After the reception to honor the Gabby‘s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Stephen Antonakos, I dashed over to the Gabby Award’s Official Welcome Salon, which was taking place a little further uptown, that same night. Here was the teaser for the event:
Official Welcome Salon hosted by the Greek America Foundation featuring a personal appearance by internationally acclaimed jewelry designer Konstantino, and a rare opportunity to see the designer’s entire collection and purchase men’s and ladies’ items at a discount. Reception is complimentary for all Gabby Awards ticket holders and includes top-shelf premium open bar and heavy appetizers.
It was held at the Press Lounge at Ink48 Hotel, a Klimpton Hotel, located at 653 Eleventh Avenue at 48th Street. As a writer, I find the story behind the hotel particularly inspiring. The Klimpton Hotel chain was founded by Bill Klimpton, who first worked as a typewriter salesman and who opened Ink48 Hotel in an old printing house:
A former printing house located where 11th Avenue meets 48th Street, Ink48’s occupants have a long history of making a lasting imprint. A one-of-a-kind urban retreat with an inviting roof-top lounge, open-air gardens, and panoramic views of Time Square and the Hudson River, Ink48 offers special amenities and services to illustrate the unique signature of each guest. You’ll be invited and encouraged to make your mark in life while Ink48 provides the indelible inspiration.
The open bar served a variety of Metaxa cocktails. The distilled Greek spirit, founded by Spyros Metaxa in 1888, was a welcome ingredient in such drinks as the Greek Lemonade and the delicious Greek Mojito, which I tried. You can find more recipes — like Fig Heaven, which wasn’t offered and I really want to try — on the Metaxa website.
Inside was crowded, as Greek America’s movers and shakers mingled. I may or may not be in the background of an interview that was taking place….
Outside on the rooftop was an incredible panorama of the New York City skyline. I mean incredible! As in, hard to believe. It reminded me of being at the Grand Canyon a few years ago and thinking it was all a beautiful mirage. The Manhattan skyline, like the Grand Canyon, looked like a movie backdrop.
Photo by Annie
I stayed outside enjoying the scenery, rather than tempt myself with Konstantino‘s jewels. Athens-born Konstantino is recognized throughout the world as a famous jewelry designer. If anyone’s looking to impress me, you can get me the blue topaz ring from Konstantion’s Clio collection or one of the cross-shaped rings from his Classic collection.
Stephanie Nikolopoulos 
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