Boy, has 2015 been quite a year for Manhattan Digest! We passed our millionth view mark in November, got to interview some huge stars and of course we reviewed what is the best of the best in Manhattan! This is about digesting Manhattan, isn’t it? So after a stellar year, and some pretty stellar places that we have sampled and enjoyed, we here at Manhattan Digest are giving you the best of the best from what we ate in 2015. Devour, check in, and be amazed by where you should stop into for the 2016 calendar year and beyond.
[Read more…] about Manhattan Digest’s Best of Food For 2016
ottos tacos
Manhattan Digest’s 2nd Fundraiser Another Big Success!
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!
Manhattan Digest Fundraiser October 2nd at Gym Sportsbar
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!
One free night at The Hotel Belleclaire
$100 Amazon Gift Card
$250 Gift Card to Jacob’s Pickles
Dinner for two at BKB Restaurant ($100 Value)
Dinner for two at Cantina Rooftop ($100 Value)
Haircut and Shave from Best Barber in Hell’s Kitchen ($80 Value)
Gift card from Krave & Kulture
Custom Cake for up to 5 people from H Bake Shop ($150 Value)
$25 gift card from Otto’s Tacos
$50 gift card to The Jolly Monk
$50 gift card to Haru Sushi
$50 gift card to New York Beer Company
$50 gift card to Morton’s Grille
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!
Otto’s Tacos In Hell’s Kitchen Opens To Great Flavor & Taste
Let’s be real here. If you don’t like tacos of any kind then quite frankly we cannot be friends. Tacos are to me what Peanut Butter is to Jelly, or what water is to your livelihood. It just needs to happen and for anyone living in Manhattan you know that is a fact as we are always on the lookout for the next best thing in Tacos, Tacos, TACOS! One delicious and yummy solution for that is Otto’s Tacos, which just launched its third location last week in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen on 9th Avenue between 48th and 49th Street.
Otto’s, which already has two very successful locations in the East and West Village, in an LA inspired grab and go taquiera, with the food itself being as fresh as can be. Founded by Orange County native Otto Cedeno, the three locations are simple as can be- delicious and filling Tacos and more at a beyond reasonable price. It is a great place to grab a quick bite for lunch, lounge with some friends over dinner, or grab something delicious and filling after all the beer you consumed late one night. Regardless, this is the place you should go to.
The tacos themselves are to die for, coming in varieties of Carne Asada, Carnitas, Chicken, Shrimp and Mushroom for those who don’t eat meat or shellfish. They may look small in size however they are quite filling and tasty with the fresh tortilla placed under the variety of toppings. If you want to come for just the tacos that is fine, however I do recommend trying some of their delicious sides from their incredible Masa Fries with an awesome dipping sauce, Chips with their homemade Guacamole or a classic like rice and beans. Save room in your belly for dessert because their Churros are freaking awesome, fresh and taste great. Overall a 10 out of 10 in my book. Oh and there are Star Wars murals adorned throughout this location. Retro and cool :).
Check out their official site for more information and if you are in either the Hell’s Kitchen, East or West Village you should go and try Otto’s Tacos. Definitely worth the visit.
Happy Eating Everyone!