Amy Carothers

Writing Samples: Broadway Magazine, Examiner, NYCtravels

Tilly is the MasterChef in Ramsay’s Kitchen

As the Surreal Gordon Ramsay video trends on Facebook 360, viewers get a glimpse of the

family man behind the television persona. While Chef Ramsay prepares a full English breakfast

with his daughter, Matilda, fans are treated not only to a tasty meal but having Ramsey dish

about the importance of being a hands-on dad. Serving up the familiar sarcastic banter of which

he's renowned, his voice becomes softer when he lovingly looks at his daughter and the man

behind the mask emerges. With a twinkle in his eye and a saucy grin, he reflects that ‘there’s no

passport to being a dad.’

Putting aside his raging television antics, the celebrity chef speaks candidly about his family, job

and shares a deep appreciation about the gifts life bestowed. Humbling with a quirky sense of

father/daughter antics, the playful power-struggle shows a deep-rooted love for each other. While

fans wipe away tears, the moral of the story is to hold your loved ones close, strengthen the ties

that bond and as Father’s Day approaches, honor the father-figure in your family’s life.

As the new chefs get-ready to enter the MasterChef kitchen, Gordon is sure to cook up a

delicious yet demanding season. Stay tuned to Fox on Wednesday, June 1st to watch the fiery

chef flick the switch on his latest recruits.

Brother Jimmy’s: Bringing Southern-Style BBQ to NYC

Brother Jimmy’s (31st and

Lexington) has been serving up a

fun, festive and flavorful hot spot

since 2008. Diners ready to ‘put

some south in yo’ mouth’ are in for

a finger-lickin’ good time.

The popular restaurant boasts a

colorful clientele. Where else would

you find a backyard party, family-

friendly atmosphere and walk out with

new friends at the end of the night?

Dishing up a calendar of events and sports themed gatherings, Brother Jimmy’s ‘is here for the

party.’

While taking in the scenery, sample a Kentucky Mule. The summer-time sling is Elijah Craig

Bourbon based with Domaine de Canton, fresh citrus and sprinkled with ginger ale offering a

refreshing start to the night.

The service staff is on their game and diners who have the good fortune to have Brooke Quintana

as their server are in for a treat. This southern girl knows the signature dishes and how to doctor

the greens, select a cocktail or offers the best advice on what starter or entrée to order.

Popular starters such as the Frickles (fried pickles with horseradish sauce), Smoked Meatball

Slider (mix of smoked pork and beef with bourbon-chipotle BBQ with cheddar cheese), popcorn

shrimp or hot wings offer an appetizing beginning. Complemented by a Charleston AP mixed

with Sweet Tea Vodka and homemade lemonade provides a splash of summer year-round.

Moving on to the BBQ platters, the Carolina Pulled Pork, is a guest favorite. Don’t forget to taste

the Sliced Brisket that’s certified Black Angus smoked for up to 14 hours served lean or

marbled. Here’s an inside tip, southerners prefer the marble variety as the fattier meat delivers a

more flavorful serving.

For guests who prefer a pork alternative, try the Portobello Mushroom sandwich. Grilled

Portobello mushrooms with Swiss cheese topped with onion rings and chipotle BBQ mayo

serves up a Southern kick without the meat. A creamy Mac and Cheese with a Shiner Bock, a

light Southern beer with sweet undertones complements the serving. The crispy Fried Green

Tomatoes, a staff favorite is a staple on the soulful menu.

Save room for the decadent Fried Oreos as the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate is the perfect bite

to the end the night. If you’re looking for a neighborhood BBQ joint that’s filled with southern

hospitality, head to Brother Jimmy’s to join the family!

Van Gogh Alive is getting an earful of excitement

Amy Carothers

Examiner

Carothers photo credit: Shanghai, China 2016

Three thousand Van Gogh paintings are splashed across the pop-up art display at Xintiandi’s

Taiping Park. The internationally acclaimed Van Gogh Alive has art aficionados and admirers in

awe as renowned paintings come to life before their eyes.

Projected onto custom-built walls, visitors travel through the venue to walk amongst the

paintings. The 30-minute show set to a musical score, provides a pleasing accompaniment while

guests have an up-close encounter with Van Gogh's masterpieces.

Catherine Wilson Horne, President and CEO of Discovery Places states that ‘this exhibit

redefines a traditional museum experience, displaying Van Gogh’s masterpieces in larger-than-

life proportions…Visitors can expect to be astonished and drawn into the splendor of this

experience.’

Guests delight as favorites such as Almond Branches in Bloom, Irises, Sunflowers and Starry

Night appear and stare transfixed at Van Gogh's colorful creations. It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibit

that since its commencement continues to receive recognition.

On display until August 30, 2015, Shanghai tourists and locals-alike are venturing to 388 Hungpi

Nan Lu (near Heping Lu) to take part in the event. Don’t miss your chance to get transported into

the post-Impressionist paintings.

Naples Grande Beach Resort Cooks-up a Grill & Chill Weekend

Naples Grande Beach Resort kicks-off their first Grill & Chill Weekend starting August 26,

2016. On the menu are food and beverage tasting events that’s sure to top-off the weekend.

Twenty of the city’s elite restaurants come together to celebrate Naples’ culinary industry.

Mixing things up, the Blender Bender toasts the signature cocktail. Delivering the perfect

summer-time drink to combat the ‘haute’ weather, a DJ is on-hand to spin the crowd into frenzy

while the refreshing cocktails keep things cool.

A Bubbling Brunch uncorks on Saturday the 27th featuring a collaboration between Naples

Grande Spa and Saks Fifth Avenue. While serving up a bubbling breakfast, guests indulge in the

Saks pop-up show offering the latest spread of fashion and beauty trends.

Sunday promises to grill-up a good time as Naples’ celebrity chefs add their flair to the

festivities. The culinary community will be there to taste the best of the season. Buy tickets (use

promo code Chill) ahead of time to reserve your spot and save money to attend the summer-time

celebration. The Grill & Chill Weekend benefits education so it’s a smart way to taste what

Naples has to offer while building our future.