When I first arrived at Omni Wellness I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never received acupuncture before. I went based on a referral and had an open mind with only one ingrained misconception: all my ailments would be cured at once after being stuck with a million needles. Misconceptions or not, my experience at Omni was a truly rewarding experience.

Plus #1: My health insurance covered my visit, but they clearly stated their willingness to work with me within my budget had it not.

Plus #2: Omni Wellness is conveniently located in at 928 Broadway between 21 and 22nd streets, easily accessible by all forms of public transportation.

Plus #3: Unless you’re a student of Chinese medicine the terminology of acupuncture can be intimidating or downright ridiculous. The acupuncturists on staff (independent practitioners who lease space on site) do a really great job of gauging the knowledge of their clients and communicating with them and to them at their level. Not once during my time there did I feel like I was being fed a bunch of mumbo jumbo.

Plus #4: Omni’s offices were clean, minimalistic and invited you to relax. The lights were low, but not so much that you had to squint in order to see your way around.

Plus #5: The consultation. My acupuncturist, Seanna Sifflet, Lac, LMSW, an amazing and very reassuring person, spoke with me at length about all that ailed me, stressed me, and all that didn’t. This happened before I received my first needle. It was an experience that cleared my head and would’ve erased any unease had I had any prior to receiving treatment.

40 minutes later I emerged from my mini-vacation feeling as if I had been taken away from it all, if only for a little while. I was given my prescription: drink plenty of water and get a good night’s rest. I made an appointment for my next visit and extended my hand for the customary shake. This was promptly dismissed by Seanna who instead gave me a hug. I can’t say I’ve ever been hugged at the doctor’s office, but strangely enough this felt pretty natural. Within two days all but one ailment remained after my treatment. If I wasn’t a full believer before, I definitely am now.

Omni Wellness’ amenities don’t stop at acupuncture. They also have chiropractic, skincare and massage services, rounding out an entire menu of care. If you plan your day accordingly I’m sure you could make a day of it. But unless someone is there to take you home you may not have the desire to ever leave.

Omni Wellness. Wholistic care — and a hug.

Omni Wellness
928 Broadway, Suite 1200
New York, NY 10010
Between (21st / 22nd)
Telephone: 212-777-1318
E-mail: omninyc@gmail.com

A few months back when my wife came to the dinner table excited about the opportunity of a suite for a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden I wasn’t ungrateful, but I was hardly enthused. As a native Chicagoan who’s heart is forever rooted, and maybe even stuck, in the Bulls Dynasty of the nineties I’ve only been excited to watch the Knicks lose. My enthusiasm cooled even more when at the last minute, my teenage son couldn’t attend due to a conflict with his schedule and opted not to invite any of his friends.

Stuck with the unfortunate prospect of my wife’s employee perk going to waste I was charged with the task preventing it.  On the fly, I began inviting friends and friends with family and in no time we had a party.

Being an MSG Suiteholder comes at a premium, but with it comes premium amenities that you’ll never get simply sitting in the stands.  There is a Club entrance, separate and apart from general admission that is staffed by courteous and accommodating concierges willing and able to cater to your needs, such as setting tickets aside for late-comers in your group. Private elevator service whisks you to the suite level high above the nosebleed seats. Amazingly the view of the court is breathtaking and not “way down there.” Our suite featured a wet bar, Wi-Fi, bar seating, a private restroom, and three rows of stadium seating to easily accommodate a crowd of twenty. And if you or your children are afraid of heights (or you’re afraid for your children being that high up), you can relax in knowing that the front edge of your suite features a half wall of glass to prevent the unthinkable. Maybe most important, your suite can come as you like it, stocked with food and beverages of your choosing as per MSG’s suite menu. The wait staff is on duty during the entirety of the event and just as accommodating as the concierges at the entrance. My only advice is to order your food in advance so that it’s there for you at the start of your party. No one likes to be a hungry guest.

After nearly four hours, I was surprised how much I enjoyed myself. The Knicks fans were, of course, disappointed when their team lost, but the kids had a blast doing the wave, screaming with the crowd and playing amongst themselves in a safe and secure space. The experience provided most of the adults an opportunity to catch up on old times or become acquainted for the first. All in all, there was something for everyone. And we weren’t the only ones. Many of our neighboring suites that day were filled with families. It was almost like being at a state park in the summertime but without the grass and lovely aroma of barbecue.

