Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Chic Sketch

Tuesday, February 9 from 6 to 9 pm
Beautique, 8 West 58th Street, New York

New York Fashion Week is right around the corner and there is no better way to kick off the festivities than with an exclusive party!

Chic Sketch, a fashion-forward mobile app that converts photos into Instagrammable fashion sketches within minutes, will be celebrating its one year anniversary plus the unveiling of Chic Sketch 2.0!

The event, which will be taking place at midtown hotspot, Beautique, on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 6-9PM, will be buzzing with industry insiders, members of the press, and key influencers. It will be the place to be seen and celebrate the kick-off of fashion week!

There will be drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and attendees will have the opportunity to get their very own, personalized Instagrammable illustration done on site!

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged Fashion, New York, Products on January 28, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

Pera – Restaurant Week

This entry was posted in Restaurants and tagged New York, Restaurants on January 28, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

Party Pics: Quoz Arts Fest

The Dubai Patron of Arts, Abdelmonem bin Eisa Alserkal, (pictured on the left in the second picture) is the founder of Alserkal Avenue Arts District where the annual Quoz Arts Festival was held this weekend to much success.

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged Art, Dubai, Festival, Outdoor, Party Pics on January 25, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

A Taste of Dum Pukht

Wednesday, February 3 from 6 to 10 pm
Awadh, 2588 Broadway, New York

Be inspired by the traditions and tastes of India as Awadh brings the Awadhi dinner to NYC!

We invite you to an Awadh experience of A Taste of Dum Pukht by Chef Gaurar Anand. The dinner starts off with a perfectly Dum Pukht-cooked Galouti Kebab along with freshly marinated Anarkali Tikki. We continue on with Lagan Ki Raan, slowly cooked in its own flavorful juices. In addition, the classic Indian dish, Murgh Biryani, will be served with a twist of Awadh’s savory spices as well as Mahi Musallan – a favorite at the James Beard Benefit Dinner. Come explore unique flavors and good company!

For more information visit awadhnyc.com

This entry was posted in Restaurants and tagged Food, New York, Restaurants on January 25, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

2016 Winter Ball

Monday, March 14
David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, NYC

The School of American Ballet (SAB) announces the 2016 Winter Ball at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on Monday, March 14, 2016, sponsored by legendary French jewelry Maison Van Cleef & Arpels for the ninth consecutive year. Cocktails begin at 7pm and dinner will commence at 8pm, followed by The Encore dessert and dancing at 9pm. Attire is black tie. To purchase tickets, a table, or for more information, please contact the Special Events Office at (212) 769-6636.

This glamorous annual dinner dance, presented each winter for the past 12 years, is attended by 500 patrons, including the School’s board members and alumni as well as leaders from the New York corporate and social communities.

A highlight of the evening includes a one-time-only performance by the students of the School of American Ballet choreographed by Peter Walker, who was selected by Peter Martins, Artistic Director and Chairman of Faculty for SAB, for the second consecutive year.

The proceeds from the event enhance every aspect of the School’s extraordinary ballet training program, helping to provide $2 million annually in student scholarships, as well as supporting faculty, maintaining world-class studios and offering vital student programs beyond the classroom.

Famed French jeweler, Van Cleef & Arpels, will again act as the lead corporate sponsor for the gala. This long-standing partnership is a tribute to the friendship shared between SAB founder, George Balanchine, and one of the Van Cleef & Arpels founding brothers, Claude Arpels, who brought the famed French jewelry Maison to New York in 1939. Their shared passion for exceptional stones inspired a creative partnership that resulted in Balanchine’s Jewels ballet and its sumptuous costumes.

The event is led by Chairmen Joyce Giuffra, Julia Koch, Serena Lese and Young Patron Chairmen Noreen Ahmad and Amanda Brotman.

ABOUT SCHOOL OF AMERICAN BALLET
The School of American Ballet, the official training academy of the New York City Ballet, was established in 1934 by legendary choreographer George Balanchine and philanthropist Lincoln Kirstein as the first and most essential step in their quest to create an American classical ballet company.

SAB, located at New York City’s Lincoln Center, is the premier ballet academy in the United States, training more students who go on to become professional dancers than any other school. SAB’s former students fill the ranks of the New York City Ballet and other leading U.S. and international ballet companies.

