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Wedding Season Is Here – Unique Bow Ties for Men
Wedding season is here, and with DAZI, both men and kids can take their wedding look to the next level with DAZI skinny ties. These high-quality skinny ties come in many wonderfully unique designs, styles, and colors that perfectly match any suit or outfit — at a very affordable price!
With DAZI, high quality meets affordability. Priding itself in offering some of the best skinny ties that money can buy, these fashion accessories are a must-have for guys who love to elevate their outfits with a trendy tie.
All DAZI ties are handmade from high-quality imported fabrics with each tie being lined on the inside with a fun, unique fabric to add character and quality.
Men, a great neck-tie has always been, and always will be, the key to really getting respect when it comes to your menswear game. Dazi has on-trend, handsome designs that will keep you looking sharp. They are perfect for any special night out. With a wide array of colors and patterns, these fine-crafted ties will have you ready for whatever the day brings. They are perfect for a night out with your special someone. With a wide array of colors and patterns, these fine-crafted ties will have you ready for a successful date night!
DAZI makes creative bow ties with unique floral prints that will make him stand out from the rest. And, at only $19.99, these festive bow-ties won’t be breaking the bank! Perfect for Dads and Grads!
Each DAZI bow tie is:
- 100% Cotton
- Handmade
- Adjustable to fit most neck sizes 13″ – 18″
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MERCI! FIAF presents Bastille Day on 60th Street, Sunday, July 15
The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) today announced details for Bastille Day on 60th Street, New York’s largest annual fête of Franco-American Culture. This year’s celebration will feature a free live screening of the World Cup final in Florence Gould Hall at 11am, activities for children and families, wine and champagne tastings, live performances including the popular can can, a special screening of the film Le Brio (2017), and more than 80 booths showcasing the best of French food and Francophile culture. Attracting more than 40,000 people per year, the street fair will take place Sunday, July 15, from noon to 5pm on East 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues.
This year’s highlights include:
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
A special free screening of the FIFA World Cup Final in FIAF Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, at 11am. Whether or not Les Bleus advance to the championship match, FIAF will host a first-come first-served viewing party in its state-of-the-art 361-seat theater.
Live performances by Sense and La Jarry, electropop singer Marie-Line Grinda and DJ Lara Gerin, the Hungry March Band, hip-hop performers It’s Showtime NYC!, and the always popular can-can led by Karen Peled.
TASTINGS
Champagne & Jazz Party — 1:30-3pm and 3:30-5pm in the FIAF Skyroom — featuring vintages from Pol Roger, Ayala, Champagne Delamotte, and Besserat de Bellefon, as well as sparkling cocktails courtesy of Grand Marnier, served along with treats from Maman Bakery and Voilà Chocolat. Jazz singer Chloé Perrier will sing favorite French and American songs accompanied by a guitarist. Tickets to each session are $75, $65 for members.
Summer in the South of France — 12-1:30pm, 1:30-3pm, and 3-4:30pm in FIAF Tinker Auditorium — showcasing wines provided by Sud de France, Kronenbourg beer, Bayonne ham, cheese from Président, and artisanal breads from Maison Kayser. Tickets to each session are $25.
FILM SCREENING
A special screening of the film Le Brio (2017), starring Daniel Auteuil and Camélia Jordana and directed by Yvan Attal, follows the outdoor street fair in FIAF Florence Gould Hall at 5:30pm. A 2018 César nominee for Best Film, Le Brio follows the relationship between a young Arab student from the Paris suburbs and a racist professor, whose perspective changes when he becomes her mentor. Tickets are $14, $8 for members and students.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Dancing and interactive activities, including a zouk lesson with Franck Muhel, mime demonstrations by Catherine Gasta, and dancing and sing-alongs with Jacques & Marie’s Paris Swing Band.
Kids’ Corner & FIAF “Pop-Up” Library will invite all ages to participate in French-inspired games and arts-and-crafts organized by FIAF’s Language Center, as well as story time.
Bastille Day on 60th Street once again is the finishing point for the annual Citroën Bastille Day Rally & RendezVous, where car lovers will be able to get up close to classic models of the popular French automobile.
FRENCH-THEMED MARKET
More than 80 booths showcasing the best of French food (Café Macaron, Dominique Ansel Kitchen, Epicerie Boulud, Le Souk, Le Bec Fin Fine Foods, and many others), Francophile culture (La Martinique and TV5Monde/SlingTV), and retail (Miroslava Palavicini and Hanami Jewerly).
