New York City

Jan 25–Feb 7*. 3 weeks. Over 250 NYC restaurants.
Lunch $24.07 Dinner $35.00. Make your reservation today.

NYC Restaurant Week^®, New York City’s original celebration of dining, dates back to 1992, when it was developed as a one time culinary program to welcome the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to the City. Though created with an eye toward delegates and other DNC attendees, the program also found a strong following among residents eager for the chance to eat at some of the City’s top restaurants for a fraction of the usual cost—$19.92 for three courses—and who didn’t want NYC Restaurant Week to be a one-time-only event.

Since 1992, the success of NYC Restaurant Week has only grown. It has expanded to include both lunch and dinner offerings—three-course, prix-fixe meals for $24.07 and $35, respectively—and extended to two weeks each in the summer and winter. And this year, for the first time ever, many of the participating restaurants are adding Sundays to the program, which has historically been weekdays only.

Today, NYC Restaurant Week stands apart as one of the City’s most exciting and anticipated events. More than 250 restaurants participate—a cross section of the NYC culinary scene that encompasses a diverse range of cuisines and includes some of its most time-honored restaurants and buzz-worthy newcomers. Through its evolution, however, the program has been guided by an unchanging force to give visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that embody the NYC dining experience.

[Source: NYCgo.com]

You can purchase a Restaurant.com gift certificate for $3 or enter our giveaway and/or challenge for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate FREE!

So let’s recap:

• One Meal

$24.07 (lunch)/ $35 (dinner)
Gift certificate: $FREE/ $3
Total For One Meal w/o AMex Deal: $FREE – $13!
Total Savings: $22 – $24.07!

• Three Meals

Charge it to your AMex: $9 – $39
AMex Credit $15 (Registrar your AMex Card)
Total Out of Pocket for THREE Meals $24!
Total Savings: $66 – $81.21!

Time spent NOT cooking: PRICELESS

Suggested Event

Event Me subscribers can win free tickets! Subscribe by clicking the button above.
Bid your Reward Me points here (Deadline: August 6)

BEER FESTIVAL!

Great World Beer Festival is back for its 7th Year!

Come down and taste 100s of Beers from over 50 Brewers

Live Music and Great Food!

4 sessions over 3 days!

Enjoy a staycation this Labor Day Weekend!

Friday Sept. 4th
6 PM to 10 PM
Saturday Sept. 5th
12 PM to 4 PM & 5 PM to 9 PM
Sunday Sept. 6th
12 PM – 4 PM

Park Avenue Armory
New York City (map)

price: $65

Buy tickets online or at these location:
Hop Devil Grill at 129 St. Marks Place in the East Village
The Half Pint at 76 West 3rd Street in the West Village
Stout NYC at 133 West 3r3d Street in midtown
David Copperfield’s at 1394 York Avenue on the Upper East Side.

contact: info@brewtopiafest.com or call 800-935-8537

Video: History Being Brewed

Bid your Reward Me points to win free tickets

When we all hear the word getting hitched or eloping we think about the typical Elvis wedding. There are many ins and outs to destination weddings but here are are some reasons to do the destination weddings.

1. Cost efficient – Some destination weddings can be costly but if you stick to a budget and remind yourself that you will get to spend more on the honeymoon it is well worth it.
2. Small & Intimate wedding – Everyone has there customs and in reality we will always have a major list. The plus about destination weddings is that your guest list can be as big as you want it to be. Only about 20%-25% of your guest list will attend. Don’t expect monetary gifts from guest that do attend because them attending your wedding is there gift. However, your chances of receiving gifts from non-attendees will increase. In the end you will have the closes people you want to attend.
3. Honeymoon plus – Spend more on your honeymoon. There are many honeymoon packages available at many destination hot spots.

Here was Carline’s Vegas Wedding!

