Manhattan Digest

The Dramatic Secret Worth Sharing

Two time Tony Award winning actress Judith Light has called The Drama League “One of the best kept secrets in New York City.” While the endorsement is no doubt flattering to its Board of Directors, it presents a great obstacle to host events when the secret is confined to insiders. Recently, The League announced its 2015 Fall Events calendar and the line-up is worthy of chatter.

Actors Christian Borle (Something Rotten!) and Max Von Essen (An American in Paris) kicked off the “Up Close Series” by offering moderated talks which explored the success of their musicals. This Wednesday, Oct 14 at 7 PM, the series continues with Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori. Kron and Tesori made Broadway history earlier this year as the first all female writing teams to take home Tony Awards for Fun Home. Theater reporter Kathy Henderson will moderate the talk. Next month, Julie White and Annaleigh Ashford will grace the center to discuss their star turns in the upcoming revival of Sylvia. That discussion will take place on Monday Nov. 16th at 7 PM ET.

There are plenty more activities happening this fall. Workshops and ongoing classes for the yoga lovers will inspire and stretch both mental and physical boundaries. Those with some extra coins in their purses and a desire for star-gazing can put Monday November 2nd on their calendars. Bernadette Peters will be honored that night at the League’s Centennial Gala. Michael Douglas, Gloria Estefan, Joel Grey, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells and many more are scheduled to appear at the posh Plaza hotel.

Bernadette Peters. Photo courtesy of O&M.

So Share the wonderful news of the Drama League with your fellow drama geeks, queens, and freaks. But buy your tickets before they sell out so that, as Sondheim once wrote, you’re more grateful and less sorry.

The Drama League is located 32 Avenue of the Americas. The A, C, E subway stop is located at the foot of the building. Information on all events at the Drama League, including membership can be found at: Drama League.

5 Great Scarves for Fall- A Manhattan Digest Exclusive

by Danielle Flocco

Temperatures are dropping and most of have started switching out our sundresses and sandals for sweaters and boots. And while all love our fall wardrobes, but it can be hard to find the right finishing touch as it gets colder. And that finishing touch is not always jewelry, but it can be a scarf. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 5 great scarves to finish off your fall outfit. All of these styles are currently trending, so you’re sure to find something that fits your fall look. And best of all, they’re all affordable! That means guilt free shopping for the season, whether you’re buying just one or quite a few.

“Basic Knit Snood”

Store: Zara

Price: $12.90

Why you’ll love it: This scarf isn’t as much a scarf as it is a neck sleeve. It’s great for anyone who is on the go and doesn’t have the time to wrap or tie a regular scarf. The basic knit snood, as they call it, just goes right over your head and you’re ready to go. Plus, it’s thick knit, so you’ll be able to snuggle your face into it and stay warm. Since it is just a plain knit, with no pattern or detail, it can be worn with absolutely anything.

“Striped Scarf”

Store: Forever 21

Price: $14.90

Why you’ll love it: It’s a large square with fringe on all edges, which makes it look good no matter how you put it on. For a level up from the snood above, this is another quick and easy option that only takes a minute to wrap perfectly. This one is lightweight, so it won’t be as warm as heavier scarves, but it is a great scarf for that in between weather when it is chilly, but not too cold yet. The simple black dotted pattern on a neutral color material make this a great add on to warm up a cardigan with jeans look, or to toss on with a dress and tights.

“BP. Autumn Plaid Scarf”

Store: Nordstrom

Price: $26.00

Why you’ll love it: It says so in the title, it’s an autumn scarf! The warm oranges with blues, reds, and yellow in the plaid pattern are reminiscent of pumpkin picking and latte sipping. This would look great with a sweater, jeans, and boots, or even a dress. It’s cozy, comfortable, and super cute.

“Collection XIIX Free Style Solid Loop”

Store: Macy’s

Price: $28.00

Why you’ll love it: This adorable loop scarf is another great on-the-go option. Just loop it twice around your neck and you’ve got a full, warm scarf to get cozy in. It comes in a few colors, and the fringe detail on the edge adds a cute and casual edge. This one is perfect for warming up your everyday look.

