Author Archive

Saatchi Eats: Hudson Clearwater

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

HC2

We refer to this lunch spot (which serves lunch from 12-3 pm) as a “secret restaurant”.

For lunch, the door is easy to find. For dinner, you might not be so lucky.

Hudson Clearwater is a little taste of Brooklyn in the heart of the West Village, just three streets up from Saatchi on Hudson St. The food was absolutely delicious, and we even got a fresh fruit smoothie to split as a little pick-me-up.

Now, it’s time to get down to business. What did we eat!?

Fresh Fruit Smoothie

smoothies

This smoothie was SO good – a combination of orange, banana, blueberry & raspberry. It was pretty thick, so we ended up using spoons to eat it rather than drink it. Was a great, refreshing way to start the meal but could probably be a healthy dessert option as well.

Baby Spinach Salad

Salad

This salad was definitely big enough to be an entree, but we chose to split it in three as our appetizer. The spiced pecans and brie combination make this a healthy yet savory option!

Details are key:

  • baby spinach, honeycrisp apple, brie, spiced pecans, apple-sage vinaigrette   $ 9

8 OZ. ANGUS or VEGGIE BURGER

Burger
We got both the Angus burger and the Veggie burger. Delicious is an understatement. For all you beef eaters, this burger was cooked to perfect and came with your choice of a side salad or fries. The jalapeño aioli gave it some kick! For the vegetarians in the house, the veggie burger was awesome paired with manchego cheese, it’s like you’re having a real burger ;)

Details are key:

  • bibb lettuce, tomato, jalapeño aioli, fresh baked roll $ 13
  • add aged white cheddar, roquefort bleu, manchego, parmesan or crispy shallots $ 1 

Organic Lemon-Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Chicken

A classic grilled chicken sandwich that was turned into a more gourmet version with the lemon twist, mustard-mayo combo and roasted red peppers. Paired with just-the-right-amount-of-greasy french fries, this meal was satisfying and filling!

Details are key:

  • free-range, mizuna greens, roasted red peppers, house mustard-mayo, baguette $ 12
Category: Saatchi Eats

NYC Cliffs Notes

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

New York always has cool stuff going on, but sometimes there’s just SO much that we end up going home and watching Hulu. To help out, we’ve decided to weed out some of our favorite, most affordable, outside the norm options to make sure you stay informed, entertained and awesome. Anyone have personal favorite NYC destinations? Hit us up in the comments.

Bowlmor Lanes (10 University Pl.)

bowlmor

Formerly Employed Wednesdays at Bowlmor includes $4 bowling and cheap beer. As our Chase clients say,
“Seize the Wednesday!”

Bushwick Country Club (618 Grand St., Brooklyn)

photobooth

Feeling photogenic today? For $3 you can use the old-fashioned photo-booth at the Bushwick Country Club … and have a drink while you’re at it.

The “other” Chinatown

Chinatown

Few people know that Flushing, Queens is the real Chinatown. You won’t find signs in English, you probably will have no idea what the food you just ordered is, and you’ll feel like you just got away with a trip to China for just $2.50 (aka your Metrocard swipe). Take the 7 train to the last stop on the Queens bound side and be prepared to leave Manhattan behind

Brooklyn Academy of Music

NYT2009021118564738C

BAM, or The Brooklyn Academy of Music is well known to locals for being the home of progressive stage performances. BAM is located in downtown Brooklyn and includes an opera house, a theater and a cinema.

Category: New York

The Gift That Never Started Giving

Monday, December 17th, 2012

sweater - thumb

You know that time during the holidays when you open a gift, look inside and think – “Wow, this is sort of horrible?” We’ve all been there. But the hard truth is that almost all of us have given a dud gift at some point.

To set the mood for the last week of 2013, we’re put together a comprehensive list of the avoidable flops, hopefully helping you to avoid picking one on your last minute shopping spree. Happy Holidays!

Duds for Dads (Brothers)

ties

  • Ties – if it isn’t Salvatore Ferragamo, your dad doesn’t want it
  • Electronic Dartboards
  • Low-quality dress shirts
  • A mug that says “I love you” or has your face on it – no doubt from the local mall
  • The re-gift – that random thing you have no use for that is unisex enough to give to your brother without spending money on him

Missteps for Moms (and Sisters)

bodyworks

  • Bath and Body Works products.
  • Crappy jewelry that no one wears from discount stores.
  • Appliances, especially if your Dad gives one to your Mom.
  • The “coupon” for babysitting, a free hug or 15 minutes of your time – because you were too lazy or broke to give a real gift.

