in particular the way the decor is set up. The color of red is splashed throughout, and mixing that with the beautiful decor and wooden floors elevates this particular restaurant to an entirely different level. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating to say the least, and for a restaurant that is very new to the NYC food scene, I would say they have a great shot of being a huge success going forward in 2015 and beyond.

As previously mentioned, they excel in all things Italian. While I dined there, I was able to try some exceptional meals from beginning to end, and I would recommend trying these out and then some. If you are at an Italian place, it is somewhat necessary to try out their Meatballs. The ones they have on their appetizer menu which is traditionally called their “Meatballs Al Forno” and it comes with a zesty tomato sauce and parmesan. Great way to start the meal off. Another starter that I would recommend is going into the Flatbread route as they have nine different & very unique selections, all different from each other. if I had to choose I would recommend the Agnello, sort of a Greek flatbread that comes with Braised Lamb, Feta, Lemon and Long Peppers. All flavors really burst in your mouth and is another shining example of why Bistango is so great.

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest, Ibis — Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

For their entrees, I would stick with a traditional Italian dish and head towards the pasta route. The one I highly recommend is the Fettucine with Lobster, Octopus and a Marscarpone-Marinara. As someone who has never had Octopus before I thought it was quite scrumptious and was cooked properly as I never really got that rubbery taste that Octopus can bring. If you enjoy a good mix of meat with your pasta I would recommend the Rigatoni with Short Rib and Salsa Verde Rustico. Good combination of flavors and the short rib was cooked to perfection. After such a hearty meal, you can finish light or go quite the opposite by trying their delectable desserts like Olive Oil Ice Cream with a caramel gelee or their creamy and delicious Tiramisu. Overall, 10/10 in my book.

Ibis

Ibis is a stark contrast compared to how Bistango looks. It is quite large in its space and has a theatrical vibe upon arrival, something that would’ve been popular back in the 50’s and 60’s. Upon further investigation i found out that Ibis actually used to be an opera house back in the 1920’s where legends like Lucille Ball would come and perform. Honestly, when you are in the same building as someone as legendary as that, you get the sense that this place is doing it right. This location has gone through its changes over the past century, however Ibis looks like its doing the overall scheme of things as a job well done with its food and atmosphere. I love how dark and beautifully colored the walls and decor is, and they also have a great upstairs portion where you can host a party or gathering with your friends and family. Quite grand indeed if I do say so myself.

The food itself was quite majestic as well, all with a Mediterranean theme. If we start in the appetizer category, try the Calamari as it is fresh with a great crunch. You can’t avoid Hummus when you are at a place like this, and they do not disappoint. The chickpea, sesame sauce, garlic and lemon juice really compliment each other and go well when you are dipping the fresh bread into the Hummus itself. Another two items worth dipping something into is the Smoked Eggplant pureed with garlic & olive oil and the Artichoke Heart with carrots, potatoes and green peas. Definitely a great way to start your meal off.

For the main courses, a Dry-Aged New York Steak is something one should never say no to. They cooked it to perfection and complimented it with some tasty mashed potatoes and flavorful Asparagus. My friend opted to go the fish route and try the Branzino served with an Arugala salad. Lighter, fresh and overall tasted great. Once again, another 10/10 experience.

For more information on Ibis, Bistango and The Kimberly Hotel, check out their official sites below. If you are ever in Midtown east I would highly recommend trying them out!

The Kimberly Hotel- 145 East 50th Street

Ibis

Bistango

Why You Should Check In To The Kimberly Hotel & Upstairs

by Ryan Shea

When it comes to your hotel stay in Manhattan, several ones simply just don’t go the extra mile when it comes to providing more than just a bed and free Wifi for their guests. When and if you are staying in a city like Manhattan, you want it to be a memorable one for more than just that. So when I heard about the fabulous offerings that The Kimberly Hotel was providing, I knew I had to learn more about it. The Kimberly Hotel is a European-style boutique hotel, offering gracious hospitality, timeless elegance and a renowned location in the heart of midtown’s fashionable East Side. A member of WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection, the Kimberly Hotel offers 192 spacious guestrooms including luxurious one and two-bedroom suites highlighted by private balconies and wet bars.

