Business Casual

Across the Pond... to Begin the Globetrotting

2012-02-06T23:23:43Z

Greetings from the UK!

My name is Daniel, and I'm a new blogger for Business Casual this semester. Before starting the juicy content from the adventures in London, a little bit about me. I'm originally from Iowa and made the move to the city to study Business and Political Economy. The major has a curriculum with integrated study abroad in London (Sophomore year) and Shanghai (Junior fall), so naturally I haven't regretted a single day since beginning in Manhattan. I very much enjoy food, and have recently begun a foray into something called cooking, so look forward to hearing about the joys and dismay of eating in and out. Being in London allows for all sorts of musical experiences as well. This lifelong musician feels right at home with all the concerts available almost every week.

Alright, now into London. It's my second semester here, and I must say I couldn't be happier to return. London has grown on me (warning for some NYC blasphemy here) a bit more than New York. The city is amazing and crazily multicultural. The thing I use to describe to people the global connection of London is the diversity of destinations on the departures board at Heathrow. It really gives JFK a run for its money. The classes here are particularly stimulating, especially with the seasoned professionals that we can luckily call our professors. This semester should be remarkably interesting with classes like Islam and the West, Understanding the European Union, and International Political Economy. Ah, the life of a Sternie. At least I perk up with class names like those.

I hope the semester has begun well for everybody, I know mine certainly has. May London, New York, or wherever you are in our global network university provide experiences of a lifetime. Until next time, Stern.

Cheers!

The Ribeye Speaks to Me (Tales from NYC Restaurant Week)

2012-02-03T21:10:06Z

Grilled Tomato and Bufala Mozzarella Salad. I’ll be back for you.

Three courses, three friends from the Financial District Cohort, class at 3PM (just enough time for lunch).

Today, we’re at Strip House, a beautiful steakhouse RIGHT NEXT to America’s beloved Gotham Bar and Grill. SH has definitely been overshadowed by GB&G’s President Obama/Michelin-Star hype, but it’s finally time to give it some well-deserved recognition.

Tell Me about Your Day, Lobster Bisque

Their Restaurant Week Prix-Fixe is phenomenal. Three courses, no pretentious supplement fees, and delicious dessert options that will make your stomach cringe. I certainly threw the towel in after my steak. They’ll happily pack up the goods so you can devour the rest at 2am.

Prime 7oz Rib Eye/ Steak Frites

I was overwhelmed by the size of the cow. 7 ounces of steak may sound small, but it’ll definitely fit the bill. The rib eye is topped with compound butter and served with a side of crispy/creamy French Fries.

Strip House Cheesecake, Strawberries

Warm Chocolate Brownie, Pistachio Ice Cream

All the restaurants participating in restaurant week offer lunches for $24.07. The deal ends next Friday (2/10) so PLEASE go. The five plates of Halal Chicken & Rice can wait until later.

Strip House is located on 13 East 12th Street (between 5th Avenue & University Place). For more delicious pictures and restaurant reviews, head over to The Insatiable Palate. Happy Super Bowl week! T.I.P out.

Dobry Den Praha

2012-02-01T19:21:07Z

Ahoj [Hello] Sternies!!

I've just experienced my first full day at NYU Prague!! Besides this ridiculous cold weather, I couldn't be any more excited to be here. Today we started our orientation week with info sessions and group tours, and after getting lost with a couple of friends I think I'm going to love living here. Honestly, I thought I was going to experience the initial culture shock of not understanding anything I hear or see, but this is surprisingly refreshing. I'm beginning to understand why every time someone mentions NYU Prague a student that went before goes wild and freaks out about how amazing it was. Its only been 24 hours so I don't have too much to say but its only the beginning ladies and gentlemen.

- Bunmi

Took a picture via Instagram during my layover in Frankfurt
Entrance to NYU Prague building (Pictures of inside coming soon)
Approaching Old Town Square
Goulash and dumplings!! Tried my first Czech dish today after getting lost but enjoyed the experience. It was a really nice place by the river.

Mexican Red Cross' Annual Carnival

2012-01-29T21:07:32Z

Happy Spring Semester! I hope everyone had a wonderful break and is having a great beginning of the semester.

Since school in Australia got out in mid-November, I had a longer than usual break! So I took my free time and put it to good use. In recent years, I have helped organize and participated in the Mexican Red Cross’ annual carnival, which is their biggest fundraising event.

