Week of December 20 - December 26, 2010

Fellow GEM NYC blog followers, thank you for all your support in 2010! We look forward to bringing you many more GEMS to come in 2011!

Happy Holidays y Feliz Navidad

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NEW YEARS EVE PARTIES

OPAL

New Years Eve 2011 Ball Drop Countdown with music by NYC's Hottest DJs, hosted by MTV Tres own L-Boogs. Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., complimentary party favors, one hour open bar, video of ball dropping, and champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Must be 21 and over. $25 advance tickets. For more information or table reservations please email info@soulatino.com or call (718) 796-7979. You can purchase tickets online at http://opal.eventbrite.com. Opal, 251 East 52nd Street and Second Avenue, NYC.

VIBRATIONS LOUNGE

Welcome the new decade, come celebrate New Years Eve with all your friends at Vibrations Lounge. Doors open at 9 p.m. Open all night until 6 a.m. Must be 21 and over. Guest DJ's Spinning all night. VIP Treatment: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., $50 and includes; open bar and hors d' oeuvres (9 p.m. to 12 a.m.), and complimentary party favors. General admission 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., $25 and includes; drink and bottle specials. For RSVPs and table reservations, please call (917) 657-3373 or visit UrbanLatino.com. Vibrations Lounge, 116 Avenue C., between 7th and 8th streets, NYC.

SOB's 2011 TROPICAL PARADISE

This New Year's Eve, S.O.B.'s invites you to step into a Tropical Paradise, where the sultry sounds fill the air and the champagne and mojitos flow until sunrise. The sensational flavors of S.O.B.'s Nuevo-Latino pre-fixe menu will have your taste buds soaring and the midnight champagne toast is the perfect way to bring in the New Year. Come Celebrate the end of 2010 & the potential of 2011 at S.O.B's! Doors 8 p.m.,10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Admission $160.00, $60.00 & $30.00. For more information and reservations call (212) 243-4940 or www.sobs.com.

3 Packages Available
Platinum $160 p/p
8 P.M. ENTRANCE , LIVE PERFORMANCES, STAGE SIDE SEATING

Sangria Cocktail, FIVE COURSE DINNER

PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Gold $60 p/p
10:30 P.M. ENTRANCE (NON-SEATED)
LIVE PERFORMANCES, PASSED HORS D'OEUVRES
PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Silver $30 p/p
12:30 A.M. ENTRANCE (NON-SEATED)
LIVE PERFORMANCES, DJ SPINNING THE LATEST & GREATEST OF 2010, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Featuring Live Music All Night Long:
The Sweet Sounds of Bossa Nova
The Sizzling Salsa of Bio Ritmo & Carimi's Haitian Heat
Plus NYC's Hottest Latin DJs: DJ Spike spinning House, World, Soul & Best Of '10

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LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING IDEAS

TECHNOLOGY

With the Samsung Galaxy Tab™, Sprint's first tablet powered by Android™, you are guaranteed to light up any room you walk into. Weighing in at less than a pound, this all-in-one 7-inch touch screen device takes multitasking to the extreme. Read a book, listen to hot tracks, take a picture, video conference, watch a movie, email, text, post in your favorite social media networks or surf the Web, you can do it all - no desk required. All for just $399.99 after a 2-year Agreement and a Tablet plan and $50 instant rebate. Visit www.sprint.com for more info.

BOOK

MAMBO DIABLO: MY JOURNEY WITH TITO PUENTE by JOE CONZO SR. with DAVID A. PEREZ

Joe Conzo Sr. and David A. Perez luminously recreate the life of widely acclaimed Afro-Cuban and Jazz musician Tito Puente in the biography "Mambo Diablo - My Journey with Tito Puente." The authors chronicle the life of the popular and combative New York Puerto Rican multi-talented musician and entertainer who climbed from his poor environment in East Harlem (El Barrio), New York to international fame and recognition.

Countless stories have been written about Tito Puente's percussive musical abilities, but rarely has the talent, intuition, mishaps and controversies been presented in a vivid and personal biography. Joe Conzo was Tito's close friend, confidant and chronicler for nearly 40 years - no one was closer to Tito or knew him better. Joe tells the story of a man and his music the way it has never been told. David A. Perez sets down Joe's personal recollections and fits them into the context of the social milieu and revolving world. Purchase hardcover, paperback or kindle on amazon.com, borders.com and barnesandnoble.com.

