All Columns in Alphabetical Order


Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Best of 2014 from Whom You Know: Day Eighteen Solera Restaurant

On the eighteenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me eighteen Garlic Shrimps at Solera!
If you want to experience premium Spanish cuisine in Manhattan, there is only one place to go and that is Solera. Solera Restaurant and Tapas bar has been dominating Spanish cuisine in Manhattan for the last twenty-one years. Housed in a comfortable midtown brownstone, Solera occupies two floors at 216 East 53rd Street, with a capacity for 115 people. Each dining room evokes a warm, intimate feeling and reflects the colors and images of Spain. Solera restaurant offers contemporary interpretations of regional Spanish cuisine that will delight you. The Wine Selection is exclusively Spanish, offering New York's most extensive collection of Spain's D.O.'s, as well as, a fine selection of Sherries and Gran Solera Brandies de Jerez. Do tell Rufino that Peachy sent you! He is famous for bringing the paella pan to New York, among his many accomplishments. Solera is highly recommended by Whom You Know:
Rufino Lopez is a Culinary King:
and is a Mover and Shaker:
212-644-1166


“My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.”


- Ruth Handler (creator of the Barbie doll), on being inspired by her young daughter Barbara’s fascination with teenage life and love for fashion dolls.

Ruth and Elliot Handler founded Mattel Creations in 1945, and 14 years later, Ruth Handler gave the world the Barbie doll. When asked her relationship to Barbie, Ruth simply replied, "I'm Barbie's mom."
The inspiration for Barbie came as Ruth watched her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls. Barbara and her friends used them to play adult or teenage make-believe, imagining roles as college students, cheerleaders and adults with careers. Ruth immediately recognized that experimenting with the future from a safe distance through pretend play was an important part of growing up. She also noticed a product void and was determined to fill that niche with a three-dimensional fashion doll. 

Several years and many designs later, Mattel introduced Barbie, the Teen-Age Fashion Model, to skeptical toy buyers at the annual Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. Never before had they seen a doll so completely unlike the baby and toddler dolls popular at the time.

Today, with a professional resume thicker than a phonebook, a circle of friends that rival any social network and a community of caring that spans the globe, Barbie continues to find new ways to inspire and encourage the next generation of girls.

Sixteen Grammy-winning albums!

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+InstagramTumblr and YouTube.


Fifteen filet mignons from Martin's Tavern!
Established in 1933, Martin's Tavern is one of Washington DC’s most historic family-owned enterprises. For 80 years, Martin’s Tavern has been a renowned fixture in the mid-Atlantic and a must-visit establishment in historic Georgetown. In the late 1890's, William S. Martin traveled from Galway, Ireland to America. Forty years later, he and his son, William G. Martin, the current Billy's grandfather, opened Martin’s Tavern on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and N Street NW which is run today by our friend, William A. Martin Jr. You can call him Billy! From sitting Presidents and media icons, to city residents and worldly travelers, Martin’s Tavern is a welcoming home to the many who have long embraced its warm atmosphere. Its quintessentially classic American fare has delighted discriminating palates for decades from the Oakwood Atlantic Smoked Salmon to the Filet Mignon to whatever your little heart desires from the convincing menu. Every President from Truman to George W. Bush has happily dined at Martin's Tavern, and you can see the delicious culinary choices preferred by each in our review: Martin's Tavern is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know: 

