Dear cherished reader,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we write today to say goodbye. After fourteen years delivering you the best in food, fashion, and fun, this train, as they say, is pulling into the station.
Rest assured that every single day that we have published DailyCandy, we have done so with delight.
Our mission was always to charm and inform you, whether telling you about an innovative new restaurant in Brooklyn, a trendy boutique in Chicago’s Gold Coast, or a groundbreaking San Fran band. Through the years, nothing made us happier than helping an emerging designer from West Hollywood find her audience or hearing that after we featured an attorney from Philly she quit her job to make brownies full-time.
But all good things must come to an end. And this, friends, is ours. On April 4, we will close our doors.
It’s been the ride of our lives, and we have loved sharing it with you.
Yours,
DailyCandy
Hey there, hot stuff.
TASTE
Hot Sauce Expo
What: Sample our nation’s finest hot sauces (Voodoo Chile, Defcon Sauces, Southern Belles); feel the burn in eating challenges (spicy pizza, wings, knishes, and Smokin’ Ed’s Carolina Reaper — the world’s hottest pepper); or bring the heat at the Bloody Mary championship.
Why: Trans-Siberian Orchestra lead guitarist Chris Caffery and Twisted Sister’s Eddie Ojeda autograph bottles of their own recipes (High River Sauces and Rippin’ Red Sauces, respectively).
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Penn Plaza Pavilion, 401 Seventh Ave., b/t 32nd & 33rd Sts. Tickets ($10-$100) at nychotsauceexpo.com or at the door ($12).
TIME-TRAVEL
NYC Craft Distillers Festival
What: Sip small-batch spirits from more than twenty top craft distillers (William Grant & Sons, Ole Smoky Moonshine, Anchor Distilling) at the Prohibition-inspired bash; a portion of the proceeds benefits local NYC charities.
Why: The Roaring ’20s come to life by way of live period jazz from Baby Soda and Karen Marie Richardson.
When: Sat. Session one, 1-4 p.m.; session two, 7-10 p.m. VIP entry starts one hour earlier for both.
Where: The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery, b/t 2nd & 3rd Sts. (212-505-1300). Tickets ($95-$165) at nyccraftdistillersfest.com.
EAT
Rosette Brunch
What: Wake up for the LES hotspot’s wood oven-baked eggs (house sausage, kale, cheddar), shrimp and grits (with a poached egg), and kale sprout salad (pistachio lemon pesto, Parmesan).
Why: Make it a boozy affair with Big Easy-inspired cocktails like the Red Eye (bourbon, chicory coffee, cayenne) and Spring Fever (aged rum, fresh cantaloupe juice, celery seed).
When: Every Sat. & Sun., 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: 171 E. Broadway, b/t Jefferson & Rutgers Sts. (212-933-1176).
JAM
San Fermin
What: Brooklyn composer-songwriter Ellis Ludwig-Leone and his chamber pop ensemble — Allen Tate and Rae Cassidy (lead vocals), Rebekah Durham (vocals/violin), John Brandon (trumpet), Stephen Chen (saxophone), Tyler McDiarmid (guitar), and Mike Hanf (drums) — perform their debut album in its entirety for the first time.
Why: Special guests Ensemble LPR share the stage.
When: Fri. Doors, 8:30 p.m.; show, 9 p.m.
Where: BRIC House Ballroom, 647 Fulton St., at Rockwell Pl. (718-683-5600). Tickets ($18) at bricartsmedia.org or at the door ($22).
SIP
The Perfect Green Juice Demo
What: Learn to blend slurp-worthy concoctions like the Supa Dupa Greens and Hail to Kale from Eric Helms, founder of NYC’s Juice Generation.
Why: Continue the health kick at home with a copy of Helms’s debut recipe book, The Juice Generation.
When: Sat., 1 p.m.
Where: Williams-Sonoma, Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Cir., at 59th St. (212-581-1146).
WATCH
New Directors/New Films
What: Discover new works by emerging filmmakers from around the world, including Abdellah Taïa’s look at a young gay Arab man’s sexual awakening in Salvation Army and Albert Serra’s costume drama, Story of My Death, which portrays a duel between Casanova and Dracula.
Why: The series finishes strong with Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard’s Sundance award-winning 20,000 Days of Earth, which documents 24 hours in the life of music icon Nick Cave.
When: Thru Mar. 30.
Where: Locations, showtimes, and tickets ($15-$20) at newdirectors.org.
