Manhattan Virtual Office

Photo by epublicist

How can a Virtual Office help you?

Case Study: Leonard and Kiara
Type of Business: Medical Placement Agency
Location: Hoboken, New Jersey
Services: New York Virtual Office, Meeting Room Usage

Leonard was a headhunter for the office furniture industry in the Tristate area. He wasn’t doing very well in the current economy – he had tons of clients, but no jobs to place them in. He knew he wanted to start his own business, but wasn’t sure exactly which direction to go in.

Kiara was a Human Resource director with a medical company. Budget cuts and layoffs were a part of her daily routine. Not only was her spirit breaking because of the constant bad news she had to deliver on a daily basis, she knew her days at this job were also numbered.

Leonard and Kiara met through a mutual friend. They got to talking about their careers; a headhunter and an HR director! It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship and a successful business partnership.

Leonard and Kiara were from completely different sectors, but their combined connections and knowledge-base would eventually be the basis for a placement firm. They got to talking and the ideas just fell into place. With support from their respective spouses, family, friends and business associates, Leonard and Kiara got to work.

They knew they were starting a placement firm, but weren’t sure if it should be general or cater to a specific niche market. They wanted to specialize, but didn’t want to exclude any potential candidates. In the end, they decided to to start off the firm specializing in placement for medical professionals and make use of Kiara’s massive contact list and Leonard networking skills.

Leonard and Kiara had their business plan and website in place. Since they were still working at their respective day jobs, they didn’t have the time, money or resources to rent an actual office. A physical presence was a necessity: They needed a professional environment to portray their corporate identity and to interview prospective candidates. That’s when they contacted VH International Business Solutions, Inc and subscribed to our Manhattan business presence including rental of an office address and meeting room usage.

The company was ready to go! Leonard worked on placing ads to find candidates and Kiara sent out announcements to her contacts in the medical field promoting their new venture. The buzz they created churned out fantastic results: responses were flowing in from both directions! It was time to start interviewing placement candidates.

Leonard and Kiara contacted VH International Business Solutions to find out if the office was suitable for conducting a condensed flow of interviews scheduled at 15 minute increments during the entire workday. They asked if we had places for people to wait for their interview and a private room where they could interview candidates… Of course we do – they started renting the available office space for an entire day at a time.

On the day of their first rental, they arrived early to speak with the receptionist. The receptionist was given a list of the candidates and their appointments. The receptionist was to note that the interviewee had show up, and at what time, for their appointment. She was then given a packet of documents, including applications and disclosure forms that the interviewees were to complete prior to their interview. A resume was to be requested from the applicant, as well as a photo ID and any licensing documents. The receptionist was then to make copies of this information and attach to their paperwork package. The package would be given to Leonard, who would greet the applicant in the reception area, and escort into the meeting room for Kiara to conduct the interview.

Their first day was a success! So much of a success they currently religiously book the meeting room at least twice a month to conduct their mass interviews.

Leonard and Kiara are thrilled with their success: The idea worked! They have since branched out into other non-medical sectors. For just a nominal amount of start-up capital they were able to create a business that currently supports both of their salaries and covers all business expenses. Always expressing appreciation for our service, they are amazed at the quality of services they’ve received from VH International Business Solutions – their New York office.

We are proud to still call Leonard, Kiara and their placement firm one of our valued clients.

Previous Case Studies:
Case Study: Siobhanne, Her Talent Agency and a NYC Virtual Office
Case Study: James, His Law Firm and a NYC Virtual Office
Case Study: Donald, His Publishing Company and a NY Virtual Office
Case Study: Kris, Erica and a NY Virtual Office

How can VH International Business Solutions help you?
Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

Photo by doctorow
View of Flatiron District from Top of Flatiron Building

Why spend thousands of dollars on all the expenses involved with a staffed brick and mortar office when you can outsource it?

In just about a business day you can open and outsource your physical office by establishing a New York Virtual Office business account with VH International Business Solutions… right on-line!

