Hi Everyone,

I am going to be doing something different here on the blog and will be introducing my immensely talented team at Shiraz to this platform. They will come to you with an inside scoop on the Fashion industry parties, bars and nightclubs, new musicians and venues, as well as treats for every palette giving you the latest trends and secrets!
I hope you enjoy getting to know my team as much as I enjoy collaborating with them.

Before I introduce you to Tammy and Dera, I want to tell you about a wonderful new tea brand that has just blown me away. It is Vivache Herbal tea that is organically grown from mountain top gardens and is free of pesticides or herbicides. The delicious tea comes in English Breakfast, Jasmine, Herbal Chamomile, Green Mint, and Earl Grey.



New York Fashion Week is in full swing and this weekend I was invited to the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge before attending the Rock and Republic show. The show's production was great, very young and energetic, the clothes, mostly in black and whites with a "club girl" vibe rocking “Grease” style stretch pants.

While it was the start of Fashion week it was also the end of an era with the final performance of Rent. My friend and hair stylist to the stars, John Barrett, invited me to join him to view Rent at the final performance. It was a very emotional and touching evening with the current cast in full swing celebrating the amazing relationship this wonderful show has had with every patron. Cast members of previous seasons even attended culminating in them all jumping on stage to close the show. Rent will be missed as it was a landmark production not only for the gay community, but all of New York and the rest of the world!

The performance was followed by the after party at the Piers which was produced by Devin Delano. As one beautiful door closes, another opens!

My executive chef in New York City, Tammy Fox is an obvious expert in fine foods and creating dishes that make a lasting impression. She has a new food trend she would love to share with you. Enjoy!

Savory Jam, A New Trend

There is much known assumption that fruits go hand in hand with snacks or desserts. However, for many years, Europeans have been cooking up a storm combining ingredients such as raisins, fruits, and preserved lemons with cooked meats since the beginning of their culinary traditions. Fruity flavors can be very versatile when it’s paired with savory foods. It can lessen the saltiness of the food and provide a touch of sweetness that gives food more of an appealing taste.

Here at Shiraz, we strive in bringing exquisite, new, and bold flavors to our menus. With our fire roasted chipotle tomato jam on a miniature open faced turkey burger to a sweet maple thyme syrup on a filet with crispy herb polenta, you are guaranteed an exciting combination of flavors that will swirl up your taste buds and open your minds to explore and inspire to new ideas.

Next up is one of the Shiraz Event Managers Dera Lee who is an expert in specialty cocktails, wine, and best places in the city to find them!!

If you are looking for a great date spot or just a place to catch up with friends I recommend this great little South African wine bar in Hell’s Kitchen called Xai Xai @ 365 West 51st Street. I recently visited there with my boyfriend and another couple and we had the best time. The service is attentive, the wine is fabulous, and the small “tapas” style dishes are very tasty. I recommend any of Pinotage and the mini “Bunny Chow” with lamb bredie. The South African cuisine consists of a unique blend of African, colonial influences and exotic spices. With Dutch, German, French, British, Indian & Malay accents their dishes reflect the warmth, diversity and simplicity of the local fare. http://www.xaixaiwinebar.com/

Hi Everyone,

Here are a few places and things you need to check out!

Enjoy.

Shai



Check out Rayuela Restaurant – 165 Allen Street, NY. http://www.rayuelanyc.com/ (fabulous duck dish!!)

Stop by Bergdorf Goodman’s and get the Home Ambiance Perfume by Antica Farmacista – Acqua scent is amazing! (http://www.anticafarmacista.com/)
Get your hair done at De Berardinis Salon! Adrian De Berardinis is amazing! The salon was designed by Celery Kimble. (http://www.deberardinis.com/)



Before the summer ends, dine at the scenic restaurant The Frying Pan at the Chelsea Piers (212.989.6363)








Go see Hair playing in Central Park before it ends on September 14th. (http://www.publictheater.org/content/view/126/219/)

Glance at the exhibit at PS1 Moma. (http://www.ps1.org/)

Wander through the Met viewing the Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy exhibit before it closes on Sept.1st (http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={5B98D8A0-AB67-4137-8F5E-873FDB82EE73)

Greetings from Miami!!



It feels so great being in Miami at this time of the year because it is amazingly beautiful, although the weather is a bit warm, it is nicer than in New York City. Every beach day is just perfect, no gamble at all. Miami weather almost provides a peaceful serenity connecting you to your core after a long work day, it doesn’t get much better!

