NEW YORK CITY 

What’s more exciting during the holidays than being in New York City? Seriously! And every year, when it comes to dining out, visitors and locals alike eagerly want to know “what’s new and what’s hot.”

There is no one better to turn to than Kate Edwards, a restaurant consultant here in New York City, for her insider tips on where to make your holiday (and beyond) restaurant reservations.

Kate Edwards Consulting is a boutique restaurant consulting firm that specializes in opening new restaurants and retail concepts as well as revitalizing existing, long-standing restaurants. Some of Kate’s clients include The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel, Le Cirque, and South Gate at The Essex House. Kate also is an instructor at the Institute for Culinary Education, my alumni culinary school (yes I am a foodie) here in Manhattan.

Carolyn: For a fast and festive New York City experience, where do you suggest dining?

Kate: For seafood fans the Grand Central Oyster Bar is a NY classic. It has a daily menu with a huge variety and features dozens of types of fresh oysters. It is an iconic restaurant in an iconic building (Grand Central of course), one of a kind!

Carolyn: Now… what about a casual enviroment where its lively and the food is great.

Kate: For great Japanese noodles and food there is Ippudo on 4th Ave and 9th street. It is always packed (so arrive early) but is super delicious and fun…when you enter the dining room the entire staff (american and japanese staff) all call out in unison in Japanese, something like “welcome!”. Is surprising and then you hear them throughout the night, is a lively atmosphere!

Carolyn: I love trying new wines, and having delicious “bar bites.” What NYC spot would you suggest? [Read more →]

This weekend, on September 17 and 18, 2011 Travel +Leisure magazine is hosting an exciting new event, a Global Bazaar, at the Park Avenue Armory (located at 643 Park Avenue in New York City) to commemorate its milestone 40^th anniversary October issue! Truthfully, I can’t wait. I’m really excited about attending this event.

This Global Bazaar is being presented by American Express (Platinum Card holders will have access to early admission to the Saturday session and free on-site sign-up for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program, which provides expedited clearance through customs in the United States. Amex will also offer special promotional packages to exotic destinations including Africa, China, and India) and Delta Air Lines (who will offer a virtual experience of their Global Delta Sky360° Lounge where visitors can drop in at any time to relax and sample cuisine created by Executive Chef Michelle Bernstein along with wines selected by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson).

The sponsors, all of whom will be exhibiting and offering their products, include the Barbados Tourism Authority, Baume & Mercier, Blurb.com, the Belgian Tourist Office, Boeing (who will offer attendees a chance to experience what it will be like to fly in their new Dreamliner), the Canadian Tourism Commission, Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate, Infiniti (showcasing their new M® Hybrid and 2012 Infiniti FX as well as a tasting of recipes created by Iron Chef Marc Forgione), InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts; Renaissance Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Singapore Tourism Board; South African Tourism, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands, The James hotels, and Tourism Fiji and Air Pacific.

Each sponsor will be creating a unique installation designed to inspire your wanderlust, there will be samples of food and drink from around the world, and you will also be able to purchase authentic goods from all parts of the globe, including jewelry from Tibet, hand woven hammocks from Venezuela, Moroccan furnishings, and much more.

In addition, the U.S. Department of State will be there to help you apply for a passport book or card and have a really glamorous passport photo taken so that you’ll be prepared to take off on a travel adventure whenever you choose.

Worth mentioning~ This a 21+ Event. No one under 21 will be permitted to enter, including infants and small children in child carriers. This policy pertains to all events at the Global Bazaar without exception.

And yes, tickets be available for purchase onsite.

For more information about this event, click GLOBAL BAZAAR.

The magnitude of the events of September 11th, 2001 was profound and incredibly devastating for this country. Even though I watched it unfold from my roof, to this day I find it hard to find the right words.

The incredible fortitiude and bravery of the NYC Fire Department, NYPD, and all who were involved that day, and all the days that followed can only be described as heroic. How this amazing city and this great country pulled together is something I will never forget. My deepest sympathy and regards go out to all the families who have lost a loved one on that dark day.

As a proud American, a resident of New York City, and a flight attendant I felt the attack on three levels. My country, my home, and my profession were changed forever.

One of the most incredible trips I have ever flown is this military charter. We put up flags and well wishing posters (above) for the troops all over the cabin and galleys of the B-767 airplane. I had the extreme pleasure of bringing these brave American troops safely home to the United States (photo right). It was truly the highlight of my career in commercial aviation.

And so a decade later, I remember the horrible day that changed us all. But more importantly, I am inspired by how we as a nation, a city, and all of my fellow airline crew members united, transcended, and bravely marched on.

God Bless America.

In-Flight Insider and Penchant Dressmakers would like to invite you to our Summer Trunk Show here in NYC! Stop by our Soho venue with friends and family, enjoy a refreshing drink and do a bit of vacation and summer shopping.

In-Flight Insider will have a selection of must-have essentials for travel: Limited Edition Kits, Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bags, DG Skincare products… and the best “insider tips for traveling well.”

Penchant Dressmakers will be delighted to show you their latest fabric offerings, help you try on their sample dresses, and choose your own beautiful custom made dress.

Thursday June 9th, 2011 from 4pm-10pm at 158 Grand Street # 207 (between Lafayette and Centre Streets) New York, New York 10013

For more information, email info@inflightinsider.com

NEW YORK CITY The restaurant scene in New York is an international dining destination and ultimate foodie heaven. For visitors and locals alike, the options are truly phenomenal.

I am delighted to ask Kate Edwards, a restaurant consultant here in New York City, a few questions about the new letters that I see prominently displayed in restaurants from the uber chic 3 Michelin Star to Starbucks.

Kate Edwards Consulting is a boutique restaurant consulting firm that specializes in opening new restaurants and retail concepts as well as revitalizing existing, long-standing restaurants. Some of Kate’s clients include The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel, Le Cirque, and South Gate at The Essex House. Kate also is an instructor at the Institute for Culinary Education, my alumni culinary school (yes I am a foodie) here in Manhattan.

Carolyn: What are the letters that I see in restaurant windows?

Kate: NYC implemented a Letter Grading system based on the success of the system in Los Angeles. It allows potential guests to know how sanitary the restaurant they are choosing might be. Prior to this new system one could look up the sanitation grade on line but really, who does this when choosing a restaurant? Nobody. What they discovered in LA was that the number of hospitalizations due to food borne illnesses dramatically decreased. In fact the proportion of restaurants meeting the highest food-safety standards rose from 40% to more than 80%. So it is an issue of public health.

Carolyn: How long has New York been doing this?

Kate: They issued a statement in March 2010 that they would start immediately. I believe I started seeing the letter grades this past summer.

Carolyn: Where are the letters posted? [Read more →]