I am from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico and each year there is a city wide carnival the weekend before Mardi Gras. It is not a carnival like the ones we have here with Ferris wheels or cotton candy. It’s a celebration of color, joy, happiness, and diversity. It consists of shows, costumes, and parades all linked to a theme.

Around that same time and a few months before the city's carnival, different organizations and clubs have their own carnival. The Red Cross has their carnival open only to women and it consists of a show, food, and live music afterwards. The show is put on by women (mostly older women) who love to dance and volunteer their time to this magnificent event.

This year the theme was Fantasy Without Limits. The theme is portrayed mainly through costumes and sometimes through dance moves or parts of the music. I participated with my mom’s friends who are all mothers, housekeeps, and work but still make time to participate. We were Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty.

The person in charge of choosing the theme is the “Queen.” Each year a new Queen is crowned, from one of the participating groups. Each group is in charge of finding a choreographer, rehearsing several days a week, finding a design, tailor, and paying for the costume. It is a great way to have fun but also give back to the community.

Rehearsing

With this year's queen

Having fun after the performance

At the Red Cross' office, being silly

Our Maleficent dance!

Warm regards,
Alejandra

"There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good."
Edwin Denby

Los Angeles is Delicious

2012-01-24T19:15:32Z

During my Winter Break, I had the wonderful privilege to go back to my hometown in Los Angeles. Although I was eager to spend all my emergency savings at The Bazaar by José Andrés and Animal in West Hollywood, I threw my ambitions aside and recreated my favorite meals from five years ago.

My First Stop: In-N-Out with my best friend in Downey, California

I had dreamed about a double-double for a long, long time. Although Shake Shack & Five Guys are nearby, many Californian NYU students and I can pledge that In-N-Out is at the top of the burger chain.

Day 2: An Appetite for Wako Donkasu

When Asian children get sick, parents usually resort to porridge (jook or congee). I usually feel much better after a steak sandwich or a plate of deep-fried pork cutlets. Even though Udon West on St. Marks is a wonderful place for a nice college-budget meal, Wako Donkasu is just beyond comparison. I don’t care for the side salad very much, but THE PORK….every piece of pork is delightful.

Final Stop: Ham Ji Park (Koreatown)

I celebrated my last night with Pork Spare Ribs. Slabs of unctuous meat & bones marinated for a long, long time and then charred to perfection. Whoooops, drooled on my laptop, AGAIN.
My break was absolutely delightful. My friends and warm weather definitely helped me unwind after finals.

Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that my Calvin Klein belt has stretch marks. Those weren’t there before my trip...

For more belt-stretching photos, head over to The Insatiable Palate. Happy New Semester! T.I.P out.

Eric Schmidt comes to Stern!

2011-12-31T07:20:07Z

Hello From India!

I'm currently in Mumbai, India right now staying with fellow Stern student Raj Parekh and my younger brother Joey Silver. I'm here on vacation before I join the SEED: India course taught by Professor Srivatsan in Chennai on January 6th. It is New Year's Eve, so tonight is expected to be a blast. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures for everyone right now, but they will come in a future post.

Now, to the title of this piece. What was Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google doing at Stern? Well, basically imparting tons of awesome knowledge. He spoke for nearly 2 hours in the Paulson Auditorium (which I was in for the first time since it was redone, it looks amazing). His main points were that the future is moving to three words: Mobile, Local, Social. It is these three words that will guide the next great companies. He also outlined that companies that serve as platforms will be the most successful. An application can only be as successful as the platform upon which it is built.

Overall, this was an unbelievable experience, getting to see Eric Schmidt, seeing him at Stern, and listening to what the future will potentially look like.

A note on the awesomeness of Stern, while here in India, as I mentioned, I'm staying with my friend Raj. I also got to see my friends Gaurav, Saransh, Sagar, Nakul, Aanya, and others. I don't know any of my friends from home who could say that if they went to India, they could just call up a bunch of friends and grab dinner. Stern truly is part of the global network university, and I'm grateful to be part of it.

To conclude, I just wanted to give a personal plug and show everyone something that I am very proud of. Many people really helped me out and nominated me for NYU's Most Influential Student, and I won. Here is a link to the article: http://nyunews.com/life/2011/12/15/15silver/

Hope everyone's break is as amazing as mine has been so far.

