Free Häagen-Dazs! - July 1, 2010 [Boston]

Welcome to Finance Foodie’s new series: Fiscally Fun Freebies. Working in the finance field has taught me a lot about hardwork, the value of a dollar, and the importance of saving for a rainy day. This series will bring you the scoop on all the free food and product offerings from around the nation – because who doesn’t love a truly free lunch!?!

On Thursday, July 1 2010, Häagen-Dazs, the super-premium ice cream, sorbets and other frozen desserts brand, will celebrate the Grand Opening of its new retail location in Boston with a sweet giveaway.

For its grand opening, customers can enter a drawing and Häagen-Dazs will award one lucky customer with free ice cream for a year. Plus, during this Thursday’s celebration, Häagen-Dazs will give the first 500 customers in attendance free scoops of their favorite ice cream flavors.

Location: 

Häagen-Dazs Scoop Shop 
1122 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02115
(500 free scoops promotion only at this location)

When:
Thursday, July 1 2010
10:00am -7:00pm


Source: Fishman Public Relations

He's Back!: Sopranos Star Vincent Pastore's New Rat Pack Revue at the Friar's Club [New York]

by: Anne M. Raso

Sopranos veteran Vincent Pastore, who played Tony S.'s "soldier" and confidante that was last seen swimming with the fishes, is back not only via his film acting work but because of the special Rat Pack events he has been organizing in the New York tristate area. We first caught up with Big Pussy's New Rat Pack Revue which featured fellow Sopranos vets Vincent Curatola and Al Sapienza back in April at the Gramercy Theater, but most recently we caught the Revue in a decidedly non-rock-and-roll version at The Friar's Club (this particular show was a benefit for the Sunshine Committee).

Quik Pik: Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic [New York]

“That must be Nigel with the Brie…”

This past Sunday, I ferried over to Governor’s Island to watch the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic. It was an abysmally hot summer day, but that didn’t prevent the polo loving attendees from dressing to impressing (as they tend to do in NYC). Sitting among the crowd of huge hats, aviators, and linen suits, I realized that I had no idea how the game of polo was played. As the two teams (BlackRock and BlackWatch – confusing much?) started the match, I realized it didn’t matter since Prince Harry, who was competing in the event, clearly stole the spotlight (the crowd cheered every time his name was mentioned) and my heart as well!

You Had Me at Hello...

Pernod Absinthe Taste Tour of Boston - Part 2

“…party 'til the sun is rising”

[con’t from part 1 of my Boston Absinthe Tour]

By this point of the night, I was already feeling a bit tipsy (Absinthe is rather strong and I’m not a seasoned drinker anymore) and a bit worried (as Stoddard's was only the first stop). Luckily, we had this bad boy deliver us straight to the next location!

Pernod Absinthe Taste Tour of Boston - Part 1

“Give me those bright lights long nights…”

Since I have to wake up at the crack of dawn for work every morning, I’m usually very adamant about going to bed before midnight. However, I do make exceptions for “special nights” – nights where something so cool and yummy occurs, I would feel regretful the next day/week/month if I missed out.

Last night was one that could be classified as a “special night”.

Bermuda Tourism Luncheon @ Asana [Boston]

Congrats #10 - Gina

"I would love to try either Key Lime or Coconut"

Please email financefoodie [at] gmail [dot] com with your mailing address so I can send your prize! You have 2 days (48 hours) to respond or the prize goes to alternate winner

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“Steal My Sunshine…”

Well summer has officially arrived in Boston – the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the weather has warmed. As I congratulated myself for surviving another frostbite-inducing New England winter, I started to brainstorm possible warm weather vacation destinations for my annual summer vacation (a reward for not freezing to death).

48 Hours: Philadelphia Edition

Welcome to Finance Foodie Travels. This new series showcases journeys to various locals around the world. Because, yes, there is a lovely life to be had outside of New York and Boston…


by: Anne M. Raso

This correspondent for financefoodie.com recently got invited to check out what's new and hot in the City Of Brotherly Love, and I admit I couldn't resist checking out the Liberty Bell (moved twice since my sixth grade field trip in 1971) - which is smack dab in the center of town in the Liberty Bell Center. I took in some eats (natch!) as well as some spa and artistic treats!

