DINKs vs. DIWKs Gay Marketing

DINKs vs. DIWKs ( Gay Marketing ) • Words define us and our behaviors, and as so, they mutate over the years along in sync with the society, the culture and the reality that surround us, becoming sometimes outdated and obsolete allowing new models to develop. Well this is the case of DIWKs. Both acronyms portrait how our society is changing over the time and therefore the consumption patterns of the Gay and Lesbian community worldwide. DINKs ( Double Income No Kids ) is commonly used in reference to Gay and Lesbian couples who are childless and able to afford a more expensive consumer lifestyle than heterosexual couples. Worldwide, Pink Money is valued at £350 billion across a variety of sectors — especially entertainment and consumer goods. But the question raises to… what happens now with the DIWKs ( Double Income With Kids ). ? when strictly referring to the GLBT market segment. Will our consuming behavior develop to be same as the heterosexual couples ? or not ?…. This is a question that will, once again, differentiate minorities in times where rights are becoming equal for everyone, at least in the Western World.
The economic power of Pink Money has been seen as a force positive for the gay community, creating a kind of “financial self-identification” which helps gay and lesbian individuals feel like part of a community which values them.

Dan P. Customer Feedback

(*) During his trip to Argentina visiting Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento and San Carlos de Bariloche.

The Grand Central Oyster Bar

The Grand Central Oyster Bar ( New York City ) • if visiting the Grand Central Terminal, was not a sufficient experience….. last Tuesday I discovered another reason to become a regular of this famous and iconic New York Train Terminal.
A New York landmark with Guastivino tiled vaulted ceilings, two dining rooms, an oyster bar and counter seating. The Oyster Bar has 450 seats for you to choose from.
The Dining Concourse is below the Main Concourse. Many fast food outlets and restaurants, including the world-famous Oyster Bar with its Guastavino tile vaults, surrounding central seating and lounge areas and provides access to the lower level tracks. The two levels are connected by numerous stairs, ramps, and escalators.
My favorite dish there the TUNA Fillet with chopped steamed vegetables and pilaf rice. Check out the daily OYSTER Bar Menu online ( PDF ).
Grand Central Terminal is a terminal station at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Built by and named for the New York Central Railroad in the heyday of American long-distance passenger trains, it is the largest train station in the world by number of platforms. CM

The River Cafe

The River Cafe ( New York City ) • one of New York’s Top restaurants, where the breathtaking panoramic views of Manhattan, go head to head with the  highest level of cuisine and drinks, stylish deco, seamless service and romantic ambience. Nested under the Brooklyn Bridge, only a few minutes from the island of Manhattan. Across a Bridge, over a River and into a Dream. And as if all this was not enough the most spectacular piano performances by renown local pianist George.
( Picture above from right to left Michael Romei – Chief Concierge Waldorf Tower, Buzzy O’Keefe – Owner of The River Cafe and me, Carlos Melia at the bar of the River View Cafe.)
( Picture above from right to left Michael Romei – Chief Concierge Waldorf Tower, Brad Steeleman – Executive Chef of The River Cafe and me, Carlos Melia at the bar of the River View Cafe.)
Believe it or not, our host Javier, spoiled us all night with an amazing Twelve Courses Chef’s Signature Tasting Menu, that had a great kick off with Dirty Martinis at the outdoors deck, overlooking with fascination the New York Skyline, the Stature of Liberty and the Empire State Building. As soon as you enter to the Cafe you will smell the incredible smell of flowers coming from the flower stand next to the reception. As you enter to the floating deck through the ramp the a magical atmosphere will surround you with charm, music, elegancy and unbelievable views that will take your attention for the rest of the night.
The dinner developed in textures, flavors, products all matched and married with the most exquisite regional and French Sparkling Wines, Champagnes and White Wines (Riesling, Chablis and Chardonnay). Appetizers: Taylor Bay Scallop Ceviche, Wild Rock Lobster, River Café Oysters and Caviar Service. Main Courses: Grilled Dorade Fillet, Maine Lobster Special, Spinach and Soft Egg Ravioli and Branzino Fillet. Desserts: the traditional Chocolate Marquise Brooklyn Bridge, an assortment of traditional fresh Ice Creams, Chocolate Sticky Toffee Cake among some other delicatessens that kept coming to the table and was not able to keep track of.
Overall an TOP gourmet choice, for an special occasion or event only minutes away from the Big Apple with the best views of the main landmarks of Manhattan. To be visited, recommended and experienced over and over again. ( more photos below )
(*) Booking in advance is STRONGLY recommended either for dinner or lunch. Tel. (718) 522.5200. Web. http://www.rivercafe.com
(**) How to get there from Manhattan: by private car or taxi crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Approximately 15 minutes from most point in the city.
(***) Special Thanks to Michael Romei, dear friend and colleague for sharing this hidden gem of Brooklyn and New York.

BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman

BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman • New York city in style. Located on the seventh floor of the Bergdorf Goodman department store, with great panoramic views of the Central Park, 5th Ave. and 59th. Street. Book in advance and if you can, ask to be seated at the tables next to the window (the picture above was my table), so you will enjoy not only your food and wine experience (well actually I had a Bellini) but also the views. The BG Restaurant has been featured multiple times in movies and shows, so you will get flashbacks once you step in.
Well-appointed and bright, the drawing room atmosphere is an intimate conversational setting for lunch, tea and early supper or martinis and caviar, the light and sparkling menu is a modern take on classic New York fare. After a nice and relaxing meal, go and explore the department store.

