Posts Tagged ‘Financier’

Sweet, Sweet Lower Manhattan: Your One Stop Neighborhood for Chocolate, Candy, Pastries Galore

Monday, December 5th, 2011

chocolate_2

Did you know that according to the National Confectioners Association, shoppers spent on average $58.92 each last year on all types of chocolate candy? Well, if you’re a chocolate treat lover, Lower Manhattan is home to some of the best-known chocolatiers and patisseries around the five boroughs. To guide your holiday sweet tooth, the Downtown Alliance is excited to share its favorite chocolate, candy and pastry shops south of Chambers Sweet… ahem, Street.

La Maison du Chocolat
63 Wall Street
(212) 952-1123
www.lamaisonduchocolat.com

Godiva Chocolatier
33 Maiden Lane
(212) 809-8990
www.godiva.com

Paradise Candy
South Street Seaport, Pier 17
(212) 374-0460

Financier Patisserie
62 Stone Street |(212) 344-5600
3-4 World Financial Center |(212) 786-3220
35 Cedar Street |(212) 952-3838
90 Nassau Street | (212) 748-6000
www.financierpastries.com

FPB (Francois Payard Bakery)
210 Murray Street
(212) 995-0888
www.FPBNYC.com

Crumbs Bakeshop
87 Beaver Street | (212) 480-7500
40 Broad Street | (212) 480-7500
www.crumbsbakeshop.com

Leonidas Belgian Chocolates
3 Hanover Square
(212) 422-9600
www.leonidas-chocolate.com

Need something in a pinch? Travel no further than the Downtown Alliance as your one-stop holiday shopping resource! We can give you access to more than 1,300 places to shop, dine, and explore in Lower Manhattan.

You can get this information one of three ways:
•    Visit the Downtown Alliance website
•    Download our mobile app at iTunes (search for “Downtown NY”)
•    Order a free hard copy of the new Lower Manhattan Shopping and Dining Guide here.

Lower Manhattan Is Where I Want to Be for the Holidays

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
shooting stars

Downtown Alliance is launching holiday lights for the 2011 season.

By Liz Berger

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year, a time to appreciate what’s really important in life: family, friends and community.

It’s a time when Lower Manhattan seems most like a little village, with decorative lights glowing warmly from lampposts on cobblestone streets, and great festive trees brightening City Hall Park, the South Street Seaport, the Stock Exchange and countless building lobbies. I love how Lower Manhattan, the city’s oldest neighborhood, seems to harken back to an earlier era, from Stone Street to Front Street to Trinity Church. And, I love how our one square mile has everything we need.

It’s a time to think about all we’ve been through together, all the places we’re going, and the enormous changes that are making our community stronger and even more dynamic. It’s a time to bake cookies for neighbors, nod to the college students who now call Lower Manhattan home and bundle up for a stroll to the water’s edge. It’s a time to meet old friends for hot chocolate, at La Maison du Chocolat or Financier, stop in for a snack at Crepes du Nord or Takahachi Bakery, or use the Downtown Connection to window shop from Front Street to Warren Street and every street in between.

The holidays are a time to take time—to enjoy old favorites, like The Nutcracker at the World Financial Center, The Messiah at Trinity Church, the Family Hanukkah Celebration at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Victorian Celebration in the British Garden at Hanover Square, or to start a new holiday tradition with a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian at Bowling Green or the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York Harbor.

It’s a time for good cheer—even if the national economy is giving us precious little to cheer about—and a time for presents, small or large, store-bought or homemade. This year, two of Lower Manhattan’s signature retailers are celebrating milestone anniversaries: 50 years in Lower Manhattan for Century 21 Department Stores and 40 years for J&R Music and Computer World. At the same time, T.J. Maxx has opened a brand-new store at 14 Wall Street. That gives Lower Manhattan more than 625 places where shoppers can find the perfect gift, from My.Suit on Broad Street to the World Trade Art Gallery on Trinity Place.

It’s a time for old and new—for exploring restaurants and retailers that have opened in the past year, and for going back to time-honored favorites. And, it’s a time to invite friends and family to see what Lower Manhattan has to offer, perhaps with a stay at one of our 18 hotels.

