Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library from 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The closest subway to Broadway in Bryant Park is the 7 or B/D/F/V to 42nd Street/Bryant Park. The concerts are mostly on Thursday afternoons beginning at 12:30 p.m. and last approximately 1 hour. Admission is free. For the schedule this summer feel free to click here.

-Summer 2011 Intern, Sari

Alexander McQueen was one of the biggest fashion icons and designer to stars such as Lady Gaga. His designs were unconventional and stunning; they were works of art. Unfortunately, McQueen passed away on February 11, 2010. What better way to honor the designer then to have an exhibit in the Met dedicated to him and his work? The creative crazy fashion of McQueen was featured at one of the most well known modern art museums in the world for the first time on May 4, 2011 and they will stand in partnership until August 7, 2011. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day then to venture into the glorious New York City and just stare in awe at the designs of a true fashion inspiration and art. The exhibit is titled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and is located in the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall. It is free with museum admission.  However, there may be a wait to enter the exhibition, but it’s totally worth it. You might want to consider visiting the exhibit in the morning or on a weekday to avoid giant lines. Entrance to the exhibition closes at 4:30 pm during the week and 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Thanks to Target, you can visit the Met for FREE on Friday’s from 4:00pm-8:00pm but it does come at a price.  The line will be long and during these summer moths you can expect rain or extreme heat.

Visitors can now purchase timed tickets to the exhibit on Mondays when the museum is closed to the public. This is called Met Mondays with McQueen. Click on the link just mentioned for more information on the exhibition and to purchase tickets for Mondays.

McQueen once said, “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.” So go view fashion in one of its rarest art forms and dare to be different!

–Sari Cohen, Summer 2011 Intern

Steve Zanzonico, Summer 2011 Intern

As an avid food lover, I know this is what I’ll be doing Monday night. I can’t think of a better way to start my week then to go into New York City and eat great food. Bring your biggest appetite because this is an event you won’t want to miss. And while you’re in the city, catch a Broadway show afterwards; you might as well make a night of it!

Sari Cohen, Summer 2011 Intern

On Monday night Penta was invited to an event at The Ace Hotel (20 West 29^th Street) to view a new reovated space called Liberty Hall. This was my first time at an event planner showcase and this venue so I was really excited. Once we got to the hotel I was in love with the “dark” décor of the hotel. The lobby had 6 huge white pillars through the center and was filled with people enjoying each other’s company. To the right was a huge sign in lights that read “excelsior,” which is the name of the reception area. The staff greeted us kindly and directed us to the space of the party. We were directed down to the lower level where we were met with cocktails and smiles by staff of Élan Artists Events, http://www.elanartists.com/.

For lack of a better word, “trendy” is what this room aimed for. The walls were a dark chocolate brown with what looked like Mexican inspired swirl designs. There were two bars on opposite sides of the room and in the middle was a stage for the musical performances. Many industry professionals were there relaxing after work and viewing the space. Immediately we were offered yummy hors d’oeuvres. The first was a beef and blue cheese empanada…amazing. As the night progressed the food got a bit more interesting. I was offered what looked like a cracker with a cheese spread but to my surprise it was chicken liver. If you like liver, more power to you, but it was defiantly not for me! Cheese croquettes, salmon mousse, and steak tartar were also on the guest list of food for the evening and by the looks of the guests, they were greatly welcomed!

The night started off with a quartet of women, dressed in all white flapper costumes, playing the violin.  This made the space feel very “speakeasy-esque.” The music then turned into a large band who played a mix of classics and modern music. The last performers were so full of energy they had all the guests dancing. I thought to myself that these artists would fit so well at any event in lieu of a DJ because just the feel and presentation of a live band I think is so fun and elegant. Granted, a band is quite pricey and sometimes unattainable, but if you have the funds, I say go for it!

As the night went on we chatted and mingled with others in the event planning industry and spoke about how we can see an event in the room. The room fits about 200 guests for a cocktail reception and would be ideal for a birthday party or an after work gathering with colleagues. The space was big enough to fit 200 but small enough that you wouldn’t loose the intimacy of your guests. Because the walls were so dark, bringing in an outside vendor to provide up lighting would look stunning. Up lighting is when a light is placed on the floor with the light shining upwards on the wall. Many times you see this at social functions where the falls are illuminated by different colors. It’s a fantastic way to add color to a room without spending a ton on colored floral pieces. I would definitely recommend this room to any client looking for something social yet intimate for any special event.

Being an intern, it was great to see how industry professionals come together to discuss ideas and network with each other. I hope to attend many more of these events during my time at Penta. As always feel free to contact me at mferreira@pentaevents.com if you have any questions regarding this event or anything having to do with planning an event! I’d love to share my experiences and ideas with you!

Happy Planning!

