Best-Selling Author Melissa De La Cruz Hosts Exclusive New York City Fete for Her Latest novel, The Van Alen Legacy

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR MELISSA DE LA CRUZ HOSTS EXCLUSIVE NEW YORK CITY FÊTE FOR HER LATEST NOVEL, THE VAN ALEN LEGACY

With Soho’s MEET At The Apartment as the backdrop, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Melissa de la Cruz recently fêted the publication of the hotly anticipated fourth installment of the Young Adult series, Blue Bloods— The Van Alen Legacy. International burlesque performer, Veronica Varlow, who has been featured on MTV worldwide, performed a "Vampire Dance" at the event, as guests sipped cocktails, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and indulged in mini-cupcakes courtesy of CRUMBS Bake Shop.

In de la Cruz’s latest work, the Blue Bloods find themselves in an epic battle for survival. As readers discover in the introductory novel, within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the prestigious— they are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

The Blue Bloods series has over a million copies in print and has topped the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. It was named #9 in Entertainment Weekly's 20 Greatest Vampires of All Time. The series has been hailed by critics and garnered awards from the American Library Association as a Top Ten pick, the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, the New York Library Books for the Teenage, the Texas Library's Tayshas list, the Nevada Best Books and the Iowa Best Books. Disney-Hyperion is planning a first printing of 290,000 copies of The Van Alen Legacy and is sending Melissa on a nine-city book tour throughout October and November.

In addition to Blue Bloods, de la Cruz is also the author of The Au Pairs, Ashleys and Angels on Sunset Boulevard series, critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens. Her adult books include Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas. De la Cruz has also worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.

Melissa de la Cruz
www.melissa-delacruz.com

Award-winning Educational Documentary Released in Theatres September 2009

Award-winning Educational Documentary Released in Theatres September 2009

Just in time for the back-to-school season, The Providence Effect (Dinosaurs of the Future), an inspirational feature documentary, hit select theaters in New York City, Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles (October 2, 2009), and Washington D.C. on Friday, September 25, 2009.

Chronicling the extraordinary journey of Paul J. Adams III, an educator who has challenged the Chicago school system for thirty years with his revolutionary approach to teaching, The Providence Effect is an emotional, hopeful and awe-inspiring story of student achievement in the face of hardship. Having received praise from a number of film festivals earlier this year – Best Documentary, Omaha Film Festival 2009; Most Inspirational Documentary, Seattle True Independent Film Festival 2009; and Audience Choice Best Documentary, Lake County Film Festival 2009 – The Providence Effect was directed by Rollin Binzer (Director of Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones), also a Producer with Tom Hurvis, Co-Producer Joey Dedio and Executive Producer Julie Esch Hurvis.

The Providence Effect showcases Adams’ vision and his school’s successes. Providence St. Mel is a Chicago K-12 private school located on the city’s crime and drug-ridden West Side that has for thirty years placed 100% of its graduates in colleges and universities. On the heels of that success, Adams subsequently established Providence Englewood, a K-8 charter school, which has increased its students test scores by 400% since opening in 2006.

Featuring engaging interviews with students, parents, alumni, teachers and administrators, the film takes the audience from science fairs and concert performances to in-class instruction and graduation, providing an intimate look into the people and teaching methods that have made Providence St. Mel and Providence Englewood national educational success stories. The Providence Effect traces the school’s development from a struggling dream into an institution that produces not only inspired students, but parents, teachers and administrators dedicated to settling for nothing less than the highest expectations.

As national high school dropout rates continue to rise, and slashed state budgets devastate school systems, The Providence Effect presents the story of a compassionate educator who has defied all the odds, to the great benefit of all his students, their parents and teachers.

For more information please visit www.theprovidenceeffect.com.