The one fantastic thing that is worth noting about The Kimberly Hotel is that you really don’t have to leave it to have an amazing night. I mean, you are in New York City so naturally you will want to go out and experience all that this city has to offer, but in this situation I would beg to differ. The Kimberly Hotel has not one, not two, but three different types of entertainment amenities right on their premises. In the mood for some delicious food? They have you covered. You can check out the best in Mediterranean cuisine at Ibis, which is located directly to the right of the main location. Not in the mood for Mediterranean and want to go a different route? Definitely try out their Italian counterpart and brand new restaurant called Bistango located directly to the left. Want a chilled, relaxed environment with great music and cocktails? Try ‘Upstairs,’ the 3,000 square-foot rooftop bar offering spectacular 360-degree views of Manhattan. I was able to review all three (Ibis & Bistango will come in a later review. A delicious review mind you).

The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

The suites at The Kimberly Hotel are majestic and grand, with beautiful colors throughout. The bed itself has got to be the comfiest bed I have ever stayed in, and the amenities in the room itself were quite spectacular. The balcony overlooked some of the best of New York City, and the overall room experience I have to say was a 10/10 in my book. If you are a single person checking in or with a group, this particular hotel has you covered when it comes to the size of the suite they have prepared for you, on top of the fabulous customer service they provide. Truly had a wonderful time.

Manhattan Digest, Upstairs, The Kimberly Hotel — Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

With the warmer weather hopefully coming soon (Snow this weekend! No!) many New Yorkers are set to be spending more time outside with friends and family to experience this city in the heat most of us have been waiting for. Something that is great about The Kimberly Hotel’s lounge Upstairs is that it has dual functionality when it comes to its look. In the situation above, the cover that is usually up is taken down and customers can experience the warm summer breeze with some of the best top shelf drinks that the city can provide. It also offers a 360 degree angle of Manhattan, and the sights from Upstairs are quite breathtaking and spectacular if I must say so myself. It is a very chill vibe as I stated previously, and the perfect place for your next assortment of parties you are having as Upstairs itself is spacious and large. Definitely an amazing add on to an already fabulous location.

Manhattan Digest, The Kimberly Hotel, EJ Media Group — Credit to: The Kimberly Hotel

I’m not the only one that thinks The Kimberly Hotel is pretty freaking awesome. Check out some of the awards they have won in recent years-

Awards & Accolades:

Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2014
U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Award 2014
Condé Nast TravelerGold List 2014
Expedia “Certificate of Excellence” 2014
Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2013
Condé Nast Traveler 16th Annual Business Hotel Awards
Expedia “Best of VIP Access” Hotel 2013
Expedia “Certificate of Excellence” 2013
U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Award 2013
WORLDHOTELS“Best in Class,” Annual Conference 2013
Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2013

When top publications like Conde Nast and Expedia are referencing you as the best, you have something great going on. Some other things to mention about The Kimberly Hotel is that they include newly designed meeting and private event spaces, an on-site fitness center, and complimentary access to New York Health & Racquet Club’s fitness facilities and seasonal private yacht sails further to heighten the guest experience. So when you have all of this under one roof, why bother staying anywhere else?

Want to know even more information about The Kimberly Hotel? Check out their official site.

The Kimberly Hotel

145 East 50th Street (Between Lexington & 3rd)

(212) 702-1600

The Kitano Midtown: So Much More Than Your Average Hotel

by Ryan Shea

In my entire time reviewing at Manhattan Digest, I have never had an experience where I reviewed a place within a place before reviewing the actual… place. Sounds confusing, right? Let me make this more clear. Last weekend I was entranced and delighted to experience The Kitano Hotel’s weekend “Jazz At Kitano”, which takes place each Sunday. You can read my fab review here. As great as the experience was, something I noticed on a larger scale was how breathtakingly beautiful The Kitano Hotel was. It’s grandiose in stature and decorated so amazingly upon first glance that I knew I had to do something more than just the brunch write up. And boy was I glad that I made that decision.

