Celerie Kemble's "Sanctuary for a Siren", photo by Rose Hartman

With its South Beach tropical feel (blazing orange walls, intensely-colored paintings and vases), Nuela's cavernous restaurant proved to be the perfect venue for a Sunday "Aid for Aids" benefit brunch . In order to help this worthy cause, I joined Phillip Bloch and an attractive, fashionably, arty and lively group to enjoy a "sabroso" South American brunch. Before anyone could say "Arepas!", i was ready for this fabulously tasty dish mixed with black beans and chorizo, followed by Latin crepes, all washed down with one, two or three Mimosas (who's counting when it comes to a good cause?). With the rhythm of bossa novas and cha cha chas provided by a young female DJ-the latest trend-the benefit was the perfect kick-off to the spring season. Booking a reservation at Nuela on West 24th Street for a Sunday- in -May brunch is a must--and you be helping a most worthwhile ... Read More

If you haven't visited Urban Zen yet, you are in for a treat. Located on a quiet West Village street, the store/gallery was established by Donna Karan.

Hand-crafted Balinese furniture, gorgeous exotic jewelry (like the pieces that Donna always wears), oversized art books and, of course, all those neutral linen and jersey must-haves (for those with money to spare) to entice Karan's many fans.

What distinguishes this space are the exceptional events that take place in the enormous, former sculpture studio of Donna's late husband, Stephen Weiss.

Recently, I strolled over to Urban Zen to attend the high-energied event for Elizabeth Jordan, a documentary photographer and world traveler who depicts the plight of people in war-torn and developing countries. The walls of the gallery held striking, brightly-colored images of African and Haitian women balancing enormous baskets of produce on their heads . Jordan, a philanthropist, had promised much-needed money to Rawandan women, so ... Read More