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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Blue Star Jets: Luxury Travel Revolutionized

Blue Star Jets: Luxury Travel Revolutionized

As a response to the ever-evolving needs of their clientele, Blue Star Jets, one of the world’s largest private aircraft charter brokers, recently launched the world’s first website for travelers seeking to share the cost of private jet charter— the ShareAJet Exchange.

As the first site of its kind, the ShareAJet Exchange introduces travelers to flying privately together, helping clients connect with other flyers planning trips to similar destinations and arrange to share flights aboard a specific private aircraft. If a trip to the desired destination is not posted, clients may also upload their own travel plans with the aim of matching that with another traveler. Such a public, socially-interactive marketplace allows for clients to plan trips together. The ShareAJet Exchange will prove ideal for travel agents, flight departments, and jet charter companies, as well as corporations seeking to save up to 50% on jet travel.

Blue Star Jets was founded in April 2001 when business partners, Todd Rome and Richard Sitomer, sought to capitalize on the inefficiencies of the private jet marketplace. As their motto states, ANY JET, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE™, Blue Star Jets grants clients freedom from the financial constraints of fractional jet ownership, the savings of paying only for trips taken, and the flexibility to choose the best aircraft according to a trip’s specific budget requirement.

This past fall, as the economy suffered a significant downturn, Blue Star Jets’ clients began inquiring if they could share private aircrafts flights in order to lessen costs— jet-setters are seeking to maintain their luxury lifestyle, while embracing a new economic reality. As these requests grew, it became evident that Blue Star Jets possessed the volume to launch such a program. Holding access to an extensive network of private aviation operators, the Blue Star Jets team of travel specialists negotiates competitive pricing for every flight; in turn, with such savings components in place, the ShareAJet Exchange slashes an already lowered cost, resulting in unprecedented pricing for the private aviation industry.

As Blue Star Jets granted travelers unmatched access to the private aviation industry through its centralization of the charter business, eliminating the need for fractional jet ownership, the ShareAJet Exchange will once again lower the barrier of entry for travelers into the marketplace as it brings down the costs of private aviation by up-to-50%. For example, a private aircraft flight on a Gulfstream jet from New York City to Los Angeles currently retails for as low as $25,000; through the ShareAJet Exchange, that price could be as low as $16,000. ShareAJet Exchange opens the private aviation market to travelers who have previously solely flown commercial, as this Blue Star Jets program helps to lower private aviation costs, so that they rival the price of a first-class commercial aircraft ticket. In addition to being financially savvy, the ShareAJet Exchange also keeps with environmentally-conscious efforts, as carbon emissions are lessened through shared flights.

This summer, Blue Star Jets expects an increase in demands for flights, from Southampton to the South of France, as the travel season hastens. Additionally the popularity of major travel destinations during specific times throughout the year – Los Angeles during award season, England for the Wimbledon Championships and Royal Ascot, Switzerland for Art Basel, France for the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival, and St. Barts and South Florida during the holiday season – will prove essential for travelers seeking to match itineraries with other flyers.

The operators providing service for Blue Star Jets’ clients must meet the most stringent of standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); additionally, Blue Star Jets offers aircraft that have been independently audited for safety, as well as their respective safety reports, to clients.

Blue Star Jets establishes the standard for private aircraft service, as its broker relationship sets it apart from competitors. Blue Star Jets does not manage or operate aircraft on behalf of their clients; however the company assists clientele in finding the best operators for any aircraft. Its staff of aviation specialists solicits competitive bids on each flight request, passing the savings to their clients. Blue Star Jets’ aviation specialists are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

As a subsidiary of Blue Star Jets, ShareAJet Exchange has the capability to review and manage Part 135 Carriers, each meeting the most stringent of standards of the Federal Aviation Administration, while continuing to offer quality services to clients, as ShareAJet Exchange users will also benefit from all Blue Star Jets luxury travel partnerships.

Blue Star Jets offers four different membership cards and programs for clients to take advantage, based on their own personal needs and schedules. The Sky Card Membership program benefits anyone flying at least five times a year, granting Blue Star Jets’ flyers the opportunity to ‘lock-in’ a plane at an attractive price. As a SkyCard holder, members are entitled to receive one-way pricing at time-and-a-half, rather than pay for the aircraft to be returned to its point of departure.