What I learned that day is that a suite at Madison Square Garden is good for more than just closing business deals or entertaining clients. If you’re feeling generous, want to go in with friends or simply have access consider an MSG suite when looking for something to do with friends and family. For sporting events and concerts it can be one of the hottest parties in town — tailor made to your liking.

Madison Square Garden
TheGarden.com
4 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, New York 10001
212.465.MSG1 (6741)

Photo credit E.Payne

Now that the snow has passed and you’re able to get out and about, why not add a little Mojo to your life? You won’t go home disappointed.

Mojo is a Harlem eatery located on the corner of 119th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Occupying a corner unit of one of the area’s condo edifices, Mojo greets its patrons as a jeweled glass structure reflecting the rich colors of purple and red within out onto the street and the night air.

Don’t be surprised when you enter the tight confines of the restaurant. Real estate is at a premium in this area and Mojo’s floor plan is no different than any of its siblings in the area (despite appearing quite spacious in NBC’s American Express commercial that features the establishment).

The proximity issues that Mojo presents has its pros and cons. The cons being, if you’re uncomfortable sitting and eating next to strangers then this isn’t the place for you. On the flipside, if you don’t have these qualms, it’s easy to make friends (most who are area locals) while breaking bread.

The bread at Mojo, dubbed “New Harlem Cuisine” is a fusion of Mediterranean/Southern flavor and represents the diversity of Harlem. Impressive sounding and tasting menu items from the creative kitchen of Executive Chef Julio Sanchez’ include Buckwheat Fried Oysters, Harlem Fried Chicken Sliders, Moroccan Grilled Baby Lamb Chops, and Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri. The restaurant’s website touts their Sexy Grits as being the crowd favorite. I won’t say why they’re so sexy. You’ll have to find out on your own if the dish lives up to its claims. And if you’re the type who does desert, you can finish off a meal that pops with flavor with a tasty delight for your sweet tooth. How does Strawberry Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse sound?

Owner, Mounir Jabrane’s grew up in both Belgium and Morocco before settling down and setting up shop in Harlem. One only needs to take a glance at the interior or peruse the menu to see the influences of these two countries. Mr. Jabrane, an affable restaurateur who takes the time to meet and greet his patrons, considers himself a throwback to the explosively creative times of the Harlem Renaissance. He’s doing his part to continue the tradition by featuring live music by unknowns and local favorites alike. You can call or check the website for performance dates and times. But what you can’t do is make a reservation unless your party is six or more. And on heavy nights, service can be spotty. Despite these minor inconveniences this writer’s humble opinion is that it is better to experience Mojo than not to.

Mojo
mojo-harlem.com
185 Saint Nicholas Avenue (at the corner of 119th Street)
New York, NY 10026-1200
(212) 280-1924

Photo courtesy of Mojo

On Christmas Day when my wife presented me with a gift card for a spa day for the two of us I was openly thankful but quietly unenthused. We need a vacation, not a spa day. It’s on a Sunday, who’s going to watch the kids for us? We should be going to church. These were just a few of the naysayer thoughts that initially registered in my head.

Having two schedules that rarely meet in the middle and two kids always in the forefront of our minds, my wife decided a simple recharge on the first weekend of the new year was a perfect, simple and cost effective solution. And the place she picked was Oasis Day Spa.

With East Side locations on 34th Street and Park Avenue we opted for Oasis Westchester, their newest location off the beaten path, located approximately twenty-five minutes north of New York City in Dobbs Ferry, New York. It’s an easy commute to this location, visibly situated just off the Saw Mill River Parkway and sharing a building with a Starbucks and New York Sports Club. Physical fitness, relaxation and pampering and coffee, all in the same space. What more could anyone want? Parking. Expect to either be patient or drive around the facility a couple of times before finding a space.

Once you’re inside, the stress of parking becomes a distant memory once you enter the bright and inviting waiting area and are greeted with a smile at the front desk.

There is a full menu of services at Oasis Westchester from your expected health and beauty options — facials, massages, scrubs and manis/pedis — to your not so expected facials for teens, CosMedix peels and on site consultations from a board certified plastic surgeon (Saturdays only, from 10 am to 2 pm). The prices are very reasonable, another surprise considering the range, depth and quality of services offered. There isn’t a single spa package that tops $500.