ABOUT VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Van Cleef & Arpels was born in Paris’ Place Vendôme in 1906, following Alfred Van Cleef’s marriage to Estelle Arpels in 1895. Always striving for excellence, the Maison has become a worldwide reference through its unique designs, its choice of exceptional stones and its virtuoso craftsmanship, offering jewels and timepieces that tell stories and bring enchantment to life. Over the years, the Maison has remained faithful to this highly distinctive style characterized by creativity, refinement and poetry. Whether inspired by nature, couture or the imagination, its collections evoke a timeless world of harmony and beauty.

Peter Walker hails from Fort Myers, Florida, where he began his early dance training at age eight. He attended the School of American Ballet during the 2006 and 2007 Summer Courses and enrolled as a full-time student in the winter of 2007. Peter honed his choreographic skills while still an SAB student by participating in SAB’s annual Student Choreography Workshop; and in 2011, 2012 and 2014, he was selected by Peter Martins to choreograph for SAB’s Summer Course Choreographic Workshop. He was a recipient of SAB’s 2011 Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise and became an apprentice with New York City Ballet. He joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in fall 2012.

This entry was posted in Events and tagged Benefit, Dance, Food, Gala, New York on January 25, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

Claudette for Valentine’s Day

Sunday, February 14
Claudette, 24 Fifth Avenue, New York

Reserve at OpenTable

More information at claudettenyc.com

This entry was posted in Events, Restaurants, Trending and tagged Food, New York, Restaurants, Valentine's Day on January 25, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

Amida Care

Wednesday, January 27 from 3 to 5 pm
Grand Slam Banquet, 478 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY

Amida Care presents a free community Live Your Life wellness event: ‘Movimiento con Ritmo/ Movement with Rhythm’. Led by the Lorenz Dancers, in this interactive workshop you’ll participate in Latin dance for fun and fitness. Staying healthy is about more than doctor’s visits and taking medication. Amida Care’s Live Your Life wellness program helps our members learn new ways to improve their health…and have fun in the process! Our free monthly member events throughout NYC include healthy cooking, art therapy, meditation, aromatherapy, and African and Latin dance for fun and fitness. This event is free and open to the public. It is made possible in part by support from NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres.

This entry was posted in Events and tagged Free, New York, Workshop on January 25, 2016 by Chuck Gregory.

Party Pics: Audrey Bernard Tribute

President Obama sends personal regards to Audrey J. Bernard at her Tribute at JALC

By Dedra N. Tate

It was a tribute fit for a Queen and my Godmother Audrey J. Bernard, International Society Columnist and Photo Journalist and the New York Beacon’s esteemed Society Editor, deserved EVERY majestic minute of it!!! Looking regal in a b michael design from his celebrated couture line, the “Always Just Beautiful” tribute/birthday brunch that took place on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 11:30-2:30 was a STELLAR affair. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC ), Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60^th Street, NYC was set-up beautifully and NO expense was spared in putting this event together!!! Florist to the stars and beyond Saundra Parks of Red Maple Leaf filled the room with Audrey’s favorite flower, Calla Lilies.

The afternoon was full of love, gifts, musical tributes, proclamations, declarations, commendations and libations (compliments of Moet Hennessey USA) in front of 120 of her closest family and friends, who all left with Henri Bendel magazine tote bags FILLED to the top with FAB-U-LOUS gifts that included earphones, charger, candle, and $20 splurge card from Henri Bendel; Bergdorf Goodman/Lancôme gift certificate; chico’s fashion necklace; Ciara CD; Macy’s gift card; and artwork by Mira Gandy !!!

NBC4 News Anchor David Ushery was a true MASTER of Ceremony for this very special tribute/birthday celebration. He kept everyone in stitches as he led us through the jam-packed program that included well wishes and “Congratulations” from President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, former Mayor David N. Dinkins, NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Gail Brewer, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and more. While guests enjoyed fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and Bellinis, Mimosas and “The Audrey Martini,” from the stage, her immediate family — Sister Marilyn Mosley, Nephews NYS Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley, III, and Dr. James Jennings Jr. brought everyone to tears with their expressions of love…including a citation from Assemblyman Mosley, as nieces Dr. Janice Carrero Mosley and Sameita Jennings, grandnephew Sebastien Alexander Carrero Mosley and grandniece Allyson Eh-Suk Mosley lovingly looked on.

