Category Archives: Lifestyle

TOMMY HILFIGER WELCOMES LONDON MEN'S FASHION WEEK

All eyes will be on London this weekend as the city initiates its first ever men’s fashion week—called London Collections: Men. Being that this is the home of Saville Row, Dandyism, punk rock, Westwood, Bowie and plenty of other men’s style icons, its about time. Making this a truly international affair, top American designer, Tommy Hilfiger celebrated the launch with an exclusive cocktail event at newly re-opened venue The Scotch last night. The event was the first fashion event of the week following the St James Palace Royal Cocktail to officially kick off the first men’s fashion week in London. “I am delighted to be here in London to celebrate the first London Collections: Men. England is very close to my heart, and has always been a great source of inspiration to me and my brand as its the official birth place of preppy style. It’s an honor to be able to lend my support and celebrate the incredible talents in menswear design and I am proud to be one of several international brands who will be in the Capital to extend my support to London Collections: Mens on a global level.” said Tommy Hilfiger.  Guests entered The Scotch, an oak-paneled venue steeped in musical heritage, through a private courtyard. DJ Mary Charteris and electro-pop band Hot Chip spun rock n’ roll-inspired beats while guests such as Petra Nemcova, Tali Lennox, Matthew Goode, Luke Treadaway and Portia Freeman mixed, mingled and lounged on velvet sofas. Others sat at tables famed for hosting The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, , icons who all performed at The Scotch in the 1960s. Tommy Hilfiger is one of the first to host an event in the newly re-opened space, which has just re-opened after a 20 year hiatus.

Matthew Goode wore a navy two-button suit, blue/brown check button down, tan silk print tie and brown brogues all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Tali Lennox wore mustard yellow leather long-sleeved button-down shirt dress with fishtail hem by Tommy Hilfiger
Max Rogers wore a navy blazer, white button-down, and light blue chino with beige suede shoes and brown leather belt all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Luke Treadaway wore a navy/white striped sweater with red chinos and brogues all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Ruta Gedmintas wore a red silk jersey cocktail dress with a navy wool blazer all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Sam Way wore a blue/white single-breasted jacket with leather varsity sleeves, denim button-down shirt, and dark blue jeans with red loafers and a red belt all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Damien Molony wore a navy/red single-breasted suit jacket, blue/white stripe button down, slim denim jeans, charcoal leather belt, and navy suede loafers all by Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger & Dee Hilfiger
Portia Freeman wore a white short-sleeved pleated chiffon mini dress and black leather biker jacket all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Alex Vargas wore a green cotton blazer, white tee-shirt and light wash jeans all by Tommy Hilfiger.
Mary Charteris wore a blue camouflage suede motorcycle jacket with blue camouflage silk pleated trousers with ankle straps and a knit tank by Tommy Hilfiger.
Petra Nemcova wore a navy cotton pantsuit, white satin blouse, braided belt and green camouflage platform loafer all by Tommy Hilfiger.

BE A FOODIE IN THE HAMPTONS—STYLISHLY

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Located on the easternmost tip of the South Fork, Montauk is recognized by the jet set of New York City as the perfect weekend getaway, and with the grand re-opening of this beach town’s premier hotel, Solé East, we’ve more reason than ever to venture out. With its spectacular scenery, sandy dune beaches, laid back vibes—its the prefect place to chill (they’ve even got yoga classes). With its world-class fishing, surfing, biking, golf, and sailing—you can still massage your sense of adventure. Whichever is up to you. However, on June 30th, those of us that love food (and to be honest, who doesn’t—even models) should make a special trip out to Solé’s beloved Backyard Restaurant where critically acclaimed and universally adored celebrity guest chef Marcus Samuelsson will be preparing a four-course dinner with wine pairing in celebration of his new memoir. The man has cooked for presidents. Vanity Fair named him best dressed. He’s impressed Padma!