A new addition, The French Garden, will feature a premium shopping area with exclusive fashions and accessories from French boutiques Jérôme Dreyfus, Emma & Chloé, Tissage Moutet, 727 Sailbags, and many more.
PRIZE DRAWINGS
More than 30 lots donated by companies participating in Bastille Day on 60th Street will be raffled off, including a seven-day trip to Martinique and a three-night stay in Paris, both including airfare.
STREET & MAIN STAGE EVENT SCHEDULE
• 12:15pm: Zouk Dance Lesson with Franck Muhel (main stage)
• 12:45pm: French Mime Catharine Gasta (60th street)
• 12:55pm: Citroën Car Show (60th Street at Fifth Avenue)
• 1:00pm: Marie-Line Grinda and DJ Lara Gerin (main stage)
• 1:30pm: Can-Can Dancing with Karen Peled (main stage)
• 1:45pm: It’s Showtime NYC! (main stage)
• 2:30pm: Jacques & Marie’s Paris Swing Band (main stage)
• 3:00pm: Can-Can Dancing with Karen Peled (main stage)
• 3:00pm: Hungry March Band (street)
• 3:15pm: La Jarry (main stage)
• 4:00pm: SENSE (main stage)
• 4:45pm: Prize Drawings (main stage)More information is available at bastilledayny.org.
MERCI!
French Wines are provided by Sud de France.
Bastille Day on 60th Street is made possible with the generous support of key sponsors Credit Agricole, La Martinque, Perrier, and TV5Monde/SlingTV.
Additional support provided by Supporting Sponsors Président Specialty Cheeses; and St Michel.
Special thanks to our media partners France-Amérique and French Morning.
ABOUT FIAF
FIAF’s mission is to create and offer New Yorkers innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French cultures. FIAF seeks to generate new ideas and promote cross-cultural dialogue through partnerships and new platforms of expression. fiaf.org.
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Summer Fun – Melissa Galeria Collection
The launch of Melissa Shoes new mini collection in honor of their newest installation at the Galeria Melissa NYC. These styles are straight out of the 90’s celebrating Melissa heritage while inviting the future with a new set of Melissa fans.
For many wearers these styles will bring them right back to their childhood while providing major comfort! As is true with all Melissa Styles, this shoe is vegan, waterproof and made of eco-friendly PVC and partially comprised of recycled materials.
The Melissa Odd For Galeria Melissa
Price: $95Odd introduces 90’s nostalgia in a flip-flop with a sneaker-inspired sole. Basic while full of attitude, it has a robust shape, wide straps, and extra-comfortable insoles so you’ll never want to take them off again. In this special edition for Galeria Melissa Special Collection, it comes in a new color combination and shiny finish.
Link to Retail Odd: http://shopmelissa.com/
melissa-galeria-special- collection/melissa-odd-for- galeria-melissa-special- collection#272=646
The Melissa Possession For Galeria Melissa
Price: $135
A reinvented classic. After a long-awaited comeback, The Melissa hit from the 90’s is here in a new version. Possession Platform returns with a sporty touch. In this special edition for Galeria Melissa Special Collection, it comes in a new color combination and shiny finish. The straps keep their original design, adding a nostalgic note and the sneaker-inspired sole provides comfort all day long.Link to Retail Possession: http://shopmelissa.com/
melissa-galeria-special- collection/melissa-possession- for-galeria-melissa-special- collection#272=646 -
Olive Oil – It’s All About The Benefits
Happy 4th of July!
Let’s get healthier together starting from this holiday.
Ruccello Olive Oil provides high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil from around the world, other specialty products and education for people who love to cook healthy, fun, glorious, delicious meals that satisfy the soul.
Ruccello Olive Oil, founded in 2017 by Monterey native RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer, specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the Tuscany region in of Italy and from California, as well as hand-crafted olive wood items, olive oil soaps and lotions and handmade aprons. Coming this summer, she will be offering Balsamic vinegars.
Ruccello is committed to educating the consumer on the many health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how to be a discerning consumer through olive oil tastings, olive oil and food pairing events and house parties showcasing EVOO.
There is actually quite a bit of research on the health effects of olive oil, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Studies show that the mono-unsaturated fats and antioxidants in EVOO have some powerful health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease.
According to healthline.com, here is why EVOO is often considered the “healthiest fat on Earth”:
- Real “extra virgin” olive oil is 100% natural and very high in antioxidants. Many of the lower quality olive oils have been processed and adulterated with cheaper oils.
