Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Greek week?

Pylos Restaurant

I don't know about you, but I love Greek food. I love the freshness of the fish, the simple sauces, the crisp lightness of a greek salad and the warm fluffiness of the pita bread with their delectable spreads. I recently went back to a great little Greek spot in the East Village. It is tres romantique and yummy to boot. The decor is minimalist and sleek, the food was prepared well, the service very friendly and the prices really reasonable. If you are looking for a new Greek to try in Manhattan, this would be a good one...

Samantha's Liquor Pick--- Do you like figs?

Figenza Vodka

Most people either drink their vodka straight up or they mix it with cranberry juice or lemon to make it sweeter. So, wouldn't it be great to drink a vodka that already had the sweet mixed in? A perfect blend of just a hint of sweetness, a hint of fig flavor.  That's right, figs- that fruit that is all healthy for you. Figenza vodka is "the" fig vodka and it tastes really yummy. Drink it alone of drink it with a splash of club soda or lime juice. It's the perfect winter holiday drink; go check it out!

Samantha's Do Good Pick- If it makes you happy

Robin Hood rocks Sheryl Crow

This past weekend, the Robin Hood foundation hosted a fabulous soiree to raise money to help poverty stricken people in New York. Not only were there over 400 people who were socializing and networking but the main act was none other than Sheryl Crow who sang for over 2 hours. She sang all of our old faves like "If it makes you happy" "All I wanna Do" and "The first cut is the deepest" and then she sang some new songs as well as a few romantic ballads with Citizen Pope. The song was outstanding and Sheryl looked like the Rock Star she is- cool and sexy. If you didn't make it to this event, definitely keep an eye out for it next year!

Samantha's Event Pick- Decorating for a Cause

Susan Komen Breast Cancer Holiday House

Even though Breast Cancer awareness month is October, that doesn't mean that we can't support the cause other months as well. As we embark upon the holiday season, a not to be missed Decorator's showhouse is the Holiday House on E 63rd Street in Manhattan. Some of the city's best interior designers have come in and transformed this elegant townhouse into holiday rooms. Don't miss the Mother's Day Room, The Easter Room or Chinese New Year. They even asked me to do a room,  the Valentine's Day Love Lounge where you can sip a love potion, ask love questions and relax to love melodies from Air Supply and Barbra Streisand. Some of the designer's participating this year are Barbara Ostrom, Marcia Tucker Interiors, and Debra Landis Designs . The house is open to the public for the first 2 weeks of December and all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research. This is not to be missed!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Asian fusion anyone

Mehtaphor

I recently tried this restaurant and let me tell you, it was yummy. It is located on the ground floor of the Duane Street Hotel and its definitely worth a try. Ir is the newest restaurant from Jehangir Mehta, the owner of the small plates restaurant, Graffiti.    They categorize Mehtaphor as asian fusion, indian, eclectic and small plates; I know, that's sounds like too many types of food. However, whatever you want to call it, the food works. Don't miss the Shrimp Ceviche appetizer, the sauce is divine. And Shaved Fois Gras with the Raspberry Compote was just right, served with a side of the most succulent salad; I have no idea what they put on those greens but I literally had to order an extra plate of just the lettuces! And the Banana Leaf Cod with Green Chutney was the perfect mix of sweet and a little spicy. Then, the Hazelnut Souffle was the right ending for this meal. Two words of caution when going here, go for the food, not for quiet conversation; this place is very noisy, fun and upbeat, but noisy. Second, make sure to request an actual table or you might wind up at the bar or the common table. Enjoy!

Samantha's Do Good Pick- Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Endeavor Organization

There are a lot of do good organizations out there these days so it takes a lot to capture a philanthropist attention. And the Endeavor Organization does just that, makes everyone sit up and take notice. This organization helps entrepreneurs in emerging markets start or grow their companies all with an eye towards creating more job and economic growth for the country. The organization started in 1997 and since that time have expanded into over 10 emerging markets. I learned all of this at the very lovely event they hosted in New York City where they honored the entrepreneurs who founded the Gilt Groupe. Notable  people like Edgar Bronfman Jr.,  Paula Zahn and Nicholas Beim were in attendance. And the evening's entertainment was sexy crooner, Bruno Mars who sang all his hits songs including my favorite song, Just the Way You Are!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Midtown Meals

Casa Lever

I recently returned to Casa Lever for dinner. This hotspot is located in the Lever Building on 53rd Street right of Park Avenue. It is a great place for a date if you are trying to impress her with food . The food was yummy. I had an amazing Carciofi salad first which had hearts of palm, artichokes of course and baby arugula with shaved and a light but tasting dressing, then we went to one of their signature dishes, Tagliatelle Bolognese with veal ragout and the main course was scrumptous Sardinian-style lamb served with polenta and a wine reduction. Then, we even saved room for a nibble of their Gianduia dessert, one of my favorites because I love hazelnuts. The food was top notch. One word of caution, if you are service snob, this might not be the place for you- the staff was very confused- bringing the wrong dishes and drinks to tables, stuttering over reciting the specials and just not as attentive as you would think they would be at a place of this stature. I am hopeful it was just an off night because the food is not to be missed!