MEN'S FASHION

503 Lab presents New York-based VGB making their debut this holiday with their Holiday 2010 Gentleman of Leisure collection. Inspired by the globetrotting and gentlemanly lifestyle of the likes of fictional character James Bond, the style hopes to create something that will undoubtedly stand out on its own with the bustling market for menswear. Available now via Karmaloop.com.

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TELEVISION

NYC's SAZON RESTAURANT CHEF FRANK VS BOBBY FLAY

Chef Frank will be hosting a viewing party of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Chef Frank appeared on the Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay, challenged by celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to an Empanada dual. Three of the nation's top experts in Latin cuisine will judge the tasty turnovers and select who had the best recipe for this traditional Latino dish. Who will be crowned the King of the Empanada? Tune in on Wednesday, 12/22 at 9 p.m. to find out. Channel 97-Cablevision and channel 50- Time Warner. Private viewing begins at Sazon Restaurant at 7 p.m. Sazon, 105 Reade Street, NYC.Please RSVP for the private viewing with Svargas@ulmedia.net.

TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS DUDAMEL:CONDUCTING A LIFE

For his fourth TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS "Dudamel: Conducting a Life," Tavis Smiley gives viewers an extraordinary look into the life and artistry of the LA Phil's charismatic conductor. At 29, Dudamel is not only the youngest conductor of any major orchestra in the world, but is also being hailed by critics as the most exciting. Dudamel is instrumental in inspiring the launch of the LA Phil's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles initiative, which provides Los Angeles school children with music education. A student of an internationally acclaimed music program in his native Venezuela, Dudamel is committed to expanding music education in America. Tavis profiles some of the remarkable kids whose lives are being transformed by Dudamel's commitment to free music education for all. Tune in on Wednesday, 12/29 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. E.T. on PBS.

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Check us out on

www.urbanlatino.com

Week of August 2 - August 8, 2010

The countdown for the end of Summer 2010 is here but there is still plenty of time to enjoy outdoor events, good music, good shopping, and maybe a movie premiere……we hope you enjoy this weeks GEM NYC listings.

If you would like to share some of your own GEM NYC finds or would like to drop us a few words please do so at gem@ulmedia.net

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MUSIC - NEW ORLEANS STYLE
FROM THE BIG APPLE TO THE BIG EASY

In commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute and Lincoln Center Out of Doors is Taking it to the Streets New Orleans Style . The night begins with a pre-party at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute from 4pm to 6pm, the concert will kick off with an official authentic New Orleans Second Line, leaving at 6pm from CCCADI (408 West 58th Street, between 9th and 10th avenues) to Damrosch Park (West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues). Move through the streets to the sounds of New Orleans, led by the Big Easy Apple Social Aid and Pleasure Club for a 7:30pm Lincoln Center Out Of Doors Concert, featuring the original The Wild Magnolias, Glen David Andrews with special guest Davell Crawford, and Soul Rebels Brass Band. Sunday, August 8th. For more information please contact Shantrelle P. Lewis at slewis@cccadi.org or 212-307-7420 ext 3008, or visit www.cccadi.org or www.lcoutofdoors.org.
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FUNDRAISER - CELEBRATING DIVERSITY?
A FUNDRAISER FOR ART FOR CHANGE AND MALDEF

This fundraiser is helping out all families being affected by SB1070 law in Arizona. Help children and families affected by American immigration policy and enjoy great atmosphere, great food, good people, poetry and music all at the same time. Hosted by Genesis Be...poetry and music by Mercedes Martinez, Shisty Nice, Auzriel and more. There will be tables set up with information on how YOU can help stop the law in AZ from going into effect. Pamphlets, brochures and donation boxes will be present. For those who want to help, but cannot attend... you can donate to Art For Change here at www.artforchange.org. Monday, August 2nd at Smiths NYC (44th street and 8th avenue). 7pm-10pm. Free, $10 suggested donation.

