Gilty Pleasures - The Official Blog of Gilt City

Discover the latest and greatest experiences in your city as told by the Gilt City team. Find dining gems, shopping hot spots, must try activities and more!

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We’ve Moved. Follow Us To MyGiltCity.com!

Hello! As you can see, we’ve moved the Gilty Pleasures site over to Wordpress. Waddle on over MyGiltCity.com for the same awesome restaurant ratings, beauty reviews, pithy commentary and sass from the editors at Gilt City. 

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What We Love: June 10, 2015

Monica Lewinsky hits the red carpet, protests against dinosaur cruelty, nudists cause an earthquake, Hillary gets a “handle” on things and the return of “OITNB.” This is what has peaked our interests this week.

Internationally Renowned Intern Turned...Socialite? Monica Lewinsky took to the red carpet at the Tony Awards this week—and even accompanied names like Joan Smalls, Joe Manganiello and Elisabeth Moss on Elle’s “Best Dressed” roundup. We aren’t loving the dress, but it looks like she’s found a new signature color.

Your Favorite Inmates Are Back: Season three of “Orange Is the New Black” hits Netflix on Friday, so cancel all of your weekend plans, get some snacks and catch up on your prison lingo.

The Park Is Open: While some Jurassic Park fans are feverishly praying for a Dr. Malcolm appearance in “Jurassic World,” the release of the fourth installment of the series seems to have flown under the radar of a certain author.

Prank Gone Awry: Several tourists are being blamed for the deadly earthquake that struck Mount Kinabalu this week. The group—after being taken into custody by Malaysian authorities—was told that the nude photos they took on the sacred mountain caused the magnitude 5.9 quake.

#Hillary2016: “Doting grandmother, among other things,” reads Hillary Clinton’s Instagram profile. That’s right, the former Secretary of State, Senator, First Lady and all-around badass has joined Instagram. Coolest grandparent ever? (Follow her and her pantsuits at @HillaryClinton.)

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Pretty is Easy with Clinique

When it comes to our summer beauty routine, we like to keep things simple. With Clinique on Gilt City, we stocked our beauty arsenal with no-fuss summer essentials from the iconic beauty brand. Take an easy approach to summer beauty with $30 off on your next Clinique purchase of $80 or more, now on Gilt City.

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3 Spirited Spins On Your Favorite Summer Drinks

Not like we’re keeping track, but there are exactly 13 days until the official start of summer. From al fresco movie screenings and garden parties to barbecues and Shakespeare in the Park, we already have a long list of outdoor adventures for when the mercury rises. One of the best things about summer is that it seems as though any occasion is an acceptable one for some spirited celebrations. Sure, good ol’ fashioned lemonade is great. But spiked lemonade with sea salt and mezcal? Yeah, I’ll take two. 

Whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or fulfill your need for caffeine, these boozy twists on your favorite summer sippers will keep you cool—and buzzing with excitement—all season long. 

Whiskey Peach Iced Tea

In case it’s not already on your list of favorite holidays, June 10 is National Iced Tea Day, making it yet another reason to fill your glass with a fresh brew. For a refreshing take on this classic, try this whiskey-kissed, peachy version from Bobby Flay. 

1 quart cold water

6 quart black tea bags

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cups peach nectar

Your favorite whiskey (preferably Jack Daniels)

Fresh peach slices, for garnish

Mint sprigs, for garnish

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan; remove from the heat, add tea bags and let steep five minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved. Transfer to a pitcher, add peach nectar and stir to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 

Fill tall glasses ice, then pour peach tea over, leaving some room at the top for the whiskey. Stir in one shot of whiskey to each glass and garnish with a peach slice and fresh mint sprig. 

“The Beccacino” Iced Coffee

Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or are declaring your own summer Friday at the office (we won’t tell your boss), boozy iced coffee is the perfect energy jolt. This 30-year-old recipe from famed bartender Murray Stenson was one of the first coffee cocktail recipes around and remains a worldwide favorite today. 

1 ounce brandy

1/2 ounce Bénédictine

1/2 ounce amaretto

1/2 ounce Irish Mist

2 1/2 cold brew coffee

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with whipped cream. 