Kitano Hotel, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Kitano Hotel

I was lucky enough to stay at Kitano this past weekend on a chilly Friday and Saturday here in New York City. The hotel spans over 17 floors with incredible views of several New York City landmarks. The room I stayed is was beyond compare (If you want to choose the ultimate to stay in at Kitano, Suite 1702 will be your best bet), as it was almost like being in an apartment with a fantastic view, and quite possibly the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in while at a hotel. Not to mention they have Bidet’s, which I have never experienced before but was quite happy with the end result (silly joke).

While I stayed there, I got to sit down and interview the wonderful manager Zack Zahran about the history of the hotel, amenities you get while staying and why Kitano is the best place to stay in New York City.

Please tell me a little more about Kitano. How did this establishment get started?

The Kitano Hotel New York opened its doors in 1973 as New York’s first Japanese hotel. Forty one years later it remains the first and only Japanese-owned hotel and has become an integral part of one of Manhattan’s historic neighborhoods, Murray Hill. Located four blocks south of Grand Central Station on fashionable Park Avenue at 38^thStreet, the 18-story hotel towers over some of New York City’s most magnificent turn-of-the-century dwellings, offering spectacular views of city landmarks. The hotel features 149 guestrooms, including 17 contemporary suites and a one-of-a-kind Japanese Tatami Suite. The Kitano Hotel New York is also home to the critically acclaimed Michelin-rated Hakubai restaurant where traditional Kaiseki delicacies are served.

Is it true you are the only Japanesed owned hotel here in New York City?

The Kitano Hotel New York is Manhattan’s first and only Japanese-owned hotel, offering extraordinary traditional Japanese hospitality.

What are some of the amenities that you get when staying at Kitano?

The Kitano Hotel New York is home to the critically acclaimed Michelin-rated Hakubai restaurant where traditional Kaiseki delicacies are served. Our other on-Site dining venue, JAZZ at KITANO, opens at 7:00 AM for breakfast, lunch at 12:00 noon, and dinner at 5:00 PM. Other amenities include:

Room Service

24-hour Business Center

Valet service

High-speed wired and wireless Internet access

Iron, ironing board and hair dryer

Complimentary coffee and tea

Sleeper Sofa Available in Suites

Individual thermostat control

Power socket is 110V and adaptors are available

Fully stocked minibar

Oversized executive work desk

In-room safe

Luxurious marble bathroom

Separate shower stall and bath tub

Flat screen television, radio and alarm clock

Bathrobes and slippers

Daily local and Japanese newspaper

Dual-line telephone with voicemail system

Wheelchair accessible

Raised toilet seat on request

Pet-friendly

Manhattan Digest, Kitano Hotel — Credit to: Kitano New York

Do you have a brunch spot on location at Kitano? Can you tell me a little more about that?

Known for an acclaimed jazz program, The Kitano is home to JAZZ at KITANO, a supper club located in a former Rockefeller townhouse adjacent to the hotel, featuring daily performances of classic and contemporary jazz accompanied by a Pan-Asian inspired menu and offering Jazz Brunch every Sunday from 12 to 2:30 PM at $38.00 per person, including Bloody Mary and Mimosa.

Why ultimately should people choose The Kitano Hotel upon their next visit to New York City?

Our location, at 38th Street and Park Avenue, is perfect for guests who wish to stay in the heart of the city, footsteps from the most prestigious shopping, entertainment and cultural district. The hotel is within walking distance to The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, The United Nations, Grand Central Station, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, historic museums and Broadway theaters.