Date: October 12, 2008

Location: Las Vegas, NV (The Strip – Welcome to Vegas Sign)

Theme: Vegas

Honeymoon: US Cross Country Road Trip

Wedding Checklist

DIY Ideas

Stationary

Newsletter Invitation

Cover pages has how we met, important dates, and a formal invite. Page 2 has “about the bride & groom”. Page 3 has our wedding website, wedding registry, and the recipe of our love: our son. Page 4 has travel arrangements: flight and hotel with a location map. Page 5 has the wedding itinerary, honeymoon plans when and where to RSVP, and our contact information. Finally on page 6 has our pictures, closing statement, and countdown.

Download Adobe Flash Player.

FlippingBook WordPress Gallery

Attire

Bride

The wedding gown was a Maria Cross inspired chiffon dress designed by Faviana. Maria Cross wore a goddess gown at the 2006 Golden Globes. It features a deep V-neck and rouched bodice gets stunningly embellished with a lavish gem ornament on both sides of the straps. A bottom flares offers dramatic detail! If the bride has large breast you can add an applique. The blue dress is the original that was tried on for size and it was ordered in ivory. The v-shaped applique was stitched to the dress. This gave it a custom look to the dress, $350 with alterations and applique.

The hair was picked up half up with two pieces of hair in the front coming down and the veil was placed in the pony tail done by the bride. The veil is a Isaac Mizrahi mid-length veil in igloo, $20 at Target. The make-up was done a Sephora for FREE. The earrings and bracelet set was “something borrowed” from Mom. The wedding ring was “something old” from Mom, and the “something blue” was my garter purchased, $5.99 at Walmart. The two tone gold heels were 3″ high, $29.99 at Marshalls. After the ceremony, pictures, and several hours walking around the flats were put on. These flats are very Greek looking and matched perfectly with the dress. It was a white base with gold and silver detailing around the shoe, $10 at Loehmann’s.

Groom

Anthony decided to buy a suit instead of renting a tuxedo. The wedding wasn’t black tie or formal but semi-formal/casual. Anthony’s suit is a three piece pin-striped dark gray suit. He spiced it up with a deep fall red tie and white button down shirt. The cuff links also gave it a “GQ” look with the letters ‘C’ and ‘A’ in gold over onyx, set on gold with clear rhinestones. The shoes were a gift. They are soft black leather with a strap over buckle. This whole ensemble was $250 with alterations and accessories at JC Penny.

Our Son

Our son, Anthony, also had a three piece we mix and matched from Children’s Place. The suit coat and slack are black suede, $24.99 for the blazer and $19.99 for the slack. Two years old aren’t really keen on staying dressed and feeling comfortable so instead of a button down shirt and tie a long-sleeved turtle neck cream onesie was substituted, $5. It was accented with a fall diamond pattern sweater vest, $14.99. The shoes are black leather with a Velcro strap, $19.99.

Floral

All floral arrangements were purchased at Michael’s Arts & Crafts. For the Bride’s bouquet we purchased three bunches of silk flowers from , $6.99 a bunch. The stem was wrapped in the material cut from the wedding dressed and the base of the stem was wrapped with 3″ white sheer ribbon, $2.99 for the roll. From the bottom up we cris-crossed .5″ white satin ribbon to the base of the stem and tied two bows, $1.99 for three yards. This lovely arrangement was created by Maryjane, Carline, and there Mom. The Groom had a two bud silk rose arrangement, $3.99. Our son had one bud silk rose arrangement, $2.99.

Favors

For our guest we purchased one box of Best Occasions’ bottle favors kit, $24.99 at Walmart. It came with the bottle, pre-cut ribbons, and sticker labels. We purchased two bags of ‘Thank You’ charms to slide onto the ribbon before tying the knot, $2.99 each at Michael’s. Carline created the labels on the computer, printed them and stuck them on the bottles. We filled the bottles with sweet ‘n salty mix, $5.99 for a box at The Christmas Tree Shops.

Media

The party bus company recommended we go to the Bellagio Hotel to take pictures because they had a Fall/Halloween theme setup in the lobby. It was beautiful. Visit our wedding/roadtrip website for more photos. We took pictures after the ceremony.

