Articles by: I. I.

  • Art & Culture

    Beauty Undefined”: An Empowered Exploration of Women and Beauty

    Beauty Undefined explored the concept of womanhood and societal ideologies regarding beauty. Images of female beauty vary greatly across cultures and time as does what qualifies as “beautiful” among everyday women. Beauty Undefined developed a stronger definition of beauty of the female form by introducing issues of c!ulture and identity through the mediums of photography, illustration, video installations, fine art and street art.
     

    “I had a different ideology of what I wanted to do in curating “Beauty Undefined”. — I wanted the artist’s voice to be present and not just their work, the part of themselves they’d like to more completely express.

    This show really challenges us all to create our own definitions of the female form in regards to beauty. We need to expand our minds and embrace the fact that there is freedom in letting go of old cultural conceptions of women and beauty. "Beauty Undefined" celebrates that freedom." Co-Curator | Monica Watkins.
     

    “This show and all of the artwork wishes to celebrate women, embracing their infinite power to mediate their own natural world and the cultural reality that they live in. I wanted to share my work as a curator a!nd as an artist to help those that are the most in need.” Co-Curator | Magda Love.
     

    "At SELECT, we think Beauty for Freedom serves an essential purpose in engaging the public with the critical human rights issues facing our global community. Our members, who count themselves among next generation of thought leaders and influencers, recognize that a more interconnected world necessitates a corresponding increase in social responsibility.

    We believe events like ‘Beauty Undefined’ are the perfect conduit for accessing this responsibility, and are pleased to find the platform and opportunity to do so in our partner Beauty for Freedom.” Jenny Bapst | Director of Business Development.

    !Notable attendees included SELECT Card Members, Supermodel Melanie Gaydos and famed artists Tim Okamura, Nikola Tamindzic, Toto Cullen and Marco Gallotta.! To purchase “Beauty Undefined” artwork take a look at the link.

    100% of the proceeds from Beauty Undefined will be donated to Project India, a series of art, music, photography and writing workshops produced by anti-human trafficking non-profit Beauty for Freedom in Southeast Asia Spring 2016. Project India mission is to promote self-esteem and self-expression for t!he at-risk youth and survivors of sex trafficking in India and Cambodia through the arts.!
     

    Esteemed sponsors included private membership black card SELECT, NYC Art Collective Outlaw Arts, MYX Fusions, Jerome Selections Wines, NOIZY Brands and Beauty for Freedom’s sister organization BK Style F!oundation. Music curated by Boston Chery.!

    Monica Watkins, successful Ford model, artist and philanthropist, combined her passion for helping others and an understanding of the power of art and created Art in Motion, a platform to seek out and nurture young, disadvantaged youth. Through AIM, Monica has created art, music, fashion, and photography workshops to more than 1,300 children in Europe, Haiti, Asia and America. Additionally, Monica has organized/producednumerous charity events and curated several solo and group exhibitions. She is also the Co-founder and Creative Director of Beauty for Freedom, a New York City based anti-trafficking non-profit.

    Magda Love!
    Born in Argentina, Magda Love has lived in New York City for more than a decade. Mostly know by her colorful street art and big public works. The artist forms deeply textured, often ferocious, narratives joining nostalgic images with emotional moments. Her aim is to inspire dialogue about personal experience and prompt a thoughtful pause in the roller coaster of life. Her work, inspired by her travels, her memories, exposes v!ulnerability, strength, nostalgia, sorrow and joy.!
     

    About Beauty for Freedom & Project India!
    Beauty for Freedom is an innovative, sustainable platform providing the industries of Beauty and Fashion with a means to raise awareness, accountability, and financial contributions for charitable foundations and non-profits who fight human trafficking globally. Spring 2016, Beauty for Freedom will be producing a series of art, music, photography and writing workshops in SE Asia (Project India) meant to promote self-esteem and self- e!xpression for survivors of sex-trafficking. www.beautyforfreedom.org!

  • Life & People

    Pop-In@Nordstrom 'Loves Italy' Launches a Special Series in Texas

    On March 4, the long-awaited Pop-In@Nordstrom Loves Italy launched a special series in Texas. Curated by Olivia Kim, Nordstrom VP of Creative Projects, the four themed shops will live at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas, Nordstrom Houston Galleria, Nordstrom Barton Creek Square in Austin and Nordstrom The Shops at La Cantera in San Antonio. 

    The Pop-Ins feature 55 Italian brands in apparel, accessories, jewelry, footwear, eyewear, perfumery and beauty. The launch marks the first time many of the brands are available for the first time ever in the U.S.

    “Americans have always had a love affair with Italy – through the food, culture, and style and it is a perfect opportunity to highlight the fashion and lifestyle elements in partnership with the Italian Trade Promotion Agency (ICE),” said Kim. “We have met so many incredibly talented designers from all over Italy who all have amazing stories to tell about their companies. We really just wanted see what was out there and be sure we could offer the range of Italian fashion, and it’s exciting to give these brands a platform to be exposed in the U.S. for the first time”

    The Pop-In series is the pinnacle of the partnership, which began with product scouting in April 2015 when Kim and her team of buyers first evaluated 700 Italian companies. Only 140 made the first cut, and a further selection turned the number into 85. The short list was finalized last September in Milan, and Nordstrom placed orders with 55 companies.

    “Fifty-five new brands venturing into the American market in a prestigious showcase like Nordstrom represents a significant success for this collaboration,” underlines Maurizio Forte, Director of ICE New York and coordinator of the network of ICE U.S. offices. “If the product sells well, these new brands could have the amazing opportunity to be picked up by Nordstrom beyond the Pop-In.”

    The Pop-In will run troughout April 17 and includes a series of events dedicated to Italian lifestyle: food, culture, music. On March 10, there will be a launch party hosted by Olivia Kim and Bianca Brandolini d’Adda for Dallas fashion influencers.

    The partnership with Nordstrom is part of “Piano Speciale USA” per fashion, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development to promote Italian exports of the fashion industry (apparel, footwear, leather and leather goods, eyewear, cosmetics and jewelry).