-Marie

There are many additional entertainment and décor options you can bring into the space to make your event memorable.  Dancers, fire eaters, ice sculptors, flowers, and a red carpet are all acceptable outside items allowed to be brought into the space.  As for catering, they have an on site caterer but also permit outside catering.  Standing cocktail reception headcounts can range as little as 150 to 600 people.  A buffet dinner can have 100 to 400 people and a seated dinner could accommodate 60 to150 people.

No matter how large or small your event is, Arena is happy to make your event special.  Seventeen magazine has done photo shoots here and this is the site of previous Victoria’s Secret Fashion shows.  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or Sweet Sixteens are very often planned here due to their large dance floor.  The possibilities are endless.  The employees at Arena are always ready to plan the next big event and help you execute a successful event.

If interested in planning your next event at Arena please contact me, Alyssa, and I will put you in touch with the correct contact person at Arena.

www.arenanyc.net

February 28, 2011

It’s the beginning of the weekend so lets start off with some fun and exciting events!

If you like beers and microphones…

Free Open Bar at Pulse Karaoke Bar – 135 West 41 Street

Go and enjoy free single liquor drinks, Bud Lite, and wine from 6PM-7PM while singing the night away with your friends. What could be better than free drinks and good company? If your looking for a fun night out where you don’t need to put on your best shoes this is the place for you.  Check out the site at: http://www.pulsekaraoke.com/

If you enjoy Pinot or Merlot…

Upscale Wine Night at 240 Fifth Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant – 230 5^th Avenue

Wine and Dine with the fabulous people! Wine and Martinis will be flowing all night at discounted prices. No cover charge, which is always a plus.  For more information visit: http://lwine17b-atom.eventbrite.com/

If you’re in the mood to laugh…

Eastville Comedy Club Between – 2^nd Ave and Bowery

Enjoy a night full of laughs featuring comedians Dean Edwards of SNL, Jay Okerson of Badboyz of Comedy, Nate Baragalz of Comedy Central and many other great comedians. For free tickets call (212) 260-2445. There is a two drink minimum per person but the normal cover charge of $20 is waived so hey why not!?

Take a look at the site if you’d like to learn more: http://www.eastvillecomedy.com/

February 29, 2011

The weekend isn’t over yet! Here are some more fun spots for your Saturday night!

Give my regards to Broadway…

$20at20 ticket prices for Off Broadway Shows!

All you have to do is go to the box office at the specific theater you are looking at 20 minutes before the start time of the show and as long as they aren’t sold out you can get tickets for just $20 dollars for such shows as “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” “Stomp,” “The Divine Sister,” and many many more. This great discount accompanies the start to NYC Restaurant Week so after a tasty meal enjoy a great performance at a fraction of normal ticket prices. This special promotion will be running though February 6^th.

Take a look at the site for more info: http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2011/01/20_offbroadway_7.php

If you’re feigning for some Beer and BBQ…

2^nd Annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival
La.Venue 608 West 28^th Street from 12PM-930PM

Okay…One word…YUM! Good drinks and BBQ all together? I could die and go to heaven right now! Enjoy tasting of 60 beers, 40 bourbons and tons of BBQ while listening to great music. Admission includes sampling glasses for all the drinks you wish to try. Any questions contact La Venue at (212) 967-9636 or check out the website:
http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/show-info

If you’re in the mood for some art…

Solomon R. Guggenheim – 1071 5^th Avenue and East 89 Street

Enjoy free admission to the famous Guggenheim museum between 5:45 PM and 7:45 PM. This special happens every Saturday afternoon so whether you’ve had a rough Friday night and want to do something low key or have a true love for the arts go out and enjoy the history and beauty the museum has to offer. For more information check out the website: http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/about

January 30, 2011

Many of us like to relax on Sundays seeing that the work week will start the next day so here are some more low key events you may enjoy on a lazy Sunday!

If you’re in the mood for the silver screen…

Tribeca Grand Hotel – 2^nd Ave of the Americas

Between 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM enjoy a free movie and popcorn in the beautiful theater of the Tribeca Grand Hotel. This event happens every Sunday at the hotel unless posted in advance. This Sunday they are featuring Woody Allen’s movies Annie Hall starting at 6:30 and Manhattan beginning at 8:30. Instead of staying in your pajamas all day with mismatching socks why not put on some comfy clothes and take a trip to this event. You don’t have to get dressed up and hey…free popcorn! For more info click on the link and learn bout this fun experience!  Visit: http://www.tribecagrand.com/

If you’re in the mood for some fashion savings…

Loehmanns Designer Sale NYC – 101 7^th Avenue

Starting at 10:00 AM through 8:00 PM enjoy discounts at a discount department store! We’re all cutting back our spending so why not go out and get some great deals on fabulous clothes? Grab a few friends and head to Loehmanns, I’m sure you’ll find something great worth purchasing. For more info and a great coupon check out the link!
http://www.loehmanns.com/coupons/25offclritem0126fnl_fa10.aspx

If you love Chili…

NY Chili Festival 2011 at Chelsea Market – 75 9^th Avenue

From 4PM through 8PM join fellow “foodies” in the celebration of chili, beer, and all things spicy! There will be a 500ft concourse of chili served by dozens of New York City chefs who are competing for the 2011 Golden Chili Mug title. They will be featuring Brooklyn’s Brewery Beers to accompany the meaty spicy goodness. If you ask me this is an event not to miss! Check out the site for more info:  http://chilifest2011.com/

I hope I’ve given you some ideas on what to do this weekend! New York City always has something going on whether it be a art showing, sample sale, or a really great nightclub you will never be bored in the big apple! If you would like any other options or have any questions feel free to email me Mferreira@pentaevents.com. I’d love to hear from you! Enjoy your weekend and stay warm!

