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In Fragrances Mens Mens Accessories mens fragrances Mens Grooming Mens Issues Mens Spring/Summer 2016 Review Mens Style National Fragrance Day Perry Ellis Perry Ellis RED for men

Happily Seeing RED: Perry Ellis RED For Men

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2016

Today being National Fragrance Day, I've got aromas on the brain. I've known for quite some time that I have a nasal fixation. Well that's what I refer to it as. It could be on the stovetop in a skillet or sitting on top of the dresser in a glass spray bottle, but there's something about the pleasant smell of something. Although one person's pleasant is another person's disdain, there's grown in me an olfactory pull towards aromas that make me form a warm smile. Admittedly it wasn't always that way. While I was younger, I became drawn to cologne out of the newness of doing something manly. Then it became all about wearing fragrances to distinguish myself tantamount to how our clothing distinguishes us personally. In my more seasoned years, it became all about a balance of being drawn to pleasant aromas that not just serve to conjure up memories but also complement and not cover up. Today it seems to be a blended balance of all those characteristics to make sure my scent has the right amount of sweet, spicy, heavy, light, familiar or foreign.

I have a bevy of scents in my arsenal from classics to new-founds. I came across Perry Ellis RED recently and decided that it must join the ranks on my fragrance shelf. Taking my current fragrance nirvana into consideration, I was drawn to Perry Ellis RED for men due to it deep aroma of spiciness and woodiness with the underlying sweetness.

Let me dissect for you. Perry Ellis RED for men features top notes of juniper berries, which I adore as a main element in one of my favorite spirits, gin. Italian bergamot is another top note that is the backbone of my favorite morning tea, Earl Grey. The third top note of Sichuan pepper which I find in many of the dishes of one of my top three cuisines, Korean. So the fragrance brings about a nasal familiarity that when blended with the other deeper notes of red apple, red leather, amber, sage, cream oak moss and sandalwood brings about subtle memories of culinary and olfactory pleasantry. Whereas some fragrances bring about feeling of being fresh or clean smelling, Perry Ellis RED definitely sways more towards the alluring almost seductive side with its full spicy and saccharine aroma that is cut and balanced beautifully by the subtleties of herbal and ligneous.

Choose to wear your fragrances as you see fit, but I see this as more of an evening fragrance when a little goes a long way and you're seeking to entice at that first lean in. Welcome Perry Ellis RED into your fragrance collection today, this National Fragrance Day, with a trip to your local Macy's or by visiting PerryEllis.com. RED retails for $65.00 for 3.4 fl. oz./100 ml. and a Perry Ellis weekender will be gifted for each purchase of that size while supplies last.

www.PerryEllis.com

Dave White

3 Comments

In Alcohol Review Cocktails Cooking Drinks Entertaining Food and Drink Mens Mens Issues Recipes Ron Abuelo Anejo Rum Rum St. Patrick's Day

Aged, Dark And Lovely: Ron Abuelo Anejo Rum Review

Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2016

Happy St. Patty's Day! So alright maybe I'm not Irish. Maybe I'm just a Bronx-born guy of Jamaican parentage that likes when his city comes together and celebrates the culture of a people. Which is why you'll sometimes find me at the Dominican Parade, Nigerian Festival, Ghanian Parade, Feast of San Gennaro and the African Day Parade in Harlem. Also, last year I went all the way to Toronto for Caribana to sew some of my Jamaican oats and had an awesome time, but was reminded of something. As I sipped on my halved watermelon filled with watermelon and pineapple juices while enjoying the celebration, it was the overabundant presence of the rum that basically had me at first sip. It had me because it transported me back to my childhood.

Not to say that I was a 5 year old boozer, but I would often relish in licking the bowl after my mom emptied the batter into her cake pan from one of her infamous rum cakes. The sweet fragrant heaviness was a lovely little assault on my senses and set the tone for a love of rum. How can one have Caribbean blood running through them and not be drawn to the light or dark sugar-burnt loveliness that is rum? Various Caribbean countries seem to have their own spin on it and while I will pick no particular island that trumps another, I will suggest that you try the latest one that I've had the pleasure of sampling from Panama.