- Olive oil is very high in monounsaturated fats and contains a modest amount of vitamins E and K. True EVOO is loaded with antioxidants, some of which have powerful health benefits.
- Olive oil contains oleic acid and oleocanthal, nutrients that can fight inflammation. This may be the main reason for olive oil’s health benefits.
- EVOO may be one of the healthiest foods you can eat for heart health. It lowers blood pressure, protects LDL particles from oxidation, reduces inflammation and may help prevent unwanted blood clotting.
- Although mostly studied for its effects on heart health, olive oil consumption has also been associated with a number of other health benefits, including fighting cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. There is preliminary evidence for these health benefits, but this needs to be confirmed in human controlled trials.
- Olive oil, which contains mostly monounsaturated fatty acids (only one double bond), is actually fairly resistant to high heat. In one study, researchers heated EVOO to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for 36 hours. The oil was highly resistant to damage. Another study used olive oil for deep frying, and it took 24-27 hours for it to reach damage levels that were deemed harmful. So, overall, EVOO seems to be very safe… even for cooking at a fairly high heat.
- EVOO is most definitely a “superfood,” however, it is extremely important to get the right stuff. That is, EVOO that hasn’t been diluted with cheaper oils or even mislabeled as EVOO.
“Consumers know that olive oil is good for you, but there are a lot of myths about it out there,” says Ruccello. “I want to share what I’ve learned and I want to provide a product that people can trust and feel safe in the knowledge that the products are of the highest quality.”
Fonte di Foiano 1979 Extra Virgin Olive Oil $37.99
The area where the olives were harvested: Castagneto Carducci – Bolgheri, Tuscany
Olive variety: Frantoio, Moraiolo
Harvest time: October
Characteristics: Intense fruity with notes of grass, artichoke and tomato leaf. It’s spicy and bitter – a very good characteristic.$34.99
Get a sampling of 3 different Extra Virgin Olive Oils, 100 ml bottles:
- Olivastra Seggianese
- Fragrance: a clear scent of olives, fresh and delicate, typical of Olivastra, strong hints of vegetable with clear hints of artichoke and slight hints of banana.
- Taste: delicate, well-rounded, with well-balanced fruity and herbaceous flavors, very light and elegant. Initially with sweet sensation on the palate, which develops into a medium peppery intensity. Beautifully harmonious and elegant complexity with a spicy and fresh finish.
- Use: fresh on mushroom appetizers, boiled lobster, seafood salad, chickpea soup, fish couscous, fresh cheese, bakery products. Excellent as raw artichoke dip, with home-made mayonnaise, oil-preserved vegetables, and baking.
- Villa Magra Gran Cru
- Fragrance: fresh, intensely grassy with a predominant aroma of artichoke, cardoon, and green almond, enhanced by floral and cherry hints which create an extremely complex bouquet.
- Taste: ample, with strong and decisive spice and bitterness, overlaid with excellent harmony, great complexity of herbaceous hints and long persistence of smooth aromatic notes.
- Use: Excellent on potatoes, beans, chickpeas and vegetables in general; on red meat or strong-flavored fish; with fresh cheese, such as mozzarella, which enhance the fresh-green features of the oil. It perfectly pairs zucchini pies or artichoke cakes; ideal on grilled porcini mushrooms and first courses such as gnocchi or ricotta cheese tortellini with parmesan.
- Le Trebbiane
- Fragrance: fresh and clean fruity aroma, rich in grassy scents with a predominance of artichoke, elegant notes of fruit and spices.
- Taste: ample and harmonious, with herbaceous hints of artichoke, blossoms, and fruit, extremely complex. Medium intensity of harmonious bitter and peppery features, a rich finish with a long spicy persistence.
- Use: Ideal fresh on tuna carpaccio, seafood au gratin, porcini mushroom soup, shellfish stew, grilled meat and mature cheese. Excellent in soups, green or spelt salads, medium-flavored fish, legumes, bruschetta, and dip.
Rio Bravo Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coratina Variety$19.99
This Extra Virgin Olive Oil is from Southern California, Rio Bravo Ranch.
The characteristic of this olive oil is a medium to intense taste with notes green grass, green fruits and a kick of pepper.
The Coratina’s strong flavor makes it ideal for use in tomato and heavier bodied sauces, but with its spicy notes, it also performs well in salads and as a dipper. Additionally, for any soups that call for an olive oil finish, look no further than this fruity, peppery variety.
