Marisa Tom | November 11, 2011 7:28 pmJust when I thought my taco obsession had receded into the horizon of Summer's past, new Loisaida (a term derived from the Latino pronunciation of "Lower East Sider") double threat Viktor & Spoils (105 Rivington St., 212-475-3485) presented itself as a new, shiny (taco-related) thing that I couldn't say "no" to. Last night, the brand spankin' new taqueria and tequila bar in the Hotel on Rivington opened its door for a press preview. The official opening is tonight; in fact, you can head there right now to order off the tequila-happy menu.Read More
Marisa Tom | November 3, 2011 4:40 pmGood things come to those who wait — and wait, we did. Luckily, you no longer have to wonder how exactly a mass clothier (sold in Canadian grocery stores, no less) would translate to a Fifth Avenue shopping emporium. Today, Joe Fresh (110 Fifth Ave.) opened its doors on the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and West 16th Street and, in my mind, proved that it is now a fast fashion force to be reckoned with.Read More
Marisa Tom | October 24, 2011 5:00 pmI can't remember the last time a brand has gone to such lengths to celebrate a store opening, but given C. Wonder's (72 Spring St.) penchant for the bold and bright, it's not a huge shocker that Chris Burch's prepped-out foray into the retail industry would be nothing short of a truly fabulous extravaganza.
From the moment I stepped foot into the SoHo flagship last Tuesday, it was clear we were all in for a week-long C.Read More
Marisa Tom | October 19, 2011 11:15 amWho is C. Wonder (72 Spring St.)? That would be none other than Chris Burch, also known as Tory Burch's ex-husband, but after a peek inside his new SoHo boutique, I'd say his name will stand on its own two feet soon enough.Read More
Marisa Tom | October 13, 2011 10:00 amThis is what I'd like to call sensory overload, in the best sense possible. All puns intended. Diptyque's Bleecker Street boutique (377 Bleecker St., 212-242-2333) may not be brand-new, but the complete design and decor overhaul makes it seem that way.Read More
Marisa Tom | October 7, 2011 10:05 amIt took a lot of patience and trips to Sephora (on my part) before beauty brand Benefit took the standalone plunge (454 W. Broadway, 212-769-1111) but after a visit to its first New York City storefront yesterday evening, I know it was well worth the wait. Nestled in SoHo, the dripping-in-pink-and-dainty-florals decor is befitting of the even girlier products showcased on vintage-inspired shelves lining the boutique walls.Read More
Marisa Tom | October 6, 2011 10:00 amAfter Jean-Georges Group wine director Bernie Sun let it slip about his new restaurant obsession Family Recipe (231 Eldridge St., 212-529-3133) during a New York City Wine & Food Festival panel, I've had the Lower East Side eatery on my mind. Sun warned that the space is small and does not take reservations, so erring on the side of eating earlier, I made a beeline for Eldridge Street right after work.
Born to food-obsessed parents in Tokyo, Akiko Thurnauer experienced different culinary cultures and flavors from an early age.Read More
Marisa Tom | August 26, 2011 9:30 amBarring any extreme flooding over the weekend, Los Angeles's beloved coffee and tea chain will finally offer its addictive ice blended drinks to caffeine-deprived New Yorkers starting bright and early Monday morning. Wondering how "The Bean" will fit into NYC's already overpopulated coffee scene? The beverage purveyor intends to add a "handcrafted and customized touch to the Manhattan café landscape and fill a noticeable void between the coffee conglomerates and the independent mom-and-pop shops."Read More
Marisa Tom | August 16, 2011 8:30 amBy chance, I happened to walk past Chiles & Chocolate (155 Eighth Ave., 212-229-2291) in Chelsea last night. I would have missed it completely if it weren't for the chips and guacamole being offered to passersby. I'm a sucker for these kind of things.Read More
Marisa Tom | August 2, 2011 9:30 amI promise (maybe) that this is the last time I'll shamelessly assert my love for all things Roberta's related. Well, at least this week. Before this can happen, I feel obliged to let you in on a fabulous dinner I had on Saturday night.Read More