A more comprehensive refresher for those of you unfamiliar with the genius that is Marcus Samuelsson—Among his many accolades, Chef Samuelsson is the youngest chef to ever achieve two three-star reviews from The New York Times and he has been honored by the James Beard Foundation on multiple occasions including “Rising Star Chef” (1999), “Best Chef: New York City” (2003), “Best International Cookbook” (2007) and “Best Television Program” (for Chopped – 2012). In 2010, Chef Samuelsson beat out 21 fellow chefs on the second season of the television competition Top Chef Masters on Bravo, winning $115,000 for the UNICEF Tap Project. In December 2010, Marcus opened Red Rooster Harlem, later earning two-stars from The New York Times. Other recent accolades Chef Samuelsson has achieved include being tasked with planning and executing the Obama Administration’s first State dinner; hosting the President at his own restaurant; and being named on the “International Best Dressed List 2011” in Vanity Fair magazine. In March, 2012, Chef Samuelsson opened Ginny’s Supper Club in the space underneath Red Rooster Harlem.

Chef Samuelsson is also committed to charitable endeavors, including C-CAP, Careers through Culinary Arts Program. In May of 2012, Chef Samuelsson won $50,000 for C-CAP when crowned Chopped: All Stars champion. Two seatings will be available one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 9 p.m and much to our chagrin…the cost to attend the dinner is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. And with the bill you get a signed copy of Yes, Chef: A Memoir will be included with the dinner. For reservations, please contact Backyard Restaurant at (631) 668-9739, or our front desk at (631) 668-2105. But we suggest also booking out some rooms at Solé East —glam, chic, quiet, perfect.

Cuba Libre – Beyond The Rum & Coke

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Bacardi and Coke, or rum and Coke, is one of the most common cocktails served, alongside Jack and Coke, and vodka and soda. A brilliantly simple drink, the rum and coke is actually a simplification of a classic cocktail called the Cuba Libre which dates back to the Spanish American War. During the war Americans packed their ships with Coca-Cola because the traditionally stimulating qualities of the original formula helped in the fight.

In Cuba, rum is the dominant beverage and American soldiers mixed this rum with their Coke and lime to make a deliciously addictive drink. The cocktail formally got its name when in 1898 General Russell used the drink for his toast to celebrate the liberation of Cuba from the Spanish. The toast was “Cuba Libre!” and the name stuck.

During the Cuban missile crisis the drink fell out of favor – no one was really interested in celebrating anything Cuban. The drink became known as Bacardi and Coke, or simply rum and Coke. During this transition the drink was often simplified with the essential lime dropped from the equation, and the Bacardi Gold rum was dropped in favor of the lighter Bacardi Superior.

A good Cuba Libre is more than just throwing rum and Coke in a glass. By assembling the ingredients in a specific order and using an aged rum like Bacardi Gold, you can create something that transcends the simple rum and Coke.

Ice tends to pick up the flavor and aroma of the first thing it comes in contact with, so a good Cuba Libre starts with seasoning, or tattooing, the ice with the lime as your first step. The lime is followed by the rum and then topped off with Coke and a gentle stir. The difference between the ingredients in a Cuba Libre and a rum and Coke aren’t dramatic, but when properly prepared, the Cuba Libre picks up a wonderful fresh citrus quality that really balances out the drink.

Cuba Libre
2oz Bacardi Gold Rum
4oz Coca Cola
1/2 oz of Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

In a tall glass with ice, add the lime juice to the ice. Add the rum and then top it with the Coke. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

THE ESSENTIAL 2012 FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

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When it comes time to thank dad, do it with something that will be difficult for him to ignore, like these fathers day gifts.

ENGRAVED BOTTLE OF JONNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL

If dad likes his Scotch-Whiskey, then a personally engraved bottle of Jonnie Walker’s highest grade of the stuff should bring a big ol’ smile to his face.

$225; jonnie-walker-blue.com

BLUE CLAW WORTON WEEKENDER

This weekender does more than just look handsome. Made of non-rip ballistic nylon & leather, approved size for carry on and with a waterproof liner—its practical too.