Keeping it Casual,

Justin

Jason Collects Michelin Star Visits with Commerce & Culture Friends

2011-12-22T06:41:50Z

Although I love loading up on Xiao Long Bao from Chinatown and Lamb over Rice from the street carts on 14th Street (I’m not forgetting about the iconic 53rd and 6th), I often dream about dining at all the Michelin-Star restaurants in the five boroughs. There are approximately 20,000 restaurants in New York City and there are only 62 restaurants privileged enough to hold the prestigious Michelin-Star title. I’m only 60 restaurants away from completing my mission.

My close friends from Commerce and Culture (A Stern Freshmen Writing course) and I pay a visit to Laut, a Michelin-Starred Malaysian restaurant tucked away in the heart of Union Square. According to my friend, Jeff, Laut serves some of the best Hainanese Chicken in the city. It’s not comparable to the Chicken/Rice he has back home in Singapore, but the Chicken at Laut will definitely do for now.

Roti Canai: Crispy Thin Pancake Served Over Curry

Chicken Satay: Ranked #2 on my List of Foods I Want to Eat at 2am

Hainanese Chicken

Laut definitely does not disappoint. I often feel heavy after consuming dining hall food. That day, my stomach felt a sense of gratification after its first round of satay and Hainanese chicken. If the chicken at Laut is this delicious, Singapore must be a culinary wonderland.

This holiday, treat yourself to a satisfying meal. Whether it’d be with family or friends, eat the food you absolutely love. For more delicious food reviews, visit my blog at The Insatiable Palate. T.I.P out.

One Semester Left

2011-12-20T20:57:30Z

Hey there,

So as of 11:50AM today, I officially have but one semester left at NYU Stern. Finals were not that bad and the semester proved to be quite interesting. My Professional Responsibility and Leadership course, taught by Karen Brenner, was easily the top highlight.

Aside from studying recently, I finally got to do one thing I have been trying to do for three years. Last weekend I got up to Central Park and went ice skating with a friend of mine. I used to be a big hockey player when I was younger but haven't been on skates for quite some time. It was simply delightful to get back on the ice and show my skillz.

Further, as you Home Alone 2: Lost in New York fans will know, this helps complete my reenactment of the film. I also may or may not have run up of the steps of The Plaza and into the lobby as in the film as well.

I hope you have all enjoyed the blog this semester and that the prospective students are hearing good news from us. I wish you all happy holidays and a very happy new year!

Best,
Mike

My Experiences Abroad

2011-12-14T22:46:20Z

A year before being on exchange in Australia, I did NYU Study Abroad in China. If you are not familiar with the organizations, they can seem the same so I want to share with you some of the differences.

These differences are based on my experiences. I will try to make it broad enough so it does not only reflect the specific sites I have been to in Shanghai and Sydney.

School:
NYU Study Abroad: You attend NYU but at a satellite campus. Many times the NYU campus is located in a local school's campus or NYU's own campus.

IBEX: The International Business Exchange has sites worldwide among the best business schools in each country. Because it is an exchange, you attend a local school during your semester. I attended the University of New South Wales. My classes were taught by UNSW professors and I had to adapt to new academic expectations.

Classes:
NYU Study Abroad: You are only allowed to take two Stern classes while abroad so that you explore other academic areas. You also have to take the local language.

IBEX: Since you are in a local school, the classes that you take have to be approved by professors at NYU so that the credits transfer back. I took four classes that transfered back as Stern requirements.

Housing:
NYU Study Abroad: In Shanghai we had to live in NYU housing. They had dorms and apartments. I know that not all sites have dorms, but living in NYU housing makes being abroad more fun. You have a stronger sense of community and it's easier to meet people.

IBEX: Many sites have dorms, which I would recommend. In Australia, dorms were not as accessible. I lived in a house close to campus owned by UNSW's Study Abroad department. It was great but I didn't meet as many people.

My little home in Sydney:

People you meet:
NYU Study Abroad: You get to make new friends from different NYU colleges and even other schools in the Unites States. I think its wonderful because you live great experiences with these people and then you go back to New York and they are all there also!

A few of the amazing people I met in Shanghai who are still my really good friends in New York:

IBEX: Many of these schools will have a fairly large group of international students. The friends you make will not necessarily be other American students. You make your network a lot more international.