Yes it’s that simple!

Wondering what a virtual office entails? Wondering what you should you consider?

There are several items to consider as each business is unique in it’s needs. For this reason, we provide pricing for all of our services on an a-la-carte basis. You pick and choose only the services you need – we don’t “prepackage” and stick you with services you’ll never need or use.

Address:
Let’s start with the address. This is the main component of your New York Virtual Office.

You will be issued a physical office address with on-site reception and meeting facilities directly on Broadway in Midtown Manhattan’s trendy Flatiron District. Office address rental rates are from only $25 per month. You can use the address as you would any physical office address. We issue you an actual office suite address – not a fabricated suite number, which is usually just a smoke screen for a mailbox. You can walk right into the office address you are issued and meet with your clients, you can’t do that with a mailbox.

Our offices are located on in a high rise office building designed by a renowned architect. The building is a combination of stone, brick, terracotta, iron and copper in the Beaux Arts style with extensive detailing inside and out.

Our office building holds Landmark status from the City of New York – What constitutes a Landmark? A landmark is a building, property, or object that has been designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission because it has a special character or special historical or aesthetic interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, State, or Nation. For more details on NYC’s landmarking preservation system, please click here to visit their website.

Location, Location, Location:
We are across the street from Madison Square Park with its notable surrounding architecture as well as brilliant sunlight from the broad expanse of the area which is also home to such architectural highlights as the World renowned Flatiron Building, the Metropolitan Life and New York Life buildings and the exquisite New York State Appellate Courthouse – as well as multiple foodie hot spots by renowned top chefs.

We also offer easy access to transportation to all parts of the city and the tri-state area. We are within 2 blocks from the R and W subway lines. A block further are the F and V lines, as well as the Path Train. A short walk will bring you right to Penn Station with access to the Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak.

Mail Handling:
You are welcome to receive mail at the office. Since it is a physical address, there are no limitations on the type of correspondence you can receive. Reception can sign for any UPS, Fedex, DHL, TNT, Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Service of Process, etc. You can select to have your mail forwarded anywhere in the world – anywhere! You can also arrange to pickup mail and have your mail wait for you at reception.

If you need your mail to be sent out of NYC with an NYC postmarked, we can assist. This is what is commonly referred to as re-mailing.

Phone Service:
Need a phone number? No problem, we offer local 212 phone numbers ready for your use and to advertise as your own on business cards, stationery, etc. Now, the question to ask yourself is: How should my number be answered?

• Do I need a human to answer the phone in my company name? If so, we can arrange to have a live operator answer the call in your company name. The caller can then leave the message with the operator or be transferred to voice mail to leave a message. Our operators are available to answer your calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service is called Live Answering.
• Do I want to answer my own calls? If so, we can redirect a 212 Manhattan phone number to ring directly on your cell phone, office phone, home phone, or whichever phone number you choose. You, or your staff, can answer the calls directly. This service is called Call Forwarding and available to you if needed
• Can a machine answer my calls? This is the most cost efficient option. If standard voice mail is what you need, we have multiple options for you. All of our voice mail numbers include a generous 2-minute outgoing greeting and allows callers to leave up to a 3-minute message. You can record your own greeting, or send us a sound file with your professionally recorded greeting. All of our voice mail services are flat rate, so you never need to worry about how many calls you receive. Retrieving your messages is easy! We have multitude of options for message retrieval and notification, a few examples: Your messages can be sent to you via email so you can listen and save your voice messages. You can receive a phone call each time you receive a message. We can send you a text message notifying you of a new message.

Fax Service:
We offer 2 types of fax services. You’re issued a local 212 direct dial Manhattan fax number. There’s one important question to ask yourself: Do I receive many and / or urgent faxes? If so, we recommend dedicated fax service. It’s a flat rate service, so you never need to worry about being charges for extra faxes or pages.

