Emack & Bolio's

You all know I have a massive sweet tooth. I have reviewed the multiple cupcake shops, donut holes but never Ice Cream. Emack & Bolios is the ultimate Ice Cream Parlor Period!

The Ice Cream is so delectable, that I didn’t even get a picture of what I purchased!

Located in SoHo, the store has a throwback 60’s inspired them that is appealing to kid and grown ups!

 

 

 

 

The place is pure heaven! This discovery is thanks to the fabulous Mr. Houston!

Emack & Bolio's

73 West Houston Street

New York, NY  10012

Phone:  (212) 533-5610

Web: www.emackandbolios.com

Artopolis Espresso Cafe

Artopolis is a one of a kind neighborhood cafe meeting place.

I rarely walk on Amsterdam and I discovered this place, by accident, about two years ago as I was out taking pictures.  My nose led me right to this place.

You walk in and there is a massive display case filled with all kinds of goodies.  It’s a diabetics dream or nightmare depending on how you look at it.  When you walk in it’s a total sensory overload of baked goodness!

 

 
It’s a cozy space with table seating on one side of the space and take away in front of you.  In summer there is outdoor seating which is great for people watching.

The place is filled with pastries, cookies, gelato, whole cakes, coffee, tea and the cafe that has great salads and crepes.

 

 
Great ambiance, clean environs, the staff is nice and it an all around great place just to chill.

Artopolis Espresso Cafe

1090 Amsterdam Ave

New York, NY 10025

Phone: (212) 666-3744

Web: www.artopolisespresso.com

Around and Above Harlem

I happened to be out and about and snapped a few pictures around 110 Street.  I'm lucky to live in a neighborhood/community with such great parks and cultural assets.

Often times I take for granted what an artistically beautiful area it is.  I have Marcus Garvey and Morningside Parks to my East and West.  In addition, St. Nicholas Park is just to the north and Central Park to the South.

This year I planned to take more picture but due to a huge technical difficulty I haven't taken as many pictures as planned.

 A neighborhood kickball game at Morningside Park

We are also blessed to have many pocket and community parks that themselves provide a place or refuge from the stress of the big city such as the Children's Sculpture Garden

 

The beautiful doors of the Cathedral of St. John the Devine

Public art around Columbia University

Above Amsterdam Ave. looking south

Marcus Garvey Park

High above Harlem

Steak 954

As a fan of Starr Restaurants, such as Buddakan or Morimoto in NYC or the Continental, El Vez or the Parc in Philadelphia,   I was very happy to find that Steak 954 opened inside the W Fort Lauderdale.  Being a carnivore, I couldn’t wait to partake!

Steak 954 is located on what I call the “entertainment” level of the W Fort Lauderdale, next to Whiskey Blue.

Steak 954 is modern and the menu matches.  Upon entering the restaurant from the hotel you’re greeted by vivid bold patterns on the wall (sorry no pics) that connect the three portions of the restaurant.  There is a bar with a small lounge, the main dining room and a smaller semi-private dining area called the Orchard room.  During the day, the decor itself, is visually stimulating.

The Breakfast service is what I would consider standard fare. Eggs, bacon, toast, you get the picture.  

Moderately priced considering the venue.  Overall, nothing special.  The restaurant serene and relaxing which give you the opportunity to take in all design features. If not to hot or humid, you can also dine on the patio.  This service is good for all.

The restaurant comes alive for dinner service.  The atmosphere goes from laid back casual to urbane modern.  It’s super dark inside and the main feature of the restaurant is the massive aquarium filled with jelly fish.  It’s cute in a Jacque Cousteau, kind of way.  The evening service brings a whole different clientele.  Special occasion diners, sugar daddy’s and gay couples.  It’s a cornucopia of people although not crowded.  The music is a bit to loud and I had to yell at my server.  It’s not place for an intimate date.

The menu features items for a raw bar and Kobe steak.  I started out with a Victoria cocktail, I don't know what was in it, but I ordered two during my meal!  For an appetizer, I couldn’t decided on the bacon and scallops or the sliders.  Since I was going to order beef as my entree, my server suggested I try the Snapper tiradito.  Similar to ceviche it was way better, I damn near licked my plate.

 
The balance of the fish which was topped with sweet potatoes, was amazing.  For a dish which is meant to be “thrown” together the presentation was great.  This is a must try dish!

For my entire I ordered the Rib Eye, the stuffed hash brown and asparagus.  I like my steak medium/medium rare and it came out medium/well.  Not a good start.  Also the presentation is thoughtless.  A big piece of meat on a plate?  Not sexy at all.  I sent back the meat back and they left my side orders.  For a moment I think my server thought that would be OK.  I guess the annoyed look on my face said otherwise.