Ron Abuelo Anejo Rum is a great dark rum and is oh so inspirational. Why inspirational? Well for me, it's that it took me back. Back to my mom's rum cakes. I like to first sample a shot size to get the flavor. Deep and full was Ron Abuelo Anejo Rum with a flavor profile that tasted appropriately complex with a semi-sweet nuttiness and a smoky lingering weight that finished clean and mellow. I could've added any small dash of an island notion to this like ginger, any citrus or even a piece of sugar cane. So I was kind of excited to try the recipe below since the citrusy triple sec and fragrant lime would seem to complement the full flavor of this robust Ron Anejo Abuelo Rum that was patiently matured in small oak barrels. Here's the recipe I tried:

Abuelorita
2 oz. Ron Abuelo Anejo Rum
1 oz. Triple sec
1/2 oz. Freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a shaker filled with ice add all ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The result? An island delight with flavors indigenous to warm tropical climates. Add this to your bar crawl, St. Patty's party or just your bar at home today and as always please remember to drink responsibly. (Downloading the Uber app before you start your crawl wouldn't hurt either.)

Ron Abuelo Rum is available now at your finer wine and spirit retailers.

Dave White

14 Comments

In Alcohol Review Cocktails Cooking Drinks Entertaining Food and Drink Gin Mens Mens Issues Recipes St. Patrick's Day Van Gogh Gin

Fresh Tulips And An Even Fresher Gin: Van Gogh Gin Review

Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Tomorrow may be St. Patty's Day, but I'm going to suggest you take a small mental visit to Amsterdam, Holland. Imagine quaint canals, tulips as far as the eye can see and quirky buildings that hold histories of the city's vibrant past. Now consider that in addition to the eye-catchers that Amsterdam is known for, that one of those things should be gin. You think of the aforementioned and perhaps even Vincent Van Gogh when thinking of Amsterdam, but not really gin. Well not until now.

Think of the beautiful enchanting star-filled night that inspired Mr. Van Gogh so long ago then liken that to a smooth gin almost as flavorful as 'Starry Night' is colorful. Van Gogh Gin is that gin. How fitting the moniker for such a gin and an appropriate tribute to perhaps the city's most famous name. I made a wonderful cocktail courtesy of Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru, but first I wanted to sample the experience that was Van Gogh Gin straight up.

The one word came to mind was smooth. Crisp and smooth to be exact with a tinge of that tangly sweet juniper berry that seamlessly merged wonderfully with the slightly nutty herbal freshness that makes gin such a sophisticated spirit. This is probably since this grain-neutral spirit was distilled three times, the first two in column stills and the last in a potstill, all in small batches. The cocktail from Mr. Pogash contained a nice combination of ingredients to bring out the essence of the gin. Below is his recipe for Southside of Amsterdam. This contains simple ingredients that balance sweet with herbal with tart and that all together with the crisp nutty Van Gogh Gin created a flavor profile that is very tasty, easy to drink and quite satisfying.

Southside Of Amsterdam
2 oz. Van Gogh Gin
3/4 oz. Fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. Simple syrup
8-10 Mint leaves
Sparkling wine

In a mixing glass, slap the mint and throw it in, along with the Van Gogh Gin, lemon and simple syrup. Add ice and shake well. Strain over ice into a highball glass and top off with the sparkling wine. Stir briefly. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig.

Making it at home? Don't be scared to make a simple syrup. All you need is 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring water and sugar to a boil stirring until sugar is dissolved then let cool for about 30 minutes. (Or you can buy it). Enjoy this one as much as I did and as always, please remember to drink responsibly. Van Gogh Gin is available now at your finer wine and spirit retailers.

Dave White

0 Comments

In Alcohol Review Cocktails Cooking Drinks Entertaining Food and Drink Jonathan Pogash Mens Mens Issues Recipes Rye Whisky St. Patrick's Day Tap Rye Whisky Wines and Spirits

Tap On Tap: Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Year Old Whisky Review

Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2016

It's nearing that day of the year again. When March 17th rolls around, much like Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, St. Patrick's Day must be the unofficial start of Spring. So while yes, there is the whole deal with Saint Patrick, Irish pride and all things green, much like Valentines Day is the official day for lovers, the 17th of March has become the official day for drinking. Well let's make it less crass and say it's a day for revelry with a shamrock pinned on the lapel and a pint in hand.