From Vintage to Vogue, New York's Iconic Delano Steakhouse at Water's Edge Restaurant Re-opens

From Vintage to Vogue, New York's Iconic Delano Steakhouse at Water's Edge Restaurant

Re-opens

September 20, 2009
With a rich history spanning three decades, Water’s Edge Restaurant has held its own as a historic New York landmark since its establishment in 1981. Recently, the iconic eatery has been re-awakened, redesigned and re-conceptualized under the leadership and ownership of the Singh Hospitality Group, introducing a truly unique and transformed Delano Steakhouse at Water’s Edge dining experience.

Contemporary design meets tradition under a warm, inviting atmosphere at Water’s Edge. Featuring awe-inspiring panoramic views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, Water’s Edge is nestled alongside the East River and boasts exceptional personalized service, delectable cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Offering a delectable array of dishes, as well as an expertly selected wine list compiled by Wine Director Jay Jadeja and cocktails in the romantically-lit dining room, at the bar, on the outdoor veranda or within the private event space, each features a spectacular view of the Manhattan Skyline and the Queens Borough Bridge. The bar and dining room possesses a classic aesthetic and warm ambiance, as white-linen covered tables are complemented by chic, modern-designed chairs; the lounge, which holds a baby grand piano, plush banquettes and flickering fireplace, is the ideal spot for a romantic evening. The private event space boasts pristine, white walls, accented by spectacularly detailed woodwork. Glittering crystal chandeliers hang overhead, casting a soft glow within the room, as floor-to-ceiling windows and private balcony offer breathtaking views. Water’s Edge exudes comfort and luxury with a number of on-site amenities, including a bridal room. The private event space is the perfect site for any special occasion – from elaborate weddings to intimate anniversary fêtes, the possibilities are endless.

Original culinary creations, and refreshing twists on traditional fare, reflect the Eclectic American cuisine, crafted by Executive Chef Rory O’Farrell under the guidance of Corporate Chef David Salony and using only the season’s finest ingredients. As a start to your meal enjoy Panko Crusted Oysters (Guacamole and a Red Pepper Reduction) or Kung Pao Calamari (Chillis, Peanuts, Hoisin Glaze). As an entrée, the Baby Artichoke Crusted Salmon (Baby Turnips, Spaghetti Squash, Saffron Broth) and Mushroom-Miso Crusted Rack of Lamb (Braised Bok Choy, Whipped Potatoes) are palette-pleasing dishes. For those seeking a true classic New York meal, the selection of Prime Steaks (Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Short Bone Prime Rob) served with your choice of Au Poivre, Bearnaise or a classic Cabernet Demi Glaze is an ideal choice. Remember to save room for dessert, as the Dessert Sampler (Caramelized Pineapple, Piña Colada Shake and Coconut Ice Cream) and Blueberry Tart (with Cinnamon Ice Cream) are sure to indulge any sweet tooth. Having drinks at the bar? Indulge in the Water’s Edge Sunset Cocktail (Grey Goose, Grand Marnier, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Sour Mix & Grenadine), or have a glass or two of an exquisite wine selected from the extensive wine list.

The Delano Steakhouse at Water’s Edge dining experience begins with a cruise across the East River — departing from Manhattan’s East 23rd Street Pier/Skyport Marina. Guests are invited to step aboard the Water’s Edge Ferry for a thirty-minute sail across the East River, sure to be a unique and memorable experience. Additionally, a selection of party boats is also available for private cocktail hours, after-hours parties and other private events. Complementing the experience, each month the restaurant will also be host a special wine dinner, which features a hand-picked selection of wines, paired with a carefully-crafted five-course meal.

