Samantha's Valentine's Day tip--- What a girl likes

On Valentine's Day, don't fool yourself into thinking that one main gift is enough. Girls like a lot of little things. You need to take the time to go buy her little corny, waste of money things. Send flowers, buy chocolates, buy a stuffed sweetheart bear, get her 5 cards. Do it all or do a lot of it because this is what she likes and this is what she is expecting today!

Samantha's product pick- Useful and fashionable

NECTAR HANDBAG

How many times are you scrambling to find your blackberry or IPhone at the bottom of your purse and it just seems like a bottomless pit? Well, search no more, now there is a stylish solution- a handbag that has a clear packet compartment on the front of it where you can place your phone and actually use it without taking it out all evening. That's right- you can type texts and messages right while it's in your purse! And the clutch bag is the coolest because as you are holding your handbag in your hand, your phone is right there front and center! Check it out.

Samantha's Book pick- Can someone help you with everything?

CONSIDER IT DONE

Organizer extraordinaire, Julie Subotky has written a book that give us little people a lot of really big advice about getting things done. She owns a company called Consider It Done which also happens to be the title of her new book. She gives advice on everything from Getting Rid of the Hiccups to Getting your kids to eat vegetables to How to get rid of mildew smell. It's one of those books that when all else fails, you look in it and find the answer to the mystery you have been trying to solve. Check it out!

Samantha's Dating Thought- Is Picking a girl up for a date a thing of the past?

In our parents and grandparents generation, there was no question that a man would pick up a woman when they went on a date. In our generation, it is becoming more and more rare. Is it a function of how far people live from each other, of the fact that a lot of people live in cities like NY without cars or of the fact that both men and women work so they are coming from different places and might just be easier to meet at the restaurant? Or are men just lazier or not so into courting women these days?

 I wonder about all these questions...

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Greek week?

Pylos Restaurant

I don't know about you, but I love Greek food. I love the freshness of the fish, the simple sauces, the crisp lightness of a greek salad and the warm fluffiness of the pita bread with their delectable spreads. I recently went back to a great little Greek spot in the East Village. It is tres romantique and yummy to boot. The decor is minimalist and sleek, the food was prepared well, the service very friendly and the prices really reasonable. If you are looking for a new Greek to try in Manhattan, this would be a good one...

Samantha's Liquor Pick--- Do you like figs?

Figenza Vodka

Most people either drink their vodka straight up or they mix it with cranberry juice or lemon to make it sweeter. So, wouldn't it be great to drink a vodka that already had the sweet mixed in? A perfect blend of just a hint of sweetness, a hint of fig flavor.  That's right, figs- that fruit that is all healthy for you. Figenza vodka is "the" fig vodka and it tastes really yummy. Drink it alone of drink it with a splash of club soda or lime juice. It's the perfect winter holiday drink; go check it out!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Asian fusion anyone

Mehtaphor

I recently tried this restaurant and let me tell you, it was yummy. It is located on the ground floor of the Duane Street Hotel and its definitely worth a try. Ir is the newest restaurant from Jehangir Mehta, the owner of the small plates restaurant, Graffiti.    They categorize Mehtaphor as asian fusion, indian, eclectic and small plates; I know, that's sounds like too many types of food. However, whatever you want to call it, the food works. Don't miss the Shrimp Ceviche appetizer, the sauce is divine. And Shaved Fois Gras with the Raspberry Compote was just right, served with a side of the most succulent salad; I have no idea what they put on those greens but I literally had to order an extra plate of just the lettuces! And the Banana Leaf Cod with Green Chutney was the perfect mix of sweet and a little spicy. Then, the Hazelnut Souffle was the right ending for this meal. Two words of caution when going here, go for the food, not for quiet conversation; this place is very noisy, fun and upbeat, but noisy. Second, make sure to request an actual table or you might wind up at the bar or the common table. Enjoy!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Midtown Meals

Casa Lever

I recently returned to Casa Lever for dinner. This hotspot is located in the Lever Building on 53rd Street right of Park Avenue. It is a great place for a date if you are trying to impress her with food . The food was yummy. I had an amazing Carciofi salad first which had hearts of palm, artichokes of course and baby arugula with shaved and a light but tasting dressing, then we went to one of their signature dishes, Tagliatelle Bolognese with veal ragout and the main course was scrumptous Sardinian-style lamb served with polenta and a wine reduction. Then, we even saved room for a nibble of their Gianduia dessert, one of my favorites because I love hazelnuts. The food was top notch. One word of caution, if you are service snob, this might not be the place for you- the staff was very confused- bringing the wrong dishes and drinks to tables, stuttering over reciting the specials and just not as attentive as you would think they would be at a place of this stature. I am hopeful it was just an off night because the food is not to be missed!

