Whelmed. Not over... but almost under.

Though my mom keeps sending me commercials, articles, clips, and many stream-of-conscious e-mails, I have continuously set them to the side until I have "time" to sift through them. BUT when she sent along this article from Huffington Post about the new Coca-Cola Super Bowl commercial, I felt the need to open it... and now I'm sharing it! People often say they are overwhelmed, or that something was underwhelming, but neither can apply to
this new commercial. I was definitely not overwhelmed... and I guess I can say I am slightly underwhelmed, but I'd rather settle on "whelmed".

The commercial is interactive and its ending will be decided by viewers, which in itself is a good idea (not original, but good). The company’s Super Bowl campaign features three teams that are competing to be the first to get to a Coke bottle mirage. Viewers can vote online at CokeChase.com for either the Cowboys, the Bandlanders or the Showgirls to reach the bottle first. The final results will be aired during the Super Bowl. Personally, I don't resonate with any of the three, so I'm not particularly invested in voting for any of them. Who would you vote for?

So... now that I've shared a not-so-exciting commercial, I'll round it out and share and ask you to PLEASE read the post below for an ad that I absolutely LOVE. Yes, it involves laughing babies... and kids... and adults... and seniors. I always love commercials from this company (guess who!)... especially when their advertising company decides to put the product aside, and connect with viewers on an emotional level. This 30 second spot is appropriately titled "Smiles". I hope it makes up for Coke's boring ad above.

POGS, 
AKtually Ashley

Putting People Before The Brand

Yes, it has been quite some time since my last post. I've been meaning to write for a while, but my spare time keeps getting away from me! 

I've had this video on my radar for a few weeks now, and I thought it was a perfect example of how brands can make meaningful ads and really connect with consumers. VW put real human emotions, joy, and laughter ahead of their product messaging. They aligned their brand with how people feel. 

This ad had me smiling the entire time. At all ages and stages in life, the moments you spend laughing make everything worth it. Check it out, and pass it along. 

POGS,
Aktually Ashley

"Uptown Name with a Downtown Address"

So, here's the inside scoop: there's a great friend of mine who makes some spectacular jewelry. Her line is called Three Jane by Katie Schloss, and she's having a trunk show to showcase her new season of jewels. She's extremely talented, so definitely stop by on Thursday evening for some beverages, snacks, and, the main highlight, jewelry. Please see below for the details!

WHAT:   Three Jane Trunk Show
WHERE: Teich (22 8th Avenue at West 12th Street)
WHEN:   Thursday, July 19th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Also, check out her Pinterest. You'll be re-pinning for hours. 

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

5 Star Chicken... Fingers

Yes, I love my expensive, "special occasion only", dimly lit restaurants with incredible food. Trendy asian fusion finds, french bistros, steak houses, and wine bars. Guilty. My interest and love of restaurants, however, covers both extremes. For example, McDonald's is usually JUST as good as a candle lit dinner in the Meatpacking District. More often than not, I search high and low for something that falls under both categories: gourmet and cheap. That's where Sticky's Finger Joint comes in. Gourmet Chicken Fingers. Believe it. A restaurant, in the West Village, dedicated to serving a variety of high end, specialty, antibiotic free, hormone free, cruelty free, free range fried (or baked or grilled) chicken fingers. What a mouthful! Pun intended. 

I have to admit, I haven't actually gone to Sticky's, but I have had their epic chicken fingers. They made an excellent business decision when agreeing to ignore their delivery barriers, and travel all the way to Murray Hill (from west 8th street) to make my dream come true. So, thank you to the guy and delivery dude for making that awesome decision on July 6th. 

We decided to try a little bit of everything via the 10-finger sampler. They have a rotating menu, but some of the fingers are staples. After ordering two of their classic southern style fried finger, called "The Finger", we opted to get a little adventurous. I chose the "Wasabi Finger", which is topped with wasabi, ginger, seaweed flakes, tobiko and wasabi glitter. It literally tasted like chicken sushi -- YUM. Next, we both ordered "The Buffalo", which is buffalo chicken with a twist. The sauce is infused with balsamic vinegar and pure maple syrup! I'm currently on a buffalo kick, and it definitely hit the spot... and then some. We ordered two "General Sticky Tso" fingers, which definitely resulted in a sticky finger aftermath. They could have used more sauce, but were still delicious. 

The Wasabi Finger -- Courtesy of Thrillest

Sorry, need to take a breather... the memory of these fingers is putting me back into a food coma!

The last two orders were by far our best. We ordered two orders of the "Bada Bing!". It's essentially a chicken finger stuffed with a mozzarella stick, and topped with homemade marinara sauce, tomato aioli, fried basil leaves, and bada bing glitter (whatever that is). SO GOOD, and it gets better. The last finger was "The Salted Caramel Pretzel". I love chicken fingers, caramel, and pretzels -- separately -- but, I was a little nervous about the combination of the three when I read the menu. Boy, was I wrong. I completely underestimated this finger. It was by far the best out of the 6 flavors we ordered. The chicken is breaded with crushed pretzels, drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce, and topped with pretzel sticks and pretzel salt. Sticky, sweet, salty, savory... basically 30 different things going on with your taste buds at the same time. 

The Salted Caramel Pretzel Finger

Though the chicken fingers were the highlight of the meal, obviously, we also had the treat of dipping them in various sauces -- not that any of them really needed it. There are about 20 different sauces on the menu, but I asked the guy to toss in us their best sellers. We were given Balsamic Ketchup, Thai Sweet Chili, Sticky's Sauce (a Southern style white BBQ), Jalapeño Mac, and Garlic Aioli. 

