Spot-Light NY: Haru Sushi Midtown

 

Hip Hip! Haru!

Let’s say you’re in Times Square, and you decide you want to catch a good happy hour nearby with friends, but you also want to eat something other than typical bar food without it costing a lot. A first thought might be to walk down to 8th Avenue in search of something fun. However, a better bet would be to check out Haru Sushi near the corner of 43rd Street and Broadway. Well lit, casual and surprisingly affordable (especially considering its location), it’s great for hanging out without having to get glammed up.

I was recently invited to try a few drinks from their Fall sake cocktail menu (just in time for Global Sake Day on October 1), and my taste buds were quite pleased.

First, there was the Ultimat Saketini ($12), a crisp concoction comprised of Ultimat Vodka, sake and plum wine. It was potently refreshing, and though one isn’t really supposed to eat the garnish on a drink, I couldn’t resist the sake soaked cucumber shreds. Call it the antidote to post-office tension.

 

 

 

 

Next I tried the Cherry Blossom ($12), which combines Svedka Cherry Vodka, nigori sake, peach puree and cranberry juice. I’m normally not one for really sweet drinks, but this one managed not to be syrupy, so it was cool. If you’re into girly drinks, this one is for you. However, it’s also one that’ll sneak up on you if you drink too many too fast.

 

 

 

Lastly, there was the Mr. Beam’s Sake Cider. Since I’m a bourbon gal, I was especially looking forward to tasting this combination of Jim Beam Black, Reiko Cold Sake and fresh apple cider. The bad news was that they were out of cider. The good news was I had a skilled bartender who was able to whip up a very tasty substitute (which I’ve heard may now get added to the menu). The drink I tried substituted fresh pressed apple juice for cider and added bitters and ginger ale.

Ladies, I’m not sure if this is the place to go cruising for guys, but it’s definitely a spot for great drinks in a laid back atmosphere, whether you’re coming straight from work or stopping in before a night out.

For more information on Haru Sushi, its menus and locations, visit HaruSushi.com

 

Technorati Tags: Haru Sushi,cocktail menu review,bar review

Wild Wednesday: Giuseppe Zanotti Asymmetric Eel Pumps

 

It’s Eel-Etric!

There’s something about Wednesday; if you can make it through the day, there’s a good chance you might get through the week. That doesn’t quite apply to you, though. No matter the day, your finesse is unquestionable, and your energy is electric. Give everyone who sees you a jolt today in a brightly colored pair of pumps, like these Asymmetric Eel Pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti (available at Net-a-Porter for $595). The pointy toe (a big trend for Fall 2011), the fuchsia hue and high-but-dainty heel are feminine and ladylike. Meanwhile, the low cut, slightly off center vamp adds a sexy edge, and the eel skin is a slick touch of luxe.

Wearing a pink shoe doesn’t mean you have to sip a frilly drink with a girly garnish from a martini glass. Instead order something that looks a little more pared down like a Hpnotiq Harmonie Splash (Harmonie is the new berry flavored liqueur from Hpnotiq) . Because it’s in a highball glass, it looks a little more straightforward, but it’s still quite sweet.

Recipe:

• 3 oz. Hpnotiq Harmonie
• 1 oz. Premium Vodka
• 1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
• Touch of Grenadine

Pour over ice, stir, and serve in a highball glass.

This drink is quite fruity, so your taste buds may tell you it’s just like juice. However, sip cautiously, or you may find yourself teetering on your stEELettos (get it?).

 

Technorati Tags: Giuseppe Zanotti shoes,Hypnotiq Harmonie Cocktail recipe,Fall 2011 shoe trends,purple cocktail,pink cocktails

Booze Book Review: Skinny Cocktails

 

Hey, Good Bookin’!

 

For some, the end of summer means an end to calorie counting and rigorous gym routines (chunky sweaters hide extra pounds, right?). However, others don’t let lower numbers on the thermometer mean higher numbers on the scale. Does that mean you have to forego yummy Autumn cocktails and warm sippers? Not if expert bartenders, Jaclyn Wilson Foley & Ray Foley, have anything to say about it. They recently released “Skinny Cocktails,” (via Sourcebooks) a pretty comprehensive pocket guide to diet friendly cocktail recipes with carb and calorie counts for lots of beers, spirits and mixers.

There are at least 250 cocktail options in this book, listed in alphabetical order, so it’s not short on choices. My favorite parts of it, though, are the lists of zero-carb liquors and the top 10 low calorie liquors (which are both pretty close to the front, so you can find it easily). I also like that it’s really compact (only a little bigger than my hand), so you can keep it in your purse and refer to it when you’re out. The only thing I’d change: I wish the cocktails were categorized by liquor type instead of being listed alphabetically. Granted, there’s a liquor index in the back, but who remembers to look back there after a Maker’s Mark Manhattan (170 Calories) or two?

If you want to tipple without tipping the scales (remember, colored skinny jeans and skinny cords are a must-wear this Fall,not to mention sleek sweater dresses),  “Skinny Cocktails” is definitely worth the $6.99. I actually carried it with me on a few outings, and it really came in handy. Oh, another caveat- keep your eye out for covetous friends. Mine have tried stealing my complimentary copy on more than one occasion.

 

Technorati Tags: Skinny cocktails,Cocktail recipe book,book review

Almost There Thursday: Charlotte Olympia Verity Kitten Heel Pumps

 

Smooches!

 

New York Fashion Week ends today, and whether you attended the shows physically or vicariously, you’re sure to be in a bit of a head spin… so much so, that you need a break from sky high stilettos. Good thing ladylike kitten heels are one of this Fall’s biggest trends. Say goodbye to the New York shows and hello to the London ones with a big, red-lipped kiss. Rather, let your toes do the smooching in these Verity Pumps by Charlotte Olympia (available at Kirna Zabete for $829). It’s flirty 3.3 inch heel makes it comfy enough for party hopping, and the pointed toe gives it a bit of formality. However, the crystal accented lip clip, felt material and emerald color make it unconventionally fun.

Now that you’ve spent the last 7 days watching waif-ish women walk the runway and size 2 celebrities on the red carpet, if you’re anything like me you’re counting calories. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying a good drink, though. Opt for a skinny cocktail, like Blushing Berry featuring Voli Light Vodka (this vodka has 25%- 40% less calories than many other popular vodkas).

Recipe

· 2 oz Voli Raspberry Cocoa

· ½ oz raspberry liqueur

· Regular or diet cranberry juice

Method: Build ingredients over ice and stir.

Just because it’s low in calories doesn’t mean it’s low in alcohol. Don’t overdo it with this cocoaliscious berry concoction, or else your real lips might pucker up to the wrong person.

 

Technorati Tags: Fall 2011 shoe trends,Charlotte Olympia,Voli Vodka,cocktail recipe,skinny cocktail