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Weekly Snapshot
The hotel bar, a classic favorite for visitors and residents alike, is more popular than ever. There has been a revival with the renovation or opening of several local hotels. These days, some of the swankiest bars are located in some of the hippest hotels across the city. I've highlighted my favorite hotel bars & lounges in this week's Special Feature.
Norma Knows New York City
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See the below categories for my event picks for the
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General Events...
November 9 Bark in the Park Adoption Day Looking to adopt your best friend? Animal Haven is hosting an adoption day at Pier 26 Dog Run in Tribeca this Saturday.
Whether you want to wait to peruse the many shops for your holiday treasures, you can still partake in outdoor skating and dining experiences.
Please join JLR Jewelers (1601 third ave) for Girls Night Out from 6-9pm; all the brands you know and love. Featuring new merchandise from LK, Sorial, Maya J, Officina Bernardi, and the hot new collection from Theia! This is the perfect time to get all of your holiday gifts.
November 13 Holiday Under the Stars
The Time Warner Center transforms into a winter wonderland! Stars hang from the ceiling to create a magical space to put you in the mood for the holidays. Through December 31.
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Cultural Pursuits...
Opened November 7 Vivian Maier: Self Portrait
After years of hiding behind the camera, Ms. Maier's face is finally revealed at the Howard Greenberg Gallery.
November 8 to 16 Photographic Exhibit: Sensational Umbria
Exhibit showcases a different side of life in the Italian region of Umbria, capturing the uniqueness of both landscapes and portraits in the area. All photos were taken by the world renowned National Geographic Photographer, Steve McCurry. At The Italian Trade Commission.
 November 8 Willem de Kooning
One of my favorite contemporary art galleries in the city, Gagosian Gallery, is featuring an exhibition of ten of de Kooning's paintings. Through December 21.
November 14 to 18
The Salon: Art + Design Fair
This highly anticipated art community event of the year at the Park Avenue Armory will feature both art and design from 1890 to present. Through November 16 RetroSpective
Explore fashion's relationship with its own history at The Museum at FIT. Featuring more than 100 garments, the exhibit includes a selection of fashion that references the historical period prior to the 18th century.
Through December 22 Jefferson Hayman - The Heart Has Its Reasons
At the Robin Rice Gallery, Hayman's second solo photography exhibition at the gallery. The photographs are handcrafted silver gelatin, pigment and platinum prints that feel timeless.
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Curtain Up...
Bill Maher, Kathy Griffin, and Larry David tickets are still available for this weekend. Big name comics at locations throughout the city.
November 11 Kate Taylor
Sister to the legendary James Taylor, Kate will perform at 54 Below. I've heard her before and her voice is melodic!
November 12 to 17 Garth Fagan Dance
Mentored by Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey, Fagan's ensemble will mesmerize the audience. One of his selections will be performed to the original score by Wynton Marsalis. At the Joyce Theater.
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For the Foodie...
November 9 NYC Autumn Wine Festival
A celebration of wine downtown at the Conrad Hotel. Enjoy three hours of tasting 200 wines and sampling food prepared by the events team of Danny Meyers. Small plates and cheeses, music, and an extraordinary wine sampling are available.
Since New York Magazine's Annual New York Taste was sold out in the first few days, I've decided to share with you my top 4 New on the Scene uptown and downtown dining spots. As you know, I need to sample first, before recommending!
Casimir & Co
1022 Lexington Avenue
Perhaps one of my favorite newcomers to the Upper East Side. Owner Mario Carta opened another outpost of his Lower East Side establishment, bringing his downtown menu and pricing uptown. Try the signature steak, along with the artichoke vinaigrette. A true Parisian bistro with rustic wood, brick walls, an open kitchen and daily menus on chalkboards. Begin your evening in the intimate wine and mixology bar on the ground floor. The ambiance of the upstairs dining room feels like a townhouse setting.
This recently opened bar/restaurant setting in Nolita offers an exceptional variety of Mediterranean options. Small Spanish style croquettes and ricotta dumplings get my nod. Finish the meal with grapefruit sorbet with Campari and then walk the streets of this picturesque neighborhood.
Pagani289 Bleecker Street When I learned that the design team from Freemans (another of my favorite restaurants) was creating this space, I knew that the aesthetic would be pleasing to the eye. Both the decor and the cocktail menu reflect the restaurant's former life as a music store on Bleecker Street in the West Village. Papaparelle Bolognese is my pick for pasta. Most entrees are under $20! Greenmarket sensibility and inventive Chinese food created by Chef Joe Ng. This new addition to the Upper West Side is offering dishes that have never been served before. The flatiron steak salad and the tuna with crispy noodles are selections that my friend and I have enjoyed.
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Special Feature... 
Hotel BarsBar Pleiades
Hotel: The Surrey
20 East 76th StreetIt's all luxury at The Surrey and the bar is no exception, especially when crafted by Chef Daniel Boulud. The design drew inspiration from Coco Chanel. Bar SeineHotel: Hotel Plaza Athenee's 37 East 64th Street A civilized Upper East Side lounge. The atmosphere feels like you're having your drink in a friend's living room, but the decadent cocktails bring you back to reality. Bemelmans Bar Hotel: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel 35 East 76th Street A New York institution... the timeless location paired with live jazz entertainment continues to attract socialites and movie stars with its extensive drink menu and nightly performances. Try one of their famous cocktails such as the "Carlyle Punch."
ClementHotel: The Peninsula New York 700 Fifth Avenue
The adjoining bar to Clement Restaurant feels like a quintessential New York home. They serve made-to-order cocktails so feel free to get inventive with your selection.
Hotel: Crosby Street Hotel
Still one of my favorite hotels in the city, the bar is a place I can call my home for an evening. The eclectic design of this SoHo hot spot, along with the delicious cocktails make it an easy pick for my top 10. Try the signature "Tiger's Eye."
King Cole Bar & Salon
Hotel: The St. Regis Hotel, New York
2 East 55th Street
Re-opened this week under the direction of chef John DeLucie. Evoking the jazz age experience, the bar offers six different Bloody Marys (fitting since this is said to be the home of the first US Bloody Mary); you will have to test one yourself to see if they are worth the $25 price tag.
Kingside
Hotel: Viceroy New York City
120 West 57th Street
One of NYC's newest hotels, a downtown feel with a midtown location. Their rooftop bar will soon be opening, but in the meantim, Kingside's bar is just as alluring. Grab a craft beer or a specialty cocktail.
Library
Hotel: NoMad
1170 Broadway
Innovative cocktails are served in an impressive space which hosts a fully curated, two-level library. One of their classic cocktails is the "Bamboo" featuring orange bitters. 
The Rose Bar
Hotel: Gramercy Park
2 Lexington Avenue
This low-key bar serves as a hot spot for the city's most fashionable, in a dramatic setting. Their "Rose Dragon" cocktail is made with muddled strawberries and pineapples and gives patrons a taste of summer year-round.
Hotel: New York Palace Hotel
455 Madison Avenue
Part of the hotel's multi-million dollar new look, Trouble's Trust is named after former owner Leona Helmsly's dog. The atmosphere is NY chic and the specialty cocktails are divine. Try the "Queen of Mean."
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