“Echo Roving Spacedye Wrap Scarf”

Store: Bloomingdale’s

Price: $68.00

Why you’ll love it: This wrap scarf is plain with an edge. It has a sewn on checker pattern with three colored lines along each side. The unique pattern makes it great for styling since it can look like a totally different scarf each time you wrap it up. You can show the three stripes without showing their intersection for a rounded, more continuous look. Or, wrap it where you can see where the stripes meet for an edgier, more squared look. The fringe detail on this scarf makes it great for casual wear.

So whether you’re looking for something easy, plain, or fun, there are tons of great scarves out there right now that you definitely want to get your hands on before winter rolls in. Love one of these? Just click the store name to shop!

Last Chance! Theater Review: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

by Ryan Leeds

“Fake it ‘till you make it” and “Be true to yourself” are the basic themes of The Legend of Georgia McBride, which has been playing a successful (and extended) run at downtown’s Lucille Lortel theater. This weekend, the make-up kits and glittery gowns will be packed away as the MCC Theater company prepares for their next offering, Lost Girls.

Dave_Thomas_Brown__Matt_McGrath__Keith_Nobbs_in_THE_LEGEND_OF_GEORGIA_McBRIDE_(Photo_by_Joan_Marcus)

Georgia McBride tells an unorthodox tale of Casey (Dave Thomas Brown), an Elvis Presley devotee who spends his time imitating the King at Eddie’s (Wayne Duvall) run down dive bar in Panama City, Florida. The watering hole, called Cleo’s, isn’t attracting any customers, leaving Casey very little take home pay for him and his newly pregnant wife, Jo (Afton Williamson). Enter Tracy Mills (Matt McGrath), a family relative to Eddie who delivers more sass than a Gospelfest in Newark. She is joined by her sidekick, Rexy (Keith Nobbs). After Eddie decides to eighty-six the Elvis bit and spruce up the live entertainment with a Mills hosted drag show, a desperate Casey is left with little alternative but to follow suit…er..um….gown?!?! Instantly, he is transformed into an awkward, but eventually dazzling, Edith Piaf lip-sync princess.

Afton_C_Williamson_and_Dave_Thomas_Brown_in_THE_LEGEND_OF_GEORGIA_McBRIDE_(Photo_by_Joan_Marcus)

Matthew Lopez’s wispy show, helmed with a light but able hand by Mike Donahue doesn’t break any new ground. Like drag-themed shows that have come before (Kinky Boots, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Victor/Victoria, and La Cage Aux Folles), it sends the same Oprah-fied message of “living your best life.” Georgia McBride delves a bit deeper, however, and offers a rare glimpse into the lives and struggles of drag artists. The result is the same feel-good, aspiring feeling that its predecessors inhabit–with a little more perception and heart. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s blessed with a cast of Manolo Blahnik quality.

Anita Yavich’s showy costumes and Ben Stanton’s lighting add the perfect contrast to scenic designer Donyale Werle’s appropriately dingy set. Paul McGill’s choreography is the cherry on top of this faaaaaaa-bulous sundae.

The Legend of Georgia McBride runs through this weekend at the Lucille Lortel Theater, 121 Christopher St. For tickets and information, visit: http://www.mcctheater.org/

Legendary Bear Event Furball Hits Up Space Ibiza Tomorrow Night

by Ryan Shea

Summer is over, the cold weather is here and we need all that we can to stay warm and cuddly. Why not go to one of the biggest bear events in the country where there will be enough furry cubs and bears to keep you warm throughout the night? This event, of course, is called Furball, which will be taking place tomorrow night at Space Ibiza starting at 10PM.

Ryan Shea, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Joe Fiore

With so much going on this weekend, from Comic Con to Columbus Day parties ahoy, there is no better time then to settle into the spacious Space Ibiza with your fellow furry friends for some great music, sexy gogo boys (I’m one hehe) and debauchery all under one roof. The party is broken down into two levels. On the rooftop, you can unwind with some drinks while dancing to the beats of DJ’s Dave Hughes & Ryan Sky. On the main level, come chill and tip the gogo boys while jamming to DJ’s W. Jeremy & Kenneth Rivera. There will be amazing drink specials all night including Buckets of Beer, $6 domestic beer / $7 imported and $7 Boo Boo shots + special Furry Cocktail for $10.

Ryan Shea, Furball, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Joe Fiore

Besides me, the three other hot gogo bears to keep your blood going are Zakh, Hamilton and Stephen. 21 and up to enter. $15 advanced tickets still available, check out the main site for more information. If you can’t do in advance it is $20 at the door. After spins in Chicago, Provincetown, Fire Island and New Orleans all summer – Furball finally returns home to NYC. So 500 plus hot bears, music, dancing and so much more. What more can you ask for? Stop by Space Ibiza tomorrow night and come see what all the fuss is about. Also come say hey to me!