    The plan, which provides funds for more than 20 million euro in the next two years, has ICE Agency and Confindustria with its Associations developing agreements with the most important U.S. retailers in the fashion sector, fairs and promotional events, incoming events in Italy and communication activities.

    The first phase of the “WE LOVE IT” promotion, dedicated to Made in Italy products, launched as a fall campaign in all eight Nordstrom stores in Texas last September. This phase focused on highlighting existing merchandise from Italian brands and shopping events dedicated to customers.

    During this second promotional phase, Italian Trade Commission (ITA) will again train Nordstrom salespeople to highlight the differentiators of the Made in Italy products, with special emphasis on the new designers offered through the Pop-In shops.

    The latest statistics of the fashion industry, provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, show that the exports of Italian apparel to the U.S. has reached 1.265 million euro in 2015, with a 11.8% growth compared to 2014; footwear and leather 2,207,000 euro (+15%) ; textiles 291 million euro (+12%) ; hides 250 million euro (+29%); cosmetics and perfumery 577 million euro (+22%); jewelry of the 581 million euro (+15%); eyewear 881 million euro (+23 %).

  • Facts & Stories

    NYCEDC and CUNY Launch IN2NYC Program for International Entrepreneurs


    Program Will Support 80 Entrepreneurs and Create More Than 700 New Jobs for New Yorkers in First Three Years Alone
     

    Entrepreneurs Will Be Required to Base Business at CUNY Incubators, Bringing Employment and Education Opportunities to Neighborhoods in Every Borough

    New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with the City University of New York (CUNY), today announced the launch of theInternational Innovators Initiative (IN2NYC), the first municipal program in the nation designed to help international entrepreneurs access visas so they can create jobs in the United States. IN2NYC will help up to 80 selected entrepreneurs gain access to the visas they need to grow their businesses in New York City, and is projected to create more than 700 jobs for New Yorkers in the first three years alone.

    IN2NYC will also serve as a model that can be scaled and expanded at both public and private schools throughout New York City, with the potential to ultimately contribute thousands of jobs to the city’s innovation economy. The program advances the de Blasio administration’s goals of encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting international partnerships to build a diverse and inclusive economy for New Yorkers in every borough.

    IN2NYC will partner selected entrepreneurs with one of seven participating CUNY institutions: Baruch College, City College of New York, LaGuardia Community College, Lehman College, Medgar Evers College, Queens College, and the College of Staten Island. Entrepreneurs will be required to base their businesses in their partner school’s incubator, bringing new services, revenue streams, and employment opportunities to neighborhoods and strengthening their innovation ecosystems. Entrepreneurs must also commit to support the mission of the partner school by contributing to academic research, developing curricula, providing students with internship and employment opportunities, or serving as mentors. 

    The program is designed to foster innovation ecosystems and diversify the economy by retaining international talent that has been educated locally, and attract entrepreneurs from abroad who have skills and knowledge that would benefit CUNY students and educators. NYCEDC will begin accepting applications for IN2NYC this spring, with the first group of entrepreneurs expected to be in place by the fall. For more information, go to www.in2.nyc.

    “This is a win for our universities, our working people and our city’s ability to compete on the global stage. We are making sure New York City remains a magnet for the world’s top talent, and putting New Yorkers to work at the technology and engineering firms of tomorrow,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

    "The success of our innovation ecosystem is rooted in the diversity and the talent of our people," said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. "For too long, we would graduate some of the world's smartest entrepreneurs, only to send them packing as soon as they got their degree. This ends today. IN2NYC is the first city run program in the US to help international entrepreneurs access the visas they need to grow businesses, create jobs, and cultivate the next generation of talented New Yorkers. No matter our national origins, we've got to be One New York, innovating together."

    “New York City has created an innovative pathway for the next generation of international entrepreneurs to launch their businesses right here in NYC,” said Penny Abeywardena, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner.  “Not only does the IN2NYC program encourage entrepreneurship, and builds and strengthens New York City’s international partnerships, but the program also directly benefits CUNY students by training them on how to launch their own businesses. IN2NYC is good for the international entrepreneurs, good for the New York City neighborhoods in which they will grow their startups and create jobs, and good for the CUNY students who will be mentored by these innovators. Moreover, it reinforces New York City’s role as a global hub for innovation.” 

    “The program underscores how immigrants are integral to the economic, social, and cultural life of our City. New York City reaps countless benefits when immigrant entrepreneurs have opportunities to build their businesses. Through the IN2NYC program, the de Blasio administration demonstrates again how building a welcoming and inclusive city benefits all New Yorkers," said Commissioner Nisha Agarwal of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

    “Simply put, IN2NYC is a game-changer for NYC in the global competition to attract world-class tech talent and the businesses of tomorrow,” said Chief Technology Officer for the City of New York Minerva Tantoco. “IN2NYC builds on the Big Apple’s proud tradition of inviting bold and entrepreneurial thinkers to come to NYC and invent the future. IN2NYC supercharges the de Blasio administration’s goal of making New York the most tech-friendly and innovative city in the world.”

    “The Zahn Innovation Center and the City College of New York look forward to partnering with the New York City Economic Development Corporation to implement the IN2NYC program,” said Joseph Barba, Director of Student Entrepreneurship, City College of New York.  “IN2NYC will promote NYC economic development by attracting foreign entrepreneurs to the city and provide support for the innovation and entrepreneurial education at the City College and the City University of New York.”

    Queens College is one of America’s most culturally diverse colleges, with students coming from 170 countries and speaking more than 110 languages,” said Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, President, Queens College. “As New York City’s largest provider of Computer Science majors and with a new tech incubator on campus, Queens College will be a natural home for the companies that EDC targets through the IN2NYC program and encourages to come to New York City.  We are excited to participate in this timely and innovative initiative.”

