But sometimes you just need to feel like a kid again—especially after 23 years.

Welcome to KOOZA, Cirque du Soleil’s latest tour. With over two decades of shows and the city of Las Vegas under its belt, Cirque is bringing you back to basics: acrobats and clowns. Trust us, that’s all you really need—and well, maybe the 1,600-pound Wheel of Death, KOOZA’s showstopping, daredevil act powered by two artists leaping and counter-rotating in a death-defying display of fearless acrobatics and teamwork. Fortunately, they’ve thrown in some slapstick humor to give you a chance to catch your breath and release the tension.

Then it’s on to more innovative performances: A stack of chairs morphs into a Big Top-scraping balance test, trapeze artists play a darting game of leapfrog, and the tightrope takes on an X Games-like twist.

And although what comes around goes around, we don’t want you to wait another twenty-three years. As a member of RareDaily, you can follow this link for special advance tickets (the thirty-four show tour begins on April 15th, 2009).

For a closer look at the exotic visual world of KOOZA, visit cirquedusoleil.com.


Cirque also caters to your taste for luxury. Sign up for the Tapis Rouge VIP service and you’ll be treated to preferred seating, wine and hors d’oeuvres, private coat-check, and suite-access.

And with Autumn arriving, it’s time to trade up to a new drink for the new season.

Skip the usual cocktails for something more exotic and refreshing. Find it at… The Joy of Sake. If you already know about the country’s premiere sake tasting event, just skip ahead to joyofsake.com for access. For everyone else, The Joy of Sake is the ultimate tasting of premium sakes in the U.S.

This year, over 300 premium sakes (327 to be exact) will find their way onto three floors at Webster Hall—including over 100 that never make it to the US aside from this event. There, you’ll learn to taste the difference between chewy junmai sakes, zippy ginjos, and delicate, aromatic daiginjo labels. Veteran aficionados head for bottles sporting colored stars–the winners of gold and silver awards at the 2008 U.S. National Sake Appraisal held last month in Honolulu.

To enhance your tasting, the city’s top restaurants are lending small plates and appetizers to the cause. Feast on complementary Japanese and pan-Asian fare from 15 East, Bond St, Nobu, Sakagura, SushiSamba, wd-50, and a host of other A-List eateries.

The best part?

You have three hours to indulge in it all.

The Joy of Sake kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday (9/25) at Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (off Third Avenue).


To score a ticket for Thursday’s main event or to learn more about The Joy of Sake, the country’s largest sake tasting event, head to JoyOfSake.com.

Sure it’s played out. But if you want ooohs and ahhs with your cocktails, nothing beats 230 Fifth. This Independence Day, Manhattan’s largest rooftop bar is hosting a special fireworks viewing, complete with barbecue (burgers, hot dogs, ribs). Bottle service is a must. Call for reservations.

230 Fifth, 230 5th Avenue (at 27th Street), (212) 246-1000, 230-fifth.com

You’ll need some fuel to keep the long night going: get it at Jane where July Fourth gets you a special prix-fixe Clam Bake (you know, clams, mussels, half-lobster, shrimp, corn, and potatoes). $25 gets you in.

Jane, 100 West Houston Street (between Thompson Street & LaGuardia Place), (212) 254-7000, janerestaurant.com

For more adventurous seafood this Friday, head to the Upper West Side’s preeminent seafood spot, The Neptune Room. In addition to their impressive raw selection, the more-than-oyster bar will offer a variety of soft shell crabs for sampling.

The Neptune Room, 511 Amsterdam Avenue (between 84th & 85th Streets), (212) 496-4100, theneptuneroom.com

It doesn’t get more American than BBQ and a blue grass band at Josh Eden’s Shorty’s.32. Get comfortable with ice cold beer and sirloin burgers. Don’t worry though, the party ends at 8:30 p.m., so you won’t miss anything when the fireworks start.

Shorty’s.32, 199 Prince Street (between Macdougal & Sullivan Streets), (212) 375-8275, shortys32.com

The best for last? Well, yes. For true backyard bliss, The Smith is holding their own version of the down-and-dirty Southern Independence day, serving Brown Sugar and Chipotle-Glazed Pork Ribs and Buttermilk-Fried Chicken. Provocative late-night decadence meets classic down-home comfort.

The Smith, 3rd Avenue (between 10th & 11th Streets), (212) 420-9800, thesmithnyc.com

… So let’s stay on “weekend mode” and talk about what excites us this coming Saturday: Clear your calendars, it’s time for the The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.

It’s been about 70 years since polo was last played in the New York City-area so this Saturday’s match at Governors Island is sure to be special. On one side of the field will be Ralph Lauren’s Black Watch team starring Nacho Figueras (the face of Polo Black and the best player in the world!) up against Asprey’s team. Of course, you’ll want to quench your thirst and socialize a bit at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar located field-side.

And don’t forget to check out the Veuve VIP tent where we hear the lucky few will enjoy champagne at Noon, tea at 4 p.m. and premium seating to the trophy presentation at 5 p.m.

Saddle up.


The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic at Governors Island (Saturday, 5/31 at 3 p.m.). The game is open and free to the public. Picnics are allowed. Ferries run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (view schedule).