Furball, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Joe Fiore

Official Page

Q&A with Top Italian Leather Handbag Designer Patricia Nash

by Danielle Flocco

As some of you may already know, there is an absolutely amazing premium leather handbag designer named Patricia Nash. Her products are not your run of the mill leather bags. They have beautiful detail, old world touches, and are built to last.

Patricia Nash had spent years designing for other companies like Disney, Warner Bros., Banana Republic, Express, and American Eagle- just to name a few. A challenge from a friend led to the launch of Patricia Nash Designs in 2010, which has received an overwhelming response with her products extending to stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and various boutiques nationwide.

I am a proud owner of the Salerno Saddle Bag, and I can tell you that Patricia Nash’s products’ quality are like no other. The leather strap is so sturdy, and the bag itself is small and structured- great for a day out or daily use. The inside is perfect for orderly keeping of your wallet, phone, and planner. The structured sides are perfect- you’ll never go diving into the bottom of your bag again. Plus, there are two pockets inside that are perfect for keys, change, or other small objects you like to keep easily accessible. And, my favorite feature is the snap that secures the the flap to the purse itself. I accidentally sent the purse crashing down my steps, filled with my wallet, phone, pens, spare change, and various lip balms and absolutely nothing came out! It is absolutely the best snap closure I have ever experienced, which makes it perfect for clumsy folks like myself.

I was given the opportunity to ask Patricia a few questions, so here is what she has to say about her brand.

Your designs are not like anything else that we see today. They have such intricate detail that I have yet to see from any other designer. What are some inspirations behind your brand?

Patricia Nash: “My travels across Europe have provided many inspirations, including vintage shopping in Bologna, London, and Paris. I’ve developed friendships with people who share the same passion for vintage Italian leather bags as I do, and have been inspired by their collections as well as my own.”

You’ve accomplished so much with your brand in a short period of time. So, how does it feel for your career to be where it is now, and for you to do what you love everyday?

Patricia Nash: “Surreal! I am just humbled by the outpouring of women who reach out to me and share their passion for and loyalty with the brand with me.”

With such stunning and high quality products, I’d imagine that a lot of women appreciate your designs and your brand as a whole. What about Patricia Nash Designs really sets your products apart from other leather handbag designers?

Patricia Nash: “The old world craftsmanship and vintage vegetable tanned Italian leathers along with printed and tooled leather are unique to the entire market of handbags sold in the U.S.”

First of all, thank you to Patricia Nash for taking the time to tell us more about her one of a kind brand, Patricia Nash Designs.

The handbag shown in this article is the Salerno Saddle Bag in Florence.

Get your own Patricia Nash authentic Italian leather handbag and other great products like wallets, stationary, scarves, footwear, and more at patricianashdesigns.com

Theatrical Collision to Strike NYC’s East Village This Weekend

by Ryan Leeds

Collider Theater's Jean Randich and Robert Murphy. Photo courtesy of Karen Oughtred. — Collider Theater’s Jean Randich and Robert Murphy. Photo courtesy of Karen Oughtred.

Robert Murphy and Jean Randich are looking at the city’s cultural landscape through a uniquely perceptive lens. Their brand new theater company, Collider Theater, is dedicated to telling stories that explore conflicts of cultures. “There are many art institutions that look at the cultural aspects, but we wanted to emphasize not how they connect with each other, but rather how they collide,” Murphy said. Although it sounds bleak, The Yale Drama school grad elaborated. “I feel if there is a focus on the company, it would be on objective observation because I’m more attracted to plays where questions get asked but are not easily answered. The idea is to bring up uncomfortable questions about how people get along with each other and then hand it to an audience to see how they handle it.”

This weekend , the fledgling theater group launches their inaugural production with the world premiere of Murphy’s play, Love, Sex and Death in the Amazon, setting the tone for the company’s theme of cultural miscommunication. The play, directed by Randich, tells the story of Marcos, a young man who has just passed away from leukemia. His partner, Walter, and Walter’s mother-in-law are forced to take a trip to the amazon to participate in a religious Afro-Brazilian ritual for dead spirits. “I have been telling people that the play is half true,” Murphy said. “My partner passed away from leukemia in March 2011 and there were some challenges with his mother during his illness. In October 2011, I took a solo trip to the amazon, so those experiences are basically where the impulses of the play came from.” The eight person play opens on October 10^th and runs through October 31^st in the East Village’s Paradise Factory.

