Hyundai's Press Event at NYIAS: 2014 Equus

It is always such a thrill to work in New York.  I lived here for nine years and I miss the craziness of the city sometimes. Yes, LA offers its own version of crazy, but there's nothing like New York. 

This week, I was back at the New York International Auto show for Hyundai's press event for the 2014 Equus. I've been honored to host their internet broadcasts for the last year and it has been so much fun to interact with the executives, designers, and Hyundai owners who represent the brand so well. 

Chef Tom Colicchio

It was such a thrill that Top Chef's Tom Colicchio was also on hand to serve up some incredible food to the attendees. It was the perfect pairing to a premium brand like the Hyundai Equus.  

You can see a snippet of yesterday's broadcast below which begins in the streets of Manhattan.  For the full broadcast, head to the Hyundai site to see more of yesterday's event.

My NYC adventures don't end just yet. I will be on Vh1's Big Morning Buzz with Carrie Keagan on Friday, March 29 LIVE at 10am.  I can't wait to talk about the day's pop culture events.

IAWTV at BlogWorld & New Media Expo 2012

On set!

I've been a proud member of the International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV) since 2010 and it was a great honor to be given two IAWTV Awards this past January, so when I was asked by my former Web Files producer/director, Sandra Payne, to help with the BlogWorld promotional video, I immediately said, "yes".  BlogWorld & New Media Expo 2012 is a fantastic conference for content creators to connect and network under one roof.  This year, the IAWTV is providing a WebTV track of panels for attendees.  The video below gives even more information on what you can find during the June 5-7th conference or you can click here.  Be sure to check it out if you are in New York next week and if you would like to become a member of the IAWTV, you can find more information here.

Many thanks to Sandra Payne, Patrick Bardwell, and the crew at theLip.tv for putting this piece together.

Parting Shots: NYC

Seriously, I don't think there could have been a better hotel room view for me.

I've moved on to location number two and while I am not home, I am happy to be parked in one place for a month. I just finished a 30-day run that involved 8 different planes.  Now, if you have followed my blog the last few years, you know exactly where I am right now.  I'll let you guess in the comments section below.  If you don't want to guess, that's okay because I am about to bombard you with images from my location. Otherwise, here are some final images of my short, but always sweet, time in NY. (I'll be back to NY in 5 weeks, so don't feel sorry for me.)

 It was awesome to walk out of my hotel and see the ad on a phone booth.  If you missed the Godspell rehearsal photos, click here.  

 I always sneak in a trip to Magnolia Bakery.  

 If you have not visited Chelsea Market, make sure to add this to your list for your next visit.  The interior architecture is worth a quick tour through.  

 The Met Opera broadcast their opening night in Times Square. Here's a scene from Anna Bolena. 

 So many people gathered to watch, it was inspiring to see the crowd out in full force for some real culture.

I know I've been rather secretive about what I was shooting in NY.  I signed an NDA across all social media platforms until the infomerical is launched.  However, you can see my official FB page to see who I worked with. We shot in the old Maury studios.  I figured the studios were haunted with DNA tests and lost baby daddies.

Last shot of me in NY just after I left the set.  It was a very satisfying trip.  I'm sad to leave, but happy to be returning soon....

Eataly

I must confess, I have become one of those people:  I take pictures of my food.  I just enjoy food and the chefs who understand the art of creating different flavors and textures to make a meal. With that said, I cannot get enough of Mario Batali's food.  I am a huge fan of his LA restaurant's Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza.  It impresses me that a restaurant that has been open for more than four years continues to fill up four weeks in advance.  I still have not gotten a reservation later than 6 PM.  So, I hit the early bird special and fill up on Batali's tasty treats.