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SHOPPING PROMOTION
MADEWELL’S DENIM AFTER DARK EVENT

Bring a pair of lightly worn shoes to Madewell between 7 pm - 9pm, located at 486 Broadway and receive 20% off a pair of brand new Bensimon shoes. Bensimon is a French footwear company, famous for its simple classic design of the tennis shoe. All old shoes will be donated to soles4souls. Guests will also receive 20% off any pair of jeans during the event. Sweets and treats will also be served. Thursday, August 5th. 486 Broadway, NYC. www.madewell.com


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PARADE
DOMINICAN DAY PARADE

Grab your Dominican gear and flag and proudly represent at the 28th Annual Dominican Day Parade. Sunday, August 8th. Parade route; Sixth Avenue between 36th Street to 56 Street, in Manhattan. Parade hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to look out for the DEWARS/ “LA SOGA” float which will feature Dominican actor Manny Perez who will be promoting his upcoming movie “La Soga”.
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GEM FIND
YO SOY EXPRESSIONS

A couple of week ago I attended a Latina Style Business Conference here in NYC. As I surveyed the sponsor booth floor one in particular caught my eye because of the beautiful and colorful note card display. I had the pleasure of meeting Yo Soy Expressions President & CEO, Ivette Mayo, who with a very smart looking red business suit and great big smile lured me in. Ivette Mayo is a noted motivational speaker on such topics on cultural diversity, leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit. Yo Soy Expressions is a specialty note card business and online store – www.yosoyexpressions.com. The products are designed and inspired by the excellence of “la mujer Latina”. Card themes range from Mujer Existosa, Latina, Gratitude, Woman to Woman, Girlfriends, and Latina Love. You have the option of Spanish or English cards as well as personalizing with your own message. Prices range from $5 for 4 cards/envelopes to $65 for 100 cards/envelopes.
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FILM
“LA SOGA”

Don’t miss this great film starring Manny Perez and Denise Quiñones. La Soga is an edgy, action-packed thriller set in the Dominican Republic and New York City. The film follows the personal journey of Luisito a.k.a. “La Soga,” the son of a butcher turned government killer, who risks everything for justice. Inspired by true events, La Soga depicts corruption, brutality and one man’s struggle to find redemption. Check out the film’s trailor at www.lasogamovie.com. The film hits select tri-state area theatres on Friday, August 13th. For a list of theatres in your area click here, and check your local listings for showtimes.
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BOOKS TO READ
“A COUNTRY FOR All An Immigrant Manifesto”

In this timely book, award-winning journalist Jorge Ramos makes the case for a practical and politically achievable solution to this emotional issue. Ramos argues that we have a simple choice: to take a pragmatic approach that deals with the reality of immigration, or to continue a cruel and capricious system that doesn’t work, wastes billions of dollars, and which stands in direct opposition to our national principles. To purchase the book visit www.randomhouse.com. Paperback, List Price $14.





“Apartment Therapy’s BIG BOOK OF SMALL COOL PLACES”

Written by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, co-founder of the most popular interior design website, ApartmentTherapy.com. For years I have been an internet “peeping tom” checking out apartments of complete strangers online locally, nationally, and around the world to get my own decorating , space saving ideas. ApartmentTherapy.com will help you transform tiny into totally fabulous. You can purchase the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powell’s Books, and Indie Bound. Hard Cover, List Price $30.

Week of March 30 – April 6, 2010

As April is already here, let the sour weather not keep us back as we spring forward with a lighter step, head high and a boost of confidence! That’s my motto this week, because we all could use a little uplift from the dreary clouds – a little positive change and much healthy inspiration.

Let’s start with a much needed rejuvenation from the GEMs of the NYC streets and new online treasures…

FASHION: Ooh la la! The French label BGN, a premium women’s wear collection is offering discounts from 30-70% off current and past styles. This week’s sample sale items include linen dresses, silk chiffon tops and skirts, wool and leather jackets, cotton woven tops, tailored pants and much more. Make your way to midtown this week, and practice your catwalk across the isles of Parisian couture bliss.

BGN Paris Sample Sale
30-70% off
250 West 39th St suite 700 (between 7th & 8th Ave)
New York, 10018
03/30/10 - 04/05/10
Mon-Fri 10 am- 7pm
212 278 8686


BLING: Purple is this season’s new power color, and at $41.00 this bold yet delicate cocktail ring certainly proves that a little bit of everyday indulgence is a necessary luxury. You can view this GEM online at www.Emitations.com, and work it like Beyoncé – by putting a ring on it!

I know my wonderful Latino gents out there want to impress their GEM gals this spring by complimenting their sky-high modern heels with a Decker Black Chronograph watch by Fossil. Available for $95.00 at most major department stores and their online shop at www.Fossil.com, you’ll sure be looking fresh with the mesh sensation that is the Decker!



CULTURE: Beat your Monday blues this April 12th in celebration of 5 years of El Grito de Poetas (The Poets’ Roar) at the Nuyorican Poet’s Café. Founded circa 1973 by Puerto Rican writer and poet Miguel Algarín, NPC has emerged as one of the country's most highly respected arts organizations and has become an acclaimed forum for innovative poetry, music, hip hop, video, visual arts, comedy and theatre. The show will be hosted by La Bruja, and tickets are available for $10.00 online here.

