A 15-second version of our new Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka commercial is airing on Taxi TV, so don’t turn that thing off next time you jump in a cab.  We’ve had reports of dozens of sightings around NYC, but the sniper award goes to producer Justin Lundstrom for snapping this picture on his blackberry.

xoSM

The series that took us all across the country this summer, INSIDER CITY GUIDES with FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE’S BEST NEW CHEFS, launched on the F&W website.  The videos are presented by American Express and are also airing on Plum TV - I know because I saw one on TV last  weekend.   We are proud and drinking champagne at the office.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THEM!

We will also be putting up higher quality versions on our website soon.

- Henry

Had a great 4th of July in Malibu. Jody and Henry flew their beautiful girlfriends out for the occasion.  Now we’re back to work. We interviewed chef Nancy Silverton at her restaurant Osteria on Melrose Place where they filmed the famous TV show “Melrose Place”. We thought about making a shot-for-shot remake of their famous intro, but didn’t have time.

The smog was particularly heavy because of the fires in Northern California.

Henry & Jeff actually aren’t that crazy about LA. Next stop: Philly!

xoSM

Did we mention that we’re on a 10 city tour of the United States, interviewing the best chefs in the country and shooting 10 90-second spots for Food & Wine Magazine and American Express? These “travel vignettes” will air on Plum TV and on a special Food & Wine website.

Producer Melody Roscher (above) has decided to produce all of the spots with a baby monkey on her head.

Jody made a new friend too.

xoSM

Today we interviewed chef John Besh, who was named one of Food & Wine’s “Top 10 Chefs in America” in 1999, in his restaurant August. He recommended we check out Galatoire’s, Old Absinthe House, and Preservation Hall. It’s good to be back in New Orleans.

Henry hockey puck. The dry heat becomes wet humidity.

The b-card wall at The Old Absinthe Bar on Bourbon Street.

An absinthe fountain from 1864.

Audubon city park.

xoSM

After we arrived in Orient, we drove to Greenport, took a ferry to Shelter Island, drove across Shelter Island, took a ferry to Sag Harbor, picked up some friends at the train, borrowed our friends baby blue 1967 Ford Galaxie convertible, and shot the last commercial of the trip. It’s the best one.

Here’s a still from the director’s cut….coming soon.

xoSM

Dear Diary,

OMG, Henry and Ellen were on tv this morning, talking about Opus Jazz. Good Day New York hosts Jody Applegate and Somebody McSomebodyhead tossed softballs and our guys hit ‘em out of the park.
A few people thought Henry was wearing lipstick, which he denies.

-rel