This year, the Downtown Alliance is making it easy to take advantage of all of Lower Manhattan’s attractions. We’re releasing a new shopping and dining guide, we’ve expanded our mobile phone app, and we’re constantly updating the event calendar and searchable map on our new website at www.DowntownNY.com—all in time for your holiday plans.

Meanwhile, the Downtown Alliance joins City Hall in supporting Small Business Saturday on November 26. American Express cardholders who shop at independently owned small businesses can get $25 off their next credit card statement. For more information, go to www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.

The numbers tell the story. With 56,000 residents, 309,000 workers, and nine million annual visitors, Lower Manhattan is where everyone wants to be—every day, in every season. But home is where the heart is, and during the holidays, Lower Manhattan is more compelling than ever. It’s where I want to be.

Liz Berger is President of the Downtown Alliance.

Downtown Alliance’s Cornucopia of Suggestions for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

turkey 2

It’s that time of year again, time for turkey, pumpkin pie and giving thanks – Lower Manhattan style. This year the Downtown Alliance has gathered a list of Thanksgiving specials from many local hotels, retailers and restaurants. For all the up-to-date Thanksgiving activities and promotions, visit the Downtown Alliance’s Thanksgiving page at http://www.downtownny.com/thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day Dining:

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise

Thursday, November 24, 2011
(201) 604-2800
4:30 – 7:30 PM
The leaves are changing, and fall is in the air! It is that time again, Thanksgiving is upon us! Let Statue Cruises cook for you and join them for a magnificent Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise! Includes a 2.5 hour cruise, cash bar, Thanksgiving buffet dinner, DJ entertainment. Adults are $84 and children (12 and under) are $49.

Harry’s Café and Steak Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 24, 2011
(212) 785-9200
One Hanover Square
1 – 8 PM

Harry’s Café & Steak will be offering a special Thanksgiving Menu consisting of four courses for $58 a person and $25 for children. Reservations are highly advised due to high holiday volume. Harry’s will also be offering a Thanksgiving dinner to go option including: salad, soup, roast turkey, pie, for 8-10 all for $185.00

Thanksgiving Buffet at the Ritz Carlton’s 2 West
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Ritz Carlton
2 West Street
(212) 344-0800
12 – 7:30 PM

Savor a delicious Thanksgiving buffet in the warm, relaxed atmosphere of 2 West restaurant featuring traditional Thanksgiving selections, carving station, dessert display and more. The buffet is available for $85 per person (not including gratuities, taxes or beverages), $42.50 per child from 12 PM – 7:30 PM. Due to limited space, reservations are recommended. Please call (917) 790-2600 for more information or to make a reservation.

Thanksgiving Unlimited Dinner Buffet at Ulysses Folk House
Thursday, November 24, 2011
95 Pearl Street
(212) 482-0400
11:30 AM – 6 PM

This is the best buffet in town! All you can eat dinner buffet, includes dessert! You can select from Fresh Herb Turkey, Blackened Salmon, Orange Glazed Ham, with all the trimmings! Please call to make your reservation.

Treat Yourself:

Financier Patisserie
62 Stone Street | (212) 344-5600
3-4 World Financial Center | (212) 786-3220
35 Cedar Street | (212) 952-3838

Grab delectable desserts for your Thanksgiving dinner this season.  Financier is offering a selection of traditional cakes and pies, including deep dish apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies as well as their signature pumpkin cheesecake.  The Thanksgiving menu is available starting Wednesday, November 16. Financier online is highly recommended.

Events:

Fraunces Tavern Museum Holds its Second Annual Evacuation Day Walking Tour
Friday, November 25, 2011
11 AM – 12:30 PM

New York City had been the main base for the British for over 7 years of war.  On November 25th, 1783, they filed onto their ships to leave for good; the War for Independence was finally over.  Led by licensed New York City Tour Guide, Fred Cookinham, you will follow in the footsteps of General Washington & his troops as they entered New York in triumph. Picture the surrounding neighborhood as it looked over 200 years ago, see where the Liberty Boys challenged the Redcoats on their own parade ground & learn about the people of NY and what it was like for them to be caught up in a revolution.  $20 /$15 for Museum members. Tickets in advance are required and may be purchased at: www.FrauncesTavernMuseum.org. Once tickets have been purchased, you will be emailed a confirmation receipt & the starting location of the tour. Ticket sales close at 4 PM on Wednesday, November 23.