Ceremony

After viewing chapel after chapel we decided to be different and get married in front of the sign at midnight. We had a great officiant, Rev. Ron Perry Sr., him and his wife are both sweethearts. $200 fee for after 10pm ceremonies on the Vegas Strip – worth every penny. We had a traditional Catholic ceremony and had the opportunity to say our own vows as well.

Carline did her vows about a month before the wedding and left them written in her mother’s house so her mother sent them to her. If it wasn’t that she wrote them we wouldn’t remember what we said and the video was to windy to understand. On the other hand, Anthony said his vows from the heart. It was beautiful but in the moment and excitement we all forgot what he said.

Reception

We wanted to enjoy what the Las Vegas strip had to offer as we partied after the ceremony, $466 with Celebrity Coaches. There was a confusion at home office and we got the wrong bus do to homecoming but they still sent us a bigger bus and at a cheaper price. It didn’t bother me that Zappos Shoes was printed all over the bus. They even asked if we’d like to have them had the shoes to the back of the bus instead of can. We had the bus for four hours, we went from tip to tip on the strip and stopped in the Bellagio to take photos. We had our first dance enjoying the views of Las Vegas’ nightlife.

Our cake was spectacular from Freed’s Bakery. Our son’s God-father went with the Groom to pick up the cake and said, “They have the best cannolis I have ever eaten!”. He talked about it all weekend. We ordered the With A Little Bit of Luck Wedding Cake, $269 for the cake and $19.95 for the cake topper. Contact them for your quote. Our first layer was velvet cake and cream cheese. The second layers was chocolate cake with Freed’s Signature Bavarian Cream filling, raspberry puree. Um delicious.

Accommodations

Flights all ranged depending where people were coming from but it ranged from $250 – $500 round trip. Hotwire.com was a good site to work with and the cheapest deals available. Our hotel Circus Circus was the only family orientated hotel on the strip with the most reasonable prices. $56 a night (Book early).

Remember

Before going to Las Vegas we printed out the marriage license applications and had our cash ready. Check with the bureau to see what types of payments they received we had to go to the ATM because they did not take debit, $50 it is now $60. We went the day before but in the State of Nevada there is no blood work or waiting period before the ceremony. Get directions and save the site. After getting married we lost the paper we had to send in to get the certificate of proof and we got a lot of spam in the mail for us to pay $40 to get it. We called them and they said just send in your marriage information with date, etc. with a $10 check or money order. Always good to call before hand. Las Vegas also has a good system that you can check for your certificate number before hand too.

We did our register three months before our trip began, Travel’s Joy. We put items for our trip/honeymoon. This worked out very well since our honeymoon was a two week cross country road trip. After coming home we uploaded all of our pictures from our trip and wedding onto Shuttlerfly. Great idea to stay connected and fill in details. Friends and family could purchase items to send your or for themselves. There is no fee for the site or expiration date. Sign up for there mailing list to get coupons and discounts.

Hazlitt Red Cat, $8
From: New York
Flavor: semi-sweet, fruity blend
Pairs with: hamburgers, pizza, or chicken wings

Marques de Riscal Rioja, $10
From: Spain
Flavor: bursting with strawberry
Pairs with: fish and chips, fish tacos

Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, $12
From: Austrian
Flavor: crisp and dry
Pairs with: hearty summer salads

Chateau Routas Rose, $10
From: French
Flavor: light and dry
Pairs with: all shellfish

Jules Rose, $15
From: French
Flavor: dry but fruity
Pairs with: grilled fish

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec, $10
From: Argentine
Flavor: Dark fruit, spice, black pepper
Pairs with: BBQ, grilled meats

Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde, $6
From: Portuguese
Flavor: fresh and slightly sparkling
Pairs with: sushi

Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris, $13
From: Washington
Flavor: Green apple
Pairs with: light pastas, shrimp

Mark West Pinot Noir, $12
From: California
Flavor: spicy, fruity
Pairs with: roast chicken, spaghetti

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages, $10
From: French
Flavor: strawberry and pepper
Pairs with: bread and cheese, sandwiches

Impress your guest with this wonderful dish that cost about $50 at a restaurant. For you only $22.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbl. sesame oil, divided
• 2 ahi tuna steaks
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• Instant white rice

