When they’re not launching the toy lines for blockbuster movies and entertainment, Hunter Public Relations Hasbro Boys Toys team spends much of its summer hopping around the map from fan convention to fan convention. They rarely have an opportunity to share “their world” with the rest of the Hunter PR family.  That is until last week…

Eric and Brittney are so sweet and unassuming…

 Last Wednesday night, a handful of Hunter PR staff members took to the “high seas” of NYC’s East River to enjoy MC Chris’ performance aboard the Rocks Off concert cruise.  While most in our group were getting their first taste of MC Chris and his counter culture hip hop artistry, overall, newcomers to this scene were definitely in the minority.  The boat was packed with enthusiastic fans of the lyrical wiz, who’s arguably the most prolific “nerdcore” rapper in the industry. Nerdcore? Yes, it refers to the subject matter by which MC’s music is inspired.  If he has watched it, read it or played with it in his life – he’s rapped about it.  So if you’re a fan of things like Star Wars and Harry Potter, or video games, comic books and cartoons, you’ll frakin love MC Chris.  Just ask my colleagues who went to the show that night…

OMGOMGOMG! It’s MC Chris!

 After setting the mood with a few pre-show geektastic scores by Hans Zimmer and John Williams, MC took to the stage with the energy and sharpness that has endeared him to his fan base for years.  He unleashed a set loaded with fan favorites including Hoodie Ninja, OMC, Tussin, Pizza Butt and Emo Party.  And the hundreds of rap hands in the air were proof positive that the crowd was lovin’ every beat.

Let me see your rap hands!

 As a long-time MC Chris fan myself, I always look forward to hearing him perform a few songs in particular at his shows:

IG-88’s ’57 Chevy – IG-88 is an Assassin Droid turned bounty hunter who had but a mere 5 seconds of screen time 30 years ago(!!!) in Star War: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. And he has his own awesome song. ‘Nuff said.

Pw/om, Townie and FTW – These three songs off of his Dungeon Master of Ceremonies album are nearly as great a trilogy as Star W…no, I can’t say that.  (But, sadly, none of these songs were performed that night.)

Fette’s Vette – It’s an anthem about Boba Fett, the guy who Darth Vader praised as the best bounty hunter in the galaxy.  Quite simply, you never question the Dark Lord of the Sith.  Period. 

Clone Troopers, and Dannys, and Boba Fetts! Oh, my!

 What a great night!  The show was fantastic and I’m sure that we’ll get even more colleagues out for the next time MC Chris takes the stage in New York.

 MC Chris won over a few new fans at Hunter PR that night, so why not keep it going by becoming his fan on Facebook and following him on Twitter at @_mcchris.

 Joe

There is no harder working spirits public relations team in the business than Hunter PR’s.  And though you might think we’d get our fill of work related events (and each other), we’re lucky to love the people we work with, and I love to entertain at home.  So I was thrilled to have the chance recently to host everyone at my house in Putnam County for a little escape from the city, food, and cocktail fun.

As with any event, this one started with a little research.  What to make for a dozen foodies who trade restaurant recommendations like some people trade stock tips?  A New York Times food section feature on the Korean taco truck craze inspired me to give an Asian/Mexican fusion theme a try.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/dining/28united.html

A bit more recipe research online, and the menu started coming together:

Beef and Pork Bulgogi and Napa Romaine Slaw from Gourmet:

http://www.gourmet.com/food/2009/05/korean-tacos

Kimchi Fried Rice:

http://www.trifood.com/kimchibokumbop.html

Quick Cucumber Pickle and Kogi BBQ Sauce:

http://steamykitchen.com/4474-korean-style-tacos-with-kogi-bbq-sauce.html

Our office is only a few blocks from Korea Town, and all of the specialty ingredients I needed were right on 32^nd Street at the Hanahreum Asian Mart.  I admittedly got a little carried away, and stocked my pantry with every authentic Korean ingredient I could possibly need, and then some.   For flowers, no one can beat Dahlia’s in Grand Central Station for selection, price and convenience to the commuter.

The team dragged all of the cocktail fixings up with them on the train from the City, and mixed up batches in the dining room while I hit the grill. 

