DailyCandy All Cities

Be My Deal-entine

2010-02-09T11:30:00Z

Be still your beating hearts: Cupid’s got your February Deals right here.

For the Love of Deals

2010-02-09T11:00:00Z

Deals loves you. Deals loves you not. Deals loves you and that’s that.

What's the Big Deal?

2010-02-09T10:00:00Z

You’re more of a plastic than a paper kinda kid — hence your maxed out credit cards and the IRS on your tail. Fear not, big spenda. Frugality is only a deal away.

11 Things Bodkin Designer Eviana Hartman Is Loving Right Now

2010-02-09T08:30:00Z

An organic list of loves from an ecochic designer.

Who's Afraid of the Wolf?

2010-02-09T06:00:00Z

Wolf & Badger Concept Shop Opens

Did you know slugs have four noses, bees have five eyes and lobsters can live for up to 50 years?

Things aren’t always what they seem in the animal world.

Take Wolf & Badger. This isn’t just another overpriced West London boutique. The unique concept store, opened yesterday by Samir Ceric (art gallery owner) and his wife, Zoe Knight (accessories designer), stocks emerging fashion, accessories, jewellery and housewares. Of special note: Blush B-Lush’s vintagey handbags, MFP’s structural jewellery, quirky porcelain plates, top hat lights and Hentsch Man felt trilbies.

The duo also supports indie designers who can apply to rent a unit in the boutique and get advice on everything — design, manufacturing, press, distribution and pricing.

It’s a nice way to nurture young talent.

After all, it’s a jungle out there.

Wolf & Badger, 46 Ledbury Road, W11 2AB (020 7229 5698 or wolfandbadger.com).

So Flocking Cute

2010-02-08T16:00:00Z

Quail Bridal Launches

When it comes to the bride choosing frocks for her maids, all they’ve really got is a wing and a prayer.

Which is all they’ll need now that Quail has a new collection of dresses just for the occasion.

A passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again (yes, for serious, promise).

But the awesomeness doesn’t stop there: Williams is ready and willing to accommodate outrageous requests (say, match the trim color to a sentimental T-shirt) at a price that’s easy to swallow (from $200).

So go ahead and start with the strapless A-line, double-tier skirt, and sweetheart top in silk florettes or organza. She’ll happily tweak designs along the way to suit your style.

Because that puce poly number sure was for the birds.

Available online at quailbridal.com. To see styles, check out our gallery here. Maids who purchase a dress in February will automatically enter the bride to win a free getaway dress of her choice from the collection.

We’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away a dream wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — to one lucky couple. To enter, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Bird Watching

2010-02-08T15:59:00Z

Quail Bridal is a passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, and the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again.

Great Balls Afire

2010-02-08T14:45:00Z

The Meatball Shop Opens

With no disrespect for the jack of all trades, we’ve fallen hard for the Daniel of one.

Chef Daniel Holzman sharpened his knives at Le Bernardin, but he’s mastering a humbler art at The Meatball Shop, which he’s opening tomorrow with childhood pal and Frank alum Michael Chernow.

The genius concept: Start with meatballs — spicy pork, beef, vegetable, salmon, and chicken (the unlikely star). Get them alone, in sliders, on heroes, with sauce. Don’t forget sides like freshly milled polenta, ice cream sandwiches made by Chernow’s wife, and beers sold by the milk jug and pitcher.

The small space is Americana charming, with tables made from reclaimed East Village tenement wood. Watch the open kitchen work while you wait at the counter; that’s La Quercia prosciutto going into the grind.

They serve till 4 a.m., for your prehangover convenience. And prices are almost too low to print.

We’re balls out for this one.

The Meatball Shop, 84 Stanton Street, between Allen and Orchard Streets (212-982-8895 or themeatballshop.com).

Hold the Foam

2010-02-08T11:30:00Z

Club Ave. 9 Supper Club

First came foam. Froth followed. Now, some fancy-pants Chi-town chef wants to open a molecular-gastronomy cocktail bar.

