Latest news with #TaoGroupHospitality
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
Teeny martinis are here: Tiny Ozempic cocktails in NYC cost $10 now
When entering one of New York's many cocktail cathedrals — say the King Cole or Bemelmans — it's likely the icy, textbook martini is shaken the same way it was when your great-granddad gargled them. But if you're starting to think 'this certainly is a lot of liquor,' and 'Wow, there's a whole sidecar more chilling,' you're not the only one stirred. Now, drinkers are motioning for a cocktail reformation — specifically, smaller aperitifs suitable for shrinking stomachs and the health-conscious in the post-Ozempic world. Advertisement 'There was a generation that really liked to booze it up,' Jason Hedges, beverage director at LT Hospitality, which handles the menus at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in Chelsea, told The Post. 'They liked their martinis extra dry with no vermouth in those massive martini glasses, the ones you still see in steakhouses. They liked their three-martini lunches. That culture has changed. Millennials and certainly Gen Z want low ABV or even no ABV, but they also want quality.' 8 The mini Lemongrass Daiquiri at Back Bar at Hotel Eventi. Stefano Giovannini for Advertisement Hedges' Back Room at the Eventi is joining the dozens of bars across the city giving their customers the ability to swill small. He's adding a menu of mini cocktails — served as half portions — in the coming weeks that will include Lilliputian libations like martinis, daiquiris and Negronis. 'There's a trend toward moderation,' he said. 8 Mini martinis at the Fleur Room, atop the Moxy Hotel in Chelsea, begin at $9. Tao Group Hospitality But it's not just a youth fad for kids who traded cocktails for ketamine. Millions of Americans are drinking less — thanks to the appetite-curbing effects of the 'fat shot.' Advertisement As of last year, 1 in 8 adults in the US had used a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Mounjaro, which is now known to reduce alcohol cravings. That's about 15 million skinny, sober citizens — a number that is growing rapidly. 8 Back Bar's Sour Attitude cocktail, in mini and regular-sized. Stefano Giovannini Hedges witnessed the impact the drink-no-more drug can have firsthand, when his morbidly obese uncle got the jab and stopped the sauce. 'He was about 500-plus pounds, and he was a big boozer. Now, we go out and he'll drink a little bit because he likes the social aspect, but I've seen how that drug can affect someone's desires.' Advertisement 'Ozempic is having an impact for sure,' added Nikki McCutcheon, senior Director of Beverage at TAO Group, which runs the Fleur Room, an after-hours hot spot atop the Moxy hotel in Chelsea. 'As an industry, we are seeing people eat less, drink less — and maybe doing other extracurricular activities — before heading out to the bars and restaurants. That's definitely a big trend.' 8 The Fleur Room is keeping the small sips on the permanent menu. Tao Group Hospitality At the Fleur Room, they rolled out a menu of mini mixed drinks as a happy hour attraction for the predinner, pre-party set. At $9 a pop, compared to $21 for the full-strength slug, they proved so popular that the club is cementing them into the menu. Now, they've added price-wise Cosmos and espresso martinis in micro variants, served in Instagrammable glassware. 'There's a lot of office workers and a lot of companies around here,' said José María Dondé, head mixologist at The Bedford Stone Street in the Financial District, which has $10 pocket potions. 'People ask for the mini martini, because they are trying to take it easy. But in the end, they end up drinking four of them — which is like two full-sized ones.' 8 Bartender Kevin Alvarez of the Bedford Stone Street in FiDi with the $10 mini martini with a twist. Stefano Giovannini for But bantam beverages aren't just about doing your liver good, they're about superior flavor and aesthetics, too, the pros say. Advertisement 'That first sip is often the best,' said Charlotte Voisey, a mixologist and bar consultant, who was named 'UK Bartender of the Year' and is a big fan of the teeny 'tini trend. 