Graffiti is celebrating their first Valentine’s Day with an 8-Course Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu. That means you start with Pop Rock Oysters, main with Fig and Honey Pork, and end with Kamasutra Chocolate. And at $80 per couple (that’s just $40 per person), it may be the best deal in town.

Graffiti Food & Wine Bar, 224 East 10th Street (between First & Second Avenues), (212) 677-0695, graffitinyc.com

Lobster bisque soup. New Zealand lamb chops. Molten chocolate cake. Bar Martignetti’s $50 per person, multi-course Valentine’s Day meal is easy on the eyes and on the wallet.

Bar Martignetti, 406 Broome Street (at Centre Street), (212) 680-5600, barmartignetti.com

Sure they have awesome fish tacos but Mercadito is so much more. And for V-Day, $60 per person gets you a five-course tasting menu (raw oysters, ceviches, botanas) with margaritas. Yes, with margaritas.

Mercadito, 179 Avenue B (at 11th Street), (212) 529-6490, and Mercadito Grove, 100 7th Avenue South (at Grove Street), (212) 647-0830, mercaditony.com

Hop over to Rayuela where Valentine’s Day begins with a Cava toast, Sopa Amarillo, and your choice of prix-fixe options, including Ribeye a la Parrilla, Bacalao Colorao, Cordero Amoroso, and Paella Para Dos. $75 per person. For reservations, please contact Event Coordinator, Rachel Japko at (212) 253-8840 or rayuela.events@gmail.com.

Rayuela, 165 Allen Street (at Stanton Street), (212) 253-8840, rayuelanyc.com

Suba is going to be special on V-Day. Starting with choices like Atun Crudo (raw Bluefin tuna) or Terrina de Faisan (pheasant and bacon terrine with candied hazelnuts), and Waygu Flatiron steak or Cochino Glaseado en Sidra (apple cider glazed pork). Four-course dinner goes for $95 per person.

Suba, 109 Ludlow Street (between Rivington & Delancey Streets), (212) 982-5714, subanyc.com

Treat someone special to Mandarin Oriental, New York’s Champagne Tasting Menu in the 35th floor Lobby Lounge featuring views of Central Park and the spectacular Manhattan skyline. Decadent caviar, smoked salmon rosettes, and velvety Foie Gras terrines are paired with fine Champagnes. Three-course Champagne Tasting Menu, $195 for two people. For reservations, please call Cleiser Calcines at (212) 805-8234 or email ccalcines@mohg.com.

Mandarin Oriental New York, 80 Columbus Circle, 35th Floor Lobby Lounge, (212) 805-8800, mandarinoriental.com/newyork

Here are our suggestions for the evening:

Costumes, Champagne, and caviar. It’s hard to resist the allure of the Four Seasons’ New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with canapés and Champagne. Unwind with a live, five-piece band, lobsters, langoustines, white truffle risotto, and cheesecake lollipops. Dinner begins at 9 p.m. Black-tie attire. $800 per person. For reservations, call (212) 350-6658.

Four Seasons, 57 East 57th Street (between Madison & Park Avenues), (212) 758-5700, fourseasons.com/newyorkfs

Bring in ‘08 with a special New Year’s Eve dinner at Megu Midtown. Indulge in Megu’s Osechi Amuse, ten varieties of traditional Japanese finger foods, five different sashimi, Filet Mignon Kagero, and dessert. First Dinner Seating begins at 5:30 p.m for $150. Second “Count Down” Seating begins at 8:30 p.m. for $180.

Megu Midtown, 845 UN Plaza, 47th Street (at First Avenue), (212) 964-7777, megunyc.com

Seven-figure bonus? How about a six-figure party: Welcome 2008 with grandeur at your private $100,000 New Years Eve Extravaganza at The Campbell Apartment. Treat 75 guests to premium cocktails, dinner, Champagne, and dancing to a full orchestra in authentic 1920s decor. It could make anyone feel like a mogul. Contact the venue for more information at (212) 953-0409.

The Campbell Apartment, Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Entrance (near 42nd Street), (212) 953-0409, hospitalityholdings.com

Get the glitz and glamor of the original Times Square ball minus the tourists at Tribeca Grand Hotel’s Church Lounge. The sleek cocktail party features a replica of the ball in its 8-story atrium, with an open premium bar, food, desserts, and of course, bubbly. General admission is $149, reserved seating $249, and premium seating $299. Formal cocktail attire required. Call (212) 519-6666 for reservations. View invite.

Tribeca Grand, 2 Sixth Avenue (between Church & White Streets), (212) 519-6600, tribecagrand.com

That sounds about right. Brewtopia: The Great World Beer Festival is the longest running festival dedicated to the enjoyment of finely crafted beer in New York City history.

This year’s event will be held at Pier 92 (60,000 square feet of beer!), the “Show Pier” located in midtown Manhattan at 52nd Street and the Hudson River, and will bring together hundreds of brewers and thousand of participants. A mere $49.99 will give you full access to this planet’s most awesome tribute to malted barley. You’ll revel in the sounds of live bands jamming on center stage, be amazed by fun games, and even get a souvenir glass to remind yourself that you sampled over 50 beers in one setting.