For New Yorkers, Blue Star Jets in 2009 presents The Hamptons Heli-Card and the 25hr Ranger Card. While the East End is known as a luxurious, relaxing summertime getaway, the commute from the city to the Hamptons along the I-495 is anything but – unless traveling with Blue Star Jets. The Hamptons Heli-Card is perfect for those who are looking for their commute to be as stress-free as their weekend. As a response to the ever-evolving needs of their clients, Blue Star Jets has developed a new alternative for regular summertime helicopter users who commute from New York City to the Hamptons – the 25hr Jet Ranger Card. This card allows travelers a number of flights at a great value – travelers are not required to cover the costs of repositioning the helicopters, rather they are only charged for the time spent aboard the aircraft. The 25hr Jet Ranger Card is perfect for New Yorkers, unsure of the number or dates of their upcoming trips out East.

Blue Star Jets proves they have truly thought of everything with the Camp Card. To east the stresses of summer camp preparations for New York families – shopping trips for summer supplies, hours of packing and tearful goodbyes – Blue Star Jets has developed a private aviation program to make the travel between New York City and children’s summer camp sites. The card allows parents and their children to travel comfortably on Greeting Day, Visiting Day, and the camp’s Closing Day with luxuries including Taittinger Champagne for parents and gourmet Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches and care packages for campers.

Blue Star Jets
1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
885 Second Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-446-9037
Toll free: (866) JET-TIME/(866) 538-8463
www.bluestarjets.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Dalyah - Diamonds Directly from the Source

DALYAH—DIAMONDS DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE

Jewelry designer Dalyah Duek-Flaks relocated from South Africa to New York in 2007 to open her namesake jewelry store, Dalyah. The diamond boutique joined the Madison Avenue elite on Thursday March 26th, 2009, as the highly-anticipated store launched with a kick-off soirée. Guests celebrated the opening and admired Dalyah’s exquisite collection while sipping on champagne and indulging in decadent truffles generously provided by Roni-Sue’s Chocolates.

Dalyah is known for her fine jewelry, from sparkling diamonds to extraordinary gem stones. Her chic designs range from traditional to edgy, modern pieces, remaining devoted to the quality of the diamonds and uniqueness of the item. Diamond aficionados can look forward to already beautifully designed pieces as well as the option of customizing a piece of jewelry such as an engagement ring, by selecting a stone and setting under her expert guidance. Dalyah proves that luxury can be experienced by everyone, as designs range from fun fashion pieces starting at $2,000 to couture pieces priced up to $100,000.

Dalyah distinguishes itself from most high-end luxury jewelry retailers by providing customers with unique designs using diamonds directly from parent company Protea Diamonds in Johannesburg—this ensures quality gemstones at great value. Customers are also able to identify the history of the stone they are buying, with the comfort of knowing that the diamonds are conflict-free.

To complete any evening look, Dalyah has created an 18K yellow gold cocktail ring set with assorted Citrine and round brilliant diamonds—gold weight 24.5 Grams, diamond weight 0.58 Carats, priced at a very reasonable $7,500. For a piece that embraces class and simplicity—an 18K white gold neckpiece, with microset round diamonds and black rhodium—gold weight 46.26 Grams, diamond weight 4.40 Carats, priced at $14,500. Visit the store and take part in some guilt-free indulgence by treating yourself to the sensational, yet very affordable Dalyah creations.

Dalyah
625 Madison Ave. (at 58th Street)
New York City
Tel: (212) 575-5511
www.Dalyah.com

Thursday, March 5, 2009

New York’s Renaissance Man

New York’s Renaissance Man

The who’s-who of New York’s social and literary scenes raised their glasses in a toast to former Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr., chairman of the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom, on the publication of his new book, An American Experience: Adeline Moses Loeb and Her Early American Jewish Ancestors. Lady Liliana Cavendish, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Denise Rich, Richard Turley, Amy Fine Collins, Jonathan and Somers Farkas, Wendy Carduna, Bettina Zilkha, Marjorie Reed Gordon, George Gurley and Hilary Heard, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Yaz Hernandez, Ann Rapp, and Barbara de Portago were in attendance to support the man of the hour, Ambassador Loeb, and his fascinating family memoir.

The book, published by The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, has already received a warm reception from reviewers. Stephen Birmingham, author of Our Crowd says it is, “an extraordinary tapestry composed of variously colored threads—of anecdote, of biography, of memoir, of scholarly genealogy, and of rich American history.” With a foreword by Ambassador Loeb (a former ambassador to Denmark, and a grandson of Adeline Moses Loeb and Carl Loeb) followed by a revealing introduction by author and Southern historian Eli N. Evans, the book promises to become a “must-read” in the literary lives of those who treasure family memoirs.

