Mark Birnbaum-Perfection- The Key to success in the fine dining business!

Undoubtedly, today the fine dining industry still continues to reach great heights of success. But establishing a business in this field requires a passion for perfection, and an eye for talent.

Everything that is required in fine dining must essentially be taken care of like; ambience, quality of services, and the way food is prepared & served.

However, to redeem such quality of services and food; restaurant owners need to invest a lot of money, because setting up this kind of business is a challenging task.

A huge investment is required to get started in the fine dining business. This also means, having to hire the best in fine dining personal and the purchase of a lot of expensive furnishings and supplies, and much more. However, this task is not complete even after the investment. Rather, it is just the beginning.

Once you have all the right resources and people, you need to ensure that everything is going according to plan. Be it the quality standards, timeliness, or anything else for that matter, everything that has been planned, must be adhered to.

One famous entrepreneur, who has made it big in the hospitality industry, is Mr. Mark Birnbaum.

He is a popular name in the hospitality industry. He has taken this industry to higher levels, with his charismatic personality, hard work, and his passion for perfection. Follow us on instagram and facebook for more updates.

The 2nd Annual Olevolos Project Cocktail Brunch Party at The General Huge Success

The Second Annual at cocktail brunch party for The Olevolos Project at The General was a huge success this weekend. Mark Birnbaum, Eugene Remm, and EMM Group couldn't thank everyone enough for coming out and showing their support. Bryan Greenberg played host for the event that played host to a number of great guests.

For those who are not familiar with The Olevolos Project: 

The Olevolos Project is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization benefitting orphans and disadvantaged children from the Olevolos Village of Tanzania, Africa. We believe all kids have a right to meet their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds. Our mission is to develop young leaders through excellent educational programs who can become role models for future generations.   

The Olevolos Project partners with Usa River Academy, an elite private boarding school outside of Arusha, to offer students the highest quality educational opportunities. Our scholarships to Usa River Academy cover all educational and living expenses. The school is dedicated to inspiring a passion for learning and developing the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable all students to maximize their potential as positive responsible participants in our society and global community.

The event was for a great cause and Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group are looking forward to hosting more events like this. If you're looking to make a donation, don't hesitate visit http://theolevolosproject.org/.

Happy Hour's at Mark Birnbaum's Restaurants

With Mother Nature giving us this great what feels like summer weather, we couldn't be more pleased to get our specials underway. Kicking off the season was happy hour at Lexington Brass. For a mere $30, we offered 2 glasses of sparkling wine or Beer and a dozen oysters. How can you beat a deal like that?

For those who don't know, Lexington Brass features top notch service and a simple menu of bistro favorites that will make you feel reminiscent of home. Unlike the blink-and-you-might-miss-it boites of lower Manhattan, Lexington Brass and its gleaming façade of floor-to-ceiling windows ushers in a new business backdrop where this generation of New York City minds and moguls break bread while breaking up the day, enjoying Lobster Mac n Cheese, Deviled Eggs, French Onion Soup, Braised Short Ribs and platters of oysters and littlenecks at any hour, from breakfast to lunch through dinner and late evening reprieves.

There are going to be a lot more specials announced in the near future so don't hesitate to check back here or on Facebook or Twitter. 

A Look Back At The EMM Group

It's hard to believe that the first half of 2013 is almost gone already. We've seen some amazing things happen across a number of the EMM Group's venues. From J. Cole declaring that the best meal he's ever eaten was the lobster mac and cheese at Catch to Serious Eats sitting down and chatting about The General Bakery, it's been one crazy and amazing first couple months of the year.

Here are a few great photos for a look back at the first couple months.

 

HQ Beach Club Announces World-Renowned DJ Line-up for Opening Weekend

EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum are proud to announce HQ Beach Club will be officially launching Thursday, May 23. The daylife pool party destination at Revel in Atlantic city will play host to a world class DJ line-up including DJ Magazine's #1 ranked DJ in the world, Armin Van Buuren and also feature the likes of artists R3HAB, Laidback Luke, Wolfgang Gartner, Congorock, Boris and Victor Calderone.