The President’s favorite booths, The Proposal Booth of Jack and Jackie Kennedy, Mickey Mantle in The Dugout Room, George W. Bush and family at Table 12 are just a few of the iconic stories. Fourth generation owner Billy Martin, Jr. continues the tradition of Washington’s oldest family owned restaurant and Georgetown landmark. 
Fourteen nights at The Westin Georgetown!
Nestled in between the stylish West End of D.C. and the historic, waterfront Georgetown neighborhood, The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C. is moments away from the capital's main attractions and is highly recommended by Whom You Know. Our outdoor pool and WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio keep guests fit during their travels, while our lush courtyard offers a quiet oasis. Havens of productivity, our rooms are designed to help you rest, re-center, and feel your best. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the bustling streets of D.C. and fill the room with natural light. Sink into a blissful slumber each night on our signature Westin Heavenly Bed®. In the morning, awaken your senses in the Heavenly Shower® or separate soaking tub. Traditional room just won’t do? Ask about the Deluxe, Studio and One Bedroom Suites, as well as the Royal and Presidential Suites. At The Westin delicious, nourishing fare is always on hand to energize your body and delight your taste buds. Visit The Caucus Room Brasserie-Steakhouse for breakfast, lunch and dinner or stop by Boveda to sample inventive Latin American plates paired with a premium glass of wine. Work on your dance floor moves with free salsa lessons on Thursday nights. Go beyond the boardroom. Located on both the lobby and Conference levels of the hotel, our flexible event space spans a total of 12,000 square feet and includes meeting rooms, ballrooms, private outdoor space and pre-function areas that can accommodate a diverse range of events and meetings.  
Thirteen hats by Ellen Christine Couture Millinery!
The Best Milliner in Manhattan 
Official Milliner of Whom You Know: 

By appointment in her showroom 
Ellen Christine is a Mover and Shaker: 
With two covers on Italian Vogue, Ellen Christine is well known throughout the accessories industry, both here and in Europe and is currently gracing the American cover of the Harper's Bazaar September 2013 issue. Featured in Vogue, W Magazine, and Harper's Bazaar magazines multiple times over the past three decades of her career, Ellen Christine is much sought after by editors and celebrity clientele as well. Her hats walk into some of the best events in town. Fashion is her business, and those in the know beat their way to her Soho showroom, for private appointments, collaborations and the world’s best to put on their heads.
Twelve Maine Woolens blankets!
Maine Woolens is a weaver of blanket and throws located in Brunswick, Maine. We work primarily with natural fibers, like cottons and worsted wools and are committed to using renewable natural fibers from American growers whenever possible. We do piece dyeing and package dyeing in house and the combined experience of our excellent employees exceeds 300 years. Our wool and cotton blankets and throws are 100 percent machine washable, soft and luxurious to the touch, cozy warm and comfortably light. We have many styles to choose from. Our clients are very positive about our products and happy to support a Made in Maine, USA company.  Jo Miller is a Mover and Shaker:
Visit our website at www.mainewoolens.com
We have been highly recommended by Whom You Know: 
Maine Woolens, affordable luxury and tradition. 
Eleven Warner Brothers movies!






WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. is a fully integrated, broad-based entertainment company and a global leader in the creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of entertainment and their related businesses. A Time Warner Company, Warner Bros. Entertainment stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature films to television, home entertainment/DVD, animation, product and brand licensing and interactive entertainment. The company’s vast library, one of the most prestigious and valuable in the world, consists of more than 61,000 hours of programming, including nearly 6,500 feature films and 3,000 television programs comprised of tens of thousands of individual episodes. Warner Bros. Entertainment’s employee population ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 on any given day in North America (depending on the level of television and movie production) and some 2,000 employees overseas.



In 2013, the Studio enjoyed record-breaking success across all businesses, including the most successful theatrical year in company history. Warner Bros. Pictures grossed an industry-leading $5.038 billion in global box office ($1.893 billion domestic, $3.145 international) to take the number one positions in domestic, international and worldwide box office. The year marked the first time the Studio surpassed the $5 billion mark and only the second time that feat has been achieved by any studio in Hollywood. Both the domestic and international divisions crossed the billion-dollar mark for the 13th consecutive year, and the Pictures Group exceeded $4 billion globally for the fifth consecutive year, both milestones no other studio has ever achieved. For the 13th consecutive year, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment was, once again, the industry’s leader, with 17.9 percent market share, and was number one in the DVD and Blu-ray, electronic sell-through, catalog, television and family categories. Warner Bros. Television Groups’ WBTV, Warner Horizon Television, Telepictures Productions and Warner Bros. Animation continued to produce television’s most popular and successful series for the broadcast, cable, pay and digital marketplaces, producing more than 60 series in the 2013-14 season. WBTVG and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment continued to be category leaders, working across all platforms and outlets, and remaining trendsetters in the digital realm with video-on-demand (transactional and ad-supported), branded channels, original content, apps, anti-piracy technology and broadband and wireless destinations.