Read on for my must see and do places for a "Pf-unfilled Philly" weekend ---->>>>>

Quik Pik: Louis Boston Opening Party

"Then I spent 400 bucks on this, Just to be like you ain't up on this..."

Last week, luxury retailer Louis Boston celebrated its grand opening by throwing a party in its new 40,000 square foot store on the Fan Pier. The fashionable guests mixed and mingled while noshing on apps provided by Sam's, its on-site restaurant, and swigging Grey Goose cocktails. How was the party you ask? Well, a evening spent swimming in a sea of exquisite shoes (both on display and on the party attendees) AND imbibing on succulent snacks (example: pork belly skewers seen below) - you can't really go wrong with that!

For full coverage and to see additional pics, check out Simone's recap of the event!

Lips Unsealed: Chatting with Belinda Carlisle

by: Anne M. Raso

Belinda Carlisle recently made a special appearance to promote her autobiography Lips Unsealed: A Memoir (Crown Publishers, $26) at the Barnes & Noble at 150 East 86th Street in Manhattan, and to make things super-special for fans, she let longtime gal-pal Sandra Bernhard grill her with issues covered (and not covered) in her book in front of over 400 fans! We here at financefoodie.com were lucky enough to get a few minutes of alone time with Belinda while she signed about 100 copies of the book to be sold in the store and for promotional purposes. (She is the only author we have ever seen sign ON THE COVER, with the exception of RuPaul, so she's in good company!)

Jonah Hill Shows His Slacker Side In Cyrus!

by: Anne M. Raso

Jonah Hill has been called the "John Candy of the now generation" but the 26-year-old really brings his own shctick and talents to the table. He excels as both the "failure to launch" twenty-something son from hell in Cyrus and as the goofy but ambitious Hollywood record company exec in Get Him To The Greek! In all honesty, you can't really compare J.Hill to the late Candy--Hill has his own brand of wide-eyed vulnerability and can deal with any slapstick situation put his way, but he also has a certain hipness rather than the "silly old Uncle" vibe that Candy had.

Bringing ATX to NYC at the Big Apple BBQ Block Party

by: Anne M. Raso

[part 2 of 2 in the Big Apple BBQ Festival coverage] 

On the subject of Austin, the AustinTexas.org people sponsored not only an information booth that played host to wonderful variety of bands for the Big Apple BBQ, but a very special VIP area inside legendary "modern Indian" eaterie Tabla. Guests downed fabulous sides including the world's moistest corn bread, coleslaw made with homemade mayo, corn on the cob, watermelon, and a unique cherries-n-cream layer cake. The drinks were on Maker's Mark (another Big Apple BBQ sponsor), and my basil-infused pineapple concoction made with this #1 competitor to my dear old Jack Daniels knocked my clogs off in only three sips! Stumbling and seeing stars could not keep my mind off the barbecue vendors (including Austin's own wonderful Stubb's) outside, however!

Stubb's BBQ: Feeding the Homeless and Visiting the Big Apple [New York]

"Meat me halfway.."

Stubb's BBQ are amongst the most charity minded of vendors at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party happening this weekend in Madison Square Park. Team Financefoodie heard that the Stubb's team actually came into NYC a few days early to the feed the homeless at The Bowery Mission, as part of its second annual “Feed the World” tour. With a state of the art mobile kitchen in tow,  the crew has been crisscrossing the nation, partnering with charities in each city they visit to dish out their world famous Texas barbecue.

I've had the privilege of enjoying Stubb's BBQ for four years when I lived in Ausitn, so I'm uber glad they are spreading the Texas love to NYC. So Stubb's - the team here at financefoodie.com salutes you for not only your delicious meats and sauces, but your kind heart.  New York readers - don't forget to stop by the Stubb's booth at the festival this weekend - as they will be serving up samples of their famous chop brisket sliders and sausages!