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.

Those looking to make early reservations can do so now! For cabana or bungalow reservations at HQ Beach Club or table reservations at HQ Nightclub, please call 609.345.2211 or visit www.revelnightlife.com. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. 

The HQ Beach Club will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. until close. HQ Nightclub opens doors at 10 p.m. To check out the full schedule for the events visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130508-910720.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The Jazz Room at The General Continues to Thrive

The Jazz Room at The General continues to host stand out acts and play host to a number of esteemed guests. The recent weekend, music sensation Sting stopped by to support his daughter Mickey Sumner who was in attendance for the "Missed Connections" screening that was taking place.

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.

New York's Serious Eats Chats with Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva has been rather busy as of late. Not only does he run a cereal-inspired doughnut section at EMM Group's The General, but he's also busy plating up delicious warm cookies at Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group's restaurant, CATCH. New York's Serious Eats recently sat down to chat with Thiago to catch up. Here's a great excerpt from the interview below:  

Does your heritage play into your menu? I feel like I put a little of me in everything. I don't think it's necessarily noticeable but I always try to put a little Brazil into my desserts.

Like where? Like the sticky coconut cake at The General. Coconut's a big thing in Asia but it's also big in Brazil, and I use the same soak that I use in my Brazilian cakes. Sweetened condensed milk is in Brazilians' cabinets everywhere and I love to use it. You can't go wrong. Even the custards in the doughnut are Brazilian-style custard that I used to do when I was little.

What, to you, is the most important thing about knowing how to cook? It's just so gratifying. Not only when you've had a rough day and you make yourself something but also when you do that for your family or a friend—they come home and are miserable and you see how much better it makes them feel. No matter what happens, or how bad life is, people always want to go out and eat. It's just something that you have to be able to know how to do—to cook for people and see how they feel, how gratifying it is. I think if you're a chef, that's why you do it—it's a lot of hard work, but it all pays off. I just want my son to eat everything.

In case you were wondering what some of the delicious pastry's look like that Thiago puts together, below are a few photos. And yes, they taste just as good as they look.

Sticky Coconut Cake at The General: coconut water sorbet
candy pineapple, mango sauce, candied pistachios

Banana Brûlée Split: Raspberry Bombe, Gianduja Bombe, Cookie Dough Bombe (at Catch)       

(Img src)

BlackBook recently caught up with esteemed chef, Thiago Silva – the 28-year-old Brazilian executive pastry chef behind all of EMM Group’s restaurants. Check an excerpt from the interview below:

At The General, the doughnut doesn’t stop there; the Bowery spot has become known for Thiago’s most nostalgic, breakfast creation: cereal-topped doughnuts. Yes, doughnuts topped with Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and filled with their respective cereal creams. “A lot of people think I was high when I came up with the idea,” Thiago says. “But I wanted a breakfast item, so I combined my favorite breakfast cereals with my really great doughnut recipe.”

The doughnut recipe is another wildfire idea Thiago’s concocted that’s become EMM Group’s top-ordered dessert across all their restaurants. On the sweets menus of their spots CATCH NY, CATCH Miami, Lexington Brass, and Abe & Arthur’s, you’ll find one signature doughnut. For CATCH Miami, it’s their key lime doughnut. At The General, it’s green tea. For the rest it changes, with flavors like pumpkin and peaches and cream.

While the food isn't the only thing that keeps folks coming back to Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group's establishments, it's one of the big selling points. Just check out the press section of the EMM Group's website and see for yourself.

And if you could put together any combination of doughnuts and cereal, what would it be?

The General Launching Brunch This Weekend

Fruity Pebbles inspired doughnuts at The General

Starting this weekend, April 20 The General will be serving a full brunch! Aside from the amazing doughnuts that Mark Birnbaum's The General serves up, folks will now be able to sit down to delicious breakfast dishes such as Peking duck hash and eggs, fried chicken & waffles with truffle honey, and Asian-inspired bloody Marys.

Brunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. in the restaurant's front café space, which will be opening up its glass doors for the warm weather as spring approaches.

The General's kitchen has Top Chef Season 3 winner, Executive Chef Hung Huynh, at the helm and is open 7 days a week. Aside from the addition to a delicious brunch, the restaurant offers a wide range of dining experiences for the local clientele.

If you're looking to get in early on the new experience, The General does accept reservations and usually accommodates on a first come, first serve basis. For more information don't hesitate to visit the EMM Group's website.

Mussel Monday at Mark Birnbaum's Lexington Brass

A lot can happen in a New York Minute. Like in case you missed it, today is Mussel Monday's at Mark Birnbaum's Lexington Brass restaurant downtown. On such a beautiful day in New York City how can you go wrong with some of the freshest food in town.

Aside from the delicious seafood that Lexington Brass serves up, there's a slew of enjoying Lobster Mac n Cheese, Deviled Eggs, French Onion Soup, Braised Short Ribs and platters of oysters and littlenecks at any hour, from breakfast to lunch through dinner and late evening reprieves.

When Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group opened the restaurant back in 2011 he had a whole new dining experience in mind. The 100-seat American bistro located on the ground level of the luxury Hersha Group features classic American bistro fare conceptualized and executed by Abe & Arthur’s Executive Chef Franklin Becker.

Examiner.com had this to say about the fine NYC restaurant:

Patrons will be treated to sophisticated yet familiar favorites from a menu of fresh, locally sourced, sustainable dishes. Highlights from the breakfast menu include jam-filled pancakes with berries & lemon cream and a Spanish scramble with chorizo, rock shrimp and hash. For lunch, midtown moguls can indulge in a sirloin steak sandwich with truffle fries, or opt for lighter fare with grilled shrimp & couscous or yellowfin tuna ciabatta with avocado & tomato jam. For dinner, patrons can enjoy a range of options from buttermilk fried chicken and biscuits to sweet corn ravioli with chanterelles to spicy fluke ceviche with watermelon. Lexington Brass also will offer a thoughtful beverage program, which includes kombucha tea, three local wines and four local beers on tap, including one signature lager which was crafted and brewed in EMM Group’s name.

Lexington Brass is open 7 days a week. Stop in today and enjoy some of New York's finest of food and drinks.  

Mark Birnbaum's The Jazz Room at The General

The Jazz Room at The General Hosts Marie Claire Magazine

This past Monday night, The Jazz Room at The General hosted the Marie Claire April Issue party with cover girl Olivia Wilde. Guests were nestled at the Bowery staple and enjoyed dishes prepared by “Top Chef” winner and Catch executive chef Hung Huynh. The kitchen turned out a number of Asian fare dishes that included a number of contemporary twists. Dishes ranged from light and creative sushi rolls to updated versions of Chinese classics like Peking duck and hot and sour soup

Also in attendance were Kristen Wiig, Norah O’Donnell and Ari Graynor.

The events continued last tonight, as The Jazz Room at The General launched its new Tuesday night party, which featured music by Dalton and performances by La Dolce Vita. 

The newly inspired Jazz Night was brought to guests by Mark Birnbaum. Those in attendance not only enjoyed the great music but the relaxed ambiance along with great food and drink. The new late night feature will be a continuous running show throughout the summer and into the coming months. Guests can also call 212-271-7101 to make reservations in advance. You can visit EMM's Facebook page to learn more about the Tuesday night gig or check out The General's website here. 

And in case you have any second guesses, here's what the New York Daily News had to say about The General - "Creative presentations stand out in both savory and sweet dishes, including a dessert of cake and sorbet molded into the shape of a coconut and brushed with chocolate.

Drinks such as the Diana Prince, made with Belvedere vodka, kiwi and lime, are carefully crafted and served from an oversize rectangular bar surrounded by high-top tables and comfortable banquettes, in an effort to make the cocktail experience just as special as the dining."