Sea Salt Mezcal Lemonade

Far removed from the traditional version sold at the corner lemonade stand, this adult version is inspired by Astor Bake Shop’s non-alcoholic sea salt lemonade. To give it a kick, we suggest adding mezcal (or tequila if you’re not feeling that brave) to add a smoky component to the sweet-savory dynamic. 

8 lemons

2 tablespoons sea salt

2 cups sugar

Mezcal or tequila

Cut the lemons into eighths and, in a bowl, toss with salt and sugar. Place the lemons in a mason jar for one to four weeks. In a large pitcher, combine the preserved lemons with one gallon of filtered water. Adjust with more lemon juice, sugar, salt, water and your desired amount of mezcal or tequila. 

-Megan Wieczorek

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Where To Eat Now In NYC: June 5, 2015

Start making your reservations for some of the best restaurants in the city. We’ll see you there!

1. Wildair

From chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske comes this highly anticipated spot, located right next door to their other popular restaurant, Contra. Here, instead of a tasting menu, diners can look forward to à la carte dishes like littleneck clams on toast with spinach and lardo, and pork shoulder Milanese. Also on offer will be an extensive wine list focused on natural varietals, as well as Stone and von Hauske’s signature bread-and-butter service. Sign us up. 138 Orchard Street; [phone]

2. Charlie Palmer Steak NY

A modern take on the classic steakhouse, this Midtown standby offers the finest meat selection alongside craft cocktails and unexpected wines. We already told you about the sides, but you’ll also want to order starters like tuna tartare and crisp pork belly, as well as steaks like the porterhouse for two. Finish with the strawberry rhubarb crumble and you’ll understand why Charlie Palmer is one of our country’s most acclaimed chefs. 5 East 54th Street; [phone]

3. Rebelle

From the owners of next-door Pearl & Ash comes this new spot, inspired by Paris’ “bistronomy” culture (wherein young chefs serve serious food in casual settings). Expect French classics prepared in a modern way, like lamb tartare with green chickpeas, olives, yogurt and espelette peppers, and “beet” bourguignon with carrot, pearl onion and mushroom. You’ll also have your choice of 15,000 French and American wines to pair with dinner. 218 Bowery, New York, NY; [phone]

4. Sixth Annual SAVEUR Summer Cookout

Why go to one restaurant when you can enjoy food by 18 of the country’s best chefs instead? The SAVEUR Summer Cookout, taking place on June 23 at Boat Basin Café, will feature unlimited tastings from the likes of Andrew Carmellini (The Dutch), Alex Stupak (Empellón), Ivan Orkin (Ivan Ramen), Justin Smillie (Upland), Sarah Simmons (Birds & Bubbles) and more, as well as specialty cocktails, music and sunset views over the water. We can’t think of a better way to welcome summer. West 79th Street

5. Virgina’s

All of a sudden, the East Village is a hotbed for restaurants run by Per Se alums. There’s Fung Tu, Uncle Boons, Noreetuh and, now, Virginia’s, owned by former Per Se sous-chef Christian Ramos. While the look is French bistro, the menu is more new American, ranging from Atlantic striped bass with razor clams and new crop potatoes to stuffed suckling pig with green tomato relish and charred eggplant. We’re going for the chocolate beet cake, though. 647 East 11th Street; [phone]

—Natalie Brewster

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Sides: The Unsung Heroes Of The Steakhouse

Via Charlie Palmer

There is so much fanfare around going to a steakhouse. Inevitably, you’re going to be pumped about the meat. Will you go for the filet? The massive porterhouse? Will you be indecisive and go with a surf ‘n’ turf? When your plate is delivered, it’s just that white porcelain expanse and then the centerpiece, a glistening hunk of steak ready to be devoured.

But today we want to call out the underdogs of the steakhouse, the sides. Sure at some restaurants, the sides are basic and boring, not worthy of mention, but at contemporary steakhouses like Charlie Palmer’s, the sides are as impeccable as the main event. Below are five of our favorites.

