#StayTuned #SCBDRelaunch & #SCBDLaunchParty this Saturday, May 11th!

The time has come…and the picture above says it all! We are two days away from the #SCBDRelaunch so stay tuned for the site’s new look and logo! I can’t wait for you all to see it, I hope you love it as much as I do! 

On that note, the site may down between tonight and Saturday due to our move to a new server, but once this is over Saturday morning we will be bringing you bigger and better coverage on the new site! 

If you want to join us in Hoboken this Saturday to celebrate the new launch, we’re asking that everyone register, here. We have a few tickets left so get them while you still can! The night will be filled with food, drinks (including a signature cocktail), an Instagram contest, our #SCBDTeam shirts for sell, swag bags and more! Don’t miss out on this great occasion!

Stay tuned and updated by connecting with us on Twitter as I’ll be tweeting @smchickbigdeals and make sure you become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/SmallChickBigDeals for more pictures and updates! You can also follow me on Instagram @scbdsara!

Check out some of the pre #SCBDRelaunch photo shoot action:

Cheers to a great new site– stay tuned…it’ll be here before you know it!

#SCBDExclusive: Mother’s Day Dining Destinations!

Mother’s Day is approaching quickly. Looking to go out and celebrate in New York or New Jersey? We have a couple of recommendations to enjoy this day to honor our Mother’s…

Photo Credit: Eventective.com

SouthWest NY, nestled in the heart of Tribeca, serves up Southwestern classics with a refined twist. Infused with the bright and bold flavors of Mexico and Latin America, Oaxaca-born Chef Antelmo Ambrosio has created a Mother’s Day menu that will be sure to please your turquoise earring-wearing, Southwestern loving mom. Or any mom for that matter. SouthWest NY’s special Mother’s Day menu is on offer from 12 pm to 9 pm. Dine outside and enjoy starters like Smoked Salmon Flat Bread ($13.50) with shaved red onion, capers, crème fraiche and chives or Duck Foie Gras ($15.00) with mixed berries compote and fennel crostini. Healthy delicious entrees like Jumbo Grilled Shrimp ($19.00) with grilled asparagus and blood orange vinaigrette will undoubtedly leave room for a Raspberry Lemon Drop ($ 8.00) with lemon mousse, raspberry preserve, lemon glaze and fresh raspberries. 

Galli in Soho this Mother’s Day and really give mom a treat — the luxury of not having to cook! She can enjoy Italian classics (such as baby rice balls, mozz chips, Pasta Norma, Chicken Parm, & more) passed down from Steven Gallo’s (Chef & Owner) own mother.  So this Mother’s Day come to Galli and really feel like your at home with the family!

Sarabeth’s is the quintessential Mother’s Day restaurant and in addition to their full dinner menu on May 12^th, the sprawling Tribeca location will also offer a specialty menu. Executive Chef Lee Scheffler cooks from the heart, which is evident in items like Filet Mignon ($31) with sautéed spinach, Portobello mushroom and mashed potato, Lobster Salad ($17) baby vegetables, frisee and citrus vinaigrette. And for a sweet end to your meal, try the Plum Peach Tart ($8.50) with fresh whipped cream.

Let mom enjoy dishes inspired by Chef Ramirez’s own family dinners as a child at Raymi in Flatiron. Mouths are sure to water with a variety of dishes rich in flavor and cultural influence. The prix fixe menu is only $38 a person and offers a variety of dishes sure to please anyone.

The Orange Squirrel – offers Mother’s Day Brunch with 3 seatings at 11 am, 12:30 and 2pm.  Brunch includes choice of a main dish, a dessert and one complimentary cocktail or beverage for $35/adult or $30/child (see menu above).  Make your reservations today!

RARE The Steakhouse: Will be serving their a la carte menu from 1 to 6:30pm reserve at www.rarestk.com.

 The Dining Room at Anthony David’s brunch:  $22.95 includes fruit & donuts, entree, & coffee/tea.  Reserve at 201-222-8359.

