Eye on Style

Antoinette Alexander Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Antoinette Alexander has traded in the Space Needle for the Statue of Liberty and today is a writer in Manhattan. Despite being thousands of miles away, the Pacific Northwest remains near to her heart. Eager to share with 425 readers what’s hot, hip and cool on the bustling streets of New York City, Alexander is keeping her “eye on style” as a contributing writer for 425. Contact antoinette alexander at eyeonstyle@425magazine.com

AZYA WINE & CHOCOLATE BAR

If you are looking for a bit of indulgence, consider checking out Azya Wine & Chocolate Bar. This stylish spot located in Manhattan’s Midtown offers patrons a mouthwatering menu that includes Mediterranean choices, like paninis and cheese plates. It also features an extensive wine list and chocolates by Jacques Torres. Azya Wine & Chocolate Bar is located at 11 W. 31st St., not too far from Madison Square Garden.

425 Twist: Wine 101, The Gathering Place, in Mukilteo is a fabulous antipasti and dessert destination. Owners John and Billee Jo Winskowski have concocted a European menu inspired by their travels abroad as well as a long wine list. Stop by after dinner and enjoy a glass of wine with the tiramisu imported straight from Milan. Wine 101 is located at 11601 Harbour Pointe Blvd. Details: wine101-thegatheringplace.com

POMMES FRITES

I admit it … if there is one weakness I have when it comes to food, it’s fries. So you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon Pommes Frites Authentic Belgian Fries. These specialty shops serve authentic Belgian fries, or as the Belgians call them, “pommes frites.” The trick: the potatoes are fried twice. The first time they are cooked through. The second time provides a golden color and makes them deliciously crisp. And when it comes to sauces and toppings, there is everything from wasabi mayo, to Irish curry, to pesto mayo and Mexican ketchup — to name just a few. Be sure to check it out at 123 2nd Ave.

425 Twist: While the Eastside isn’t yet lucky enough to have a dining spot devoted solely to the fabulous fry (please, alert us if you find one), we do have a few eateries crisping up unique varieties of the deep-fried delight. Head to Bis on Main, 10213 Main St. in Bellevue, for truffled pommes frites with bleu cheese aioli or the Issaquah Brewhouse at 35 W. Sunset Way in Issaquah for Idaho fries and Idaho buffalo fries (rounds). Ask what kinds of dipping sauces they have and you’ll get an earful; everything from ranch, to spicy Morimoto black obi ketchup, to wasabi mayo. Details: bisonmain.com; rogueale.com

BIG ON BELTS

Anyone who has not noticed that the belt — the wider the better — is a current must-have accessory has perhaps been living under a rock. And judging by the latest fall and winter fashions hitting Manhattan boutiques, it looks like this trend is not going away anytime soon. With fall and winter upon us, a high fashion, chunky belt can accompany the season’s knits for a sexy look. Some of the more popular styles are weave belts and leather wrap ties.

425 Twist: Not sure if you can pull off the extra-wide belt? Calvin Klein’s skinny belt with glass stone buckle in silver is chicly powerful enough to update almost any look. Wear it over a long pullover sweater and leggings or a fitted cardigan and full skirt (a la Sex and the City style). Try this belt with summer ’08’s trendy, loose, mini dress to give the garment some shape and show off this fall’s hottest accessory — your waist. Details: $45; nordstrom.com

PINKBERRY

There is a frozen yogurt craze sweeping throughout Manhattan, and it is known as Pinkberry. Launched in Los Angeles in 2005 by businesswoman Shelly Hwang and architect Young Lee, Pinkberry currently has more than a dozen stores in Manhattan and nearly 50 locations in California. The tart-yet-sweet yogurt has been coined by some as “crackberry,” which seems fitting judging by the lines that stretch out the door regardless of the weather. So what’s the fuss? Well, part of it is the selection of toppings including Fruity Pebbles, Coco Pebbles, Cap’n Crunch, mango, kiwi and the list goes on. Visit pinkberry.com to find a list of Manhattan locations.

425 Twist: If you’re in the mood for some Eastside fro yo, try Ce Fiore at 111 Lake St. S. in Kirkland and 10435 N.E. Fourth St. in Bellevue. The menu has no less than five different yogurt flavors including green tea (a common flavor at most fro yo shops), chocolate and açaiberry. The topping selection is wonderful with several different kinds of fruit including kiwi and watermelon and nuts like almonds and walnuts. Sadly, the only cereal topping offered is granola. Another tasty joint is Red Mango in Bellevue Square. Despite their rather slim selection of flavors (just original and green tea), you can add Cap’n Crunch, Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles just like at Pinkberry. Details: cefiore.com; redmangousa.com

IT’S A WRAP

The chilly weather is upon us and what better way to stay fashionably warm than with a wrap cardigan/shawl. It may look like a lot of extra fabric at first glance but the reality is that this could be the most versatile article of clothing you will own. Wrap it and tie it in the back, let it drape, or even wrap and drape it over one shoulder and cinch it up with one of the season’s high fashion belts (like a leather wrap tie). The options are endless.

425 Twist: Get your own versatile wrap like this cashmere sweater knit wrap from Nordstrom’s private label shown in color “posh red.” You may look posh, but you’ll be warm and cozy in this softer than soft winter fashion staple. Details: $168; nordstrom.com

For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.