If you rarely receive faxes, and they are of a non-urgent matter, you can use our shared fax service. There is no monthly charge for this service when you order a New York Virtual Office address rental. All incoming faxes are free of charge. Only fax forwarding charges apply. You may also choose to have your incoming faxes forwarded via post mail along with your standard mail and at the agreed to intervals at no extra charge.

Visitors to your NYC office:
Wondering what would happen if an unscheduled client/guest shows up at your NYC virtual office; Simple – they are greeting by reception as a guest would be greeting in any standard office. They’ll be notified that prior appointments are required to meet with you and offer to take a message from them and then forward that message to you. The message will either be emailed to you or we can scan and email any documentation the visitor leaves for you.

Meeting Facilities:
We offer professional meeting space, in a sunny, clean and well appointed facility. You receive approximately 200 square feet of room – all to yourself – equipped with a computer workstation; wifi internet connection; conference table with leather seating for 5; a whiteboard; easel; stereo speakers and an 84″ x 84″ projection screen. You will be appointed a staff member to assist and coordinate your meeting. Additional available services include administrative support, easel pads, digital projector, office supplies, printing, copying, water service, catering, car services, etc.

Ready to order:
Click here to apply for your New York Virtual Office online.

We look forward to serving your New York business needs. Please contact us with any questions:
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610
Manhattan Virtual Office

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

On Friday, October 23rd parts of Broadway between 25th and 26th Streets were closed off to shoot scenes from Columbia Pictures’ “The Other Guys. ”

We got a few shots of Dwayne Johnson, aka “The Rock” and Samuel L. Jackson on the Street during takes.

The movie, directed by Adam McKay, is scheduled for release in August of 2010. The movie also stars Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Ray Stevenson, Damon Wayans Jr., Craig Robinson, and Rob Riggle to name a few.

Here’s a few shots and a short movie of the late afternoon filming:

We found this great video online also taken on Broadway and 25th on October 22:

Open your office in this exciting neighborhood today!

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

Visit the park for a special artist talk with Mel Kendrick! Learn first hand about Kendrick’s foray into concrete casting and the conceptual and material intricacies of his striking sculptural set.

Mel Kendrick’s hour-long artist talk on Madison Square Park’s Oval Lawn will take place on November 7, at 11am.

This event is free and open to the public. Call 212.538.1884 for more information.

Source: Mad. Sq. E-News #161

Open your office in this cultural and trendy neighborhood today!

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

Planning a visit to your New York Virtual Office and need to spend a night in the City?

One of our newest local hotels, The MAve, has a few great deals:

Quick eEscapes offering last-minute rates from $199 per night from October 30 to November 5, 2009 using promo code ESCAPE. Details.

If you have a little more time to plan your stay, they also have “Planned eEscapes” rates from $119 a night if you book ahead for a stay between November 11, 2009 and November 26, 2009 using promo code ADVANCE. Details.

Source: 10/28/9 Announcement eEscapes Rates from $119 at The MAve NYC

Need an office in the City to meet clients in?

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

Antonio Stradivari

Every Monday at 12:30pm, WMP Concert Hall offers a 45 minute long chamber music concert to the public, and it is free admission with a suggested donation of $10.00. The idea of the concert series is to offer high quality music to their neighbors while they take their lunch break.

Monday, November 2 at 12:30pm
The Ansonia Trio

On Monday November 2nd at 12:30pm, this new trio called Ansonia Trio will perform works by Beethoven, Ravel and Piazzolla. The Ansonia Trio is a newly-formed trio made up of violinist Angelia Cho, cellist Laura Metcalf, and pianist Akiko Chiba.

The Ansonia Trio was formed in January of 2009 by three accomplished young soloists who came together as a trio with the goal of presenting programs that engage and inspire modern audiences. They presented a pair of debut concerts in the spring of 2009 for the New York House Concert series and the muendo concert series. These concerts featured a newly-commissioned arrangement of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin arranged for piano trio by New York composer Matt Van Brink, which was recently published by Schott. Highlights of the upcoming season include concerts on the Strad for Lunch series at the WMP Concert Hall/Gradoux-Matt Rare Violins and the Music at Bunker Hill series, as well as numerous outreach and commissioning activities.