Samantha's Dating Thought--- Should all married men wear rings?

 

Men and Rings

Recently on Facebook, a single girl posted an entry about married men hitting on her, a lot and that she thought that all married men should have to wear wings to give the single gals a hint that they are unavailable. Not a bad idea in theory but will that really solve the problem? Isn't the ring just a symbol and don't we see plenty of men who are wearing a ring still flirting? Moreover, don't we see too many women flirting back even with the ring clad man? In reality, shouldn't it really be all about the men and how they present themselves to the world at large?

Samantha's Event Pick- Do you board much?

Boarding for Breast Cancer

Every October I try to attend as many Breast Cancer events as possible as there is nothing more important to a woman than helping to find a cure for this disease. This was my first time at a Boarding for Breast Cancer event and I was quite impressed with the turnout and the dedication to the cause. The idea behind boarding for breast cancer is how important early detection is especially for people who have active lifestyles. The women who founded this organization had a friend die of breast at 26, just two months after it was detected.
The event took place at Desiron, Frank Carfaro's very hip home furnishings store that has one of the coolest event spaces on it's bottom floor.  There was cool music, dancing and many attractive NY hipsters.  Definitely check it out next year and if you didn't get to support as many breast cancer events this year during October, please keep an eye out for the Bring a Friend for Breast Cancer event I am hosting in early December at the Susan G. Komen Holiday House.

Samantha's Product pick- When it gets sticky

Goo Gone

How many times have you bought something and if has one of those gummy, gluey stickers on it and you just can't get it off? You try soap and water, you try Windex, sometimes you even use your teeth, but to no avail, that stupid sticker is still there and of course, they always put it in the most prominent places. Solution and it really works- Goo Gone. I know you always thought of that stuff as an infomercial ripoff but honestly, it works. You literally put it on a paper towel and scrub it over the sticky icky sticker and like magic, it starts dissolving and then it's gone. A word of caution, if you have a manicure where gloves when you use it because it makes the nail polish go away as well!

Samantha's Event Pick- Ping Pong for a Cause

The Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

I recently attended a ping pong event for the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer fund at the hot spot, Spin. The room was packed with young social creatures, all turning out for the cause. Great place to meet someone, all for a great cause. There was a tournament going on in the middle of the room  between the Super women- Breast cancer survivors and Super Models. And people were playing pick-up ping pong games all over the room. Then Kelly Dooley was there peddling her Bodyrock Sportsline all for the cause. I even got a photo with Stephen Baldwin. Make sure to come out for the next one...

Samantha's Book Pick- Speaking is everything

How to Give  Pretty Good Presentation by TJ Walker

I don't know about you, but I can always get a few public speaking tips from a Master. I speak at conferences, events and on the phone all the time and I think I am good, but I could always be better. Everyone could. Enter TJ Walker, he has been coaching famous people on their public speaking for years. And now he has written a book as he says, "a speaking survival guide... for the rest of us." There are great tips in here that are helpful whether you speak at Fortune 500 events or you are just trying to get your children to take you more seriously. My favorite tip is if you feel like you are losing your audience, address someone by name and ask a series of questions so that they become reengaged in the talk. Definitely worth a read!

Samantha's Event Pick- Sipping for a Cause

Zachys Wine Tasting to Benefit the Robin Hood Foundation

When it comes to distributing wine, Zachys is one of the best in the business. And Robin Hood is one of our best philanthropic organizations as it is the leader in fighting poverty in NYC.  Put them both together and you have yourself a great event. And this one was not to be missed. There were over 130 wineries represented from across the Globe alongside restaurant outposts with food from some of New York top chefs. Some of the favorite wines I sampled were the Napanook 2007 Bordeaux blend from Dominus Estate in Napa Valley., the Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007  "Fay"  from Napa Valley,  the Patz & Hall Chardonnay 2008 from Sonoma, the Columbia Crest Reserve Merlot 2007 from ChateauSte Michelle in Washington,  the Pierre Yves Colin-Morey Chasagne Montrachet Les Caillerets 2008 from Burgundy France, the Joseph Phelps dessert wine, Eisrebe 2008 from Napa, and the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay. As for the food, the Pumpkin soup with chanterelle mushrooms and croutons was delish from Benoit, and the wine samplings of fromage, salamis and proscuitto from Primizie.  Yum, yum!