The General Combines Restaurant, Cocktail Lounge and Bakery

The 'nightclub alternative' is latest operation from EMM Group, owners of Catch and Abe & Arthur's

Have you ever been to a place where you'd be able to get great pastries, a delicious lunch and also be able to come back for a cocktail a little later on if your heart so desired? Well, if you're in the Bowery area now you can! EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum's most recent opening of The General is a modern mecca in the heart of Bowery.  

With Top Chef Season 3 winner, Executive Chef Hung Huynh, at the helm, EMM Group's The General is quickly living up to the high expectations of neighborhood patrons. Open 7 days a week, The General is a bustling modern Asian mecca offering a wide range of dining experiences for the local clientele. 

Here's an excerpt of what the Daily News had to say:

"A restaurant powerhouse has brought a new type of adult entertaining to the Bowery.

The General, the latest eatery from the dining wizards at EMM Group, is home to a new kind of laid-back nightlife — restaurant, cocktail lounge and bakery all in one.

The General builds on the acclaim and popularity of EMM’s other restaurants, Catch and Abe & Arthur’s, by adding a modern Asian twist to the same highly effective concept: fun, sharable small plates."

Accepting reservations and accommodating the casual passersby in the first come, first serve Cafe, The General boasts a bounty of something-for-everyone spaces. With environments ranging from the seasonal outdoor patio to the Cafe, pastry counter, social hightop tables nestled around the bar and the elegantly energetic dining room, it's always worth seeing who knows your name at The General.  

Read the full Daily News article here: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/general-nyc-new-nightclub-alternative-article-1.1244300

(Img Src)

Mark Birnbaum Takes CATCH to South Beach

The second floor dining room at CATCH Miami

Mark Birnbaum takes CATCH concept to South Beach, Miami at the James Royal Palm

In early 2013, just about one year after opening CATCH Restaurant in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, Mark Birnbaum, partner of EMM Group recently helped open its first outpost of the popular eatery within The James Royal Palm on Collins Avenue in South Beach, Miami.

The globally influenced seafood restaurant, with Top Chef winner, Executive Chef Hung Huynh at the helm, has enjoyed rave reviews and full reservation books since opening its doors in early 2013, proving CATCH’s high energy, city-style of dining has found itself a natural fit among South Beach fans.

The nearly 4,000 square foot restaurant, fashioned between two floors and 190 seats, leaves much of the venue's landmarked, art-deco style interior intact. Upon arrival guests walk thru the 40 seat outdoor patio and into a 1,770 square foot First Floor Dining Room where the Main Bar sits in striking semblance to the hotel's original structure. Across the room a Sushi Lounge, with the capacity to accommodate up to 50 guests for seated dinner, adds an interactive element for a la carte diners or semi-private seatings.

Sprawling, 17 foot, cork-lined ceilings and a bustling South Beach dinner scene greet guests ascending to the Second Floor Dining Room. There, oversized copper drum lamps set an intimate stage, warmly washing patrons in CATCH's trademark honey-colored tones. Hand-painted details on the exposed brick walls create an ambiance like non-other, while Mark Birnbaum assures guests are able to enjoy all the essentials from the CATCH NY menu as well as newer, locally inspired dishes such as Po Little Rich Boys, The Shorecrest Roll, Kampachi Crudo and a conspicuously decadent Key Lime Donut dessert!

CATCH Miami

1545 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach, FL 33139

786.224.7200

View map

EMM Group’s Abe & Arthur’s: Still a New York Favorite

Mark Birnbaum, with the help of his business partners Eugene Remm and Michael Hirtenstein, has hit home runs with his restaurants Catch, Lexington Brass, and Abe & Arthur’s all located in NYC. Abe & Arthur’s in particular has been getting a lot of attention lately for his powerful presence in the Meatpacking District.