By the end of the meal, I was stuffed and so satisfied. I'm glad I was talked out of ordering a side of their Purple Sweet Potato Fries, but I'm also secretly bummed. It's OK though, because I'll definitely have another chance. Next time I'd actually like to go to the restaurant and see the place for myself. Although, I hear there's not much to see. A futuristic, yet classic, red and white color scheme, cafeteria-esque, with metallic tables. Joint is the perfect word to describe it. Clearly, I won't be going for the atmosphere, but rather for another incredible, delicious, gourmet chicken finger experience! You must go and see for yourself, or order delivery!

Oh, and did I mention they are open until 4:00AM on Thursday-Saturday? In their own words, Get Fingered! Hmm...

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

"The Wisdom of Elevationism"

The game-changing, recently opened Atlantic City resort, Revel, has a few words of wisdom for its guests. They are as follows:
1. Jump into the Deep End of Everything.
2. 24 Hours is a Night Well Spent.
3. Bonfires & Bellinis: Mix Responsibly.
4. Manners Apply Only After You Finish Licking The Plate.
5. Sleep On Monday. 

Revel Resorts, a 20-acre beachfront destination, is changing AC. Rather than luring mainstream gamblers on an overnight jaunt, the resort is targeting the "beautiful crowd" through its innovative luxury, relaxing waterfront environment, varied entertainment... and yes, its spectacular casino. Revel was clearly developed through a unique and very un-AC concept. The main attraction is NOT the casino, though it does not at all lack in that department. It is more of a beach resort, highlighted by its 1,800 ocean view rooms, cabanas, fire pits, floor to ceiling windows, InOut pool, SkyGarden, and much more. The building's design was inspired by and resembles the curves of the ocean. It crosses boundaries and distinguishes itself from the other "resorts" (AKA casinos) on the boardwalk. Did I happen to mention that the casino has windows? Yes, windows, which is unheard of in traditional casino design and layout. They're not trying to lock gamblers in by disorienting their sense of time, but rather let them enjoy the casino while still reminding them of the resort's other offerings. 

Scéno Plus, the Montreal firm responsible for Cirque du Soleil's sets, designed the Casino.

The resort rocks options for everyone, with over a dozen restaurants, two nightclubs, a beach club, retail shops, a spa, two theaters, and various other amenities, some of which I mentioned above. Revel's three signature restaurants, Amada, Azure by Allegretti, and American Cut by Forgiorne, look onto the Atlantic Ocean, while the other foodie-attracting hot spots surround the casino. Two of these, the James Beard Award-winning Central from Michel Richard and Belgian gastro-pub Mussel Bar from Robert Wiedmaier, deserve mention... they look delicious.

Ivan Kane's Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub--a Revel spin on traditional burlesque.
Offers burlesque lessons for the adventurous guest--WOO!

InOut Pool

Bask Spa, developed by Exhale Mind Body Spa
Integrated approach to wellbeing, blending spa, fitness, healing, relaxation, and fun. 

Tapas at Amada:
White Sangria, Charcuterie, Salad with blue cheese and spicy almonds, Tortilla 

Mussel Bar 

Garlic Fries at Mussel Bar -- drooling...

The idea behind Revel is exciting, innovative, and fresh. Atlantic City definitely needed an extra something to boost the atmosphere and drive business--many believe the resort will be AC's "savior". It just opened, so hopefully this dream will turn into a reality. Until then, the witty, quirky, and semi-knockoff of another advertisement (for the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan Hotel) should keep you all entertained. You'll totally see what I mean by knockoff if you check out my other blog post, "Just The Right Amount Of Wrong". 

I don't really understand why Revel's advertising team decided not to showcase anything the resort has to offer. It's visually appealing and has a lot of fun aspects. The building itself is a work of art! Cosmopolitan took the same path (and they did it first). I guess I've come to the conclusion that this ad sparked my interest and prompted me to research and blog about Revel... SO their marketing staff can pat themselves on the back. Weird and non-traditional gets the people talking!


POGS,
AKtually Ashley

Collect Moments

Hello. Hello. I apologize for the lack of posts this month. It has been crazy with my final, final exams and senior week! I just graduated from Boston College on Monday, May 21st, and now it is time for me to take my place in the "real world" outside of the BC bubble. Am I ready? I think so! Eagle on the warpath!

I'll commence (Get it? Like "commencement"? Fitting...) my regular posting soon, but for now, here's a relevant quote!

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

Good Thinking, Miller

College students across the country should bow down to MillerCoors for the company's creation and launch of the Punch Top Can. The innovative Miller Lite cans, which provide a smoother pour than a standard can, were made available in national retailers last week. Have you ever heard of shotgunning? If not, please attend a college party or tailgate and get that out of your system. So much effort is put into finding a key, locating the air bubble, and creating the perfect hole. Now, shotgunners can simply punch the extra tab of their Miller Lite and chug accordingly. Apparently, you can use almost anything to punch the second tab: a house key, golf tee, or even a dollar bill. MillerCoors' Director of Innovation and Activation, Amy Breeze, revealed that consumers "prefer the Punch Top Can three-to-one over the standard beer can because it's more like drinking from a pilsner glass."

To accompany the Punch Top Can's launch, the brand is introducing a new advertising campaign. The new commercials will run through mid-August and highlight creative ways to punch the can and enjoy the flowing beer. The launch is also supported by print, radio, out-of-home and digital advertising, as well as point-of-sale and PR. 

I, for one, am glad someone has come out with a better way to shotgun... especially before I graduate from college. It's about time! I just wish it was a different brand of beer-- I'm not particularly a fan of Miller Lite. On the other hand, the new Punch Top Can might be just the thing to switch me.


POGS,
AKtually Ashley