We provide great customer service, for our guests’ maximum comfort, and all the necessities to make them feel at home. Our rooms are clean and stylish with great beds, original artwork, and luxurious marble showers, at reasonable prices, with deals to be found on the web.

Owners and management clearly care about the details and maintenance. Everything looks well-maintained and clean; the staff is genuinely hospitable with great attitudes.

The Kitano team is the perfect host for a supremely memorable wedding; our 18^th floor ballroom offers stunning views of The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, making for a perfect backdrop for distinctive photo opportunities. Only one wedding per day takes place at the hotel, ensuring exclusivity and personalized attention.

Something that is worth highlighting with Kitano New York is that, as previously stated, they are much more than just a fabulous place for you to stay for a night or more. If you are looking for a space to hold a wedding, seminar, meeting, or whatever business type thing you have going on, they have you covered and then some. Let me introduce the Penthouse Banquet Suite.

Kitano New York, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Kitano New York

I was able to meet with their fantastic Catering Sales Manager Melissa Paston to learn more about this added bonus that The Kitano New York offers. “The Penthouse Banquet Suite features incredible views of the Empire State Building and Midtown from the large outdoor terraces. The food and beverage comes from our signature restaurants Jazz at Kitano (American cuisine) and Hakubai (Japanese cuisine).” The Penthouse is ideal for the following types of functions:

Weddings with up to 70 guests

Cocktail Parties for up to about 125 guests

Landmark Celebrations: Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Sweet 16 Parties, Anniversaries

Rooftop BBQ for up to 125 guests

Meetings with up to 70 guests

Pricing for these events run at different costs of course, however they are affordable and ultimately worth it given what they are providing and then some. With wedding season coming up shortly, as well as the warm summer months approaching, the Kitano is a great place for you to hold your next big event.

Of all the hotels that I have stayed and reviewed with Manhattan Digest, this one in particular gets immensely high honors for its professionalism, look, spaciousness, variety of options and overall experience. Easily a 10 out of 10 in my book. I would recommend highly staying here the next time you are in New York City for whatever reason need be. All of the information about the hotel and The Penthouse Banquest Suite can be found on their official page located here.

Kitano New York

66 Park Avenue East 38th Street

212-885-7000

Why You Should Try The 414 Hotel In Times Square

by Ryan Shea

When it comes to finding a hotel in New York City, there is a bevy of things you look for to have a great stay and leave wanting to come back to the same location upon your next visit. The 414 Hotel in Times Square is a great example of that as I got to experience it first hand over the weekend. It is a hotel unlike any others that I have stayed for, and the team that works there wants to ensure that you feel like family during your stay and provide unique amenities that really enhance the entire experience. It also has incredibly excelled reviews on TripAdvisor which helped aide in my stay.

The 414 Hotel’s name is due to the address it is on West 46th Street between 9th and 10th. Conveniently located right in the heart of Times Square, the humble abode has been transformed from a regular tenement building to a warm and cozy hotel. This hotel is unique as it does not have an elevator, yet is standard for the Hell’s Kitchen/Times Square area in terms of how those buildings were designed. This hotel is very reminiscent of a bed & breakfast type of atmosphere as they prepare quite the scrumptious spread of breakfast right when you walk in and the overall setting reads similar to what a B&B does. The staff could not have been more accommodating to my every need and the room itself was the perfect size with a beautiful view and comfortable bed.

The lovely manager of the 414 Hotel, Susan Yates, was nice enough to sit down with me during my stay to discuss her fantastic abode at hand.

414 Hotel, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: 414 Hotel

Hi Susan, thanks for the stay! Can you let me know a little history about the 414 Hotel?

414 West 46^th Street was a regular tenement building until 1999 when it was purchased and converted to a bed and breakfast. The next owner of the property envisioned a boutique hotel. Since we took over in November, 2013 we have married the homey, cozy feel of a bed and breakfast with the service and amenities of a boutique hotel – the best of both worlds!