'It's that moment where you're like, 'Ah, a cold, crisp, balanced martini — perfect.' Sometimes that's enough. Sometimes just having that one small taste of something perfect is actually more powerful than overdoing it. It's the idea of quality as a quantity.' 8 'People ask for the mini martini, because they are trying to take it easy. But in the end, they end up drinking four of them,' said José María Dondé, head mixologist at the Bedford Stone Street. Stefano Giovannini for At Little Fino, the newly opened bar and cafe at the William Vale in Williamsburg, compact choices include the 'Mole Martinez,' the 'Lemongrass Vesper,' the 'Dill Turf Club' and the 'A Solid Dirty Martini' — ranging in price from $7 to $10. Advertisement The bar's director Daryll Chan calls them the new 'sip-able shot' — investing in gorgeous mini glassware that makes his drinks too cute not to post. 'I just went down to Mexico [City] to Handshake Speakeasy and they have a list of mini martinis,' said Chan. 'There were six of us and we were able to have 10 drinks without going totally crazy. They lend themselves to being fun and communal.' 8 'Ozempic is having an impact for sure,' said Nikki McCutcheon, senior Director of Beverage at TAO Group, which runs the Fleur Room. @fleurroomny/instagram Even old-school boozers appreciate that a smaller cocktail lets you try before you buy, and get a better taste for the menu, said Chan. Advertisement And for purists who are wary of anything followed by the word 'trend,' there is actually historical precedent for drinking small and often. 'In the beginning, cocktails were definitely smaller,' said Voisey. 'One of the origins of the word cocktail, coquetier, means 'egg cup.' They were small serves. The next time cocktails were appreciated was the 1950s and that's when we started to see vodka replace gin and martinis that were shaken. Glasses got bigger, until you got to that cliche 1980s steakhouse martini, which is huge, way too big. You get halfway through and it's too warm already.' 8 Not everyone is buying into the teeny 'tini trend, like best-selling author Gary Shteyngart, who still wants his drinks supersized. Advertisement But not everyone is buying it. Head to Donohue's on the Upper East Side, say around 10 p.m., and you'll find the likes of writer Gary Shteyngart armed with a fat martini in one hand — and a double sidecar loaded with two more in his holster. 'Gary drink only big martini,' he told The Post.
Time Out
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The Edge's skydeck will be throwing huge parties this summer
Just when you thought summer nightlife in New York had peaked, Tao Group Hospitality is taking it way higher. Literally. The legendary nightlife brand behind Marquee is launching Marquee Skydeck, a pop-up party series perched 1,100 feet above Manhattan at Edge, the city's highest indoor/outdoor observation deck. Starting on Saturday, May 31 and running every Friday and Saturday through September, the 21-plus series will feature headlining DJs, sky-high energy and panoramic views more jaw-dropping than current NYC rent prices. If you can't wait for the official launch, an early preview DJ set by Carlita will drop on Friday, May 16. After that, the series kicks off in full force with techno heavyweight Maceo Plex on opening night. And don't worry—this isn't just another rooftop bash with a Bluetooth speaker. Marquee Skydeck is bringing the full sensory experience that the Marquee brand is known for, hosting world-class sound, lights and beats over Hudson Yards. It's not just a flashy party stunt, though; it's also part of a broader Tao Group takeover of Edge's hospitality game. The group already runs the show at Peak, Quin Bar and other concessions at the venue. With Marquee's flagship Chelsea club temporarily closed for a massive renovation until September, the Skydeck series is stepping in to fill the glittery void. 'There's nowhere else in the world where you can party at this altitude, with this view, and with the Marquee energy our guests love,' said Noah Tepperberg, Tao Group's co-CEO, in a release. The Edge, already famous for its glass floors and 360-degree views, has hosted music videos and album drops—but this is its first foray into full-scale nightlife. And according to Hudson Yards' Andrew Lustgarten, 'You haven't seen it all until you've seen how Edge does nightlife.'
