Hotel Chantelle adds 'Mad Men' style to NYC lower east side

Don't let the name fool ya...while you may never want to leave, there are no rooms for check-in at Hotel Chantelle, a high-end cocktail lounge that is reminiscent of an age of post-war subtle glamour and festive spirit. Named after a safe house, employed as part of an ‘underground railroad’ during World War II by the French Resistance, Hotel Chantelle adds a modern touch to beloved classics, from the interior to the menu—an elegant interior that reinvents timeless style sets the stage for a menu that crafts a fresh take on traditional mainstays.

Inside, an air of nostalgia is met with modern chic sophistication— Hotel Chantelle’s dark, dashing décor is one part Mad Men, one part downtown cool and all parts must-visit evening haunt. Constructed and designed by co-owner, Benjamin Shih, Hotel Chantelle’s interior is comprised of reclaimed wood and materials that reaches as far back as the 1700s. You can tuck yourself away into the plush deep burgundy leather pin-tucked banquettes and booths, accompanied by classic wooden tabletops and chairs, or have the classic kidney-shape bar with super low countertop. The lighting casts a sultry spell throughout the space— the flicker of exposed bulbs and shell lamps are met with a subtle glow from the whimsical wallpaper (a dark print with golden leaves and roses) overhead.

The Hotel Chantelle cocktail menu features fourteen variations on classic cocktails, such as the Sidecar and Gimlet, each with an original palette-pleasing twist. Sure-to-be signature favorites include The Bramble (a blackberry sour), Dakota (champagne cocktail made with white peaches) and Pink Russian (a classic Russian cocktail with fresh raspberries). What, cocktails not your ‘cup of tea’, there is a fully stocked bar and a large selection of beers. 

I happened to spend a wonderful evening there and the vibe is very manly….but the ladies loved it too.  I would highly recommend that if you are looking for a sophisticated place for an evening to remember, then stop by Hotel Chantelle.  Great for grooms who want to bring their bachelor party up a notch or 12.  I’ll also tell you that they are in the process of completing a roof-top that will be accessible year-round.  Can’t wait for that to open!

Hotel Chantelle 92 Ludlow Street (bet. Broome & Delancy) NYC 212.254.9100

Lia Sophia and Anita Ko gems for the bride and her party.

Between the guest list, the invites, the dress and the shoes, the last thing the bride has time to worry about are the jewels! Luxury jewelry lines Anita Ko & Neil Lane for ARCADEBoutique.com and lia sophia are just right for adding that perfect bit of sparkle to a beautiful bride. Easy and effortless, Anita Ko, Neil Lane, and lia sophia are the epitome of wedding elegance.

From top:

lia sophia “Estate Stretch Bracelet” $700, lia sophia “Runway Button Post Earrings” $130, lia sophia “Runway Hop Earrings” $65, lia sophia “Estate Chandelier Earrings” $300, lia sophia “Crystal Necklace” $220,
lia sophia “Crystal Earrings” $78
Available at: www.liasophia.com

Anita Ko “Double Wing Ring” $6510, Anita Ko “Yellow gold Pyramid Studs” $305,
Anita Ko “Rose Gold Pyramid Studs” $305, Anita Ko “White Gold Spike Bracelet” $5220, Neil Lane for ARCADE “$2,660
Available at: www.ARCADEboutique.com  

The Knot and Pantene are looking for a bride...is it you?

TheKnot.com and Pantene are looking for brides-to-be who are looking for expert help when it comes to their head-to-toe bridal style. We’re on the search for Knotties who have not selected their wedding gown or determined their bridal style. Four lucky winners will score a dream dress and a bride-beautiful transformation.

What do you receive?

• A private consultation with The Knot fashion editor to find the perfect gown
• A hair and beauty makeover from the experts at Pantene.
• A special discount off a gorgeous gown of your choice from a top NYC bridal salon!
• A starring role in a The Knot TV segment.
• AND, best of all, a complete makeover featured in the Summer 2011 issue of The Knot magazine!

In order to qualify you must:

• Live in the New York Metro area.
• Have not yet selected your wedding gown.
• Be available for a full-day shoot in NYC sometime between January 21 and 31, 2011.