The Warner Bros. Pictures Group brings together the Studio’s motion picture production, marketing and distribution operations into a single entity. The Group, which includes Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures International, was formed to streamline the Studio’s film production process and bring those businesses’ organizational structures in line with Warner Bros.’ television and home entertainment operations.



Warner Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging slate of some 18-22 films each year, employing a business paradigm that mitigates risk while maximizing productivity and capital. Warner Bros. Pictures either fully finances or co-finances the films it produces and maintains worldwide distribution rights. It also monetizes its distribution and marketing operations by distributing films that are totally financed and produced by third parties. Among the films on Warner Bros. Pictures’ 2014 slate are The LEGO Movie, 300: Rise of an Empire, Edge of Tomorrow, Jupiter Ascending, The Judge, Horrible Bosses 2 (New Line Cinema) and The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (NLC).


Warner Bros. Pictures International is a global leader in the marketing and distribution of feature films, operating offices in more than 30 countries and releasing films in over 120 international territories, either directly to theaters or in conjunction with partner companies and co-ventures.

New Line Cinema, part of Warner Bros. Entertainment since 2008, coordinates its development, production, marketing, distribution and business affairs activities with Warner Bros. Pictures to maximize film performance and operating efficiencies. Highlights of New Line’s 2014 release slate, distributed by Warner Bros., includeInto the Storm, Tammy, Horrible Bosses 2 and The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies.

The Warner Bros. Television Group oversees and grows the entire portfolio of Warner Bros.’ television businesses, including worldwide production, traditional and digital distribution, and broadcasting. In the traditional television arena, WBTVG produces primetime and cable (Warner Bros. Television and Warner Horizon Television), first-run syndication (Telepictures Productions) and animated (Warner Bros. Animation) programming, which is distributed worldwide by two category-leading distribution arms/operations (Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution).

Among the primetime series produced by divisions of the Warner Bros. Television Group are 2 Broke Girls, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, The Mentalist,Mike & Molly, Person of Interest, Revolution, The Vampire Diaries, The Middle,Suburgatory, Rizzoli & Isles, Supernatural, Arrow, The Bachelor, The Voice, Dallas,Pretty Little Liars, and many more. Also produced by the company are first-run syndicated programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TMZ and Extra, among others, as well as animated shows The Looney Tunes Show, Beware the Batmanand Teen Titans Go!.

WBTVG is an innovative leader in developing new business models for the evolving television landscape, including ad-supported video-on-demand, broadband and wireless, and has digital distribution agreements in place with all of the broadcast networks. Internationally, the Studio is one of the world’s largest distributors of feature films, television programs and animation to the worldwide television marketplace, licensing over 61,000 hours of television programming, including more than 6,500 feature films and over 50 current series, dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to telecasters and cablecasters in more than 175 countries.

WBTVG provides original shortform programming for the broadband and wireless marketplace through its Studio 2.0 digital venture, and its digital media sales unit is devoted specifically to multiplatform domestic advertiser sales for both broadband and wireless. WBTVG continues its strategic expansion into digital production and distribution with the launch of several advertiser-supported entertainment destinations, including TheWB.com, a premium, video-on-demand interactive and personalized network and KidsWB.com, a premium destination built around youth-oriented immersive entertainment.

The final component of WBTVG is broadcasting: The CW Television Network, launched (in partnership with CBS) in September 2006 with quality, diverse programming, is targeted to the 18–34 audience.

Warner Bros. Animation is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. WBA is home to the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology, and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. In addition to TV programming, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe original animated movies for DVD.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video (Warner Home Video), digital distribution (Warner Bros. Digital Distribution), video games (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), technical operations (Warner Bros. Technical Operations) and anti-piracy (Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations) businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHE is responsible for the global distribution of content through Blu-ray Disc and DVD, electronic sell-through and transactional VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels. It is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party video game titles.