    "We are pleased to support the IN2NYC Program, which provides vital pathways to success for many future New Yorkers," said LaGuardia Community College President Gail O.  Mellow. "At LaGuardia, we have several programs designed to boost entrepreneurs toward scalability and success. These programs include NYDesigns, our on-campus incubator, co-working and fabrication space for design and hardware tech startups. Through the H1B visa program, we welcome new entrepreneurs and companies who share in our passion to grow New York City’s thriving tech ecosystem and support the growth of our diverse student population."

    “Lehman College is delighted to be one of the CUNY institutions selected as part of this innovative initiative to attract international entrepreneurs to New York City and the Bronx,” said Milton Santiago, Director of External and Government Relations, Lehman College.  “We look forward to contributing towards the development of businesses and job creation in the exciting field of technology, for Bronx residents.”

    “We at College of Staten Island are honored to participate and welcome international innovators to our newly being built Technology Incubator just a few steps away from the Staten Island Ferry,” said Jarred Sutton, Director, College of Staten Island Technology Incubator. Our goal with the Technology Incubator is to be the economic engine to fuel local growth and nurture technology-oriented businesses interested in making their ideas a reality at home while still being connected to great endeavors already underway throughout NYC.”

    “Medgar Evers is one of 7 schools participating in the NYCEDC International Innovators program,” said Jo-Ann Rolle, Dean, School of Business, Medgar Evers College. “We are proud to collaborate with NYCEDC as it leads efforts to make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth fueled by the diversity of people and businesses.  We believe innovation creates global leaders and we are proud to help create those leaders in Brooklyn.  Congratulations to the team of visionaries who conceived, planned, and will now execute a program to support scaling growth in our communities.”

    "Successful entrepreneurship programs require attracting local and national talent as well as international expertise to be competitive in today's marketplace," said Monica Dean, Administrative Director, Lawrence N. Field Programs in Entrepreneurship at Baruch College.  "We believe that our participation in the  IN2NYC program will enrich our offerings and enable us to further expand out global reach."

    “Brooklyn is the destination for the world's most ambitious entrepreneurs, serving as a launching pad for success that lifts them and our borough to rewarding heights,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “Generations of people have started businesses here, many with nothing more than their dreams and their commitment to hard work. The partnership between the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the City University of New York on IN2NYC will help grow our tradition of entrepreneurship, offering immigrants an opportunity to invest in our community, create local jobs, and write the next chapter of our boundless innovation economy."

    “Immigrant entrepreneurs build economic vitality in New York City,” said NYC Council Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca. “They also raise families, pay taxes and support New York’s cultural diversity. Recruiting and retaining entrepreneurs who are eligible to secure legal immigration status is the right thing to do. The International Innovators Initiative (IN2NYC) created by EDC and CUNY promises to keep the talent, energy, and benefits of international entrepreneurs right here where they belong.  I anticipate great success for this program and I will work to promote it to the benefit of the immigrant communities I serve.

    “I’m proud to have been able to provide funding to establish the technology incubators at two CUNY universities,” said NYC Council Technology Committee Chair James Vacca.  “IN2NYC is a forward-looking program designed to attract the best of the best to New York City. The talent coming into the program will allow the incubators to flourish to even greater heights.”

    New York City attracts the most international students of any metropolitan area in the United States, hosting 52,270 international students in the 2013-2014 school year. And New York’s immigrant population is a major contributor to the city’s economy, responsible for $257 billion in economic activity per year.

    Our current federal immigration system makes it extremely difficult for many foreign-born entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses in the United States. Meanwhile, countries like Canada and the United Kingdom have created "founder visa" programs that encourage entrepreneurs to locate companies within their borders, threatening to deprive the United States - and New York City - of the jobs of the future.

    The H-1B visa provides a pathway for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to work in the United States. But recipients of H-1B visas are chosen based on a random selection or lottery system that awards 65,000 total each year, a number that represents approximately only a quarter of the applications received. The New York City metro area alone has contributed more than 50,000 applications in recent years, comprising the highest demand for H-1B visas in the nation.

    In addition, entrepreneurs working to grow their own businesses are faced with the challenge of demonstrating eligibility for an H-1B visa, since H-1B visas require individuals to be part of an employer-employee relationship.

    IN2NYC will allow international entrepreneurs to overcome these challenges in two key ways:

    • By providing entrepreneurs with the support to form an independent board of directors, which establishes an employer-employee relationship between the company and the entrepreneur so that the company can sponsor an H-1B petition on behalf of the entrepreneur.
    • By partnering entrepreneurs with CUNY schools that, as institutions of higher education, are exempt from the H-1B cap, thus allowing the entrepreneur to further the mission of the CUNY school, avoid the H-1B lottery process, and apply for a cap-exempt H-1B visa at any time during the year.

    "Today, the New York City Economic Development Corporation took a bold step to support immigrant entrepreneurs through expanding new opportunities,” said Todd Schulte, President, FWD.us. “Some of the best and most successful companies were founded by immigrants and NYCEDC’s program will allow this trend to continue in New York City. We at  applaud this program for strengthening the innovation economy of New York City by not only encouraging high skilled immigration and new businesses but also, creating more jobs and opportunities for students and professionals."

    "Entrepreneurs from overseas face a host of challenges starting companies in the US,” said Fred Wilson, Partner, Union Square Ventures. “It should be way easier for them to do it but politics at the federal level has gotten in the way. I am so happy to see the Mayor and others in the NYC government and CUNY take things into their own hands and show some leadership in this area. This will be great for entrepreneurship in NYC."

    "New York City is a place where universities, institutions, industries, and the arts thrive in an ecosystem populated with the most talented people from our country and many countries around the world,” said Tim Armstrong, CEO of AOL Inc.  “Opening NYC's universities to the world's best entrepreneurs will be a game-changer for the future of the city and our ability to compete for talent in a global marketplace."

    "One of the biggest challenges New York City and the United States face is enabling the world's most qualified and talented workforce to access the market," saidAndrew Rasiej, Chairman of the NY Tech Meetup and Founder of Civic Hall. "With this program, the New York City Economic Development Corporation is significantly solving this problem and also fulfilling its mission to build a successful economic future for the city as a whole."