South Street Seaport’s 28th Annual Chorus Tree Lighting Spectacular

Friday, November 25, 2011
The South Street Seaport
Historic Front Street from Fulton Street to Beekman Street

Kick off the 2011 holiday season with New York City’s first tree lighting of the year. South Street Seaport’s 28th Annual Chorus Tree Lighting Spectacular will be hosted by Today Show personality and fashion expert Jill Martin and will include a light show spectacular, live music and costumed characters helping Santa Claus count down to the tree-lighting ceremony.  Photo opportunities with Santa Claus run until 8 PM!

Places to Stay:

Best Western Plus Seaport Inn
33 Peck Slip Street
(212) 766-6600

Staying 2 or 3 nights in NYC? Book the Culture Pass at the Best Western Seaport Inn Hotel and travel around Lower Manhattan. From popular museums of Downtown Lower Manhattan to simple shopping in J&R, book the Culture Pass package of two nights or more and receive admissions and discounts to the nine cultural attractions, including museums and tours, all within walking distance of the hotel.  Passes include admission to the Fraunces Tavern Museum, Museum of American Finance, Museum of Jewish Heritage, National Museum of the American Indian, The New York City museum, 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, the Skyscraper museum, and Tribute WTC Visitor Center.  This package is available for 2 or 3 night stay. Pass Holders will also receive a 20% discount at the J&R Café, 10% discount to the Mercantile Grill, Bar & Restaurant, 10% discount on food and drinks at the Killarney Rose Pub and $10 off any water taxi cruise. Rates starting at$299 per night

Wall Street Inn
9 South William St.
(212) 747-1500

Spend a traditional Thanksgiving week in the Big Apple and stay at the Wall Street Inn! Special rates start at $249 from November 20 to November 28. Enjoy our spacious accommodations with fine in-room dining; free high-speed internet access and access to our private gym with sauna and steam room.

Owen for Business

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

ArmCandy

Welcome back to Owen for Business!  I’m Michael Owen, and this week we’ll cover new retail spots that offer tasty food and fashion.  One of the recently opened stores highlighted below offers handbags and accessories made with recycled candy wrappers.  If you see any new retailers or changes to existing retailers, please email me at tre@downtownny.com. Thanks!

Potbelly – 101 Maiden Lane, 646-289-4201

The Chicago-based restaurant that originally began as an antique store has opened its first New York City location right here in Lower Manhattan.  Its most popular toasted sandwich is a “Wreck,” made with salami, roast beef, turkey, ham and melted Swiss cheese.  Every day around lunchtime live music accompanies your meal, and Potbelly also offers salads, freshly baked cookies, and milkshakes for only $3.20!

Nahui Ollin Arm Candy - 21 Fulton Street, 732-460-1900

Using recycled candy wrappers may seem like an unusual material to use in a handbag, but that’s what fashion is all about — creativity.  Nahui Ollin Arm Candy sells trendy, yet affordable, handbags and accessories made from recycled candy wrappers.  So if you’re looking to make a totally sweet fashion statement, Nahui Ollin Arm Candy is the place to go.

Duane Reade – 40 Wall Street

Duane Reade’s new flagship store at 40 Wall Street offers so much more than a traditional pharmacy.  There’s a sushi bar, hair salon, and even fresh produce within an incredible space filled with marble stairways and Ionic columns.  The Duane Reade at 40 Wall is open 24 hours.

Nicky’s Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwiches – 99 Nassau Street,      212-766-3388

After their success at 311 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, Nicky has opened another location on Nassau Street.  Try a Classic Vietnamese Sandwich, Pho Soup, or shrimp summer rolls.  There’s refreshing iced coffee and bubble tea to compliment your meal, and any dish can be prepared spicy upon request.

Financier Patisserie – 90 Nassau Street, 212-748-6000

Restaurateur Peter Poulakakos and his Executive Pastry Chef, Eric Bedoucha, have just opened another Financier, at 90 Nassau Street.  The traditional Parisian storefront welcomes you inside to enjoy a superb lunch, pastry or freshly brewed coffee.  There’s also complimentary Wi-Fi.

