Services

Rent-A-Smile Takes Annoying Tasks Off Your Hands

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Aug 31st 2010 at 2:01PM

The virtual personal assistant service Rent-A-Smile promises to take annoying tasks like scheduling doctor's appointments and making travel arrangements off your hands, freeing you up for work and fun stuff. The service is divided into two categories, Business or Personal, with business assistance charged hourly and personal assistance billed per request. On the business side they can help you with everything from answering emails to doing internet research to putting together a powerpoint presentation and on the personal side they do things like making restaurant reservations, scheduling tee times, and paying bills. The only catch to the service is that it is a 'virtual' assistant so although there are real people on the other end assisting you everything has to be done over the phone or internet, so for example they can't go pick up your dry cleaning for you (although they could find somebody else who could).

Prices vary depending on which plan you choose and how often you use the service but they start at about $10/hour for Business Assistance and $35/30 requests per month for Personal Assistance.

Tags: personal assistant, services, virtual personal assistant

Trump Spa's Turkish Hammam Has Suds Appeal

by Amy Cortese (RSS feed) — Aug 31st 2010 at 8:00AM

Is your skin in need of a little TLC after a long hot summer of gelatinous humidity and city soot? The spa at the Trump Soho has just the cure.

The newly opened spa has nine treatment rooms within its well-appointed 11,000 square feet, but what really sets it apart is its take on the hammam - the traditional bathhouses of Morocco and Turkey. The Trump folks claim it is one of just two authentic luxury hammams in the U.S. (the first being at the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas) and the only one in New York. Ok, apparently there are other hammams in the Big Apple, but none whose tiles and materials have been sourced exclusively from Turkey and Morocco or that feature a domed ceiling and tiny pinhole lights that mimic the pin pricks of natural light found in many traditional hammams.

So, on a late summer day, I headed to Soho to check it out. Stefan Drobel, assistant spa director for The Spa At Trump, led me through the spa, stopping at the Tepidarium, a chamber where one is supposed to warm up before entering the baths. The steam and sauna facilities, alas, are still awaiting a final green light from city health inspectors. Then it was on to my Turkish hammam treatment, which Stefan assured me would detoxify and purify my skin. I changed into a robe and was led to a black- and white-tiled room - one of two hammams at the spa. Wearing nothing but the disposable mesh undies provided, I was instructed to sit down on a heated marble "belly slab" (which is big enough to accommodate couples, if you so desire). The mosaic tiles shimmered in the dim light and the little pinholes of light glittered like stars in the sky. My "hammam attache," Jenny, was wrapped in a towel from the waist down -- my first clue to what was to come. She promptly commenced filling silver bowls with warm water and pouring them all over me. That simple act elicited a surprisingly soothing, almost primal, sensation of warmth, and I felt the tension in my body melting away. I laid down and more bowls of water cascaded upon me. Then she donned a slightly coarse "kesa" mitt and gently exfoliated my skin, first front, then back, and always followed by more nurturing water.

Tags: hammam, spa, spa review, Turkish bath

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The World's Most Expensive Car Wash

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Aug 28th 2010 at 7:01PM

Buy an expensive luxury car and then run it through a $12 car wash? Or wash it by hand? The obvious answer is to wash it by hand but that takes time, something most high-end car owners don't have or don't want to spend. Enter Gurcharn Sahota, a luxury car enthusiast living in the UK who started a car-washing business five years ago that has since evolved into the world's most expensive car washing service. Charging up to £7,200 ($11,200) per vehicle Sahota can spend several weeks washing a car and uses over 100 cleaning agents, wax priced at $12,000 per tub, a computerized microscope for detecting minute scratches invisible to the naked eye, and a special clay compound for smoothing out imperfections. ''I treat every car like an individual project, Sahota says, "I want them to leave my workshop looking better than they have ever done. If you're paying £150,000 for a car then you're going to want it to be perfect."