Obviously the name is due to the address on West 46th Street, however it is conveniently located in the heart of Times Square. What other amenities does the hotel provide?

Our biggest amenity is the service we provide. Our whole team is personally invested in making sure our guests have the most memorable stay possible. Complimentary daily Continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and evening happy hour are some of the other amenities that our guests enjoy.

I understand the landscape of most Hell’s Kitchen buildings in that they are walkups, and the 414 hotel does the same thing. Was that the original plan when constructing?

The building was built as a tenement and not a hotel so there was no thought to that unfortunately.

I get a real homey-esque vibe overall when I stayed there. Is that how you want your guests to feel when they are there?

Yes, that is definitely the atmosphere that we want our guests to experience. From the moment they walk through our big red door, we want our guests to feel at home in our cozy place. We invite them to sit by the fireplace and enjoy the calm oasis. Our guests marvel at our proximity to all the hustle and bustle outside, yet the serenity they experience when they walk through the door. I think that’s what has made us popular and has allowed us to be in the Top 20 of NYC hotels on TripAdvisor.

Why overall would you recommend staying at the 414 Hotel?

Our hotel is the perfect place for visitors wanting to be steps away from all the action – yet in a calm, quiet and intimate setting. Our staff personally connects with each guest and makes sure that they feel comfortable navigating the city. We are a home away from home for visitors from all over the world. Our communal breakfast and happy hour allow our guests to meet each other and make friends. If someone is looking to be more than “a head on a bed”, then this is the place for them.

Want to know more about the 414 Hotel? Check out their official site for more information.

Hyatt Herald Square Review- Comfy, Cozy & Convenient

by Ryan Shea

As great as the boutique hotels are based in New York City, sometimes the more nationally known ones provide just as great of service if not more than what is only local. Hyatt is a great example of that. As someone who commutes from Long Island to Penn Station on a daily basis, I was delighted to find that Hyatt had opened up a brand new location right in the heart of Herald Square on 31st between Broadway and 5th Avenue. I heard word of the opening and was lucky enough to review the brand new space and was quite delighted overall with the experience.

Hyatt Herald Square, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Eleven Six PR

I use three main words to describe the Hyatt Herald Square- Comfy, Cozy & Convenient. The hospitality was at its best as the staff greeted and treated me incredibly well. The King sized room itself was just the right size for one person staying, with a great view of the Empire State Building on top of a large shower and very comfortable bed. The photo above is the exact replica of the room that I stayed in, and I heavily enjoyed the use of color throughout the room, in particular the purples and use of black. Very appealing to the eye.

Eleven Six PR, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Eleven Six PR

Something that was a big coo as well for me was the delicious breakfast that they serve their guests on a daily basis. Served right on the main floor, you can dine on delicious options such as ricotta pancakes with caramelized pears (or apples) with a side of pork sausage and a variety of bagels with freshly made cream cheese. Absolutely delicious and a great way to finish off my stay at the Hyatt.

If you know of someone who is looking to stay in New York City or want to try a great new hotel out, I would highly recommend stopping by and spending a night or so. For more information, check out the official site here.

Glitz, Glam & Pizzazz Shine Through The Row NYC Hotel

by Ryan Shea

As someone who resides in the New York City area, there is one location I tend to avoid like the plague or a new Justin Bieber song- Times Square. Overcrowded with tourists who don’t know how to walk properly and stop in the middle of the road to take a selfie, horrible quality chain restaurants and just the gentrification of everything really makes this part of NYC a turn off (sorry/not sorry). However, there are some great gems throughout this small part of Manhattan, most notably in the vast array of hotels you can stay in. One of them is The Row NYC Hotel, located on 8th Avenue between 44th and 45th Street. Here is a little more about The Row Hotel from their official website–

Row NYC hotel has pioneered a new era of individuality among Time Square hotels by meeting NYC’s signature urban grit with grandeur. Row NYC transforms your stay into a completely contemporary experience- with a front row view to Times Square that’s truly incomparable. Our NYC hotel’s guests undeniably reside in the middle of it all, with exciting access to everything and anything – 24/7.