My spa experience with my wife consisted of side by side full body massages, a full body scrub and a facial. The staff was attentive and pampering to the point of almost nurturing. The only time I didn’t doze was during my scrub. The facility was simple and clean with dimly lit spaces, soft cool grooves pumping throughout and aromatic but not perfumed. Relaxed, thankful for my wife’s thoughtfulness and thoroughly hydrated with tea, orange and cucumber water, I had no desire to leave and reenter the real world.

If you’re looking for something to do whether it’s with the girls, with your spouse, for your spouse or you simply need some alone time to recharge, Oasis Day Spa Westchester in Dobbs Ferry is the retreat you’ve been waiting for. Give them a call. They’re waiting to hear from you.

Oasis Westchester
Saw Mill River Parkway Exit 16
(in service road with NYSC & Starbucks)
50 Livingstone Ave.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
914.409.1900

Photo credit: Oasis Day Spa

107 West is a cozy little restaurant tucked away into a non-descript row of store-fronts as eclectic as they are expected on the block of 187th Street at Fort Washington Street in the Hudson Heights/Inwood Section of upper Manhattan. It is the one of two 107 West locations, the original is actually located at 107th & Broadway on the West Side. Which location is better depends almost wholly on personal preference. This writer’s just happens to be for the less accessible enclave situated in Hudson Heights. But the staffs at both locations are equally attentive. The themes at each restaurant are different, but both are equally inviting as places to unwind at the end of a long day or to begin a romantic evening.

At the 187th Street location the fare is American and Mexican inspired with occasional flourishes that make their way to the menu seasonally. Dishes such as jambalaya made of Andouille sausage, smoked chicken, shrimp, calamari, crawfish & clams in corn & sweet pepper etoufee with cajun rice, an all veggie platter of roasted assorted vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, brown rice & tahini sauce, jumbo Maryland crab cakes, sautéed creole chicken and shrimp, and quesadillas round out the menu. Admittedly, and to the chagrin of many, I feel their strongest dishes are the ones that include good old fashioned cow. The burgers and steaks will leave meat lovers aching for more. The pan seared hanger steak, prepared to your liking, with sautéed sweet onions, mashed potatoes and country collard greens is hands down their most memorable meal and actually tastes just as good from one visit to the next. But fret not, their fried chicken is crisp and succulent and will leave you satisfied to the very last forkful. Nor are they lacking in Italian and seafood selections, and their vegetarian considerations welcome the most discriminating Vegans. The bar is more than adequate with several varietals to accompany your meal. The mimosas aren’t especially dry and make for a great daytime pairing.

The sides alone could carry a review. The French Fries always come piping hot, but hardly heavy. There’s not much of a desert selection for those of us with nut allergies, but if you’re not held down by such limitations, feel free to round out your meal with a slice of macadamia oat apple crisp, frozen mocha mud pie or an evil looking slice of chocolate mousse cake. Or you can simply opt for a cup of coffee.

Art for sale lines the walls of the narrow Hudson Heights location and is rotated on a regular basis. You’ll be surprised to see an occasional celebrity sitting alone or with company enjoying a quiet meal. I once had the interesting pleasure of being seated beside Dr. Ruth Westheimer, but I didn’t bother her with any questions.

107 West is the place to go when you can’t really make up your mind what to eat, but know for sure you want memorable food and a memorable experience.

107 West

811 West 187th Street
New York, NY 10033
Tel: 212-923-3311
www.107west.com

Photo credit: Eric Payne

Harlem is home to Nectar, a wonderfully sublime and sexy wine bar tucked away into the edifice of a new apartment building on Frederick Douglas Boulevard  at the corner of 121st Street. By day it is a clean and open, almost reminiscent of gallery space, clearly visible from the street. But after sunset it takes on the austerity of speakeasy, with its’ tiny foyer which is shades its entrance from the beauty behind it.  Two steps in, your eyes will take notice of the dark stone concrete floor beneath your feet before traveling upward, drawn to the white light emanating from the rectangular bar and held suspended slightly above it by its muted gray walls. Unwillingly you continue to delight in the aesthetics, white barstools, chairs and tables, dramatic, sweeping white sailcloth panels that grace both wall and ceiling along with few ebony wood baffles suspended from the ceiling. Quickly you might even think you’re in a cozy, swank sound studio. Not a wine bar. And not a wine bar in Harlem. It’s only after you see the back wall rack of wines, which are visible from the street, do you remember why you’re there. Your pupils should be fully dilated now and you’re glad you’ve come before sitting down and before indulging in your first pour.

