Last Wednesday night, around 6:30pm, you would have found me at a luxury watch boutique on 57th Street, in the heart of Midtown, making decisions about the placement of linen napkins at a dinner table, operating a panel of high-tech switches in an attempt to turn retail lighting into something more cocktail-hour appropriate, and editing a seating chart to facilitate maximum socializing and conviviality.

Thirty minutes later, the place was fully set for a festive affair. Arriving at the Vacheron Constantin flagship, guests checked outerwear and umbrellas and settled in for an evening that included brightly-hued cocktails, a portrait and watch try-on studio, and a dinner menu by chef Hillary Sterling of a New York City newcomer, Ci Siamo. The night was billed as a celebration of fine watchmaking, but it was also one of the first times that our guests had gathered for an intimate dining event with a brand in months—if not years. 

The event also marked the first time that my agency, Untitled Secret, has produced a live event since early 2020. Even though pandemic-era planning remains tricky, everyone who was gathered that night remarked at how nice it felt to be out and about, getting together for intimate celebrations once again. I like to think that the special touches the agency adds to such events—for instance, we eschewed the typical long-dining-table event format for something more like a restaurant, complete with a maitre’d and a chef’s counter—are what help make these evenings feel especially magical. And with 2022 well underway, you’ll likely be hearing from me about many more moments like these.

Favorite links this week

THE DROPOUT

Yes, I’ve consumed the inordinate amount of based-on-a-true-story TV shows that have been released recently and, like The Guardian opines, I think many (including Inventing Anna) have been less than stellar. The Dropout, in which Amanda Seyfried expertly plays Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is an exception.

ROLLER SKATING IS BACK

Everyone knows the iconic Rockefeller Center ice skating rink that magically pops up in the winter, but this spring, the sunken Midtown plaza will be home to a roller skating rink for the first time in over 80 years. I’m thrilled, so don’t be surprised to see me out there on my skates.

DON’T DUMP YOUR VODKA

I’m devastated by the Russian attacks on Ukraine, but as Grub Street cheekily points out, dumping your vodka and boycotting New York’s Russian restaurants isn’t the way to express your frustration. There are lots of worthy organizations that could use your donations instead.

TONAL x AGNP

Though I love hitting the gym, exercising at home is something I grew to love during the past couple years. I may lose out on the post-sweat sauna, but saving time by squeezing in a 45-minute session between meetings or after work is worth it. And my workout might even be better when I use my Tonal: with an impressive variety of exercises, an adaptive digital weight system, and personalized programming, it’s truly the world’s smartest home gym, tailoring each workout to me.

The experience begins with a quick evaluation to determine your strength. The Tonal then engineers each workout to allow you to lift more effectively, while sensors provide real-time guidance to improve your form and technique. Detailed performance analytics track your progress by muscle group and body region to help you reach your goals faster.

Even better, the design of the wall-mounted machine looks incredibly sleek and minimal in my entryway. Plus, it lets me ditch all the dumbbells, plates, and bands that were cluttering my apartment before. Now, I’m actually working out when I say I will—and both my body and my space look better for it.

NYC TAKEOUT

I haven’t had a functional kitchen for the better part of nine months, so I’ve become intimately familiar with New York City’s takeout dining options. From comfort food to health-adjacent dishes, here are the orders that have kept me alive throughout this never-ending pandemic renovation.

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