You also be supporting Hope For A Cure, Brewtopia’s choice non-profit, in helping to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease.

So grab your fellow beerman and come on down.

This brew’s for you.

For more information and tickets, visit worldbeerfest.com, or call (800) 935-8537. Tickets are also available at the door (cash only).


Brewtopia V: The Great World Beer Festival
Pier 92, 52nd Street and the Hudson River
Friday 10/26: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday 10/27: Session 1, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. & Session 2, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

THE SWEET (& SAVORY) SPOT
Like an eclectic artist, Pastry Chef Jehangir Mehta (Jean Georges, Vong) creatively melds sweet and savory at his new spot Graffiti. Expect the unexpected, like Pickled Ginger Scallop with candied red chili and seared flat bread, or Grape Braised Figs with black pepper ice cream. Restaurant, bakery or café? You decide. photo: Kyle Erin Schmitz

Graffiti, 224 East 10th Street (between First & Second Avenues), 212-677-0695, graffitinyc.com

THE EURO
Foams, gellées, mousses. Sometimes you just want to eat real food from the Home Country. Head to Bobo, Carlos Suarez’s new, bi-level brownstone of pan-European fare (peruse the menu) by Chef Nicolas Cantrel (Alain Ducasse, Country). Indulge in Chestnut Soup with cognac, chicken and cream and Chicken Grandmere with red wine, mushroom, bacon and mashed potatoes. Bon appétit, indeed.

Bobo, 181 West 10th Street (at Seventh Avenue South), (212) 488-2626, bobonyc.com

THE SPEAKASY
The mercury may be cooling but Broome Street is heating up with the opening of The Randolph at Broome. Go for the West Indian theme and pitchers of Michael Derry (beer meets vodka meets lemons). Stay for the music. Yeah, mon. Opens Monday (9/24).

The Randolph at Broome, 354 Broome Street (between Bowery & Elizabeth Street), (212) 274-0667, randolphnyc.com

THE ROAST
What could be better than a plate of slow-roasted, flavorful Ossabaw Heritage Pig to kick-off Autumn? How about some wine and beer to wash it down. Hit Il Buco’s Fourth Annual Outdoor Pig Festival on Bond Street today, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. $20.

IL Buco, 47 Bond Street (between Bowery and Lafayette Street), (212) 533-1932, ilbuco.com

THE PARTY
Picture this: you, your friends, and free vodka at GalleryBar tonight! Yes, that’s right: the Lower East Side’s only art bar is serving free well vodka from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tonight (9/20).

GalleryBar, 120 Orchard Street (between Rivington and Delancey Streets), (212) 529-2266, gallerybarnyc.com

Sure, English may be the most universal language on Earth, but the Japanese speak your language. After all, when was the last time you dined on haute British cuisine?

Right, we can’t remember either.

Thankfully, you only have to remember one sacred word to gain passage into the über-chic world of Japanese fare — “Joy of Sake.” (Okay, that’s three words, but sake is the only one that matters).

This year’s Joy of Sake New York event features over 300 premium sakes. Paired with an array of complementary appetizers from your favorite celebrity chefs including Nobu’s Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and Megu’s Koji Imai, it may be the most palatable $75 you’ve ever spent.

Add to that the opportunity to sample rare labels not available in the U.S. and you’ve nearly enticed yourself to spend another Thursday night in Soho.

Smooth, irresistible, refreshingly innovative; you may have met your match…

Or 300 of them.


The Joy of Sake takes place on Thursday, September 27, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $75 per person, $90 at the door (if available).

Purchase tickets at joyofsake.com or by calling (212) 799-7243.


The Joy of Sake New York
The Puck Building
295 Lafayette Street (between Prince and Houston Streets)
joyofsake.com

Read on…



DINING FOR DARFUR
Back in April 2006, Andrea Strong, a food writer (TheStrongBuzz.com) and local celebrity wanted to make a difference to the people of Darfur.

Boy, did she ever! Since founding and championing Dining for Darfur, a series of food and wine events with proceeds benefiting the cause, Strong has helped raise awareness about the genocide, and tens of thousands of dollars.

For her next event on August 21st (Tuesday), T Edward Wines supplies the vino (400+ wines), while Blue Ribbon, Cookshop, and Hill Country serve up signature dishes. Tickets are $125 each and benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

T Edward Dining for Darfur Wine Tasing, The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street, diningfordarfur.org

KIVA
Hey, big spenders: twenty-five bucks may net you a week of Iced Caramel Macchiatos, but lend it to someone through Kiva and it could jump start their livelihood.

You’ll loan to small business owners in the developing world, and receive email updates on their venture as your loan is fully repaid in six to twelve months.

Consult kiva.org for more information.

CARNIVAL FOR CONSERVATION
Here’s all you need to know about the Carnival for Conservation: drink organic cocktails ($5), eat complimentary apps, play games and win prizes, all while benefiting The Trust For Public Land. 8/16 (Thursday), 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Silverleaf Tavern, 43 East 38th Street (Park Avenue South, (212) 973-2550, silverleaftavern.com