Austria Uncorked Wine Tasting

Socially Superlative
May 8, 2010

Despite being completely over-packed, the rooftop of 2 Desbrosses Street in Tribeca proved to be my personal highlight of the night. There is nothing quite like an amazing view atop the world’s most powerful city. Add in a cool breeze, setting sun, and glass of white wine and this combination is a tough one to beat.

Before actually making it to the rooftop there was a slight hitch. Almost immediately after checking in with event reps and discovering that my name was nowhere on their list, I noticed my frustration being shared by many. Several other attendees who had gone so far as to bring their printed receipts of purchase with them to the event also found their names mysteriously missing from this list. After explaining that I did in fact have a purpose in being at their wine tasting, staff confusingly let me in.

Once inside the venue, I was greeted by beautifully decorated tables where venders from over 100 Austrian wineries and restaurants with New York City’s finest cuisine set up shop. Participating restaurants include Wallsé, Gordon Ramsey at The London, Seasonal Restaurant, Aldea Restaurant, KLEE Brasserie, BLT Prime, 10 Downing Food & Wine, Telepan NY, Salumeria Rosi, Recette, 15 East Restaurant, and breads from Grandaisy Bakery.

Proceeds from the event went towards benefitting GrowNYC’s “Learn It, Grow It, Eat It” program, a local education program which empowers teens to take control of their health through hands-on gardening, nutrition education, outreach, and managing a community farm-stand.

All in all, the night was a success and although I had a minor case of claustrophobia, meeting the vendors and drinking a wide variety of Austrian wines really did bring me back to the few days I spent in Salzburg. Perhaps an unorthodox way of celebrating Cinco de Mayo but to each his own.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/05/08/austria-uncorked-wine-tasting/

Poker 101 Class and Tournament

Socially Superlative
April 26, 2010

Last night I experienced the beauty of Texas – Texas Hold ‘Em, that is.
Urban Girl Squad hosted a Poker 101 class at the Manhattan Bridge Club just off Columbus Circle, where about twenty New York City women gathered to learn the art of poker.

Although I had known nothing, and I mean nothing about the rules of poker, there was something about the game that always intrigued me. And yes, this interest developed long before Lady Gaga decided to sing a song about her poker face.

Experts, including Simon Feil from Poker At Your Place, who teaches beginner classes every Sunday evening at the same location, ran the two-hour class. After brief introductions, the Texas Hold ‘Em games began.

Despite being given a cheat sheet and fake money to gamble with, a lot of what was going on was a bit over my head. This is understandable considering the time constraints of this multi-leveled this card game.

Luckily, the environment was friendly and almost all of the other attendees were just as clueless as I when it came to knowing the value of their hand. It bonded us in a way, and the atmosphere certainly was not as strained as it would be at an actual casino, losing real money.

After a few rounds and some helpful critiques from our instructor I started gaining insight into the logic behind some of the decisions we were all making. By the end of the night I was thoroughly enjoying myself and left with an urge to keep working on my p-p-p-poker face.

- Megan Eileen McDonough

Photo via Urban Girl Squad.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/04/26/poker-101-class-and-tournament-with-urban-girl-squad/

Tribeca Film Festival: The Western Front

Socially Superlative
April 26, 2010

When an email from my editor popped into my inbox last week about covering a pre-screening of The Western Front I quickly offered to review the film. It would be my first Tribeca Film Festival viewing since moving to the city last May and although completely ignorant of the storyline or even genre, I was eager to attend.

Before heading to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, where the film would be shown, I began reading up on Zach Iscol’s political documentary about his time served in Iraq. Once I guessed the complex issues sure to addressed in the film, I became less than enthused about the pending evening. After a surprise introduction from co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, Jane Rosenthal, the film began. Despite my initial reservations, I was blown away by this man’s story.

Primarily taking place in violent Al Anbar in 2004, the audience witness the disastrous effects that arise when violence is the only form of communication between nations. Zach tells of one night where a local man continued driving through a checkpoint, and was shot and killed by a fellow marine who judged him as the enemy. The next day the dead man’s brother comes forward to collect “blood money” and tells of his brother’s poor eyesight and the faulty brakes on his car. Zach knew that the meager $2500 given to the brother was not nearly enough to support the large family whom he was now responsible.

In another powerful scene, a man walks by a graffitied wall that looks like a wall one might see anywhere around the New York City. As the translated words “Don’t be afraid to kill Christians and Americans” creep onto the screen, I felt perhaps an ounce of the impact Zach and his fellow soldiers experienced during their time in the Middle East.