1) Lobster Mac and Cheese: This is an even more decadent version of the Charlie Palmer “Super Mac and Cheese,” which contains not just cheddar cheese, but fontina, Parmesan AND mascarpone. Oh, and huge hunks of sweet lobster meat.

2) Maitake Risotto: We don’t see a lot of risotto as a side at steakhouses, but we love this rich, earthy version to pair with our main course. 

3) CP Hash Brown: Of course Charlie Palmer offers regular mashed potatoes, but why go for the ordinary when you can have his Hash Brown? It’s a crisp and creamy twist on the breakfast classic. 

4) 2X Truffle Baked Potato: To make this twice baked potato even more over the top, the chef adds truffle. The combination of super rich, smooth potatoes and the deep truffle makes for a truly decadent side. 

5) Shishito Peppers: On a lighter note, Charlie Palmer also offers shishito peppers, a wiley variety that can be light and crunchy or powerfully spicy. You won’t know until you pop them in your mouth. We wish you the best of luck. 

-Ariel

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What We Love: June 3, 2015

via Buzzfeed

Caitlyn Jenner's big reveal, vintage bongs, pitch-slapping songs, 50 unreal burgers and bank-breaking news for DIY enthusiasts. This is what we’ve been reading this week at Gilt City. 

Found: a 2,400-year-old bong: Turns out Scythians would have been big 4/20 supporters. Archeologists in southern Russia dug up some very suspicious looking gold vessels covered in cannabis residue. Those guys are so grounded.

#CallMeCaitlyn: Goodbye Bruce Jenner, hellooooo Caitlyn. Caitlyn Jenner debuted her new look on the cover of Vanity Fair this week and she looks like a gorgeous mash-up of Jessica Lange and Cindy Crawford. Internet, broken. 

Cover this: This a capella version of “Chandelier” is making us rethink our go-to karaoke song. We are also considering voice lessons. 

Pinteresting News: Pinterest has added a “buy” button. Now you can search for DIY/decor/food/wedding inspiration and then order it.  Time to start a “Things I Want But Can’t Afford” board. 

No Cow Shamers Here: Grub Street just came out with the 50 Most Important Burgers in New York. Looks like double patties, extra fat and big buns are in. Summer diet be damned. Hope you don’t mind our big buns at the beach.

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The Story You Never Knew About The Store You Always See

Ricky’s is somewhat of an anomaly in New York City. With over 20 stores throughout Manhattan, as well as two in Brooklyn, it’s convenient. Considering the wide breadth of beauty products they offer, you’ll rarely discover they’re out of that butter LONDON polish you’ve been hunting for. The store stocks exceptional brands you won’t find at your typical pharmacy, like bliss, Murad and Moroccanoil. They also carry Blowfish hangover tablets, Voluspa candles and Babeland toy cleaner (for all of your Babeland toys, which are available in many varieties). And somehow, they manage to have almost everything you might need, no matter how random the object. Whiskey-scented beard oil? Check. Spanx? Got it. A webbed bed restraint system? Erm, yes.

So how did this beloved institution come into existence?

First opened in 1989, the store’s initial location—in Greenwich Village—heavily influenced its product assortment, as well as the future of the chain. Catering to the needs of the area’s fashionistas and drag queens, regular clients included outré personalities like RuPaul and Steven Meisel.

Photographers, makeup artists and stylists visited the stores to find the hard-to-find products they needed, making the stores a destination for hair tools and cosmetics. Today, the chain continues to cater to stylists and beauty mavens, stocking specialty and hard-to-find brands that can usually only be found online.

Nearly 30 years later, Ricky’s is a growing empire, expanding from New York City to the Hamptons, Hoboken and Miami, with more locations to come. You might even call it an iconic NYC institution.

-Bekah Stallworth

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Blue Apron

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BluePrint

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Where To Eat Now in NYC: May 28, 2015

Start making your reservations for some of the best restaurants in the city. We’ll see you there!