Mark Birnbaum set the stage by creating a menu with high-end versions of classic American cuisine. He also incorporated the perfect ambiance by marrying familiar nightclub decor with a chic atmosphere. At Abe & Arthur’s you can expect impeccable service, delicious food and picture perfect clientele that doesn’t hurt to look at.

Mark Birnbaum also won patrons over by appointing Franklin Becker as lead chef. Becker quickly became New York’s most respected and well-known chef. He has established himself as a front-runner in the industry with his contributions to Abe & Arthur’s with menu favorites like the fish tacos, steak, crab cakes and grilled pork loins.

While Mark Birnbaum and his EMM Group partners may be spending most of their time with expansion plans and other business ventures, their staple venues in the Meatpacking District continue to wow crowds and deliver an unsurpassable New York experience. Abe & Arthur’s, Catch, and Lexington Brass are still holding strong as New York favorites.

Source Mark Birnbaum

Mark Birnbaum the Kings of New York’s Nightlife

Source: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ewlzo9uvn8psa6/qLqrQ_sqgG/Heidi%20Klum%20Haunted%20Holiday%2012-1-12

Forbes Recognizes The James Royal Palm and Catch Miami

Amongst major expansion plans, Mark Birnbaum, owner of EMM Group, is the most in demand hospitality mogul today. In between launching Revel’s nightclubs, managing nearly a dozen venues and running a lifestyle management company, Mark Birnbaum of EMM Group is working vigorously to launch Catch Miami and SL South without a hitch. Catch and SL are set to open in the James Royal Palm in late 2012.

Catch Miami and SL South are both outposts of their very successful Meatpacking District flagships. EMM Group has experienced great success in New York City, taking their most successful venues to the James Royal Palm in Miami is the next best step for this trio. The James Royal Palm, a beachfront resort in South Beach Miami, has been featured as one of Forbes Magazine’s “Top 10 Most Anticipated Openings of 2012″. The much anticipated resort is expected to be vibrant with different venues for a well-diversified crowd. EMM Group’s Catch, a popular seafood restaurant, appeals to people of all ages, while SL appeals to young and energetic party-goers. In addition, The James Royal Palm will offer two swimming pools with cabanas, poolside bars, lobby lounge and coffee bar, full-service spa, Lil’ James offerings for children, retail shop, a curated collection of art, gym and more.

The contribution of EMM Group’s globally inspired seafood restaurant, Catch, and the trendy lounge, SL, are expected to draw large crowds to the James Royal Palm later this year. Before Mark Birnbaum, Eugene Remm and Michael Hirtenstein formed EMM Group, the hospitality industry had two separate worlds, fine dining and glitzy nightlife. Throughout the past six years, EMM Group has found a way to successfully marry the two. Catch and SL will be neighboring venues in the James Royal Palm, and will once again bridge the gap between fine dining and nightlife. Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group have nothing but successes under their belt and the new Miami venues are sure to follow suit.

Source Mark Birnbaum

Giving you reason to keep the party young- Mark Birnbaum!

Love or hate him there is no way you can ignore him! Mark Birnbaum is the favorite party person of the city. He is one who has absolutely changed the face of the night life of the city. He has gained enormous success in the field by giving people what they want, out of nightlife.

Gone are the days when you would have to search miles for reaching a decent pub to spend an evening with friends! Mr. Birnbaum has plentifully responded to the entertainment needs of the commoner!

As the partner of the EMM group, he, together with his partners have done all it took to transform the dull and boring weekends of people to become exciting and rewarding.

At the end of a tiresome week, people actually look forward to party at one of the classy discotheques or dine out in the fine luxury restaurants that Mark Birnbaum created for the people of New YorkCity.

Tenjune New York City’s Best Place to Dance

Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm, co-founders of EMM Group, opened their first big New York nightlife sensation Tenjune back in 2006. Immediately upon opening, Tenjune was a big hit with party-goers and welcomed some big names like Kanye West and Diddy regularly. Six years later, it comes as no surprise that Tenjune is still considered one of the best places to dance in New York City.
Mark Birnbaum, Eugene Remm and Michael Hirtenstein have worked hard to sustain a reputation as being the top hospitality group on the east coast.