Near the conclusion of the film the audience watch as the Marine Corps implement counterinsurgency, realizing that killing one’s enemy does not defeat them. Through working with town Sheiks, the city slowly begins to return to its earlier state. These leaders have been guiding their districts for thousands of years and have tremendous influence over their people. With a group-based society rather than an individualized society, it is understandable why democracy “lit their country on fire.”

One theme that remained constant throughout The Western Front was the necessity of Arabic translators. Viewers effortlessly fell in love with one U.S. Marine Corps translator, Khalid Abood. Zach and his fellow soldiers were dependent on this man for communication purposes, which also helped them gain trust from locals and other community leaders later on. At the end of the film, a Q&A session took place where Abood and his family kindly answered questions about the struggle their family faced while living in Iraq and aiding the “enemy.”

For someone who grew up with a Marine Colonel for a father, I have tremendous respect for the brave soldiers who fight for our country. I’ve never been very interested in politics, casting aside issues I assume do not concern me. What this film made clear to me is that war directly affects everyone and not just in this country but in countries all over the world. I definitely recommend buying tickets to this film, where it shows at the Tribeca Film Festival this upcoming week.

While it will roughly pull at your heartstrings, viewers will leave both enthralled and empowered by the beauty and horror that is The Western Front.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Images via The Western Front

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/04/26/tribeca-film-festival-the-western-front/

Organic Wine and Food Tasting with UGS

Socially Superlative
April 21, 2010

Tuesday evening, Amanda Hofman of Urban Girl Squad hosted another successful event. Taking place at New York Vintners in the trendy Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca, attendees partook in a nearly two-hour wine and organic food tasting fit for a queen.

Wine expert and organic gardener Gerard Quirk of New York Vintners and Holistic Nutrition Counselor, Andrea Davis, took turns explaining the benefits of organic eating and drinking. I found their obvious passion for healthy living very inspiring. Both demonstrated a genuine desire to encourage others to “go organic.”

Already placed on the tables when guests arrived were chips served with a delicious guacamole dip. Next came the main dish, which consisted of cheese, squash, and several other amazing ingredients that I can’t seem to recall. Perhaps I had one too many glasses of wine. Finishing off the food sampling were green grapes wrapped in goat cheese and topped with herbs.

Paired with the food were both red and white wines. After just returning from a mini vacation in San Francisco where I spent a whole day tasting (drinking) wine, I was more than ready to re-live the experience. Feeling a bit more seasoned on the winemaking process, I was surprised by how much I learned within just a few hours.

Wines from France, Peru, Argentina, and California were tasted during this session. Having visited these countries gave me a sense of familiarity as I noted elements from each region that are incorporated into their wines. That and the complimentary bottle of Bio Leaf Organic Olive Oil imported all the way from Italy made me want to travel again.

At the end of the night a few of us who were not ready (or willing) to leave our tables stayed for another glass of wine with Gerard. I have to say that of all the UGS events I’ve attended (and I’ve gone to quite a few) I enjoyed this one most. Guests were truly grateful to be eating a healthy meal and drinking great wine with great people.

- Megan Eileen McDonough

Photo courtesy of Urban Girl Squad

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/04/21/organic-wine-and-food-tasting-with-urban-girl-squad/

Cynthia Rowley for Roxy

Socially Superlative
April 3, 2010


This past Thursday, Cynthia Rowley celebrated the launch of her Roxy line at CO-OP Barneys in SoHo. With the weather finally cooperating after days of heavy rain, guests appeared in good spirits as they made their way to the party.

Although Cynthia Rowley’s line was showcased near the entrance of the store, I didn’t actually notice the line until about thirty minutes into the event, at which point I realized I hadn’t seen a single piece from her collection.

Barney’s strategically kept their floor plan in tact, drawing guests and press members to the other designers they carry such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Vena Cava, and Marc Jacobs.

Guests were offered Corona’s with lime and sparkling wine at 10.5% alcohol a pop, which were sipped through brightly colored straws. Hors D’oeuvres included bite-sized tacos, sushi rolls, and cheese & crackers. The whole effect made me feel like I was at a college beach party instead of a downtown Manhattan event.

Several notable guests were in attendance, including Gillian Zinser, who plays the beautiful tomboy and surf-team member on the CW’s 90210. Other attendees included surfer and designer Tracy Feith, Katie Lee, Carol Han, DJ Nick Cohen, and of course Rowley herself.