Ironically, each wash starts out with a simple soap-and-water scrub using a lambswool mitten.

Sahota works alone out of his parent's garage although his business, called Elite Detailing, is expanding and he just recently opened a secondary workshop. His client list includes many well-known celebrity names (although he won't get specific to protect privacy) and many elite supercars including the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and his personal favorite: a McLaren F1 GTR. Check out video of the process after the jump.

Tags: car, car wash, cars, most expensive

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Harrah's Total Rewards Program Adds Shopping; Spa Perks

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — Aug 25th 2010 at 8:01AM

Want to live like a high roller? Sure, we all do. But what if your luck at the Blackjack and Poker tables is ... non-existent? Harrah's Entertainment, owners of 39 casino and hotel properties throughout the world, has now made earning top tier (Diamond or Seven Star) membership in their Total Rewards loyalty program even easier. Members can now earn points through dining, shopping, entertainment and spa purchases at any of their branded locations.

Customers will earn one Reward Credit for every dollar they spend and one Tier Credit for every $5 spent. Thus, every $5 purchase equals four Rewards Credits and one Tier Credit, for a total of five Total Rewards Credits.

Membership in the Total Rewards program, like many loyalty benefit groups, is simple - just sign up at a participating casino location. When you've registered, you'll receive a card that can be activated with every purchase made at a property or participating partner business. Like an electronic fingerprint, the casinos use these cards to track purchases made, monies gambled and time spent doing different types of activities to determine both your level of play and your personal preferences. At higher levels, these preferences can mean exceptionally personalized service, right down to the type of room you prefer and the kind of soda you'd like in your room upon arrival.

All members are automatically given access to the Gold Tier of benefits. To earn Platinum status, members must earn a total of 4,000 tier credits in a calendar year. To earn Diamond status, members must earn 11,000 tier credits in a year. Seven Star status, the chain's most elite level, must earn 100,000 credits. Approximately 400,000, less than 10 percent of all Total Rewards members, achieve this status. One Tier Credit equals $5 in reel slot machines, and $10 in video slot play; table game credits vary based on type of game and average amount of play. A single Tier Credit has a cash value of $.01.

These members enjoy perks like dedicated lines at all restaurants and outlets, special lounge access for complimentary food and beverage, a special check-in, limousine transfers to and from the airport, and perks like VIP access to movie screenings and private events. A listing of all perks available is outlined in this chart.

Total rewards partners include Starwood Hotels, Norwegian Cruise Line, HawaiianMiles and a special Total Rewards Visa card.

This writer's visit to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino was sponsored by Harrah's, but all opinions expressed in the article are her own.

Tags: harrahs, harrahs entertainment, Las Vegas, las vegas hotels, las vegas strip

Gansevoort Hotels in NYC to Add Porsche Fleet

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Aug 9th 2010 at 8:02AM

Say goodbye to stinky taxis – beginning Aug. 15, guests at the chic Gansevoort Hotels in New York's Meatpacking District and on Park Avenue South will get complimentary in-town car service and VIP airport transportation in a fleet of 2011 Porsche Panamera 4S's. The service comes as part of a cross-promotional deal brokered between Porsche Cars North America, Inc. and the Gansevoort Hotel Group, both of which brands are committed to innovative design. "We're looking forward to transforming the perception of city driving for Gansevoort Hotel Group guests," says Detlev Von Platen, president and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "Appreciating one of the world's greatest cities from the spacious interior of a Porsche Panamera is a great way to increase your pulse rate without adding an iota of stress." The stylish rides are sure to make any hotel guest feel like one of NYC's 650,000 millionaires.

Tags: Gansevoort Hotel, hotels, limousine, New York, Porsche, Porsche Panamera

Ottomanelli Brothers Wins the Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best Online Meat

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Aug 1st 2010 at 12:31PM

Ottomanelli Brothers is the winner of the Readers' Choice Award for Best Online Meats. Since 1900, it has been catering to the carnivores of New York City with its unbeatable steaks, filet mignon, steak burgers, prime rib, lamb, veal, seafood and more. Savvy New Yorkers traveling throughout New England are easily spotted by the Ottomanelli's green thermal bags they carry, which are filled with the butcher's delicious steaks, steak burgers, chicken, sausages and more. As Ottomanelli die-hards can attest, once you've been spoiled by eating Ottomanelli's meats, it is impossible to dine on anything else.

A family-owned and operated business that dates back to 1900, members of the Ottomanelli family are still found clad in their white aprons behind the counters of their butcher shops. Today under the leadership of the fourth and fifth generation of Ottomanelli's, products are enjoyed by discerning consumers across the country and around the world. Family patriarchs and co-chairmen, Nicolo and Joseph Ottomanelli are credited with turning the family meat business into a multifaceted mini-empire, which includes meat markets, cafes, packaged goods, bakeries and a thriving online operation.

Gallery: Ottomanelli Brothers

The Ottomanelli brothers butcher shops are located on the upper east and upper west sides of Manhattan with a third location located in Flushing, N.Y. New Yorkers who'd rather sit down and order a delicious grilled steak can frequent one of the family's restaurant locations on Manhattan's upper east side.

All products are flash frozen and packed with dry ice in a reusable "keep fresh" cooler and shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight Service. Ottomanelli's also offers a selection of BBQ sauces (hot and mild are both offered), delicious steak sauce and wonderful pasta sauces (including marinara, white clam, red clam and Alfredo varieties). Orders can be placed online or by calling Ottomanelli's toll free number at (888) OTTOBRO.

Tags: awards-main, best meat, butchers, luxist-awards, Ottomanelli Brothers, Ottomanellis, steaks, winners-outdoor-entertainment

The Fresh Lobster Company Wins the Readers' Choice Award for Best Online Seafood

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Aug 1st 2010 at 8:31AM

What better way to get fresh lobster than straight from the fishermen themselves? The Fresh Lobster Company does exactly that – part of the reason it's the winner of the Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award in the best online seafood category.

Located in Gloucester, Ma., The Fresh Lobster Company has built its name by forming relationships with the New England lobstermen and using the connection to get the freshest fish possible. The company's offerings are taken directly from the boats and shipped overnight all across the country.

Gallery: The Fresh Lobster Company

The company specializes in shipping live lobsters, ranging from tiny (one pound: $20) to jumbo (twelve pounds: $152), which are delivered in special water-filled contained to ensure optimal freshness. The Fresh Lobster Company also offers live sea urchins, live sea scallops, live crabs and other critters; there's also gourmet sushi, steaks and desserts on the menu.

Tags: awards-main, best seafood, lobster, luxist-awards, online shopping, The Fresh Lobster Company, winners-outdoor-entertainment, winners-outdoorentertainment

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The Nominees for Outdoor Entertainment

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Aug 1st 2010 at 7:31AM

Best Gourmet Sauces
The first nominee has received countless awards while the second nominee offers a wide array of gourmet marinades and sauces that represent just about every corner of the globe. The third nominee has been around since the late 19th century while the fourth uses only natural ingredients and is the leading all-natural brand. The final nominee started out as a hometown favorite in Chicago before rolling out across the country.

B Gourmet
Dean & DeLuca
Porky's Gourmet Foods
Stubb's
Sweet Baby Ray's

Best Grill
The first nominee is known for its precision craftsmanship and distinctive styling while the second nominee is made by America's favorite home appliance brand. The third nominee was founded by a group of individuals who started out by manufacturing restaurant ranges while the fourth nominee makes grills that one might expect to find in a restaurant setting. The final nominee is a household name that is credited with revolutionizing the backyard barbecue.

Jenn-Air
Kenmore
Lynx
Viking
Weber

Best Online Meat
The first nominee provides meats to some of the best-known steakhouses in the country, while the second nominee was one of the first steak companies to offer mail order. The third nominee has been owned and operated by the same family for five generations while the fourth nominee is a New York institution with customers around the world. The final nominee---famous its steak houses---is now selling its meats to customers through a new online service.

Allen Brothers
Chicago Gourmet Steaks
Lobel's of New York
Ottomanelli Brothers
Peter Luger

Best Online Seafood
The first nominee is a top food Mecca in New York City and the Hamptons, while the second nominee is one of the country's finest online grocers. The third nominee is famous for its seafood restaurants along the eastern seaboard, while the fourth nominee, which is based in America's oldest seaport, specializes in shipping live seafood to its clients. The final nominee, which is based in New York, focuses on freshly caught, wild seafood

Citarella
Dean & DeLuca
Legal Sea Foods
The Fresh Lobster Company
Wild Edibles Seafood Market

Best Outdoor Furniture Line
The first nominee offers pieces designed and created by true artisans while the second offers pieces known for their impeccable quality, timeless style and classic beauty. The third nominee manufactures furniture that emphasizes the three F's: form, function and fun, while the fourth nominee is world-renowned for its wicker creations. The final nominee has been making its high-quality, extremely durable furniture since 1866.

Castelle
Century Furniture
Laneventure
Lloyd/Flanders
Woodard

Tags: Allen Brothers, allen brothers steaks, awards-main, B Gourmet, Castelle, century furniture, Chicago Gourmet Steaks, Citarella, Dean DeLuca, laneventure, Legal Seafoods, LloydFlanders, lobels, Lobels of New York, luxist-awards, Ottomanellis, Peter Luger, Peter Luger Steak House, Porkys Gourmet Foods, Stubbs, Sweet Baby Rays, The Fresh Lobster Company, wild edibles, Wild Edibles Seafood Market, winners-outdoor-entertainment, winners-outdoorentertainment, Woodard

Luxist Gets an Education in Flowers at Camelback Flowershop

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) — Jul 30th 2010 at 10:02AM

While ~~enduring~~ basking in the solarific heat of a Phoenix summer we stumbled upon the Camelback Flowershop. Tucked in between a cafe and a Cuban restaurant there was little on the outside to give away the splendor within, but once inside we knew we had found another portal through the looking glass. After the first bouquet we gifted earned us unheard of accolades, we had returned to the florist to find out exactly how she makes her magic. Armed with a cappuccino from the shop's own maker, we sat down with owner Teresa Wilson, and in addition to learning a few things about sepals and stems we also learned that Camelback Flowershop doesn't sell flowers – it sells fragrant high fashion.

Gallery: Luxist Visits Camelback Flowershop

Tags: arizona, camelback flowershop, florists, flowers, phoenix

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Best Online Seafood Companies

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jul 21st 2010 at 9:31AM

It is estimated that Americans eat an average of 16.3 pounds of fish or seafood per person, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. According to Datamonitor, the world-leading provider of global business information, Americans will spend $14 billion for seafood products this year, with the majority spent on fresh seafood, rather than frozen or canned seafood. The United States is the third largest seafood market in the world, behind Japan and China.

But where are the best places to buy seafood?

To figure out the best of breed, we asked Luxist readers to nominate their favorite online seafood companies. Each of the top five finalists has one thing in common---they all offer only the finest and freshest seafood available---and they all ship to locations throughout the United States (and elsewhere in some cases).

The top five online seafood companies are:

Citarella
Dean & DeLuca
Legal Sea Foods
The Fresh Lobster Company
Wild Edibles Seafood Market

Citarella is a top food Mecca in New York City and the Hamptons, while Dean & DeLuca is one of the country's finest online grocers. Legal Sea Foods is famous for its seafood restaurants along the eastern seaboard, while The Fresh Lobster Companywhich is based in America's oldest seaport, specializes in shipping live seafood to its clients. The final nominee, Wild Edibles Seafood Market, which is based in New York, focuses on freshly caught, wild seafood.

Tags: awards-main, best online seafood, best seafood, citarella, Dean DeLuca, Legal Seafoods, luxist-awards, seafood, The Fresh Lobster Company, wild edibles, Wild Edibles Seafood Market

Insider Interview: Foxwoods High Roller Butler Anthony Garry

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — Jul 20th 2010 at 8:01AM

A love of gambling is one thing – being a high roller is another. For the real "big timers," those who gamble more than $1 million per trip, resorts roll out all the stops – private penthouse suites, insider-only casinos and dining, and service so dedicated, that so long as it's legal, the task will be accomplished.

Foxwoods bears the distinction of being North America's largest casino property. High rollers are comped stays in the hotel's 23 special penthouse suites, which range from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet and offer views of the Mashantucket reservation from 20+ stories up. High rollers are allowed access to private dining a dedicated casino above the hotels' AAA Four Diamond Paragon Restaurant.

Many of New England's elite, including sports figures and celebrities frequent Foxwoods and employ these services. Some utilize the private facilities as a way to evade professional sports regulations that prevent gambling, while others are drawn simply by the allure of convenience – at just under two hours from cities like Boston and New York, it's a much faster "fix" than Las Vegas.

And who would know better what goes on behind the velvet ropes than the men and women who see it all unfold? We got the scoop about what really goes on from Anthony Garry, Foxwoods' head butler and a 20+ year industry vet.

How did you get into the business?

In college, I worked part-time in Atlantic City, and that's what first exposed me to the industry. I was a Chemistry major in college, and originally wanted to be a Pediatrician. I'd like to think I am still in that business. I take care of people and their needs.

How does one train for a job like this?

I started out as a "regular" hotel butler. I was lucky enough to train under two talented individuals who had worked for Steve Wynn at Golden Nugget. I worked my way up the ranks to eventually take over the head butler role.

Tags: butler, foxwoods, FoxwoodsResortCasino, high roller, interivews

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La Prairie's $410 Platinum Facial

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) — Jul 18th 2010 at 4:01PM

You can get a facial at almost any spa, and even in some nail and hair salons. But will it be platinum?

If you visit the spa at the Ritz-Carlton in NYC, it can be. Since the spring, the spa has been offering The Platinum Rare Facial, a 90-minute treatment that is priced at $410, typically including product samples. Add a 20% tip and you're at $500.

According to the "Vain Glorious" department in The New York Times's T Magazine, "This ultra-pampering facial is more like a spa manicure and pedicure, massage and facial in one. It's performed by both a nail technician and an aesthetician -- the former soaks, scrubs and swathes the extremities in the brand's lavish products while the latter massages the neck and shoulders in between steps of the main event: a customized facial using La Prairie's Platinum Collection (including Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, which retails for $650 per ounce)."

Before the treatment, guests are invited to relax in the upscale locker room and lounge, outfitted with cool and soothing marble, a steam room with a tub of ice and cucumbers waiting outside, and a corner with chairs, fresh fruit, and dried snacks. Then guests select the music they wish to be played during the treatment. The signature seems to be the application of Cellular Cream Platinum Rare at the end of what the the Ritz calls "an experience that transcends the ordinary in every way with age-defying benefits."

Tags: facial, La Prairie, New York, platinum, Ritz-Carlton, skin care

B Gourmet: Award-Winning Gourmet Sauces and Marinades

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jul 16th 2010 at 4:16PM

B Gourmet, a family-owned gourmet sauce and spice company, is a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Gourmet Sauces.

Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, the company's products have received awards on a national level. It offers a large line of unique and delicious gourmet products. Its best-selling and award-winning Gourmet Habanero Sauce & Marinade is a favorite of gourmet barbecue lovers. Additional favorites include the Gourmet Chiptole Sauce & Marinade and a Gourmet Jalapeno Sauce & Marinade. B Gourmet also offers several gift packages including a B Gourmet Barbecue Gift Set, which includes a variety of its sauces, rubs and Sweet-n-Spicy Jalapenos (the large gift set retails for $35 and the small gift set is $20).