-Marie

Brandy Library is located at 25 N. Moore Street in Tribeca. Brandy Library offers an elegant yet casual evening with a plethora of rare spirits to enjoy. If you are looking for a 1945 Darroze armagnac, a Pierre Ferrand cognac 1914 or a Springbank 1969 single malt, Brandy Library has it. With a menu of 100 signature and classic cocktails complimented by carefully chosen wines and beers, Brandy Library is sure to please. If you’re not sure what to get after looking at the extensive menu, just ask one of the very talented mixologists behind the bar.

The cuisine at Brandy Library is decadent, sweet and savory. Where else in the city can you get a Malai Tikka, house Cognac-cured foie gras, crème brulee, fresh éclairs or warm chocolate cake with a molten center at 4:00 in the morning?

Brandy Library offers a Spirit School where you can become an expert on fine liquor for just $90 per student. You’ll taste some of the finest elixirs on the planet and learn about who created it, when it was created, where and why. Soon enough, you’ll be mixing drinks for all your friends.

Brandy Library requires polices that might not suit everyone. From Tuesday- Saturday, Brandy Library strongly suggests reservations. They want to insure their guests not only enjoy their time, but also are not over crowded. As in any public library, the use of loud and/or vulgar language is strictly prohibited and all public displays of affection should be in good taste. To keep the atmosphere mature and elegant, Brandy Library will not serve a person who is in an inebriated state and all guests must be the minimum age of 25. Although there is no dress code at Brandy Library, any disrespectful or insulating attire will be turned away. These policies are not in place to prohibit a good time but rather help insure one.

The atmosphere of Brady Library is one of class. With jazz music playing daily (live music by Joel Forrest on Monday night’s 8:00pm-midnight), low lighting and lounge furniture, Brandy Library has a warm and cozy feel that makes for a great date night or a small get together. For more information on Brady Library, please visit there website at http://www.brandylibrary.com.

If you would like your next event at Brandy Library contact Casey Gallagher at cgallagher@pentaevents.com.

Katwalk Bar and Lounge offers many inviting happy hour options that make it an intriguing destination for friends and fun.  Katwalk is located 2 W 35th St., between 5th Ave & Avenue of The Americas.  This location is convenient for the commuter from Jersey to get to the 33^rd St. Path Station, Long Island residents to Penn Station, or a stone throw away from Grand Central for the Gossip Girls on the Upper East Side.  With Katwalk being so close to Madison Square Garden, hailing a cab won’t be a problem.

Katwalk’s ambiance is reason enough to explore this venue.  With dark wood paneling, soft candle light, towering ceilings, and beautiful furnishings, Katwalk creates a luxurious fun environment for its bar patrons.  Plasma screens and projectors play anything from the hottest music videos and fashions shows to your favorite sports game.

Katwalk’s music is a mix of 80’s, rock, top 40, classics and hip-hop so you wont be tired of the of the same three songs repeating.  With classic bar food and Asian cuisine, Katwalk will satisfy anyone’s hunger. Last, but certainly not least, is the Happy Hour specials. Katwalk’s Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 3pm-8pm with $6.00 Frozen Drinks, $3.00 Domestic Drafts, $6.00 Premium Wine and Champagne, $3 dollar shots, $4-6 dollar Specialty Cocktails and Beer, free Appetizers for parties of 15 or more and a free Coat Check.  You can’t go wrong!

If you want to check out Katwalk’s Happy Hour specials, join Penta this Friday, from 3pm-8pm.  If you need help planning your next Holiday Happy Hour, contact Casey Gallagher at cgallagher@pentaevents.com

For more information on Katwalk, visit their website at:
http://katwalknyc.com/index.html

Wine Castle on the Upper East Side is working with Quintessential Wines on Saturday November 13th to host a wine tasting that will give any couple a great starting point to learning more about wines and pairings. This weekend’s tasting will highlight wines from across Australia, Italy, South Africa and California. We’ve all seen the small tables set up in markets conducting wine tastings to sell their product. What sets this event apart is that Chef Al De Winter will be preparing dishes to compliment each wine. Not to be remiss, if you do choose to continue the tasting at home there will be a 15% discount on cases purchased that evening. If you love this event, watch for next week’s blog on creative wine pairings for your event.

Wine Castle is located at 1650 3rd Avenue with tastings to be held from 3pm – 8pm.