WMP Concert Hall is located at 31-33 East 28th Street, between Park and Madison. No food or beverages are permitted in the concert hall.

Future shows:

Monday, November 9th 2009 @ 12:30pm:
Violinist Ju Yeong Moon and pianist Xiaojing Chang

More Details and Source: WMP Concert Hall

Open your office in this cultural and trendy neighborhood today!

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

Bruce W. Fraser of the New York Daily News interviewed VH International Business Solutions, Inc. regarding our virtual office services.

Here’s the story, which appeared in Monday, October 26, 2009 NY Daily News on page 3 of the Money section:

Some firms use virtual offices to make it seem that they’ve got a NY presence

Despite lower prices due to the deep recession, renting an office in Manhattan can still be well beyond the budgets of many small businesses.

Yet some companies that really want to claim a Manhattan presence rely on a crafty solution: Instead of renting office space, they effectively rent an office address.

A company based in, say, Maplewood, N.J., or Dallas, or anywhere, really, can sign up with a virtual office firm. Customers can pick from actual Manhattan office addresses that can be used on business cards and correspondence.

For a fee, a virtual office firm makes it seem that your business is operating in Manhattan.

They collect your mail. If you happen to be in town, you can book meeting rooms or rent desks with computers. You can arrange to have a receptionist greet clients.

End result: You’re a player in Manhattan.

“We run their office for them while they run their business,” said James Richport, marketing manager at VH International, which has about 3,000 virtual clients, mostly from the tristate area.

“The past year or so, with a lot of companies cutting back, has been good for us,” he said.

Clients run the gamut from authors to consultants, importers and exporters, and international firms that want to meet with clients in New York.

At VH International’s facilities in the Flatiron district on Broadway, the most regular clients are lawyers, sales people and accountants at tax time.

“We’re seeing a lot of lawyers breaking away from larger firms, or being laid off, going solo with us,” Richport said.

Users adapt the service to their needs.

Jack Smith, a lawyer who works from his home in midtown, has been a customer for six years.

“They enable me to be very supportive of each client’s needs. I can rent a larger room to assist for tax audit matters, or a smaller, more intimate, private room to review a will or an estate. It makes it an exceptional value relationship for me and my clients, and I don’t have to charge to cover for an unreasonable expensive infrastructure,” he said.

Potential virtual office customers should be aware, though, that using such a service could create tax issues, making it wise to check those out first.

Guy Brisson, marketing director in Montreal for Softmotion, a firm that produces animated images that change or move as it’s viewed from different angles for architects, ad agencies and arts clients, meets several customers a month at VH International. “They are my managers in New York,” Brisson said. “It allows me to spend quality time with clients without the distractions of a restaurant, hotel or other facility.”

He’s used projection equipment for PowerPoint presentations, as well as catering and mail-forwarding services.

Another virtual office firm, Prime Office Centers, has three Manhattan locations and about 300 virtual clients, as well as 250 onsite tenants.

Many clients are from “out of state who would rather work out of an office than Starbucks. We get a lot of those,” said Colleen Hickey, a Prime manager.

“We offer solutions to people who need to downsize from a traditional office,” she said, “but still want to keep an office presence that includes all the amenities.”

Customers “come in, set themselves up and, when their guests arrive, they get the impression this is their place of business,” Hickey said.

How can VH International Business Solutions help you?
Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

Photo by lrargerich

How can a Virtual Office help you?

Case Study: Siobhanne
Type of Business: Talent Agency
Location: Greenwich, London, UK
Services: New York Virtual Office Business Address Rental, Meeting Room Usage, Mail Handling

Siobhanne lives just across the pond from New York in Greenwich, a suburb of London. A former model and retired actress herself, she parlayed her expertise and experience into running a small talent agency out of her home office. Her work brought her to the United States every few weeks – client opportunities in the States were starting to show a profit.

