HOTEL AMERICANO

OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ALL THINGS AMERICANO

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#SALONAMERICANO: “Fake News”, A Discussion with Artist Peter Saul, Hosted by Lolita Cross

Join us on Tuesday, June 27th for “Fake News”, a conversation with curator, Lolita Cros and one of the fathers of Pop Art, Peter Saul, best known for his colorful and cartoonish paintings which satirize American culture. 

6pm-7pm Cocktails, 7pm-8pm 

TalkRSVP: [email protected]

Title: de Kooning's "Woman with Bicycle" (1976)

About Peter Saul: Peter Saul (b. 1934) is an American painter. Often considered one of the fathers of Pop Art, he is known for his distinctively colorful and cartoonish paintings which satirize American culture. Since his first solo exhibition, in Chicago in 1961, Peter Saul has exhibited his work throughout the United States and internationally. His works are found in numerous museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Art Institute of Chicago; Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh; Centre Pompidou, Paris; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Moderna Museet, Stockholm; Museum Ludwig, Cologne; and Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam. Peter Saul lives and works in New York.

About Lolita Cross:

Born in Paris, Lolita Cros is an independent curator living and working in New York City. She is known for creating projects and exhibitions that combine work by both established and emerging artists. With each project she proposes an alternative venue that asks the viewer to revisit their expectations and look at the work through a new and unique lens. Lolita has exhibited works in spaces ranging from a Chinese restaurant in the Financial District to a rooftop in Brooklyn, each time giving the artist a different platform to play with. In 2016 she started a series of Artist's Talks in collaboration with Hotel Americano in which she invites and moderates conversations with renowned artists in front of a selected crowd of intellectuals, collectors and students.

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#AMERICANOEVENTS: SPLASH NIGHT FRIDAYS

Friday, June 23rd, brings the launch party for Splash Night Fridays: can’t-miss rooftop pool parties every Friday, 7pm-Midnight. Summer is here.

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#FRIENDSOFAMERICANO: PAUL KASMIN

Founded in SoHo in 1989, Paul Kasmin Gallery has developed a program in which the work of historic Modernist and Post-War artists is in constant dialogue with that of mid-career and established contemporary artists. Its founder, Paul Kasmin, was kind enough to share his thoughts.

What is your favorite thing about Chelsea?

Where I work:  Paul Kasmin Gallery.

What are your currently reading?

Émile Zola, "Le Ventre de Paris” (The Belly of Paris).

What makes your Hotel Americano experience unique? The only hotel I go to every day of my life while I’m in New York.

Who inspires your style? Self taught.

What was the last art exhibition that you have visited? Roxy Paine, “Farewell Transmission”.

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#AMERICANOEVENTS - June 7

On June 7, 9PM-Midnight, at La Piscine, you’re invited to Eat Me Alice, featuring “Our Second Skin” Vintage Shop. Hosted by Anaa Saber, Devin Gates, and Alexandra Cherouvis. RSVP to [email protected].

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Some Fun Facts about Wagyu Flank Steak

New to the La Piscine rooftop menu: Wagyu Flank Steak with charred ramps and spring garlic. Accompanied by salsa rojo, chimichurri, and sour orange mojo.

Fun Health Facts:

Consuming Wagyu beef is beneficial to your health, possessing a unique high concentration of beneficial omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The human body can manufacture most of the fat types it wants, except for two, known as essential fatty acids (EFA's). 

Most positive health benefits are seen in these two EFAs, which are divided into two types - linoleic acid (omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3). These are needed to assist in immune resistance, vision, building cell membranes, blood clotting and blood pressure. 

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When Fashion Meets Art: A Conversation with Sylvie Millstein

Join us on May 23 for “When Fashion Meets Art”, a conversation with Designer of Hellessy, Sylvie Millstein.

Moderated by Megan Maguire Steele. Featuring Carolyn Angel, Jayne Drost Johnson, Kelly Padden, and artist and designer of CJW, Christina J. Wang. For more details, contact [email protected]. 

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“Pool Meditations for Hedy Lamarr” - Lighting Installation Series by G.T. Pellizzi

Hôtel Americano with Zona Maco, along with Mary Boone, Y Gallery and Steve Turner, are pleased to present “Pool Meditations for Hedy Lamarr”, part of a series of lighting installations by Mexican artist G.T. Pellizzi. The exhibition will debut Thursday, May 4 on the occasion of Frieze Art Fair week and remain on view through Sunday, May 7.

With a background in architecture and philosophy, Pellizzi is most interested in exploring the tactility of sculpture and the viewer's mental constructs of his work.

The artist’s installations will be displayed throughout different locations in the hotel, including the Patio, the Pool Side and Bar Americano.

Artist Statement

"Pool Meditations for Hedy Lamarr" is a tribute to the Hollywood star and her double life as a celebrity, scientist and inventor. While few of her inventions were implemented in her lifetime, she was responsible for inventing and devising a system for frequency hopping. This system is the foundation for all cellular and wireless communication today.