Directions

1. Pour soy sauce, lime juice, garlic and 2 tbl. of sesame oil into a shallow glass baking dish. Add ahi tuna steaks. Cover dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 45 minutes.
2. Pour cornmeal onto a large plate. Remove tuna steaks from marinade and then pat dry using a paper towel. Press tuna into cornmeal so it’s fully coated on both sides.
3. Prepare instant white rice according to the package instructions. If instant rice is not your coup of tea then prepare white rice to your liking,
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbl. of sesame oil. Add tuna to the hot skillet, lightly shaking the skillet so the tuna doesn’t stick. Sear 30 seconds er side. The outsides should be toasted and the centers should be pink. Slice tuna and serve alongside white rice.

Cooking Tips:

1. Want a little spice to it mix a desired amount of soy sauce with wasabi paste
2. Make extra marinaded for stir fried vegetables, great side dish with the fish.

Compliment this dish with cold or hot sake. Too strong for you? Try some Asian Plum wine. Delicious.

With the new fads of going green and eating healthy we have this wave of organic food. Carline here is a vegetarian. In the beginning it is very hard to make the decision to become vegetarian but it is even harder when you don’t have the support of others or have someone to guide you who is vegetarian. Carline read the book Skinny Bitch. Everyone should pick it up and read it.

One of the chapters goes on to explain the whole organic concept and why not trust the USDA logo. So now every time Carline goes shopping that little green logo goes right out the window. You really need to read the book to understand why, I don’t want to give it away. Even if you have no intention of become a vegan or vegetarian at least go to your local Barnes & Nobles and at least read that chapter. It makes a world of difference especially if you look up to the “organic code”. Going organic can burn a pretty big whole in your pocket, but it is worth making the transition for a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Or is it not worth it?

Here are the Dos and Don’t of purchasing organic foods and when its worth paying the pretty penny! (I have included protein items for all the meat eaters )

Veggies

Many of the vegetables that grown on vines or underground have higher pesticide levels. The same is true for loosely packed leafy greens, so the extra money is worth it.

Go Organic:

• bell peppers
• carrots
• celery
• green beans
• lettuce
• potatoes
• spinach

Don’t Go Organic:

• asparagus
• broccoli
• cabbage
• cauliflower
• frozen corn
• frozen peas
• onions

Protein

We can’t control what fish are exposed to, so don’t bother. Buy meats that are free of pesticides and antibiotics. Did anyone see the episode of Jon & Kate plus ate where they visited the farm to buy a million pounds of meat for the year? It was organic! Beware, even most soy is genetically modified.

Go Organic:

• beef
• chicken
• lamb
• pork
• tofu

Don’t Go Organic:

• seafood

Dairy

Organic cheeses are still a long way from tasting like the real thing, and most people don’t eat enough cheddar for the higher toxin levels to make a difference.

Go Organic:

• eggs
• milk
• yogurt

Don’t Go Organic:

• cheese

Fruits

Fruits without peels can be loaded with pesticide residue that literally gets under their skin. Translation – even a washed non-organic apple can be chock full of chemicals.

Go Organic:

• apples
• berries
• cherries
• grapes
• nectarines
• peaches
• pears

Don’t Go Organic:

• avocados
• bananas
• kiwi fruit
• lemons
• mangoes
• pineapple
• watermelon

Are you or your someone you know “allergic” to vegetables? Well, stop being a hater and steal our secrets to seasoning, sauteing and infusing your greens with flavor. By: Riann Smith

Broccoli

• Common complaint: Let’s fact it: Raw, naked broccoli is about as tasty as chewing on a shag carpet.
• Pimp it out: Saute 1 lb. broccoli florets in a pan with 2 tbl. olive oil until tender but crunchy. Toast 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs with 2 tbl. butter and then toss with broccoli, serve.
• Flavor tested: “I normally hate broccoli; it’s like eating litter trees. But it’s amazing what a little butter and breadcrumbs can do.”