Photo Credit: Lisa Curran

 Bin 14 is offering a make your own “Momosa” Bar $8 with fresh fruits/juices. Reserve at 201-963- 9463.

Cheers to a great Mother’s Day!

#SCBDFavorite: Get an ‘exquisite’ color & cut at Xquisite in Hoboken!

I love living in Bergen County and will be sad when I move back to the Jersey Shore in a few short weeks. Not only am I extremely close to NYC but I’m a quick drive or train ride away from Hoboken. Because of that, I am fortunate to have a salon there that I am loyal to  and only get my haircut there while I’ve lived it up here. It’s Xquisite Color & Cuts located right near the train station on 1st Street.

Chelly & I

The first time I went was actually right before Sandy hit but because it hit I couldn’t exactly write about it right away. Last month I went to the ‘BYOM’ aka Bring Your Own Makeup event they had where I was taught how to do my makeup by one of their makeup artists. I really learned a lot (see picture below) and my makeup looked great! I love that everytime I go there, I have the same hair stylist, Chelly. She does a great job cutting and styling my hair and is also fun to talk to. She also cuts it exactly how I want it, not too long, not too short!

Patricia and I after she showed me how to do my makeup!

I’m also happy to announce that Xquisite Color & Cuts will have flyers so you can check it out yourself in our swag bags at the party and of course, will be doing my hair for the night! I can’t wait to surprise you guys with what Chelly does! Xquisite Color & Cuts is open Tuesday-Friday 11AM-8PM and  Saturday from 9AM-7PM!! Make sure you check it out, it’s worth the trip!

Cheers!

#SCBDExclusive: Highlights down the #Shore at The Style Room!

So almost two months ago, I went to get my complimentary hair colored at The Style Room in Brielle, NJ. My hair was colored by one of my former co-worker, who is training to be a colorist there, Nina. I decided to change my usual gold highlights up and get gold and blonde highlights. It was great experience and I’d definitely go back for future haircuts when I’m home. The staff at the salon was so friendly and it was great to meet the owner who was training Nina.

This was also my first experience as a hair model and I’d definitely do it again!

The finished product

I also have a salon that I’m loyal to in Hoboken so look out for my post!

#SCBDExclusive Last Minute Guide to #CincoDeMayo

Don’t feel like celebrating #CincoDeMayo at home this year? Here are some great options if you plan on going out!

Galli (45 Mercer St, NY) will be having $5 Margherita, Lili’s Curves:

Ingredients:

• two ounces of Esplon Silver
• one ounce fresh lime
• one ounce black pepper infused simple syrup
• spoonful of purated strawberries
• two dashes of orange bitters

Combine, mix, serve, and enjoy!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or better yet Cinco de Derby at Jacques 1534 and enjoy $10 select cocktails including Fishermans Julep, El Diablo Loco, or Uptown at The Pitch & Fork with $10 Mint Juleps and Margaritas!

Come sit, relax, and sip on the rooftop at Social Bar & Grill they will have $20 Corona buckets & $5 Margaritas to celebrate.

Upper West side restaurant Amigos (2888 Broadway) is the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with  your amigos! And there are more than enough options for every taste and mood: the Bull Dog, a frozen margarita with a Corona; the Mexi-Cali Lunazul tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice; a Hot Tamale with Corralejo Reposado tequila, fresh jalepeno, lime juice, mango, and a chili salt rim; Los Amigos with El Mayor Plata tequila, Barenjager honey liqueur, and cinnamon orange garnish; and the El Gallo Avion Plata tequila, passion fruit liqueur, and lime juice.

Crystal Springs Resort (1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ) is celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Sunday May 5 with a free tequila tasting, a special Mexican-inspired menu and signature cocktails at Crystal Tavern.

From 1pm – 4pm, representatives from Patron tequila will be pouring free samples of Patron Silver, Reposado, Anejo, XO Café and Citronge, and giving away free gifts. 

