Autumn is my favorite season for three reasons: the amazing weather and foliage that hits the Northeast region, the start of professional football season, and, most importantly, the onslaught of great pumpkin beer. Every year, around this time, stores and bars begin celebrating the colder weather with grand displays featuring brews embracing the season’s favorite flavor. And since my personal attempt to create my very own pumpkin beer was thwarted by a siphoning incident, I’d like to take the blog post to share my favorite options for you to indulge in the awesomeness that is Autumn beer:

1. Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, the category’s newest addition, is one of the best pumpkin beers of the season. The unfiltered wheat ale features crisp flavor of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove that could only be delivered from a Shock Top cask. It has easily become my personal “must-have” beer of the season.

2. Smutty Nose Pumpkin Ale is more relaxed in flavor but not in quality. The smooth taste and thick texture makes this ale the perfect compliment to your annual Thanksgiving dinner. Start planning your sides around it.

3. Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale is a spicy and sweet autumn beer inspired by one of the top Belgian Whites beers. It is the great addition to the traditional citrus flavor of the Blue Moon family but brewed with the bounty of fall spices making it a necessary addition to your weekly Sunday tailgate.

- Dan

Bing Crosby was dreaming of a white Christmas this year, and boy is that what we got… the day after!

A record-breaking blizzard whipped through the northeast the day after Christmas, burying cities in feet of snow and leaving thousands of people stranded all over the tri-state area after authorities shut down major transportation for nearly 24 hours. With nearly 2 feet of snow, The National Weather Center ranked this one as the 6^th biggest snowstorm since 1989.

Here is a look back at some of the worst blizzards in NYC history:

Blizzard of 1888 – With 21 inches of snow in NYC, snow totals reached 50” in Connecticut and caused 400 deaths nationwide. 

Blizzard of 1947 - Dropping 26.4 inches of snow in Central Park, the storm is now ranked as the second biggest snowstorm in New York City history.

The Storm of the Century, 1993 - Massive snowfalls were recorded and 26 states were hit (roughly half of the entire U.S. population). 270 Americans were killed.

Blizzard of 1996 - Dumping more than 20 inches of snow in Central Park, it is now marked the third biggest snowstorm in New York City history.

President’s Day Storm 2003 - Nearly two feet of snow blanketed the New York City area, which claimed 42 lives nationwide.

NYC Blizzard, 2006 – Central Park recorded a total of 26.9 inches of snow, which set the record for the greatest snowfall in New York City.

 February 2010 - Set the record for the month with the most snow with 36.9”.

Check out this amazing time-lapse video of the blizzard in Belmar, NJ, near my hometown! (courtesy of NBC New York)

LC

Hunter Public Relations recently commissioned our eighth annual year-end food survey to rank the most significant food-related stories of 2010.  Americans chose the BP oil spill’s impact on the seafood industry for the number one spot. It’s the first time in three years that an environmental food story has topped the list.

We also asked about food pop culture news and the limited return of McDonald’s McRib sandwich stood out most to consumers. When asked which food trend they want to be over in 2011, almost half felt that “bacon flavored everything” is past its prime. Check out the complete list of survey results here.

This year, to help bring the survey to life – literally – we took a Flip Cam to the streets of the Big Apple and asked New Yorkers what they thought the top food stories of the year were and which food trends they want to be over in 2011. We got some great responses! You can view the video here.

I think the survey provides an accurate snapshot of which food-related stories resonate most to Americans. But, I have to admit I was surprised and disappointed to hear that people are over Bacon. In my book, bacon is the perfect food and will never go out of style. Gourmet food trucks on the other hand…

Amanda

Being the resident “boozehound” at Hunter Public Relations is no small task.  Multiple times a week I’m asked dinner/drink recommendations, and with limitless possibilities in New York City there isn’t a cookie cutter answer.  You have to think about the size of the group, location, type of food, and the list goes on and on. 

While I can’t write about all of the best places to eat and drink in the city (this post would go on forever), I can mirror GQ who recently released their “25 Best Bars in America.” I’m doing a more concentrated version and present my “Top 4 Go-To New York City Bars” in no particular order.  Good drinks are important, but it’s the person behind the stick that creates a memorable experience.

Eleven Madison Park (11 Madison Ave., at 24^th St.)

I frequent Eleven Madison Park often, not because it’s only two blocks away from our office (which is a nice perk), but because Leo Robitschek is creating some of the best cocktails in the city.  Don’t shy away from the 4-star atmosphere.  The bar is welcoming and Leo immediately makes you feel at ease.

