Out with Dr. Bill — Brunch with Sonja Morgan and Other Holiday Celebrations

An Alluring Brunch with Sonja Morgan

Last weekend was quite eventful for me. I had the pleasure of indulging in a scrumptious brunch at Allure Restaurant and Lounge on the Upper West Side. The company was nothing short of fabulous, featuring Sonja Morgan from "Real Housewives of New York," a couple of her teammates and Eric Baker. Nestled in the historic Hotel Belleclaire, Allure is the newest gem of City Nights Hospitality, and let me tell you: It was spectacular.

Our culinary journey began with the Allure Brunch Tower, a delightful assortment of croissants, pastries, quiche, potato latkes, and guava and apple butter. We followed this with delectable Eggs Benedict — poached eggs over a bed of Rainbow Chard and Potato Latkes, drizzled with Beetroot Hollandaise. As the champagne flowed and the Bloody Marys were enjoyed, the vibe was elevated by a live DJ, making it feel as though we were in the heart of Paris' Marais district. Sonja, Eric and I even took turns spinning tunes, though it was all digital, with no vinyl in sight.

Allure strikes the perfect balance between fine dining and urban elegance. Relaxing in such a stylish and sophisticated space was an absolute delight. The music, thoughtfully curated, added to the upscale yet inviting atmosphere. But Allure is more than just a meal, it's a destination. It's where you go to enjoy top-tier cuisine and immerse yourself in an upscale environment that epitomizes the after-dinner experience. This was particularly important this time, as we hosted a couple of high-profile friends from Los Angeles. We're always seeking the best spots in New York for such occasions, and Allure certainly impressed. As we sipped and chatted, two hours flew by, a testament to the captivating ambiance that Allure provides.

The Portrait Bar and Café Carmellini at the Fifth Avenue Hotel

We began our work week at the Portrait Bar, a gem located within the Fifth Avenue Hotel in NoMad. Once a McKim, Mead & White mansion at 250 Fifth Avenue, it has been transformed into a beacon of modern hospitality, design, art, and gastronomy.

The bar, designed by the renowned Martin Brudnizki, melds the classic elegance of a London hotel with the grandeur of an Italian villa. Its dark, wood-paneled walls are adorned with 50 portraits, evoking the legacy of a distinguished family. The furnishings include plush burgundy couches and chairs, while shelves brim with artifacts from international journeys.

Under the guidance of Bar Director Darryl Chan, the Portrait Bar has become an enclave of sophistication, known for serving some of the city's finest cocktails and housing an impressive art collection.

It's no surprise that Esquire magazine recently honored the bar's Cartagena cocktail as one of America's 50 best martinis. This exquisite drink is a blend of Korean Sonbigin, Colombian aguardiente, passion fruit liqueur, sherry, and cherry bark vanilla bitters, embodying a tropical twist on the classic martini.

After enjoying our pre-dinner martinis with friends Bob and Greg, we continued the evening with a delightful dinner at Café Carmellini. Located just a few steps down an internal hallway from the Portrait Bar, this signature restaurant felt like a hidden culinary treasure.

Overseen by the James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini, the dining room boasts a spacious, double-height design with an open kitchen and intricate details of wood, mirrors, and bronze. For those looking for a culinary tip, I recommend starting with the Wagyu carpaccio.

Immigration Equality Annual Donor Celebration

But the week didn't stop there! I had the distinct honor of joining Matthew and Philip at Immigration Equality's Annual Donor Celebration, hosted in the designer home of the wonderful and award-winning Jamie Drake, along with Nick Barkas. The setting was truly spectacular, reflecting Jamie's renowned design aesthetics.

Immigration Equality is America's leading LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive immigrant rights organization. For over 25 years, this organization has worked tirelessly to secure safe haven, freedom, and equality for both the LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive communities. Through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation, the organization supports immigrants facing discrimination based on who they are and who they love. In the inspiring ambiance created by Jamie Drake, we felt even more committed to the cause.

