NEW YORK CITY

FIRST COURSE
What's Happening on the Culinary Scene

With so many fabulous restaurants and events going on every day in the city, it can be hard to narrow your focus. Make sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming events!

Infuse Your Own Soju: Mono + Mono is launching an amazing 'Infuse Your Own Soju' program that will take place every Monday evening during the month of May. Soju expert and owner, MJ Chung, will guide diners through using fresh fruits and herbs to imbue Korea's national spirit with amazing flavors. All you have to do is make a reservation!

SCENETRACKER Rob Drummond (left) and an audience member (right) in BULLET CATCH, part of Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters
The Deadliest Weapon

A mentally unstable man walks into a room full of strangers...thus begins Bullet Catch, a riveting show written and performed by Rob Drummond and directed by David Overend at 59E59 Theaters. The 75 minute show just had its US premiere and will be running through April 21st. The bullet catch is an infamous magic trick, so dangerous that Houdini himself refused to even attempt it. It has claimed the lives of at least 12 illusionists, assistants, and spectators since its conception in 1613. The trick goes as this—a volunteer is told to aim a gun at the magician's face and pull the trigger. If all goes well, the bullet will be caught between the magician's teeth. If all doesn't go well...well, you can imagine the mess. Rob Drummond tells the tale of this epic piece of magic, all while entertaining with mind reading, levitation, and heartfelt storytelling. The tension rises as the show draws nearer to the end and audience members are anxious to witness the show's notorious finale.

GLAM DAMN IT XEX Magazine Men's Edition
#XEX Marks the Spot!

XEX Magazine (pronounced "X") has long been an online and print publication that allows professional, as well as up and coming artists, to display their work and creativity. This past weekend was the launch party to celebrate the magazines first ever men’s edition, and neither the party nor the fashion disappointed. From a live model exhibition, and photo shoot to a gallery-like display of the magazine’s inaugural issue; the night was painted to be a success from the get go. Combine this with free booze and a hot DJ and you were in for a treat.

Music and a video footage featuring editorial material since the magazine's conception set the pace for a live model exhibition. Their highly stylized and outlandish looks featured some trendy pieces like a leather glove featuring cut-outs and leopard print, and a distressed leather fanny-pack with gold trim. But if you think the models were the ones to be watching, then you'd be wrong. This party gave way to some of New York City's local trend setters to strut their stuff. And because this was a men’s fashion event, the guys did not disappoint, also rocking some of today's hottest trends. Check it out!

To top things off, Editor-In-Chief Sailey Williams rounded his team, including fashion editor Inoisell Miranda, and decided to turn his guests into models with a live photo shoot where no one was safe. To delve into the plethora of fashions of the night, click here. In the midst of it all, there was still the magazine. The first men’s edition of XEX has the right amount of substance and features fabulous editorial material styled by some of New York’s hottest stylists. The “mode home” is everywhere to see, trying hard not to alienate the classic male, while still catering to the fashion forward. This launch had all the ingredients for a good party, and if you like a good party then you’ll love a good read!

For more info and recent issues of XEX Mag click here.

SCENETRACKER
Magnifico Giornata Launch at Beaumarchais

Last night, celebrities gathered at New York City hot spot, Beaumarchais, to celebrate the launch of Magnifico Giornata's Essence Collection a new line of infused sparkling wines. The party was hosted by VH1's Carrie Keagan, who is a partner in the brand. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvre pairings with each flavor of the collection, which included Ginger Peche, Grapefruit Blanc, and Lavender Honey. The new sparkling wine collection is the perfect girly drink to celebrate any special occasion and comes in a beautiful gold bottle.

SCENETRACKER
Master of the Mix Premiere Party

Late last week, some of our favorite celebs stepped out in New York City to celebrate the Season 3 premiere of Master of the Mix, hosted by Smirnoff Vodka and VH1. Master of the Mix, for those of you who don't know, is a VH1 reality show where DJs battle head-to-head to earn the title of Master of the Mix and a $250,000 grand prize. The premiere party took place at the newly reopened Marquee Nightclub in NYC where guests sipped on signature Smirnoff cocktails, including the Vinyl Collection, The Backspin, and more. The party kicked off with an official welcome from the show's host Amanda Seales, followed by a super trailer of the season. Master of the Mix judge DJ Mia Moretti hit the 1s and 2s accompanied by electric violinist Caitlin Moe, followed by DJ Kid Capri, also a judge on the show. Other celebs in attendence at the event were fashion designers Charlotte Ronson and Christian Siriano, as well as Corey Kennedy, Sway Calloway, and others. Check out the party pics below!