Flops from Mom, Dad, Grandma or anyone else Adult You doesn’t really know that well

fruit basket

  • DIY projects – No one will ever make their own ant farm or brew their own beer (okay, maybe a few creatives have a homebrew going in their apartment . . .)
  • Cheap chocolate – the calories are never worth it, and now you just feel guilty for throwing food away
  • Fruit baskets – On second thought, cheap chocolate’s not so bad after all.
  • Ornaments – Unless it has some serious meaning behind it – No. Just, no.
  • Mittens or homemade sweaters – mittens are for children and homemade sweaters are itchy
  • The Spa Package – We put this here because your mother probably bought it from your local hometown spa, which she will thereby use to force you to come home more often

Generic But Okay Gifts

Gift-Card1

We didn’t want to be a TOTAL Grinch, so here’s three acceptable (yet generic) gift options:

  • iTunes Giftcards
  • Starbucks Giftcards
  • Visa/Amex Giftcards
  • Cash. It’s the universal gift.
Category: New York, Our People

5 Cheesy/Awesome NYC Holiday Activities

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

In case you hadn’t noticed – it’s nearly 70 Degrees in NYC today. Fret not though, because sooner rather than later we’ll be back to the standard freezing temperatures New Yorkers have come to expect for the holiday season. And with that cold weather comes a responsibility to do at least SOMETHING festive before or during the break. To help you on your way, Cristina Pansolini breaks down some of the best cheesy (and of course, fun) holiday activities to partake in. Enjoy!

NOTHING SAYS FESTIVE LIKE ICE SKATING

Rockefeller Center:

The fanciest option when it comes to ice skating during the holidays! At $25 for rentals plus a locker, Rockefeller Center ice skating is a gorgeous, romantic and fun way to spend an evening or Saturday afternoon. The huge tree and festive lights will make you remember why you love New York in December. Of course – the crowds might make you forget why you love New York in December.

Bryant Park’s “The Pond”:

A cheaper route to ice skating, Bryant Park charges $14 for skate rentals and $9 for a lock to a locker. Insiders tip: bring your own lock and the locker is free. Surrounded by a holiday market, hot apple cider and cute kids, Bryant Park is a holiday experience for sure. Sponsored by CitiBank, The Pond brings the holiday cheer and seems to have a less touristy feel than Rockefeller Center.

CENTRAL PARK IS WHERE IT’S AT

Every girl will deny interest in taking a horse and buggy ride through Central Park, but almost all of us are lying. It’s cheesy, expensive, cliché … and absolutely adorable and romantic. Guys, we know it seems ridiculous, but trust us. You’ll earn major points if you spring for this holiday staple.

WINDOW GAWKING

Macys, Lord &  Taylor, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys & Bloomingdales

The NYC Holiday Windows are always amazing, with professional designers and artists contributing to the designs. A surprisingly organized experience, there is usually a red velvet rope around the windows for people to gaze and walk without stopping foot traffic. Not only is it free, but holiday window gawking is an easy, “in-between” activity. As you walk up to Bryant Park for ice skating, you can stop for 10 minutes to marvel at how shiny everything in the windows of Macy’s is!

HOLIDAY MARKETS

Every December the city comes alive with Holiday street markets. Sure some of the stuff is kitschy or overpriced, but nothing screams Holiday Season in America like a little old fashioned shopping.

Here’s a few of our favorites:

(1) Union Square Holiday Market, (2) The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, (3) The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, (4) The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, & (5) The Brooklyn Flea: Gifted Holiday Market.

LIGHT THE NIGHT IN BROOKLYN

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn is known for their Christmas spirit. The neighborhood goes all out and decorates their house fronts with everything from life size carolers to snowflakes the size of your face. It’s a pretty walk with some hot chocolate and a group of friends or significant other. Though be sure to bundle up, as this walk is obviously only worth it at night!

Category: New York, Our People

Saatchi Eats: Cafe Henri

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

SAATCHI EATS is a casual insider’s guide to cool food finds around the neighborhood.    This week – French café fare from Café Henri (27 Bedford St).

Last week, the H/H team took a trip over to Cafe Henri, a local French hotspot on Bedford and Downing Street. The verdict? A new favorite lunch spot for pretty much all of us. With reasonable prices and a rustic-chic atmosphere, we were excited to dig into the extensive menu of French classics. Here’s a run-down on what we ate and what we thought. Oh, and did we mention they do breakfast all day?

Gratines A L’oignon (French Onion Soup)

A warm appetizer with baked cheese rarely disappoints – and this soup definitely hit the spot. A tasty pre-meal treat with a twist: the rosemary baked into the cheese kicked it up a notch.

Eggs Benedict with Ham, Roasted Potatoes and Mesclun Salad

A classic done well! Some people will argue that brunch is strictly a weekend engagement, but this dish makes the case for why those people are wrong.  You can opt for ham, bacon or smoked salmon, but the ham was a salty and wonderful selection.  In the end, it made for a heavier lunch option but so worth it.

