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

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

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

A traditional Mother’s Day for me is one I always look forward to. Starting off with kisses from my wonderful children for every year I’ve been a mother. 7 kisses from my son and 14 from daughter this year, then partaking of a wonderful breakfast my husband and children prepare consisting of pancakes, eggs, and bacon & fruit salad. Although, my fruit salad never really makes it to the tray because my son believes he must sample the fruit to make sure they’re just right.

I then look forward to Sunday Mass where we receive our Mother’s Day blessing, followed by an early dinner with parents, grandparents.

Although my Mother’s Day tradition comes only once a year, Mother’s Day is everyday for all Mother’s who know they are loved and appreciated.

Linda      

There was a time in middle school when I went to my dad’s dental office for Bring Your Child to Work Day. Not only did I learn about the art of filling cavities and crafting dentures, but I also realized that the most rewarding part of his job is building patient relationships. That day gave me a better understanding of why he loves going into work every single day.

Fast forward 10 years and the tables turned.

Last week, Hunter Public Relations hosted its first-ever Bring Your Parents to Work Day. Over time, we've found that many of our parents and extended family members have little to no idea about the life of a PR professional. As a result, Hunter PR conducted a survey to see what the staff's family members thought PR executives typically handle. Overall, our survey concluded that 45% of family members believe the job involves creating a print ad or TV commercial, and 85% of people wish they had a better understanding of what PR professionals do for a living.

We organized a jam-packed schedule of activities for our 70+ attendees, with PR 101 courses including brainstorming, media training and social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs). We also offered our family members hands-on electives to introduce them to Hunter PR’s client roster, which included wine tasting, whisky tasting featuring our clients Bushmills and Johnnie Walker, recipe development featuring Campbell's cooking soups, and a gift-wrapping demo featuring Scotch tape and Scotch gift-wrapping supplies. The gift-wrapping course even included a special appearance by 2008 Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper, Alton Dulaney.

We would like to thank all of the family members for attending and making the event a huge success. The day’s activities were informative, inspiring, engaging, and most importantly, fun!

A few words parting words from the parents:

“I learned about the elements of the brainstorming process. I can see why my daughter is always so excited when she talks to me about her job.”

- Jill Fishgold (Nancy’s mom)

“I learned a lot about PR today – especially social media!”

- Karen Bitting (Kaitlin’s mom)

“Today I learned how a company’s culture of fun and professionalism can drive excellence in the PR business. Hunters rock!”

- Bob Palestine (Danny’s dad)

Tracy Hom with her parents, Joe and Emily Hom

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