1. Grand Army

Noah Bernamoff (Mile End), Julian Brizzi (Rucola) and Damon Boelte (Prime Meats) opened this neighborhood spot earlier this month, bringing hand-crafted cocktails and seafood-focused small plates to Boerum Hill. Rather than muscadet, pair West and East coast oysters with The Granville, a zippy mix of Gin, Calvados, Dolin vermouth, fresh mint leaves and orange bitters. Then, round out your meal with smoked octopus, ricotta toast and asparagus with egg yolk, pecorino and bonito. 336 State Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217; [phone]

2. Ed’s Chowder House

Nothing says summer on the East Coast like lobster, which brings us to this Empire Hotel standby. Here, chef Ed Brown (who wrote “The Modern Seafood Cook” and updated the fish portion of the new “Joy of Cooking”) serves up everything from fish dishes and lobster rolls to signature chowders, all prepared according to simple, regional recipes. Don’t miss the seafood linguine with clams, shrimp, pancetta and cipollini onions. 44 West 63rd Street, New York, NY; [phone]

3. Rebelle

From the owners of next-door Pearl & Ash comes this new spot, inspired by Paris’ “bistronomy” culture (wherein young chefs serve serious food in casual settings). Expect French classics prepared in a modern way, like lamb tartare with green chickpeas, olives, yogurt and espelette peppers, and “beet” bourguignon with carrot, pearl onion and mushroom. You’ll also have your choice of 15,000 French and American wines to pair with dinner. 218 Bowery, New York, NY; [phone]

4. Vendy Plaza 

While Vendy Plaza isn’t technically a restaurant, it’s got some of the best food in town right now. The outdoor food market features both Vendy Award finalists and local food trucks, meaning you can enjoy vendors like Luke’s Lobster, Solber Pupusas and Walking Dog BBQ all in one place. Our recommendation would be to head up to Harlem next weekend and spend your Sunday feasting on pizza, samosas, beignets and more. Park Avenue between 115th and 116 streets, under the Metro North tracks  

5. Virgina’s 

All of a sudden, the East Village is a hotbed for restaurants run by Per Se alums. There’s Fung Tu, Uncle Boons, Noreetuh and, now, Virginia’s, owned by former Per Se sous-chef Christian Ramos. While the look is French bistro, the menu is more new American, ranging from Atlantic striped bass with razor clams and new crop potatoes to stuffed suckling pig with green tomato relish and charred eggplant. We’re going for the chocolate beet cake, though. 647 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10009; [phone]

—Natalie Brewster

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What We Love: May 27, 2015

Colin Firth, Jessica Alba, London’s most expensive home, a farewell to PowerPoint and more of what we’re reading this week.

1) A “wife bonus” is apparently a thing among the one percent (or maybe the .001 percent).

2) She’s gorgeous, she’s famous and she’s the founder of a billion-dollar company: What’s not to hate love about Jessica Alba?

3) If you think that Colin Firth coming to Broadway is the best news you could ever hear, consider that he’ll be coming to Broadway to sing (in a revival of “My Fair Lady”).

4) PowerPoint is bad for your brain, illustrated.

5) Buckingham Palace is the largest home in London; this place is number two. And no one knows who owns it (and is installing an underground 25-car garage). This long read is a thorough investigation indeed.

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The Best Hangover Cure: Memorial Day Weekend Edition

Well it’s Tuesday, which means you successfully survived Memorial Day weekend. While your dignity may not be completely intact, at least you’ve made it to your desk and appear to be okay. Whether you spent the weekend sunning in the Hamptons, on Nantucket, upstate or even casually in the city, I bet right now you’re looking for a way to feel...better. Here are two ways to get yourself back on track and survive the rest of the week. 

Detox with BluePrint Cleanses and Juices

A favorite of the Hollywood set, BluePrint was among the first—and remains among the best—juice cleanses on the market. These cold-pressed juices are comprised of USDA-certified-organic fruits and vegetables, which are pressurized with cold water to preserve their intrinsic health benefits. Try a quick 3-day cleanse to jolt your body back from a weekend of overindulging, or if you want to try a deeper detox, go ahead and try the 12-day cleanse. Your body will thank you. 