Samantha's "I'm Obsessed" Pick- A New Kind of Supermarket

Trader Joe's

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical before entering this gargantuan establishment. I had been in one year's ago in Los Angeles, but all I remembered was long lines and lots of just okay generic brand food. However that was years ago and that wasn't in Manhattan so being the true curious Georgina that I am, I wondered in cautiously yesterday. The lines, they are still there so plan ahead but now I understand why people are willing to stand on those lines. They have everything in that store. And it's perfect for the busy NYer who doesn't really know how to cook but wants to make a romantic dinner for her beau because they have endless looking yummy pre-made foods. Even their produce looks fresh and good. And the prices, I felt like I was in Kansas, things are cheap in there, truly cheap. My burrata cheese that I love so much was $4.49 for 2 balls of it and it was yummy; I usually pay close to $15 for that in those ritzy establishments that I usually frequent!  I would say, it's worth a look see!

Samantha's Book Pick- I always wanted to be a designer

Book- P.S.- I Made This by Erica Domesek

You have to admit that sometimes you wish you were a fashion designer. You see a dress and you think to yourself, if only I could nip this, tuck that, add a button, add a color, but you have no idea how to do this, so you  are stuck buying what's out there and making no adjustments. Well, pine no longer. In Domesek's book, P.S- I Made This, she actually helps you play designer for a day or many days. She provides step by step, easy to understand instructions and even illustrations for "doctoring" clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes and belts. And the end product, something that is really cool, really wearable and really individualistically you. As for me, I am gearing up to try to make a lucite necklace. How much fun is that?

Samantha's "I'm obsessed" pick- They come in different colors

Heirloom Tomatoes

For those of you who think that a tomato is a tomato, you certainly have not experienced an Heirloom tomato. I have been a fan ,maybe an obsessed addict for over 8 years now. Besides the face that they are so healthy for you (high in lycopene which is one of the best antioxidants out there), they are truly yummy! The Heirlooms are in season for only a short time each year- in August, in September and if we are lucky early Oct (we are this year!). Why are they so good when they are actually so ugly and deformed? Heirloom tomatoes are
cultivated tomatoes that have been deliberately selected for their specific desirable characteristics. They are the Ferrari of tomatoes. And in terms of picking the best ones, the uglier the better; I mean it, choose ugly, they are most succulent.

As for the best variations-If you can find a Mr Stripey or an Old German, you will get to experience a tomato with a yummy marbleized inside. Don't miss the Green Zebra which is green with light green or yellow stripes on it. Then one of my personal favorites is Black Krim which is super dark red with the green top. And the most common Heirloom but still delich is the Brandywine which is red like a regular tomato but ugly.

As for some places to get them-- check out the outdoor market near Lincoln Center in Manhattan on Saturday but get there early and get there this weekend because this seriously might be your last chance this season!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Go French all Fall

Pierre's

Many people quickly forget about the Hamptons and all its hype after Labor Day. However for those of you like myself who love it out there in the fall, go back to Pierre’s in Bridgehampton. It is open 7 days a week all winter long and the meal I had this past weekend was truly one of the yummiest I have had in a long time. From the second you walk inside, it’s very cozy and oh so romantic- perfect lighting, a divine smell, a french feeling  (but without the snobbery),and a perfect climate temperature. You just feel at home. And both the lamb and the chicken main dishes were out of this world We literally couldn’t get enough. And you can actually get a table and have a little chit chat with Pierre himself at this time of year.  I can’t wait to eat there again!

Samantha's Event Pick- Hola Espana

Great Match- The Wines of Spain

Everybody loves a great wine tasting event but when you put hundreds of Spanish wines in a room coupled with yummy food tastings from some of the NY great restaurants, then you really have a superb event and some great matches. The Great Match- Wines of Spain did exactly that- over 200 wines from 74 different winemaking regions. Spanish wines are truly delicious and after my recent trip to Barcelona, I was happy to be sipping them once again. Some of my personal favorites at this event were the Campillo Gran Reserva 1994 from Rioja and the Mas d'en Gil from Priorat. As for foods, I loved the Gnocchi Bolognese from Osteria Paiolo in Brooklyn and the spiced Kobe beef from Megu.  Hola Espana!

Samantha's Movie Pick- When you least expect it...

Life As We Know It

This movie definitely looks like a chick flick from the previews but I screened it this week and yes, its a chick flick but it's funny and heartwarming so even a "dude" can enjoy it.  Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel have great chemistry and then there's that super hotty, Josh Lucas who finishes off the love triangle. Plus the movie has an unexpected twist that the previews don't mention that makes it interesting and fun.  Its certainly worth a look-see when it opens on Friday and its a great movie with which to barter, "I will go see it, if I can do Monday night football with the guys!"