November 30, 2009

Vying for Vino? Wine Bars and Cafes in NYC

While December is mostly known for holidays, there’s another word that starts with ‘h’ that this month is also known for… HOSTING!  With the loads of family and friends that come in, it’s hard to find new and exciting places to take them.  One of our readers, Anna, asked us to suggest a few wine bars in the Midtown area of Manhattan.  The area is perfect for commuters since it’s a shot away from Times Square so you won’t have to worry about your non-New Yorker friends and family getting lost!

Image Courtesy of WildeRoastCafe.com

So uncork a bottle of red (or white) and check out our list of toast-worthy locations.  As always, let us know if you’d like us to find something for you!

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar – 11 W 31st St @ 5th Ave (212-714-2992)
For those who want to indulge in a little bit more than wine, this bar is stocked with another one of my guilty pleasures:  chocolate.

Sofia Wine Bar – 242 E 50th St near 2nd Ave (212-888-8660)
This Midtown East bar has a vast selection; with more than half available by the glass!

Divine Bar – 236 W 54th St btw Broadway & 8th (212-265-WINE)
My favorite place on the list because not only do they have a kick butt wine library but also an International Cheese selection – could it get any better?

Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe – 1 Rockefeller Plaza (212-262-7700)
With auctions, tasting events, and more; Morrell’s is a one-stop shop for wine lovers of every kind.

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November 28, 2009

Balls, Sticks, & Brews: A Cross Country Guide to the Best Sports Bars

Do you know what it feels like to miss YOUR team play?  If you wake up every morning thinking, breathing & living sports then you know how important every game is. Pre-season, post season, and of course “the season” – you’re proud to rock your team’s colors all year round.  Here in the U.S. our coldest season is our biggest season, sports season that is. There are so many sports to watch and so many teams to follow so we’ve compiled a little guide to some of the places that can help you with your sports obsession.  From the mystical hops used to create some of the beers to the always friendly bartenders, these sports bars are here to service your every need when it comes to watching your favorite team pulverize the competition.  Munch on a few wings, tune into the huge TVs, sip one of the hundreds of beers on tap, or take a stab at the darts, pool tables, & arcade machines and you might realize you’ve just found the place where everyone knows your name…

So check out our list of Playoff-worthy bars… (in honor of the Heat, the Celtics, the Rangers, the Devils, the good guys, the bad guys… and in general, the sports guys…)

NYC

San-Fran

LA

Philadelphia

Houston

Nashville

Miami

Chicago

Detroit

St. Louis

By Mark Zhurbin

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November 20, 2009

Save The Best For Last: Thanksgiving Pie Recipes For Any Tastebud

For most families, the typical Thanksgiving menu doesn’t seem to get old year after year.  What might not get old to some, get’s old to me and each year my family likes to mix things up a little – for flavor’s sake!  For example, last year the men in my family decided that they were going to make the turkey and chose to deep-fry it.  The result?  An absolutely juicy, crispy bird that couldn’t have tasted any better!  Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t stick to the staples – turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and of course… pumpkin pie.

My mother knows that I will not sit down at the table unless I see a pumpkin pie.  It’s my favorite and most of the time; I’m not even allowed to sit near it because I nibble at it throughout dinner.  It’s not odd to have a crust-less pie at the end of dinner if it’s anywhere near me!

So in honor of my pumpkin pie addiction, I’ve decided to share my top 10 favorite pie recipes!