The cast of LOVE, SEX, and DEATH IN THE AMAZON rehearses. Photo courtesy of Jean Randich.

Murphy is hoping that his new theater company will be able to produce at least one show per year. “We did a few Kickstarter campaigns which were very helpful and also raised some money from private donors. In the future, we may look to do a gala as well,” he added. For now, he’s pouring his energy and effort into opening weekend. “With so much theater happening in this city at once, it’s a little scary, but we’re hopeful—and it’s a lot of fun,” he concluded.

Love, Sex and Death in the Amazon opens October 10and plays Thursdays – Mondays at 7:30pm through October 31 at The Paradise Factory at 64E4 (64 East 4^th Street New York, NY 10003). Tickets are $18 and are on sale now via Brown Paper Tickets: lsda.brownpapertickets.com

Check out the brand new Haymaker Bar & Kitchen

by Ryan Shea

It’s always nice when there is something new in the neighborhood to spruce up the environment, especially when craft beer is involved. Enter Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, which just opened its doors to the public two weeks ago on 29th Street between 7th and 8th. The surrounding area can be a little seedy as a lot of the bars have the word “dive” in front of them with the “Post Sports Game MSG” people coming to them, however Haymaker is the exact opposite.

Manhattan Digest, Ryan Shea, Haymaker Bar & Kitchen — Credit to: Haymaker Bar & Kitchen

Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, which used to be a barbershop, has been renovated to be very spacious, roomy and chic all under one roof. The dimmed lighting at night adds to a great atmosphere where you can have an intimate dinner for two or hang by the bar and have a nice get together with a bunch of friends.

Seeing as they are a craft bar they have an amazing line of drafts available at your disposal, as well as unique drink concoctions that are tasty and delicious. In rotation in their draft line are items such as the Gigantic Saboteur, which is Roasted malt and slight bitterness with chocolate and coffee notes. Chocolate and coffee not really what suits your needs? Maybe the Grimm Super Symmetry would work for you. What is in that? Coming from Brooklyn, is it Dry Hopped Gose with lemon zest, tart with hints of lemon, salt, grapefruit, and hoppy floral notes. Refreshing with a great zing to it. My favorite on this list is the Prairie Bomb, coming from Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is (13%) Imperial Stout, brewed with espresso beans, vanilla beans, chocolate, and Ancho Chile peppers. A bomb of flavors in your mouth indeed.

Haymaker goes beyond what you would typically get for your standard bar food and elevates it to another level in terms of taste and value. An amazing starter is the Baked Dry Chicken Rub Wings, with Haymaker Spice Blend, Lime, Sweet Chili and Crispy Garlic. Doesn’t need to be smothered in sauce to be a good wing, and this is a prime example of that. Cheese is always my good friend, so I would recommend going with the Pimento Cheese Spread, which comes with Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Cream Cheese Blend, and Crudité. The variety of cheeses mixed with the crudite really go well together. For their entrees, go with the Haymaker Burger (7 oz. Pat LaFrieda Beef, Caramelized Onion Jam, Vermont Farmhouse Cheddar on a Sesame Seed Bun) or the Braised Short Rib Sloppy Joe (Slow Braised Short Ribs on a Sesame Bun Made in the Classic Fashion). With a side of fries, both options will fill you up and leave you satisfied.

Haymaker’s is a simple concept upon arrival with a slam dunk exit when you leave. I highly recommend trying this place out next time you are headed to or leaving Penn Station and just want to relax with some good brews, food and friends. Check out their official site for more information.

Happy Eating Everyone!

Manhattan Digest’s 2nd Fundraiser Another Big Success!

by Ryan Shea

Manhattan Digest held its 2nd fundraiser this past Friday night at Gym Sportsbar down in Chelsea. With the fear of Hurricane Joaquin (Phoenix) settling into New York that night, I was worried that a lot of people wouldn’t show up due to how bad the weather was going to be. Regardless, a ton of friends, family and friendly customers stopped by to donate, have some delicious cupcakes and submit their tickets in hopes to win some fantastic prizes.