Ambassador Loeb has played a large role in bringing public awareness to American Jewish history, as well as supporting and initiating projects and organizations related to Jewish heritage. In the 1970s, he and the Loeb family funded and helped to organize “The Jewish Community In Early New York 1654-1800,” an exhibit featured at the Fraunces Tavern Museum® in New York City. More recently, Ambassador Loeb initiated and helped fund a similar exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, called “Tolerance and Identity: Jews in Early New York, 1654-1825.”

Additionally, Ambassador Loeb is a pioneer in the wine world—in his role as president of Sonoma-Loeb Wines. Although other U.S. vineyards have claimed their wineries hold carbon neutral status, Sonoma-Loeb is the first to achieve carbon neutrality in producing bottled wine, meaning that the carbon footprint of the production and delivery of the bottle to the consumer has been totally offset. Ambassador Loeb says,
“Protecting our national resources has always been a top priority and now with everyone claiming to be green and environmentally-friendly, we wanted to be transparent.” First bottled in 1991 early in the California wine revolution, Sonoma-Loeb Private Reserve Chardonnay is modeled after the Montrachet wines from Burgundy but, at about $30 per bottle, available at a fraction of the price of the great French wines. The Private Reserve Chardonnay has earned ratings as high as 93 points from The Wine Spectator magazine and 90 points from wine expert Robert Parker.
Cheers to Ambassador Loeb, who has made in indelible footprint with his work in philanthropy, history, community, and the environment.

The book can be purchased through:
· Sons of the Revolution In the State of New York 212-425-1776 ext. 10 or ext. 14
or email 2administrator@sonsoftherevolution.org
· http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/spring-2009/american-experience.html
· www.amazon.com
· www.barnesandnobel.com
For more information on Sonoma-Loeb Winery and Carbon Solutions America please visit:
www.carbonsolutionsamerica.com. For more information on the George Washington Institute of Religious Freedom, please visit www.gwirf.org.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Boutique Chic in Whistler's Adara Hotel

Boutique Chic in Whistler's Adara Hotel
February 1, 2009
Whistler, North America’s premier ski resort and home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, boasts the chic and trendy Adara Hotel. The first and only boutique hotel brings an element of urban flair to the woodsy resort town that New Yorkers appreciate. Offering 41 guest rooms and suites, Adara invites guests to unwind amongst intimate and personalized surroundings. Nearly everything found within Adara – with the exception of several signature pieces – has been custom-designed specifically for the hotel. The dramatic color scheme, comprised primarily of reds, browns and whites, invites visitors to sink further into style. Adara’s encompassing contemporary features such as European design-inspired seating pieces, five-foot walk in showers with “rain” shower heads, sheepskin throws and abstract art, adding chic design materials and finishes to the traditional lodge setting. Quirky design elements – such as antlers etched into the mirror in the elevator vestibule – add a further level of one-of-a-kind panache to the property.

Adara Hotel offers a completely new Whistler experience, by integrating modern design elements with the warmth and intimacy of traditional Whistler lodging. The Adara Hotel is truly an urban lodge, appealing to both the metropolitan design connoisseurs and the Whistler ski bunnies.

Adara Hotel
4412 Village Green
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B4 Canada

Monday, December 8, 2008

Midtown West welcomes Seasonal Weinbar restaurant - Contemporary Austrian and German restaurant opens its doors December 2008

Midtown West welcomes Seasonal Weinbar restaurant - Contemporary Austrian and German restaurant opens its doors December 2008
December 8, 2008

New restaurant, Seäsonal, offering the finest Austrian and German cuisine and wine, is set to open their doors on December 8, 2008. Wolfgang Ban and Eduard Frauneder, the Executive Chefs/Co-Owners of Seäsonal, have combined their award winning culinary skills and created an authentic, upscale weinbar & restaurant that offers New York City diners a fresh perspective on Austrian and German dining with a modern Viennese interpretation of contemporary European cuisine.

“The foundation for modern cuisine should have its roots in a comprehensive understanding of the traditional” says Wolfgang Ban. “Seäsonal will not only bring together the delicacies of Austria and Germany as well as an outstanding wine list, but also a neighborhood in need of a restaurant offering exceptional food, service and atmosphere. Eduard Frauneder, our investors and I are very excited about our new endeavor.”

