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

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

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

If you are looking to take a trip overseas, I highly recommend sitting through the 15-hour flight to Asia it will be well worth your time and money. I recently visited the “Pearl of the Orient,” the place where East meets West – the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong. This bustling city will be liked by anyone who is adventurous when it comes to food, interested in experiencing a new culture and likes to shop.

A few quick tidbits about Hong Kong – the official languages are English and Cantonese; the currency is the Hong Kong Dollar; Hong Kong spans approximately 420 square miles and consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, and more than 200 offshore islands, which are separated by Victoria Harbor; Hong Kong was originally settled by Britain and has many British influences as a result.

If you find yourself in Hong Kong...

Try authentic Cantonese food!

Like fish? Visit any of the local fishing villages, including Lei Yue Mun. Here you can choose any fish or crustacean from the individual fish vendor stalls, and your fish will be hand-delivered to your restaurant for the chef to prepare to your liking.

For a fancy night on the town, try The Four Season’s Lung King Heen, the only Chinese restaurant with a three star Michelin rating. I suggest splurging for the chef’s tasting menu where you can try everything from shark’s fin to abalone to wagyu beef. The menu changes seasonally, so make a reservation and look at the recent menu before your visit.

Bring your sneakers, and pick up an Octopus card!

Like many big cities, Hong Kong is a place best explored on foot. You can walk to most places or enjoy the efficient train system called the MTR. Pick up an Octopus card and save yourself the hassle of buying train tickets each day by prepaying the fare. The train system is easy to navigate and you can use your cell phone underground – just be sure to keep to the right on the escalators.

Visit the Central area for an extensive array of shopping at the IFC Mall. As you make your way to the shops, you will see many of the towering skyscrapers that dot the city skyline. 

Next, set your bags down and head up to The Peak. For a good work out, walk up the windy path to the top in about 30 minutes or take a tram to the summit.  From The Peak you will see views of Hong Kong that are unmatched anywhere else!

After your day of walking, relax pier-side in Kowloon, located directly across from Hong Kong Island, for the best view of the city skyline. The laser light show was named the "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records. This attraction is free and runs on the hour.

The tourist hotspots are endless!

Depending on your length of stay, additional activities and locations to visit while in Hong Kong include:

- Happy Valley horse racing

- Lantau Island cable car ride to a giant Buddha

- Shek-O Beach for surfing

- Mongkok Hong Kong markets

- Lan Kwai Fong for nightlife that stretches far into early morning

- Museums in Tsim Sha Tsui including Museum of Art and Museum of History, Space Museum and Science Museum

There is so much to do in Hong Kong that I recommend you stay for at least 5 days. Find out more from the Hong Kong visitors center.

路順風 (Have a safe journey!)

Rebecca

Memorial Day weekend is thought by many to be the unofficial start of summer, and if the weather cooperates common celebrations include hitting the beach or hosting a barbeque.  Three friends and I took a different approach to the long weekend, however, by embarking on a road trip that took us from Seattle to Los Angeles over the course of two weeks.

Some noteworthy stops along the way included:

- Seattle’s Pike Place, known to many as the home of the original Starbucks and site of the famous public market

- The Gorge in George, WA for the Sasquatch Festival, which is definitely the most beautiful concert venue I’ve ever been to

- Portland, OR, where we fell in love with the Ace Hotel (which became our home away from home) and took a side trip to Astoria where The Goonies was filmed 25 years ago

- Traversing the Redwood Forest, where we almost took off a side mirror in our attempt to take a Chevy Tahoe through the famous drive-through tree

- Wine tasting in Sonoma Valley, complete with a picnic lunch

- San Francisco, where we successfully fit a week’s worth of activity into two days thanks to our dedicated host/tour guide, Brant

- Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur along Route 1, which featured breathtaking scenery for miles

- Los Angeles, where we managed to visit Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach when not sitting in traffic

We also used our trip as an exercise in social media by group tweeting along the way (check out our feed at http://www.twitter.com/thebrodyjenner - our account name is a long story!).  Our friends and families were able to view photos and read trip commentary instantaneously while we created a digital journal that we can return to for years to come. 

We came to a realization during our trip that eventually became our unofficial motto: it wasn’t a vacation, it was an adventure.