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Jessica Alba chats up Kris Jenner's boyfriend at Las Vegas pool party as she celebrates 44th birthday
Jessica Alba was spotted chatting up Kris Jenner 's boyfriend, Corey Gamble, at the Palm Tree Beach Club and MGM Grand on Saturday. The club is the first partnership between night life giant Tao Group Hospitality and Palm Tree Crew. Alba mingled with fellow A-list stars at the exclusive Las Vegas pool party while celebrating her 44th birthday over the weekend. She appeared to be in bright spirits while spending time by the poolside hotspot, where newly single Sydney Sweeney was also seen having fun and flirty conversations with MGK and Patrick Schwarzenegger. At one point, Alba was seen catching up with her longtime friend and throwing her head back in laughter as they joked around. For the star-studded event at the lavish day club, she showcased her casual yet chic style as she modeled an all-black, midriff-baring outfit. The Honey actress mingled with fellow A-list stars a Las Vegas pool party while celebrating her 44th birthday over the weekend. She appeared to be in bright spirits while spending time by the poolside hotspot The Dark Angel alum flaunted her fit physique in a black bandeau top paired with high-waisted trousers with metallic silver belt loops that matched the details on her tiny top. Alba and Gamble appeared to be having a fun and friendly catch-up while they were both in town in the City of Sin. At one point, the talent executive, who has been in a relationship with the KarJenner momager for over a decade and shares a 25-year age gap with the reality TV star, was seen leaning in to talk into Alba's ear so she could hear him over the loud music and chatter. The pair both sported sunglasses while hanging out at the sunny location and flashed big smiles on their faces. Earlier this week, the Golden Globe-nominated actress rang in her 44th birthday on Monday, April 28. Her Las Vegas outing comes shortly after Alba and her estranged husband — who separated and filed for divorce in February — listed their longtime family home, their $19 million Beverly Hills mansion, for sale. She and the former film producer, 46, were married for 16 years and together for 20 before they announced their split earlier this year. They had previously met while filming her 2005 film Fantastic Four. The exes share three children together — daughters Honor, 16, Haven, 13, and son Hayes, seven. The Dark Angel alum flaunted her fit physique in a black bandeau top paired with high-waisted trousers with metallic silver belt loops that matched the details on her tiny top Earlier this week, the brunette beauty dropped a major clue that she is ready to date again amid her wild birthday trip. Joining a bevy of gal pals including Lizzy Mathis, Jennifer Shaffer and Galit Hadari Laibow, she blew out candles on her towering birthday cake before dancing the night away in a club on Monday. And earlier in that day, she had her three children present her for different types of 'cake' for her to blow out during a low-key celebration. 'As I move into this next year, I wish for myself what I wish for everyone — to feel loved,' she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. 'To feel seen. To feel accepted. And to know you are worthy of your biggest dreams.' Alba was last rumored to be dating a 'friend of a friend' — Emmy-winning writer Alex Edelman — but it turned out that he only chivalrously lent her his coat to keep her warm outside of the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in March. The star also admitted in her birthday post that her 'drive for perfection is exhausting' and she years to make 'space to accept myself — flaws and all — and to release the need to control.' The Honest Renovations producer-host received birthday greetings from her famous friends Viola Davis, Kali Uchis, Kerry Washington, Jenna Dewan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chelsea Handler, Jennie Garth, Michelle Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Karrueche Tran, Chrishell Stause, Rachel Zegler, Helena Christensen, Isla Fisher, Selma Blair, Casandra Fine, Mario Lopez, and Ana Navarro-Cárdenas.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Megan Thee Stallion parties with Justin Bieber as she shows off her assets in sizzling Coachella week two look
Megan Thee Stallion rubbed shoulders with Justin Bieber when they attended a party Friday night to kick off weekend two of Coachella. The 30-year-old rapper and the 31-year-old pop superstar both appeared to perform briefly at the party, which featured other A-list stars. The rapper was likely hoping for a pristine show later on Sunday after her first-weekend set left fans furious due to technical mishaps. Though her look from Friday night wasn't one of her most flattering, it showcased her stellar figure and impressive weight loss. The performer shared views of her ensemble to Instagram on Saturday, after she joined other A-list stars at the Desert, a private event in Thermal, California. The event — which was hosted by the Tao Group Hospitality, REVOLVE, and the Palm Tree Club — featured Justin singing his song What Do You Mean?, according to the organizers. Bieber looked overjoyed and could be seen grinning ear to ear while catching up with other attendees as he hung out in the DJ booth. It wasn't clear if he and Megan did much socializing Bieber looked overjoyed and could be seen grinning ear to ear while catching up with other attendees as he hung out in the DJ booth. Although Justin and Megan were both spotted partying, it wasn't clear if they spent much time together at the event. Megan's outfit featured a black halter bra top that put her prominent cleavage on full display. The top featured a black band underneath that was covered with silver studs, and it matched the waistband of her charcoal Who Decides War jeans. Although Megan's jeans weren't offered on the brand's website, similar designs sell for anywhere from $500 to $1,200 or more. Her dark pants were decorated with odd brown leather