UPPER EAST SIDE

We love sunglasses. And parties. And beautiful bubbly entrepreneurs. So when we heard about the opening reception for a new one-of-a-kind eyewear boutique in the Upper East Side founded by the adorable Jaclyn Edelstein, we had to check it out. Ultimate Spectacle, located at 789 Lexington, is the new go-to spot for fashion savvy shoppers looking for high fashion, hard-to-find frames as well as specialized eye care. Not only can you find the hottest new styles, you can also get a comprehensive eye exam onsite, while eyewear experts fit you with ideal frames suited to your facial structure. And they know what they're doing! After glancing at me for a mere 5 seconds, they were able to instantly pick out two frames that fit my face perfectly.

DAVIDsTEA, the tea shop that originated in Montreal, Canada and recently opened two shops in New York on the Upper East Side and West Village, is continuing to expand their loose-leaf tea collection by creating a special one for Valentine's day. DAVIDsTEA uses ingredients from all over the world to make exclusive blends that have interesting flavor combinations.

They are offering two "Love Elixirs" for Valentine's day as well as a Sweetheart Collection. Their "Love Elixirs" combine ancient aphrodisiacs from around the world to get him or her in the mood for love.

A few years ago, while I was living in what’s known to some as The Upper East Side and to others as MiMo, it seemed as if this was going to be the next “it” neighborhood for Miami. Following the opening of Michy’s, it appeared as if every week there was a new and exciting restaurant or business along this stretch of Biscayne Boulevard. Of course, this was back in 2007 through 2008, and I was still living there when I saw things come to a screeching halt and even shut down after news of the recession. The last buzz-worthy restaurant this foodie had heard about in MiMo was American Noodle Bar, which sadly closed its doors not too long ago. Since then, the gastronomic buzz centered around the usual suspects of Miami Beach, Design District, Wynwood, and Midtown. Imagine my delight when I got word of a new casual restaurant opening in MiMo called Blue Collar.

On lucky Friday, January 13th, Chef Daniel Serfer will be bringing a little taste of New York City’s Upper East Side to Miami’s Upper East Side, with a requisite South Florida flavor. Inspired by some of his favorite working-class eateries in the Big Apple, MiMo will be welcoming such spins on diner classics as pork n’ beans made with Berkshire sausage and white beans topped with a fried egg, as well as year-round Chanukah latkes, chicken cordon bleu, burgers, and chicken parm sandwiches. In addition to classic New York deli and diner fare, Serfer has added some Miami-inspired dishes like tostones topped with vaca frita.

Blue Collar will also be offering a rotation of more than 20 daily vegetarian offerings from house-made french fries to curried cauliflower purée. Also look out for Chef Serfers homemade pasta offerings and daily barbecue offerings. Like a neighborhood diner, Blue Collar promises to offer a little bit for everyone...but with a nod to the working gourmand’s palate. In addition to the food, the restaurant will be offering a selection of wines by the glass from between $5 to $9, and the selection is well-chosen and pretty diverse with bottles of rosé from France, cava from Spain, and malbec from Argentina. As required of any establishment in a hip neighborhood, Pabst Blue Ribbon is also a constant, as well as Guinness and a few microbrewery bottles from Tampa and Atlanta.

Blue Collar promises to be the neighborhood hangout that any foodie dreams of having in his or her backyard! Blue Collar 6730 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138 305-790-5196 www.bluecollarmiami.com

Last night marked the Samual Waxman Cancer Research Foundation's 14th Annual "Collaborating For The Cure" benefit in New York City. The cocktail party and dinner was held at the massive concert-size venue, Park Avenue Armory. With generous donations, the foundation's annual gala has grown from a few hundred people to thousands over the years. The evening was hosted by Elin and Michael Nierneberg, along with founder, Dr. Samuel Waxman. One ever present aspect of the event was the displays of arrows pointing up. Even the lighting fixtures and centerpieces on the tables were formed in the shape of an arrow. The arrow, as explained by Dr. Samuel Waxman himself, represents the idea of always moving forward and looking up. And optimism was certainly in the air as attendees raised upwards of 2 million dollars through donations and bids on auction items alone. One highlight of the night (out of sheer cuteness) was the tan labrador puppy that sold for $13,000. The gentleman who eventually won, came out of left field to bid on the pup to his wife's dismay (who stood up and left in a huff as he was bidding). The crowd cheered and applauded, though we're pretty sure he didn't get the same treatment when he got home, puppy in tote.