Since when did solid food become a thing of the past?

Chew your heart out at underground supper club Club Ave. 9’s multicourse dinners. Headed up by restaurant vet Jeff Rosen, these decidedly New American feasts won’t leave you hungry.

At a Ye Olde Pig and Swig event, diners gorged on pork shoulder, rib, and loin with Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, and maple apple corn spoon pudding. At another: gingerbread with salted caramel, glazed walnuts, and vanilla bean ice cream.

At Avedano’s Holly Park Market this Thursday, Rosen’s planning an Alsatian feast (IPA-braised Sonoma lamb, anyone?) paired with Iconoclast beers.

No ifs, ands, or suds about it.

For event information, go to clubave9.blogspot.com.

Photo: Heidi Trilling / Courtesy of Club Ave. 9

It'll Get Your Goat

2010-02-08T11:00:00Z

The Surly Goat Beer Bar

Why the long face, bub? You’re usually so hoppy go lucky.

Need a beer?

That’s what we thought. The Surly Goat, the newest neighborhood bar from the sudsmasters behind Verdugo, has the cure for what ales you.

Under the watchful eye of Gus, a stuffed goat mascot mounted above the bar, raise a glass to local craft brews and IPAs that make up the 30(ish) on tap, multiple bottles, and one steady cask offering. Chug Stone and Speakeasy’s American pre-Prohibition pilsner, created for the bar, and worldly beers like St. Louis framboise and rarities such as Weihenstephan (launched in 1040 A.D.).

Any day of the week, settle into cushy gray and burgundy banquettes or nab a stool by one of the bourbon barrel tables. Or rent the Goat Room and get edumacated by Ryan Sweeney, co-owner and one of L.A. proper’s only certified cicerones (a.k.a. beer sommeliers).

It’s the kind of thing you need to do once in brew moon.

The Surly Goat, 7929 Santa Monica Boulevard, between Hayworth and North Fairfax Avenues, Hollywood (323-650-4628). Hiccup! DailyCandy readers who show up before Friday get a free half pint of the bar’s signature brew. Just tell ’em Gus sent you.

Photo: Courtesy of quarrygirl.com

Funky Brewster

2010-02-08T10:00:00Z

Revolution Brewing Opens

Evolution of a Beer Snob

The Under Age
Swigged Malibu in your parents’ basement.

The Stoned Age
Perfected speed-drinking prowess at Zeta Beta Douche Bag.

The Pour Age
Gave wine a whirl but decided to stick a cork in it.

The Revolution
Stumbled into new Logan Square hotspot Revolution Brewing.

Suddenly, you’re swooning over toffee-tinged Workingman Mild ale and extolling the virtues of warm, robust Eugene porter and the other twelve microbrews on tap (Iron Fist Pale Ale, Cross of Gold). A locally sourced menu of hearth-oven Caesar pizzas, hefty tofu sandwiches, and meats hickory-smoked in-house erase lingering night terrors from late-night burrito runs.

It’s a new age.

Be hoppy.

Revolution Brewing, 2323 North Milwaukee Avenue, at California Avenue (773-227-2739 or revbrew.com).

Suitor Up

2010-02-08T09:00:00Z

Suitor Personalized Stationery and Calling Cards

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a VP title, that brown-eyed handsome hunk in marketing, and a butt like Jessica Biel’s.

You want it all.

Add to the list Suitor, a new line of personalized stationery and calling cards, as well as folded notes that convey “Hi,” “Because,” or “Thanks a ton.”

Designer Jessica Murnane took the old-fashioned notion of a man courting a woman by leaving a calling card or writing beautiful love letters and gave it a crisp, contemporary twist for all occasions.

She starts with thick, bright white stock and finishes with classic letterpress fonts in black ink. The result is a unisex collection that is sophisticated and understated.

Be warned: It costs a pretty penny.

Then again, you can’t put a price on happiness.