NYU Study Abroad felt more at home and made my first semester abroad one of the best experiences of my life. IBEX was emotionally harder, but fully immersed me in a new culture and made me grow like never before.

If you have any more questions about study abroad or IBEX, please feel free to email me: ap2446@nyu.edu!

Happy Holidays!
Alejandra

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."
Unknown

Celebrating the Holiday Season in NYC

2011-12-12T16:27:36Z

Hi everyone!!

Hopefully studying for finals hasn't completely crushed the holiday spirit, especially because we're in the best city to celebrate it. I love New York City during the holidays! After finals are done and winter break begins, here are some things you have to look forward to:

Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

Unfortunately, I couldn't make the lighting of the tree (and musical guest, Michael Buble) at the Rockefeller Center sometime after Thanksgiving, but it's still one of the prettiest things about the holidays in New York. Good luck trying to get on the ice rink though, because getting through the crowds is like being in a mosh pit. You wouldn't believe how ruthless parents are with their kids, so strategize ahead of time.

Holiday Window Displays down Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is already such a great place to walk around and shop, but you know the holidays are starting when the department stores put up their beautiful annual window displays to celebrate the season. It almost makes me want to go inside, but then I remember that I'm a broke college kid and keep it moving.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes
I've personally never been but its a holiday classic that everyone goes to see every year. I think NYU Ticket Central has discounts on the tickets so if you're into this kind of thing, definitely take advantage of that.

Ice Skating and the Holiday Market in Bryant Park
Last month, I went ice skating with my Financial District Cohort at Bryant Park. Even though I definitely ran into multiple little children, it was really fun. Walking around the Holiday Market made the night even better, especially with all the little stores and dessert stands everywhere.

So there you have it. We're so close to sweet freedom everyone. Good luck on your finals and Happy Holidays!!Bunmi

Jason Cho Joins the Business Casual Team/The Insatiable Palate Reminisces about His First Visit to Ippudo

2011-12-04T06:08:12Z

My name is Jason Cho and I’m known to my online followers as The Insatiable Palate. I run a bi-weekly food blog, tag along cohort events with my beloved Financial District and somehow manage to survive as a first semester student. It’s demanding work, but I’d never give up my opportunities at Stern (I sometimes dream about working as the Wafels and Dinges boy when I’m hungry. It sounds like a delicious plan).

This Week’s Mission: Run to Ippudo for the upcoming The Insatiable Palate Review #10.
My friend Jon and I arrive at 65 4th Avenue on Friday, 7PM. Prospective Wait Time: 2 ½ Hours.
Saturday Mission: Sprint to Ippudo for the upcoming The Insatiable Palate Review #10.
Prospective Wait Time at 5PM: 1 1/2 Hours. We accept the offer.

Upon entering the restaurant, Jon and I receive a Japanese welcome from the entire staff (the intensity of the greeting slowly begins to wear down after hours into service. We respect their persistent effort).

On to the Menu: Hirata Pork Buns, Akamaru Modern, Shiromaru Hakata Classic Ramen

Modern

Classic

Another Day at the Job

After our dinner, we come to a verdict that the Ippudo experience is well worth the wait. Although our parents would never condone waiting 90 minutes for any meal, Jon and I urge everyone to gather their patience for a chance to sip and slurp at our favorite ramen shop.

For more delicious goodness, visit The Insatiable Palate
Happy finals-week-studying and happy eating. T.I.P out.

Trip to Cairns, Queensland, Australia

2011-11-21T19:59:15Z

A lot of my friends were completely done with the semester in mid-October. Unfortunately for me, I had three exams which were spread out through an entire month. Even though I had to study, I also had the opportunity take one more short trip! We went to Cairns which is in Queensland, Australia where a major part of the Great Barrier Reef is located. I couldn't come to Australia and not see the reef!

The Great Barrier Reef is amazing! There are so many beautiful, colorful species of fish! Of course we had to see a Nemo fish! I think my dad would have had a heart attack if I didn't . While we were there, stinger season was beginning so we were heavily recommend to wear attractive one pieces suits that covered every inch of our body except our face. The Reef is probably one of the most beautiful proofs of life.

Snorkeling: Photo Credit MIchelle Eckland

We also went White Water Rafting on the Barron River! We had to carry the boat down to the river (which was so heavy!) but then going down was exhilarating and fun!