SHOP
Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show & Sale
What: Discounted clothing, accessories, and antique textiles for men and women from the 18th through the 20th centuries courtesy of more than 90 purveyors (keep an eye out for a 1960s two-piece halter top and bell-bottom pants for $325, marked down from $375).
Why: Take an item of clothing to donate to Housing Works for 50 percent off your admission ticket.
When: Fri., 1-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. Tickets ($15) at manhattanvintage.com or at the door ($20).
Photo: Alan Turkus / Flickr
Some handbags need bells and whistles to make a statement.
Designer Sonia Scarr’s minimalist leather accessories line, Love Dart, stands out for its simplicity. Each hand-stitched, made-to-order piece is a labor of love; no machines are used in the production process.
Atypical shapes (the round Canteen and Banjo; the three-dimensional, triangular slinger, Giza) and materials (undyed veg-tan and pebble leathers, waxed Irish linen thread, American white oak fasteners) take your daily uniform up a notch.
The honey-caramel drawstring design is a refined take on the season’s classic bucket style. Make your sandwich smile with the Cafeteria Clutch, an ingenious interpretation of a paper bag.
Spread the love at home with reversible, leather-bound merino wool coasters and mouse pads or utility bins with red cross-stitching.
Ah, the simple life.
Available at love-dart.com, $18-$640.
Photos: Sonia Scarr / Courtesy of Love Dart
Countless trips to the MoMa and Met and you still can’t debate the value of contemporary art.
Wrap your head (finger, wrist, and neck) around AEA’s sculptural gems instead. Former Ralph Lauren designer and Brooklynite Adrienne Alaimo molds gold, silver, and brass earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces in the city’s Diamond District.
On exhibit: the triple-band Pyramid ring with a trio of rectangular stones that evoke Egyptian wonders. Other mini monuments include the gridded Rail cuff and cagelike Coil and Crux cutout stunners that recall work by Richard Serra and Zaha Hadid.
Color fans will love the Kaleidoscope with hand-cut gems (onyx, sapphire, ruby, jasper, green amethyst). Choose your own stone (bloodstone, ametrine, labradorite, purple amethyst, madeira citrine, or chrysoprase) for the diamond-shaped Dagger necklace, and pick up Dagger studs to match. Multiples of the bicolor enamel Siamese bangle are as easy to wear as just one.
No argument there.
Available at aeajewelry.com, $70-$3,000.
Photos: Courtesy of AEA
See what our favorite indie shop owners are stocking for the new season.
Waiting in line for a treadmill before a sweat session? There’s a word for that: buzzkill.
Avoid crowds at ModelFit, a new studio on Bowery in Nolita. The sunny, white-walled space with floor-to-ceiling windows feels more like a living room than a gym (one with mini trampolines, on-point playlists, and Diptyque candles).
Co-founder/trainer Justin Gelband teaches the classes (he works with Sports Illustrated swimsuit models — no pressure). Co-founder/holistic nutritionist Vanessa Packer rounds out the experience with her nutrition and wellness program.
Take their playlist on your next run.
“I Remember,” by Deadmau5
(“This song has a lot of bass and a great beat, but it’s also a little slower. We open our classes with a dynamic stretch, and this song pairs well with stretching and movement. Plus, it gets you amped up to push yourself.”)
“On’n’On,” by Justice, featuring Rick Rubin
(“The beat of this song syncs really well with the sculpting movements in our classes; it makes it easier for people to get into the rhythm and pace of the class.”)
“Latch,” by Disclosure, featuring Sam Smith
(“Another great song for getting in sync with the movements. The crescendo really pushes you to give it your all.”)
“Do You Believe,” by Poolside
(“This song is fun and kind of groovy. After a big push, it’s a good song to bring it down a notch and reconnect with your breath.”)
“Thinking About You,” by Calvin Harris, featuring Ayah Marar
(“We are very into this song right now. It makes you want to dance, have fun, and sweat. It’s a great mid-playlist song to keep you motivated.”)
“Rhythm Nation,” by Janet Jackson
(“Sometimes we like to take it old school. Classic Janet, this song is sexy and powerful, and every time it comes on, the whole class smiles. It’s an empowering song!”)
“What I Might Do (Club Mix),” by Ben Pearce
(“We love a great club track. This one is sultry and has both bass and rhythm.”)
“Something Special,” by Miguel Campbell
(“Another great club track. It’s sexy, it’s fun, it’s flirty. It’s easy to get into your workout to this song.”)