Seäsonal offers a high-end blend of unique wine and dish options including, Schweinsbauch (Crispy Pork Belly) braised in Riesling served with leeks and caraway foam, Wiener Schnitzel (Breaded Veal cutlet) served with a potato and cucumber salad, Monkfish Medallions served on Szegediner Kraut and Emperor Gulasch (Braised Veal) served in a pepper coulis with lemon zest and sour cream. All menu items at Seäsonal are made with the freshest, locally grown ingredients based on the season, staying true to the restaurant’s name, Seäsonal. In addition, Seäsonal offers several mouth watering desserts that include Austrian Strudel Variation and Chocolate Hazelnut Soufflé with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Each wine listed on the impressive wine list has been hand selected directly by the owners from Austria and Germany specifically to compliment every meal served at Seäsonal. Several indigenous and typical varietals like Riesling, Rivaner, Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch (known as Lemberger in the United States), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Zweigelt, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Chardonnay are offered at Seäsonal.

The décor of Seäsonal combines elegance with a modern European touch, which sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. The dining room is illuminated by a celestial ceiling with sparkling lights in the shape of branches which lay beneath a film of translucent, sound isolating material. Not only does the ceiling create a glowing canopy over Seäsonal’s signature elliptical wine bar, it also ensures the restaurant’s noise level remains at a comfortable level for guests. The twinkling lit room is surrounded by a blank canvas of white walls, which serves as a revolving exhibition space for contemporary Austrian and German art.

Wolfgang Ban and Eduard Frauneder, merged professional paths after meeting while students at the prestigious, Gastronomie Fachschule, the Culinary Institute of Vienna. It was there Ban and Frauneder shared the same mentor and went on to manage and cook at many of the same high-end restaurants in Europe and the United States. Both Ban and Frauneder worked for Austrian Ambassadors in London and New York and a few years later were invited by the German Government to manage the German House Restaurant, a private delegate’s dining room located within the German Mission to the United Nations. In 2005, the business partners opened the catering company, Elderberry Catering and just a few years later, Ban and Frauneder decided to join forces with a group of investors and partner on their biggest endeavor yet - Seäsonal.

Seäsonal
132 West 58th Street
New York, NY 11002
Tel: (212) 957-5550

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Beekman Bar & Books, Setting the standard for sophisticated hospitality

Beekman Bar & Books, Setting the standard for sophisticated hospitality
October 15, 2008

Beekman Bar And Books is the newest addition to the esteemed whiskey and cigar haven Bar And Books. Originally founded in 1990 in New York City by Raju S. Mirchandani, Bar And Books has set a new standard for cigar bars worldwide by redefining the concept of hospitality, sophistication and comfort. These premier and exclusive cigar bars are the first dedicated cigar bars in New York, offering a variety of over 150 whiskeys from Scotland, America, Ireland, Japan, India and New Zealand and a large menu of hand-made cigars from the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Upon entering Beekman Bar And Books, patrons are greeted by a cozy lounge area of leather clad seats and small round tables, all of which are surrounded by a library of antique books. Soft lamps created from the establishment’s signature antique wooden monkeys dress the bar as well as the leather crescent-shaped booths and chairs spread throughout the space. Black and white photos decorate the walls leading to a private cigar room tucked away at the rear of this stylish bar. Bar And Books prides itself on their unique form of entertainment; screening classic James Bond films on flat screen televisions played at each location every night. On Mondays, Bar And Books offers complimentary cigars for the ladies and on Tuesdays all whiskies are specially priced.

The philosophy is to create an inviting ambience with a style of service that is second to none, coupled with an elaborate selection of spirits from whiskies and brandies to classic cocktails, light fare, vintage ports, and fine wines. In addition to Beekman Bar And Books, New York locations include, Hudson Bar And Books and Lexington Bar And Books. Bar And Books has also become an international phenomenon with two Bar And Books locations in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic.