Cairns doesn't have a beach, rather it has a lagoon! The lagoon is like a pool, located right by the marina. It was nice to see how many people would be at the marina hanging out, having barebecues, and enjoying the sun! From what I have heard, Queensland is almost always sunny!

Even though you can pet Koalas everywhere in Australia you are not allowed to actually carry or hug them except in a few places, Queensland being one of those. So while we were there, we took the opportunity and took a picture with a Koala!

One of my favorite things about Australia is the coffee. It is more expensive than in the US. Also, it is actually cheaper to get a latte then just American coffee with milk. It is by far one of the things I will miss the most! Our last day in Cairns, we went for breakfast all together and I was served the best looking latte ever!

Up next: Final reflections and the differences between my experiences with NYU Study Abroad vs. IBEX

Warm Regards,
Alejandra

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow."
Lin Yutang

November News

2011-11-10T05:43:46Z

Hey!

So things have been incredibly busy for me at Stern lately. I have had Midterms galore each week and cannot believe it is almost Thanksgiving already. Next week, I register for Spring classes and it has finally hit me how that will be last time doing so. As such, I have been trying to get my fill of NYC while I still can.

Last weekend, thanks to my roommate working at the Big Apple Circus, I got to have a pretty awesome Friday. I went to their annual Gala and was not only treated to a special performance of the show, but I got to mingle with some great New Yorkers all night. Besides a reception with Clown waiters and a great meal, I think the coolest part was afterward being able to go onto the center ring for dessert and dancing. That's right, I was literally IN the circus. The customary photos are below for your enjoyment. And yes, I now want to dropout and go to Clown College.

The other week I also got to finally do something I have been wanting to do for a while. My sister and I went down to Ground Zero and visited the brand new 9/11 Memorial. They did a beautiful job and I highly suggest going down there. On the site of the Towers there are now waterfalls down into reflecting pools that are surrounded by the names of the victims. It was quite breathtaking and I found it to be a very appropriate and peaceful memorial.

It is going to be Winter Break in no time and I am very excited about these last few months. I hope you all continue to follow all the adventures here.

Warm regards,
Mike

Long Weekend for Australian Labor Day

2011-11-08T02:31:26Z

During my long weekend, thanks to Labor Day, I was able to have fun in Sydney and also take a quick trip to Canberra, Australia's capital.

I can see a movie in any part of the world. But here, I have gone to fun theaters, such as the IMAX with the largest screen in the world and Govinda's. Govinda's is a restaurant and theatre where before the movies starts you can eat at their vegetarian buffet. The theatre isn't like a normal movie theatre. It is a small room that might fit a maximum of 30 people and it is set up like a lounge, with floor cushions and couches.

In our comfortable seats!

We took a day trip to Canberra, the capital of Australia, to see the flower festival: Floriade. The flowers were arranged so they would form shapes if you were to look at them from above. They also had a market where you could buy fun, local crafts.

One of the flower patterns:

That weekend was also "Fiesta," the Latin Festival at Darling Harbour in Sydney. There was live music, food from all around Latin America, and performances of different Latin genres by performers from all ages. Live music is food for my soul, which made it the perfect end for a wonderful weekend.

The main stage with the city in the background:

Up next: Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

Warm Regards,
Alejandra

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."
Dale Carnegie

Cool Stern Student Websites

2011-11-01T19:03:58Z

This semester I’m taking Information Technologies. It’s a really interesting course where we learn about the technicalities and strategies behind the technologies we use everyday.

One of the assignments this semester is to create websites. Everyone is required to make a website and a lot of interesting ones have been made! Many of the sites are NYU or Stern related.

My website is called “Jamaze J’Inspiration”. It’s an accumulation of my favorite quotes and inspirations. A lot of the content is especially inspiring during the treacherous mid-term season.

You can check it out my website here: https://files.nyu.edu/jdg395/public/

Other Interesting InfoTech Sites:
Jamaze J’Inspiration: https://files.nyu.edu/jdg395/public/
Annette’s Artnette: http://files.nyu.edu/public/aef325/index.html
Dyeing For a Change: https://files.nyu.edu/ajs701/public/
Chloe’s Creations:http://files.nyu.edu/km2249/public/index
A Dog’s Tail: https://files.nyu.edu/tjl314/public/
5 Breakfasts in 5 Minutes: https://files.nyu.edu/ekt224/public/5Mealsin5MinutesnearNYU/Breakfast.html