Awards: Gold 2018 Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, Gold 2018 California Olive Oil Council Competition, Silver 2018 Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition.
Let’s check out some
bath & body products made with Rio Bravo Olive Oil
and handmade olive wood products!
$9.00
This soap is handcrafted in Bakersfield by Soapterra, especially for Ruccello Olive Oil. It is made with 75% Olive Oil and the green color comes from olive leaf extract. This soap is gentle and soothing on your skin and is not drying.
Ingredient list:
Rio Bravo Olive Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Distilled Water, Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) Castor Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Olive Leaf extract, French Clay.
$3.00
This Lip Butter is handcrafted in Bakersfield by Soapterra, especially for Ruccello Olive Oil. It is made with Rio Bravo Olive Oil and feels heavenly on your lips. This lip butter smells like chocolate mint and is deliciously soothing and moisturizing. Say goodbye to your chapped lips!
Ingredients:
Rio Bravo Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Bees Wax, Organic Mango Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Vitamin E, Essential Oils of Peppermint and Sweet Orange.
Olive Wood Cutting Board with handle, small$35.99
This beautiful cutting board would be a perfect addition to your kitchen. It’s beautiful enough to be a decoration piece and, of course, it makes a great cutting board.
$41.99
This beautiful handcrafted bowl can be used for entertaining as well as every day. It will look beautiful in your kitchen and feel like you have a piece of Italy’s sunshine and olive trees in your home.
Olive wood has a beautifully bold grain and color variations which make each piece unique and special. Artisans, in Italy, hand create each piece showcasing the dramatic variations in tone and pattern that make each piece one of a kind.
- Handcrafted by Italian Artisans
- Natural variations in color and grain pattern make each piece unique.
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BOKKSU CELEBRATES 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND A MILLION SNACKS SOLD
No matter it is Summer or Winter, I always have my favorite snacks in my bag. Because living in a big city like New York, keeping good energy is important to deal with the stress, the traffic… Even snack stores are everywhere, but I still prefer carrying my own snacks, saving time and definitely tastier than a fast choice from a deli next to you.
For snacks, Japan makes great ones. I love they use yuzu a lot, and of course matcha!
Bokksu is unlike any other Japanese snack subscription. They are totally in love with authentic Japanese snacks, which is why they handpick snacks that people in Japan actually eat and curate them into beautiful themed boxes every month. They are also the only Japanese box subscription that includes a Tea Pairing specifically selected to complement that month’s delicacies as well as a Tasting Guide that describes the story and flavors of each item in the box.
Bokksu Founder, Danny Taing, is becoming known as the “ambassador of Japanese snacks,” selling a million snacks to over 75 countries around the world in his company’s first two years in business.
Bokksu, the only gourmet snack box sourced and curated directly from local snack makers in Japan, has grown rapidly since its founding in May 2016. The company has quadrupled subscribers in the first 4 months of 2018, finding enthusiasm for their curated mixes of artisanal and hard to find Japanese snacks with subscribers from United States and the UK, to Singapore, Brasil, Kyrgyzstan and even Japan.
Taing lived in Japan for many years and fell in love with Japanese culture and the myriad of unique flavors he experienced. Upon returning to New York City, he was disappointed when he was unable to continue enjoying his favorite Japanese snacks. “During my time in Japan, snacking became not just a way to satiate hunger but create ritual, slow down, and create community by sharing. Through being introduced to unique Japanese snacks, I discovered inspiring stories of the snack makers and the traditional recipes behind each one. Some of the snack makers Bokksu works with have been making their signature delicacies for hundreds of years, such as a 500 year old Red Bean Paste and the first maker to popularize Western desserts in Japan over 100 years ago.”
Meaningfully, Bokksu has created proprietary relationships with over 55 artisanal Japanese snack makers. Taing describes a recent sourcing trip: “It was one of the best experiences in my life to be able to meet face-to-face with 4th generation family business artisans who had been making traditional snacks and candy for hundreds of years. For most of our makers, Bokksu was the first time their products had ever been shipped overseas.”
As Bokksu reaches their 2 year anniversary, Taing looks back at the company’s growth and development: “When I first started Bokksu, it was literally me bringing snacks in 3 large suitcases from Japan back to the US. Since then, our subscriber base has been growing so quickly that our fulfillment center in Osaka has even had some trouble keeping up with our orders. In fact, during our recent business trip to Japan to meet them to discuss future expansion, my team and I had to roll up our sleeves and help pack boxes to meet our shipping deadline.”
