AVENUE JUNE 2011
Socialite Serial Killer Loose In Manhattan By Molly Jong-Fast
Who’s Hot In The Hamptons: The 2011 A-List
Family Ties Tracy Pollan Opens Up About Her Iconic New York Family By Martin Marks
Actress Tracy Pollan
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AVENUE
JUNE 2011
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VOL. 35 NO. 6
FEATURES 46
THE TALENTED TRACY POLLAN Born into a famous New York literary family, actress Tracy Pollan never took to the pen. Having worked in film and television for decades, she paved her own path to success. In this touching story, she reveals the intimate details of her life with husband Michael J. Fox and talks about maintaining a career in the spotlight while putting family and friends first. by martin marks photographs by chayo mata styled by cricket burns
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THE HAMPTONS A-LIST Our annual look at who’s hot in the Hamptons. Be they new to the scene or a familiar force, we chart the influential families, power couples and most notable names on the East End. Plus, profiles on Madonna, Sean MacPherson, Ally Hilfiger and more.
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AN UPPER EAST SIDE STORY Molly Jong-Fast’s hilarious second novel, The Social Climber’s Handbook, explores a world she knows all too well: Manhattan power, privilege and pain (in this case— the protagonist is a socialite serial killer!). Here, an excerpt from her biting satire.
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CHRONICLES Generous New Yorkers enjoy some well-deserved levity for their support of several seriously good causes. by debbie bancroft
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PYTS D.J.s plus a packed dance floor make for a rockin’ good time at New Yorkers for Children’s annual Fool’s Fête. by luigi tadini
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CRICKET ’S CRUSH This stylist answers the call of the wild with a pair of especially fierce heels by Reed Krakoff. by cricket burns
this page Feather-print gown by Carolina Herrera. Pave chocolate diamond egg necklace at Jennifer Miller.
on the cover Tracy Pollan wears a white pique-front tuxedo shirt by Lanvin, black cropped pant by The Row and diamond and vintage leather cuff at Jennifer Miller. Photographed by Chayo Mata at 15 Union Square West. Styled by Cricket Burns. Hair by Creighton Bowman for Exclusive Artists Management. Makeup by Troy Surratt for Artists by Timothy Priano.
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AVENUE
JUNE 2011
VOL. 35 NO. 6
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BOOKS TO LOOK AT Welcome the summer season with coffee table tomes on New Yorkers’ private outdoor spaces. by e.f. ulmann
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OLD NEW YORK Fun in the sun at one of America’s greatest golf courses: the Maidstone Club in East Hampton.
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WORLD ACCORDING TO . . . Fashion designer Elie Tahari on his adopted home and how New Yorkers are actually quite nice—plus, his disastrous ’70s style.
Sean MacPherson Gwyneth Paltrow
DEPARTMENTS
Ronald Perelman and Dr. Anna Chapman
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ON THE AVENUE Party pictures from recent events.
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ARTS CALENDAR What’s on view at galleries and museums.
AVENUEinsider For the latest on people and parties, visit www.avenueinsider.com
letters to the editor
David Lauren, Ricky Lauren, Dylan Lauren and Andrew Lauren 8 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
AVENUE welcomes “Letters to the Editor” Please address to Editor Peter Davis 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY, 10016 pdavis@manhattanmedia.com
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letter from the editor
Dear Readers,
IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR this month at AVENUE as we peek inside the lives of a few of New York’s most iconic, important and influential clans. Cover girl and actress Tracy Pollan hails from literary royalty—her mother, Corky Pollan, is a famous editor turned blogger and her brother Michael is an acclaimed author as well as food activist. And let’s not forget that Pollan is married to actor Michael J. Fox, whom she met while co-starring alongside the movie star in the television series “Family Ties.” In this feature,
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the normally press-shy Pollan invites writer Martin Marks to the family table to talk about growing up in Manhattan, her hubby and their children, her latest role in the movie about the disappearance of young Natalee Holloway (Pollan plays the girl’s distraught mother)—and how somehow the writing gene skipped her. A tremendous talent for the pen was definitely handed down to Molly Jong-Fast, the young daughter of authors Jonathan Fast and Erica Jong, who wrote the scandalous, sensational and seminal 1973 book about sex, Fear of Flying. After chronicling a Park Avenue it-girl’s struggle with drugs in her first book, Normal Girl, Jong-Fast is back with another juicy novel about the world she grew up in—the privileged circles of the Upper East Side. But don’t expect charity balls and Bergdorf shopping sprees; Jong’s riveting, often hilariously wicked tome The Social Climber’s Handbook features a socialite serial killer. Think American Psycho wielding a Chanel bag and a knife. Ouch! After reading Jong-Fast’s excerpt, you’ll want to dig into every page of this perfect summer read. Come Memorial Day, Manhattan’s moneyed set invades the Hamptons, and this season, the East End is hot, hot and very haute. Our Hamptons A-List is a who’s who of those that matter, from Montauk’s hipster mogul, hotelier Sean MacPherson, to newly married Ron Perelman to Madonna, who you just might run into splashing in the surf—if you’re lucky. Cue the vintage Madonna song “Cherish.” So welcome to summer. See you at the beach— just be wary of any killer socialites hiding behind the privet.
