Top Wing Places In The City for Super Bowl Sunday

Being that I have not seen one full football game this season and feel lost in this sea of Eagles, Giants, Jets and Patriots fans, (because I am a Carolina Panthers fan) I am looking forward to this Super Bowl Sunday for the food, friends and commercials. Football food means one thing to me, CHICKEN WINGS. Since my boyfriend took the liberty of inviting all of our friends to my apartment for the big game, it is times like these, I thank God I am an event planner and feel personally obligated to provide the best wings in the city. ---Emily

Seeing that I am a Giants fan living with a die-hard Falcons fan, a Jets fan, and a Cowboys fan, you can imagine the chaos that takes place at my apartment every Sunday during football season. I must admit, the sad 44-6 annihilation of the Cowboys by the Eagles, the firing of Jets head coach Eric Mangini, and the realization that none of our teams had made it to the Super Bowl seemed to be quite discouraging. However, in spite of the all of this, we have decided to swallow our pride and take part in the game's festivities…and what better way to celebrate another team's success on the Super Bowl? Friends, drinks, and a great big bucket of chicken wings! ---Christine

Here are our findings…we would have done a "Top 10" but there were only 8 places delicious enough for our list.

Top Wing Places In The City for Super Bowl Sunday

1. 1849 (Emily's personal favorite)
183 Bleeker St. 212-505-3200
http://www.1849nyc.com/contact.php
The wings are delicious and affordable, especially at happy hour. Although they are not delivering for the Super Bowl, they do offer Buffalo and Honey BBQ flavored wings and would be a great spot to watch the game.

2. Dinosaur Wings
646 131st St. at 12th Ave. 212-694-1777
http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/
Dinosaur normally delivers but this Sunday they only offer pick up. Dinosaur has 4 different flavors; Mild/Honey BBQ, BBQ Spicy (staff favorite), Garlic Chipotle, and Doubles Duel. They offer a large order of 13 wings at $11.95.

3. Brother Jimmys
Many Manhattan Locations
http://www.brotherjimmys.com/
The staff says their wings are "unbelievable" and they don't work on commission. They are delivering Sunday but your orders must be in before Sunday. Wings come in flavors of Chipotle, Hot and Mustard.

4. Blue Smoke
116 E. 27th St. Park Ave. South 212-447-7733
http://www.jazzstandard.net/blue/index.html
Minimum for delivery is $500. They only have Chipotle chicken wings. You can order 44 wings for $31 or 100 wings for $63.

5. Blondies
212 W 79th St
New York, NY 212-362-4360
http://blondiessports.com/
They are delivering on Sunday but are not delivering during game time, 4:45 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Besides that time they deliver every quarter hour. The delivery standard is a bucket of 50 wings or a platter of 100 wings. The flavors are plain, mild, medium, hot, smokin', scorchin', sizzlin' and ouch.

6. Buffalo Wild Wings
139 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY 718-943-9453
http://www.buffalowildwings.com/
I know this place isn't in Manhattan but it is so delicious, I had to include it. They have a long list of available sauces, including, staff favorite, Honey BBQ and Spicy Garlic. The hottest wing sauce requires a signed waiver in order to eat it. They do not deliver but have affordable wing plates ranging from 6 wings for $5 to 50 wings for $30.

7. Bonnie's
278 5th Ave Brooklyn, NY 718-369-9527
http://brooklyn.citysearch.com/profile/7356065
Again, in Brooklyn, but this place was more confident about having the best wings in NYC than any other location. They do not deliver but offer Mild, Medium, Hot, and Hotter wings. The kitchen is willing to make the wings as hot as you want them. Staff members typically eat the wings at a medium flavor but no matter what flavor, the spices in the sauce are delicious.

8. Atomic Wings
Multiple locations in Manhattan.
http://www.atomicwings.com/site/
The menu is available online. The wings are come in plain, mild, medium or hot. They are delivering on Sunday. They claim to be the most authentic Buffalo Chicken Wings in Manhattan, ordering their wings directly from Buffalo, NY.

If you have any other suggestions or favorite wing places please let us know at info@pentaevents.com.

Manhattan Event Planners Out Smart Family Friendly Con Artist

New to the event planning industry at Penta Dynamic Solutions, naturally, I was thrilled when my boss asked me to plan my first event. Unfortunately, the party was cancelled last minute but this story is just as exciting as the event would have been.