Painkiller (49 Essex St., between Hester St. and Grand)

Hands down the best Pina Colada in the city, served in a pineapple of course!  Bartenders Giuseppe Gonzalez and Richie Boccato have put their heart and sole into this Lower East Side bar and have really led the Tiki resurgence happening across the country.

Daddy-O (44 Bedford between Leroy St. and Carmine)

Daddy-O has everything you’d ever want from a good bar – great food, cocktails and TVs.  I suggest saddling up to the bar and saying hi to the bearded owner, Phil Casaceli.  You’ll end up sitting there for hours, but don’t leave without trying the macaroni salad.

Mayahuel (204 E. 6^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Ave.)

We all know that Mayahuel has one of the best tequila and mezcal selections in the city, but I go there to hang out with the bartenders.  Phil Ward, Eryn Reece and the whole staff are awesome and cranking out some top-notch cocktails, which is just icing on the cake.

Vanessa

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

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

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

Even though I was born in Southern California, I never considered myself a surfer girl.  After all, I chose to live in NYC and pound the pavement, not the sand!  However, back in 2007, I became associated with the Surfrider Foundation through a beach-cleaning initiative hosted by one of Hunter’s clients, Barefoot Wine.  What I got exposed to was something I could not shake - surf culture!  It is the best of the laid back life - catching waves, going with the flow and not sweating the small stuff.  Some of the friendliest and more sincere people I have met came through a few hours spent at the shore.  Since my first Surfrider meeting out at Rockaway Beach, I had been looking for the right way to get further involved and start bringing this feeling to other people.

It was through Surfrider Foundation that I learned about WAVES for Development in Peru.  While it's a fairly new organization, its mission is clear - and refreshing.  Peru has some of the most epic coastlines in the world, yet the people living on it are too poor to ever afford the supplies/materials to surf it.  WAVES volunteers provide these materials and give local children the chance to hit the water.  When I dug a little deeper, I decided I had to be a part of it.  So, back in October, I headed out to Peru to lend a hand with the WAVES team.  What I got was a trip of a lifetime!

After landing in Lima, I faced a 17 hour bus ride to rural Lobitos.  Yes, 17 hours sounds horrible – and it was no picnic – but, my excitement helped take the edge off (plus the assortment of random, poorly selected American movies they played, ranging from dated romantic comedies to graphic, violent thrillers played in the wee hours of the morning).  Also, the three other volunteers who were joining me at the camp were also on the bus, so we shared the pain and got some of the initial introductory awkwardness out of the way.  I met Tom and Mark, two guys from Sydney, Australia who graduated college in May and had just embarked on a six month journey across South America and Billy from Kentucky, a man with an apparently very flexible work schedule and a thirst for gnarly waves (not available to him in KY!)

After arriving in Lobitos, we met the other volunteers already at camp, Tom and Ali from Melbourne, Australia, Jen from Houston, TX and Naomi (also from Australia), the program director.  We were also introduced to our project to complete during our time there, a surf board repair shack (La Choza de WAVES), designed by Tom.  The idea in building such a place was to provide the local kids a place to do quick-fixes on boards for tourists passing through.  This was just one part of a larger effort to empower these people who are quickly becoming a part of a tourist town – guiding them towards recognizing the fiscal opportunities there are when more people start coming to visit their shores!

Outside of the days spent building, we spent our time visiting with the local people to practice our Spanish, trying to cook with limited supplies (and usually giving up and eating cookies washed down with beer) and of course, in the water.  The Aussies and Billy all had experience surfing, but Jen and I were there to learn.  All dressed in my wetsuit and carrying a long board, I certainly looked the part.  But, even after a few lessons, I did NOT (I am sad to say) ever pop up.  But, even riding the waves on my stomach was exhilarating and gave me the motivation to get back out there.  And, on top of everything else, it was all happening in a beautiful place!

I am thankful to the folks at WAVES for giving me such a memorable experience in such a short amount of time.  I was only at camp for ten days while everyone else stayed for at least a month, and we maximized every minute.  I had an amazing time seeing a new part of the world and made friends for life.  I hope to go back some day!  See below for some pictures from my trip.

Marieke

Lobitos, Peru in all its glory

Working on the surf shack

Warming up before surf lessons

The beautiful beaches of Lobitos