Now I may not be much of a pint-drinker, but if I may reside in the land where pints dwell for a bit, I love a great cocktail. Let's go beyond that with "I am physically and emotionally attracted to a great cocktail and a great whisky." Having recently been introduced to rye whisky, bourbon's lesser sweet cousin, I now find myself in search of delicious varieties to add to my collection. Well chalk it up to the luck of the Irish (even though my family is from Jamaica) for I've been introduced to Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Year Old Whisky.

And what a wonderful whisky it is. What makes this whisky special is the way it's fawned over. First off, it's a small batch whisky which means it was produced by mixing the contents of a relatively small number of selected barrels. The result is a distinct flavor that tastes seasoned and matured especially since Tap Rye has been aged for 8 years in white oak barrels which add to the heady rustic profile. Add to that, the finishing touch of Spanish Amontillado Sherry that brings a very subtle sweet nuttiness without being overpoweringly so. So if you're looking for a whisky to add to your St. Patty's Day revelry this year, Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Year Old Whisky is a delightful one with a distinct flavor profile to enjoy on the rocks or in a cocktail. Speaking of cocktails, here's a new remix of a familiar classic to enjoy from Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru:

Cranberry Mint Julep
2 oz. Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Year Old Whisky
12-15 Fresh Cranberries
12 Mint leaves
1/4 oz. Agave Nectar

1 pinch of ground cinnamon

In the bottom of a mixing glass muddle the cranberries and mint in the agave and cinnamon. Add the Tap Rye and ice. Shake well. Strain over ice into a highball glass. Garnish with floating cranberries and mint sprig.

Look for it on the top shelf bar line and have your bartender serve it up lovely this Thursday!

Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Year Old Whisky is available now at your finer wine and spirits retailers and as always, drink responsibly.

Dave White

0 Comments

In Henry London Mens Mens Accessories Mens Fashion Mens Issues Mens Spring/Summer 2016 Review Mens Style Mens Watches Menswear Timepieces Watches Womens Accessories

Old Charm, New Time: Henry London Timepieces

Posted on Monday, March 14, 2016

So there is much truth to the fact that we live in a digital age. While I relish in staying cyber and technologically connected, there's a certain 'pencil in hand' side of me that thinks not everything tech-savvy is better. I'm more of a purist when it comes to certain shiny new gadgets that are lit up and spit-shined to catch our fading by the minute attention spans. So I choose to write my notes down rather than type them, would rather pick out my own fruit than Fresh Direct it than key it in and I'd rather wear a classic timepiece than an Apple watch.

Being the clotheshorse that I am used to mean clothes above all else. However, as I got older I began to really get into how the quality of my choices far outweigh the quantity of many choices. I'm fairly new to the watch game but I think its very timeless (no pun intended) and suave to have a collection of beautiful wristwatches. There's something quite elegant about receiving the time from a wristwatch with classic gears as opposed to a digital backlight.

I recently discovered the wristwatches from Henry London and was suddenly reminded of why I'm loving watches more and more. The coordination, the options, the charm that feels new and missing from modern tech gadgets came though full throttle with Henry London's watches. One of the designers of Henry London came across a strikingly handsome vintage watch at the famed Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, London with the inscription "Henry Auguste 1965" engraved on the case back and was instantly in awe. Inspired by the beauty of this find with its attention to the Old Watch craftsmanship and technical detail, each Henry London timepiece boasts an angled case, high double dome lens, a subtle curved dial and elongated hands.

The effect is quite suave and somewhat regal which makes each timepiece seem more personal, like it was labored and fawned over. Actually it was, with notes like Milanese stainless steel mesh and supple soft leather bands that are fashioned in a palette of characteristic colors and heritage shades. Henry London's collection is truly inspired by the city of its birth with each collection of mens and ladies timepieces being named after popular London tube stations like Highgate, Piccadilly, Westminster, Hammersmith and Pimlico. The only hard part in my opinion is finding which Old World influenced charmer speaks to your new world inner gentleman.

www.Henry-London.com

Dave White

1 Comments

In AutoIQ Cooking Entertaining Fitness Health Mens Issues Mens Style Ninja Blender Ninja Kitchen Nutri Ninja Recipes Smoothies Soups Summer Body

Natty With My Ninja!: Nutri Ninja Blender System With Auto-IQ™ Review

Posted on Friday, March 11, 2016

Oh men, what has become of us? Could it be that we've become just as vain as women? Yes. Is it also possible that we men have become quite bored with our dark suit for this and summer suit for that, brown shoe polish and spit shine black all-purpose loafers? Most assuredly. Take comfort however! It's not such a bad thing at all. The years of trying to get men to loosen up & change, purchase more clothing and try new things have well been upon us for quite some time now and it's pretty liberating. But as history will tell us, what's liberating can also become quite conflicting.