Please let me introduce Rubin Roberts. He began as a client open to any recommendations from Penta and quickly became a family friendly con artist, wanting to pay for a small budget family reunion with faulty credit cards picture I.D.

Due to poorly written emails with several grammatical mistakes, only two weeks notice and a request to hire a Dee Jay from across the country, I began planning the event with a watchful eye. When I asked Roberts to call to go over any event details, he insisted we communicate via email since he is hearing impaired.

After all planning had taken place, Roberts requested to pay his upfront fee of $10,000 with five different credit cards. Still wary of the situation, my boss advised me to ask for copies of the front and back of each credit card, photo identification and a signed contract. Once the contract was received, the signature neither matched the photo identification nor the credit cards. Instead, each card had a printed signature from, what seemed to be, taken from a cursive font on Microsoft Word. The commercial photo identification license, to my surprise, was a beautiful blonde woman. After phone calls to both MasterCard and the Division of Motor Vehicles, we confirmed that all of the cards were fabricated. There was not much else I could do, but cancel the event.

I am afraid to ask but, do people really think they can get away with things like this? The most mind boggling part of the whole story was when we told Roberts we would not be able to move forward with assisting with his event. He had the audacity to ask “what do you mean by them not being valid?”

Rubin…Really!?!

Casually, our response was “According to the DMV, your driver’s license does not exist and according to MasterCard, your credit cards do not exist. Given this information we will not be moving forward with your event.” If that isn’t clear, I don’t know what is.

I wanted to Blog about this event, not to whine and complain, but to warn all venues, restaurants and event planning companies of Rubin Roberts and if nothing else, provide a laugh to any of our readers.

Emily

In this case, it's obvious at first glance but it may not always be. Here is where Rubin Roberts went wrong.

1. Date of Birth should be MM-DD-YY

2. Name should be Last Name, First Name

3. Address must exist If you google Rubin's address, it does not exist in New York State.

4. Eye color in picture should match description.

5. Signature should be your own and not cursive font from Microsoft Word.

6. Photo should have a grey background.

7. The I.D. Number should exist.

8. Signed contract and credit card authorization form should match signature of government issed I.D.

New York State of Mind

A Philly girl at heart, the idea of moving to New York City wasn’t exactly what people would call drastic. Growing up as a little girl and living only 100 miles from The Big Apple, I had NYC in the palm of my hands and at my disposal whenever I wanted to go visit. I graduated high school four years ago, and ventured up the turnpike to Staten Island, where I began my undergrad career at Wagner College. I remember looking out from my dorm room on my first night, and seeing nothing but bright city lights, the Verazzano Bridge, huge skyscrapers, and the Statue of Liberty. It was absolutely breathtaking, and I knew right then and there, that I made the right decision. Every free moment of time I had, any exciting opportunity that came by my way to go into the city, I took without hesitation. I was the girl with the subway map, the slow walker through Times Square gazing up at the bright lights at 4am, and the one who wasn’t aggressive enough with hailing a taxi when it was raining during rush hour.

Well, as graduation rapidly approaches and as I begin my Spring semester internship at Penta, I continue loving New York, experiencing new people, places, and ‘things,’ staying nostalgic as I enjoy my favorite (and still very touristy) things in the city.

A few of my favorite places to go and things to do/see in NYC...

The Staten Island Ferry. I’m a little bias, but I absolutely love riding the Staten Island Ferry. The view of the Verazzano Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and lower Manhattan is incredible, and it’s absolutely FREE! Whether you are on it during the day, at night, or if you’re lucky to be on it during a sunset, the view will take your breath away.
Lombardi’s Pizza. 32 Spring St. (The corner of Spring and Mott) Lombardi’s is the World’s first Pizzeria and it’s the Best of New York. The setting is of an old eatery, and the pizza is delicious. I recommend the meatball pizza!
A walk over the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset is a must. Maybe I’m just in love with the view of the city, but this is another view you must experience, whether you’re a local or from out of town.
Serendipity. E. 60th St. If you’ve ever seen the movie Serendipity, you absolutely know why I’m in love with this restaurant. The atmosphere is both laid back and romantic, whether you’re coming in for lunch with your family and friends in the summer, or enjoying their frozen hot chocolate in the winter with your boyfriend.
Central Park. I love everything about Central Park. Laying out in the sun on a summer day, going to the Central Park Zoo, taking a horse and carriage ride, strolling through Strawberry fields while paying a tribute to the Beatles, or enjoying a romantic meal overlooking the lake at the Central Park Boathouse. There is so much to do in Central Park for all ages!