All day, Crystal Tavern will serve special cocktails and a menu of Mexican favorites in addition to the regular a la carte menu. Cocktails ($12) include  Cilantro Julep Patron Anejo, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, amber agave nectar and cilantro leaves; Ginger Lemon Spice Patron Silver, Patron Citronge, simple syrup, fresh ginger, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice; Mexican Espresso Martini Patron XO Café Dark, Patron XO Café, espresso; Sweet Orange Patron Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, bitters; Pina Coronado Patron Silver, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice, elderflower liqueur, vanilla/cinnamon syrup.

Cheers! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

#SCBDEvent Alert: W!se Presents Chef’s Night

 I’m excited to announce that I will be attending w!se Chef’s Night that will be taking place at the Prince George Ballroom (15 E. 27th Street, Manhattan) 6:30-9:30 pm. The event is to raise awareness for, and contributions to, w!se, an NYC-based educational 501(c)(3) organization, which helps more than 55,000 students understand how to manage their personal finances.

While at the event, guests will have the opportunity to chat, chew, and mingle among an impressive array of tastings prepared by local chefs. There’s also a Silent Auction, where top bidders can win a meal or special package to favorites like City Winery, Frankies Spuntino, or Gotham Magazine. All event proceeds will be used to fund the w!se financial education and financial literacy programs for students in grades 8 – 12.

Interested in attending? You can purchase your tickets, here.

See you there! 😀

#SCBDExclusive: Say #cheers to #May with Sipping Rum Friday’s

If you know me, you know I love good rum to sip on or enjoy in a cocktail. If you’re the same way, I have good news. Santa Teresa (mentioned in my February Foodie Favorites), Venezuela’s oldest rum producer with a family heritage dating two centuries, announces that its flagship rum, Santa Teresa “1796,” is the focus of a FREE weekly tasting series at Union Square Wines & Spirits.  Located at 140 Fourth Ave. at 13 St., the tastings will be held on four Friday evenings: May 10, May 17, May 24 and May 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  At “Sipping Rum Fridays,” attendees can sip Santa Teresa “1796” neat, on the rocks or in classic cocktails.

“We are delighted to partner with Union Square Wines & Spirits to introduce their discerning customers to the velvety charms of Santa Teresa ‘1796,’ our flagship rum, through this tasting series,” said Daniela Curiel, Brand Manager, Santa Teresa Rum.  “As an aged rum, it’s perfect for sipping or even pairing with foods like chocolate.  It takes classic cocktails, from daiquiris to nightcaps, to a whole new level.  It’s also an ideal gift, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up.”

Check out the line-up below and pick a Friday to come out, relax, and sip some rum at Union Square Wines & Spirits:

May 10: Happy Mother’s Day!

• This tasting pairs mom’s favorite gift, chocolate, with Santa Teresa “1796” Rum.  This match made in heaven will be led by Santa Teresa Off-Premise Brand Ambassador Isabella Izquierdo.

May 17: Save the Daiquiri!

• So you think you know daiquiris?  Experience a whole new libation when Santa Teresa “1796” is used as the base spirit.  Carla Verenzuela, Santa Teresa On-Premise Brand Ambassador and Bartender, will lead this spirited tasting that rethinks a favorite summer tipple.

May 24: Dare to Sip a Nightcap!

• What’s the most civilized way to gently conclude an evening?  By sipping a nightcap, of course!  This tasting by Santa Teresa Brand Ambassador Daniela Curiel will offer Santa Teresa “1796” neat, on the rocks and in nightcap-style cocktails.

May 31: Happy Father’s Day!

• Does dad really want (or need) another tie, polo shirt or extra golf balls for Father’s Day?  Show him that you really care by presenting him with a Santa Teresa “1796” gift set that will set him aglow.  Santa Teresa Brand Ambassador Daniela Curiel will pour Santa Teresa “1796” neat and on the rocks.

Cheers!

#SCBDEvent Recap: Review with the crew at Johnny Utah’s, NYC

About two weeks ago I had the pleasure of having the “Review with the crew” event which included seeing the Bar-Top Bandit’s at Johnny Utah’s in NYC. Our beer writer, Stephanie, her boyfriend Eric, and one of our new team member’s Alexandra joined me. Johnny Utah’s is a fun, country-themed restaurant & bar in the heart of Rockefeller Center.