Available online at suitorlife.com.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Suitor

Cake That

2010-02-08T06:00:00Z

Bliss Charity Cake a Difference Initiative

Helping others isn’t always easy. (Remember the old lady who tried to swipe your watch while you helped her cross the street?)

We’ve found a way for you to give something back that is, well, a piece of cake.

Special care baby charity Bliss wants you to bake and sell cupcakes all this week. Sign up online to download a fund-raising pack, get baking and then send the nonprofit the proceeds. Sell as many cakes as you like at any price.

All the money will go toward helping premature and sick babies; offering guidance, information and support to their families and funding research.

Go on: bake someone’s day.

For more information, go to cakeadifference.org.

Photo: smcgee / Flickr

7 Anti-Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2010-02-07T15:30:00Z

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T12:00:00Z

What to Do This Week

Act like an adorn star.

WEAR
Heather Urias Jewelry
What: The local designer’s handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, punky pieces use sterling silver, semiprecious stones, and feathers.
Why: Treat yourself now and gem.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Ian, 1919 Second Ave. (206-441-4055).

BUY
Bordelle Bodywear
What: New to Seattle, the sexy British bandage lingerie’s sure to leave your lover tongue-tied.
Why: Get some.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Nancy Meyer Fine Lingerie, 1318 Fifth Ave. N. (206-625-9200).

SEE
Garry Wills at Night School
What: The Pulitzer Prize-winning luminary talks politics — among other contentious topics — and his latest book, Bomb Power.
Why: Where there’s Wills, there’s a way.
When: Mon., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Sorrento Hotel, 900 Madison St. (206-622-2400). Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com.

HEAR
Mudhoney
What: Seattle’s grunge gods and Sub Pop signees perform their original fuzz punk in the city where they started.
Why: Be one of The Lucky Ones.
When: Mon., 9 p.m.
Where: Neumos, 925 E. Pike St. (206-709-9467).

VOTE
Beard & Stache Fest
What: Pick your favorite hirsute face from those repping 22 Seattle establishments.
Why: Money collected goes to Treehouse.
When: Thru Feb. 28.
Where: Online at beardandstachefest.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Heather Urias

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T11:30:00Z

What to Do This Week

Your glass slipper awaits.

GIVE
The Princess Project Dress Drive
What: Donate new and once-worn fancy frocks and accessories to local high school girls in need.
Why: They’ll be the belles of the ball.
When: Mon.-Feb. 19.
Where: Locations and times at princessproject.org.

SAMPLE
A Beer vs. Wine Dinner at Bar Crudo
What: Battle royale includes a five-course sustainable seafood menu paired with beer and wine.
Why: Seeing double.
When: Tues., 7 p.m.
Where: 655 Divisadero St., b/t Grove & Hayes Sts. (415-409-0679). Admission is $95.

ESCAPE
Winter Wonder Special at Nob Hill Spa
What: A day of discounted bliss with 20 percent off spa treatments at off-peak hours.
Why: Indoor. Pool.
When: Thru Feb. 28. Sun.-Fri., 8-10 a.m. & 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Huntington Hotel, 1075 California St., at Taylor St. (415-345-2888).

LISTEN
St. Vincent with Wildbirds & Peacedrums at the Great American Music Hall
What: One-woman wonder Annie Clark mixes an impressive array of genres into an unforgettable performance.
Why: All the world’s a stage.
When: Mon., 7 p.m.
Where: 859 O’Farrell St., b/t Polk & Larkin Sts. (415-885-0750).

IMPRESS
Drinks Guys Like at Elixir
What: Learn to make whiskey, rum, and tequila drinks he’ll dig.
Why: Love Potion No. 9.
When: Wed., 7-9 p.m.
Where: 3200 16th St., at Guerrero St. (415-552-1633). Tickets online at snagtickets.com.