Water’s Edge Restaurant
The East River at 44th Drive
Long Island City, NY 11101
Tel: (718) 482-0033
www.WatersEdgeNYC.com

1407 Broadway Celebrates American Fashion with a New Look

1407 Broadway Celebrates American Fashion with a New Look

Positioned in the heart of New York City’s Garment District, 1407 Broadway is an iconic office building within the fashion industry. A fashion fixture for nearly 60 years, 1407 Broadway has been a creative hub for designers to develop the styles we wear each day. Built in 1950, the renowned architect Ely Kahn of Buchman & Kahn, later known as, Kahn & Jacobs, designed the building to meet the needs of the post WWII burgeoning garment industry and now under the present ownership of The Lightstone Group, the building is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. 1407 Broadway, which is over 1.1 million square feet and has almost 300 tenants, remains the home of apparel showrooms and designers such as well known labels like, My Michelle, XOXO, Sag Harbor, Jou Jou and Mudd Jeans.

Celebrating American Fashion and a history in fashion real estate, 1407 Broadway is fêting a new look and undergoing a complete makeover redevelopment with a focus on new mechanical and electrical systems to meet the growing needs of the industry and redesign of the lobby to reflect the spirit and excitement that fashion evokes on life. The renovated lobby will recall the art deco period with new metallic gold and silver ceiling applications, new down lighting, and Alabaster chandeliers. New lobby doors and a thorough marble polishing to restore the brilliant luster of the rich lobby marbles are also included. The glamorous redesign is sure to reflect the beauty and creativity that fashion portrays and will unveil during Fashion week in September.

In addition to the lobby transformation, The Lightstone Group has commissioned Suzanne Couture to sculpt ten busts of great fashion designers which will be displayed in the building’s gallery connecting the 1407 Broadway lobby to the 533 7th Avenue lobby. The designer busts will line the gallery, paying tribute to the designer’s contributions to the world of fashion. The exhibit will portray designers known for reflecting the creativity and integrity of the industry and the artistic redesign will pay homage to the history of fashion as well as inspiration to up and coming designers. 1407 Broadway’s redesign is, in part, a reflection of the ownership’s commitment to the fashion industry and plans to maintain its presence as a famed fashion building for years to come.

1407 Broadway
Gettinger Management LLC
New York City
212-944-6094
www.lightstonegroup.com

The First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally

THE FIRST ANNUAL FERRARI HAMPTONS RALLY

As the ideal way to wave goodbye to a memorable summer season, the First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally was the epitome of luxury and distinction— an East End afternoon of exclusive world-renowned vehicles, stylish surroundings, gourmet bites and refreshing cocktails.

The glamorous, red-carpet inaugural event, debuted at one of East Hampton’s finest dining and nightlife venues , Georgica Restaurant & Lounge, with an invitation-only guest-list of jet-setters, from celebrities and socialites, to media and business moguls. Ferrari aficionados had the opportunity to partake in the Hamptons rally, cruising past breathtaking estates, polo fields, vineyards, marinas and the ocean, all of which was preceded by an intimate brunch reception. Following the rally, the drivers and guests enjoyed a late afternoon fête, complete with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

As founder and co-host of the event, Nathaniel Christian is a Ferrari enthusiast and collector— the New York native credits his passion and fondness for the history and craftsmanship of the vehicles as his inspiration for the event. Nathaniel Christian has become a luxury lifestyle expert, as a real estate entrepreneur and restaurant and nightlife impresario. Co-host Nikki Beach Midtown is located in the vibrant heart of New York City; Nikki Beach Midtown combines classic beach club elegance with Manhattan sophistication. This urban outpost of the world-renowned Nikki Beach brand brings the ultimate beach club concept together with dining, fashion, music and entertainment. Since opening its doors in the heart of Midtown, the exclusive venue has hosted top events and welcomed VIPs and A-list celebrities.

The impressive list of event lifestyle sponsors included Grey Goose Vodka, Monticello Motor Club, Puma, Piper Champagne, Red Bull, Voss Water, Hamptons Magazine, Cavallino Magazine, Peroni, Ferrari Long Island, Miller Motorcars, Algar Ferrari, Wide World of Cars, Ferrari of Central New Jersey and the Ferrari Owners Club Northeast Region.

For more information please see the official Hamptons Ferrari Rally website here.