New Classics: Fleming’s Steakhouse New Menu Tasting Party [Boston]

“I want 'em real thick and juicy…”

Last night, a bunch of media folk gathered at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar to taste the newly created entrees that were introduced on its menu this April. I was quite intrigued by this invite, as I would never have used the words “creative” and “inventive” to describe a steakhouse as traditional as Fleming’s. But as I found out last night, the Fleming’s R&D team had a few tricks up its sleeve that it couldn’t wait to unveil.

McDonald's Steps Up Their Style: New Product Preview Day! [New York]

by: Anne M. Raso

When I heard that the press was being offered the exclusive opportunity to enjoy some of the newest "tastes" of McDonald’s at an private premiere on Wednesday at 1188 Avenue of the Americas (their state-of-the-art three story store in the Diamond District), I could not resist. On hand at the event were Danielle Paris (McDonald's Director Of Menu Innovation) and Chef Dan Coudreaut (McDonald's Executive Chef), two food talents who have been helping the brand "step up" in the foodie community by making finer and trendier fare available on the fast food level. The Mickey D's marketing and PR folks have sure been working overtime to make their "food forward" dreams come true - as you may recall, they sponsored a McCafé booth at the September 2009 New York Fashion Week!

Dove Deodorant Spa Party @ La Dolce Vita [Boston]

“Cause you are beautiful in every single way…”

This past Saturday, I attended a very fun and very girly party at La Dolce Vita Salon & Day Spa in Back Bay Boston. Hosted by Kristin from BeautyXpose.com and Dove, our party was treated to manicures, pedicures, and “piticures” (more on the last one later).

Interview with James “Jimmy” Distefano, Executive Pastry Chef – Rouge Tomate [New York]

“Potato, Potatoe…Tomato, Tomate…”

Last weekend, I took a trip to NYC for a very special interview with James “Jimmy” Distefano, Executive Pastry Chef at Rouge Tomate, a Michelin starred member of the Green Restaurant Association. I had first became acquainted with the restaurant last year during New York Fashion Week – their delightfully refreshing and natural Cucumber Cooler drinks proved to be a lifesaver from my near caffeine overdose (with all the Diet Coke and McCafe coffees littering the Tents).

The Lite Choice Taste Tour [New York]

Congrats to - Chris, Maren, mverno, 

ktgonyea, anonymous, and Karla!!

Please email financefoodie [at] gmail [dot] com with your mailing address so I can send your prize! You have 2 days (48 hours) to respond or the prize goes to alternate winners

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“Next best thing…”

As many of you know, my favorite dessert is and has always been ice cream. Unfortunately, the only love I get back from ice cream is around my hips and stomach – great if I was a bear trying to hibernate for the winter, but bad if I’m trying to get in shape for swimsuit season. Luckily, for those days when I’m hankering for something sweet but have already indulged, I can turn to my lower calorie friend – the soft serve.

Soft serve is a frozen dessert very similar to but much lighter than ice cream, since it’s lower in milk fat and contains up to 60% air by volume. I had always enjoyed McDonald’s original vanilla soft serve in high school (sweet, cheap, and only 150 calories a cone!), but soon abandoned that in favor of Tasti D-Lite when I moved to NYC (a bit pricier but loads more flavors!). Although I liked the wide variety of flavors, I always thought Tasti D-Lite tasted a bit artificial and well…obviously “lite”.

Enter The Lite Choice.

Skin Tight Breakfast With Veronica Webb: Eucerin's Skin First Pledge [New York]

by: Anne M. Raso

Financefoodie.com had the pleasure of having breakfast with Veronica Webb at the Park Avenue Spring restaurant the other day --the uber famous exotic beauty was there to encourage journalists to promote the Eucerin Skin First Council and online Skin First Pledge. The Eucerin Skin First Council was formed to bolster public dialogue about the importance of skin health and devise new ways to educate and empower consumer health awareness. The Council panel includes renowned dermatologist Deborah Sarnoff, MD, leading expert in pharmacoeconomics Rajesh Balkrishnan, PhD, and mother, activist and one of the world’s leading supermodels, Veronica Webb.