Own it: quintessentially NYC Photos

Photo:John-Michael Ekeblad

About 90% of the photos on this blog are taken with my phone. It’s a principle I have, so that you actually know that the impressions recorded here are 100% real and truly from an insider perspective… Of course the exception is when I want to tell you about something really interesting that just opened and I did not have time to check it out yet. Let’s talk about professional NYC photography. This photo above, and many more cool shots – are by a photographer John-Michael Ekeblad, and can actually be yours! Many people ask me about where to get NY street photography, and I just came across this 3 day sale offered from Fab.com - an online retailer that sells works of great design at up to 70% off. Have a NYC life snapshot into your home.

Fab.com

Beer Tasting Tuesday at DBGB

I don't know about you, but to me it's obvious that a cold beer tastes much better on a hot summer day.

If the brew is high quality liquid gold even better. Consider a beer tasting tonight at one of the Bowery's hottest restaurants: DBGB, Daniel Bouloud's no fuss haute burger joint. Enjoy some special editions from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company paired with draft-harmonizing delicious food from chef Olivier, such as porter house steak and triple beer sausage. All for $25. Nice way to cool off.

If you can't make tonight, next series of DBGB's Tuesday Beer Tastings is August 23rd.

299 Bowery, corner with Houston St.

212 933 5300

Street Art: Flaming Cactus on Astor Place

This morning as I walked out the front door I stumbled onto the lamp post outside my building and had to smile – and actually touch it! Ah those NY moments. The colorfully decorated column was the same lamp post I had embarrassedly bumped into once (not my fault - it is perfectly in your way if you are running trying to hail a passing cab as soon as you step onto the sidewalk – you know what I mean?). Well that would not have happened today, since the neon orange zip ties that hug the post would have certainly flashed in my peripheral vision., that’s how colorful they are. What a great idea!! Looking closer I found the information on a paper hanging at the bottom of the posts.

The “Flaming Cactus” installation is by the Animus Arts Collective and commissioned by the City. Fluorescent plastic cable ties will bedeck fourteen lampposts in the East Village. At least five are on my block, lucky me. Great example of those small surprises that pop up in our routine that make this city so exciting to live in. Thank you Animus Arts Collective and the city’s Department of Transportation for an unexpected dose of animation to my morning!

The Out NYC : New York's First Gay Hotel to Open on 42nd

For almost a month now, New York gay couples and proponents of gay rights have been rejoicing the bill passed in the Senate that allows same sex marriage in the state. Now there’s something else to celebrate: Parkview Developers announced today the creation of New York’s first officially gay hotel: THE OUT NYC - set to open this fall.

Here are the facts at a glimpse:

· Located on 42^nd Street between 10^th and 11^th Avenues

· 105-room boutique hotel

· 11,000 square foot nightclub by John Blair, Beto Sutter, and FV Events

· 24/7 café and restaurant called KITCHEN

· First phase of the project is set for completion in the fall of 2011

THE OUT NYC will host various types of function space to accommodate everything from intimate private dinners to large events and weddings. The building will be centered on three courtyards and a 5,000 square foot wellness center. And not need to feel left out. This is a "straightfriendly" hotel. I thought that's just really cool.

For more magnificent details visit:

www.theoutnyc.com

4th of July: the newest hotel rooftop with a fantastic view: Z New York Hotel

You can watch the fireworks from a myriad of strategic spots in the city, all carefully selected and mapped out by your favorite media. Curbed has a good list, so does Time Out magazine. But if you are a novelty hunter like me, who's always scouting the latest and super curious about the new inventions this insatiable city has to offer, i have an insider tip for you: the Z New York Hotel. If you have not heard of it it's probably because it officially opens TODAY!

Just look at the view on this photo. Do I need to say more?

To celebrate the holiday weekend and the opening, the Z Roof is offering happy hour specials from 5pm to 8pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and all night (5pm to 1am) on Monday, July 4th. There will also be a rooftop BBQ & DJ on the 4th.

Happy holiday!

For more information click here

The Porch: first bar on the High Line

Click here to view a slideshow on Urban Daddy

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record: but please go visit the High Line in the Meat Packing District next time you get a chance. The breeze up there is fresh, and now, if you feel hungry after having explored the recently inaugurated section 2, you can enjoy a drink or grab a bite at the first bar on top of the High Line, open now.

The Porch

Enter on W 15th Street and 10th Avenue

212 741 6623

High Line Summer Party: Tickets Start at $150

In my mind The High Line park is this century’s most brilliant gift to the city. If you haven’t visited this magical garden above ground along the trendy Meat Packing District you are in for a treat. And if you are still waiting for an opportunity to check out section 2, inaugurated a couple of weeks ago, now you have it: the High Line’s summer bash is happening next week, June 28^th from 7-10PM. Thanks to the support of Coach mens Collection, 100% of all ticket sales goes directly towards the maintenance and operation of the High Line. Enjoy Sunset drinks on the Sundeck, dancing under the stars, or at Avenue later for the after party…

Buy tickets here or 212 206 9922

Hurry before tickets are sold out. This promises to be one of the loveliest evenings this month.