Mark Birnbaum Chats Desserts

It's not secret that Mark Birnbaum and the folks over at EMM Group have a sweet tooth. Just check out the Peanut Butter Pie with Salted Caramel Ice Cream and Pretzel Streusel at Abe & Arthur's (below). While the nightlife has been a space where he's excelled, Mark Birnbaum knows a thing or two about how sweet treats can add that extra little something to a restaurant.

From Abe & Arthur's featured dessert above, to the cereal-inspired doughnuts down at The General's Bakey, EMM Group has established its restaurants as some of the highest caliber in New York City. EMM Group's chefs creative some of the best in class food and pastries that will only make you want to keep coming back for me. 

EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum pride themselves on providing high class customer service along with the best experience for all of their guests.  

Don't hesitate to stop by one of the EMM Groups restaurants today to experience the world class services.  

Mark Birnbaum on Boutique Hotels

There been a lot of chatter lately in the hospitality industry surrounding the boutique hotel experience. Today, there are tons of boutique hotels with new ones opening seemingly on a daily basis. From the posh decor and unique interiors to the lack of signage on the outside to create a specific ambiance.

It's not something that's a new idea, according to this Wall Street Journal article: 

In 1984, the two nightclub impresarios who had run Studio 54 opened a new chapter in the lodging industry with Morgans.

The lodging industry was an anodyne place when Morgans opened. Other than the most high-end of offerings, operators seemed to pride themselves on being as far from hip as one could get.
The boutique hotel model changed this, typically offering luxury accommodations in locations more intimate than chain hotels, while carrying a nightclub feel. This model proved a galloping success, spreading around the world to about any city with some claim to cosmopolitanism. Customers were able to feel special, cared-for and cooler than those frumpy tourists and business drones at the hotel chains.

While these slick hotels have a certain charm compared to the likes the big chains, it's important to note how much work and time it takes to build up an experience. When Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group took to launching The Chandelier Room at W Hoboken Hotel & Residences, the looked to bring an innovative nightlife concept to Hoboken, New Jersey, adding to the hotel in a bit way.

Don't take these hotels for granted. Some of them are hidden gems here in New York City.

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Come Down to Mark Birnbaum's Lexington Brass

BlackBook Mag recently published a great piece on Mark Birnbaum and Lexington Brass' new DIY Bloody Mary bar. Check out and excerpt from the article and be sure to stop by the Midtown hot spot.

From BlackBook:

From spirit to rim to spice – that you mark with a pencil, hand to the bartender, and watch (and salivate) as they make their mixing magic with your choices.

For $9, you can choose between sauces like Worcestershire, Tabasco, and/or horseradish; yummy little toppings like pickled okra, pepperoncini, and celery; and even an additional $5 upgrade to the big boys: Grey Goose, Sapphire, or Avion.

If you're looking for a great brunch spot, don't forget to also check out The General down in the Bowery. From the amazing cereal-inspired doughtnuts to the great drink selection, you don't want to miss out! Also be sure to connect with EMM Group on our social networks including Twitter and Facebook.

EMM Group & FINALE To Provide VIP Experience at this years Electric Daisy Carnival New York

Mark Birnbaum is excited to announce EMM Group and FINALE will be providing the VIP Experience at this years Electric Daisy Carnival New York! The Electric Daisy Carnival combines the world's most renowned dance music talent with leading-edge production to create an unparalleled experience of sight and sound. The event will be taking place at Citi Field on Friday May 17th and Saturday May 18th.

EMM Group and FINALE couldn't be more excited for the event. If you're looking for more info, check it out here. There's still lots of time left to pick up tickets and there is going to be a slew of great entertainment.

Electric Daisy Carnival New York 2012

No longer simply an electronic music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival has grown into a one of a kind, full entertainment experience. EDC combines the world's most renowned dance music talent with leading-edge production to create an unparalleled experience of sight and sound that you will have to encounter for yourself to believe. This is your world, so come play and let your imagination lead the way.

EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum couldn't be more excited for this coming summer and this is only the first announcement of many to come. Be sure to keep checking back on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming news.

You can check out more general information about EDC New York here.

The General Ranks #3 on Eater's list of The 23 Hottest Doughnut Shops in America!

