Nov
06
2011
The Lower East Side has a new resident “hot spot” and it goes by the name of Sons of Essex. Don’t be confused when you approach the resto and a doorman in a fully functional deli greets you. Once you enter, all roads lead to a swanky, rustic, saloon-like speakeasy resto, lounge and bar. The decor is very reminiscent of a scene from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”. The wooden pillars, old photos, and bookshelves stocked with knick-knacks, books and canisters generates a retro-den feel.

The vibe is amazing, and much of that can be attributed to the dope soundtrack. Hip Hop classics keeps the crowd grooving while noshing and sipping. They kick things up a notch Thursday through Saturday with a live DJ rocking from the pit (sunken lounge area).

The menu is filled with American comfort food classics such as grilled cheese, ribs, lobster pot pie and mac & cheese laced with global seasonings and a creative twist.
CHOW FAVES:
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Sep
03
2011
The new resto housed in the Hotel on Rivington, Co-Op Food and Drink has been pimped out! Hopefully all the bells and whistles prove to be the x-factor for success (because this wasn’t the case for its predecessors). It’s a creation from the Guerrilla Culinary Brigade, best-known for hosting pop-up dinners. They created a resto that delivers an experience for the senses- palate, personality and pop tunes -it’s the ultimate dinner party.



The New American menu spans the globe with a skew towards asian fusion and sushi. Le Bernardin alum, John Keller is at the helm, while Stephen Wong, formerly of Sushi of Gari, covers the sushi. They present us with bold flavors and creative executions via shareable plates. Every palate will be duly served.
The decor is just as bold as the dishes! The cool vibe releases a clubby aura that is manufactured from the glam-rock retro feel…….cool photos of NYC icons (Betsey Johnson and Moby) lace the dining room walls, a glass-covered ceiling, gold-mirror-tiled bar, leather booths, and an upbeat playlist of hits. Scenesters won’t be disappointed.
CHOW FAVES:
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Mar
21
2011
Restaurant and nightlife impresario Serge Becker (of La Esquina, Cafe Select and The Box) has done it again! He created yet another spot with a cool-ass vibe, and put a hipster spin on ethnic food. This time it’s Miss Lily’s in the West Village/Soho. The low-key, kitschy-chic resto specializes in modern Jamaican/Caribbean cuisine. The menu is filled with traditional Jamaican staples with a twist. The food is rich, flavorful and tasty.
Miss Lily’s is more than a restaurant, it’s a highly curated scene. The front room has a diner feel while the back room is more edgy. The walls are laced with reggae album covers and the corner houses a resident DJ spinning Reggae, Soca and Calypso.

I went to Miss Lily’s this past weekend and I was really digging the vibe. The apps and the soundtrack were the real winners here!
CHOW CRAVES:
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Jan
19
2011
I realized I didn’t have much of a selection of vegan/vegetarian options on Sip, Chat, Chow so I went straight to the source- my boss, Russell Simmons.

Ever wonder why Russell always looks so young, fit and healthy? Besides yoga, he credits his diet.
Check out his Vegan Sip, Chat, Chow!
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Jan
02
2011
Walls done, food done, everything did! (A la Drake)
It was a night with a bevy of beauties- we all came together to celebrate our girl, Jen Yu’s Bday! We dubbed the night the NEW- New Year’s Eve-12/30/10…partied till 6a!

The Stanton Social crew brings us a swank LES resto with multiple dining rooms, bar, lounge, and a highly curated pawn shop. The name is Beauty & Essex- and oh, what a beauty it is.
As I walked through the pawn shop into the main area, I was taken by the sleek, glitzy, and posh “Downtown meets Madison ave” temple of glam. I could live in this place! The bi-level space houses gorgeous wall treatments, stunning chandeliers, elegant light fixtures, and jeweled goodies.

The 2nd floor had a glam-rock vibe. The Pearl Lounge was magnificent- pearls draped across the ceiling creating a plunging chandelier.

Vintage perfume bottles, a champagne mini bar, and stylish mirrors adorned the whimsical bathroom.


The first rate menu features small plates with global influences. I was impressed with the myriad of choices and unique pairings.
CHOW FAVES:
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