SCENETRACKER
Sipping Rum Friday's

Even though it's just now April, you better get prepared for May. Santa Teresa, Venezuela's oldest rum producer is going to host a free weekly tasting series at Union Square Wines & Spirits, featuring their flagship rum, Santa Teresa 1796. The tastings will be held on Friday evenings, from May 10th through May 31st. The series will feature rum on the rocks, neat and in classic cocktails and will also be paired with food items. Daniela Curiel, Brand Manager of Santa Teresa Rum says, “As an aged rum, it’s perfect for sipping or even pairing with foods like chocolate. It takes classic cocktails, from daiquiris to nightcaps, to a whole new level. It’s also an ideal gift, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up.” Below is the itinerary for the series. See ya there!

FIRST COURSE
Calling All Food Trucks!

New Yorkers love their food. Subsequently, they love their food trucks. Wafels & Dinges, Kelvin's Slush and Korilla BBQ are just a few of our favorites. Lately, food truck festivals are all the rage, bringing together a major chunk of NYC's trucks to one spot for foodies to go crazy over. But what happens when your favorite food trucks are nowhere to be found? However much we love them, we also hate them because you just have to be at the right spot at the right time to find them. Thank goodness for LunchCalling, a new delivery site just for food trucks. A great alternative to Seamless, this new site allows people to order from street vendors and other mobile food vendors.

SCENETRACKER
Last Chance to Purchase Tickets to Prohibition NYC

If you've always wanted to experience the days of Prohibition, your chance has come. From the chefs that brought you Dine Titanic, Prohibition NYC is now bringing 160 lucky revelers to experience a once in a lifetime culinary experience with Rob McCue and Adam C. Banks. During the 1920s, speakeasies popped up all over the city, frequented by the elite and fashionable. Taking off on this concept, the event, which will be held on April 20th at 1pm, is highly exclusive. VIP tickets are already sold out, but now's your chance to snag a coveted ticket for $125 (here). In typical speakeasy fashion, only those that purchase tickets and follow the protocol will be granted entrance. The exact location of the cocktail party will be kept a secret until 48 hours prior to the event. The chefs have created a unique tasting menu working off of the traditional '20s cocktail menus, which will be served along with period cocktails and a modern twist on the roaring '20s. Period dress is also strongly encouraged. After all, if you're going to partake in a speakeasy, you might as well look the part.

SCENETRACKER
Mad Sunday: Drink Like Draper

With the impending season premiere of Mad Men, it's important to plan ahead and get prepped for the big event. Luckily, you need not watch your fave show alone in your apartment this year because The Carnegie Club has an enticing offer for New Yorkers. On Sunday, April 7th, don your finest 1960s garb and head to the swanky lounge to enjoy cocktails inspired by each Mad Men character and a fine cigar or two. The selection of cocktails include The Don Draper, Betty's Bitter Rage, Liquor & Smoke (Roger), The Glass Ceiling (Peggy), The Dykeman Daiquiri (Pete), and The Firey Redhead (Joan). Get a buzz going before the big event, which begins at 8pm with the ultimate drink, The Don Draper.

FIRST COURSE
Eggscelent Dining Options for Easter

Nobody likes to cook a giant Easter meal, so head out on the town and have one of New York City's amazing chefs whip you and your family up something divine. We've got the best Easter specials and meals below for you to choose from. Happy Holidays!

On Easter Sunday, Marco Polo Ristorante will feature a prix fixe menu comprised of traditional Italian dishes and contemporary interpretations. Standouts from the menu include Tortellini in Brodo and Schiaffoni con Ragu D'Agnello. The restaurant will accommodate seatings at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm. Please call for reservations.