Ketel One Cucumber Cooler*

½ English Cucumber, thinly sliced
16 fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Juice
1 cup soda water
1 750ml bottle of Ketel One Vodka

Preparation

1. Thinly slice half of a cucumber and set the other half aside for later use.

2. Grab 16 basil leaves and smash between your hands to release the oils. Toss basil and cucumbers into a pitcher.

3. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.

4. Add Lime juice, soda water and Ketel One Vodka

Garnish

1. Slice through the middle of a cucumber and insert a freshly cut basil leaf. 

*Recipe adapted from following article: http://www.gq.com/how-to/eat-and-drink/201008/summer-cocktails-how-to#intro

Bushmills Punch Recipe
Ingredients
3 cups of Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey
4 cups of Ginger Ale
1/4 cup of Fine Granulated Sugar
1 bag of Fresh Cherries
4 large Oranges
Lemon Bitters

Preparation

1. Add 1 cup of freshly muddled cherry juice to 1 cup of fresh orange juice.

2. Add 12 dashes of Lemon Bitters.

3. Add 3 cups of Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

4. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved.

5. Add 4 cups of ginger ale.

Serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a cherry.

Hot day + spicy food + good friends + Ketel One and Bushmills cocktails = Heaven on the Hudson!

Samara

I’m hardly a chef, or a cook for that matter, but there’s something about the food-energy in New York City that just makes you want to try. So, I often find myself testing a recipe, trying to recreate a dish that I tried at a restaurant, or just throwing together whatever I can scour from my refrigerator (typically pasta, moldy cheese and some random leftovers in a Styrofoam container).  Although sometimes unexpectedly successful, my cooking endeavors usually look more like science experiments.

But recently I’ve really put my all into it. Maybe it’s the hot summer weather, or my boredom with TV show repeats, but from some place deep down, I’ve mustered up the motivation to extend beyond grilled chicken and rice.

This summer, I’ve tried shrimp, pork, roasted chicken, sauces, soups, and even baked goods. I started growing my own herbs (that didn’t last very long, but I tried) and have even ventured from the comforting pages of my cookbooks. All in all, cooking has become much more than just a way to eat; it’s actually become a hobby.

So, my latest endeavor was pizza. Not the finest in NYC, but regardless, a proud moment for me.

I started with some ready-made dough from the freezer aisle at my grocery store, a mix of fresh veggies from the store (or the garden, if you’re really talented), and some sauce (homemade is the best, but store-bought works for me).

Roll out the dough (my favorite part).

Then, pile it all on…

…and bake at 350 degrees until the dough is crispy.

And then, almost as good as the road getting there, enjoy your very own pizza.

Now, that’s Amore!

Jen

Although I grew up in a small New Jersey suburb located a mere twenty minutes outside of New York City, this is the first summer that I am spending the majority of my time in the city. Most areas of the city offer almost every well-known restaurant or sandwich shop I can wrap my brain around within walking distance. In the area around our office, for example, you can find a Subway, Quiznos, Jamba Juice, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse and a Cosi without walking more than five blocks in any direction (not to mention there is a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks on almost every corner). Although I most certainly do not purchase lunch and coffee everyday (I am still a poor college student, after all), I found myself constantly gravitating towards places I am familiar with.

One day, I realized that I could find an Olive Garden back at home, up at school or in almost any town across America. I was missing out on the many fabulous dining opportunities that can only be found here in New York City. With that being said, I have made a personal goal to stay away from chain restaurants (no matter how delicious they are) and try my best to experience the unique dining the city has to offer. Over the course of the summer I have tried some great new restaurants that were absolutely delicious. Some of my favorites were Pomodoro Rosso on the Upper West Side, Gemma at The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side and Ninja New York in Tribeca.

Ninja New York

Gemma at The Bowery Hotel

So, I encourage you to try to steer away from what you’re already familiar with and be a little more adventurous. Rather than running to the closest Subway for lunch, why not try the local deli across the street. Good, bad or ugly it’s a better way to fully experience all of what New York City has to offer.

Chelsea

This summer, I was lucky enough to spend 10 full days and nights traveling throughout Israel on a Birthright program. For those of you who don’t know, Birthright is a free trip to Israel for Jewish people ages 18-26. Though I went with a friend from home, we were part of a North Jersey trip, with 38 other Jewish 18-21 year olds.

One of my favorite places we visited on the trip was on the first full day. After a hike in the morning, we traveled to the holy city of Tzfat. We visited the Ashkenazi and Sephardic Holy Temples there, and shopped for souvenirs in their artists’ village.