Rare, gourmet, sought after snacks and delicacies are included in each box. May’s “All Stars” box features their subscriber’s favorite snacks from the past two years – including a white chocolate and raspberry cookie selected by Michelin-starred chef Chikara Sono from his hometown and matcha azuki beans that have been popular in Japan since the late 1800’s. Previous boxes featured limited edition Kit Kats such as Mandarin Orange and exclusive collaborations like the heavenly Caramelized Apple Cobbler from world-renowned Japanese pastry shop ChikaLicious.
Poised to redefine worldwide snacking traditions, Bokksu is the only subscription box service of its kind delivering a curated mix of gourmet, traditional, and longtime family-favorite snacks directly from Japan. A combination Tasting Menu and Culture Guide is included in every Bokksu along with a tea pairing for the box to further create opportunities to slow down, enjoy a snacking ritual, and invite loved ones to explore with you and join in!
Since the company’s inception Bokksu has developed somewhat of a cult following where subscribers celebrate the monthly arrival of their Bokksu snack box with Bokksu snack parties. Customers have shared that they’ve invited family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even dates over to dive into their Bokksu!
Unboxing the Bokksu
Bokksu is both a premium subscription-based offering and an à la carte menu of gourmet Japanese snacks; the only service of its kind sourced, boxed, and shipped directly from Japan. Boxes have different themes each month such as Glamorous Tokyo, Blossoming Spring, Citrus Summer, Tropical Okinawa, and Doki Doki Kit Kat for a unique Valentine’s Day theme in February (Doki Doki is the sound of an excited heartbeat in Japanese).
The snacks are carefully curated and hand-picked to match that month’s theme. Monthly boxes contain an assortment of savory and sweet snacks as well as a curated pairing of Japanese tea. In addition, a Tasting & Cultural Guide is included that shares the story and flavors of each item in the box. www.bokksu.com
Are you ready to have your own Bokksu?
There are two subscription plans you can choose.
From Hokkaido milk cookies to Kyoto hand-ground matcha, Classic Bokksu gives you the experience of tasting authentic Japanese snacks and teas delivered to your door directly from Japan. Each box comes with:
- 20-25 Japanese snacks & tea pairing curated around a fun theme
- Our Tasting Guide that explains each product’s story and flavors
- Free shipping worldwide
- The option to pause or cancel anytime
This little explorer will take you to the highest mountains in Hokkaido and the whitest beaches in Okinawa. With Tasting Bokksu, you’ll get a sampling of most or all products in Classic Bokksu each month. Each box comes with:
- 8-10 Japanese snacks & tea pairing curated around a fun theme
- Our Tasting Guide that explains each product’s story and flavors
- Free shipping worldwide
- The option to pause or cancel anytime
Explore more at https://www.bokksu.com/.
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NYC Hot Sauce Expo brings the Heat to Brooklyn – Hey! Let’s Lit This Summer
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 6th Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo and while there I had the opportunity to sample countless hot sauces from large and small purveyors around the world.
It was an intense afternoon and one where nearly everyone was sweating conspicuously while seeking out free milk, and cold cocktails, to help drown out the fiercely hot sauces that everyone was there to try.
Whether you’re already a die-hard hot sauce aficionado or you’re new to the spicier side of foodie-life, these are the three hot sauce brands that I had never heard of which you will want to try.
Magic Sauce by Cobra Chilli out of Queensland, Australia. This Asian style sauce is so amazing and tasty and has been described as “liquid umami” – it’s their Best Seller.
The first five seconds in your mouth, you will taste all of the ingredients – the soy, the sesame oil, the onion, ginger and garlic and even the Carolina Reaper – but without the heat. Then the heat will kick in but will only really last for about 15 seconds. It will then dissipate, leaving you with the fantastic flavors of all the natural ingredients. Wow – magic.
Wham, Bam, Spice & Ham! It’s Carolina Reaper bacon hot sauce. What more could you want from a hot sauce? It is the world’s hottest pepper combined with bacon. It is super spicy and great tasting!
This delicious combination of Carolina Reaper and Bacon will awaken your senses.
It would be great to use these two awesome hot sauces for a great BBQ party night at July 4th with the beautiful fireworks. I know this summer has been pretty hot already, but why not to make it a little bit even more spicier? Because summer is the BBQ season, let’s go fun!