Overall we raised hundreds of dollars for cancer research with even more donations coming in over the next day or so. That makes me extremely happy to know that doing something as simply as a fundraiser can hopefully save at least one life with the money that we raised.

I would love to thank everyone that showed up, as well as Serge Sterbois, Jerry Reilly and the Gym Sportsbar staff for their amazing job before, during and after the fundraiser. I would also love to give a shoutout to Tim de Iturriaga at Adonis Lounge for finding a host for the event (the handsome and wonderful Jason) who went out of his way to talk to every person who came down into the basement area about the charity. Finally, thank you to Huascar Aquino from H Bake Shop who generously donated a ton of cupcakes for everyone to devour and enjoy. Got so many amazing reviews from the cupcakes so let’s hope it drives in some new customers for him!

Finally, a big thanks to all the companies that donated generously for this event. This includes Krave & Kulture, Crunch Gym, Haru Sushi, Jacob’s Pickles, Best Barber in Hell’s Kitchen, The New York Beer Company, The Jolly Monk, Hotel Belleclaire, Otto’s Tacos, H Bake Shop, BKB Restaurant, Cantina Rooftop, Morton’s Grille and Bear Skn. My gratitude is endless and I really appreciate what each of you did, so thank you again!

Will hopefully have another one in early 2016. In the meantime, thanks to everyone again who participated and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Big Brother Winners- From Worst To Best

by Ryan Shea

Season 17 of Big Brother concluded last week with uber fan Steve Moses winning by a vote of 6-3 over Liz Nolan. It is hard to believe that this show has been around for 15 years now since it premiered in the summer of 2000, and what’s even harder to believe is that it was widely considered to not be renewed after an insanely lackluster first season. However, the show found a format that worked for its audience, and it has done a good job somewhat at maintaining that strategy since 2001 and keeping a loyal fan base throughout.

The show has had seventeen seasons, so of course it has had seventeen winners. Many of the winners have played a “snake in the grass” strategy where other ones have been brazen and bold since walking into the house on day one. Some have even done a good mixture of both. Question is, who did the best, and who did the worst? I am ranking the winners from worst to best, and you may be surprised to know who I think is the best in the end. Keep in mind that I am taking what happened outside of the game (Adam Jasinski, ahem) and just focusing on the game itself. Sound off on what you think fellow BB historians!

17. Lisa Donahue- Big Brother 3

Lisa was the antithesis to Will Kirby the summer before, and is part of the reason why she won the game overall as it was proven a nice person could win this thing. Problem is that Lisa didn’t deserve a goddamn vote from anyone on that jury. Yes she played a good game in terms of alignment and all of that, but when you are sitting next to arguably the best person to never win BB (Danielle Reyes) it is hard as a fan to understand what made Lisa’s game even a fraction better than Danielle’s. It was a hella bitter jury that was angry at Danielle due to her playing each and every one of them and that is why Lisa won. So in my eyes, Lisa didn’t win anything because of what she did, she won because of what Danielle did.

16. Hayden Moss- Big Brother 12

Hayden, just like Lisa, was a very likable player (even more so when he played Survivor). I just find that his win to be somewhat of a foregone conclusion as he really didn’t have a strategy at all besides aligning with three other dudes that dominated. I like my winners to have individual strategy, which neither him or runner up Lane seemed to possess. That is why he ranks low on my list.

15. Adam Jasinski- Big Brother 9

I hated this season for so many reasons (read here), but Adam just kept finding himself in the right place at the right time and really didn’t have any clout as to why he won in the end. Now he’s not winning in life at all.

14. Jordan Lloyd- Big Brother 11

YJordan’s strategy was to be nice and sweet. That’s it. It was hilarious watching her answer the jury questions which really was just talking in circles to where i couldn’t even figure out what she was saying. I hated Natalie but at least she had a cohesive strategy to get to the end. It was a bit Lisa/Danielle again with these two and that’s why Jordan won.

13. Steve Moses- Big Brother 17

I gotta give credit to Steve as making it past 16 other players is incredible in the first place. He just made so many bad moves to get to the end that it’s hard to figure out how he really made it there. During the live double eviction, he put up Meg and Jackie, which made virtually no sense. Him and Johnny had ample opportunities to get rid of Austwins and Austin, and they just kept them in the game. I just feel if you are a BB historian and things are that blatantly obvious, you should go after a visible alliance and get rid of them. That simple. Kudos however for getting rid of Vanessa in the end.