Asparagus

• Common complaint: Steam these pretty spears too long and they get stinky and mushy (ick!)
• Pimp it out: Broil 1 bunch asparagus with a generous drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sea salt and herbs for 10 minutes, or until spears get a bit charred on top, serve.
• Flavor tested: “The asparagus really picked up the oil, vinegar and herb flavors, and it wasn’t too soggy or crisp. We’ll add Parmesan slivers next time.”

Brussels sprouts

• Common complaint: Whoever said these green golf balls should be steamed and eaten whole was just evil.
• Pimp it out: Saute 2 oz. diced pancetta in a pan. Add 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts and 1 tbl. olive oil and cook on high heat until sprouts have a nicer sear on all sides, serve.
• Flavor tested: “I hated Brussels sprouts as a kid, but I’ll eat anything with bacon! I really liked the charred flavor too.”

Green beans

• Common complaint: There’s nothing wrong with plain green beans… except that they’re boring ‘n bland.
• Pimp it out: Steam green beans in a pot of boiling water and cook ’til halfway done. Saute 1/2 cup slivered almonds and 1/2 tsp. orange zest in 1 tbl. olive oil. Add beans, toss with 1 tbl. olive oil and serve.
• Flavor tested: “We hat it yesterday with steaks and rice! The slivered almonds added substance. It’d be a great side dish for any holiday.”

Peas

• Common complaint: Peas often bring to mind two things: baby food and airplane food. Both heinous.
• Pimp it out: Throw 2 cups peas in a pan with 1 1/2 tsp. water. Once peas turn bright green, toss with 2 tbl. olive oil. Fold in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese so it melts over peas. Season with salt and pepper, serve.
  
• Flavor tested: “I never would’ve chosen to eat peas before, but the cheese made a really big difference. It was also super easy to prepare.”

*Tip: Put a new, dry sponge in your veggie drawer. It’ll absorb moisture and keep veggies fresh for longer!*

[Source: The Nest]

After reading an article in one of our favorite magazines, The Nest, we ran into the great cook Marie Saba formally known as Marie Hejl. An article written by Riann Smith. Maria has her own cookbook, Cooking with Marie: on Any Occasion. She has appeared in many schedules shows on TV and press. We learned that Marie is a local lawyer in San Antonio who has a bigger passion in the kitchen. She is a recent Newlywed, congrats Marie & John.

We award her the hostess with the mostess award for marvelous ideas and treats on a budget! We will post her ideas and recommendations below on throwing a backyard bash. We hope you all enjoy.

• Hip Hostess – $0

Who needs help with an easy menu? Visit MarieSaba.com for more ideas and recipes.

• Entertainment – $0

No need to blow bucks on a DJ when you’re a rock-star host. John is the lead singer and guitarist of a band. You can check’em out at SanSabaCounty.net. If no one has John’s talents a simple iPod will do. Keep the fiesta going by downloading high-energy hits from the Gypsy Kings and Santana. Just hook up your iPod to a small set of outdoor speakers and you’re ready to jam. Or if you’re a musician, bust out your best rendition of “Oye Como Va” and ask friends to chime in. Download free singles of the week at iTunes. Don’t have anywhere to plug in your iPod? Use your iTunes library or Pandora.com.

• Seating – $0

Create floor seating with sturdy pillows from your pad. They have a lounge like vibe and will spark more intimate convos amoun your guest.

• Ambient Lighting – $7

Slip a votive in a colored paper bag with pebbles or sand, and presto: lounge lighting that will last all night! Tip: Line a path with these so guests don’t trip on their way out. You can make your party glow by slipping a flameless LED tea light into a paper bag that’s filled with sand. Bags from StamponThis.com; LED tealights from FlamelessCandles.net; Sand can be purchased at a craft store or visit your local beach!

• Area Lighting – $15

Cafe lights are sturdier and have brighter impact than white holiday lights. 20-bulb clear cafe string lights, Target.com.

• Napkins – $2

Bright napkins make any shindig festive, IKEA.