Super Dry – 199 Water Street, 212-785-5575

What do you get when you combine a London-based company, the South Street Seaport and Japanese-inspired threads?  Answer: a fashion statement.  Super Dry offers stylish men’s and women’s clothing with a Japanese twist.

Closings:

Moran’s - 103 Washington Street
Wall Street Burger Shoppe - 30 Water Street
Duval International Furniture Gallery - 111 Fulton Street
Edible Arrangements - 145 Nassau Street
John Street Bar & Grill - 17 John Street
T-Mobile - 80 Nassau Street
WirelessRUS - 200 Water Street

How Sweet It Is: New Financier Opens at Fulton and Nassau

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Financier

The Downtown Alliance dropped by the opening of Financier’s new shop at the corner of Fulton and Nassau streets this morning. Everyone seemed to scoop up a free pastry to celebrate the grand opening.

Owners Harry and Peter Poulakakos were on hand, as was Downtown Alliance President Elizabeth H. Berger (who ordered a tea and nibbled on a tasty financier pastry).

Harry and Peter also posted a Signs of Support decal in their front window to show support for the National September 11th Memorial.

And Now a Word From Our Sponsors

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Hive55_logo FullAs we approach the opening day of the Hive, construction moves forward and I continue to tie up loose ends to outfit the space. As we work on marketing the space, answering people’s questions about the Hive and signing people up, I thought I would take this opportunity to fill you in on the terrific sponsors we have. They are not only making the Hive possible, but are helping to make the it an even greater asset to our members.

As I’ve mentioned, the New York City Economic Development Corporation is a major financial sponsor of the Hive. Mayor Bloomberg announced the Hive back in July as part of his MediaNYC 2020 initiative to strengthen the media industry in New York City. I’m proud to say that the city is supporting us on this endeavor to support freelancers, small business owners, and independent workers.

Rudin Management has been great, not only in helping us find a space at 55 Broad, but also for their forward-thinking vision for the media industry in New York City. We’re thrilled to be located at 55 Broad, and are eager to meet our various technology-orientated companies in the building.

Many of you already know the Poulakakos Family Restaurants – including some of my favorite haunts like Adrienne’s Pizzabar, Ulysses’, and Financier. I’m overjoyed to announce that they have signed on as the official “social sponsor” of the Hive! What does this mean exactly? It means monthly catered lunches from Harry’s Italian (amazing pizza!) plus monthly happy hours from classic Harry’s on Stone Street! You can certainly expect to find me at these monthly events!

I mentioned this last week, but it’s so exciting that I’m mentioning it again. J&R Music and Computer World, a 30+ year mainstay Lower Manhattan retailer, will be offering benefits – Hive members can expect discounts on their electronic needs! J&R has also been great in helping us outfit the Hive. Their equipment will help set up our Internet, network our printer, project presentations in the conference room, and both heat up and cool down our food.

Mancini Duffy has been my behind-the-scenes godsend for the past few months. I don’t know what I would have done without them. From narrowing our color palette, picking furniture, issuing drawings for our contractor, to answering all my ridiculous construction and power/data questions – their services have been completely invaluable. I breath easier and sleep better having Mancini Duffy available for my momentary freak-outs.

As our “academic sponsor,”Pace University has signed on board. We will develop this sponsorship more fully as we learn more about the users at the Hive and what their needs may be. Pace will host regular workshops, or “light classes” as we like to call them, in the Hive. A great opportunity for Hive members to learn some new skills and become more aware of the fabulous offerings Pace has in a variety of fields (including their continuing education program). Let me know what sort of classes you would be interested in taking – with Pace on the job, we can make it happen!

Last, but certainly not least, is Sky-Packets. I mentioned them to you last week as our WiFi provider. They have kindly donated the installation of the Wireless Network and have been so helpful in helping me figure out the best way to configure the Hive. I truly consider them our partners and will continue to brainstorm with them on some software developments we have in the works. I should also mention that they are going to be making the Downtown Alliance’s nine free hotspots better than ever in the next few weeks!

So come to the Hive to see all our sponsors in action!