$289; blueclawco.com

GET SHORTY SHAVE SET

If he’s traveling a lot, he’s probably missing a good shave. Since most hotel rooms still neglect to include said product, help him out with this compact set featuring some of the best in John Allan’s products.

$118; johnallans.com or barneys.com

DADS ARE THE ORIGINAL HIPSTERS BY BRAD GETTY

You’re maybe a little hipster-y. He doesn’t get it. This could be the perfect bonding moment.

$13; urbanoutfitters.com

BROOKSTONE 10-MOTOR MASSAGING LOUNGE TOPPER WITH HEAT

Even if he already has one, we’ve a feeling he’ll find a place for two. Bonus: Mom will love it too.

$150; brookstone.com

#1 DAD TROPHY

For the dad who will never in a billion years give a sh*t what gift you get him, bestow upon him a best dad trophy. It also wouldn’t hurt to toss in a 6-pack of his favorite beer.

$15; fredflare.com

LOTUS L42 LIGHTER

Triple torch wind-resistant flame, single-action ignition Button, fuel level viewing window with integrated 8mm cigar punch from one of the best lighter companies out there—’nuff said.

$60; lightersdirect.com

COACH MEN’S HERITAGE WALLET

He doesn’t need anything from you…except for this limited edition wallet made out of the same glove tanned leather as baseball gloves! Added value if he was your actual baseball, er, coach at one point.

$168; coach.com

JAMES PERSE SUPIMA COTTON BLEND SWEAT PANTS
(OR ANYTHING JAMES PERSE)

He says he doesn’t care about designer fashion. You want him to. James Perse will be his gateway drug. Especially these super comfortable sweats (and for you, Gilt’s unbeatable price).

$25; Gilt.com or jamesperse.com

PRADA THIN TEMPLE AVIATOR SUNGLASSES

If dad loves his car, he’s gotta have the slick driving glasses to match.

$250; bloomingdales.com

ARMANI EXCHANGE CHRONO WATCH

If he insists on still wearing a watch, give him a looker.

$200; armaniexchange.com

Nolet’s Reserve – The $700 Gin

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While you may not be familiar with the Nolet’s name, you are probably very familiar with their major product, Ketel One Vodka. The Nolet’s distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands pumps out massive volumes of the popular vodka (millions of cases a year). Alongside that mammoth output is a small still, quietly producing some of the best premium gins on the market.

Nolet’s Silver isn’t the $700 Reserve gin (it comes in closer to $40), but it’s a beautiful, soft, floral gin that makes a perfect Martini. What makes Nolet’s Silver stand out is a unique blend of botanicals including turkish rose, peach, and raspberry. It’s an extremely floral gin but manages to balance out its flavors in a delicious combination that can be enjoyed neat or in many classics including the Negroni, Bijou, or Ramos Gin Fizz.

Nolet’s Reserve builds on the foundation of Nolet’s Silver, adding saffron and verbena to the mix. Saffron is more expensive per ounce than gold and the copious use of it in Nolet’s Reserve helps make it one of the most expensive gins on the market – $700 a bottle! The saffron lends Nolet’s Reserve a deep, warm spice and also seems to impact the color of the gin, which is light gold.

In addition to saffron, Nolet’s Reserve brings verbena into the mix which brings a slightly bitter note that combines with the saffron to envelope all the other flavors of the gin. The result is a nice complexity that makes Nolet’s Reserve one of the world’s great sipping gins.

Nolet’s Reserve weighs in at a whopping 104.6 proof, but surprisingly it’s extremely soft and round with a deliciously thick mouthfeel. The entry of the Nolet’s Reserve is bright and floral with the deep, warm saffron spice. All the delicious flavor notes from the Silver are here but presented completely differently. The sweet fruit notes move to the background to enable the more savory and spicy notes to emerge. The floral notes which weave in and out of the spice are both turkish rose and lavender, balanced beautifully with the other flavors including juniper, citrus, and verbena. The Nolet’s Reserve has a long, deep finish with lingering saffron spice.