    "Immigrants have founded more than half of the new companies in Silicon Valley, and immigrant-started companies employ over 500,000 people in tech companies in the US, according to studies," said Jeff Glueck, CEO of NYC-based Foursquare.  "As a private company that thrives in the NYC tech community, we salute this initiative to bring more start-ups to New York City, and create more jobs.  The whole sector here benefits as the industry grows."  

    "Fueled is thrilled and grateful to support the NYCEDC's startup visa initiative,” saidAaron C. Cohen, Venture Director, Fueled. “New York City is the best place in the world to found a startup and we support any program that makes it easier for the best and brightest minds from around the world to build their companies in our city. Fueled looks forward to working with and investing in the amazing entrepreneurs this program is sure to attract."

    "ffVC has a strong track record of supporting brilliant and innovative entrepreneurs, regardless of their nationality or country of origin,” said David Teten, Partner, ff Venture Capital. “We are exceptionally excited that New York is taking a leadership role in making it easier for some of the millions of talented people who are not US citizens to come here to build amazing companies." 

    “As a New Yorker, I am inspired to have such innovative government representatives leading the national conversation about smart immigration reform,” said Brian Frumberg, Founder, VentureOut. “At VentureOut, as we help accelerate over 250 foreign startups into the U.S. every year, I believe the NYCEDC's startup visa initiative will be an indispensable tool for us as we continue to attract the world’s top innovators and job creators to NYC.”

    “NYC is the global benchmark when it comes to business,” said Maximilian Schuetz, Co-Founder, KISI. “This program is essential to keep New York as creative and competitive as it is.”

    "The Global EIR Coalition is proud to support the city of New York and the CUNY school system in launching the IN2NYC program,” said Craig Montuori, Executive Director, Global EIR Coalition. “IN2NYC will create jobs for New York students across the five boroughs and provide them with the training and internships they need to be successful in the innovation economy. We welcome New York City's leadership in expanding Global EIR/IN2NYC-style programs nationwide."

    IN2NYC was developed in partnership with Immigration Solutions Group, PLLC, one of the nation’s leading providers of immigration services and solutions. Attorney Peter F. Asaad, the founder and managing attorney of the law firm, is an expert on matters involving foreign entrepreneurs.  “The impact of an immigration lawyer who can find a way to help the next Elon Musk with no visa or the college student with no status to make contributions has never been more significant,” said Peter F. Asaad.

    While IN2NYC is the first municipal program in the nation to help international entrepreneurs secure visas, related programs have been implemented in Massachusetts and Colorado. A key benefit of this program is that the CUNY institutions do not need to expend funds to directly hire entrepreneurs, and therefore the program requires minimal resources from the City or CUNY. This makes IN2NYC particularly efficient and scalable, which should allow the program to quickly expand to additional schools in New York and across the country.  In addition, IN2NYC seeks to specifically identify foreign nationals who can provide direct contributions to the United States through their work on behalf of institutions of higher education and help build innovation ecosystems.

    IN2NYC builds upon the City’s efforts to bolster international entrepreneurship in New York City, build and strengthen international economic partnerships, and further establish New York City as an international economic and financial capital of the world. In June 2015, Mayor de Blasio hosted approximately 70 Mayors and leaders from around the world as part of the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum. As recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, New York City was selected to host the 2015 international forum, titled “Innovative Cities of Opportunity,” a discussion of best practices in urban policy innovation ad collaboration among city leaders. Through the City’s World2NYC program, innovators from around the world are connected with City stakeholders to share global best practices and access opportunities in New York City.  Past partners for this program include the governments of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.  Most recently, in November 2015, NYC and the City of Paris launched the NYC-Paris Business Exchange, part of NYCEDC’s Global Business Exchange initiative, a program that will provide New York City-based start-ups with access to business opportunities in Paris and helps Paris-based companies expand their footprints in New York City.  Later this year, NYCEDC will launch its next Global Business Exchange with Milan, Italy.





    About NYCEDC

     New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.

     

    About CUNY

    The City University of New York provides high-quality, accessible education for more than 269,000 degree-credit students and 247,000 adult, continuing and professional education students at 24 campuses across New York City. CUNY has a legislatively mandated mission to be “of vital importance as a vehicle for the upward mobility of the disadvantaged in the City of New York … ensuring equal access and opportunity” to students, faculty and staff “from all ethnic and racial groups.” The University is an integrated system of senior and community colleges, graduate and professional schools, research centers,  institutes and consortia. From certificate courses to Ph.D. programs, CUNY offers postsecondary learning to students of all backgrounds. It provides the city with graduates trained for high-demand positions in the sciences, technology, mathematics, teaching, nursing and other fields.  




    Contact:
    Anthony Hogrebe/Ian Fried, NYCEDC (212) 312-3523publicaffairs@edc.nyc
    NYCEDC and CUNY Launch IN2NYC Program for International Entrepreneurs 


     

  • Fatti e Storie

    Italian Wine Week, il vino italiano protagonista a New York

    Una festa del vino italiano a New York che richiamerà 200 produttori provenienti da tutta Italia. Si inaugura il 3 febbraio l’Italian Wine Week, il più grande appuntamento di promozione del vino italiano organizzato all’Hilton Midtown  dal ministero dello Sviluppo Economico e dall’agenzia ICE

    Fino al 9 febbraio saranno presentate oltre mille etichette di vini, liquori e birra artigianale e si potrà partecipare a seminari in cui 45 personalità del mondo del vino analizzeranno le ultime tendenze del mercato negli Stati Uniti. Anche il sindaco di New York Bill de Blasio ha voluto salutare la grande manifestazione dichiarando: “Durante la settimana del vino italiano si celebra lo spirito di festa e il buon gusto che contraddistinguono sia  New York che l’Italia. Sono molto lieto che l’Italian Trade Commission e i suoi partner contribuiscono a rafforzare i legami tra New York e l’Italia”. 

    Il direttore dell’agenzia ICE di New York Maurizio Forte ha illustrato invece l’importanza della
    manifestazione sottolineando come attraverso l’Italian Wine Week “abbiamo creato un grande network che permette di incontrare ogni anno  operatori commerciali, stampa ed esperti del settore con l’obiettivo di confermare e rafforzare la leadership del  vino italiano su questo fondamentale mercato”.  