The works at the Hôtel Americano are inspired by player piano scores, as was Hedy's frequency hopping mechanism, but in the case of the works on view, the frequencies are made of overlapping shapes of primary colors. As we sit next to the pool at the Hôtel Americano, which also has the same rectangular proportions of the perforated player piano rolls, we can imagine what Hedy would be thinking about while attending glamorous Hollywood parties. Coming up with new inventions while rubbing elbows with the stars of the day.

This cultural initiative continues Hôtel Americano’s dedication to supporting contemporary art and giving guests and the public access to celebrated artists and their works. The property is devoted to providing a platform for individuals to create a personal dialogue with various artistic mediums and showing their importance as a contemporary cultural expression.

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A Brief History of Flan

The Coconut Flan, above, new to the Hotel Americano rooftop menu at La Piscine.

From "The Unique History of Flan”:

Of all the peoples introduced to this dessert, the Spanish were particularly taken with it (and were the first to top it with a sweet caramel sauce). Like the Romans before them, the Spaniards brought flan to new lands, when in 1518, the famous conquistador Hernán Cortés landed in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

The Mexicans took flan to a whole new level. They created coffee, chocolate, and even coconut flavors and the recipes became popular not only in Mexico, but the rest of Latin America.

Enjoy this global dessert on Cinco de Mayo on the Hotel Americano rooftop!

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Monday, May 1, we are proud to present a conversation with Robert Stadler, regarding his current exhibition at the Noguchi Museum. Moderated by Sarah Medford of WSJ Magazine and featuring Loïc Le Gaillard & Julien Lombrail, Co-founders, Carpenters Workshop Gallery Dakin Hart, Senior Curator, The Noguchi Museum

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#FRIENDSOFAMERICANO: MARTINE ASSOULINE

Luxury book publishers Martine Assouline and her husband, Prosper Assouline (Photo Credit: Slate.com)

Iconic luxury book publisher Martine Assouline is part of the driving force behind Assouline Books, whose popularity continues to soar behind their superb quality and aesthetic elegance in an increasingly design-obsessed media publishing landscape. Although she is in every respect a “citizen of the world”, and constantly on-the-go, Ms. Assouline was gracious enough to share some time with us to answer a few of our questions.

What is your favorite thing about Chelsea? The view. During 17 years " my" Chelsea has been a fantastic view on the Hudson and downtown. It is in my memory forever, especially the moments at sunset. Beauty was everywhere, and the beauty was splendid.

What are you currently reading? The biography of Marie Therese, Holy Roman Empress of the Habsburg dynasty and mother of Queen Marie Antoinette, written by French philosopher and historian Elisabeth Badinter. I love biographies. There are very good to inspire you and guide you.

What makes your Hotel Americano experience unique? Its ambiance. The decor, level of service, menu, lighting... Correspond to the kind of clients who look for quality without pretentions, when it is linked with simplicity and good taste. So the crowd there is very consistent. That is part of its success, and... the ambiance! ;)

Who inspires your style? As for everyone, a part of it is "written" in my DNA, so it’s impossible to explain. My style is also in constant evolution, driven by curiosity. I am a hunter for inspirations, and this is a constant; being through film, books, music, people, fashion, art... I love the world; it is so rich!

What was the last art exhibition that you have visited? The Shchukin Collection at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. I discovered the most magnificent paintings of Matisse and Gauguin. Wow!

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REEL AMERICANO: BASQUIAT in “DOWNTOWN 81”

Our rooftop film series REEL AMERICANO, hosted by #FRIENDSOFAMERICANO, returns in April with a screening of “Downtown 81” starring Jean Michel Basquiat.

REEL AMERICANO features films from across art, culture, architecture, design, fashion and food…you know, stuff we love. Join us April 11th at 7:30PM for the first of the season, hosted by Eva Franch Gilabert, Director of the Storefront for Art and Architecture.

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Coming Soon: Rooftop Opening of La Piscine

May has arrived, and the countdown begins to the opening and reimagining of our rooftop pool, La Piscine, complete with full service bar and restaurant. Stay tuned for more.

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The Recipe for a Perfect Mezcal Negroni

April showers bring Mezcal Negronis. As our thoughts turn to languid summer days spent by the pool at La Piscine, we decided to create a cocktail that reminds us of two of our favorite summer destinations: the breezy seaside of the Italian coast and the leisurely beaches of southern Mexico.

In a chilled cocktail glass mix;

1 oz Mezcal

.75 oz Campari

.25 oz Tawny Port

.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Splash of Sparkling Prosecco

Stir briskly with cracked ice and garnish with fresh basil. By combining the bitter-sweet of classic Campari with the ancient smokiness of Oaxacan Mezcal, we took the Negroni first class on a trans-Atlantic flight. How Continental Cool is that?