We got in just in time before the Bandits started performing and decided to order some of their $5 margaritas, beer, nachos, and wings. We enjoyed all our appetizers– the nachos were the perfect side for all of us. We decided to try the BBQ wings and they were cooked to perfection and had just enough kick. After downing a margarita or two, I had the craving for Mac ‘N’ Cheese and it was probably some of the best Mac ‘N’ Cheese that I’ve had because it was so cheesy and not too heavy on breading. It was also the perfect amount.

It was the perfect night out, filled with food, fun, and entertainment. I also got to interview, Theresa Fowler, ‘The Boss Bandit’ and got the dish on their performances at Johnny Utah’s every Wednesday and more!

SCBD: When did the Bandits start?

TF: I created the Bar-Top Bandits in September, 2010 with childhood friend Everett Brothers. It started as a fundraiser for an amazing soldier, SPC Brendan Marrocco, who lost his arms & legs in Iraq. The event was such a success, it led to us helping out other local charities and organizations, which resulted in us expanding our show to what it is now!

SCBD: Where do you perform?

TF: We have been touring the Northeast, rocking bar-tops from Times Square to the Meatpacking District in NYC, to Hampton Beach, NH & Asbury Park, NJ!

SCBD: What should we look forward to at Johnny Utah’s?

TF: Killer Female Vocalists and Dancers from the Broadway stage to the iTunes charts performing in NYC’s Hottest Country Western Bar!

SCBD: What’s your favorite dish at Johnny Utah’s?

TF: Bandit favorites are “The Buffalo Bill,” “The Calamity Jane” Cubano, the Nachos, the Southern Hushpuppies and the Hot Utah Wings.

SCBD: The best cocktail?

TF: We’re whiskey girls at heart, but we hear Johnny Utah’s bartenders make a mean Blue Long Island! They’ve got the best staff around, and we have a blast with them at every show!

SCBD:  What makes the Bandits different than any performers?

TF: The Bar-Top Bandits are a unique nightlife event with some of the most talented female performing artists in New York City. We are a boot-stomping, hair-flipping, bottle-tossing, girl-powered show with the hottest and most unique approach to nightlife entertainment. Not only do our Bandits have powerhouse vocalists and insanely choreographed routines, but they specialize in mixology and hospitality. Pushing liquor and beer sales throughout the show results in nightly revenue boosts for venues who book the Bandits!

Don’t have plans for tomorrow night? Make sure you go to Johnny Utah’s and see them perform. Also, don’t forget to ‘like’ the Bandit’s on Facebook, here.

You’re Invited to the #SCBDLaunchParty…

If you haven’t heard the #SCBDRelaunch is in a few short weeks, you can read my post about it, here.

In true SCBD fashion, we are celebrating this new look and logo with a #SCBDLaunchParty on May 11th from 5-9pm in no other than Hoboken, wonderfully located between New York & New Jersey! If you’re a fan of SCBD we’d love to see you there and I’d love to meet you. The night will be filled with some contests, photo opps, signature cocktails, and more!

We’re asking that everyone please RSVP through Eventbrite, here.

Also, feel free to share with your friends & RSVP on Facebook, here.

You won’t want to miss it– be one of the first to see the premiere of the new logo! If you are one of the first 80 to register on Eventbrite you’ll receive one of the awesome swag bags we’ll be passing out that night!

Stay tuned for more new restaurant reviews, event recaps, and more from the team & I!

Tweet me @smchickbigdeals if you plan on attending, we’ll be using the hashtag #SCBDLaunchParty the night of the event!!

See you at the #SCBDLaunchParty!

Cheers!

#SCBD on Jerz Hot Spots Episode 5 featuring Jaret’s Stuffed Cupcakes

If you haven’t tuned into the Episode 5 of Jerz Hot Spots I highly recommend you do. In the episode I get the 4-1-1 and interview Maureen, the owner of  Jaret’s Stuffed Cupcakes who came up with the SCBD “Sarah Smile” cupcake. Tune in below.

Cheers!