Week of August 17 - August 22, 2010

The summer weather in New York is still in full effect. So why not party on a school night and make the most of the amazing nightlife in the city that never sleeps. The only problem is that there are so many places to dance the night away. It’s GEM to the rescue with a roundup of the 5 most fabulous fiestas, one day at a time.

Let’s get the party started!
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1. MONDAY

Guantanamera - Cuban Salsa
939 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
www.guantanameranyc.com

Cuban cigars and rhythms alike will draw you in! The food and beverage menu will have you exploring the best Cuban delicacies.



2. TUESDAY

Empire Hotel Rooftop – Hip-Hop
44 West 63rd Street, New York, NY 10023
http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-rooftop.php

Shake up your after-work plans with great cocktails and DJs spinning a cool mix of the hottest music. This sexy party goes on rain or shine up on top of the Empire Hotel and features an amazing view of the NYC skyline.


Side note: This Week's (Aug 17th) Afterwork Party at Empire Hotel will feature drinks special provided by GIVEN (JEE-VAHN). GIVEN is a unique blend of premium agave tequila (imported from Jalisco, Mexico) and all natural lime juice handcrafted through an infusion process in Cognac, France. Be sure to stop and get a taste of this new elegantly bold liqueur. For more information on GIVEN visit, www.givenliqueur.com



3. WENDESDAY

Santos Party House - Cumbia, Latin Underground, Latin Tropical
96 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013
www.santospartyhouse.com

Don’t be deterred by the location. The music and type of crowd changes nightly and what’s consistent is that there are always cheap drinks and plenty dance space.



4. THURSDAY

Water Taxi Beach - Throwback Thursdays with classic house and salsa
89 South Street, New York, NY 10038
www.watertaxibeach.com

Nothing but a house party…party under the stars that is. Revelers can enjoy the retro grooves con salsa with sand between their toes!



5. FRIDAY

SOB - Salsa showcase
204 Varick Street, New York, NY
www.sobs.com

Cant get enough salsa? This legendary venue features music from around the world with live bands nightly. Voted as one of the best under-21 parties in NYC; check out the website for those nights.

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This Week's Blog is brought to you by

Week of May 4 - May 10, 2010

LET’S CELEBRATE
“CINCO DE MAYO”.

Before we get started on all the fun ideas and things to do this Cinco De Mayo, let’s take a look back at the significance of this holiday.

HISTORY:

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States and primarily limited to the state of Puebla in Mexico. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the “Battle of Puebla” during the French-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years.


DECORATE :

La Sirena
A true NYC GEM featuring the very best of Mexican Folk Art. Owner Dina Leor ensures that this quaint, L.E.S. boutique is stocked with arts and crafts from all over Mexico, from museum quality pieces to traditional marketplace merchandise and in all price ranges. You are sure to find those special touches for your Cinco De Mayo decoration from colorful papel picado to traditional candleholder centerpieces. 27 East 3rd Street, between 2nd Avenue and Bowery. (212) 780-9113. www.lasirenanyc.com.

Crate & Barrel
Stripes it up for Cinco De Mayo with their colorful and festive Raya Collection. The Dining and Entertaining collection includes matching pitcher, platter, bowl, 3-cup saucer, and chip and dip server. Prices range from $5.95 to $29.95. Visit www.crateandbarrel.com for more information.



DRINK:

Agavefest 2010 (Agave is best recognized as the plant from which tequila is made)
Astor Center hosts a tasting of a variety of brands and styles from jovens to añejos, mini-classes that address topics such as what agave distillates really are and are not (is tequila really mezcal? Is Cuervo really tequila?) and last but certainly not least cocktails at the Lounge. May 5th. Astor Center, 399 Lafayette Street at East 4th Street. (212) 674-7501. 6:30pm to 8:30pm. $25.00. www.astorcenternyc.com .


EAT:

Maria's Mexican Bistro
This consistent crowd pleasing Park Slope Mexican Bistro will celebrate Cinco De Mayo with style featuring a live music Trio at 8:30pm, singing everything from mariachis to baladas. Brace yourself because in addition to the all-around good food owners Carlos and Eduardo will invite patrons to do free tequila shots at 8pm and every hour on the hour until Midnight. Owner Eduardo Nacipucha has more than 150 different tequilas and makes all his margarita juices (including lime, pomegranate, blood orange and avocado) from scratch. Maria’s Mexican Bistro, 669 Union Street, at Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn. (718) 638-2344. Hours, Sun-Thu; noon-11pm; Fri-Sat; noon- midnight.


SHOP:

Viva La Girls Night Out
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Shecky’s, the event that continuously provides us with the ultimate shopping extravaganza is offering a Cinco de Mayo SPECIAL which includes Shecky’s Goodie Bag + General Admission. $5 OFF with code SPECIAL5, only $20 - $25 (usually $25 - $30). The upcoming Shecky’s “Girls Night Out” event in New York City will take place on June 15th through June 18th. 82 Mercer Street, between Spring and Broome Streets. 5pm to 10pm. This special deal ends May 5th. www.sheckys.com.


CULTURAL:

"The Big Read In The Bronx Celebrates Mexico"
With food, music, crafts, films, theater, and panels about Mexico, all happening throughout the Bronx. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment of the Arts that encourages literacy and reading culture in local communities. The inaugural Big Read in the Bronx was held in March and April of 2008, with a celebration of the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. More than 1,200 free books were distributed, many to individuals who had never owned a book before. May 4th through the 15th. For more information visit www.bronxarts.org.


DANCE:

Latin Jazz Legend Eddie Palmieri performing at SOB’s. May 5th. SOB's, 204 Varick Street. (212) 243-4940. 7:30pm performance. Tickets, $25 in advance. For more information visit www.sobs.com.


DJ Camilo will kick off the Cinco De Mayo After-Work party celebrations at Amnesia Nightclub. May 5th. Amnesia Nightclub, 609 West 29th Street, between 11th and 12 Avenues. (212) . Doors open at 5pm, everyone free until 7pm, reduced after on the nocheLatina guest list. For more information visit www.nochelatina.com.