I also had my first taste of falafel in Israel in Tzfat, and it definitely lived up to my expectations—it’s ruined me for falafel anywhere else!

A definite favorite part of the trip for me was staying in a Bedouin village for a night—we slept in a familial tent with our entire group, and rode camels (some of us less gracefully than others…) before eating a huge, delicious dinner.

Another unforgettable part of Israel was hiking Mount Masada. Aside from being a major historical landmark in Israel, it was gorgeous! We hiked the mountain at 5 a.m., so that we were able to watch sunrise from the peak!

The trip was definitely one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to travel back to Israel. Until then, I’ll have to keep in touch with friends from the trip and keep meeting in the city to reminisce on our amazing time in the Holy Land!

Samantha

I haven't quite decided if it's having grown up in Maine, surrounded by wilderness, or whether it's the brief moment of warm escape from our oh-so-air-conditioned office, but there's just something about Madison Square Park that draws me in, day after day.

For those of you who have been to the park (or now have looked it up on a map), you know that it is really quite small – it only takes me about two minutes to walk diagonally across, even in heels.  But the park’s twisting pathways, flowing fountains and numerous spots to stop, sit and soak it all in, allow you to become truly immersed in nature, and are reason enough to actually take your lunch break during the busy work week.

Of course, you eventually realize that you are in the midst of a famous metropolis, and with the best of both worlds, there is no shortage of things to do, places to go, or people to see…

Surrounding the park you can find almost anything you might want to eat, whether it’s a gourmet meal, a sub from a chain restaurant, supplies for a picnic, or fresh fruit from one of the many outdoor vendors.  If you're willing to wait in the ever-present line (or know enough to check the live video feed to see any breaks in the crowd) the juicy burgers and heavenly concretes at the Shake Shack are honestly worth your wait.  Just make sure to B-line it if you’re only filling your frozen dessert fix.

 But, what really draws the crowds in to Mad.Sq.Pk. is the summer concert series that takes place at 7 p.m. every Wednesday until 8/4.  With "acts ranging from jazz, soul and R&B to folk, bluegrass and pop…” there's sure to be something for everyone!  

Whether it's your type of jam or not, the concerts make for great people watching sessions, and can be the perfect outdoor alternative to typical happy hours (the Shake Shack serves beer and wine).  Definitely worth a trip, but hurry, concerts end soon!

Other attractions at the park include:

·      Seasonal Art Exhibits

·      A dog park

·      A children's play area

·      Grassy sections for lounging

·      Plentiful chairs, benches and small patio tables

* For a list of all the things going on make sure to check out the park's event calendar.

Weather permitting, you know where to find me this summer: in my small city escape!  I hope someday you check it out, too.

Abby

It’s that time of year again. What time of year you may ask? Time for New York City Restaurant Week! NYC Restaurant Week debuted in 1992 as the country’s first-ever restaurant week. Today, Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event that lasts approximately two weeks every summer and each winter. Over 250 restaurants participate each season. These restaurants offer a three-course prix-fixe meal for $24.07 (lunch) and $35 (dinner).  

Last night, I dined at Le Cirque, one of the city’s premier French restaurants. I must admit that this was my first time eating French food and I was initially a bit intimidated by the menu. I ordered Chicken and Ramp Tortelli as my appetizer, which was a dumpling served in hazelnut broth. Everyone at my table agreed that this was the most delicious appetizer. For my main course, I ordered Sautéed Beef Medallions, which were served over a mushroom tart. This was equally scrumptious! Being a chocolate lover, I ordered Chocolate Fondant with caramelized bananas and salted caramel ice cream for dessert. After consuming my daily serving of chocolate, I sampled my friends Crème Brulee, which Le Cirque is famous for. The most unique element of their Crème Brulee is the dish in which it is served. Once you eat the dessert, you are provided with the recipe.

NYC Restaurant Week is a great way to experience restaurants that you wouldn’t normally frequent. While NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2010 officially ends on Friday, many restaurants have decided to extend their specials through the end of the summer. Click here for more information. Bon appétit!  

Megan

Before I entered the world of public relations, I was a manager at a busy and popular restaurant in New York City. During the three years I spent in the restaurant business, there was one question that was always asked of me: “HOW THE HECK DO I GET A RESERVATION?!” Well folks, I’m about to share with you my tips to scoring a great reservation.

