By Claudine Paul

The debut release by British newcomer Lolene, The Electrick Hotel, is one that won't leave any listening guest that is checking in feeling short changed.  Generously offering fifteen electro tracks of music, the singer's music is a combination of catchy animated high octave dance tracks and a few ballads to show the variety found in her hotel.  Lolene, who probably won't have to "fake it to make it," will have no problem finding room for one more in today's new Lady Gaga genre world of Pop Dance.

 Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

A few minutes ago ABC officially announced the cast of Dancing with the Stars season 11.

The season premiere of DWTS will air on Monday, September 20th at 8:00 PM ET/PT and will include:

Women

1. Brandy - singer and Ray J's sister (I remember when we use to say 'Ray J, Brandy's brother').

2. Jennifer Grey - actress of the movie Dirty Dancing fame.  Enough said.

3. Margaret Cho - comedian.  She better bring it!

4. Audrina Patridge - one of the chicas from MTV's reality show The Hills.

5. Florence Henderson - it's Carol Brady from The Brady Bunch.  She still looks good! 

6. Bristol Palin - Sarah Palin's daughter.  Really???

Men

1. Michael Bolton - late 1980's/early 1990's balladeer.  Can he actually dance?

2. Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino - one of the fist pumpers from MTV's Jersey Shore.

3. David Hasselhoff - Baywatch was awesome when it was on television.  You just can't hassle the Hoff. 

4. Kurt Warner - another NFL star?  Ummm...why?

5. Kyle Massey - okay, a Disney kid.  Hope he does well.

6. Rick Fox - ex-husband to the stunning Vanessa Williams.  Former NBA player and hottie.

By Doshka Harvey

The Incredible by Victoria's Secret is finally here.  Made with super-soft fabric, this bra is smooth, comfortable and offers the perfect coverage for a luxurious overall feel.

With self-adjustable straps the Incredible is available in three styles:  push-up, demi, and front-close demi. 

Colors:  electric blue, green ombre, and ultimate fuchsia

Price range:  $45-$52

Sizes:  32A-38DD

Candice Swanepoel and Erin Heatherton at Incredible bra launch event in NYC

Behind the scenes footage on the set of the Incredible ad campaign with supermodels Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepoel, and Erin Heatherton

Top Image and video courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Center Images © 2010 Doshka Harvey

By Doshka Harvey

One of the great things about living in New York City is being able to experience retail therapy from pretty much any location.  Uptown, downtown, midtown, Soho, Noho, Times Square or Park Ave - you name the area and there will always be a shopping feast for your eyes AND wallet.

I recently had fun exploring the Ferrari store located on Park Ave.  I may not be able to afford any of the luxury cars prominently displayed in the store just yet, but it's very exciting to look.  Girls love fast cars too boys!

Until I can afford my future red Ferrari 458 Italia, retail therapy of the more affordable items will have to do.  At the store one can find goodies ranging from driving moccasins, jackets, cute baby clothing and strollers, miniature Ferrari cars, polo shirts, perfumes, watches and more -all sprinkled with the Ferrari label.  Now, isn't that worth a visit until your sports car dreams come true too?

Ferrari Store of New York City - 410 Park Avenue (corner of 55th Street), Tel. (212) 593-2080

Images courtesy of Syndicate Media Group/Photo credit: Billy Farrell from Patrick McMullan Company

By Doshka Harvey

Come here.  Closer.  A bit closer.  Guess what?  I'm going to share an incredible secret with you. 

If you are in the New York City area on August 10th, be sure to sashay on over to the Victoria's Secret store in Soho.  They'll be unveiling the new 'Incredible by Victoria's Secret' bra.  Not only will you be privy to the launch, you will also have a chance to be photographed with sexy Victoria's Secret Bombshells Candice Swanepoel, Chanel Iman, and Erin Heatherton.

The secret is out.  So be sure to stop by to find out for yourself what makes this latest VS creation so 'Incredible.'  See you there!

When:  Tuesday, August 10th, 5-7pm

Where:  Victoria's Secret Soho location - 591 Broadway (btw Houston and Prince St.)

Images courtesy of Victoria's Secret

By Doshka Harvey

On a recent hot summer day here in NYC, I sauntered over to The Meatball Shop on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  I'd been hearing much talk about this place and thought it fitting to scope out this eatery that might challenge all grandmas and mothers who make homemade meatballs.

Needless to say, I was left quite impressed by this cozy restaurant jointly owned by Chef Daniel Holzman and Manager Michael Chernow.

They serve 5 types of meatballs:  classic beef, spicy pork, chicken, vegetable, and a weekly special.