These are just a few of my favorite places to go and things to do in the city. I get really exciting thinking about how much fun I am going to have, and how much experience I’m going to gain as I begin interning with Penta. This city is full of endless opportunities, and I look forward to experiencing many more of them!

Kelly

Consider A Professional Event Planner For Your Planning Needs

I read a good article this morning on businessnfinance.com that I'd like to share...

"Hosting an interesting and energetic event that you can also relax and enjoy will likely require the services of a professional event planner. The planning of a party or event demands extensive management and good concentration. Any event demands a lot of good work, be it a small personal affair or a large corporate gathering. The event can be a private personal party, a wedding ceremony and concerts, among others.

Hiring a professional planner to work out the details of an event will often precipitate the best possible outcome, with very minimal or no mistakes. When deciding from among the available event planners, lookout for the following features. Any good event planner has resource knowledge of materials and goods, as well as knowledge of prices for such things. They know the highest and lowest market prices and they know where to get quality goods and services. For example, a weddings planner will literally purchase and plan for everything, from the wedding cake and flowers, to transportation and honeymoon reservations. All you and your guests have to do is show up. This saves a lot of time and money. They also relieve stress from the event host by making them feel relaxed and totally stress free, providing exclusive event management from beginning to end.

A professional event planner also offers great and unique ideas to make any event memorable. They usually have original, imaginative and creative ideas for all events. A good, experienced planner will have more than enough experience to bring the event to fruition. When scheduling for the different components of the event, a good planneris time efficient, knowing how much time the pastry chef, caterer, florist and decorators are likely to need. They can look for suitable indoor or outdoor venues to host special events and will have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather. They intricately understand the set standards and are familiar with event contracts. This can really save a lot of money. Acquire a professional event planner who easily understands your budget to provide a superb event. A lot of professional event planners are members of an event management company, and are affiliated with other companies that can provide things such as music, photographers, DJ's and caterers. The good planners listen before contributing. The show is theirs to run, but owned by the host. To get quality services and value for money, book them at least six months in advance of your upcoming events."

http://businessnfinance.com/general-business/803-consider-a-professional-event-planner-for-your-planning-needs

There are many ways that you and your company can benefit from using Penta Events to plan your next conference or gathering.  We hope to have the opportunity to discuss them with you.  If you are in the NYC area and interested in an event planner, please contact us at 212-344-2080.

Thanks!

-Cweb

Snow in the City: A Southerner's Story

Although originally from Chicago, IL, I spent most of my life in Charlotte, NC and went to college in Columbia, SC. I argue with anyone who calls me a southerner because I am lacking a southern accent and an endless collection of Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer dresses. Just as I start to think my recent move to the north was easy and I blended in, I look out the window of a bar, break from the crowd, and run outside screaming “It’s Snowing!!!” Duh! It’s New York City in December.
Don’t get me wrong, I have seen snow before but it has been a long time since. In the Carolinas it doesn’t really snow, it ices. Rain falls, or maybe really wet snow, and school is cancelled. We all layer up and look ridiculous in mismatching layers and play in the ice. Sure, one or two neighbors have sleighs that we dust off and share, but it is more painful and colder that we thought. Within an hour or so we are all inside sipping hot chocolate by the fire. In New York, most people know how to dress for the cold weather. Where I would just grab the warmest thing I own and look like a caterpillar in a cocoon, New Yorkers are stylish in their hats, scarves, coats, and tall boots.
I hope to evolve into the fashionable New York winter wear scene. Thankfully, I do love to shop so adding to my wardrobe will not be a problem. I am looking forward to going home for the holidays and showing off my new style but being that it is 65 degrees in my hometown today, I think I will be right back to my old ways in no time. I will always appreciate snowfall because it will remind me of this time of change in my life. I think from now on I will hold back the sudden urgency to broadcast the weather and scream "It's Snowing!" and replace it with a simple smile.

---Emily

‘Twas The Week Before The Holidays

When I was 10 years old I won a poetry contest and my poem was published. Since then my poetry writing has been nonexistent…until now. I decided to take out my poetry skills, dust them off and prepare something special for this year’s Holiday season. I hope you enjoy this literary effort.