Speaking of perfect summer days:

Let’s talk about the Shiraz
All American Summer Party
that took place on July 17th at 12 21:

Last week, I hosted an All American Summer themed Showcase with Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting. We had 300 guests at the new venue,12 21 (the old Cheetah Space). I placed ottomans that were slip covered with blue and white gingham fabric throughout the room, with fully stocked picnic baskets (wine, bread and other foods, newspaper, a flower bouquet, etc.) on each of them, and then placed outdoor lanterns and cat tail arrangements around the room.

Projected on the wall and flat screens were classic all American films including From Here to Eternity and A Place in the Sun.

Pat Caramel (www.caramelnyc.com) provided the lighting that transformed the space into a beautiful All American Picinic. The event was a huge success!!

If you would like to be added to my mailing list for future events, please email me at info@shirazevents.com

After seven years of creations, we have decided to give Shiraz a new branded identity. Following a few weeks of development we have combined the Shiraz - New York and

Shiraz - Miami branding under one umbrella, Shiraz. We also have in development the new Shiraz website, http://www.shirazevents.com/.

The symbol above the new logo is the fountain of Love, which is my meditation mantra. Every time I meditate I inhale from the universe and exhale love to the universe! I visualize a natural spring fountain and the ripples of that spring is the symbol of Shiraz, as it is made with love.
I would love to get your feedback about my new branding!!

Celebrating Summer!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! I celebrated the holiday in Southampton spending my time driving to parties with my very stylish friend Greg Yale. One of the parties seemed to me as if it was taken from a Bruce Weber advertisement for Ralph Lauren or J. Crew. Our hosts were super sweet and gracious and I want to thank them for that! Last week I thoroughly enjoyed myself experiencing the Fancy Food Show at the Javitz , and attending a dinner party presenting the wonderful wines of Lombardia, Italy.

This weekend, I helped Rob Coburn with his event and my company Shiraz catered and staffed his party. Although we encountered some refreshing mid-summer rain showers, with Bronson Van Wyck’s beautiful lanterns hanging from the trees and my blue hydrangea arrangements in place, we were ready for a great party! I’ve included an image of my beautiful bartenders: Mark and Femi. In the picture you can see how we present our summer strawberry lemonade, if you wish to receive the recipes, please email me!

On my way to a meeting to collaborate on a real estate property launch this fall, my eyes caught this fascinating vision of a glass ball(see below), this art creation is exhibited at the Paul Kasmin Gallery on 27th St. The ball is filled with oil and features a motor in the bottom that creates a circular motion combined with the striped walls. The result is fantastic. The artist’s name is Petroc Sesti and the link to his website is: http://www.paulkasmingallery.com/current/


During my visit to the Fancy Food Show at the Javitz Center last week, my feet and my diet were exhausted after two hours of walking around and “tasting” many food and beverage items. Here is a selection of items I am going to use in my next season’s menus:

Haloumi Cheese - between feta and "rubber", this Cyprus national cheese is wonderful to grill and serve on a salad or as a side dish by its own. Once it is grilled or heated up it becomes softer and receives the grilling taste to make a great dish.

Carob Honey - from natural bee honey and traditional carob honey, rich of calcium and Vitamin A and B. The carob gives the spread its chocolate like flavors and is great served with yogurt or as a spread or to make brownies out of.

Rose Nectar - not as strong as rose water, this rose "juice" is great to create cocktails with. Below you will find a recipe for a drink I created using Veev.

"The Perfect Pink Rose"

2 0z of Veev Acai Liquer, 4 watermelon balls, 3 mint leaves, 1 oz of simple syrup 1 oz of rose nectar(Sense)

Muddle 3 watermelon balls and 2 mint leaves. Add ice, Veev, simple syrup, and rose nectar. Shake all ingredients. Strain into rock glass filled with ice. Garnish with a notch toothpick skewered with one watermelon ball and one mint leaf.

Happy Pride!

I will never forget the first time I was aware of Homosexuality. It was back in Israel when I was a kid and I was watching Dynasty. When the handsome Steven Carrington came out of the closet to his dad I realized I too had a secret.

Even after coming out I never thought that I, a gay man, would be able to marry my partner. It still amazes me that the option is getting closer and closer to reality. But to me it seems like a natural progression in our modern times, why in the world has it taken so long???

With fingers crossed it seems like the possibility is right around the corner and hopefully the legislation will sweep the nation!

With that said, HAPPY GAY PRIDE! I long for the day that we don’t have to celebrate and raise awareness of homosexuality and it will simply be a non-issue, although we have come a long way.