To Enter Email:  castingcall@theknot.com

• A current photo
• Engagement and wedding date
• City and State
• Total wedding budget (approximately)
•  Wedding style in 10 words or less (romantic, modern, eco, vintage)
• AND MOST IMPORTANT, why you deserve this dream opportunity.

Added bonus: If you already chose your dress, but are looking for the ultimate bridal look, we’re choosing two Knotties to receive an ultimate Pantene hair and makeup consultation! Send the above information to moderators@theknot.com.

Good Luck!

2010 Gift 'Give' Guide

How about giving a gift, that will really help others?  Here are some recommendations of organizations that you may not know of....

I am a fan of Lauren Bush and her participation in Feed. This year, they have created a Guatemala 3 Large Ikat Tote, $39, available at Lord and Taylor.  For every bag that is purchased, they Feed will donate $10.50 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support UNICEF'S nutrition programs in Guatemala. 

This is in honor of designer and friend Tory Burch and the Tory Burch Foundation, which helps provide economic opportunities to women and their families in the U.S. Tory has created a Charm Bracelet and all profits from the bracelet will benefit the Tory Burch Foundation.  This is one of the very few – if not only…anything I’ve ever seen of this quality product, where the entire purchase price will go to charity.   She has other products as well on the site, so check them out.

While in Montreal last week I remembered a great shop my mom took me to in North Carolina. Ten Thousand Villages has an incredible collection of absolutely unique fair-trade gifts from around the world, and work to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and compelling stories to market. You get to be a star with the perfect gift while knowing you did something, to help someone in need.   I’m sure there is a shop near you and remember…it does take a village. If you must give a take-a-way at your wedding, one of the great items they have will surely be perfect.

Wine Wednesday: Chambord anyone?

This past weekend, I was in Montreal attending the Bridal Boudoir conference, which is the wedding industry premiere bridal event in Montreal.  There is so much to share.  Lots of interesting trends that I’d love to see make their way to the US and while I get those articles ready, I’m feeling like my Wine Wednesday should reflect an elegant French inspired cocktail.

Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur is an all-natural raspberry liqueur produced in the Loire Valley of France. This lush, rich and very sweet cognac is often misunderstood, but I do believe will offer an elegant addition to your wedding events.  Known as the bottle with the gold crown, it is surely fit for a king and queen.  I hope you enjoy some of these cocktails, the yummy brownies and especially during this holiday season, please drink responsibly.

French Martini

1 1/2 oz Finlandia Vodka

1/2 oz Chambord Liqueur

3 oz Pineapple Juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with raspberries.

Chambord® Cosmopolitan

1 oz Finlandia Vodka

1/2 oz Chambord Liqueur

1/2 oz Orange Liqueur

1 1/4 oz Cranberry Juice

1/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry.

Chambord® Velvet Jack

1 1/2 oz Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

1/2 oz Chambord Liqueur 

3 oz Sour Mix

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Chambord® Margarita Royale

1 1/2 oz Herradura Silver Tequila

3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur 

3/4 oz Pomegranate Juice

1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into margarita or martini glass. Garnish with raspberries.

The Sweet Taste of Victory

2 oz Bourbon Whiskey

3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur

3/4 oz Vanilla Syrup

2 dashes Peychaud’s® Bitters

Shake all ingredients and serve in a Coupe glass. Garnish with any three of brandied blackberries, brandied raspberries or regular blackberries.

Café Royale

1/2 oz Chambord Liqueur

1/2 oz Irish Cream

1/2 oz Hazelnut Liqueur

1/2 oz Orange Liqueur

Layer all ingredients except Chambord in a port glass and top with Chambord-laced heavy whipping cream.

Chambord® Black Raspberry Brownies

1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix

2 Eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup Oil

1/4 cup Water

1/4 cup Chambord Liqueur

1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup Confectioners Sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9” by 13" baking pan with nonstick foil. Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and Chambord Liqueur. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour into prepared baking pan and smooth. Bake 35-40 minutes. Cool to room temperature before cutting. Dust with confectioners sugar (optional) and slice brownies into 3" squares. Top with ice cream and 3-4 ounces of Chambord.

Yield: Approximately 12 servings.