Monday, November 22, 2010


Monograms off Madison
Address: 29 East 93rd Street
New York, New York 10128
Phone: (212) 360-1166

Neighborhood resident, Alyssa Tierney, opened Monograms off Madison in September 2010. The store offers a wonderful selection of items which are perfect for bridal showers, baby presents, mother-in-laws or something special for yourself.

The store carries lines including Kissy Kissy – a layette staple, Mariposa – always the perfect hostess gift, Lotus Jewelry Studio – personalized jewelry for girls of all ages, and much more. Monograms off Madison offers a wide range of monogram styles and fonts to personalize everything in the store.

Turn-around time for monogramming varies per item – so be sure to get to the store in time for all your holiday shopping.

Look for the balloons, as you may have guessed, just off Madison Avenue at 93rd Street!


Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Vinyl Wine
Address: 1555 Lexington Avenue (between 99th and 100th streets)
Phone: (646) 370-4100
Web: www.vinylwineshop.com

Michael Cesari and Michael Faircloth opened Vinyl Wine, a welcome addition to the neighborhood, in June 2010. The co-owners felt the local liquor stores often sold many of the same familiar wines and wanted to represent some of the less known, smaller, family owned vineyards. 60 -70% of the wines they offer for sale are organic.

Michael F. worked in Napa and trained as a sommelier while learning how to make wine and brings his passion and experience to the shop.

Both Michael C. and Michael F. are musicians and the store combines their love of music and of wine – Michael F plays the upright bass and keyboard, while Michael C plays the guitar.

Keep your eyes posted to their website and blog for upcoming events at the store and wine tastings coming this fall. Stop by for the evening tastings and find some new favorite wines.



Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Shanghai Pavilion
Address: 1378 Third Avenue (between 78th and 79th streets)
Phone: (212) 585-3388

Since 2004, Shanghai Pavilion has been serving the most delicious Shanghai style Chinese food in a sleek and inviting location on the Upper East Side at 1378 Third Avenue.

Shanghai Pavilion’s most requested menu item is their famous Soup Dumplings filled with pork and crabmeat- a must try. While their menu offers a treasure trove of Shanghai specialties including Beggar’s Chicken, Wu Xi Spareribs and Lobster with scallions and ginger, there is also a plethora of classic Chinese crowd pleaser classics such as General Tso’s Chicken and Lo Mein for the less adventurous.




Host Simon Wu and his team of friendly and courteous wait staff make everybody feel welcome and happily help guests to navigate the menu. Most evenings, Shanghai Pavilion’s dining room is filled with a local and loyal customer base. It is a welcoming spot for both couples and families alike. There are also excellent value lunch specials and an efficient delivery service throughout the day and evening.

Shanghai Pavilion's menu is online at www.shanghaipavillionnyc.com (and yes, I know that pavilion is spelled differently in their web site address, but so it goes!)

By Jackie O’Hare Keber

Holland Court Meat Market
Address: 1423 Lexington Avenue (at 93rd Street)
Phone: (212) 289-8490

I am so fond of Holland Court Meat Market on the corner of 93rd & Lexington. Over the past few years I have been tackling my goal of trying out new meals from the various cook books I had received as gifts and the multiple recipes I’d snipped out of magazines. Holland Court has been and is my go-to spot for all of my meats, poultry and seafood to tackle these recipes. Everyone in there is so friendly and helpful. You walk in and you receive a big hello. Even the people leaving the store are smiling as they head out the door. Not only is everyone so kind but they are patient. There aren't many places I can walk into and ask for "8 ounces of chicken please" as I recite from what I am pretty sure I had read in my cook book. Ounces?

Or asking for filet of beef and they’d ask me "how thick?" and I’d look at them blankly. They simply ask me "what are you making?" and "for how many people?" and I’d tell them and they’d know just what to do. I could go on...I giggle when I recall my time attempting to make coq au vin and I, of course, came in there to order the chicken. They had so many questions and when I told them what I was making and they knew just what to do. They knew I was pretty clueless and doing my very best at tackling this recipe, but they were so sweet and patient with me the entire time. They are all so appreciative of their customers, which I love.

Beyond their friendliness, Holland Court's quality is superb. Everything has been fresh and delicious and they are willing to answer any questions and offer tips to their customers. They have a pride in their job. Other places in my past neighborhoods are quite frankly cranky and looking at the clock every time they wrap up an order for another customer holding on to his or her ticket. That may be because their customers are not as friendly as they may be in the Carnegie Hill neighborhood. I suppose it's give and take of course. But the experience at Holland Court is always a happy one for me!

By Laurie Ballentine Ferris

For more information, visit: hollandcourtmeat.com



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Glaser's Bake Shop



Glaser's Bake Shop
Founded: 1902
Owners: Herb and John Glaser
Address: 1670 1st Ave (at 87th Street)
Phone: (212) 289-2562





Following in their father Herb's, and grandfather John's footsteps, Herb and John Glaser are the third generation to run this charming Upper East Side bakery.

John Glaser founded the bakery in 1902, and the shop has been in continuous operation in the same location for 107 years.

Located on 87th and First Avenue, this Yorkville treasure of German heritage, is a must-shop-stop for cookies, danishes, pies and almost any other confection your heart could desire.

Herb is the day baker, and brother John bakes through the night. Be sure to check out the family tree and history of the store if you can keep yourself away from the mouth watering desserts.

For more information, visit: glasersbakeshop.com