Here are seven ways I am celebrating Gay Pride:

1. Commitment Ceremony
I had the honor to plan and cater a commitment ceremony for two lovely ladies.
They both are smart, successful and delightful to work with. They entrusted me to provide them and their guests exceptional design, service and cuisine. The dinner was no small affair with over six courses. It was such a special event manifesting their love, style and commitment to each other.

2. Broadway Bares
Every year I purchase a pile of tickets to the late show of Broadway Bares and invite a bunch of close friends. Broadway Bares is an annual event that combines burlesque and Broadway sparkle featuring sizzling actors from Broadway. All the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS fund.
This year’s theme was Alice in Wonderland so needless to say the costumes and color were eye popping.
Nathan Lane, Julie White, Andrea Martin were OK, but nothing beats Cindy Lauper and her strap on two years ago!

3. Keeping it Sexy
Hey I told you all that I would give a peak at my new Red Carter bathing
suit. TADA! This was taken after my first practice run at water skiing. (THAT is a work in progress)
I love these suits as you know, they don’t sag, have great designs and holds everything in place (most important!)

4. Café Grumpy
Ignore the name, I promise. This gay friendly spot in north Chelsea has the best cappuccino in the city. The texture and flavor is perfect!
And the atmosphere is very low key, so that you can savor your beverage in peace. Now you know my little secret!
224 W 20th St.

5. La Bottega at the Maritime Hotel
Doesn’t everyone always ask you where to go eat outside? Well I always say La Bottega! The main reason is they have such a huge outdoor area you are almost guaranteed a spot! The dishes are always fresh; full of flavor and the staff is cute and attentive. The pasta’s aren’t high on my list of faves but the Fava bean salad; Branzino and grilled jumbo shrimp salad are delightful. Cute eye candy too!
La Bottega 212-243-8400

6. The GLBT center "Garden Party" on Monday, June 24th
This event was great fun. It took place on Pier 54 (14th St.) where different food vendors have tables including Jean George, Klee and Suenosopen. There is also an open bar and handsome New York man and women
enjoying a great sunset. I went with my friends: Lance Lin, Matthias Kirwald
and Orlando Reece

7. Water Skiing
As you know, I ride a horse better than most, and I am a big time yoga lover but water skiing is NOT for sissies!
I gave it a go for the first time last weekend in the choppy North Haven water and had a hard time even getting up!
I gave it the old college try though and had a great time attempting looking like a super water sports star.

BONUS entry- Here is a great pink champagne I tasted last weekend. A Laurent -Perrier, Cuvee Rose Brut. Divine!

Hellooooo summer! This heat has been a real slap in the face right? But unlike many people in the world, us New Yorkers have to keep working and deal with it. Hot humid heat + working on events = Much needed rest!

I'm one that tends to be active at all times, and then, BAM! I crash. As much as I try to take time for myself and make sure I get enough rest, there are days when it simply doesn’t happen. Here are seven ways I find to relax:

1. Skipping School!
I worked non-stop over the last two weeks and to top it all off this weekend I did a wedding (Which was amazing! I will show you snaps next week). After all of that my fuel gage was at empty. So Monday morning I woke up and hit the snooze button one too many times and called into the office for a much-deserved day off.

After thoroughly recharging my sleep batteries I thought some retail therapy would boost my energy as well. I headed to Paul Smith and found some great cufflinks as a present for my friend, celeb hair stylist John Barrett. He is celebrating his recent American citizenship.  I bought him the $$ links that, to me, represent achieving the American Dream. Congrats John!

2. BLT Fish
When I have had a stressful day and no desire to cook at home, I head out for a relaxing dinner. I took my friend and wonderful dermatologist Rob Warner of Park Avenue Dermatology, to dinner at BLT Fish on 17th Street. Rob is a great friend of my forehead and mine. He makes it look soft and smooth 24/7 (yes, I get help!). The third floor dining room is very elegant and the open kitchen adds to an energetic environment. We ordered some great dishes but my favorite was the caramelized scallops, which was a special that night. I paired them with a dry and delectable rose. The service here is always superb and I enjoy coming in, settling down and catching up with great friends.
Park Avenue Dermatology corner of 64th and Park
Bistro Laurent Tourondel (212) 691-8888 21 W 17th St, New York, NY


3. Hawaiian Black Lava Salt
As you can tell, culinary adventures are one of the ways I relax. When I was in Israel I happened upon Hawaiian Black Lava Salt. YUM! It is not as salty as sea salt and its black and crystal-like texture is perfect in little dishes along with a dish of olive oil for dipping breads or dressing salads.