The Center's Holiday Celebration

Midweek, I joined a few neighbors from Chelsea and we walked together to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, a true heart and home for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. We were there for a vibrant celebration at the LGBTQIA+ Center's Annual Holiday and Legacy Member Celebration. It's a place that, since its establishment in 1983 during the height of the AIDS crisis, has provided a safe and affirming space for our community to face urgent threats and challenges.

Over the past 40 years, the Center has evolved to continuously meet the changing needs of New York's LGBTQIA+ community, offering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives.

That night, many of us learned about the upcoming change in leadership. The party buzzed with news that the Center would be entering a historic next chapter with Dr. Carla Smith taking the helm as CEO, succeeding Glennda Testone who served as Executive Director for 14 extraordinary years.

While there was a touch of sadness at losing our beloved friend Glennda, there was also a wave of joy for Carla. We all felt confident that she will build on Glennda's incredible legacy and forge her own vision for the next 14 years of the Center. It was a night of mixed emotions, but above all, a sense of community and hope for the future.

Annual Beachcomber Holiday Party

As the festive season wraps New York City in its vibrant embrace, there's a special celebration that stands out in our lives during the season — it's our annual Beachcomber Holiday Party, hosted by myself and my partner, Eric, in our Chelsea apartment.

This annual event, which originally began as a seasonal post-summer season gathering of our summer share housemates (inspired from our summer escapades with our Beachcomber housemates), had grown to include those "friends-of" Beachcomber, "guests" of Beachcomber, and those who love them. It's more than just a gathering; it's a reunion of hearts and a celebration of the enduring bonds we've formed over the years with our Fire Island family.

Guests are friends who've shared sun-soaked days and starlit nights with us at our Fire Island home, becoming an integral part of what we fondly call our beach family. Their presence at our holiday party brings the joy and spirit of those summer days into the heart of winter in the city.

One of the highlights this year was my first attempt at a Holiday Grazing Table. When they say it takes a village, "they" were right. Shoutout to Erin Baldy, who's remote offerings of mood boards, table examples and build-your-own charts and diagrams were invaluable. Thank you also to Brooke Barnum for sharing her favorite Grazing Table images. The combined assets of these inspiring women, coupled with the culinary stylings of our newer friend, Chloe, transformed what would have been a simple arrangement of vegetables, fruit, crackers, assorted meats, etc. into a vibrant, edible work of art.

Chloe's game-changing contribution, coupled with a comprehensive shopping list provided by Erin, ensured that our Grazing Table was not just a feast for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.

The evening was elevated with a beautifully stocked bar and dapper, hand-selected bartenders from our preferred staffing agency, ModelBartenders. The one drink that stood out this year as most popular was the vibrant BuDhaGirl Sparkling Demi-Sec. Eric particularly enjoyed the taste, as it's crafted primarily from Chardonnay, his preferred grape.

BuDhaGirl, founded by the creative powerhouse Jessica Jesse in 2013, and initially known for its All Weather Bangles®, has recently introduced a new gem: the BuDhaGirl California Sparkling Brut, which we've come to adore. We had the pleasure of a sneak peek (or should I say sneak taste?) as BuDhaGirl Sparkling is not available to the public until late January. With a 92 rating, I'm sure it will be a sellout.

As the evening unfolded, our apartment buzzed with the laughter and stories of multiple generations. The guest list was a tapestry of diverse and dynamic individuals, ranging from members of a popular award-winning musical group to a dedicated city official, from a passionate LGBTQIA+ activist and philanthropist to a renowned jazz and cabaret singer. Included also were a Tony Award® winning designer, an international pop singer-songwriter who shared tales of his latest chart-topping hit, and many more. Each person brought their unique essence to the celebration, creating a melting pot of vibrant personalities.

The Beachcomber Holiday Party was a reflection of the joyous bond we share with our friends — a bond that transcends seasons and locations. It's a testament to the power of community and the joy of coming together to celebrate life's moments.

Every year, this party doesn't just mark the holiday season; it celebrates friendship, love, and the creation of new memories. It's a reminder that no matter where we are, the spirit of our Beachcomber family remains a constant source of joy and togetherness in our lives.