“F**k All Night,” by Jay Z, featuring Pharrell
(“We love the way this song opens. Super flirty, fun, and upbeat. Who doesn’t love a Jay Z and Pharrell collab?”)
“Addicted,” by Only Child
(“Another great beat and lead-in — keeps the tempo high in a class. We love its old-school ’90s feel.”)
“Psychic City (Classixx Remix),” by Yacht
(“This dreamy track has a great beat and introduces the cool-down part of the workout while still keeping you engaged.”)
“Creep,” by TLC
(“Another old-school favorite — brings the tempo down for a nice stretch. Can’t go wrong with TLC.”)
Stream the playlist on Spotify.
ModelFit, 212 Bowery, between Prince and Spring Streets (212-219-2044 or modelfit.com). Single class, $40.
Photo: Getty Images
TGIF. To you that means popping bottles from the comfort of your couch.
To help you buck that trend, we asked the crew at LES hotspot Rosette for a creative cocktail recipe to awaken your inner bartender (they blend their own sesame whiskey, so they know a thing or two).
Customer favorite Charm & Moxie woos you with clean flavors, brightness, and bite and warms at the finish (chipotle peppers will do that). Kick off the weekend right.
Charm & Moxie
Serves one
Ingredients
2 oz. Beefeater gin (or any other gin)
1 oz. chipotle and pink peppercorn syrup (recipe below)
1 oz. lemon juice
¾ oz. egg white
Dried arctic rose (as a garnish; available at Kalustyan’s)
1. Add all ingredients to a glass and shake to develop foam.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously.
3. Double-strain. Serve in a Collins glass over ice.
4. Crush dried arctic rose petal between fingers and sprinkle over the top. Serve with a straw.
Chipotle and Pink Peppercorn Syrup
Yields one pint
Ingredients
½ tbsp. pink peppercorns
3 dried chipotle chilies with seeds, minced
8 oz. agave syrup
8 oz. water
1. Toast pink peppercorns and chilies in a dry pan to release oils.
2. Combine agave, water, peppercorns, and chilies in a separate saucepan and stir over medium-high heat.
3. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and allow syrup to cool.
4. Steep overnight.
5. Strain out peppercorns and chilies. Add to cocktail and serve.
Rosette, 171 East Broadway, between Jefferson and Rutgers Streets (212-933-1176 or rosettenyc.com).
Photos: Courtesy of Rosette
New York state of mind.
SEE
Bill Cunningham: Facades
What: The legendary photographer’s eight-year project pairs models (shout-out to his muse, Editta Sherman) posing in period costumes with iconic Big Apple backdrops in the ’60s and ’70s.
Why: From 1968 to 1976, Cunningham rummaged through the city’s thrift stores, auctions, street fairs, and architectural sites on his bicycle, amassing 500 outfits and photographing more than 1,800 locations.
When: Fri.-June 15.
Where: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, b/t 76th & 77th Sts. (212-873-3400). Admission ($18) at the door.
HOPS TO IT
Rare Barrel-Aged Beer Night
What: Raise a stein to a free night of food, cheer, and ten limited-edition Allagash Brewing Company suds (one of the first American breweries to specialize in Belgian-style beer); stick around to meet the crew and taste six specialty brews.
Why: Be one of the few to sip Allagash Avancé, aged for three years in bourbon oak barrels with strawberries, or Red Howe Imperial Stout, brewed with 3,000 pounds of local cranberries.
When: Tonight, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Clinton Hall, 90 Washington St., at Rector St. (212-363-6000). Register at eventbrite.com.
MIX
Momofuku Cocktail Class
What: Learn to host a cocktail party with a short shopping list, easily mastered techniques, and refreshing recipes from two industry insiders.
Why: You’re in the masterful hands of John deBary (bar director, Momofuku) and Maura McGuigan (bar manager, Booker and Dax).
When: Sun., 1-3 p.m.
Where: Booker and Dax, 207 Second Ave., at 13th St. Tickets ($75) at eventbrite.com.
UNWIND
Gerber Group’s The Roof
What: Sip a Sidecar F1 (Hennessey VSOP, yellow chartreuse, Grand Marnier, lemon juice) or Spicy Paloma (Casamigos blanco tequila, Thai chili, Aperol, grapefruit soda) before breathtaking views of Central Park.
Why: You’ll feel like a high roller — the design of the hotel’s indoor lounge and outdoor terrace resembles a luxury yacht (ipe flooring, custom walnut and leather sofas, Dalton Portella’s images of sky and sea).
