FIRE FINDS: ISSY SALOMON

NYC is a sea of Zara coats and Rebecca Minkoff bags and the only way to not drown in it is to have a keen eye for bomb, cult labels that are also affordable. And what's the fun in keeping it all hush-hush? Not one to keep secrets, I'm taking these Fire Finds off the DL.

WHO: Issy Salomon

WHAT: Colorful, funky jewelry ranging from $30-$120

WHERE: The Market NYC, 159 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012

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[Photos by Christina Mannino]

::HOLIDAZED:: PLAYLIST

[Photos by Tomm Mendes]

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BURGERS N' BLING: BILL'S BAR & BURGER

I'm no food critic—just a fashion girl who loves a good piece of red meat. Not one to let an opportunity pass me by, I created this column as an excuse to eat burgers while wearing jewelry on a regular basis and tell you about my favorites. Welcome to Burgers N' Bling—accessory features with a side of beef. 

(from left): Lulu Frost Ravenna cuff and Lucid bracelet (available here and here); David Yurman ring; Bill's Bar & Burger Spicy Jalapeño Burger (available here); George Frost Enemy ring and Allegory charm bracelet (available here and here); Vintage watch

SPICY JALAPEÑO BURGER @ BILL'S BAR & BURGER, $10 

85 West Street, New York, NY 10006

Pepperjack is an extremely underrated cheese. Zestier than cheddar and classier than nacho cheese, pepperjack deserves to be more than just the most overlooked cheese at the deli. Who the hell is handling the PR for pepperjack? Someone bring in the people behind those "PORK: The Other White Meat" and the "got milk?" commercials STAT before it disappears from our lives forever. But there's hope. Some people, namely the chefs at Bill's Bar & Burger, have taken notice of this dairy underdog and served it up in the best way imaginable—melted on a Pat LaFrieda beef patty and covered with jalapeños. Crisp, spicy (with a little extra fire from chipotle aioli sauce), and deliciously juicy, the Spicy Jalapeño Burger is a must-try for any adventurous beef lover—and don't forget the cheese fries. 

Spicy Jalapeño Burger by Bill's Bar & Burger: roasted hatch chile and jalapeño, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, chipotle aioli

(from left): Bill's Bar & Burger Spicy Jalapeño Burger (available here); George Frost Enemy ring and Allegory charm bracelet (available here and here); Vintage watch

And because another burger on the menu, the Fat Cat, caught my eye with its "CNN Top 10 Burger Award" credential, we went ahead and ordered round two...  

(from left): Lulu Frost Ravenna cuff and Lucid bracelet (available here and here); David Yurman ring; Bill's Bar & Burger Fat Cat burger (available here); George Frost Enemy ring and Allegory charm bracelet (available here and here); Vintage watch

FAT CAT @ BILL'S BAR & BURGER, $11 

85 West Street, New York, NY 10006

Boasted as one of the best burgers not only in NYC but in the entire country, I knew I had to try Bill's famous Fat Cat, particularly because its brief menu description already summed up my idea of the perfect burger. Served on an english muffin (my choice bun due to its petite size that allows one to focus on the savory fillings), the Fat Cat is just that—meat heavy and melty. Not one but two Pat LaFrieda patties are covered in gooey American cheese and caramelized onions, in a way where there's little need for condiments (and I'm usually a ketchup or die kind of girl). In fact, you don't even need the standard garnishes of lettuce, tomato, and pickles that come with it—with this kind of meat and cheese, the Fat Cat definitely punches above its weight.

Fat Cat by Bill's Bar & Burger: caramelized onion, american cheese, english muffin, ltp

[Photos by Christina Mannino]

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SOUNDSHINE 11.18.15

IT'S RAINING (PROBABLY). REGARDLESS, HERE ARE 6 HOT TRACKS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY 

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THE BLOCK IS HOT: RIVINGTON STREET

Every now and then, while cruising around the city, I stumble upon a block that is total unchartered FIRE. For whatever reason, a group of the city's coolest, under-the-radar spots tend to pop up up next to each other. So I say “Look daddy, just hook it up” because The Block Is Hot.

SUGAR SWEET SUNSHINE

126 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002

When you walk into Sugar Sweet Sunshine's cozy, warm shop you immediately flash back to the 1960s when bakeries were less about branding and concepts and more about delicious homemade goods. And that is exactly what co-owners Peg and Deb had in mind when they opened their treats kitchen over a decade ago -- a homey environment to make and sell their sweets to the locals. In addition to pastel frosted cupcakes and their signature buttery cakes, the ladies cook up the best homemade pudding you will ever devour. Step in and try the fall special, Nog Pudding (pumpkin cake, egg nog pudding, and whipped cream), or the classic Chocolate Chip for a little dose of sunshine. www.sugarsweetsunshine.com

WELCOME TO THE JOHNSONS

123 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Miss drinking in your parent's basement? Well head on over to Welcome to the Johnsons, the lower east sides' dive bar of dive bars. Littered with 70s couches, mismatched chairs, and a crowded pool table, this spot is the perfect place to grab a cheap drink and hang out 'til way past your curfew. The best nights are those without any expectations -- and Welcome to the Johnson's has a perfectly unpretentious casualness that will leave you open for anything. Down some $2 PBRs and you'll be ready to go. 

NITECAP

120 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002

There's no better place to uncover a sultry underground cocktail den than on a gritty block of dives and eateries. Brought to you by the cocktail connoisseurs behind Death + Co and Williamsburg's Donna, Nitecap is the perfect hideway to bring your date for that "last drink of the night". Order the Fireside Chats (Pineapple-infused Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Tempus Fugit Cremé de Cacao, Honey, Lemon Juice) and you'll feel warm and fuzzy enough for the cold walk home. www.nitecapnyc.com

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