Located in the heart of Times Square, the Row NYC hotel was originally designed in 1928 by Herbert J. Knapp— theatre architect extraordinaire— and has remained its own dramatic New York icon…

Row Hotel NYC, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Fox Greenberg PR

In reviewing The Row NYC Hotel I noticed a huge flare in modern and classic architecture when it comes to the overall visual of the hotel itself. The look of the lobby read old school 1950’s and 60’s with a modern take that was quite visibly stunning. The usage of the color brown, normally not the most eye appealing color in any palate, really shines through and was quite welcoming upon my entrance inside.

Although there was a bit of a scuffle at check in due to a busy weekend, the majority of my stay was quite nice. The suite itself read three things- Glamour, Glitz, and Pizzazz. The portraits of stars from our yester-years like Mick Jagger, Jeri Hall amongst others with the endless pops of color the room really was phenomenally put together. I was in awe the minute I walked into the room as there was so much to look at, not to mention the amazing views of Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen right outside the window. The suite itself actually had such an amazing entrance that read like graffiti (see below) and acted as if this could be a place where you could truly live year round and have fabulous parties with your friends and family.

Manhattan Digest, Row Hotel NYC — Credit to: Fox Greenberg PR

They also have a fantastic eatery located right in the lobby called District M, which bills itself as a ” European express cafe by day, a Neapolitan pizza bar and cocktail lounge by night” . I stopped by their for breakfast this morning and the supply they provide food and drink wise for their clientele was quite impressive, including hot steel cut oats, granola, fresh fruits and berries, Greek yogurt, boiled farm eggs, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, as well as a full European coffee program. Be on the lookout for their new initiative called City Kitchen, which you can also find on their website.

Overall I would give my experience an 8 out of 10, as the majority of what made it great was the suite itself. I would recommend staying there for anyone visiting the New York City area as for the looks and quality of the room I stayed in, it’s a no brainer.

The Best Holiday Gifts For The Man In Your Life

by Ryan Shea

With the holiday season in full swing, sometimes we don’t know what to get for a particular individual in our life. Especially when it is the man or men in our lives. You don’t just want to throw in the towel and get him the same ol tie or coffee mug that seems to be a last ditch effort situation. You want to be able to get him something that is thoughtful and actually useful throughout the course of the year! Well Manhattan Digest has got you covered in that area. Check out these great holiday gifts for men and see which one (or more) really tickle your fancy.

Dove Men + Care, Holiday Gift, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Edelman

Dove Men + Care Holiday Gift Pack

Its sort of a common thing that you want to always leave your house smelling good. Well Dove has you covered here, with their holiday gift pack featuring some of their best products for men from shampoo, deodorant and body wash all tucked away in a great dopp bag. Check out their official site for more information on the fabulous products that Dove has for the masses.

UGG, Manhattan Digest, Holiday Gift — Credit to: UGG Australia

Men’s Slippers From UGG Australia

For a lot of people, UGG is associated with women’s boots for the holiday season. Did you know though that UGG has an amazing line of boots and slippers just for men? Tom Brady has become the spokesperson for UGG Australia and has made it popular and on point for your guy to wear the latest in all UGG fashion. I would highly recommend getting your man a pair of their slippers (the ascot tweet ones are to die for) or any assortment of boots that they carry. Log on to UGG’s official site for more information.

Spicebomb, Holiday Gift, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Nordstrom

Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf

A couple of months ago I was perusing the mall in King of Prussia, PA and discovered this intoxicating scent called “Spicebomb” by Viktor & Rolf. With the exception of a couple of other colognes I have owned in my life, this one had the best smell to it and it wasn’t overwhelming as some others may be. I highly recommend getting this for your man to leave him smelling yummy and clean all year round. Check out the sale price on Nordstrom’s site for more info.