You’ve seen those lush uptown lounges; those enticing, dare-to-enter, hotspots. If you're looking for the Sex and the City lifestyle of glamour and swag we have you covered. While we don’t want you to break the bank, we’re here to ask you to treat yourself, give in to temptation and enter into one of these exclusive UES lounges for star treatment. Go ahead, you deserve it.

5. Bar Pleiades- The Surrey Hotel, 20 E. 76th Street, Manhattan, NY 10021

Strolling seven blocks downtown from the Met you may find yourself in front of the gorgeous Surrey Hotel. Look to the left and you’ll see Bar Pleiades. Fashioned after all that is glamorous- fashion icon Coco Chanel and the decadence of 1930s Art Deco - this is the ultimate display of NYC swank. Walking through the intricately designed wrought iron French doors, you are immediately taken back to a period where the summit of elegance lies in grandeur. Black and beige lacquered alcoves, with a diamond deco pattern, shield the bar and lounge areas for those who love their privacy. The floor to ceiling quilted walls, reminiscent of our favorite classic Chanel purse, help to complete that cozy esoteric vibe. A crystal chandelier hangs above the larger lounge area, which has glass-top café tables surrounded by black damasked chairs. The bartenders match the décor with perfectionism in every cocktail. And for $16-$20 a drink, we would hope so. Recommendation: For the sweet tooth, try the Down By Law. For those who have an exotic flare, try the Singapore Sling.

Most New Yorkers only have one question about stars: does Lindsay Lohan count? The answer is no. But for every half-baked celebrity sprawled on the Meatpacking District’s cobblestones, there are plenty of constellations begging for your attention. And with the last days of summer approaching, outdoor romancing is at a premium. The Amateur Astronomers Association of New York hosts free events throughout the year, and has been kind enough to list some of their favorite stargazing spots.

Just when you were concerned that you’d find yourself on the Upper East Side without an organic smoothie to call your own, The Juice Press comes to the rescue!

The East Village fruity beverage mavens, who recently opened up a second location on East 10th Street and are also available at FoodParc, have announced plans for their next storefront on 62nd Street and Third Avenue. The tony address will be larger than their original 1st street home, but will still offer the same Super-Food Smoothies, Raw Food and fresh Coconut Water as the other locales.

James Duckett is a highly talented Senior Stylist/Color Expert that thrives on creating personalized hair concepts at the highest level of excellency. Duckett has worked with many celebrities such as Danielle Staub, Jaselene Gonsalez, Carrie D. English, Adrienne Bailon and Lindsay Lohan. Duckett makes sure that all of his clients walk out of the salon feeling confident and beautiful. Duckett is known for his talent, reasonable prices, personality and perfection. You can only find James D. at The Jeffrey Stein Salon located on 1498 78th street and 2nd avenue. Please become a fan of his on facebook and look him up at James D. at Jeffrey Stein Salon and you can follow him on Twitter. Jeffrey Stein is mostly known for his being the most talented colorist in NYC. He has opened stores all over the city but is mostly known for the one on the Upper East Side. They are offering a special discount for the Fall Season. Anyone who becomes part of James D's fan page will be able to get a 10 percent discount on cut and blowdry and a hair conditioning treatment. Compliments Coco Chanel Omari

Photo by Michael Nagle

Yuka

1557 2nd Avenue

(between 80th & 81st Streets)

New York, NY 10075

212-772-9675

"All You Can Eat" is somewhat of an appetite-exhilarating term for hungry diners. Add "sushi" to the equation and we're tying our bibs, snapping our chopsticks and licking our lips in ravenous anticipation for a gloriously indulgent feast of fish, care-free in nature and decadent in taste.

Per Lei
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: Moderate

Upper East Side
1347 2nd Avenue
(between 70th St & 71st St)
New York, NY 10021
(212) 439-9200
www.perleinyc.com

I live downtown. I usually remain downtown (a creature of habit, I suppose). So you can imagine my semi-reluctance to head up to 71st Street for dinner on a frosty Friday night. The destination was Per Lei, one of the four Italian restaurants run by the Proietti Group. Having already been to Baronda and Ciao Bella, I decided to give Per Lei a fair chance. Having lived in Florence for four months, I have strict guidelines for what can be considered "authentic" Italian food. People, chicken parmigiana is a figment of our Italian cuisine imagination.