12. Eddie McGee- Big Brother 1

Yes this season was forgettable and was such a different format compared to what it is now. Eddie did a great job though of getting the American public to like him and that is why he won in the end. Also, with a group of people in the end who were just nice and plain people, Eddie had a fire and bold personality that at least made it semi interesting to watch.

11. Andy Herren- Big Brother 15

This season was filled with scummy people. Andy wasn’t one of them, thank god. Andy’s likability helped him win in the end, like Lisa and Jordan, and he won due to his great ability of floating. His best move in the game was creating The Exterminators and convincing McCrae that Elissa voted out Amanda during the double eviction when it was really him. He ranks low on my list though as I for one have never been the biggest fan of blatant floaters winning this game.

Drew Daniel, one of the houseguests on BIG BROTHER 5. Photo: Tony Esparza/CBS ©2004 CBS BROADCASTING INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. — Credit to: Tony Esparza/CBS

10. Drew Daniel- Big Brother 5

Drew did a great job at winning competitions and screwing over his girlfriend in the end. He barely beat Michael though, something that he would’ve had the same problem doing with Diane. Had it been him and Nakomis in the end, he wouldn’t have had a snowflakes chance in hell of winning. That is why he ranks low on this list as he didn’t really have that much of a cohesive strategy to win this thing with a majority.

Rachel Reilly, Manhattan Digest, Big Brother — Credit to: Cartermatt.com

9. Rachel Reilly- Big Brother 13

I will say that I loved Rachel in her original season, and had her and Brendan not made themselves such outsiders and tried to form an alliance with the rest of the house to take The Brigade out, she would’ve had a very good shot at winning BB12. However I really think Rachel won BB13 because she proved that she could be a great gamer without her boyfriend there, and was a much better strategist than Porsche to win in the end.

8. Mike “Boogie” Malin- Big Brother 7 All Stars

Mike was the second to last choice to be in the BB7 house and I think he was planted there to resurrect the Chilltown alliance which he did a very good job in doing so. Many people see Will as doing the majority of the work however Mike did an amazing job at playing literally everyone in that jury (more than anyone Erika) and won the game in doing so.

7. Maggie Ausburn- Big Brother 6

Everyone hated Maggie and her alliance. I personally couldn’t stand the 4 others in that alliance but the one person I thought was playing a great game was Maggie. Maggie simply won because it took her 15 minutes to convince Howie to nominate James and Sarah which for the most part kept The Friendship alliance having power until the end of the game. She easily manipulated April and Ivette in the end to have them fight with each other and she just sat back and watch it implode. And she developed great bonds with people like Ivette so when it came time to decide who to take to the end, Ivette chose her over Janelle (which was an insanely stupid decision). That is why Maggie ranks so high on my list as she really was an insanely smart strategist.

6. Dick Donato- Big Brother 8

Big Brother 8 was hard to watch sometime due to the antics of Dick, however I watched that season over recently and kind of understand what he was trying to do. You are literally in a hamster wheel for three months and he was doing whatever it took to get into the minds of these people and mess with them to where their insecurities was ever present and thus so became weaker and weaker in the game. He also did great in competitions and aligned with his daughter the whole game to get himself to the end and win.

Jun Song, Big Brother, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Gold Derby

5. Jun Song- Big Brother 4

Jun played an absolutely outstanding game in Big Brother 4. She masterfully manipulated her ex Je and then when the time came she got rid of him as he was a huge threat to win this game in the end. Knowing this to be true, she aligned with the most hated person in the house (Alison) and watch Allie take person after person out including Robert in the end. Alison had so much blood on her hands, that Jun was clearly viewed as the lesser of two evils and won the game (rightfully so). Using something as simple as cooking is incredible and played a big part of her winning as well. I think Jun’s win is very underestimated and she played a much better game than anyone else in that house.

Ian Terry, Manhattan Digest, Big Brother — Credit to: Wikia

4. Ian Terry- Big Brother 14

I had a hunch that Ian had this game on lock from a very early stage. He was really the only person to see how Dan was operating in the game, which is why he focused on aligning with him to the end where several jury members were bitter and angry towards the BB10 winner. Now usually I can’t stand when the jury angrily votes for the lesser of two people to win a game (See: Lisa), however Ian really did play such an amazing strategic, mental and physical game that it made sense for him to win in the end. He went from student to master in a matter of two months. That my friends, is amazing.