La Poulet Ratatouille (Roasted Chicken and Ratatouille on a Toasted Baguette)

This sandwich was just the right amount of healthy, without being boring. The chicken was tender and the bread was moistened by the delicious ratatouille vegetables. The side salad was classic, with slight oil and vinaigrette.

Le Croque Madame (Toasted Country Bread with Ham, Cheese and a Sunny-Side Egg)

A true French lunch – a croque-anything! The lady-counterpart to the Le Croque Monsieur was to die for. The difference between Madame and Monsieur? Madame comes with the sunnyside egg. Paired with a mixed green salad as the lighter side dish, this was a perfectly balanced meal.

Category: Saatchi Eats

Happy Hour Sunspots: Downtown

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Summer has definitely let us know it’s here, and here to stay. What better way to embrace the heat than with a cool drink, some sunglasses and a rooftop?  We’re bringing you some of the best summer happy hour sunspots to help you get your tan, and your drink, on!

Yaffa Cafe
Location: East Village

There’s nothing better than some greenery and an East Village mojito. The decor at Yaffa Cafe is really funky, they have great fruity cocktails and a cool selection of interesting beers. Plus, the people watching is almost as good as in Williamsburg.

Saturdays Surf NYC
Location: Soho

In addition to the surfer-esque clothing, Saturdays has an up-front espresso bar serves their own blend of La Colombe coffee brewed by some of the best baristas in the city. Out back, the fully planted yard acts as a wood-decked sanctuary from the streets. It is a place to enjoy your coffee, hang out with friends or have a quiet meeting. We thought we should throw in a more tranquil, liquor-free option!

The Delancey
Location: Lower East Side

Time Out NY said it best, “The rooftop [at The Delancey] is what keeps crowds coming back to this LES rock club—it’s got potted palms, a fishpond and a margarita machine. When the airy party ends at midnight, head to the ground level for dee-jayed music or into the basement to catch a live show. Tuesdays from 7 to 10pm, hot dogs and burgers are served for five bucks per plate—so no need to worry about boozing on an empty stomach.”

Category: Links, New York, Outdoor & Ambient, Saatchi Eats

That Advertising Blog That Should Be Famous: It’s Nice That

Thursday, July 26th, 2012

It’s Nice That

It’s Nice That is a well-curated selection of cool new work from creative people who work in a variety of disciplines within the art and design worlds. Plus, it gets plenty of bonus points for being as nice to look at as the work it showcases.

With everything from digital work to print ads to graffiti, this creative advertising blog reminds us of why we do what we do: to create cool s#*t for cool brands.

 

Category: Creative, Digital & Interactive, Links, New York

New Directors Showcase: Meet Your Creator

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on Saatchi & Saatchi’s  ’Meet Your Creator‘ to introduce the 22nd New Directors’ Showcase. A troupe of 16 Quadrotors created by KMel Robotics danced to sound composed by Oneohtrix Point Never, and stimulated an incredible light show.

Tom Eslinger, Worldwide Creative Director Digital, commented on this year’s reel: “The 2012 Showcase shows how diverse media channels are bringing more and more content to the surface, making this a really exciting collection which reflects how we come in contact with ideas and all things visual. The influence of not only rapid-to-create technology, but also rapid-to-distribute channels, is seen in the quality and content, as well as where the work is connecting with people and communities.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cseTX_rW3uM

Credits:

The New Directors’ Showcase 2012

Brought to you by Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide

 

“MEET YOUR CREATOR”

Event concept created by

Jonathan Santana & Xander Smith, Saatchi & Saatchi

 

Producer

Juliette Larthe

juliette@prettybirduk.com

 

Production Supervisor

Holly Restieaux

 

Show Directors

Marshmallow Laser Feast

Memo Akten, Robin McNicholas, Barney Steel

www.marshmallowlaserfeast.com

 

MLF Team:
Raffael Ziegler
Devin Matthews
Rob Pybus
James Medcraft

 

Quadrotor Design & Development

KMel Robotics

http://kmelrobotics.com

 

Sound Design

Oneohtrix Point Never

http://pointnever.com

Intro Music

“Shine a Light”

Spiritualized®

 

Typography & Design

Farrow Design

http://www.farrowdesign.com

 

Set Design

Sam & Arthur

http://www.samandarthur.com

Production
Ben Larthe
Mike Tombeur
Gaspar

Thanks to Vicon for the tracking system.

And special thanks to

Johnny Milmer

Francois Wunshcel

Arturo

Andreas Muller, Marek Bereza, Erik Sjodin

The openFrameworks community

 

 

Category: Creative, Digital & Interactive, New York, Our People, Thought Leadership