Tenjune, located in the Meatpacking District of NYC is what started it all for EMM Group and is just one of many milestones for this trio. The club still holds lavish parties for A-list hip-hop artists and incredible events hosted by the world’s most popular rappers such as Trey Songz. After the club’s revamp last year, the full LED ceiling has become a focal point of Tenjune along with the glow in the dark art work that emanates the walls. One thing that has remained the same, the popular horseshoe-shaped dance floor that has been driven by renowned celebrity DJs while New York City socialites dance to the radiating beats.

Tenjune was named in celebration of Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm’s shared June 10^th birthdays. Since opening in 2006, Tenjune has celebrated more than just birthdays and has kick started EMM Group’s very successful career. EMM Group has since opened Catch NYC, Catch Rooftop Lounge, Abe & Arthur’s, Lexington Brass, The Chandelier Room, SL, SL East and has even partnered up with Angel Management Group to take over Revel’s HQ Nightclub.

Source Mark Birnbaum

Mark Birnbaum - the man behind some of the top nightclubs of New York City

There is no doubt that Mark Birnbaum along with his partners Eugene Remm and Michael Hirtenstein are the Kings of New York’s Nightlife. With EMM group, these three have gained remarkable success.

Today the trio has a net worth of more than $30 million and their nightlife realm includes the hottest nightclubs in New York City along with restaurants, lounges and a private house in Sag Harbor, Long Island which is always in the news for some sizzling events & parties.

Since his school days, Mark Birnbaum was into nightclub business. He used to promote Manhattan Clubs while he was a high school senior in Long Island. During his college days in Ithaca, Mark opened a 22,000 square foot night club in Manhattan.

Today, Mark is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country and as a part of EMM Group he has emerged as a top entrepreneur who surely knows how to live life King Size.

Mark Birnbaum: The Hospitality Industry’s Most In-Demand Business Mogul

Mark Birnbaum is one of today’s most in-demand hospitality industry leaders. From promotions and parties, to managing top-notch restaurants and nightclubs in the heart of New York City, Mark Birnbaum has built himself an empire.

Mark Birnbaum started his career in the hospitality industry in 1998 when he worked as a promotions director for a 22,000 square foot venue in Ithica, New York. While Mark Birnbaum worked tirelessly to manage and promote special events, he was earning a name for himself in the industry. In 2002 Birnbaum branched out on his own, founding a nightlife consulting company called Operative Inc., in order to launch Lobby, his first chic midtown Manhattan nightclub. The opening of Lobby in 2003 was one of the most successful in nightlife history.

Hungering for more success, Birnbaum took on another job overseeing the marketing, public relations, promotions and major events for AER Lounge. After Mark Birnbaum took over, AER Lounge was named one of the top picks for nightclubs in the world (and number one in Manhattan) by Condenast Traveler.
It was in 2006 when Mark Birnbaum’s career took a turn that would take him to new heights of success. Mark Birnbaum and his EMM Group partner Eugene Remm met after throwing rival parties to celebrate their June 10^th birthdays. The two collaborated to form EMM Group, a hospitality company, which led to opening their first venue as business partners. Tenjune was opened in 2006 and was another huge success on Birnbaum’s resume.

Since 2006, EMM Group welcomed business partner Eugene Remm and opened several more venues. To date, EMM Group opened Tenjune, The Chandelier Room, SL NYC, SL East, Catch NYC, Abe & Arthur’s, and Lexington Brass. They are continuing to grow their brand by bringing their most popular venues to Miami. Catch Miami and SL South are expected to open next door to one another this Fall in the James Royal Palm, at the same time the trio will be launching a new chic space at 199 Bowery in the Meatpacking District. Additionally Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm are co-producing a reality show called “The Kings of New York” which is also set to premiere this fall.

Source: Mark Birnbaum