Nuyorican Poets Cafe
236 East 3rd Street
(Between Ave B & C)
NYC, NY 10009
(212) 505-8183


FOOD: As the little sister to Sofrito Restaurant on 57th Street, Sazón Restaurant of Tribeca owns up to its name, with big punches of traditional Latin Caribbean fair including its famous rum-glazed shrimp, “mofongo” (mashed plantain and pork dish), alcapúrrias and ropa vieja (shredded style beef). You’ll want to wander down to the lower level bar for Karaoke Thursday’s with DonQ Rum specials all night, and De La Vega inspirational paintings to muse your entertainment.

Sazón Restaurant
105 Reade Street
New York, NY 10013-3840
(212) 406-1900


GEM WEEKLY READ: Magical Urbanism: Latinos Reinvent the US Big City, by Mike Davis – Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

“SUNY sociologist Davis predicts that the many national origins denoted by the term "Latino" will become less distinct as U.S. Latino identity undergoes its own melting pot process through intermarriages between different Latino nationalities. Much of this concise and insightful book explores not only cultural syncretism, but the practical aspects of a huge shift in American identity” - Publishers Weekly.

With the census actively measuring the various populations of the US right now, it is ever more important to be proactive in the preservation of our wonderful Latino-American culture. The 1996 United States census identified that Latinos surpassed African Americans as the second largest ethno-racial group in New York City. However most Latinos are oblivious of this statistic and GEM is here to reinforce our growing influence as urban and professional Latinos.

Well, we’ve heard it all these past few months, whether it’s the stress of our punctured economy, or the New Year’s resolutions gone astray - but GEM is here to evoke your senses and inspire your spirit! Tune in each week to engage and rejoice in all that is GEMtastic in your NYC.

Yours truly,
GEM

Week of March 16 – March 23, 2010

Welcome to the very first blog entry for GEM NYC!

ART: The Chicano movement invades the East Coast with an art exhibit titled "Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement", opening March 24th at El Museo del Barrio. The exhibit features 100 works in all contemporary media, and includes video, performance, and installation art by 27 artists and collectives.


PHOTOGRAPHY: Explore the Boogie Down Bronx through the lens of acclaimed South Bronx, born and raised photographer, Joe Conzo and his exhibit “The Bronx: Mi Barrio, Mi Orgullo” on view now through July 2010 at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College.


FOOD: Restaurateur extraordinaire, Jimmy Rodriguez delivers another crowd pleaser with Don Coqui, located in New Rochelle, NY. Dishes like Casuela de Marisco (seafood stew with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari with coconut rice) and Pionono (ground beef wrapped in sweet plantains with pigeon pea rice)affirms why Don Coqui is referred to as the “shortcut to Puerto Rico”. For those of you hoping to sharpen your culinary skills, be sure to sign up for one of the weekly cooking classes.


A worthy mention goes out to the Brooklyn: Dine In Brooklyn promotion going on from March 15th through March 25th, and featuring over 200 Brooklyn restaurants offering a 3 course; $20.10 lunch and $25.00 dinner (does not include beverages tax or gratuity). Several GEM NYC blog staff favorites include Luz Restaurant (Latin American; brunch, lunch, dinner), Bogota Latin Bistro (Pan Latino; dinner) and Maria's Bistro Mexicano (Mexican; brunch and dinner).


BOOKS: The Park Slope Barnes and Noble gets a little Latin flavor with an appearance and book signing by Food Network star Daisy Martinez, “Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes” on Thursday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m.


ONLINE PICK: Have a shoe fetish? You are not alone, check out MissMeanShoe.com, an online magazine devoted to women’s fashion footwear. Launched in July 2009 by Lizmarys M. Armiza, MissMeanShoe.com has become one of the top sites dedicated to shoes from Steve Madden to Christian Dior. Guys there is no need to feel left out, the recently launched MrMeanShoe.com is sure to satisfy the potential, if not established shoeaholic in you.


TELEVISION: HBO’s buzz worthy show “How To Make It In America” a.k.a the New York version of Entourage, will inspire you to fuel your hustle, maybe start your own business, and remember why AMERICA is the “land of opportunities”. Cast favorites include: Luis Guzman (from Carlitos Way and Traffic), Victor Rasuk (from Raising Victor Vargas), and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi (Rapper).