Ben Scorah, Mixologist and Managing Partner of Bar And Books, began his career as a teenager in nightlife by working at the world renowned Hacienda night club as a bar back in Manchester, England. While attending England’s Leeds University to pursue a major in Business Management, he served as a bartender at the Warehouse Bar and Pu Na Na. After graduation he moved to London where he became a mixologist at Bodeca, a private members bar at the Flemings Rooms in Mayfair. There he was responsible for a cocktail list of over 50 signature drinks served to London’s elite. After almost 3 years of living in London, he ventured to New York City where he pursued a career in bar management and mixology at Barmarche in Soho for two years before becoming the Managing Partner of Bar And Books. Ben Scorah has won awards for his expertise in mixology from Theme Magazine, 42 Below Vodka, Belvedere Vodka, Rhum Clement, Glenmorangie Whisky and Glenfarclas Whisky.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Core Development Group

Core Development Group

Core Development Group strives to surpass all expectations by transforming New York Real Estate into first-rate residences. They have revolutionized the meaning “living beautifully” by strategically incorporating only the finest finish elements, luxury products and deluxe amenities into each square foot of their developments.

President and CEO, Josh Guberman, thrives on challenges and is well known throughout the industry for undertaking unique projects requiring extraordinary skill. He believes a successful development group must interpret a client’s personality, including what makes them most comfortable and how they function within their home. For Guberman, “Luxury” is not about stainless steel kitchens and imported tile but a detailed approach to creating seamless design and elegance combining old world European craftsmanship with modern technology and style. High design is not about flashy architecture or the trendy style, it is about paying attention to the details and providing value and beauty for clients.

This esteemed firm focuses their efforts in producing compelling projects that reveal prolific energy and exhaustive attention to detail. For the past ten years, Core Development Group has successfully completed more than twenty ground-up buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They pioneered the first Condos in the history of the now “white hot” Greenpoint, Brooklyn area with the specific purpose of creating quality housing at attractive price points. CDG, along with partners Steve Novak and Don Fellner of the Bluestone Group just completed 101 Wyckoff, a 32 Unit Loft project in Bushwick, the first of its kind in this up and coming area.

They are now focusing on New York prime with the launches of three extraordinary projects in the West Village and Upper East Side: Union Square Lofts, Legacy and Lux 74. All three projects combine sleek styling, upscale finish packages and opulent amenities at attractive, below market price points.

Qualified, accomplished, skilled service is the hallmark of Core Development Group.
www.corenewyork.com
www.legacynewyork.com

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Lawlor Media Group wins Dan's Papers Accolade

Influential Dan's Papers readers choice awards has named Lawlor Media Group as best public relations firm in its 2007 Best of the Best competition.

We would like to express our gratitude to the readers whom voted for us as well as to Dan's Papers and their annual readers awards. Thank you ! For more details concerning Dan's papers please visit their website here.

NY Press to Preview Studio Mix


INVITATION

WHAT:
LESLY ZAMOR, DAVE CASEY AND MATT KNOTT

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO THE PRESS PREVIEW OF STUDIO MIX

With hundreds of new developments making their mark on the New York skyline, Lesly Zamor, founder of Bloom Flowers, along with Dave Casey and Matt Knott, started Studio Mix, a luxury furniture, lighting and home décor company, to furnish these spaces. Their concept is to combine the fine craftsmanship of global artisans from various cultures and mix them with the clean lines of contemporary design. Studio Mix plans to periodically bring new collections to ensure a diverse selection of products from here and abroad. Such countries like Morocco, Southeast Asia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Europe and Turkey to name a few. As interior designers, the people of Studio Mix understand the need to provide finishing pieces that will have a visual impact on the design of a space. Their pieces are seamlessly able to style with classic or contemporary interiors.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wine & Hors d’oeuvres
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

WHERE: Studio Mix
127 Madison Avenue
Bet. 30th & 31st Street
New York, NY

RSVP:
LAWLOR MEDIA GROUP
(212) 967-6900
www.lawlormediagroup.com

Fisher House Foundation Tycher Family Foundation Charity Event





WHO: Fisher House Foundation

&

WHAT: The Tycher Family Foundation Charity Event Benefiting The Fisher House Foundation

The Tycher Family Foundation is dedicated to reaching out to the next generation- to inspire action and giving through raising awareness of opportunities to make an impact on the greater community. The Foundation selects one charity annually and underwrites an event that will raise awareness and provide the charity with 100% of the funds raised.

This year’s beneficiary is the Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org). The Fisher House Foundation supports America's military in their time of need. They provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. Annually, the Fisher House™ Foundation program serves more than 10,000 families, and has made available nearly 2.5 million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 16, 2008
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

WHERE: Church Lounge
@ The Tribeca Grand Hotel
2 Avenue of the Americas
New York City

PRESS CONTACT:
LAWLOR MEDIA GROUP
www.lawlormediagroup.com
(212) 967-6900