    La manifestazione si aprirà il 3 febbraio con una conferenza stampa all’Highline Ballroom a cui parteciperanno il direttore dell’ICE Forte, il managing director di Vinitaly international  Stevie Kim, Kevin Zraly e David Rosengarten. Alla conferenza seguirà, sempre nella stessa location, il Grand Tasting presentato da Slow Wine a cui parteciperanno 80 aziende italiane. 

    Durante la settimana saranno presentati gli eventi di Slow Wine e Tre Bicchieri Gambero Rosso e sarà anche organizzata dall’agenzia ICE la quinta edizione di Vino. Il programma si concluderà il 9 febbraio con l’appuntamento intitolato Tre bicchieri Gambero Rosso in cui circa 190 viticoltori presenteranno ai media e agli operatoi commerciali il loro vino. 

    L’Italian Wine Week sarà, quindi, un’occasione non solo di scambio ma anche per riflettere sull’andamento del vino italiano negli Stati Uniti. Un andamento che, nei primi 11 mesi del 2015, assegna ai vini italiani la leadership negli Stati Uniti: le esportazioni sono infatti aumentate del 20% rispetto allo stesso periodo dello scorso anno, per un valore di oltre 1,4 miliardi di euro.Partner della manifestazione è la Fiera di Verona che sarà presente all’Italian Wine Week con la Vinitaly Wine Academy. 

    Il programma completo dell’Italian Wine Week si può consultare sul sito www. italianmade.com/vino2016.

  • Another Suggestion for Your Early Spring Break—Venice.


    Didn’t we say we’d take you to Italy this Spring? After the Amalfi Coast, here comes our second suggestion: Venice offers the best of what Italy has to offer. 


     
    Venice and its Lagoon


    The Basilica of San Marco

    WHERE 

    Located in Northeastern Italy, Venice is a city in and on the water. Made up of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, it has all the old world charm you can dream of. With buildings that seem to rise out of the water, there are no cars or roadways. You navigate the city in gondolas on canals. Visiting Venice is like taking a beautiful step back in time. 

     
    WHAT
    With places to visit like the Grand Canal, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza San Marco, you will have a trip filled with activities. The Grand Canal runs through the city with an uncountable amount of smaller waterways to explore and Saint Mark’s square is in the center of the city and a great place to explore on foot. Venice is also known around the world for its beautiful glass. Hand made on the island of Murano, it is colorful and elaborate. Since it is a coastal city, the seafood is always fresh in Venice and it is a must try. Enjoy a specialty, like cuttlefish with handmade ink pasta. Venice offers the best of what Italy has to offer. 


    HOW
    Start planning your trip! Many hotels and resorts in Italy will welcome you with special offers and discounted rates. Fly Alitalia, to Venice and take advantage of  all-inclusive, round trip fares from New York start at $979! Book by February 2, 2016 for these incredible offers!
     



     
     

  • Tourism: Articles

    Another Suggestion for Your Early Spring Break—Venice.

    WHERE 

    Located in Northeastern Italy, Venice is a city in and on the water. Made up of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, it has all the old world charm you can dream of. With buildings that seem to rise out of the water, there are no cars or roadways. You navigate the city in gondolas on canals. Visiting Venice is like taking a beautiful step back in time. 
     

    WHAT

    With places to visit like the Grand Canal, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza San Marco, you will have a trip filled with activities. The Grand Canal runs through the city with an uncountable amount of smaller waterways to explore and Saint Mark’s square is in the center of the city and a great place to explore on foot. Venice is also known around the world for its beautiful glass. Hand made on the island of Murano, it is colorful and elaborate. Since it is a coastal city, the seafood is always fresh in Venice and it is a must try. Enjoy a specialty, like cuttlefish with handmade ink pasta. Venice offers the best of what Italy has to offer. 

    HOW

    Start planning your trip! Many hotels and resorts in Italy will welcome you with special offers and discounted rates. Fly Alitalia, to Rome and you are just a short connection away to the Marco Polo Airport in Venice! All-inclusive, round trip fares from New York start at $979! Book by February 2, 2016 for these incredible offers!

  • Job opportunity at United for Italian Speakers!


    Why join the flyer-friendly United team?
    • One of the best employee travel plans in the industry
    • Perfect attendance awards recognize continuous service by employees
    • On-time bonuses reward employees for meeting on-time arrival/departure targets
     Some other great reasons for joining United include a welcoming environment, competitive medical, dental and vision insurance programs, vacation and sick time. You can also enroll in our 401(k) plan, which offers valuable resources in saving for retirement. As a United employee, you are also eligible to receive employee discounts on air travel, car rentals, hotels and cruise ships. 


    To find out more about United careers and submit your application please go to: 
     
    (Sponsored content)


     

  • Tourism

    Our Suggestions for the Spring. The Amalfi Coast!

    WHERE 

    The Amalfi coast is made up of a 30 mile stretch of coastline, located on the Southern edge of Italy’s Southern peninsula, in the Campania region. The beautiful waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea meet with the pastel colored towns located in cliffs on the shoreline. A seaside road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds through the scenic landscape of the region. 
     

    WHAT

    If you enjoy sunshine, beaches and some of the freshest foods in Italy, then the Amalfi Coast is a must visit! The regions of Positano and Capri feature quaint beaches that look as if they belong on a postcard. The crystal blue water is the perfect complement to the fresh citrus trees that you can fins along the coastline. Some of the foods to come from the Amalfi coast are delicious pizza, fresh pasta and seafood and locally grown lemons in the form of limoncello, gelato or a fresh granita. You can stroll or drive your way through this colorful region, it is breathtaking either way! 

    HOW

    Start planning your trip! Many hotels and resorts in Italy will welcome you with special offers and discounted rates. Fly Alitalia to Naples and you are just a short distance away to the heart of the Amalfi Coast! All-inclusive, round trip fares from New York start at $979! Book by February 2, 2016 for these incredible offers!