Why the conflict? Well, the mens renaissance of the last ten years has made men take a long hard look at themselves and decide that change is essential especially when staying the same for so long seemed as antiquated as padded doublets and ornamented codpieces. Time and society don't stay the same and they appear to be moving quicker than ever before. While keeping updated has its angsts, if you're going to choose to be in areas of forward social relevance, then staying updated could be the disparity factor between success and failure. So the conflict ushers in when in trying to update the padded doublets with weighted reps and protein shakes, a lot of mens clothing seems to be shrinking too fast to adequately cover our codpieces. What's a man to do when he wants to feel great about exercise and stamina but also look comfortable in a suit?

You may have thought that here's is where I would lunge into a diatribe about where to buy fuller cut mens clothing but, like I said, the modern man knows that tailoring is key to anything quality and off the rack nowadays. Further, since all men's goals in the gym are different let me attack this from a nutrition standpoint. What I've discovered (in my old age) is that exercising, brain function and energy levels mean nothing without a honed diet. Thusly, your diet, exercising, stamina depends on proper rest and recovery to give your body (and waistline) an impartial fresh start. It's all a full circle cycle that in these time of dietary, organic and GMO mayhem depends on what you decide to put in your mouth. Essentially, if you want to stay progressive and keep your clothing options as open as possible then maybe try a smoothie instead of a sweet roll.

So some days I only want bulk to be on the weight rack and not on my plate. With that said, juicing, souping, blending and smoothing are ways in which I confidently keep my belt on the same notch for all of my sun-up to sun-down, eat while commuting and too tired to cook days. I rely on my Nutri Ninja with Auto IQ™ to create protein smoothies for the ride to work, make comfort soups for the evenings I don't want a sink full of dirty pots & pans and for the naughty days where frozen margaritas make a long day exhale. What throwing a bevy of key ingredients into my Nutri Ninja does is allow me to get the sustenance that I need without the bulk. There's no bulk for my stomach to churn through and no tremendous bulk to let soak in the sink afterwards. Liquifying the bulk without discarding the often overlooked nutrients lost in just juicing is key here. I turn my sides into delicious soups for dinner and make all those essential fruits and greens into smoothies for breakfast. Also, with Nutri Ninja's Auto IQ™ feature I can better control the consistency of my end product depending on if it needs to be chunkier, smoother, coarser or watery. Control may be the key word here; control what you eat for better control over what you can wear.

Here are two easy recipes to be inspired by, try out and reap the benefits of a better fitting suit from:

Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:

1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup fresh basil
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1tablespoon tomato paste
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1- Place all ingredients into the 24-ounce Nutri Ninja in the order listed.

2- Select START/STOP and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

3- Pour soup into a medium saucepan and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

Lean Green Ninja

Ingredients:

1/2 small banana
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup fresh mango chunks
1/2 cup kale leaves
1/2 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup ice

Directions:

1- Place all ingredients into the 24-ounce Nutri Ninja in the order listed.

2- Press Auto-IQ™ Blend.

www.NinjaKitchen.com

Dave White

1 Comments

In Craft Atlantic Haerfest Hood By Air Naadam Cashmere New York City New York City Events Opening Ceremony Sample Sale Sample Sales

The Savvy New Yorker's Favorite Pastime: Sample Sales This Weekend

Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2016

Of course you don't need an excuse to go shopping, but here's a few anyway. Sample sales are New York City's wonderful little quick strike, often word of mouth (since they come and go so quickly) flash sales. Score limiteds, samples, one-of-a-kinds, non-manufactured, hard-to-finds or even out-of-stock everywhere else items to covet and fawn over. Here are three sales that are jumping off this week. Be there or dress square!