Beats By Dre, Holiday Gifts, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Paste Magazine

Beats By Dre Solo HD

Who doesn’t love a good pair of headphones, and if you are going to buy them for yourself or for your man you really can’t beat Beats. Beats By Dre has been the top selling headphone set for a couple of years now, and with the sound quality matched with the sleek look I can definitely see why. Treat your man to their less costly Solo versions. Great quality of sound with a pop of color added in when you are on the go. My favorite color they make is red as it really stand out in the crowd. Check out their official site for more information.

Theater Review: 9 to 5 the Musical

by Ryan Leeds

9 to 5 The Musical at Walnut Street Theatre. Philadelphia, PA. Photo courtesy of Marl Garvin — 9 to 5 The Musical at Walnut Street Theatre. Philadelphia, PA. Photo courtesy of Mark Garvin

Technically, the name of this online publication is Manhattan Digest. And it’s easy for our New York elitism to bleed through into…well…practically every aspect of our daily lives. Sometimes we Gothamites are so deeply entrenched in our belief that New York City is the center of it all, that we fail to take notice to the notable offerings around us. I use the collective “we” here, because I too, have been guilty of this snobbery.

This happened last weekend when I crawled out of my hole of oblivion and hopped an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Philadelphia. Granted, I was there to to run a half marathon,but prior to my departure, I was reminded of the terrific and often overlooked theater scene dwelling in Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis. It was here where I saw a delightful and improved stage version of Dolly Parton’s notorious film about eighties working girls, 9 to 5: The Musical.

The show had a short life when it opened on Broadway in April 2009. Critics found it tawdry and dated and although Parton’s name and influence was present, it wasn’t enough to generate box office dollars. The production, in Times Square’s Marriot Marquis closed 6 months later in September. Since then, it has found its’ groove among regional theaters, including the well regarded Walnut Street theatre where it is enjoying a run through Oct. 19th.

This story of girl power centers on Violet Newstead (Dee Hoty), Doralee Rhodes (Amy Bodnar), and Judy Bernly (Amanda Rose). This spunky trio punches the daily clock and attempts to climb the corporate ladder but is shot down at every angle by their misogynistic boss, Franklin Hart, Jr. (Paul Schoeffler). If that weren’t enough, they must deal with Hart’s obsessively loyal administrative assistant, Roz Keith (Mindy Dougherty). Violet cautions an overwhelmed Judy on her first day that Roz is Mr. Hart’s eyes, ears, and throat and “if you want to gossip in the ladies room, check under the stalls for feet first.” The women concoct a plan to kidnap Hart and finagle a way for Roz to attend a French Vocabulary School. They continue on their mission to teach Hart a lesson on respect.

The premise is implausible, but the sense of nostalgia is perfectly intact. So are the vocals from this predominantly female cast. Each of them have their moment to shine and deliver Parton’s score with fresh vivacity and vigor. It is possible that producers caught wind of the weaknesses of the Broadway production and the criticism that it felt out of date. In this version, a pre-recorded Dolly Parton welcomes the show via digital projection and introduces all of the leading players. Parton informs the audience that the show takes place in a time when “apples and blackberries were things I picked from the field” and knowingly winks at the time frame. Admit it: If Dolly Parton can’t bring a smile to your face, you’re either the world’s crankiest person or you’ve had one too many botox injections.

There is nothing overly cerebral about the story, but it remains a feel-good satire on the injustices and monotony of office life. It also provides the opportunity to hear some fresh Grammy nominated music from Dolly, delivered by a Broadway quality talent. So, dispense with your New York City highbrow attitude and shower our neighboring city of brotherly love with a bit of romance.

9 to 5: The Musical is now playing at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre (825 Walnut Street) now through Oct. 19th. For tickets and information, visit: http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/ or call 215-574-3550.

TRAVEL

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