SNIFF
Valentine’s Day Scent Event with Mandy Aftel
What: Witness the master perfumer mix her exotic Parfum de Maroc and preview Gunilla’s line of facial oils.
Why: Maroc and roll.
When: Tues., 7-9 p.m.
Where: Gunilla Skin Butik, 2165a Union St., b/t Webster & Fillmore Sts. R.S.V.P. at 415-931-7318.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: Cherylfluff / Flickr

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T11:00:00Z

What to Do This Week

Some arty chatter, a double feature, new grubbing, and a whole lotta romance.

EAT
Dish Bistro & Bar
What: Chef Job Carder’s Mediterranean-inspired menu takes a nod from the slow-food movement, featuring breads, pastas, and sausages all made in-house and from scratch.
Why: Taking local to a whole new level.
When: Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 53 E. Union St., b/t N. Raymond & N. Fair Oaks Aves., Pasadena (626-795-5546).

BUY
Faire Frou Frou Lingerie Sale
What: Studio City-based boutique slashes prices on lacy undies, robes, negligees, and other unmentionables.
Why: Nothing beats a sale with sex appeal.
When: Thru Feb. 14.
Where: Online at fairefroufrou.com.

HEAR
MOCA Art Talk
What: Laura Owens discusses her fantastical paintings currently on view at the museum.
Why: How ’bout a little art with your Thursday.
When: Thurs., 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., at First St., Downtown (213-621-1745).

Fitz & the Tantrums
What: The L.A.-based rockers take their stylish pop-meets-soul sound to The Echo.
Why: Awkward hipster dancing guaranteed.
When: Fri., 8:30 p.m.
Where: 1822 W. Sunset Blvd, b/t N. Glendale Blvd. & Lemoyne St., Echo Park (213-413-8200). Tickets online at ticketweb.com.

SEE
Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina
What: The Aero Theatre hosts a double feature of Audrey Hepburn classics on the eve of V-Day.
Why: The feel-good movies of the year (’61 and ’54, respectively).
When: Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1328 Montana Ave., b/t 14th & Euclid Sts., Santa Monica (310-260-1528). Tickets online at fandango.com.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Dish Bistro & Bar

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T10:30:00Z

What to Do This Week

Get pumped.

GIVE
Gina Dunn Heart Series
What: Make your sweetie swoon with the local artist’s abstract paintings.
Why: Only $75 to $125 a pop.
When: Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Artisan Style, 2417 Mahon St. (214-468-9095).

SHOP
Sussies and Wine
What: Sip half-price vino while browsing The Gypsy Wagon’s funky art, trendy clothes, and boho home accessories.
Why: Suss it out.
When: Wed., 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Veritas Wine Room, 2323 N. Henderson Ave. (214-841-9463).

Elizabeth Showers
What: The jewelry designer opens her showroom to the public for last-minute bling.
Why: Free Valentine’s sips and bites.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd., ste. 1118. To make an appointment, call 214-879-9944 ext. 105 or e-mail karen@elizabethshowers.com.

BOOK
Suite for Your Sweet
What: Mention DailyCandy and receive 25 percent off at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
Why: So worth it.
When: Thru Feb. 28.
Where: 1300 Houston St., Fort Worth (817-535-6664).

PREPARE
EatZi’s Dinner for Two
What: Take your cooking skills from nil to nice with the market’s romantic, reheatable meal that includes truffle-whipped potatoes, lobster, and heart-shaped chocolate tartes.
Why: Fresh flowers at checkout.
When: Pick up by Feb. 14.
Where: 3403 Oak Lawn Ave. Order at 214-526-1515 or online at eatzis.catertrax.com.

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T10:00:00Z

What to Do This Week

Chuckle up.

SEE
Funny Ha Ha Loves You
What: Comics, journalists, critics, poets, and bloggers perform quick, humorous readings and sketches to benefit Neighborhood Writing Alliance.
Why: The set by up-and-coming comedian Cameron Esposito.
When: Tues., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., at Ada St. (773-227-4433).

SAVE
Squeeze Card
What: Buy the new savings card (only $10) from ecocentric website A Fresh Squeeze and get a year’s worth of deals on participating green products and services.
Why: Discounts at Grasshopper 510, Browntrout, Moksha Yoga Center, and more.
When: You feel down to earth.
Where: Online at afreshsqueeze.com.