Nolet’s Reserve is handmade in small batches, personally supervised by master distiller Carolus Nolet, Sr. Only a few hundred bottles are released each year and they are all hand signed and numbered by Carolus Nolet, Sr. himself.

At $700 a bottle, Nolet’s Reserve may be out of reach for most imbibers, but it’s hard to think of a more intense and complex gin experience. If you are passionate about gin and have the dough to spend, Nolet’s Reserve is simply amazing.

Ti-Punch – Somewhere between a Shot and a Cocktail

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Behind every successful spirit is a great cocktail. Tequila has the Margarita, cachaca the Caipirinha, gin the Martini, and rum the Daiquiri. For rhum agricole, the cocktail that captures its essence and is essential to its success is the Ti-Punch.

Ti is actually the Creole word for petit, or small, and helps define this drink more as a quick, small drink rather than a full 3-4 ounce cocktail. The Ti-Punch has its origins as a drink adapted on the island by Indian workers brought to the island of Martinique after the abolition of slavery.

Originally the drink included tea, cinnamon, sugar, lime, and rhum agricole. The drink became popular on the island and was simplified by dropping the tea and cinnamon. The Ti-Punch shares the same structure as many other classic rum drinks (like the daiquiri and mojito), namely rum, sugar, and lime. What makes the Ti-Punch unique is that it is often adjusted to the taste of the individual drinker.

A basic Ti-Punch is:

Around 1 1/2 oz of white rhum agricole (Nisson, JM, Clement, or Coeur de Canne work great)
Some measure of lime or lime discs (1-2 depending on taste)
1/8-1/4 oz of sugar or cane syrup

Ice is optional, but it helps soften the rhum, which is often 100 or 110 proof.

Ti-Punch has so many subtle variations in its preparation, it’s hard to capture all of them. One of the key variations is the lime. Some serve the Ti-Punch with a lime disc, a cross section of the outer peel about the side of silver dollar with the smallest amount of the actual heart of the lime included. Others use actual slices of lime of varying size. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do it.

Sugar is another element up for variation for the Ti-Punch. Traditionally either sugar or cane syrup is used, the amount depending on how sweet the imbiber wants the drink to be. Alternatively, crystallized cane sugar or sugar in the raw is used.

The only real constant point in the preparation is that the sugar and lime are added first and given a chance to combine before the rhum is added. The amount of rhum added as well as the type again vary (including various proof white and aged rhums) depending on imbiber. Ti-Punch is considered a small sipping drink, not really even quite a cocktail, and most Ti-Punches have less than two ounces of alcohol in them.

After the rhum is added, the Ti-Punch is then swizzled with a swizzle stick, called a lele. Swizzling a Ti-Punch both mixes the rum, sugar, and lime together as well as aerates the drink, making it even more aromatic.

In Martinique, the Ti-Punch is often served deconstructed and you are given the opportunity to assemble it yourself. The French phrase for this ritual is “chacun prépare sa propre mort,” which literally translates to “each one prepares their own death.”

The Ti-Punch is an ideal way to begin the exploration of rhum agricole. It’s a perfect drink when you want a little something, and a nice alternative to doing a shot or getting a full cocktail.

A STYLISH BBQ DISH FROM A "CULINISTA"

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A “culinista” is someone who loves the art of cooking as much as, well, a fashionista loves the art of clothing design. You may not be a culinista (or maybe you are?), but if you’re going to cook, you might want to take some advice from one. We hit up our pal Josie Gordon who just so happens to be part of a team of cooking savants called “The Culinistas” (And who worked beneath Jean Georges for years) for the perfect stylish, (easy) and fun recipe to impress our friends with this Memorial Day. After the jump, learn how to make something good looking and delicious called Grilled Short Rips with Tomatillo-Tequila Salsa. Recipe after the jump!