An alternative option, just across the street, is BAR III. This does not have the views as BG but still and interesting option for a quick lunch while browsing around the Men section of Bergdorf Goodman. Bar III is a tiny island of classic cosmopolitan-lounge civility tucked-away on the third floor of the Bergdorf Goodman Men’s store. The dark wood and white marble décor is a handsome backdrop for an intimate cocktail tete-a-tete or lunchtime soups, salads or sandwiches. Thank you Frances for sharing this with me and showing me around. CM

Il Positino Ristorante

Il Postino Ristorante (New York City) •  The ultimate in Italian dining in New York City. If you like pasta, sea food and fish, plus the best Italian Desserts while enjoying an elegant and classic ambience, the this is a suitable choice for you. Great ambience and service that will transport you at least for a couple of hours to a traditional italian restaurant experience. Hot spot for celebrities, politicians, musicians and actors. Dress code is formal.
Try the Baby Grilled Octopus with fresh Herbs chopped with fresh Cherry Tomatoes as an appetizer. The Tuna as the main dish and of course the dessert degustation with a good Cappuccino + Biscotti + Limoncello. All traditional dishes with the local touch of the New York style twist.
(*) Booking in advance is strongly recommended • 337 East 49th Street. Tel. 212.688.0033. – http://www.ilpostinony.com/

Waldorf Astoria Historic Tour New York

Waldorf Astoria Historic Tour New York • For those visiting New York City and interested on learning a bit more about the architecture and story of the city, this is a MUST DO tour of one of the most iconic and traditional hotels of the city of New York, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria Tower.  (Picture above is from the Royal Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Tower, where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor  use to have their permanent residency.
The Waldorf Astoria,  one of the first ‘grand hotels’ to combine elegance with luxurious amenities and services, The Waldorf Astoria has been world renowned for over a century. The Waldorf Astoria and Waldorf Towers offer 1,413 luxurious guest rooms and select suites, all individually decorated and designed to ensure a memorable stay.
The tour is offered Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.30AM (takes 1 hour and a half). The cost is USD 50 x person including lunch at the Peacock Alley or Oscar’s American Brasserie after the tour. During the historic tour you will get to see the main Lobby of the Hotel, the famous clock that was built in commemoration of the visit of Queen Victoria (see picture above), the Grand Ballroom, the Starlight Room, the Peacock Alley, the backstage of the Waldorf’s Kitchen (which by the way is one of the largest facilities in the world of its kind), a Guest Room or Suite according to availability, among many other historic features that make this hotel unique. Meeting point is the famous clock at 11.30AM sharp. “…let’s meet at the clock…”
Bookings in advance are strongly recommended. For your convenience, the tours are limited to 15 guests. For information and reservation, please call (212) 872-1275. A great lunch option while you lear something new about old New York. CM

Patagonia ALL GAY Cruise

Patagonia ALL GAY Cruise • Sign up now and witness the first Patagonia Gay Cruise ever. The Skorpios II will sail into the world of natural beauty and ice on Saturday April 3rd. 2011 . Packages including all services (*) listed below go from USD 2490 on Double Base Occupancy. The perfect gateway to enjoy with friends, or even as a honeymoon option after getting married in Buenos Aires or any destination in Argentina. For more information and to receive a copy of the FULL PROGRAM please do not hesitate to Contact ME and I will send you all the latest news and info on this package to the south of Chile. CM

(*) Services included: Flight Santiago de Chile / Puerto Montt / Santiago de Chile + 05 nights at Skorpios II + All Ground Transfers + All Meals and Party Access + Access to all Tours and Activities.

Learn Spanish at Buenos Aires while touring around

How about learning the Argentinean native tongue - Spanish – while touring around Buenos Aires or any other Argentinean destination. ? Private teachers or Group Classes, which can be fully customized to all levels and needs. Spanish Tutors that will provide: Evaluation of each student’s starting level. Written assessment/placement test (personally or via internet for students wanting to start before arriving in Argentina). The setting of general and specific objectives on the basis of the initial level and the type of course required. The tailoring of activities to the characteristics, needs and preferences of each student.Free teaching materials. Flexible timetables. My suggestion: Take morning classes 4 hours per day from Monday till Thursday. Use your afternoons to mingle with the local people and practice what you are learning. Friday to Mondays… take your time off to explore Buenos Aires and other destinations in Argentina and Uruguay. (from USD 72 per day on…)

(*) Do not hesitate to contact me if interested for more information. Just another reason to visit Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina. CM

Posada los Juncos Bariloche

Posada los Juncos (San Carlos de Bariloche) • Patagonian Lake House a charming small boutique hotel that perfectly mixes local tradition and style with the warmth of a home. Managed and run by their owners, you will feel welcomed, pampered and taken care. An informal living room where all guests of the house gather to share their day experiences touring around San Carlos de Bariloche, and tell a little bit more about themselves. 
The house is majestically situated overlooking the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Same view you will enjoy every morning while having an amazing home made breakfast.

Los Juncos offer 05 themed rooms (Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Soul). The video shows the deco and layout of the Water room, which actually was my room during my short visit. If there is only one critic for this charming hotel, is that the bathrooms could be a bit more spacious.
If you are not staying at Posada los Juncos, I strongly suggest paying a visit for dinner. Book in advance since they have only a few tables available. Great ambience, food, drinks and service. Local dishes by an expert chef.

(*) Keep in mind that next NOVEMBER 2010 we will be hosting a Small Gay Group to this region that will more extensively explore the region of San Carlos de Bariloche, including the 7 Lakes Route. For more information Click Here.

(**) Check the full photo Album of San Carlos de Bariloche, San Martin de los Andes, Villa la Angostura and the 7 Lakes Route (San Carlos de Bariloche / San Carlos de Bariloche 2dn part / Rio Hermoso Mountain Hotel )