Retox with Virgin Wines

Sometimes, the best cure for a weekend hangover is another drink. While we can’t vouch for the efficacy of this particular solution (long-term, that is), we love Virgin Wines for that short-term distraction from lethargy and dull, painful headaches. Try their Explorers Club case for 15 bottles of wine selected by Virgin’s team of globe-trotters and oenophiles. Whether you opt for a Super Tuscan or a gold-medal Bordeaux, just one glass and that hangover will magically begin to slip away. 

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What We Love: May 20, 2015

From gorgeous gowns and glasses of rosé to a toddler who already has more Instagram followers than us (combined), here are a few places our browsers have been venturing this week. 

1) We’ve been lusting over the best-dressed ensembles at this year’s Cannes Film Festival—but also raising a few eyebrows at Flatgate, the festival’s unofficial new rule on footwear. 

2) With summer entertaining right around the corner, we’re all taking stock of our bar carts. Make sure you have these 11 barware essentials on hand to craft everything from margaritas to Manhattans. 

3) And speaking of that drink...here are 10 unconventional rosés we’ll be sipping this Memorial Day. 

4) Few people can master the laid-back perfection of One Direction’s Harry Styles. But this well-dressed two-year-old? Nailed it. (And he’s got 58,000 fans to prove it.)

5) If you haven’t gotten around to planning something for the long weekend, try some of these tips for last-minute Memorial weekend travel. 

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Our Coworkers ♥ Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown is back on Gilt City—and our most glamorous coworkers couldn’t be more excited. We’ve asked a few of these beauty-loving women to share their favorite Bobbi Brown products. And if you’re inspired to get gorgeous, visit Gilt City for $30 off your next Bobbi purchase of $80 or more.

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3 Outdoor Events Happening Now in NYC

Now that warmer weather is here to stay (we hope), it’s time to start taking advantage of all of the amazing outdoor activities New York has to offer. These are our top three. (We bet you’re not surprised to hear they all involve plenty of imbibing.) 

1. New York City Urban Adventurers - Craft Cocktail Tour 

These tours encompass two of our favorite things: New York City history and cocktails. The three-hour explorations start in the heart of the East Village, Tompkins Square Park. From there you’ll hear to three of the area’s best cocktail bars. Then you’ll sample libations, meet the bartenders and learn how their top cocktails are made. Your tour guide will also give you a crash course on where to eat and drink in the East Village—so you can remain in good spirits even after the tour is over.

2. Shakespeare in the Park: “The Tempest”

On June 16, Shakespeare in the Park kicks off its 53rd season with the opening night of “The Tempest.” This year’s cast is jam-packed with talent—from Academy Award—nominee Sam Waterson of “Law and Order” and “Newsroom” to Jesse Tyler Ferguson of “Modern Family” and The Public’s “King Lear.” Before the show, grab a drink and take in the exquisite outdoor location of The Delacorte amphitheater. You’ve never seen Shakespeare like this. 

3. Night Lights at Wave Hill 

For an urban escape, head north to Wave Hill, a 28-acre garden and cultural center that this year is celebrating 50 years as a public garden. In honor of the anniversary, Wave Hill will be hosting evening gatherings to highlight contemporary artist Chris Doyle’s installation, “The Lightening.” Explore the captivating exhibit while enjoying a refreshing craft beer. Also accompanying Doyle’s outdoor light box installation will be “Landscape Fictions” in Glyndor Gallery. Both exhibits explore our relationship to the environment. 

- Patricia Poekel

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What We Love: May 15, 2015

Fake lashes done right, Anna does the Tonys, how win at email and more items of interest.

1) You can go for subtle beauty—or you can go for drag-queen drama. Elle.com’s new beauty expert, Miss Fame, has a few eyelash tips to achieve the latter.

2) You, too, might get get an invitation to a VIP Hermès dinner. But first you have to spend around $85,000 or so on Birkin bags.

3) Share your thoughts at all hours, respond immediately, always reply-all and other tips to being the smartest emailer at your office.

4) She might not be up for any awards herself, but that’s not stopping Anna Wintour from helping Broadway’s most talented win the fashion game at this year’s Tonys.

5) Thanks for the music, B.B. King. RIP.