Grilled Short Ribs with Tomatillo-Tequila Salsa

Salsa:

1 cup chopped raw tomatillos (rinsed well)

1 chopped shallot

½ cup orange slices

1 seeded, chopped jalapeno

¼ cup chopped cilantro

1 minced garlic clove

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tequila

2 tablespoons triple sec

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 lbs boneless beef short ribs:

Oil

Salt

For the salsa, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors develop.
Heat a grill to moderately high heat. Brush both sides of the short ribs with oil and a sprinkle of salt. Grill the short ribs for about 4 minutes on both sides for medium rare short ribs. Serve with the salsa.

If all of that worked out well for you—check out more from Josie and the team of culinistas in their book which you can learn more about here!

The Classic Daiquiri – Rum’s Perfect Cocktail

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The rum daiquiri is one of world’s great drinks, yet it’s often prepared so poorly that you’d never know it. Somehow, someone, somewhere got it into their heads that a daiquiri should be thrown into a blender with lots of sugar, and lots of fruit, and made into something closer to a slurpee than a cocktail. In reality, a properly made classic daiquiri is a beautifully elegant and delicious drink.

While we don’t know exactly where or how the classic daiquiri was invented – many countries and bars lay claim to its origin – the drink came somewhere out of the Caribbean where sugarcane, rum, and limes are plentiful. As with many great classic cocktails, the daiquiri is made with three simple ingredients: rum, lime, and sugar. This basic structure is nearly identical with other tropical rum classics like the Ti Punch, Caipirinha, and Mojito (which adds mint to the mix).

A great classic daiquiri is all about balancing lime, sugar, and strong rum. It’s extremely easy for one of these elements to overpower the daiquiri, so when making a daiquiri it is essential to be precise with your measurements and always use a jigger. It’s also extremely important to use fresh lime juice. Using bottled lime juice will turn your drink into something barely palatable. This difference is as significant as the one between a fast food hamburger and a burger at a steakhouse.

The Classic Daiquiri

1 1/2 oz Rum
3/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime.

The best place to start with the classic daiquiri is with a white rum like Bacardi Supreme, Brugal Especial Extra Dry, Angostura Reserva, or Denizen Rum. Starting with a white rum shows off the dry quality of this cocktail and makes it a perfect aperitif cocktail that holds its own against other great aperitifs like the martini.

The daiquiri can also stand in as an ideal after dinner drink if you choose a more complex rum like Banks Five Island Rum or a darker rum like Appleton Estates – you get something that tastes completely different. Using darker sugars for your simple syrup like demerara also dramatically transforms the drink.

The daiquiri may have gotten a bad rap from its time spent as a blended slushy, but it is truly one of the world’s great cocktails, one that when prepared correctly will impress even the most picky of imbibers.

Photo by Jackson Stakeman

BURBERRY LONDON TAILORING MAKES A MAN

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The boys at Burberry have been doing some great work in dressing up some of our favorite male celebs. Witness their fine work at the Met Gala. But more recently, we’ve spotted Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Dancy wearing looking as stylish, comfortable and bold while Burberry London. Check out Chris Hemsworth at the May 14th, London premier of Snow White And The Huntsman, and Hugh Dancy wearing a Burberry London suit to a special screening of Hysteria, New York, on the same day. What do you guys think?

SOMETHING CALLED THE MET COSTUME GALA HAPPENED LAST NIGHT…

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The Met Costume Gala—a gigantic parade of fashion, celebrity and beauty ostensibly thrown to celebrate the Metropolitan Museum’s fashion yearly exhibit at the Costume Institute (2012’s is called Shiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations), is by all means the largest red carpet show outside of Hollywood…and it happened last night. Celebrity mixed with fashion in a sophisticated display of elegance not experienced enough in our too-cool-for-school age. As such, some of our favorite designers saw their looks worn by some of our favorite celebs, the picures of which, we have for you after the jump.