Aside from the amazing nightlife experiences that EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum provide, they also play host to a number of some of the most elegant and top-notch restaurants as well. One of those restaurants that also comes equipped with a first-class bakery's is The General. And we're pleased to announce that Eater has listed The General at #3 on their list of top 23 hottest doughnut shops in America! 

According to Eater they were put together with the help of editor's from around the country and are "the most buzzed-about specialty doughnut shops across the United States."

The bakery is headed by Thiago Silva whose cereal-inspired doughnuts helped The General make the list.

We're couldn't be more excited for what's to come for the remainder of the year and honored to be part of such a prestigious list. In you haven't stopped by to check out some of the acclaimed coffee and "pretzel bombs" you're missing out. Stop by today!

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HQ Beach Club Launching May 23

The EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum are gearing up for big things this summer. They are proud to announce the details of HQ Beach Club opening happening Thursday, May 23. For those who aren't familiar with the news, the HQ Beach Club is a sprawling daylife pool party destination at Revel in Atlantic City. It's officially kicking off the warm weather season in a big way.

HQ Beach Club is a product of the partnership between Angel Management Group (AMG) and EMM Group. 

Anchoring the star-studded line-up for the weekend is DJ Magazine's #1 ranked DJ in the world, Armin Van Buuren, who just celebrated the release of his fifth studio album, Intense, as well as the 600th episode of his wildly popular, global radio show "A State of Trance." Others who will also be a part of the premier line-up include EC Twins, Manufactured Superstars and Bambi, as well as featured artists R3HAB, Laidback Luke, Wolfgang Gartner, Congorock, Boris and Victor Calderone.

Here's some more info about HQ Beach Club: 

HQ Beach Club at Revel is Atlantic City's newest entertainment offering, introducing a signature day-to-night party experience in tandem with HQ Nightclub. The ultra-luxe, boardwalk-level pool lounge hugs the slick curvature of the resort's exterior, and features a central triangular pool, multiple levels and two juxtaposing bars. Throbbing beats envelop every corner of the venue via its integrated Turbosound system, installed throughout each of the bars, cabanas, bungalows, and pools. Stunning model servers tend to every detail, including bottle service for tables, daybeds, and bungalow reservations, as well as orders from the extensive cocktail and food menus.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. EDT available on www.revelnightlife.com/tickets.

You can also take a look at the full press release here.

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For those who don't know, Tuesday's at the Jazz Room continue tonight. There is going to be special music by DJ Vikas Sapra and DJ David Katz.

In case you're not familiar with The Jazz Room at The General, Mark Birnbaum explains that it's an extension of The General's 300 sear Modern Asian restaurant in downtown Manhattan at 199 Bowery. The Jazz Room does accept reservations as part of early seating that begins at 7pm or late seating starting at 9pm.

Make early reservations or stop by for some great food, amazing drinks and good music. You can't go wrong. 

Mark Birnbaum's Thoughts on Work-Life Balance

As busy as his schedule may get, Mark Birnbaum knows that it's important to keep a work-life balance. Although he is the partner of one of New York’s most successful and multi-faceted hospitality management companies - EMM Group, which recently just launched outposts of CATCH and SL inside The James Royal Palm in South Beach, Miami he knows that it's important to also take some time to yourself and recharge to better prepare for what's to come.

Not too long ago Forbes actually released a great article with a few tips. Below are a few that jumped out:

• Communicate. If you won’t be available for certain hours during the day or weekend because you’re dealing with family issues, let your manager and colleagues know, and get their full support.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage. Technology should help make your life easier, not control it. Ban technology at certain times so that you can focus on your family or friends.

• Protect Your Private Time. Allow yourself to daydream in the subway or appreciate good weather on your walk to work. If you don’t allow yourself pockets of personal time, you’ll become too burned out to fully appreciate any part of your life.

• Fight the Guilt. Superwoman–and Superman–are fictional characters. Real people can’t devote 100% to everything they do. Stop feeling guilty if you miss an occasional soccer game or bail on a colleague’s going-away party.

Although, it's a common occurrence and there's so many out there who struggle to maintain or even achieve a work-life balance, it's something that folks can strive to do. There's no better time than to start now. If you're satisfied with what you're doing and what's happening both personally and professionally, you'll see you efficiency and productivity jump as well.