When: Lounge, daily, 3 p.m.-4 a.m. Terrace, Sun.-Wed., 3 p.m.-1 a.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Viceroy New York, 124 W. 57th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 29th flr. (212-707-8008).
NIBBLE
Four & Twenty Blackbirds
What: Pore over your page-turner with a side of pie (salted caramel apple, chili chocolate, malted chocolate pecan), Stumptown coffee, soups, sandwiches, salads, and other snacks.
Why: Owners/sisters Emily and Melissa Elsen joined forces with another sibling/chef pair (John and Mike Poiarkoff of The Pines and Vinegar Hill House) to serve up seasonal fare like roast beef sandwiches with homemade kimchi and horseradish mayo.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plz., at Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights (718-230-2100).
SHOP
Cami NYC Spring Collection
What: Old Man Winter’s days are numbered — stock up on Samantha Steen’s easy-layering silk, suede, and lace tanks in pastel shades (blush, lavender, peridot, seafoam) and versatile cuts (sweetheart, scoop-neck, racer-back).
Why: Enter code DAILYCANDY25 at checkout for 25 percent off thru Apr. 13.
When: Your shoulders yearn for vitamin D. (Pair with a cardigan until then.)
Where: At caminyc.com.
DIY
Arm-Knitting Class
What: Flax & Twine’s Anne Weil schools newbies on techniques like casting on, binding off, and making an invisible mattress-stitch seam sans pins or needles (all materials included).
Why: Leave with a Pinterest-worthy chunky cowl you — believe it or not — created with your own two hands.
When: Fri., 6:30 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Craft Company, 61 Greenpoint Ave., b/t Franklin & West Sts., ste. 101, Greenpoint. Advanced registration required ($45) at brooklyncraftcompany.com.
Photo: Bill Cunningham / Courtesy of New York Historical Society
You only eat local. Coney Island is your idea of a warm-weather escape.
Stay close to home with new seasonal pop-up shop Home of the Brave. Tucked around the corner from Max and Bethany Vogel’s sister boutique, Wolves Within, the duo’s charming outpost stocks handmade-in-USA housewares sourced (mostly) from Brooklyn designers.
Organize magazines, towels, and loose ends in sturdy, space-saving leather strap baskets from ByAMT. Dress up your digs with Coral & Tusk’s saddle blanket-inspired, herringbone diamond stitched accent pillows, or century-old Turkish and Peruvian rugs collected from U.S. estates (our favorite: a llama-studded magic carpet).
Find designer Amelie Mancini’s hand-carved walnut arrow-handle cheese boards, serving spoons, and cacti-printed tea towels; Trollhagen & Co.’s two-tone utensil crock; and Small Spells zigzag tumblers and ceramic berry bowls. All earn you serious domestic cred.
The Vogels custom built the sun-drenched space (it’s a converted rope factory): Exposed ceiling beams, restored painted columns, and hardwood floors make you feel right at — well, you know.
Home of the Brave, 67 West Street, between Milton and Noble Streets, Greenpoint (347-384-2776 or homeofthebravenyc.com), $9-$350.
Photos: Courtesy of Home of the Brave
Traveling abroad requires time and money you don’t have.
For a more convenient (affordable) fix, take flight to General Assembly, chef Craig Koketsu’s (Park Avenue, Quality Meats) new Euro bistro in Gramercy.
AvroKo overhauled the massive, 170-seat space (formerly The Hurricane Club) to include a brass streetlamp-inspired chandelier, black and white marbled floors, and inviting leather banquettes.
Local, seasonal food is as satisfying as the ambiance. Dip spears of freshly grilled flatbread into smoked tomato and white bean puree, house ricotta (drizzled with local honey and chili oil), red quinoa (sweetened with golden raisins), or fava and avocado (think: gourmet guac).
Frenchie entrees include Montauk grilled porgy atop Swiss chard Provencal and steak frites two ways, as well as rabbit Wellington and cavatelli with fennel sausage and red cherry peppers.
Sidle up to the expansive bar (it overlooks Park Avenue South) and sip Bryan Schneider’s (Clover Club) playful pours: California chardonnay is a fruity, buttery mix of house-infused mango vodka, oak, and clarified lemon. Wine and craft beer are also available — including KelSo custom brew General Assembly Saison.
The new great escape.
General Assembly, 360 Park Avenue South, at 26th Street (212-951-7111 or generalassemblyrestaurant.com).
Photos: Stephania Stanley for DailyCandy