Kaitlin

Last week, when I went to meet a few friends for drinks in the West Village, I walked in to see every single one of them glued to their iPhone/Blackberry, and they barely even noticed me. What were they so enthralled in? Well one was checking in on Foursquare, another was tweeting about the delicious cocktails, and the other was figuring out where to go for dinner through the Urban Spoon app.

While I may have been slightly annoyed at first, I realized that social media has truly become a part of our everyday life – not just the free time at our computers anymore. With the growth of smartphones and fast wifi connections, people are updating right on location...relationships are being made online and then transferred into real life and vice-versa. The online world has been integrated into every part of what we do...the people we meet, the things we buy, the places we go. And there's no turning back; by 2015, the mobile Web will be bigger than desktop Internet use.

The next morning, when I snoozed my phone alarm to put off getting out of bed for another 10 minutes, I checked out Facebook on my iPhone and got excited to see 2 photos tagged of me and a friend request from a new person I’d met the day before.

Olivia

Some of my strongest memories are tied to -- if not defined by -- music.  From the age of about 18 months old, when my parents found me whistling under the breakfast table, to feeling “easy like Sunday morning” after last night’s supermarket run, it’s hard to remember a time I didn’t have a song in my head. 

A few years back, I found a book:  This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin, which served as perfect way to feed both my inner geek and also gain a better understanding of why certain songs just stick with you and have the power to instantly remind you of specific events, times or places.

The recent spell of warm weather left me longing for lazy summer days and scanning my sonic memory bank to create playlists to welcome the season.  After culling some favorites (and with a little crowd sourcing thrown in for good measure), I had a list of more than 100 good-time summer jams, spanning several decades.  Since I can barely scratch the surface here, I’ll share a couple playlists (one old school, one contemporary) to help get you in the summer mindset.

Summer Breeze – Seals & Crofts

Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

California Soul – Marlena Shaw

Steal Away – Robbie Dupree

Reminiscing – Little River Band

I’d Really Love to See You Tonight – England Dan and John Ford Coley

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John and Kiki Dee

Whenever I Call You Friend – Kenny Loggins/Melissa Manchester

Living Thing – ELO

Xanadu – Olivia Newton John

Jump in the Pool – Friendly Fires

Catch the Sun – Doves

Ooh Yeah – Moby

Happy Up Here –Royksopp

Raindrops – Basement Jaxx

Keep Your Eyes Ahead – The Helio Sequence

Nearer Than Heaven – The Delays

Sometime Around Midnight – Airborne Toxic Event

1901—Phoenix

Kids -- MGMT

What gems will this summer hold?  It’s a bit early to say, but the new MGMT and Gorillaz are poised to be in heavy rotation.

Amanda

Coming to you from Hunter PR in Chicago. I am thrilled to rejoin Hunter from the Windy City! We’ve got a lot of foodies in the office, so I decided to dedicate my post to the wonderful food scene here. Hopefully this will serve as a mini-resource the next time you’re visiting the Second City and need a place to chow down downtown.  After reflecting on the best food experiences I’ve had to-date, here are my top five restaurant recommendations:

The Purple Pig – how can you go wrong with the tagline “Cheese, Swine and Wine”?  This friendly wine bar is tucked away on the Magnificent Mile but is frequented by locals.  Don’t miss: Pig’s Ear with Crispy Kale, Marinated Cherry Peppers & Fried Egg

Quartino – This popular Italian tapas restaurant, pizzeria and wine bar never disappoints, and that’s why Chicagoans keep coming back. Great place before a night out on the town. Don’t miss: anything on the Salumeria small plates menu (try the Duck Prosciutto!)

XOCO – You’ve done it again, Rick Bayless, and this time, celebrating Mexican street food.  This quick service café in River North, next to Bayless’ famed Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, features delectable entrees for under $15.  “Xoxo” is Mexican slang for “little sister”.  Don’t miss: Woodland Mushroom Tortas

Hop Haus – This neighborhood bar is unassuming from the outside, but is one-of-a-kind on the inside.  Head here for your pick of 32 microbrews and imports, including Ebel‘Sweiss from Illinois (personal fave).  Don’t miss: Ostrich burger with Havarti cheese

Sushi Naniwa – There are tons of sushi options in River North, but Sushi Naniwa is home to the freshest sushi for the best value.  The staff is incredibly friendly, too. Great place to eat in or take out. Don’t miss: Uni shooter (sea urchin)

Rachel