Conveniently located a few short blocks from 125th Street and open Monday through Sunday from 4pm to 1am, Nectar is the child of proprietors Jai Jai Greenfield and Eric Woods who also own Harlem Vintage, the wine shop next door that preceded Nectar’s existence as a growing Harlem staple. The bartenders’ knowledge is up to speed with the establishment’s broad and eclectic offering of wines and beer. Neither shy nor standoffish, the staff is willing and able to aid you in your selections. Conventional is another word you can scratch off their list. I’m no neophyte to this place, but during a recent visit on a chilly fall evening, the manager introduced me to my first ever, beer cocktail, a concoction of Lineman’s Lambic Frambroise (this writer’s current favorite Belgian beer), pineapple juice and champagne.

And the food? Nectar has a little bit for everyone keeping focus on what is poured and not cooked. The food menu is arranged in four easy categories and is considerate of Vegans: artisanal cheeses, charcuterie (salted and cured, economical meats), nibbles such as olives, dates, duck and pistachio pate, and paninis for those in need of a little more than a pairing for the palette with their wine or beer of choice.

Here’s where existing side by side with your older brother is a plus. If, while patronizing Nectar, you come across something new or a favorite you must take home for further enjoyment, you’ll only have to go as far as next door to Harlem Vintage to buy a bottle or a case of it.

Pricing ranges from reasonable to respectable and is still considerably lower than most establishments south of Harlem.  With an ambiance that oozes smooth and cool you’ll never have to out talk the music playing overhead while imbibing with friends or the one you love. Although when it’s crowded you may have to speak to be heard over everyone else speaking as it can get lively when the house is full on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Most impressive is the diversity of the patrons. Whether you’re a neighborhood regular, hail from the outer boroughs or greater New York are, or are simply a tourist passing through, all are welcome here. Don’t be surprised if you get drawn into a great conversation with strangers at the bar and find yourself not wanting to leave.

The nectar of Harlem just happens to flow from a place called Nectar. It’s Harlem’s wine bar destination.

Nectar Wine Bar
2235 8th Ave
New York, NY 10027-6175
(212) 961-9622
www.nectarwinenyc.com

Tired of dressing up like a ghost or a ghoul for Halloween? If your answer is “yes”, then head down to Union Square for MarvelFest NYC ’09 and channel your inner superhero.

On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, Marvel Comics will celebrate the launch of its newest motion comic, Astonishing X-Men, with events in and within walking distance of Manhattan’s Union Square. If you don’t know, the X-Men are Marvel Comics most popular superhero team made up of mutants, people born with uncanny, superhuman abilities, who use their gifts to fight evil while having to fend off stinging discrimination and racism directed towards them for being “different.”

At 4 pm stop by Forbidden Planet on 13th and Broadway where you’ll be able to meet several of the current greats in comic books. People, such as, Neal Adams, Chris Claremont and Dan Slott, the names behind Uncanny X-Men, X-Men Forever and this writer’s favorite, the Amazing Spider-Man.

At 6 pm take a short walk down Broadway to Union Square to show off your creativity as a superhero by entering the X-Men Marvel Motion Comics Costume Contest.

[Reprinted from MarvelFest NYC 2009: The object of the Astonishing X-Men Marvel Motion Comics Costume Contest is to dress as your favorite Marvel character in a family friendly costume at Marvel’s New York City outdoor premiere of the Astonishing X-Men Marvel Motion Comic on October 28, 2009 which staff members of Marvel will judge based on their set criteria.]

You must be 18 years or older to participate in the contest and if you win, you could be featured in an upcoming Marvel Comic. Everyone who participates will receive an exclusive Nick Fury action figure, a takeaway your child (or husband) will definitely appreciate. But it doesn’t end here. At 7 pm find a good spot in the park to watch the outdoor premiere of the Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic. If you get hungry while you’re there, you’re in luck. You won’t want to pass up the opportunity to grab a delicious burger and custard shake you won’t forget at the legendary Shake Shack located right inside the park.

Do something different this Halloween. There’s no age limit for having fun here. If the kid in you or your spouse is alive and kicking then indulge your imagination and a set of your favorite tights or longjohns and have some good old fashioned fun! Don’t forget your camera!

For more information and official contest rules visit MarvelFest NYC ’09.

MavelFest NYC ‘09
October 28, 2009
Start Time: 4:00 pm EST
Union Square
New York, NY 10003

Image Credit: Marvel Comics