patches, as well as a much larger Who Decides patch along the side of her leg. She paired the jeans, which went from dark gray to tan farther down the legs, with tan work boots that matched the bottom of the pants. Megan wore her jeans low, which showcased her stunningly flat midriff and let her high-cut g-string pop out over the waistband. She also appeared to have tied a gray patterned scarf around the g-string for an extra flourish that only made the look busier. The WAP rapper wore a thick silver chain with a cross dangling from it, as well as enormous silver hoop earrings that were big enough to put someone's arm through. She added a splash of color to the otherwise muted look with a long red wig with tight waves that reached down to her thighs and framed her heavily made-up face. The previous weekend, Megan's Coachella set went awry due to technical problems and an unshakeable curfew. The hitmaker — who put on a stunningly busty display at an Oscars afterparty last month — began to have issues about 20 minutes into her red-hot performance, when she cried out that something was wrong with her microphone, according to The Independent. Although a backstage helper was able to solve the issue, Megan's microphone was also implicated in a disappointing ending to the first-weekend set. According to SFGate, she appeared to be about to launch into another tune toward the end of her show when her microphone abruptly cut out, apparently because she had gone two minutes past her scheduled end time. Megan's initial sound issues appeared to begin when her attached microphone reportedly fell off her bustier amid her athletic, high-energy dance routines. 'Somebody come out here and fix my motherf****** mic!' she could be heard shouting from other microphones that were still working. A member of her crew could be seen running on stage and helping reattached the microphone. Megan gave them a quick thank you and then continued with her performance as if nothing had happened. 'That man putting Megan Thee Stallion's mic on her bustier had the most stressful high-pressure job ever,' one fan joked on X. Another wrote: 'Megan Thee Stallion's sweet little "thank youuuu" after this heavy a** song and hollering "someone come fix my f***ing mic" is so cute lol.' Minutes later, she brought out a special guest, Queen Latifah, and Victoria Monét joined her later in the set. Ciara also made a surprise appearance to team up with Megan to perform her 2004 song Goodies. Fans on social media, many of whom caught the show through the livestream broadcast, were stunned by the performance, particularly Megan's athletic vocals. Several people posted that 'Megan Thee Stallion's mic is on,' meaning that she wasn't just lip syncing her performance so as not to become breathless while trying to rap. Fans were astounded at how Megan wasn't fazed by her microphone malfunctioning Fans on social media were stunned by the performance, particularly Megan's athletic vocals. Several people posted that 'Megan Thee Stallion's mic is on,' meaning that she wasn't just lip syncing her performance so as not to become breathless The moment left fans with a sour taste in their mouths. Viewers of the livestream could still hear the rapper's mic, but audience members at the festival heard nothing over muted speakers On Reddit, a user posted a meme of Oprah Winfrey asking 'Were you silent? Or were you SILENCED?' which originally was featured in her interview of Meghan Markle However, one fan noted that, although her microphone was definitely on, she still needed the cushioning of the backing track due to how much dancing she was doing. But after averting one crisis, Megan's show ended on a sour note. After she had finished her popular song Bil Ole Freak, Megan appeared to be about to launch into another tune, Mamushi. The massive LED screens were reportedly cued up for the song, and viewers at home could hear the start of the backing track for the song. However, people in the audience at Coachella heard none of that, as the speakers were turned off around 9:27 p.m., around two minutes after her scheduled end time, according to SFGate. Megan's microphone also appeared to have cut off, and the visuals for Mamushi were replaced on the screens by a camera feed of the stage. Megan reportedly vented her frustrations into her microphone, which went unheard at the festival but did make it through to livestream viewers. 'Don't y'all do the hotties like that,' she reportedly cried out, adding, 'Run Mamushi back for the motherf***ing hotties.' Megan finally gave up, declaring, 'B****, they said we gotta go!' But Megan still silently ran through the choreography for the song for around a minute, before she took a bow and said farewell to the audience, which was also not heard. 'The sound out. Damn, they turned off Megan Thee Stallion mic out! Damn, she didn't even do an hour got AWKWARD throwing us off silencing her,' one furious fan wrote on X. On Reddit, a user posted a meme of Oprah Winfrey asking 'Were you silent? Or were you SILENCED?' which originally was featured in her interview of Meghan Markle. Megan Thee Stallion was followed by closing headliner Post Malone, who reportedly took the stage around 10:25 p.m.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mohegan Sun Welcomes Beauty & Essex: A Stunning New Culinary & Cocktail Destination