SKIM
Lush Reads
What: Kick back at the wine shop to discuss David Wondrich’s funny bartending history book, Imbibe, while manager Jane Lopes mixes cocktails and serves apps.
Why: It’s not your mama’s book club.
When: Mon., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: 1412 W. Chicago Ave., at Noble St. (312-666-6900). Reservations required to jane@lushwineandspirits.com.

DRINK
Green Line Pale Ale
What: Goose Island’s new brew is as crisp and citrusy as springtime.
Why: It’s only available on draft to cut back on packaging waste.
When: You’re ready to put down Honker’s.
Where: Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., at Foster Ave. (773-334-9851).

RESERVE
Deleece & Deleece Grill Pub Valentine’s Weekend Dinners
What: Jump on the love train with three-course prix fixe menus for $80 a couple ($100 with wine parings at Deleece and beer pairings at Deleece Grill Pub).
Why: Spots go fast; don’t say we didn’t warn you.
When: Book now. Dinners, Feb. 12-14.
Where: Deleece, 4004 N. Southport Ave., at Irving Park Rd. (773-325-1710); Deleece Grill Pub, 3313 N. Clark St., b/t Roscoe & School Sts. (773-348-3313).

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: bryan champ / Flickr

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T08:45:00Z

What to Do This Week

Belt it out.

LOUNGE
Don’t Tell Mama’s Glee Cabaret
What: Rakesh Satyal, author of the heartbreakingly funny novel Blue Boy, performs an evening of torch songs from the unabashedly nerdy, totally unironic, almost embarrasingly cheerful hit show.
Why: Drama kids, unite.
When: Fri., 7 p.m.
Where: 343 W. 46th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves. (212-757-0788). Tickets are $10; reserve a seat here (they’re going fast!).

CHEW
Heartbreaker Baker
What: Savor Brooklynite Eleanor Eagle’s modestly sized, heart-shaped cookie/bar confections in flavors like oatmeal fig with orange glaze and chocolate with caramel and sea salt.
Why: It’s like Pat Benatar and the women of Heart formed a baking club.
When: Just give them 36 hours’ notice (72 hours for a custom label).
Where: To order, call 920-644-3278; e-mail eleanor@heartbreakerbaker.com; or go to heartbreakerbaker.com.

RUSH
Hayden-Harnett’s Kapow Sale
What: Last chance to get 70 percent off apparel and 40 percent off bags.
Why: Itsy-bitsy suede shorts and fluorescent floral bikinis.
When: Sun., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 253 Elizabeth St., b/t Houston & Prince Sts. (212-334-2247).

TRY OUT
Thistle & Clover’s Open Call
What: The emerging talent-supportive boutique is in search of the next big clothing/jewelry designer. Budding designers have half an hour with the judges to prove their design prowess.
Why: There are two slots left, saved just for DailyCandy readers.
When: Mon., 5 & 5:30 p.m.
Where: 221 DeKalb Ave., b/t Adelphi St. & Clermont Ave., Fort Greene (718-855-5577). E-mail info@thistleclover.com with a brief bio, images of your work, and/or a link to your website.

DEVOUR
Cupcakeland Opens
What: Williamsburg finally gets a dedicated cakery for sweet tooths and sweethearts. Expect reasonable prices and daily rotating flavors like green tea, lemon-raspberry, and mint.
Why: We suppose it was inevitable.
When: Tues.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 390 Metropolitan Ave., b/t N. 5th & Havemeyer Sts., Williamsburg (718-388-5260).

CLICK
The Love Affair
What: New e-commerce site offers free same-day delivery in NYC on brands like Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Rebecca Minkoff, and Ko.des.
Why: Thru Sun. DailyCandy readers get 25 percent off with code LOVECANDY at checkout.
When: Between your morning and afternoon meetings.
Where: Wherever your boss can’t see your screen.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.