Based on the constantly changing ways by which consumers access entertainment product, WBHE focuses on maximizing current and next-generation distribution scenarios to make the Studio’s content available to audiences through as many channels, platforms and devices as possible. WBHE is also charged with harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies, as well as managing the risks these technologies pose to the economic value of the content. By grouping like business units and streamlining the process of delivering the Studio’s content to consumers in the format of their choice as conveniently as possible, WBHE helps the Studio to maintain an industry-leading and defining role in the rapidly evolving home entertainment marketplace while moving consumers’ home entertainment experiences into a new era.

With more than 3,700 active licensees worldwide, Warner Bros. Consumer Products licenses the rights to names, likenesses and logos for all of the intellectual properties in Warner Bros. Entertainment’s vast film and television library. With a global network of offices and agents in key regions throughout the world, including North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe, WBCP maintains an ongoing commitment to expand and build the power of its core brands’ recognition in the international marketplace through strong and creative merchandising, promotional marketing and retail programs.

DC Entertainment’s DC Comics has been in continuous publication for more than 60 years, and is the leading comic book publisher in the industry and the creator of some of the world’s most recognized icons. DC’s characters continue to headline blockbuster feature films, live-action and animated television series, direct-to-video releases, collectors’ books, online entertainment, digital publishing, countless licensing and marketing arrangements and, most recently, graphic novels. DC continues to attract new readers and fans all over the world with its signature characters Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Justice League leading the way.

Warner Bros. Entertainment is headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios lot, 142 acres in Burbank, California, which is considered one of the foremost motion picture and television production and post-production facilities in the world and home to 35 soundstages (including one of the world’s tallest stages, which has an in-ground tank capable of holding more than two million gallons of water). In addition, Warner Bros. Studio Facilities is responsible for managing the company’s studio in the U.K.–Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden–a 160-acre production facility that has been the production site of many highly acclaimed Warner Bros. movies including the eight Harry Potter films, The Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes, andCharlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Ten linens cleaned by Bergen Linen!
Bergen Linen is a family-owned business that understands your need for quality linen cleaning and rental services. Your guests expect the best and we can help make that possible with our full line of services. From large at-home dinner parties to an extravagant wedding, we will work with you to create your vision. Table linens include tablecloths, napkins, overlays, chair covers and sashes. 

Are you a business owner? Bergen Linen has a menu of services for industries including restaurants, catering venues, boutique hotels, and spas. Allow us to create a program that works with your needs within your budget. And it doesn’t just stop at linens. Bergen Linen also offers full interior cleaning services and uniform sales.

Bergen Linen
172 Johnson Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601

If you are interested in our services, please feel free to email info@bergenlinen.com or call (800) 789-8115. A Bergen Linen team member would be happy to discuss your options. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.
Nine visits to Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know!
The Best Dentist in Manhattan
&
Official Dentist of Whom You Know:
Cosmopolitan Dental
30 E. 40th Suite 1001
 