  • Dining in & out: Articles & Reviews

    Eataly Vino Complimentary. Wine tastings every Day

    At Eataly Wine, where on most weekdays the two floors of Italian quality wines are the backdrop for complimentary tastings held from 6 to 8 pm, often featuring meet-the-winemaker events.

    Eataly Vino is a few steps away from the main store’s entrance on West 23rd Street. Here,with the help of a team of wine-loving experts ready to answer your questions, you can explore the rare, old, and collectible wines stored in the temperature-controlled Reserve Room.

    It’s a fun, friendly way to learn about the many wines and the wine regions of Italy. And no reservation is required: just pop in during the indicated hours. Tastings are scheduled a month in advance, so look online for what the next month has to offer.

    Check the calendar on Eataly’s website also for exclusive events—Wine Dinners are organized every month with special theme nights in Eataly’s restaurants. They include an incredible five-course meal prepared by some of Eataly’s best chefs, paired with the perfect wine for each course 

  • Dining in & out: Articles & Reviews

    Wine Pairing. “What Do You Want To Drink?"


     



    This past fall acclaimed journal Wine Spectator launched an online poll asking, “Do you choose a restaurant by its wine list?” As we eagerly await the results, let us point out that asking yourself what and how well you want to drink is pivotal when choosing an Italian restaurant—wine is, in fact, an integral part of Italian gourmet culture.


    Which is why this issue features Italian restaurants in New York with distinctive wine lists that radically enhance one’s dining experience. While we take responsablity for the following reviews—deliberately written for the amateur diner—the stops along the way and pairings were recommended by noted wine consultant and Italian wine expert Charles Scicolone.

    Uppe East Side:

    Lincoln

    142 W 65th Street

    ☎ (212) 359-6500 

    CUISINE upscale ATMOSPHERE elegant PRICE $$$

    ● This Italianate design-driven space at New York City’s iconic Lincoln Center is home to starred Chef Jonathan Benno. Here he offers his own interpretation of modern Italian cuisine by prepar- ing upscale dishes in a central open kitchen—the actual heart of this luxury space co-owned by the Patina Restau- rant Group, run by Calabria-born Nick Valenti. Wine Director Aaron Von Rock developed a 400-bottle, Italian list to compliment Benno’s cuisine with both classical and cutting-edge selections. A favorite antipasto is Trippa Brasata (tripe with spciy sausage, chickpeas, and San Marzano tomatoes), delicious with the Sicilian Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 2011 from Valle dell’Acate. For a pasta course we recommend Cara- melle con Zucca (butternut squash- filled pasta, walnuts, and smoked ricotta salata) paired with Gini’s “Sal- varenza” Soave Classico 2011.

     

    Midtown
    Marea

    240 Central Park South

    ☎ (212) 582-5100 

    CUISINE high-end ATMOSPHERE elegant PRICE $$$$

    ● Specializing in coastal seafood, Marea (or ‘Tide”) is the brainchild of experienced Chef Michael White, a Wisconsin native who turned to Italian while training for several years with celebrated Chef Valentino Marcattilli at Ristorante San Domenico in Imola, near Bologna. A multi-starred Chef who both respects and innovates Italian cuisine, White came to New York in the early 2000s where he established a number of Italian-inspired venues with his Altamarea (or ‘High Tide’) Restaurant Group, including Marea, Osteria Morini, Ai Fiori, and Due Mari and Due Terre in New Jersey, as well as—with partner Ahmass Fakahany— steakhouse Costata, pizzeria Nicoletta, upscale Ristorante Morini, which has also been opened in Instanbul, Hong Kong and Washington, D.C. At Marea White is joined by Chef di Cucina Lau- ren DeSteno and Beverage Director Francesco Grosso, who bring experi- ence with and passion for high-end Italian cuisine.

    You should not miss their luxurious Spada (grilled sword- fish with heirloom tomatoes, sun- flower shoots, trout roe, and basil) or Stracci (braised short ribs, escarole, fennel, and green garlic). Pair the for- mer with an Etna Bianco Superiore “Pi- etramarina” by Benanti, and the latter with a Carema Riserva from Produttori di Carema.




    Le Cirque


    151 E 58th Street

    ☎ (212) 644-0202

    CUISINE contemporary 

    ATMOSPHERE elegant

    PRICE $$$

    Sirio Maccioni’s memoir defines this family-run, yet high-end venue as “the New York restaurant where Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger reconciled and Frank Sinatra parked his limo”— but these are just two out of a long list of celebrities who might have sat in the chairs you’re occupying right now. In Sirio: The Story of My Life and Le Cirque, read how this Tuscan-born res- taurateur grew from a maître d’hôtel in the late 1960s to the founder of a unique place that blends French classics with Italian culinary masterpieces. Maccioni established Le Cique in the mid 1970s, and moved it twice before its current location in the Bloomberg Building in 2006. Today Sirio’s sons— Mario, Marco, and Mauro—as well as wife Egidiana help manage Le Cirque’s multiple locations and sister restau- rants around the world.


    Le Cirque of- fers an incredibly rich wine list from regions as different as Canada and Lebanon, Macedonia and South Af- rica, Germany and Chile, among oth- ers. French an Italian wines, however, holdprideofplace.You’ll wanttotaste Black Truffle Risotto with Antinori ‘s Cervaro della Sala Chardonnay 2012. For pasta, go for Chitarra con Pomo- doro (cherry tomato sauce, basil pesto) paired with Feudi del Pisciotto Caro- lina Marengo’s Frappato 2010.