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7 Surprising Benefits of Jicama

While enjoying Hotel Americano’s new Jicama Salad, (pictured above), you’ll discover it not only tastes great, served with light citrus and lime vinagrette and garnished with grapefruit and cucumber, but you’d be interested to know that jicama has 7 surprising health benefits, courtesy of OrganicFacts.net:

Health Benefits Of Jicama

1. Digestion

One of the most important elements of jicama is the high levels of dietary fiber that it contains. Also, for diabetic patients, jicama can be a great way to have some sweet food without worrying about the blood sugar fluctuation that is usually a result.

2. Immune System

There is a very large amount of vitamin C found in jicama; 100 grams of jicama is approximately 40% of our entire daily requirement for ascorbic acid. 

3. Blood Pressure

 As a rich source of potassium, jicama is able to help manage blood pressure, since it is a vasodilator and reduces the tension on blood vessels and arteries, thereby lowering the stress on the cardiovascular system.

4. Circulation

The significant amounts of copper and iron found in jicama make it very good for maintaining the health of the circulatory system, since those two minerals are important elements of red blood cells. 

5. Brain Function

Vitamin B6 has been linked to increased brain function and cognitive abilities, and jicama has this vitamin is significant amounts. 

6. Strong Bones

The levels of minerals like manganese, magnesium, iron, and copper found in jicama mean that this root vegetable can be a major booster for our bone mineral density. 

7. Weight Management

Low-calorie foods are very important for those trying to lose weight, especially when those low-calorie foods are also packed with nutrients and dietary fiber to make your body feel full. 

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#FRIENDSOFAMERICANO: JOHN TARGON and SCOTT STUDENBERG

John Targon, (right) with Baja East Co-Founder Scott Studenberg (left).

When John and Scott aren’t busy scaling up an increasingly eclectic and scaled-up fashion empire at Baja East, or  staging star-studded after-parties in parking garages, you can find them at Hotel Americano enjoying dinner and drinks. They were nice enough to discuss the latest happenings in their world.

1. What is your favorite thing about Chelsea?  

John: It’s the ever changing landscape of architecture and watching the neighborhood change not only from the ground up but from the views of our roof…the entire skyline has changed in just one year and I keep thinking about who the hell is going to fill all these apartments.

Scott: I love being close to the water - let's me get a small dose of New York nature.

2. What are your currently reading?  

John: “The One Inside” by Sam Shepard.

Scott: I'm re-reading Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman - L O V E!

3. What makes your Hotel Americano experience unique?

John: it’s the way you can kick it at the property all day from lounging on the roof to ending the night dancing your face off and you never have to leave because the foods so good.  Maybe I need to strike up a permanent hotel room?

Scott: It's a bit off the grid - away from everyone so I can chill. 

4. Who inspires your style?  

John: Dylan Rieder is a legend, he had such an ease with the way he wore clothes both in his personal life and street style as a professional skateboarder and as a model.

Scott: My mood - it changes daily. 

5. What was the last art exhibition that you have visited?

John: Just saw Cy Twombly at the Centre Pompidou and it was by far my favorite exhibit this year. 

Scott: I don't go to the galleries really - prefer to watch street style...

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Salon Series: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2017 with Young Women in the Arts

On March 8th, 2017, Young Women in the Arts (YWA) celebrated their one year anniversary – sharing the date with International Women’s Day - at a fascinating panel discussion at Hôtel Americano. Moderated by Sarah Cascone of Art Net, the day marked a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year, the theme is #BeBoldForChange.This year, the theme was #BeBoldForChange.

Founded in 2016 by Sarah Cascone and Katya Khazei, Young Women in the Arts aims to bring together like-minded women in the visual arts. Through programming, YWA hopes to create a community where young women can foster relationships, mentor one another and collaborate to effect change in the art world.

The vibrant panel discussion touched on gender gaps, politics, and careers in the arts.The featured panelists are pictured below, from left to right, standing (Sarah Cascone, JiaJia Fei, Eleni Petaloti, Ashlee Harrison), and seated (Marlies Verhoeven, Carolina Alvarez-Mathies).

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Salon Series: A Conversation with Duane Michals and Lolita Cros

Join us on Monday, March 13 for a conversation with curator Lolita Cros and one of the great photographic innovators of the last century – Duane Michals.

6-7PM Cocktails / 7-8PM Discussion 

RSVP: [email protected]

Location: Hotel Americano 518 West 27th St New York, NY 10001

Duane Michals is widely known for his work with series, multiple exposures, and text. He made significant, creative strides in the field of photography during the 1960s. In an era heavily influenced by photojournalism, Michals manipulated the medium to communicate narratives. Over the past five decades, Michals’s work has been exhibited in the United States and abroad.

Born in Paris, Lolita Cros is an independent curator living and working in New York City. She is known for creating projects and exhibitions that combine work by both established and emerging artists. With each project she proposes an alternative venue that asks the viewer to revisit their expectations and look at the work through a new and unique lens.