When my meal arrived the 2nd time, it was medium rare, but the rib eye was just OK.  After all the hype I really was expecting more, I’ve had better at lesser establishments.  The highlight of my dish was the stuffed hash brown.  Golden on the outside, cheesy on the inside.  I took one bite of the hash brown and let out a sigh of joy.  The couple two tables over from me had an order of the tater tots which they said were yummy.  The portions are quite large, they are easily shareable.  

Although my order was delivered in the manner I ordered, my server was very attentive and really knew the menu.  She gave perfect suggestion on what to order and was over all pleased.

The prices are high, but are not warranted, but given the location in the W, I guess they have a target price point to meet.

Based on my experience at other Starr Restaurants overall experience rates the lowest.  I will give this restaurant another shot, but I'll adjust my expectations.

Steak 954
401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33304
Phone: 954-414-8333
web: www.steak954.com

W Hotel Fort Lauderdale

I’ve heard great things about this property and since it’s pretty new, I’m in Ft. Lauderdale  and a points whore, I had to book a stay!   The W Fort Lauderdale has been open about a year and consists of a hotel and Condo build.

This property located directly across from the beach (you need to cross the street for access).   Steven Starrs yummy Steak 954 is located on site but for any other retail needs you will need to walk or drive.

Upon driving onto the motor court you instantly know you’re at the W.  From the moment you walk through the door, you’re met with some really great design features.  It’s exactly what a W should be.

 

You take the elevator up to the Living Room to check in and this is got to be one of the best and most creative W Living Rooms (AKA the hotel lobby) I’ve been in.

The living room is huge and the decor is dope, it’s the only hotel lobby I’ve actually wanted to chill in.  There are several different areas so there is a space for everyone.

After check-in you move through the building to the elevator banks and the design details are carried through here as well.  The common areas are very nice and the guest room corridors aren’t dark like you would find in most W Hotels.

I arrive at my room and I’m happy and disappointed at the same time.  The room is on a high floor, nice and bright, but really small, the smallest room I’ve ever been assigned, but the terrace was larger than the room.  It’s bigger than the room.


The room is nice, but it appears there was more thought put into the common areas than the rooms.  The bed is one side of the room and the seating/work area is on the other.  The terrace wraps around the entire room.

The furniture is in good condition and the chairs swivel so they you can watch TV from the seating/work area.  The bed was guarded by an alligator, a theme repeated throughout the property.  The seating/work area is tight but luckily you can work on the balcony.  There aren’t many plugs as I had to search for extra sockets. Across from the bed there is a small 32” TV.


There is a large side by side closet so storage is not an issue, for those on longer stays.  Lighting isn’t an issue as the exterior walls for the room are all glass so you get tons or natural lighting and great views of the ocean.


The bathroom was a nice space but awkward.  

When you enter the bathroom, you’re looking directly at the vanity.  There is lots of counter space but only one sink.  On one side of the sink is the shower and on the opposite side, is the water closet, which is hidden behind frosted glass.  Like most W’s the bathroom looks right into the bedroom, but unlike most W’s, the shower is completely open to the room.  This could be problematic if you’re sharing the room. 


Internet is free in the living room and $14.95 a night.  Coverage was really good even out on the balcony.


The gym is nice and big filled with up-to-date equipment and a good views.  The Pool is great, early in the morning, as there is an abundance of loungers or you can sit at the wrap around bar.  On the weekend there is a pool party that is get pretty wild.  Definitely not kid friendly.

Valet parking was $30 a night, but there were plenty on staff and I never had to wait for my car.  Staff was courteous and offered directions each time.

FINAL IMPRESSION
Overall hotel cleanliness:
Hotel is good shape considering it’s target audience.  The furniture on the balcony needs to be replaced or better weather protected but overall, no major issues.

Staff attitude, conduct & support:
Most of the staff is super happy and extremely eager to give assistance.  They even gave me a cake for my BDay.

 

Location:
Good location for beach access but, you will need to walk, drive or take a cab to get to the hub of restaurants or Las Olas.

Would I return?
Yes. But on a non Holiday weekend

Would I recommend this as family friendly?
Definitely not!

Good for business travelers?
No, party central

Good for a romantic get away?
Yes, nice rooms, views, restaurant and resort services.

Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?
Based on requestor as the hub of nightlife/dining is south of the property.

Would I recommend restaurant?
Yes.  Steak 954 is expensive but worth a try

Value for price paid?
Good

Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 8