Tao Group Hospitality's Iconic Restaurant Opens at Mohegan Sun, Featuring an Immersive Pawn-Shop Entrance and Elevated Dining Experience UNCASVILLE, Conn., Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality proudly announce the grand opening of Beauty & Essex, a stunning new restaurant and lounge that fuses opulence with intrigue. The highly anticipated dining destination officially opened on Friday, February 7th, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe. With an 11,000-square-foot footprint inside Mohegan Sun's Casino of the Sky, Beauty & Essex seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern luxury. Guests enter through a curated modern-day pawn shop—a signature element of the Beauty & Essex brand—before discovering a multi-room dining event featuring: Pearl Lounge & Bar – An intimate cocktail haven Peacock Dining Room – A stunning space with artful design Locket Private Dining Room – An exclusive setting for private events "Mohegan Sun has built a reputation for exceptional dining and nightlife, and Beauty & Essex takes it to the next level," said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. "In partnership once again with Tao Group Hospitality, we've blended top-tier cuisine and craft cocktails, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the property. Rockwell Group and JCJ Architecture have done an incredible job bringing this vision to life, ensuring every space – from the pawn shop entrance to the private dining room – feels captivating and inviting. We can't wait for our guests to experience it." A Menu of Elevated Global FlavorsBeauty & Essex, co-founded by celebrity chef Chris Santos, has gained worldwide acclaim for its shareable plates, globally inspired flavors, and immersive dining. The Mohegan Sun location introduces a curated selection of signature dishes and shareables, with highlights like: Red Snapper Tacos with creamy avocado, mango salsa and chile crema Wagyu Steak Tartare with mustard and chive sticky rice Grilled Double-cut Lambchops with creamy polenta, port wine glaze. 24 oz. Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye with Beauty & Essex's signature roasted garlic & bacon or smoked tomato glaze Little French Dips with slow-roasted prime sirloin, gruyère cheese, horseradish-garlic aioli, house-made au jus Gochujang Salmon with black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, ginger aioli Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs with whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, truffle The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu for guests seeking plant-based options, including Miso-Glazed Crispy Eggplant, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Kale & Apple Salad, and more. "At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining," said Chef Chris Santos. "We want our guests to feel like every meal is a discovery—whether it's a first bite of our famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings or sipping a craft cocktail that surprises the senses. Opening at Mohegan Sun is a dream, and we're beyond excited to share this experience with new and returning fans." Handcrafted Cocktails & Curated Wine SelectionsThe beverage program at Beauty & Essex is just as captivating as the cuisine, featuring favorites like: Beauty Elixir – Bombay Gin, La Marca Sparkling Rosé, cucumber, strawberry O.D.B. (Old Dirty Bramble) – Casamigos Reposado, smoked blackberries, honey, ginger, lemon Earl the Pearl – Wheatley Vodka, Earl Grey tea, lemon, mint nectar The Woodsman – Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, muddled pear, allspice maple syrup, lemon Ice Spice – Patrón Reposado Mohegan Sun Edition, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, peach purée, Thai chili, lime The wine list also features over 20 hand-selected labels, including Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Italy) and BenMarco Malbec (Argentina). A Speakeasy with a Hidden EntranceAt the heart of Beauty & Essex is its pawn shop-inspired entrance, a signature feature that surprises and delights first-time visitors. Curated by Lauren Kaminsky, aka "Gold Girl," the modern-day pawn shop showcases a stunning collection of vintage treasures, all available for purchase. Guests can browse unique items such as Fender, Ibanez, Gretsch, Gold Tone and D'Angelico guitars, classic Vox amplifiers, retro wall art, vinyl records, and rare jewelry. Among the standout pieces are Beatles memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind collectibles that make for the perfect conversation starters. Beyond this unexpected retail experience, the restaurant unfolds into a multi-room dining and cocktail haven, where dim lighting, vintage décor, and plush seating create a transportive and unforgettable atmosphere. A Thrilling New Chapter in Mohegan Sun's Dining EvolutionBeauty & Essex marks another exciting chapter in Mohegan Sun's partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, joining the highly successful TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge. As Mohegan Sun continues to expand its dining and nightlife portfolio, Beauty & Essex stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and those seeking an unforgettable night out. Reservations at Beauty & Essex can be made by visiting For more information and updates on special events planned at Beauty & Essex, guests can visit To view and download additional imagery of Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun, click HERE. ABOUT JCJ ARCHITECTURE JCJ Architecture is a forward-thinking and nationally ranked planning, architecture and interior design firm offering comprehensive services to clients in the hospitality, gaming, civic, K12 and higher education sectors. Founded in 1936, the employee-owned firm's mission is to provide innovative design solutions that enhance the environment, enrich people's lives and help organizations succeed. With a long-standing reputation for business acumen and project delivery excellence, JCJ focuses on bringing the qualities of adaptability, integrity, respect and collaboration to a design process that leverages the unique qualities and potential of each project. JCJ collaborates with clients across the United States from offices located in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego, Tulsa, and Las Vegas. For more information, please visit ABOUT TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates over 80 branded locations in over 20 markets across four continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, Crane Club, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, a global investment firm with a focus in luxury lifestyle and hospitality investments. Learn more at ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mohegan Sun Sign in to access your portfolio