Best Dressed:

Roo Panes in Burberry

Our other top favorites:

Chase Crawford in Kenneth Cole
Douglas Booth in Burberry
Ed Westwick in Prada
Gary Oldman in Prada & Alexandra Edenborough in Miu Miu
Tim Tebow in Ralph Lauren
John Krasinski in Calvin Klein Collection (and Emily Blunt, also in Calvin Klein Collection, looks so good on his arm)
Darren Criss in Calvin Klein Collection
Amar'e Stoudemire in Calvin Klein Collection

Kilian – Spirits and Fragrance Collide

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One of the things that’s alluring about spirits is the fragrant bouquet of aromas that emanate from the glass. It’s easy to get lost in a great cognac, whisky or rum. Kilian Hennessy, grandson of one of the founders of the iconic cognac brand, is no stranger to spirits and their aromas. Kilian grew up in the distilleries and cellars in Cognac, surrounded by a symphony of scents. After studying with some of the great perfumers in the world, including Christian Dior, Paco Rabanne, Alexander McQueen, and Giorgio Armani, Kilian launched his own line of fragrances called simply “by Kilian.”

By Kilian has a wide selection of fragrances pulling from a dazzling array of rare essential oils. Many of his fragrances are inspired by the cognac-soaked barrels from Kilian’s youth, but some of them draw direct inspiration from other spirits.

A Taste of Heaven – Absinthe Verte is a glowing green fragrance inspired by absinthe. The fragrance is an ethereal blend of aromas of floral notes, incense, and moss. It doesn’t have the strong anise note you’d associate with absinthe, but again, the fragrance is more inspired by the universe of absinthe than the spirit itself.

Straight To Heaven – White Crystal captures a lot of rum characteristics with sweet vanilla high notes mixing with a wooded oak undertone backed by a deep musk. The fragrance actually contains “Martinican Rum Absolut” and smells a lot like someone who just came back from a rhum agricole distillery.

It’s extremely rare for a fragrance company to list their ingredients, but by Kilian not only lists them, they’ve published their complete formula for each fragrance on their site. Because of their high essential oil content, by Kilian fragrances are extremely bright, vibrant, and long lasting. Their aromas are strong but never overpowering.

By Kilian fragrances are considered unisex with the more floral fragrances balanced out with wood or musk, and the more wooded ones with sweet or floral notes. For men looking for less floral scents, both Straight to Heaven and Back to Black are slightly more masculine, and both exceptional. The fragrances come in 50ml / 1.7 fl oz refillable sprays, a solid perfume, and a 30ml / 1 oz refillable travel spray set that is extraordinarily well designed.

The Classic Margarita – A Perfect Drink for Cinco de Mayo

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Tequila, lime, and agave – that’s all you need to make a perfect margarita. While there are many ways of making a margarita, including using triple sec, a mix, or throwing it into a blender, the best margarita you’ll ever have has just three simple ingredients.

This classic margarita was revived in San Francisco at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, a little hole in the wall place you’d never expect to be the epicenter for one of the best drinks in the world. Behind the bar is Julio Bermejo, one the the ambassadors of Tequila in the US, and the margarita is his calling card.

To make a good margarita, you need good ingredients. The better the tequila you start with, the better your margarita is going to be. It’s important to find a tequila that is made from 100% agave for your margarita. Tequilas labeled “Gold” are usually made from only 50% agave, and the rest is basically rum. Tequilas which make great margaritas include Pueblo Viejo, Don Julio, Siete Leguas, El Tesoro, and Tequila Avion.

A good margarita is all about proportions, so it’s important to carefully measure out each ingredient. Also, fresh lime juice is essential, and it takes almost no time to juice a lime. The difference between fresh lime and bottled lime juice is extremely noticeable.

Here’s the recipe for the best margarita you’ll ever have:

Tommy’s Margarita

2 oz Blanco Tequila (Tequila Avion, Don Julio, or Patron)
1 oz lime juice (must be fresh squeezed)
1 oz agave syrup (diluted 1:1 nectar/water)

Shake and strain over cracked ice (no need to salt the rim).

Essential Homme Magazine

Men's Fashion & Style

Category Archives: Lifestyle

TOMMY HILFIGER WELCOMES LONDON MEN'S FASHION WEEK

BE A FOODIE IN THE HAMPTONS—STYLISHLY

Cuba Libre – Beyond The Rum & Coke

THE ESSENTIAL 2012 FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE