Deck the
VENUE Halls!

By Karen Holly Berliner

Finally this year, my annual cookie cutter holiday plans get ditched and buried beneath my incoming pile of holiday postcards from family and friends. Lethargically they hibernate like hung over Christmas cards from bygone seasons forgotten.

I see my friends and family sipping nutmeg speckled eggnogs, warming up for the big holiday meal at home while I get ready to head over to the venue that I have so mindfully chosen, to celebrate in style and with abandon, if you please.  

And in fact--- I do please. 

Limani New York: Limani New York is a Greek-Mediterranean dining destination located in the heart of Rockefeller Center.

What better place to get into the holiday spirit then Rockefeller Center?

Helmed by Executive Chef-Partner M.J. Alam, Limani New York highlights clean Mediterranean flavors with an emphasis on whole fish flown in daily from the Mediterranean. Enter to find a sprawling white marble bar, an expansive dining room with high ceilings and white leather seating and a sparkling blue infinity pool.

Offering the perfect venue for holiday celebrations of various sizes, Limani New York has an elegant private room on the main floor for more intimate gatherings as well as an additional private room downstairs for larger events.  In the fall and winter months, individual heaters allows for watching skating rink activities and in December as always, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Unbeatable.

Southampton Social Club: Located in the town of Southampton in the fabulous Hamptons South Fork, at this venue, the library is located directly adjacent to the main indoor bar, which is perfect for larger group dining affairs for up to 24 people. The space is also ideal for intimate cocktail parties for up to 30 people. In addition, the VIP Stage is located at the head of their old world dining room which also turns into a lively nightclub on weekends. With seating for 20 guests, this area is perfect for that larger holiday party that wants to enjoy an upscale dining experience and then linger for a late-night holiday bash. Multiple menus are offered in these two locations as this venue features a wide variety of customizable menus, thanks to their award winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf. Also, 3 Full Service Bars feature their mixologist crafted cocktails, indoor dining, a lavish outdoor patio and 3000 square foot garden, South Beach inspired cabanas and a vast array of entertainment options.  Your entire holiday event will be customized to your specifications..

The Oval: The Oval is nestled in the well-designed space within La Devozione at Chelsea Market showcasing a variety of dry pasta shapes paired with specific ingredients and flavor notes. As each dish is prepared in its own pan, as Executive Chef Alessio Rossetti has 750 pans at his disposal, creating inventive pasta courses in front of the guests. At La Devozione, General manager/wine director Max Tierno has curated a wine list focused on France and Italy from a blend of top notch producers in Champagne, Burgundy and Piedmont. The program features up and coming producers in addition, from developing wine regions like Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. Highlights from the cocktail menu include the Di Martini, a dry Martini made with Marconi 42 gin, dry and blanc vermouths, one infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Fino sherry presented in a separate glass with pickled green strawberry and cherry tomatoes compressed in tomato water.

Festive enough to plan a holiday party there?  I’d say so.

La Marchande: Located in the Wall Street Hotel at 88 Wall St., La Marchande is Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser’s French brasserie with a hip neighborhood feel that modernizes classic French fare through global ingredients. Chef John’s vision is one that embraces vinaigrettes and broths instead of heavier traditional sauces, resulting in a lighter spin. Beverage Director/Advanced Sommelier Amy Racine has added to this an expertly curated predominantly French wine list, as well as vermouth-powered cocktails.

The Wall Street Hotel presents a stylish and cultural center in the heart of New York City’s Financial District. Housed in the landmark Tontine building, this hotel offers guests an elegant and gracious experience. With vibrant colors expressed in its lounges, luxurious rooms and a versatile event space, this can be the epicenter of your next holiday celebration!