4. Tasting Bars
In my continual effort to live a healthy life, I am always excited about cocktails concocted with freshly squeezed juices and herbs. Many of my clients request tasting bars at their events and I love them for it. Here is how it works:
Instead of offering a full bar you offer a selection of herbs and fresh juices and one or two or three types of liquor (Vodka, Gin, Tequila) as the base. I either give my guests the option of six premixed cocktail options or I let them whip up with their own cocktail recipe. The presentation can be colorful and fun and it is a great way to interact with guests and make the party more memorable.

5. Workout
Many may not believe it, but working out is very relaxing to me! I work out at least five times a week: two with trainers (I use two different trainers as I don't like them getting too comfortable...) where one day we work on upper body and the other, lower body. Two more days are dedicated to cardio and the fifth is my choice. I enjoy pushing myself on the machines and free weights and it is always gratifying to see the results (and when other people notice them too!)

6. Camille Cosmecuticals NY
This is one of my favorite product lines created by Camille Meyers of TriBeCa MedSpa. I use Vita Cleanse Gel to clean my skin and then I apply Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum and finish the process with Squalane Moisture seal. After two weeks of using this line my skin was as smooth as a baby’s behind! To get your own products and great results check out www.tribecamedspa.com


7. www.who.repswhat.com
OK, so I cant relax all the time! But when I have some down time at work I surf this site. I find great event sponsors here to reach out to for my next exciting project!

Getting my energies in focus

Each season I like to do a little closet cleaning. One reason is because I live in New York and who has any closet space here? But it is hard to decide what to let go of. That amazing vintage piece I have had for years? Or those flared pants that may come back in style when this skinny jean craze is over. But another reason I clean out is because, as a spiritual person, I am all about ‘out with the old, in with the new.’ I don’t want my possessions to possess me and energies must be altered. Besides, who doesn’t like a Saturday shopping spree at Barneys?!

I am not only cleaning out my literal closet but I am doing the same thing internally at Shiraz NYC: New people, new clients and a new energy to inspire me and help my company grow. It may not be as easy as pitching my favorite early 90's tee shirt but it certainly is rewarding in the long run!

Hmmm… it’s curious how I use the closet as a metaphor.

Here are seven other ways I have put my energy to good use:

1. Many people don’t know this Shai fun fact, but growing up in Israel I competed in jumping and dressage. When I feel nostalgic for my competition days I head out to Bergen County Equestrian Center. Only a 20-minute drive from the city in Leonia, the riding center is a beautiful oasis! I visit whenever I can get out there for take classes.
Call 201-2421920 to saddle up.

2. With the temperatures soaring it’s time for Rose. I tasted a perfectly dry and delicious one last weekend: Cuvee du cep d'or, By Cotes de Provence, 2007

3. Who wouldn’t want to work with amazing baubles, bangles, beads and blondes? Van Cleef and Arpels asked my company to work on the launch party of their collaboration with ‘it’ fashion girl Erin Fetherston. Here is a picture from the event, which ended up dazzling!


4. I really had to turn water into wine last week when I was asked to transform a construction site into a chic roof top terrace for a new condominium development at 52 East 4th Street. I turned out perfectly (as I always strive to do) and the sunshine was the icing on a beautiful cake. Actually the cherry on top was that an offer was made on the penthouse, which made news in Metro. Go team!

5. For a wedding I have been working on for quite some time, I wanted something special for the couple. I worked with my kitchen staff and prepared a custom flavored sorbet of lemon and thyme. YUM! It is the most refreshing taste on a hot summer day. Now that my kitchen staff made this I have a list of things I want! If you want your own delectable sorbet be sure ot order from Dolce Amore at 718-246-5414

6. With the preppy all American look taking over the runways, I am way ahead of the trend. I have always loved J Crew shorts. But I always have to add my personal flavor to them by taking new pairs to my tailor to shorten the hem and take in the seams for s sexy Shai look.

7. I am sure I am not the only New Yorker who wakes up with their head spinning from all the work, emails and crackberry’s going on in everyday life. When I feel like I have too much on my plate I take some time out in the morning to Meditate. Here is my morning routine:
-I sit comfortably on my sofa making sure every electronic device is off. I either make sure my feet are firmly on the floor or that I am sitting Indian style with my back supported.

-I then close my eyes and start breathing deeply. While getting into my zone I concentrate on parts of my body from head to toe and ask each part of my body to relax. 


- When I feel more at peace I visualize the Fountain of Love. I imagine a natural spring with a fuchsia tint (don’t laugh!) and I take a deep breath from the universe and exhale love into the world. While doing this I think positive thoughts such as loving myself, that I am capable of anything and general upbeat ideas.

- After about 30 minutes my mind is at ease, I am refreshed and ready to turn on my Blackberry and face another amazing day!