Siobhanne needed a New York business address to receive correspondence. Initially, she unwittingly rented what turned out to be simply a mailbox service from a “virtual office” company right here in Manhattan. She ran into huge problems when potential talent clients would attempt to visit her office to drop-off head-shots and found a room of mailboxes, how embarrassing! She knew it didn’t portray a professional image; she needed to rent an actual business address, with facilities to receive both her mail and guests in a professional office environment. That’s when she contacted VH International Business Solutions, Inc.

After several emails containing detailed questions, phone calls, and viewing facility photos, Siobhanne was confident with the environment and professionalism of the employees who would be running “her” office. She signed up for our business address rental services online.

She gave precise instructions, to be left on file with the receptionist, on how to deal with any talent that would show up unannounced to drop-off head shots. After the talent left their packages with reception, the resumé and head-shots would be scanned and emailed to Siobhanne. All mail and packages received would then be forwarded, at the end of each month, via courier (flat rate envelope) to her home in Greenwich. She would pickup her mail herself while in New York.

Two weeks after opening her account, Siobhanne made an appointment to rent the private office facilities for a few hours during one of her trips to New York. She was thrilled with the accommodations, size, brightness, and privacy of the room… over 200 sq feet of private space all to herself for only $15 an hour! VH International Business Solutions, Inc provided exactly the service she needed! She was confident her business was in good hands.

We are proud to call Siobhanne and her talent agency one of our valued clients.

Previous Case Studies:
Case Study: James, His Law Firm and a NYC Virtual Office
Case Study: Donald, His Publishing Company and a NY Virtual Office
Case Study: Kris, Erica and a NY Virtual Office

How can VH International Business Solutions help you?
Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

The rich architectural heritage of one of New York’s historic districts is the subject of “Flatiron High and Low,” an exhibition of photographs, architects’ renderings, vintage views, and film footage to be presented by Van Alen Institute in cooperation with the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District. The exhibition, free and open to the public weekdays between noon and 5 pm, will be on view at Van Alen Institute from Wednesday, October 28, through Friday, December 11. A panel discussion with distinguished architects and architectural historians is slated for Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 pm, also at Van Alen Institute. RSVPs (events@flatiron.org) are required for the panel discussion.

“Flatiron High and Low” spotlights two centuries of building culture in the Flatiron district. The exhibition imaginatively explores the multiple meanings of high and low—from height and cost to technology and culture—and showcases the built juxtapositions, typological mixtures, and architectural inventions characteristic of this Manhattan neighborhood.

In addition to the Flatiron’s centerpiece park and namesake building, the exhibition will include a variety of built and unbuilt projects representative of the district’s history: charitable hospices and high-end hotels, popular entertainment venues and high-culture institutions, ephemeral spectacles and high-tech enterprises. Among the featured projects will be Roger Ferri’s visionary “green” skyscraper of 1976, an unbuilt project for the northeast corner of Madison Square Park.

The exhibition is curated by architectural historian Joan Ockman and designed by architect Eunjeong Seong. Urban archivist Miriam Berman, author of Madison Square: The Park and Its Celebrated Landmarks, is the exhibition consultant, and selections from her collection of vintage postcards will be on view in the show. Participants in the panel discussion will be architect Shohei Shigematsu, partner in the Office for Metropolitan Architecture and director of OMA*AMO New York; Robert A.M. Stern, founder and senior partner of Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Dean of the Yale School of Architecture; Carol Willis, architectural historian and founder of the Skyscraper Museum; and James Wines, artist, architect, and founder of SITE, the multidisciplinary architecture and environmental arts organization. The moderator will be Deborah Berke, principal of Deborah Berke and Partners Architects and professor of architectural design at Yale.

