Interview with a Chef

When one thinks of a New York City chef they think of sleeve tattoos, big hair, and an even BIGGER EGO, but not Ben Kacmarcik.  On the contrary, upon arrival he wore a white V-neck and some blue jeans. Very quiet and reserved, yet you can see the subtle confidence; by good observation the only thing that shows a sneak at how successful he actually is, is his watch.  I had the opportunity to interview Ben, an up-and-coming NYC chef.   He is immensely talented, completely driven and goal oriented, yet he's also humble and reserved.   Ben's mantra is Hard Work & Dedication and by the looks of his Rose Gold Hublot, it appears to be paying off.  It's his subtle way of saying,
"I'm doing pretty good."
Here are of some of Ben's creations: 

ARCTIC CHAR FILLET 

Lemon-Caper Sauce, Baby Lettuce and Frisée

Miso Matzoh Ball Soup w/ Shiitake Mushrooms

 Ben said, "I take great pride in understanding what operationally makes things function at their highest level without exuding tremendous amounts of energy.  I'm always thinking, is there a better way to do this or are we taking the necessary steps to get the best results?"

Ben told me that he enjoyed the quote I used "A truly wise man knows he knows nothing,"  Ben said,  "I may be in a great position with all things considered, and I know a lot operationally that goes into making a restaurant group, not just a single restaurant function. B/c of this I strive to move up the latter and get better each and every day."  Ben is a genuine person who's proud to have been emotionally supported by his parents throughout his life, but Ben is a self-made man who has been producing results based on the ever-changing New York City culinary jungle for years.  

Ben Kacmarcik

6th Avenue

Manhattan, New York

6.17.2O12

Ben dismembering a CHICKEN!

until next time,

~Country Boy 

all photography by MDKGlobal Photography

Sweet Designs

This blog post is way over due.  I was so thrilled that Amy Atlas, the Sweets Stylist, released her book, Sweet Designs.  I have been an Amy Atlas fan for years.  The dessert bar trend has grown to include weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, etc.  I was so inspired by her work, that I designed my own dessert bar for our wedding.  It was a hit!  I was dying to get my hands on a copy, 

but I was also hoping to meet Amy in person. 

So, I was thrilled to attend her book launch party and signing at Bloomingdales on 59th St.  I ran to the event after work, but I missed 

her dessert bar presentation and styling tips.  :(  

I did get to meet Amy and she signed my copy of Sweet Designs.  

Even though I missed her presentation, I took a few picks of the dessert bar.  

It looked amazing.  

If you want to meet Amy, check out her book tour dates...

 Even if you can't make it to the book signing, you have to get a copy of Sweet Designs.  

It's a Sweet Treat!

~City Belle

Trina Turk BR Launch Party

I was so excited about the Trina Turk/Banana Republic collaboration.  So, I was thrilled that I had the chance to attend the launch party at the Banana Republic on 34th St.  The visual merchandising was amazing.  The colors and prints made you feel like you were in a tropical oasis, and the lemonade margaritas didn't hurt!  

As soon as you walked in, the signature Trina Turk print livened up the back wall with the gorgeous photography framed out on display.

 The store windows were very impactful.

I'm obsessed with the Pisces print top. 

Trina Turk for Banana Republic

The ad campaign is flawless, the styling, the printed frame, the location- AMAZING!

I was so excited to see the full collection in person.   

Trina Turk for Banana Republic image via Small Shop Studio

Of course, I had to bring a few pieces home with me.  I'm a sucker for a bold print, plus I received a complimentary Trina Turk enamel bracelet with my purchase.

It was a truly a fun night!
~City Belle

Weekend Recap

 We had a pretty fun-filled weekend.  

We....

hung out with Lady Liberty

went to a concert in Tompkins Square Park

 caught the sunset

took a boat around the city to celebrate our friend's birthday

danced by the NYC skyline

had a yummy brunch

tried the Crumbs Cosmo Cupcake-it's PINK!

got up close and personal with the Brooklyn Bridge

Happy Monday!

~Country Boy, City Belle

Blood Ties NYC

A Lifetime original movie featuring Clive Owen and Mila Kunis was filming in Tudor City this past weekend and we had a front row seat.  They had all these old-timey cars parked throughout the neighborhood- so I thought you guys might like to check them out. 

Here they are, the production crew, circled up before the BIG CHASE SCENE! 

 Always runnin' from the Boyz-in-Blue! 

 My favorite was the GMC pick-up truck. 

 but the Ford Mustang is a nice touch

 1966 DODGE

 The film crew were nice and accommodating. 

That's a purdy truck...

YES SIR!

Rollin' deep in the Caddy

They even changed our street names. 

Name this car-

 leave it in the comment section.

until next time,

~Country Boy