Patrons can opt to have their balls with an array of sides ranging from the obvious spaghetti to polenta, mashed potatoes, white beans, market salad, and steamed broccoli just to mention a few.

There are also sandwiches and on my visit I chose the BBLT ($8): ball, bacon, lettuce, tomato.

A delicious and mouthwatering treat, one can taste each individual component of the sandwich as one bites into it:  the well seasoned ball, the fresh lettuce and tomatoes, the savory bacon and well baked focaccia bread.  All these flavors then meld and for a glorious moment one is left questioning, 'Do I stick with team grandma or switch to team Meatball Shop?'  Sorry grandma!!! 

The BBLT is available as the summer special.  It is accompanied by a simple salad of arugula and apples.  And, I must say, this is the most refreshing salad I've had in quite a long time in my adventures eating out.  Chef Daniel, I want to know your secret to that dressing.

Let me add that I also got a thirst quenching watermelon lemonade (flavors vary), on the house, with my BBLT.  For this I have to thank Daily Candy since I am a DC reader and I found out this bit via their site.  A freebie is always good, especially when you live in NYC and must live as a foodie-bugetista.

The Meatball Shop - 84 Stanton Street (between Allen and Orchard on the Lower East Side), Tel. (212) 982-8895

Images © 2010 Doshka Harvey

By Claudine Paul

British music mixers The Chemical Brothers - while many of their Electronica peers have disappeared into oblivion - prove that they are still doing what they do best with the release of their seventh studio title Further.   The pair's latest is a cohesive dance mix of varied tempos, melodic ambient sounds, and occasional vocals.  It's an easy listen, as a whole, without any mindless fillers.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show 2010 - Feature Story

Having a refreshing drink in the summer time - such as a tall glass of iced tea - is one of the simple yet great joys of the season to cool one down.  Wouldn't you welcome a tea that could not only cool you down during the dog days, but also quench your thirst all year 'round?  Well, such a beverage does exist and it comes from New Leaf Brands.

New Leaf is undoubtedly taking the drink industry by storm with their real teas consisting of four categories of teas with 13 flavors, as well as their 4 deliciously distinctive lemonades.

White Tea:  Honeydew, strawberry.

Green Tea:  Ginseng & Honey, mango, plum.

Blue Tea:  Lemon, peach, raspberry, diet lemon, diet peach.

Black Tea:  Lime & Mint, sweet tea, unsweetened.

Lemonades:  The Tiger, strawberry, homemade, blackberry.

The discerning consumer would be happy to know that this product is not only great tasting, but also made with natural fruit flavors, 100% pure organic cane sugar and no HFCS (high fructose corn syrup).

Founded in 2004 on a shoestring budget, New Leaf is considered "the official beverage of taste."  At the NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show 2010 we had the great opportunity to chat with Founder & CEO Eric Skae about his growing company.

(Note:  We do apologize that the audio is not perfect, however, we promise to make it better next time.  FYI - I actually had the peach flavor in my hand at the end of the video.  Thanks for watching!)

For more information about New Leaf teas visit:  www.newleafbrands.com

Images courtesy of Carolyn Izzo Integrated Communications

By Doshka Harvey

NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show 2010 - Discovery #4

We are not sure how we missed Lehi Valley's Golden Caramel Corn Nuggets before, however, we are aware of them now and want you to know about them too.

Flavors:  There is only one - caramel.

Reason for liking:  Nuggets never tasted so finger lickin' good.  Have a handful and you too will be easily addicted.  Try not to be!  Trust us, it's impossible!

Cleverness:  They are sweet and crunchy, while still remaining light and fluffy.  Add a bit of milk to these scrumptious corn puffs and you'll have the perfect tasting bowl of cereal.  Move over Kellogg's Corn Pops!

Image from Lehi Valley

By Doshka Harvey

NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show 2010 - Discovery #3

There are many makers of shortbread; however, Willow McGrain's Heritage Shortbread is an absolute delight.

It's the perfect buttery treat to nibble on its own or alongside a hot cup of tea.

Flavors:  Original and original dipped in dark chocolate.

Reason for liking:  Though this shortbread is made in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, it is made in the tradition with "natural ingredients that [Willow McGrain's] grandmother used in Scotland." 

Cleverness:  With slight bits of sugar atop each square biscuit, Heritage Shortbread could easily give the world known Walkers brand a run for their money.

For more information on Heritage Shortbread visit:  http://www.heritageshortbread.com

Image from Heritage Shortbread.  Photography by Jamie Smentkowski