212 683 1960
Eight gourmet products from Vermont Harvest!
Since 1983, Vermont Harvest has made superior gourmet condiments crafted from the finest all-natural ingredients in the scenic Vermont Mountains delivered straight to your family kitchen.  They also are created with no additives or preservatives and are gluten-free. In the Vermont Harvest All-Star lineup of gourmet condiments are: Apple Rum Walnut Conserve, Berryberry Rhubarb Conserve, Blueberry Bourbon Conserve, Raspberry Apple Conserve, Strawberry Amaretto Conserve, Bananaberry Jam, Blackberry Jam, Badabing Cherry Marmalade, Apple Chutney, Cranberry Chutney, Mango Chutney, Tomato Chutney, Smokin Garlic Tomato Spread, Smokey Onion Dip Mix, Lemon Pepper Dip Mix, Pineapple Pepper Jelly, Jalapeno Pepper Jelly, Pumpkin Butter, Tiger Satay Peanut Sauce, Blueberry Bourbon Balsamic Sauce, and Sizzlin Citrus Grille Sauce.  Use these first-class hits to enhance your favorite foods watching them go from ordinary to extraordinary!  Vermont Harvest is proudly owned by Whip Burks, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute and a Board Member of the Vermont Specialty Food Association since 2011.  Whom You Know has highly recommended products by Vermont Harvest, and we know you will love them too. They have a simple motto at Vermont Harvest. “If it doesn't taste good….Why eat it”.  Ignite your tastebuds with Vermont Harvest today! 
Seven Eco Swim by Aqua Green Bathing Suits!
ECO SWIM BY AQUA GREEN is a sustainable-minded collection of eco bathingsuits that is committed to making a difference through fashion. ECO SWIM BY AQUA GREEN's focus is to promote ocean awareness and responsibility for our planet while providing an alternative that compliments a discerning mindset for leadership in style and fashion. 
ECO SWIM AQUA GREEN swimwear is made in America with every effort to reduce your carbon footprint in the sand™. ECO SWIM BY AQUA GREEN is about feeling good about your purchases and conscious actions today that create a better world for tomorrow. 
Six copies of Giving Back by Mover and Shaker Meera Gandhi!
Five dozen pairs of Paul Mayer Attitudes!  (because there are too many to narrow it down to 5)
Paul Mayer's luxuriously, comfortable designs keep women coming back for multiple -- even dozens -- of pairs. Classic, yet contemporary and always comfortable, his shoes are an addiction that we highly recommend.   A staple of the Paul Mayer collection is the simple ballet-flat, with true ballerina construction for a perfect fit that comes in a variety of colors and materials. A cult favorite is the cozy, a flat with lavender-scent infused soles adding style and fragrance to collector's closets as Paul's designs emerge in sophisticated design incarnations season after season in the most incredible hues, textures and modern innovations in luxury footwear because we know firsthand how incredibly brilliant he is.  Mayer founded the brand in 2004 with partner, Jeff Levy. All shoes in the line are manufactured in Spain’s Valencia region, along the Mediterranean coast by a skilled staff of 12 artisans. They craft each pair of shoes with an old-world attention to detail that includes in-house embroidery, quilting and stitching as well as custom tanned leather. This allows the brand to cater to each retailer’s specific demands in with timely and consistent alacrity, with orders completed in an unheard-of 3 to 5 weeks.  When not in New York, Paul can be found traveling to his myriad of stores across the country meeting his loyal clientele or vacationing in his favorite spot, the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach.
Four ThinkPad Lenovo Laptops!
(with four, maybe Peachy can type with both hands and feet)
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $39 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com.
Pea Vines

Three Fresh Origins products: Microgreens, Edible Flowers and Herb/Flower Crystals!
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at 
 

Two Manhattan properties sold by Stribling!   One uptown, one downtown.



For over 30 years, Stribling and Associates has represented high-end residential real estate, specializing in the sale and rental of townhouses, condos, co-ops, and lofts throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and around the globe. Stribling has more than 200 professional brokers who use their respected expertise to provide personalized service to buyers and sellers at all price levels. A separate division, Stribling Private Brokerage, discreetly markets properties over $5 million, and commands a significant market share in this rarified sector of residential real estate. Stribling is the exclusive New York City affiliate of Savills, a leading global real estate advisor with over 200 office in 48 countries.





Check out their listings:


Whom You Know Congratulates their new President, Elizabeth Ann Stribling-Kivlan: http://www.whomyouknow.com/2012/12/breaking-manhattan-real-estate-news.html

 
...and a gown wardrobe cleaned by Hallak the Couture Cleaner!

For nearly fifty years, Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner has been entrusted with Manhattan’s finest wardrobes. New York’s fashion boutiques have been recommending Hallak to their loyal customers for years. They understand the importance of quality fabric care and protecting their client’s investment. While Hallak is known for their expert handling of couture and other precious items, they also make it a point to give your more casual garments the same level of attention. Their representatives are always on the look out for the hard-to-notice stains, loose seams, missing buttons, etc. You can trust Hallak Cleaners with your entire wardrobe and then some. A sample of some of their specialized services: 

Tables & Bed Linens

Suede, Leather & Furs 

Couture & Casual Wear 

Custom Interior Services 



Expert tailoring department located at both locations.

Complimentary Pick Up and Delivery Service 6 Days a Week. 

Hallak Cleaners

1232 Second Avenue (near 65th) 

New York, NY 10065 

212.832.0750





If you have any questions or would like to schedule a pick up, please feel free to email us at info@hallak.com

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