    West Village

    dell’anima

    38 8th Avenue

    ☎ (212) 366-6633

    CUISINE creative/seasonal
    ATMOSPHERE casual/rustic
    PRICE $$$

    ● “Of the Soul” is the name of this small gem in the heart of the West Village. Opened in 2007 by Executive Chef Gabe Thompson, dell’anima has long been the place to go for Italian- inspired creations. We’ll see what Thompson’s upcoming departure will bring, but have every reason to believe dell’anima will keep its tra- dition of and creative menu offerings that change daily, and use of local, seasonal, and sustainably harvested produce wherever possible. Executive Beverage Director Joe Campanale will surely continue to develop his wine list based on small production, high- quality selections with an emphasis on traditional and natural winemak- ing. The list ofers offers more than 150 hand-chosen wines selected for flavor, uniqueness ,and tradition. Start with the unique “orange” Age- no 2008 La Stoppa from Emilia paired with Sweetbreads (corn, red onion, basil, red pepper, citrus). For a main course, try Market Squash-Ravioli (butter, sage, pine nuts, and pecorino Romano) with a Dolcetto di Dogliani “Briccolero” 2009.

     

    Midtown West

    Barbetta

    321 west. 46th Street

    ☎ (212) 246-9171

    CUISINE traditional/piemontese 
    ATMOSPHERE elegant
    PRICE $$$

    ● Established in 1906, Barbetta is the oldest Italian restaurant in New York City and the only restaurant in America to have been named an “His- toric Establishment” by the Italian association Locali Storici d’Italia. In 1962, its spectacular interior was re-furbished by Laura Maioglio, daugh- ter of founder Sebastiano and now its owner, with Piemontese antiques. This made it the first elegant Italian restaurant in town—which, as its website states, “represented a radi- cal departure from the prevailing but erroneous notion ... that Italian res- taurants are invariably ‘rustic’ and that Italian food must be similarly ‘rustic’.” But even rustic meals can be reinterpreted in an elegant way. This is the case with typically Piemontese Bagna Cauda, a gregarious “country” dish where guests around the table dip raw vegetables into a simmering pot of an anchovy -flavored olive oil sauce. Pair it with Barbera d’Asti 2013 Cascina Castlét—one of 1,700 different labels on a legendary wine list. If you are in the mood for a white, order Ceretto’s Arneis Blangè 2013 with Veal Tonnè in a classic Piemontese pairing.

     

    Nizza

    630 Ninth Avenue ☎(212) 956-1800 

    CUISINE coastal/ligurian

    ATMOSPHERE simple/casual
     PRICE $S

    ● Nizza, Italy? Well, not exactly! Nizza is Nice, the capital of the French Côte d’Azur, but 30 minutes from the Italian border and once part of the Kingdom of Savoy. This Theatre District bistro sporting an impressive choice of glu- ten-free dishes and a rich wine list, is an example of the French-Italian melt- ing pot. You can taste this by ordering its flagship dish—a crêpe of chickpea flour called socca in Nice, farinata in Genoa, and cecina in Tuscany. We recommend grilled branzino paired with a white sparkling wine such as Bisson’s “Abissi” Portofino. Or try the typically Genoese pansòti —fresh ravi- oli filled with mixed greens, marjoram, and ricotta and dressed with butter, parmesan cheese, and walnut pesto. It’s perfect with a crisp white Prima Terra “Cericò” Cinque Terre.

     

     

    Chelsea
    Del Posto

    85 Tenth Avenue ☎(212) 497-8090

    CUISINE innovative 

    ATMOSPHERE luxury 
    PRICE $$$$$

    ● On its website Del Posto is defined as “the richest and most refined creation of Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich and partner/Executive Chef Mark Ladner.” With its mahogany and marble luxurious setting, with a live pianist and an elegant bar, Del Posto’s mission seems to be that of changing New Yorkers’ perception of what an Italian restaurant should be—and by extension, of what Italy itself is. But of course its main weapons of persuasion are Del Posto’s menu and wine list. If we had only one choice, we’d pick Vitello Tonnato—prefect with Zuani Collio Goriziano Bianco 2010. But we have two: so don’t forget to taste Le Virtù all’Abruzzese (rare charred wild salmon over perilla), paired with a Val- policella Classico Superiore 2010 from Tomasso Bussola.

     

    Midtown Cobble Hill East
    Tommaso

    1464 86th Street

    ☎(718) 236-9883

    CUISINE classic

    ATMOSPHERE homestyle/rustic

    PRICE $$

    ● “No corporate restaurant here!” warns Chef Tom Verdillo on the website of his country-style Italian restaurant in Dyker Heights. Here he serves the dishes of his youth, those his mother prepared in their Coney Island home and based on recipes that have been passed down by his family through the ages. But he also revisits tradition, having studied clas- sic cooking in school and traveled the world.Tomhasassembleda remark- able list of medium- to high-priced Italian, French, and North American wines. Enjoy Taurasi “Radici” 2001 Mastroberadino from Campania with delicious Lasagna Napolitano, or go for grilled Costoletta di Vitello paired with Schioppettino 2003 Dorigo from Friuli.

     

    Brooklyn
    Felidia

    243 E 58th Street

    ☎ (212) 758-1479 

    CUISINE Lidia’s! ATMOSPHERE elegant/classy PRICE $$$$

    ● If you’re a fan of food icon Lidia Bastianich, chances are you watch her regularly on TV and have at least one of her many cookbooks at home. You might also meet her in person greeting guests at Felidia—her flag- ship restaurant established 35 years ago in Manhattan. Day-to-day opera- tions at this “classy gem” (Zagat) are in the hands of Fortunato Nicotra, a starred chef who has been working with Lidia for 20 years.


    Bastianich and Nicotra have made Felidia famous not only for food but also for wine. Don’t miss Villa Bucci’s Verdicchio dei Cas- telli di Jesi paired with Spaghetti alla Chitarra (bacon, caramelized onion, tomato sauce, and peperoncino.) And if you like calf’s liver (fegato), order it sautéed (and served a farro-based polenta) accompanied by a 2010 Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico.

     

    Gramercy
    La Pizza Fresca

    31 E 20th Street

    ☎ (212) 598-0141

    CUISINE traditional 

    ATMOSPHERE classy 

    PRICE $$$

    ● Despite being the first restaurant in New York City to be awarded the “True Neapolitan Pizza” certificate back in 1997, this is not just a pizzeria, but a full-fledged restaurant special- izing in authentic Italian cuisine and wine. Chef Alessandro Cargiolli is from Liguria and sommelier Massimo Vitino, from Lombardy. Their wine list is impressive and ranges from below $50 all the way up to $3500 (for three liters of Masseto Ornellaia, a 2001 mer- lot from Tuscany).