Well, last week in New York, I was lucky enough to try Batali's latest masterpiece, Eataly.  Yes, a hybrid word:  Eat and Italy.  You can't go wrong with this combination and Batali touts it as "a new Italian Gastronomic Mecca".  In fact, it was so good that I made a repeat visit two days later.  It is an Italian marketplace in the Flatiron District that is worth every calorie.  It is divided into sections of meats, cheeses, fish, pastas, gelato, pizza, pastries, and more.  You can grab a glass of wine, walk through each section, stop and eat along the way, or dine in one of the sit down areas for a more formal meal.  If you are headed to New York anytime soon, add it to your list, and get thee to Eataly.....especially if you are a hardcore foodie like me.

Hope you're not too hungry.........

From Manzo, the meat restaurant at Eataly, Agnolotti with Brown Butter & Parmigiano.

The cheese section of Eataly.......

Not for the squeamish:  Crispy Sweetbreads with Funghi Trifolati

This melted in my mouth:  Mozzarella di Bufala Campana with Prosciutto & Fettunta.

Perhaps my favorite appetizer at Eataly:  Carne Cruda al Coltello.  Yes, that is a raw quail egg on top.  If you can handle this type of food, it was the tastiest thing I have ever had.  

This is the only meal I thought was adequate:  Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Lobster.

Guinea Hen with Foie Gras, Asparagus, & Chanterelles.  This was delicious.  And pricey: $75!  It was worth it.

Mozzarella from the cheese stop in the marketplace.

Lasagna from La Pizza & Pasta restaurant.

A Prosciutto Ravioli from La Pizza & Pasta restaurant.

Thank You, New York, Good Night!

After a really rough end to 2010, it has been such a joy to see 2011 with a fresh, new perspective. I have had the opportunity to reconnect with friends that are so important to me, I get to work in a field that brings me great satisfaction, and I am lucky enough to visit a city that makes me fall in love all over again.  The conclusion of my two weeks in New York brings about the news that Osama bin Laden is dead and it is sobering reminder of what happened here ten years ago. To all of those who were lost, to all of those anonymous heroes who risked their own lives that day, we still never forget.  Here's to friends, life, happiness, and love.

Thank you, New York, Good Night!

The Great Blackout at the 2011 New York Auto Show

I'm starting to feel like a bit of a disaster.  Wherever I am, disaster strikes:  2003.....The great blackout in NYC (and I was living in Minneapolis at the time.), 2009......the Cobo Hall Fire at NAIAS and now, 2011.....the great blackout at the Jacob Javits Center.  Wherever I go, trouble follows.  Last night, around 7:50 PM. all of the lights dimmed in the middle of the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center.  It became very dark, very quickly.  I love the resilience of New Yorkers because an event like this barely registers to them.  As someone who has officially spent more time in LA (11 years) versus NYC (9 years), I did look around to make sure this was just a faulty electrical moment instead of a true emergency.

I also love that Jalopnik and the NY Times Automotive Section were on to my tweets within seconds.  Are they trolling for auto show information by the moment?  Either way, I am impressed.  The consumers remained calm and the lights were back on within 8 minutes. The only thing that I questioned was the lack of response from show management.  We didn't hear a peep from them.  Surely there is a universal PA system to tell the public that everything is okay and that they are working on restoring power?  Does anyone have an emergency plan in place these days?  I know Cobo Hall didn't do a thing during the fire in 2009.  The other good news is that New York's famed "Gang Night" on Easter Sunday was the calmest in years, so maybe my luck is changing after all.

Lights back on and all is well at the 2011 New York Auto Show........

**The views/opinions on this page are not necessarily those of TOYOTA.

Scenes from a NY Weekend

Although it was a holiday weekend, I had to work.  So, my weekend was filled with a little work, a little play, a little shopping, and a whole lot of eating.  Here are some fun scenes from my Easter weekend in the Big Apple.

We kicked off the weekend with our annual trip to Burgers & Cupcakes.  Yep, you know what's on the menu.

For all of you flea market enthusiasts, The Garage Antique Flea Market (112 West 25th St, 10001) is a must on your next NYC visit.  It is filled with vast treasures with a strong focus on vintage clothing, jewelry, and housewares.  