During the celebratory toast and dessert, the always dapper Congressman Charlie Rangel presented the beaming tributee with a declaration proclaiming December 7th “Audrey J. Bernard Day!!!” She was also presented with an original painting from the original fine art collection of M. Gasby Brown and a beautiful black bag from Henri Bendel’s West 7^th Street Turnlock Satchel collection with her initials inscribed on the front in gold lettering, presented by HB’s Vice President of Marketing, Jessica Dennis who also brought greetings from her boss, Henri Bendel’s CEO Chris Fiore. Entertainment was provided by Alyson Williams who performed a show-stopping Diana Ross medley from “Lady Sings the Blues” (Audrey’s favorite artist) and jazz vocalist Camille Thurman. Vivian Reed led everyone in singing Happy Birthday while presenting her with a cake.

Some of the guests in attendance included Ambassador Suzan “Sujay” Johnson Cook who delivered an inspiring invocation, Reginald “Reggie” Van Lee, Dwayne Ashley, Gasby & Kenneth Brown, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Alma Rangel, Annette Gibbs, Carole Munroe, La’Verne Perry-Kennedy (who designed the “Always Just Beautiful” artwork), Sandra & Robert Tate, Jeanine Tate, Robbie Tate-Brickle, Katie Jones, Jim & Joanne Skeete, Ruth Sanchez, Susan L. Taylor, Khephra Burns, Sherry B. Bronfman, Jean Wells, Audrey Smaltz, Barbara J. Harris, Ruth Inniss, Veronica Jones, Connie Thomas Staton, Ruth Clark, Sylvia Rhone, Mae Attaway, Vivian Scott Chew, Ray Chew, Harriet Michel, Jeanne Parnell, Carmen Barnes, Karu F. Daniels, Wilson Morales, Diane Clear, Steve Manning, Pat Stevenson, Ruth Clark, Robin Verges, Ruth D. Hunt, Winnie & Mapple Walker, Cynthia Horner, Patricia Hinds, Candice Jacko, Vanessa DeLuca, Sheila Harris, Dana Baxter, Cynthia Horner & Ken Harris, Irene Gandy, Mira Gandy, Thomasine Barton-Gangadean and from the New York Beacon — Walter & Miatta Haj Smith, Don Thomas, Edna Sarr, and Audrey Adams.

There was even a video tribute sent in from Walt Disney World Public Relations team; a special message from Disney’s first African American doll, Princess Tiana; and greetings from Disney Dreamer’s Academy representative Mikki Taylor; followed by a special presentation by two of Disney’s top executives Annette Gibbs and Carol Munroe who presented her with a limited edition Princess Tiana basket filled with Disney treasures and their coveted “Mouscar” award which is their equivalent of the “Oscar!”

Then it was Audreytime. Ravishing from head to toe, the radiant tributee thoughtfully thanked the event’s Presenting Sponsors Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Reginald Van Lee Foundation and The Gasby Group, Inc; Contributing Sponsors (Henri Bendel New York, NBC4-New York, Moet Hennessy USA, Red Maple Leaf, The Williams Capital Group, Viacom, chico’s, Epic, Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic, William Wolf and Lancome Cosmetics); her guests; and gave HUGE KUDOS to Event Chairs Reginald Van Lee, Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton’s Washington DC location where he leads the firm’s commercial business, and JALC Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis; Co-Chairs Dwayne Ashley, Vice President of Development at JALC, and M. Gasby Greely Brown, CEO, The Gasby Group, Inc.; Guest Chefs Melba Wilson, Melba’s Restaurant, and Norma Jean Darden, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, for the delicious menu; and the FAB-U-LOUS host committee with special mention to JALC’s Divya Kantamneni, La’Verne Perry Kennedy, Rachel Noerdlinger, Robin Verges and Diane Thompson whose generous b’day gift to her friend was roving photographer Tone Fleming who captured precious guest moments throughout the event and presented the photos to each guest. No one wanted to go home so JALC’s top executive Dwayne Ashley extended the fun and invited guests to join him at the spotless steak restaurant Porter House on the 4^th floor of the luxurious Time-Life Building. And a merry good time was had by all! (Photos by Tone Fleming)