  1. Unbeatable Pecan Pie – This delicious recipe mixes a healthy dose of maple syrup that gives this dessert it’s unmistakable flavor.
  2. Classic Sour Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust – This pie is not only easy on the eye but also packs that notable sour cherry flavor – just like Mom used to make!
  3. Chilled Blueberry Pie with Lemon Cashew Crust – A good friend of mine had me try her own version of this recipe and I WOULD NOT belive it completely raw/vegan.  This pie bursts with the flavors of fresh blueberries – without the guilt of excess calories!
  4. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie – A dessert that’s mainly served in the spring and summer, this mix of strawberry and rhubarb is sure to please during any season.
  5. Island Fresh Coconut Pie – Every time I’ve used this recipe for a party or get-together, I always end up with a few people asking for it.  Who could blame them? Fresh coconut and a touch of lime meringue!
  6. Pineapple Cream Pie – Who can resist a good cream pie? With the addition of fresh pineapple, this recipe puts a yummy twist on a classic favorite.
  7. Autumn Apple Tart – Warm, fresh apples mixed with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg come together for this popular dessert.
  8. Chocolate Walnut Pie – Similar to a pecan pie with a mixture of two different flavors – chocolate and walnuts. Definitely a crowd pleaser!
  9. Cran-Raspberry Pie – Two of the seasons favorite fruits are mixed for this sweet and tangy pie!
  10. Streusel Topped Pumpkin Pie – The pumpkie pie that tops all others. Try it and you will NOT be disappointed.

Share & enjoy!

 

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November 16, 2009

MENt For You: 10 Sites To Shop For Your Man

Here are our 10 best sites to check out unique “findz” for the men on your Christmas gift list.

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H&M

H&M clothing (H and M standing for Hennes & Mauritz AB), is a Swedish company known for their quality,  inexpensive, and fashionable products. Officially, though at one point H&M only sold women’s clothing and was called Hennes, Swedish for “hers.” They also have clothes for men since 1968.

Macy’s

Macy’s is a five-star company that  has every thing a person could possibly be looking for!  You must check out there free delivery deal with a purchase of anything over $99. It can come in handy if you do not have a vehicle. Plus they have excellent customer service

Home Depot

Got a “Mr. Fix It” in the family? Home Depot has everything that a man  could want. If you think that your husband, son, or friend is into any handy-man work, you should stop by  Home Depot to check out their great selection of tools and appliances.

Zappos

Zappos is a one stop shop for shoes of any occasion. They have boots, casual shoes, sneakers and any other kind of foot wear. Plus they also sell merchandise for the kids and women on you gift list.

Over Stock

Some guys may pretend that style isn’t important, but we know that it is. We know that money is important, too, and the last thing you want to spend it on is over-priced men’s clothing. That’s where Overstock.com comes in. With so much stylish, brand-name men’s clothing for sale at the best prices around, you can look good and still have some money left over. You know what makes it even better? You don’t have to go to 5 or 6 clothing stores to get yourself a complete wardrobe

Frangance Net

Fragrancenet is perfect for guys who love a good cologne that also comes with compliments. Wouldn’t you love to have everybody wondering what kind of fragrance he is wearing, then check out this company. They have the lowest  prices. Fragrancenet will deliver his favorite cologne to your doorstep. They even offer free U.S. shipping for purchases over $70.

Menstech

Menstech is a great site if you’re looking for Cool Gadgets,and Electronics for him.

Gifts

Shop by Personality:

Find fresh gift ideas for each of the men that you are truly blessed to have in your life. This site is helpful because it allows you to by different personalities.

Red Envelope

On the hunt for something that will surely make him smile?

They’ve got the best gifts for him, from traditional to meaningful, to the unexpected.

Target

Find movies, games, books, electronics, clothing, music, and accessories for everyone on your list. Great holiday sales but get there early to beat the lines. What’s your ” Target ” gift?

Enjoy and please share some of your great gift ‘findz’ with us!

By Noel Ruemmeley

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October 4, 2009

Currently Under Construction!

Looking for a new stomping ground?

Getting tired of your local pizza place?

Do your kids need algebra help?

Or maybe Spot needs a new vet?

We’re The Finderz – let us take care of the details!

Check back soon for more updates!

Feel free to leave your email address in the comments
& we’ll email you when we’re up & running!

For more info: AskUs@TheFinderz.com

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