1. If you want an 8pm reservation and the restaurant offers you 9 pm, take it! Let the reservationist know that you prefer something closer to 8 pm. If that 8 pm reservation opens up, the reservationist is going to call people with existing reservations before s/he starts calling off the wait list.

2. If you can’t get a reservation over the phone, try walking in if you’re in the neighborhood. Restaurants often reserve several tables for walk-ins only—these tables do not appear on OpenTable.com.

3. If you walk in to a restaurant and you’re told that it will be an hour wait and you’re thinking of slipping the maitre d’ dolla dolla bills…THINK AGAIN! You are wasting your money and let’s face it, you’re not at a club in Vegas. A tip is not going to get you fed faster. If the maitre d’ makes magic happen and seats you quickly, express your appreciation after your meal. Only then should you tip, if you so choose.

4. Become a manager’s BFF. Strike up a conversation with a manager and exchange business cards. The next time you want to come in you can skip calling and not bother with Open Table. You can e-mail the manager directly and ask for reservation help.

5. Calling far in advance to make a reservation is always advised. Many restaurants accept reservations 28 days in advance. However, if you’re unable to score a table in advance, call the day before and even the day of your desired reservation. During this time restaurants receive cancellations and release un-booked reservation slots that it held for regulars and friends of managers/owners of the restaurant.

6. Lastly, if you see this man, alert someone in the restaurant immediately. They will owe you forever .

Maya

When did we start living in the future? I mean, we’ve all been aware of technology evolving through our lifetime, but nothing like the pace we seem to be currently on.

The other day I found out Sony is developing a display that is as thin as a sheet of paper and flexes like paper too. We’ve got cars that run on air, and with regards to cellular technology all I have to say is this- iphone.

All of these innovations are amazing and were conceived to give us the ability to multitask and mass communicate. But, has anyone thought about how much we all depend on technology?

Back in the day, I remembered all sorts of things from phone numbers and addresses to instructions on how to make a kite. Nowadays, if I walk out of my home without my cell phone I can’t help but feel a little anxious.

Technology certainly has its perks and I’d be a hypocrite if I told you not to use it, but as an exercise, try going a day without your phone. Who knows, you might find it liberating.

Freddy 

Towels.  Sunscreen.  Sunhat.  Bathing suit.  Biodegradable trash bags.  CHECK!  Seems like a normal packing list for a weekend beach excursion until you notice that trash bags have found their way onto the list.  Whereas many beachgoers wish their fellow terry-clothed neighbors took the time to clean up (two words for clean up when used as a verb) after themselves at the beach, more often than not we’ve all left something behind for someone else to find.  Back to that thought in a moment…

My first beach love lies on the shores of Ocean Beach, Fire Island in New York, where as a toddler I took my first steps and now as an adult, continue to visit for memorable weekend jaunts.  I will confidently share that I’d prefer to visit any shore than the mountains no matter the history, the hotel or epicurean delight that may tempt me into the forest.  Spending time at the beach is something I look forward to all year long.

So, imagine my joy and delight upon learning that as part of the Barefoot Wine team at Hunter Public Relations, I would take part in an entire summer-long series of beach cleanups this summer during the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project! Though my team has been keeping beaches Barefoot-friendly for the last 4 years with support from the Surfrider Foundation, it is still a brand new undertaking for me.  So, I couldn’t have been happier or more enthusiastic about a trip to Rockaway Beach, New York two weekends ago for the kick off.

The weatherman called for rain but it turned out to be a fantastic, super sunny day for a cleanup.  More than 100 beach cleanup volunteers (including many fellow Hunter PR staff members, along with my sister, mom and helpful husband) joined up for a Saturday afternoon complete with picking up trash from beside the shore.   Following the cleanup we toasted everyone’s efforts with glasses of Barefoot Wine + Bubbly and a live music performance by Eric Hutchinson.  As the summer sun set, we high-fived each other’s efforts knowing that come Monday morning, we’d have a slight sunburn on our noses and shoulders as we start planning for the 20 additional cleanups taking place from now through October. 

Next time you see me at the beach, you can rest assured that this beach gal will have a bag in tow for trash to stow.

Check out the schedule and join us on the beach this summer!

Sarina