• Serving tray & Bowls – $0

Mix and match serving pieces you already own. Color rule: Bright is right! Ran out of plates or just want to do something more original? Pile up apps or dessert (like these fresh fruit kebabs) on cactus or palm leaves or in a hollowed-out watermelon half, and you have an instant, no-cost serving platter.

• Glasses & Garnishes – $15

Colored drinkware makes any cocktail chic-throw in flower drink picks for a pretty twist. As soon as guests arrive, put a cold margarita in their hand. Hint: Give your glasses an edge by rimming them in lime juice and rock salt first. Toss in a playful paper flower for a finishing touch. Find colored tumblers for $2 each at IKEA; drink picks are $3 per 12-pack at PlumParty.com.

• Salsa Bar – $7

• Pico de Gallo Salsa

Ingredients

• 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Kosher salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Toss all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Cover salsa with plastic wrap and then let marinate at room temperature 10 to 20 minutes. Serve.

• Holy Guacamole

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 large avocados, peeled and diced
• 2 Roma tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 jalapenos (depending on desired heat), diced
• Juice of 2 limes
• Kosher salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash avocado. Add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
2. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

• Mango Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1 mango, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Kosher salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl.
2. Cover salsa with plastic wrap and then let marinate at room temperature 10 to 20 minutes. Serve.

• Shrimp & Guacamole Phyllo Cups – $8

• Fresh Fruit Kabobs – $9

• DIY Chalupa Bar – $14

Keep it simple with one DIY main course. Place shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo in serving bowls; then arrange tostada shells on a platter. Layer your chalupa in this order: tostada shell, beans, chicken, lettuce, cheese, guac, salsa, sour cream (chichen and bean recipe). Encourage guests to pile up their chalupas…and come back for seconds!

• Chicken & Bean Chalupa Filling

• ‘ritas on the rocks – $17

• Grocery List:

Produce:

• 1/2 pineapple ($4)
• 1/2 watermelon ($4)
• 1 mango ($.80)
• 1 red bell peper ($.40)
• 1 red onion ($.50)
• 1 small ead iceberg lettuce ($1)
• 2 bunches cilantro ($.50)
• 3 cherry tomatoes ($.25)
• 4 large, ripe avocados ($4)
• 4 jalapeno pepers ($.55)
• 6 limes ($1.20)
• 7 Roma tomatoes ($2.10)

Canned/Packaged:

• 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes and green chiles ($.80)
• 1 bag tortilla chips ($3)
• 1 (15 oz.) cans black beans ($1.40)
• 12 pack of tostada shells ($1.20)

Protein/Dairy:

• 1 rotisserie chicken ($7)
• 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese ($1.50)
• 8 oz. sour cream ($.80)
• 12 shrimp ($3)

Frozen/Liquor:

• 1 box Athens mni fillo pastry shells ($2)
• 1 can frozen limeade concentrate ($1)
• 8 oz. triple sec ($4)
• 12 oz. tequila ($12)

Supplies:

• 1 pack kebab skewers ($1)
• glasses and garnishes ($15)
• napkins ($2)
• lighting ($22)

TOTAL COST: $ 97

[Sources: The Nest & Marie Saba]

New York City

July 12–31. 3 weeks. Over 250 NYC restaurants.
Lunch $24.07 Dinner $35.00. Make your reservation today.

NYC Restaurant Week^®, New York City’s original celebration of dining, dates back to 1992, when it was developed as a one time culinary program to welcome the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to the City. Though created with an eye toward delegates and other DNC attendees, the program also found a strong following among residents eager for the chance to eat at some of the City’s top restaurants for a fraction of the usual cost—$19.92 for three courses—and who didn’t want NYC Restaurant Week to be a one-time-only event.

Since 1992, the success of NYC Restaurant Week has only grown. It has expanded to include both lunch and dinner offerings—three-course, prix-fixe meals for $24.07 and $35, respectively—and extended to two weeks each in the summer and winter. And this year, for the first time ever, many of the participating restaurants are adding Sundays to the program, which has historically been weekdays only.