Derrick Levasseur, Manhattan Digest, Big Brother — Credit to: fansofrealitytv.com

3. Derrick LeVasseur- Big Brother 16

I wasn’t really a fan of BB16 as it was full of a bunch of people who really didn’t understand how to play the game. Derrick however, was not one of those people. Derrick brilliantly made it through to the end of the game by forming The Hitmen alliance that brutally took each and every person out of the game, and just like Maggie did to Ivette, he had Cody take out the last remaining player in Victoria which rode him to victory. The fact that he made it that far in the game to final three and was never on the nomination block is a testament to how amazing he played the game.

Dan Gheesling, Manhattan Digest, Big Brother — Credit to: Wikia

2. Dan Gheesling- Big Brother 10

I find that every generation of Big Brother has its legendary winners. The first was someone who I will be writing about shortly, the latter is Derrick and in the middle we have Dan Gheesling. Dan could’ve easily been second out in BB10 after his alliance member Brian got the boot in week one. However Dan took that downfall and completely reversed it for himself by allowing the rest of the houseguests to implode on each other and take each other out each week. He aligned with Memphis all the way to the end where he won the game easily as people saw Dan’s game as superior over Memphis. Job well done.

Manhattan Digest, Will Kirby, Big Brother — Credit to: Wikia

1. Will Kirby- Big Brother 2

The Michael Jordan of Big Brother. Don’t need to write much here. If you have watched since the beginning, you know why Will is viewed as the best player to ever play this game, and how he should be the only two time winner besides Dan for his amazing effort in BB All Stars. Legend.

Manhattan Digest Fundraiser October 2nd at Gym Sportsbar

by Ryan Shea

After having an absolutely amazing first fundraiser back in March, we at Manhattan Digest have decided to do a second one in hopes that this will be even more successful than the first. Manhattan Digest is throwing its 2nd annual fundraiser this coming Friday on October 2nd, taking place at my favorite gay bar in the world Gym Sportsbar from 7-9 PM. Similar to last time, it will be held in the basement area of the bar, where you can come and donate money to support breast cancer research in my late mother Lisa’s memory and bid on some incredible prizes that you yourself can actually win!

We are echoing the same format we did back in March, in the form of a silent auction (raffle style) where you can take your raffle tickets and put them in the containers of the prizes that you want to win. $5 gets you 2 tickets, $10 gets you 5 tickets and $20 gets you 10 tickets. You are more than willing to donate more if you would like. A very handsome gentleman from The Adonis Lounge will be at the door to give you your tickets so there is a bonus incentive there as well!

So what are the fabulous and amazing prizes that you are able to potentially win? Take a look at what we have in store!

Hotel Belleclaire, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Hotel Belleclaire

One free night at The Hotel Belleclaire

Amazon, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Yahoo Finance

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Manhattan, Manhattan Digest, Jacob's Pickles — Credit to: Jacob’s Pickles

$250 Gift Card to Jacob’s Pickles

Dinner for two at BKB Restaurant ($100 Value)

Cantina Rooftop, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Cantina Rooftop

Dinner for two at Cantina Rooftop ($100 Value)

Haircut and Shave from Best Barber in Hell’s Kitchen ($80 Value)

Krave & Kulture, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Krave & Kulture

Gift card from Krave & Kulture

Manhattan Digest, H Bake Shop, Huascar Aquino — Credit to: Rebecca Woodman Taylor Photography

Custom Cake for up to 5 people from H Bake Shop ($150 Value)

Otto's Tacos, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Otto’s Tacos

$25 gift card from Otto’s Tacos

The Jolly Monk, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Jolly Monk

$50 gift card to The Jolly Monk

Haru Sushi, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Haru Sushi

$50 gift card to Haru Sushi

New York Beer Company, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: New York Beer Company

$50 gift card to New York Beer Company

Morton's Grille, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Landry’s Inc

$50 gift card to Morton’s Grille

Crunch Fitness, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Crunch Fitness

3 Month membership to Crunch Gym ($240 Value)

If you are unable to attend, there are other ways of donating where you can still win one of the amazing prizes. Simply send an email to [email protected] with how you want to donate. We accept Venmo, Paypal and other types of payments. Please also include how you want to allocate the tickets. Other than, that I look forward to seeing everyone at Gym Sportsbar this coming Friday night!

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