    To keep your palate joyful and your bill under $100, pair an Elvio Cogno “Pre-Phylloxera” Barbera d’Alba, 2012, with Pappardelle al Cin- ghiale, hand-made pasta with wild boar ragu. For a meatless meal, go for Spinaci al Parmigiano paired with a white wine—try a Vietti Roero Arneis 2013 and you will not be disappointed.

     

    Maialino

    2 Lexington Avenue

    ☎ (212) 777-2410

    CUISINE roman/typical 

    ATMOSPHERE rustic

    PRICE $$$

    ● In Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hos- pitality Group, and run by chef Nick Anderer, Maialino reflects an “Italian Dream” as Americans see it. And it does so with rare honesty—without pretending “to be” Italian, it contents itself with looking and tasting Italian. Enter Maialino and you enter a typical Roman trattoria: from the bread bas- kets to chandeliers, from tablecloths to the rafters. The same goes for the menu, shaped by Anderer, who spent a year cooking throughout Italy prior to working in Mario Batali’s Babbo and Larry Forgione’s American Place. We can confidently recommend such typical Roman dishes as Spaghetti alla Carbonara (guanciale, egg, and black pepper) paired with Vietti’s “Perbacco” Nebbiolo 2012; and Maialino al Forno (roasted suckling pig and rosemary po- tatoes) accompanied by an Amarone della Valpolicella 2011 Ca’ Rugate.

     

    I Trulli

    124 E 27th Street ☎ (212) 481-7372 

    CUISINE southern/pugliese 

    ATMOSPHERE rustic 

    PRICE $$$

    ● Get set for a memorable south- ern Italian dining experience at this “ristorante/enoteca” (restaurant and wine bar) just two blocks from Madi- son Square Park. “Trulli” are the tra- ditional dry stone homes with conical roofs that are such memorable sights in the region of Puglia. No wonder that founders Dora and her son Nicola Mar- zovilla choose “Southern Italian Cui- sine” as their location’s tagline. Honor their choice by picking a southern Ital- ian wine such as a D’Angelo Aglianico del Vulture, from Basilicata, and a famous Sardinian specialty like Mal- loreddus, or gnocchetti , handmade saffron-tinted dumplings with pork sausage and tomato. However, for a more classic experience, look no fur- ther: savor Agnello (roasted lamb with chicory & potato) with a glass of 2012 Massoferrato Sangiovese Domenico Valentino, from the Tuscan estate of the Marzovilla family. 



    Brooklyn Cobble Hill

    Tommaso

    1464 86th Street

    ☎(718) 236-9883 

    CUISINE classic

    ATMOSPHERE homestyle/rustic 

    PRICE $$

    ● “No corporate restaurant here!” warns Chef Tom Verdillo on the website of his country-style Italian restaurant in Dyker Heights. Here he serves the dishes of his youth, those his mother prepared in their Coney Island home and based on recipes that have been passed down by his family through the ages. But he also revisits tradition, having studied clas- sic cooking in school and traveled the world.Tomhasassembleda remark- able list of medium- to high-priced Italian, French, and North American wines. Enjoy Taurasi “Radici” 2001 Mastroberadino from Campania with delicious Lasagna Napolitano, or go for grilled Costoletta di Vitello paired with Schioppettino 2003 Dorigo from Friuli.

     

    Brooklyn Cobble Garden
    Marco Polo

    345 Court Street

    ☎(718) 852-5015

    ◗ 

    CUISINE traditional/innovative ATMOSPHERE elegant PRICE $$

    ● Recently re-opened after extensive renovations, this Carroll Gardens land- mark doesn’t feel like it’s over 30 years old. Co-owner Marco Chirico, 24, is successfully helping his Calabria-born father and partner Joseph to cater to a younger crowd of Brooklynites. Marco, who serves as head chef and also owns Enoteca next door, is also responsible for the renovated menu, which pairs traditional with more modern Italian fare, including gluten-free house- made pastas.


    The new menu features traditional Venetian cuisine (after its namesake), such as black seafood risotto, as well as dishes with a Southern accent (after his family’s roots), such as Barbabietola, a salad of roasted red and yellow beets with hearts of palm, watercress, and cherry tomatoes. You must try Candele N’ Duja (thick, hol- low pasta with shaved pecorino and housemade n’duja—a spicy, spread- able pork sausage from Calabria) paired with Lento’s Magliocco 2009, also from Calabria. Also irresistible is their Carré D’Agnello (a traditional rack of lamb from an original recipe) with Amarone della Valpolicella Clas- sico 2010 Sartori.


     

    Staten Island
    Enoteca Maria

    27 Hyatt Street

    ☎(718) 447-2777 

    CUISINE homestyle

    ATMOSPHERE intimate 

    PRICE $$

     

    ● When Jody Scaravella lost his grand- mother and then his mother, he felt a urgent need to recreate the world of his Staten Island Italian childhood. He had grown up having “nonna” in the kitchen and a lot of people around her table. So he opened a restaurant advertised for real-life grandmothers to serve as rotating non-professional chefs. It was an immediate success with a grandmothers showing up at his home with their families and samples of their dishes to taste.


    Add this to Scaravella’s long love affair with Ital- ian wine, and you have Enoteca Maria: a nonna-run restaurant where a dif- ferent Italian grandmother pops in to cook dishes from inherited family reci- pes, accompanied by an impressive list of fine wines. Don’t miss their Soffritto di Frattaglie di Pollo (chicken hearts, kidneys, and liver slow-cooked in an onion, garlic, and wine sauce) paired with a Baglio del Sole Inzolia 2009 from Sicily. Or choose a strong Pugliese wine like Alberto Longo Capotosto Negroa- maro 2005 while eating Zampe di Porcellino — braised pigs feet served in a red sauce with cannellini beans, onions, and celery.

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