Just before leaving, I took another look at Cynthia’s line for Roxy. It proves to be quite versatile for the summer season. By including wetsuits, hooded sweaters, skirts and flats into her designs, her collection is sure to satisfy any surfer girl’s beachwear needs.

- Megan Eileen McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/04/03/cynthia-rowley-for-roxy/

Paintball and Lazertag w/ UGS

Socially Superlative
March 23, 2010

There’s a first time for everything and Monday certainly proved to be one of those times. Urban Girl Squad, led by Amanda Hofman, hosted an extreme night of paintball and lazertag for about twenty New York City women.

Although horribly lost on my way to Queens, realizing too late that I was actually on the express train rather than the local heading out of Manhattan, I finally made my way out of the windy rain and into the large indoor arena of NYC Paintball.

Once inside, participants were given a brief tutorial on gun safety and game rules. Still slightly frazzled from a long day at work, I admit I was only half listening; that was until our instructor stunned me with examples of how dangerous this sport is if not taken seriously.

After putting on my helmet and loading orange paintballs that looked more like candy gumballs than anything else, I bravely took my position on the field. Unfortunately, during the first round my weapon did not work properly and while trying to fix the problem, someone on the opposing team took a cheap shot right at my neck.

Granted, none of us were skilled enough to even know where we were aiming, I was still flustered. With a high-pitched scream, I ran off the field with what would later resemble a hickie from a boyfriend I didn’t have. I guess all is fare in love and war.

As the rounds wore on I toughened up and had a blast. I felt like a secret agent on a mission to save the world. After about an hour of running, shooting, and ducking behind barricades, I was completely out of breath and ready to call it a day. As it turned out, the adventure wasn’t over.

After feeling the impact of paintballs all over my body, a light game of Lazertag was just what I needed to regain my strength. Slipping right back into my childhood memories, I played like a little kid again in the trippy room of black lights and puffy blockades.

When it was finally time to head home, I felt so proud of myself for trying something new and having such a good time. This was the perfect activity to do on a rainy night in the city and I was happy to have met interesting women from different backgrounds and walks of life.

This is just one of many successful Urban Girl Squad events monthly. Just recently, Amanda threw a free Two-Year Anniversary Party for her organization, even giving away complimentary gift bags to many guests. Next on the UGS agenda is a shopping day at Callalilai in Union Square, where personal styling tips will be given out.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/03/23/paintball-and-lasertag-with-urban-girl-squad/

Tommy Hilfiger: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 20, 2010

Last night’s Tommy Hilfiger runway show marked the last ever to be held in the beloved tents of Bryant Park. It was a packed house, as hundreds of invited guests slowly took their seats.

Seated front row were American Elle’s Editor-in-Chief, Robbie Myers and Creative Director, Joe Zee. Several chairs down the line appeared Vogue’s legendary editor, Anna Wintour, who sat arms-crossed and unsuccessfully disguised under a pair of large sunglasses. Among celebrity attendees were Ashley Olsen, Russell Simmons, Rosario Dawson, and Hayden Panettiere.

After a week filled with futuristic, jaw dropping fashions, it was refreshing to come back down to earth and into the present. Hilfiger delivered a new collection that is both true to his American Dream inspiration and wearable to a large clientele. Models walked to the beat of popular music, including a mix of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”

Classic red, white, and blue garments graced the runway with style and ease. Hilfiger always manages to achieve a variety of looks that connect to his overall theme. He paired traditional cardigans, cable knits, and plaid coats in green, navy and khaki with more uptown-looking garments and accessories.

My favorite look was a fitted red sweater paired with a long, loose black and white checkered skirt, and held together with a leather belt. A dark sparkly blazer and thigh-high boots introduced a bit of sass to the collection. The simple, yet impeccable tailored skirts and jackets create a feminine-masculinity that has become expected in Hilfiger’s clothes.

While most looks for the Fall/Winter 2010 season veer towards the preppy side, one can achieve a more downtown style by mixing and matching separates. This is just one reason why the Hilfiger brand has maintained success over the years. One can be the “it girl,” or just “the girl next door.”

The evening concluded with the designer taking the stage and embracing the future. ”It’s bittersweet” said Hilfiger, “but it’s onward and upward to Lincoln Center.” Let’s hope this new location will prove to be half as magical as the tents have been for the past eighteen years.

-Megan Eileen McDonough




Photos via Style.com.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/20/tommy-hilfiger-fallwinter-2010/