Special walking tours based on the exhibition will be offered by the Flatiron Partnership. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place at Van Alen Institute on Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 pm.

Exhibition Dates:
October 28—December 11, Monday—Friday 12-5pm

Opening Reception:
Tuesday, October 27, 6:30-8:30pm

Panel Discussion:
Tuesday, November 3, 6:30-8:30pm

Exhibition Location:
Van Alen Institute
30 West 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
212.924.7000

The exhibition is made possible by sponsorship and support from Newmark Knight Frank, managing and leasing agent for the Flatiron Building and 230 Fifth Avenue; the Ace Hotel, 20 West 29th Street; ’wichcraft, 11 East 20th Street; FotoCare, photography and printing specialists at 41 West 22nd Street; and Avery Digital Fabrication Lab at Columbia University.

About Van Alen Institute:
Van Alen Institute promotes innovative thinking about the role of architecture and design in civic life. Among our activities are design competitions, lectures and symposia, exhibitions, publications, research and advocacy. Our programs engage a broad constituency of people in New York City, the nation, and around the world who participate in shaping the designed environment, from architecture students to emerging and established professionals to the interested public. For more information, please visit www.vanalen.org.

About the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership:
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District, formed in 2006, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the area’s reputation as one of New York’s most vital and exciting neighborhoods. This is undertaken by maintaining a clean and safe environment for those who live, work and visit the area; by spearheading area improvement projects; and by marketing the diverse business and retail options in this vibrant and historic neighborhood. For more information, please visit www.discoverflatiron.org

Open your office in this historical and architecturally rich neighborhood today!

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

The New York City Food and Wine Festival took place from October 8, 2009 through October 11, 2009 at various venues throughout the city, hosted by the Food Network and Travel and Leisure magazine and proceeds benefited the Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength. It’s the only festival in New York to bring together both legendary culinary icons from around the globe and America’s most beloved television chefs.

We here at VH International Business Solutions, Inc were sent 2- tickets to the Meatball Madness event hosted by Giada De Laurentiis by the New York City Wine and Food Festival Founder, South Beach Wine and Food Festival Founder, and Director of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Lee Brian Schrager.

Event Description:

“At its juiciest, spiciest best, the beloved morsel of goodness known as “meatball” can elevate the spirit and satisfy the soul. Crafting a true standout beauty requires plenty of know-how, not to mention a secret ingredient or two, some technique and perhaps a daring move. Giada De Laurentiis, herself no stranger to the art of successfully creating tonight’s featured dish, will host what could be the meatball blowout of the decade. The city’s greatest examples will go on display for your tasting pleasure. A great way to end the weekend, this gathering could kick off a hot new craze as meatball lovers enjoy an unprecedented opportunity to compare tastes, textures and sauces – and all to the festive sounds of traditional Italian music. A chef’s signature accompaniment will accent each meatball, turning the sampling plates into mini-masterpieces of sheer delight. And as with any food that packs a real punch in the flavor department, only the boldest – dare we say most audacious – wines will do. Expect to sip some of the best as you indulge, indulge, indulge.”

Participating Restaurants and Chefs:

• Abe & Arthur’s: Franklin Becker
• Alta Strada: Michael Schlow
• Anne Burrell: Food Network’s “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef“
• Bar Stuzzichini: Paul Di Bari
• Bello Giardino: Nicky “Meatballs”
• Butter: Alex Guarneschelli
• Café Martorano: Steve Martorano
• Ciao Bella Gelato
• CitySearch: Josh Ozersky
• Convivio: Michael White
• eater.com Contest Winner: Michael Sullivan
• Esca: David Pasternack
• Grandaisy Bakery: Cristóbal Julio Guarchaj
• Felidia: Fortunato Nicotra
• Ferrara Bakery & Café: Ernest Lepore
• Fornelletto Cucina Italiana at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: Stephen Kalt
• Frankie’s Spuntino: Frank Falcinelli & Frank Castronovo
• Hearth: Marco Canora
• Locanda Verde: Andrew Carmellini
• Mama DiSpirito and Rocco DiSpirito
• Perilla Restaurant: Harold Dieterle
• Porter House New York: Michael Lomonaco
• Pulino’s Bar and Pizzeria: Nate Appleman
• Salumeria Rosi: Cesare Casella
• SD26: Odette Fada
• Telepan: Bill Telepan
• The Harrison: Amanda Freitag
• The Little Owl: Joey Campanaro
• The Waverly Inn: John DeLucie

