Pool Party & Fashion Show for Charity

VIVE Katerin stopped by The Talent Xchange’s “Fashions by the Pool” charity event at the Grace Hotel in Times Square benefitting the Institute for Cancer Research.  The beautiful pool and lounge which are literally in the lobby of the hotel just behind the reception area were illuminated with colored light which added dramatic effect to the trendy, Scandavian-style furniture and blonde wood panels.  The event began with a red carpet photo shoot with hosts Johnny Donovan (MTV/VH1 reality TV mogul), Naomi Defensor (of MTV’s Real World Las Vegas) and a host of other reality show celebs.  Angela Pivarnick, former Jersey Shore star was joined by Jeff Miranda, boyfriend of Jersey Shore star Snooki.  SiTV’s “Model Latina” winners Jessica Caban and Codie Cabral were also in attendance.

The party heated up when guest DJ Teso started spinning and the fashion show got underway showcasing swimwear collections from designers Johanna Sarria, Joy Couture and KM Swimwear.  Couture footwear designer John Ashford outfitted many of the models with amazing custom made shoes.

 

Sponsor, Talent Xchange is an entertainment industry networking website for actors, models, designers, photographers and writers. Talent Xchange owner, Reggie Menos was in attendance overseeing all details of the event to make everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great time.

Photography credit: Champion Eye Media (all photos used with permission)

Salsa Dancing in NYC

Are you looking for ideas for what to do tonight in NYC? Why not go to Iguana, a multi-level restaurant and dance lounge, which is well known for its salsa dancing.  Iguana has a full service Mexican restaurant on the main level, salsa upstairs, and another dance floor downstairs that spins mixed dance music.  Located at 240 W. 54^th Street (between 8^th & Broadway), Iguana is convenient to Times Square, the Theater District and Midtown. Given its location, it’s a easy spot to stop into after work or pre-Broadway show for cocktails or dinner.  If you don’t know how to dance salsa, don’t worry – Iguana offers free salsa dancing lessons. 

I met with Nino Brusco, who has managed Iguana for over 8 years.  Nino started in the hospitality business at age 10 when he worked in his uncle’s restaurant as a dishwasher.  He worked his way up to busboy and then waiter and then went to school to study hotel and restaurant management.  After finishing college, Nino managed several restaurants and even owned several of his own.  When commercial real estate investor and Iguana owner, Jerry Shallow, approached Nino about helping him launch Iguana, he jumped at the opportunity.  Nino prides himself on hard work and not being afraid to fail – two traits he believes are critical to success in the restaurant and hospitality industry.    

Plan a girls’ night out for salsa dancing and stop by Iguana for a great time.

Photography credits:

• Iguana logo, courtesy of Iguana. 
• Photo of Nino Brusco w/ VIVE Katerin taken by Sunny Norton Photography

SACHIKA TWINS Present REVE BOUTIQUE FASHION SHOW

Last week, I attended a fabulous party/fashion show at the Sky Room in NYC with the Sachika Twins. The Vietnamese identical twin designers, To-Tam and To-Nya, presented a runway show of their latest fashions which will be part of the Fall 2011 collection at Reve Boutique in Englewood, NJ.  The Sachikas have been building a name for themselves with their designs which are being worn by many Hollywood celebs.  Additionally, the have appeared as regulars on the E! cable TV show "Ice Loves Coco" starring Ice-T.  I'm looking forward to spending some more time with the twins soon to learn more about their background and how they grew their fashion business into such as success!

Here are some photos from the event.  You can see the models were stunning in the many creative and unique Sachika designs.  It was all highlighted by an amazing setting in the Sky Room with views of west midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. A great party and great night of fashion.

Photography credit: Sunny Norton Photography

Indian Themed Specialty Cocktails

On my website, there is an article about party promoter and hostess Libby Keatinge's Indian themed birthday party titled Legend of the Maharani.  The party, held at the Theater Bar in Tribeca, featured a specialty cocktail menu. Created by Theater Bar's owner, Albert Trummer, these cocktails feature whimsical names and innovative and tasty combinations of spirits, natural fruit and vegetables juices and herbs/spices.  Here are the ingredients for a few of my favorites.  The rest along with mixing recipes can be found in Trummer's upcoming book about cocktails, which he has written with the assistance of Keatinge.

Snake Charmer

Fresh cucumber juice, soaked in a dill fennel, Bombay Sapphire gin base, with fresh market herbs

The Maharani

Grey goose with fresh muddled Long Island strawberries and a house orange bitter essence with fresh lime

Magic Carpet

Fresh Israeli mint soaked in a Bacardi 8 with fresh lime juice and vanilla essence number 7

Maharaja

Dewars soaked in fresh Long Island apples with lime juice and lavender essence number 2