When you go to visit the flea market, be sure to visit Lulu of Lulu's Vintage Lovelies.  Her eye for style is impeccable and if you want quality designer vintage clothing, she is the woman to meet.  We hunted through vintage Valentino to fox stoles to stunning chandelier earrings.  It's the type of inventory that would make Rachel Zoe's head spin.  I managed to grab a gorgeous white trench coat and a fitted gray military jacket.  (Photos to come...) 

Some of Lulu's treasures that are calling out to me.  I promise, I will be back!  Make sure to stop by and say "hi" to Lulu.  Be sure to tell her that KB sent you.

I do believe the myth is true that NY water makes bagels, pizza, and cupcakes taste better than anywhere in the world.  This slice was heaven.  The right amount of cheese blended together with tangy sauce and a crispy crust. 

A view of our Toyota Live stage from the 4th floor.  It's fun to watch the audience from up above catch our show.  I think it is the best view in the house.  Next time, I have to send someone up there to take a photo when I am on stage.

Thanks to our crew, they posted some of our best shots from our Peter Luger Steakhouse night on the Toyota Live monitors.

I do like my steak!

What's your favorite thing to do in New York?  Let me know in the comments since I have another week left in the big city.

Hey, NYC, Are You Game?

It's that time again, Ladies; time to get into shape.  I will be in NYC this Saturday, September 18th for my annual Are You Game, New York edition.  It is my second year emceeing all of the events and the fashion shows sponsored by Women's Health Magazine.  It is one of my favorite gigs all year:  food, fashion, fitness, freebies, and fun all rolled into one.  We had a great time at the Chicago event in July, so let's wrap it up with even more fun NY-style.  If you are planning on attending, please make time for Sarina Jain's Masala Bhangra Workout on the main stage at 2:45 PM.  This is one of the most inspiring and uplifting classes I have ever taken.  Make sure you stop by and say "hi" to me over by the DJ booth or after the fashion show.  I hope to see you Saturday, and remember, 50% of the entrance fee proceeds benefit The FEED Foundation.  Here is a list of Saturday's events:

LISTEN

Live DJ 
10:00AM–4:00PM

REPLENISH

Special K Breakfast & Snack Bar
Muscle Milk Light Sampling Station
10:00AM–4:00PM

PAMPER

Workout-to-Knockout Makeover Cabana featuring Burt’s Bees Lip Touch-ups
Oasis Day Spa Chair Massages
10:00AM–4:00PM

TRY

ASICS 100-Meter Dash Running Challenge
Oakley Golf Pro One-On-One
Oakley Picture-Perfect Photo Booth
Subaru Road Trip Karaoke
Subaru Virtual Kayak
10:00AM–4:00PM

SHOP

Women’s Health Boutique
FEED Products
10:00AM–4:00PM

CONSULT

Nutrition Counseling
10:00AM–4:00PM

CHECK OUT

ASICS Footwear Cabana
ATHLETA Fashion Cabana
Oakley Fashion Cabana
10:00AM–4:00PM

PLAY

Basketball Shootout
10:00AM–4:00PM

Let me know in the comments if you are planning to attend.  I hope to see you there!

RIDE

Mechanical Bull
10:00AM–4:00PM

WATCH

Kulae Yoga Demo
10:00AM-4:00PM
Eat Smart Cooking Demos 
11:00AM
12:15PM
2:15PM
3:15PM
Runway Shows 
ASICS
12:40PM
Oakley
1:05PM
ATHLETA
1:40PM

LEARN

Dances Around the Globe 
Global Groove
10:30AM
Broadway Dance
11:30AM
Masala Bhangra
2:45PM

SWEAT

Workout Classes* 
10:30AM–4:00PM
*Check Out the Sweat Schedule for a complete class list.

REFRESH

MGD 64 Happy Hour 
2:00PM–4:00PM