A couple represented VH International Business Solutions, Inc. at the event. Here’s their account:

“We arrived at “la.venue” at 6:50 pm and found a block-long line full of people eager to start one of the last events of the New York Food & Wine Festival 2009. The doors opened on time and we ran in to start tasting some of the most amazing meatballs I have ever had in my life.

La.venue is a restored 1800 square feet event space at The Terminal Stores in Chelsea Built in 1891. The space was filled with food, wines, beer and desserts offered by different restaurants from all over the city. Regional authentic Italian music was playing live by three gentlemen while the guests walked from one corner of the space to the other going from one great meatball to another. There were judges tasting the food and writing notes and photographers blinding poor Ms. De Laurentiis with a million flashes.

There were many Food Network personalities serving their own versions of meatballs. We spoke with Anne Burrell from Food Network’s “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”, Mama DiSpirito and Rocco DiSpirito, Cesare Casella from Salumeria Rosi, Amanda Freitag from The Harrison, John DeLucie from The Waverly Inn and Alex Guarneschelli from Butter.

Our favorites were Mama DiSpirito’s Famous Meatball and Felidia’s Fortunato Nicotra’s Meatball Pâté.

Judges Frank Bruni, Gail Simmons and Jeffrey Steingarten awarded Andrew Carmellini from Locanda Verde a $5,000 gift from Pat La Frieda meat purveyors for his meatball.

We finished the night with some great Sicilian cannolis from Ferrara Bakery & Café handed personally by Ernest Lepore and crawled back home with a full stomach.”

Hungry? Feel like you’ve missed out? Never fear: The culinary delight will continue next year! Make sure you save the date for the 2010 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, October 7-10, 2010. Stay tuned into the excitement all year long by following Festival founder and director Lee Schrager on Twitter.

A super huge “THANK YOU” to Lee Schrager for the tickets!!!

Official Event Pictures

About the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival:
The 2009 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival is produced by Karlitz & Company and Southern Wine & Spirits of New York. Southern Wine & Spirits of New York is also the exclusive provider of wine and spirits at the Festival. Hosted by and benefiting the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength(R), 100 percent of the Festival’s net proceeds go toward helping these community based organizations fight hunger.

About the Food Bank for New York City:
Food Bank For New York City recognizes 26 years as the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs. Through its citywide network of approximately 1,000 food assistance programs, the Food Bank helps provide 300,000 free meals a day to New Yorkers in need. The Food Bank further mobilizes its efforts through direct services, food stamp access, research and policy initiatives, nutrition education and free tax assistance for low-income New Yorkers. Every dollar donated to the Food Bank helps provide five meals to New Yorkers in need. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.

About Share Our Strength:
Share Our Strength(R) is the leading national organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry. By weaving together a net of community groups, activists and food programs, Share Our Strength catches children at risk of hunger and ensures they have nutritious food where they live, learn and play. Working closely with the culinary industry, Share Our Strength creates engaging, pioneering programs like Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation(R), the nation’s premier culinary benefit; Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale(R), a national grassroots effort; Share Our Strength’s A Tasteful Pursuit(R), a touring dinner series; Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out( )(R), a week-long program involving thousands of restaurants nationwide; and Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline(R), a cooking-based nutrition education program. Visit Strength.org to learn more about our goal of ending childhood hunger in America by 2015.

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

Since 1990.

VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
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