‘Twas The Week Before The Holidays

‘Twas the week before the holidays, when all through the workplace
Every creature was stirring, with a smile on their face.
The Penta girls were assisting clients with care,
In hopes their events would cause bystanders to stop and stare.

Even at night, when the girls are nestled all snug at their beds,
Visions of decorations and Holiday cocktails dance in their heads.
At work with their blackberries and paper and pencil,
They settled their brains to talk decorating with garland or tinsel.

Any event, personal or corporate,
Choosing Penta to plan is a sure fit.
Thinking cost-effectively in this crazy economy,
Penta considers every event’s autonomy.

Then on the phone there arose such a clatter,
No worry of the problem, Penta can solve the matter.
Away to the dilemma they flew like a flash,
The clients never knew and it was a successful bash.

Their eyes-how they twinkle! Their dimples so merry!
The clients’ walk into the event, no longer are they wary.
The decorations, treats and entertainment were fantastic!
A couple drinks down the hatch and the crowd was enthusiastic.

Laughing and singing to Holiday tunes we all know,
You would think they were Santa’s elves dancing in the snow.
Penta watches from afar and surveys their work of art,
All the crowd’s smiles warm their heart.

With time running out and Holiday parties to plan,
The team can’t lose their attention span.
Strange desires from clients and last minute requests,
Penta does the work so you don’t have to stress.

As you remember the good times as this year ends,
Have fun at your parties with your family and friends.
Good luck with your New Years Resolutions,
Happy Holidays to you from Penta Dynamic Solutions!

---Emily Ohnstad

Good and Bad Holiday Traditions

Another Christmas is almost here and it is time to decorate the tree, light the Menorah or the Kinara. I can almost taste the decorated sugar cookies and hear the holiday music favorites playing on a low volume serenading the scene. Then I remember the long lines at stores, rude shoppers, paper cuts from wrapping paper, the arduous task of bringing the decorations out of that black hole of an attic or basement. O! Please do not forget the inevitable family arguments. Good or bad, these are all the traditions that make the holiday season so memorable and family moments so loveable. Penta decided to share some of our personal favorite holiday traditions with you. Enjoy!

“We have a tradition in my family. Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, while many people are braving the long lines of Black Friday, my father and I lug the artificial Christmas tree up from the basement. We assemble the tree and then settle in for a long day involving the ceremonial shaping of the branches. For anyone who has ever tried to make an artificial tree look good, I'm sure you can commiserate with me. It takes us hours and just about the time when we can barely feel our fingers, in walks my mother. She stands from a distance, looks at the tree and says "Are you guys kidding? Can't you see the big hole in the middle of the tree? You have to step back and look at it from all angles." And the ceremonial shaping of the branches continues for several more hours.
As if the ceremonial shaping of the branches isn't tradition enough, we then move on to decorating the tree. When my brothers and I were young, my mother took beading classes and made these beautiful bells and angels. The ornaments are delicate and when we were little, we were instructed not to touch them – they were fondly referred to as the sacred beaded ornaments. Still, to this day, while my mother wants help to decorate the Christmas tree we are still not permitted to place the sacred beaded ornaments on the tree. We're also not really allowed to place any ornaments on the tree and we may not be accurate with our spacing. After hours and days of work, the tree finally becomes a complete work of art. Thank goodness the days of tinsel are finished because placing tinsel strand by strand used to add weeks to the process.
As crazy as they are, the traditions are fun and I wouldn't have it any other way!”
---Michele Verdino

Ever have the thought, “Can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” This is one of those moments.

The night of Thanksgiving, a mall near my parents’ house has an annual tree lighting. Although it does not hold a candle to the Rockefeller tree lighting, it is a cheesy fun night with family and a chance to reunite with friends. Everyone wears Styrofoam antlers, drinks hot cider, and sings Christmas carols. For me, it is the official start of Christmas and I am happy to participate in such a lame celebration.
Another Holiday tradition that stands out in my mind is cooking the Christmas feast. My mother and I love to cook but professional chefs, we are not. Every year we experiment with different recipes, some delicious and some disastrous, but they are always fun to create. After dinner my family and friends typically sit around a campfire, roast marshmallows, drink wine and laugh about past Christmases. The night ends with the reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and then the wait for Santa begins. No matter how old I get I will always look forward to Santa’s gifts on Christmas morning.
---Emily Ohnstad

Happy Holidays From Penta—Your Event Planning Solution!