Today, NYC Restaurant Week stands apart as one of the City’s most exciting and anticipated events. More than 250 restaurants participate—a cross section of the NYC culinary scene that encompasses a diverse range of cuisines and includes some of its most time-honored restaurants and buzz-worthy newcomers. Through its evolution, however, the program has been guided by an unchanging force to give visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that embody the NYC dining experience.

[Source: NYCgo.com]

You can purchase a Restaurant.com gift certificate for $3 or enter our giveaway and/or challenge for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate FREE!

So let’s recap:

• One Meal

$24.07 (lunch)/ $35 (dinner)
Gift certificate: $FREE/ $3
Total For One Meal w/o AMex Deal: $FREE – $13!
Total Savings: $22 – $24.07!

• Three Meals

Charge it to your AMex: $9 – $39
AMex Credit $15 (Registrar your AMex Card)
Total Out of Pocket for THREE Meals $24!
Total Savings: $66 – $81.21!

Time spent NOT cooking: PRICELESS

Hey Boo-Boo, What in that Picnic Basket?

Picnics are a fun excuse for an economic, laid back breakfast, lunch or dinner. With the us at the heart of the summer this is a great way to save during the week for work instead of buy lunch, a date with your partner or loved ones, great for get together too!

Here are “Must Pack” items for your picnic, the key is to keep it healthy:

• Beverages – For the adults wine is the best way to go, specifically twist caps (this doesn’t mean the wine is cheap or taste bad). Keep is light during the summer unless its for dinner and your bring along a heavy dish like Pasta. For the family travel sized water bottles and natural sugared juices such as juicy juice.
• Salad – Mix 2 cups corn with 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 2 Tbl. each of shredded basil leaves and olive oil. Add a few twists of salt and pepper and pack in a plastic container.
• Fruits – Grapes and strawberries are tradition but you can get fancy and make an awesome fruit salad. Pack some cool whip to make it your sweets if you don’t pack a sweets.
• Bread – this can be sliced bread, a loaf, or even crackers. Pre-slice if you bring a loaf and you don’ t have to bring added items. You can also drizzle some olive oil just before packing so it stays soft and moist, wrap in plastic.
• Cold Cuts – Cheese and Salami are a tradition but you can get creative. Cut small squares if using blocks of cheese and salami or any cold cuts.
• Meals – This is really optional because everything else on this list is pretty filling, you don’t want to over back. But if you limited the amount of items a nice easy meal to use that will not spoil quickly or taste bad if eaten cold: pasta, casseroles, salads, and soup in thermal containers. Try to stay away from fried foods.
• Sweets – Another optional item: Pepperidge Farm Pirouette Wafers are great especially if your picnic basket is limited on space. It doesn’t get mushed and its light on the sweets. Looking for something healthier don’t add sweets just keep the fruit.

Don’t have a Basket? Need a new one? Want a modern Pack’n'Play tote?

Blue Crush, $10 – NOW ON SALE for $7, ContainerStore.com

Picnic Plus, $35, Amazon.com

Live Wire, $20 NOW ON SALE for $15, CrateandBarrel.com

Malibu Shoulder Pack, $55, Amazon.com

Cool Carryall, $30, Amazon.com

Stackable Snacker, $50, HappyTiffin.com

Picnic at Ascot, $56, Amazon.com

Accessories

Cup A Cake, $3, SurLaTable.com

Zak Designs Ice Cream Tub Pint Size, $12, Amazon.com

Eco-Friendly Fare, $5 – $20, PreserveProducts.com

Blanket-in-a-Bag, $60, BananaBarrel @ Etsy.com

Picnic on Prince Street

Kids are invited to a “picnic” in the McNally Jackson Cafe with picnic baskets, teddy grahams, apple juice, and “giant ants!” Participants can create a cast of picnic characters including a queen ant, a butterfly, or even a wombat, and for inspiration, hear stories such as The Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Little Ant, Big Thinker, read by host, author, and artist Yvonne Brooks.
212.274.1160
http://www.mcnallyjackson.com

Ages: 3-8
Time: 12n-1pm
Cost: Free
Where: McNally Jackson
52 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
When: 07/11/2009