B Gourmet's gourmet sauces and marinades can be ordered online or by calling (915) 857-7400.

Vote for the Gourmet Sauce that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through July 31 and winners will be announced on August 1.

Tags: awards-main, B Gourmet, Luxist-Awards, marinade, marinades

Legal Sea Foods: If it isn't Fresh, it isn't Legal

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jul 16th 2010 at 3:46PM

If you're at all concerned about buying forbidden fish, there's one company that offers assurance in its name: Legal Sea Foods. Unusual moniker aside, the quality of Legal's products has earned it a Luxist award nomination in the best online seafood category.

Founded in 1950 by George Berkowitz in Cambridge, Mass., Legal Sea Foods got its name from the neighboring Legal Cash Market, a grocery operated by Berkowitz's father. In 1968 the family opened its first seafood restaurant next to the fish market, serving fish either boiled or fried on paper plates. Guests were seated at communal picnic tables.

Gallery: Legal Sea Foods

The modest eatery soon became a hit, and Legal expanded across the East Coast. In 1992 George's son, Roger, took the company's helm. As a third-generation Berkowitz running Legal Sea Foods, he has continued to push the company to grow into uncharted culinary and commercial waters, including a website, where customers from all over the country can order fish.

Legal's online offerings include the New England Feast Dinner (for two), which includes two fresh live lobsters, a quart of clam chowder, two Boston cream pies, oyster crackers, claw cracker kits, and cooking instructions. The meal will set you back about $120 plus shipping, but at least you can be assured it's Legal.

Vote for the Online Seafood retailer that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through July 31 and winners will be announced on August 1.

Tags: awards-main, best seafood, Legal Sea Foods, luxist-awards, online seafood, seafood

Stubb's Bar-B-Q Marinades and Sauces: A Texas Institution

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jul 16th 2010 at 3:31PM

Stubb's Bar-B-Q sauce
Stubb's Bar-B-Q, the Texas institution known for its live music, rustic atmosphere and authentic slow-smoked, hand-trimmed barbecue, is a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Gourmet Sauces.

In the late 1960's, C.B. "Stubb" Stubblefield opened his first restaurant in Lubbock, Texas. The restaurant quickly became a destination for authentic barbeque and live entertainment. Stubbs was ground zero for musicians like Joe Ely and Stevie Rap Vaughn. In the early 1990's, Stubb's Bar-B-Q restaurant relocated to Austin's entertainment district, where it remains today. The restaurant is located downtown on the corner of Red River and 8th Street, housed in a rustic building with a huge backyard that holds thousands nightly for live music and delicious barbeque.

For those not fortunate enough to travel to Austin to enjoy Stubb's legendary mesquite smoked BBQ in person, there's hope. Stubb's offers its famous BBQ sauces, rubs and marinades through its online store.

Gallery: Stubb's Bar-B-Q Sauces

Stubb's All-Natural Bar-B-Q Sauces are still made the way Stubb himself made barbeque: no high fructose corn syrup, and no MSG or artificial preservatives or colors. Stubb's, which is the leading all-natural brand, uses only the highest quality ingredients, giving any barbecue flavor and providing outstanding performance on the pit and on the dinner table. The product line is also gluten-free. Stubb's flavors include Original, Hickory Bourbon, Honey Pecan and Mesquite. The BBQ Sauce comes in both Spicy and Mild. The company also offers a host of delicious marinades for beef, pork and chicken. Its Bar-B-Q rubs come in a variety of flavors including Bar-B-Q, chile-lime, herbal mustard, rosemary-ginger and burger.

Vote for the Gourmet Sauce that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through July 31 and winners will be announced on August 1.

Tags: awards-main, bar-b-que, bbq, bbq sauce, luxist-awards, Stubbs

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