Alisa Maria Fur & Python Collection, Dutch Treat at the New Cutting Room and Dining at Dora Nonnie in Glen Head, Long Island
(Long Island, N.Y.) Alisa Maria Fur & Python Collection was exclusively presented to select few industry insiders and celebrity friends at Manhattan’s super chic boutique Tina Catherine Optical in midtown Manhattan.
Fashion Designer Alisa Maria was influenced at an early age watching classic movies like Gone with the Wind and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Alisa Maria has always drawn inspiration from legendary Hollywood movie stars such as Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Her admiration of nostalgia and old Hollywood gives a touch of glamor to her creations.
After purchasing her first Gucci bag and shoes as a teenager in high school, Alisa decided to have a career in fashion. Alisa went on to pursue acting, modeling and dancing, but always came back to her love of styling. Alisa Maria currently has her own private label luxury fur and python line. Her full line will be available in 2012 and her luxury fur line is currently sold at Bergen Furs in Montclair, NJ after successfully debuting during Fashion Week 2011 to rave reviews.
Alisa Maria has worked with various directors and producers in television and film, including John Singleton, Mario Van Peoples, Hype Williams, Chris Columbus, Joel Shumacher, Sidney Lumet, Sam Raimi and Rand Ravich. Alisa has designed for celebrities: Kat Deluna ‘s music video “Dancing Tonight”, The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Melissa Gorga’s album cover “On Display” and Omarosa from The Celebrity Apprentice for the “Rollin Out Magazine Shoot.” Alisa has also styled for publications including Urban Ink, Stepping Out, Source Life, InStyle, Black Men Magazine, Allure RollinOut, Essence, and Obvious Magazine.
In 2010 she was the Official Sponsor and Presenter of Sachika Twins during New York Fashion Week at Style 360. Alisa has sponsored the Stop Bullies event at GreenHouse for Vinnie of The Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives of New York Premiere Party at Covet for New York Housewife Ramona Singer in 2011.
Alisa’s professionalism and sense of style has made her an asset to work with. Her commitment and passion for perfection is what she does and her tireless work ethic makes Alisa not only extremely talented but also very trustworthy and reliable. Her satisfaction and desire to make her clients feel fabulous is what she has achieved. Alisa Maria feels that life is a stage and the world is a large beautiful runway. Most importantly, Alisa believes everyone, no matter who they are deserves their very own red carpet moment.
For more information on her private label please visit www.alisamaria.myshopify.com.
On Friday November 4th, 2011 Zip Records hosted a private event at the new Cutting Room located at 44 East 32nd Street in Manhattan. The event showcased three Dutch musical talents that rocked the house.
TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews three acts from the Netherlands at private party for the New Cutting Room located at 44 East 32nd Street
Guests enjoyed caviar and champagne at the Cutting Room while listening to rock band Kensington, Movie Star/Chanteuse Birgit and Folk/Reggae singer Nicole Bus.
“Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kid Rock, Vanessa Carlton, Sandra Bernhard, Mini-Kiss and many more have performed at the original Cutting Room Cabaret. Guests have included David Bowie, Ralph Fiennes, Ethan Hawke, Chris Rock, Kelsey Grammer, Steve Buscemi, Edie Falco, Russell Crowe and Toby McGuire.
The original co-owners Chris Noth from the hit TV show “Sex and the City,” “Law & Order” and Berklee College of Music alumnus Steve Walter have created an intimate space for established performers and a hospitable environment for new music of all varieties. The original club opened in 1999 and hosted a variety of screenings, photo exhibits, performance art, literary readings, showcases and parties.
For more information please visit www.thecuttingroomnyc.com.
Executive Chef Daniel Frank Gagnon hosted a special dinner for myself and my crew at the recently opened Dora Nonnie Tapas & Wine Bar located at 716 Glen Cove Avenue Glen Head, New York inside the upscale Bernards Market. Chef Daniel is famous for carefully collaborating Asian Fusion with Italian cuisine.
The cozy restaurant features high ceilings, intimate lighting and interesting culinary quotes as patrons enjoy the exotic cuisine.
The restaurant features an impressive wine bar area where guests can relax and enjoy drinks from an extensive list of fine wines from Long Island and domestic and imported beers as well.
Daniel Frank Gagnon was born in Flushing, Queens on August 11th, 1982. At the age of three his family relocated to New Hyde Park on Long Island. During his youth Danny was athletic and started playing football. Later that passion continued throughout high school and after graduating Danny received a scholarship to play football for the elite Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He declined the offer to pursue his true love of the culinary arts. Danny was inspired to become a chef by watching and assisting his Italian grandmother cooking in the kitchen. In autumn of 2000 Danny started his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews EXECUTIVE CHEF DANNY GAGNON from Bravo Network’s TOP CHEF SEASON 5 CONTESTANT at Dora Nonnie Restaurant in Glen Head, New York
After working his way through different positions in various restaurants, Danny’s hard work paid off and he took his first kitchen position at Pacific East in Amagansett, New York. The restaurant was a three star Asian restaurant. At Pacific East he was exposed to Asian style cooking and techniques. Later he became the chef at East by North East in Montauk, New York.
In early 2008, Danny’s old college roommate contacted him about a casting call for the upcoming season of Bravo network’s hit reality TV show Top Chef. Knowing Danny’s style, personality, and charisma, he felt Danny would be a perfect candidate for the hit realty TV show. Danny loved the idea and in June of 2008 went to the audition and casting call held at his alma mater the Culinary Institute of America. He went through fifteen rounds of interviews and cooking challenges! In August 2008 Danny received a call that he made the show and to report to New York City where filming was to take place.
Season five of Top Chef was filmed during August 2008 and finally aired on Bravo in December 2008. Danny’s culinary abilities and animated personality quickly made him a fan favorite and memorable competitor. His favorite dish he performed on the show was his Ricotta Pistachio Pound Cake. After several episodes Danny was asked to “pack his knives” by the lovely TV Host Padma. Danny returned to a job as Chef of the Carriage House in Long Island a local celebrity. Being a fierce competitor and chef, Danny wished his time on Top Chef lasted longer. Despite leaving before he wanted to, he gained an invaluable and one-of-a-kind experience that has made him a better chef today. When the show aired, Danny’s residency at The Carriage House experienced a new fan base of customers.
Before working as Executive Chef at Dora Nonnie he was chef at the Sports Bar “Bar Social” on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, New York.
During the evening my crew and I were treated to several tasty appetizers including Sweet Soy Calamari tossed with fire roasted red peppers, shaved scallions and flat leaf parsley. Chef Danny explained the technique of soaking the calamari in milk tenderizes the calamari and just adds and enhances natural flavors of the dish.
Another great dish was the The Pan Seared Scallops served in a saffron parsnip puree with sautéed cherry tomatoes and finished with a fricassee of mushrooms that made this unique appetizer incredibly tender.
After dinner we were treated to an array of wonderful desserts including the Lemon Pistachio Cake splashed with honey, candied pistachios and a strawberry and lime puree. The cake was perfectly moist, decadent and delicious.
For more information please visit www.bernardsmarket.com.