Peter Davis
Editor
THOMAS WHITESIDE
Editor Peter Davis
With the explicit permission of the russian prime minister
we glided into the arctic waters of provideniya Bay, the first non-Russian vessel to do so in 60 years. A converted army truck carried us inland, where we shared a plate of bread, hot from the oven. And though we hadn’t yet sampled the vodka, we were intoxicated. For while we had begun our journey aboard the yacht as neighbors, we were now more than that. We had created history together. three months later, Kate and I stand on our apartment balcony, watching the shoreline get closer, recalling the surprising warmth of the locals, even the soldiers. And we renew our pledge to never forget that day. But the breeze coming off the water forces our heads back to a more literal warmth, the kind you can only feel south of the equator‌
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june contributors
Chayo Mata
Behind the Scenes
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BEN RITTER Sylvain Gaboury/PatrickMcMullan.com
Debbie Bancroft
“I tend to have real trouble thinking of things to write about,” confesses author Molly Jong-Fast. “Once I figure out my topic, then I’m thrilled, but the process is a killer—if you’ll excuse the phrase.” Her new book, The Social Climber’s Handbook out from Random House this spring and excerpted in this issue, tells the story of a socialite serial killer. But other than murder, Jong-Fast heeded the “write what you know” adage; both she and her protagonist are young Upper East Side moms with husbands in finance. The daughter of Erica Jong and Jonathan Fast, she’s had essays and articles published by The New York Times, W Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle, Marie Claire, The Times (London) and Elle (UK), to name a few. The Social Climber’s Handbook is her second novel, and marks a return to fiction for the writer after the success of her 2006 memoir, Girl [Maladjusted].
Molly Jong-Fast
Photographer Chayo Mata’s work returns to the pages of AVENUE this month in our cover story on Tracy Pollan. “It was a breeze capturing Tracy’s easygoing spirit and charm,” Mata says. “Her natural glow and her no limits-attitude when trying to get a shot just right set the tone for a superb shoot.” Mata, who studied with Vogue legend Steven Meisel, has shot features on the likes of Lally Weymouth and numerous fashion stories for the magazine over the years. Her work is inspired by all things beautiful, and she shares the various products she discovers while navigating the editorial and advertising worlds on her Persephone’s Beauty Blog. She has been shooting professionally in New York for nearly a decade.
“Scarily, I don’t know exactly how long I’ve been with AVENUE,” laughs Chronicles columnist Debbie Bancroft. “I was approached by the magazine and told, ‘If you can write the way you speak, you’ve got yourself a column.’ Six or so years later, I’m still talking.” Bancroft has lived in New York City since attending Finch College, where she was in the last graduating class before it became the Finch Apartments. She’s since worked in marketing for Institutional Investor, The Economist and Forbes, amongst other publications. When not on the Avenue, Bancroft spends her time in Southampton and the Berkshires—and soon, Nashville and Newport, where she will be tailing her kids Will and Serena to school.
Fun awaits on Fifth Avenue! Celebrate your stay in NYC with an unforgettable visit to our store. At FAO Schwarz, we always have fabulous fun in store! Enjoy a spectacular selection of exclusive and timeless toys, enchanting exhibits, interactive workshops/studios and, of course, “Big Piano� performances. Stop in for the best in toys and collectibles. Stay for a unique and memorable experience! Call (212) 644-9400 to schedule a private party, personal shopping or off-hour Toy Soldier Tours.
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AVENUE PRESIDENT Julie Dannenberg jdannenberg@manhattanmedia.com EDITOR Peter Davis pdavis@manhattanmedia.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cricket Burns cburns@manhattanmedia.com ART DIRECTOR Jessica Ju-Hyun Lee Ho jlee@manhattanmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Kari Milchman kmilchman@manhattanmedia.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Jasmine Lombardi jlombardi@manhattanmedia.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Janet Allon jallon@manhattanmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debbie Bancroft
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SHOWS AVENUE
defined by quality and design
Antiques & Art at the Armory
Important Italian Neoclassical painted and parcel gilt commode, Italy 1780s from Gary Rubinstein Antiques.
Save the Date! September 21, 2011
Private VIP Preview for AVENUE readers
September 22-25, 2011 Open to the Public
Park Avenue Armory | 643 Park Avenue at 67th Street | New York City For details, show information and tickets, please visit avenueshows.com or call 646.442.1627
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On the
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Hamish Bowles and Daphne Guinness For more parties and events, visit www.avenueinsider.com
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LONG LIVE MCQUEEN The Costume Institute’s gala celebrated the opening of the museum’s retrospective exhibition, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. Gisele Bündchen, Anna Dello Russo, Hamish Bowles and Hilary Rhoda were among the many who honored the late designer by wearing his pieces. Other show-stopping guests included Daphne Guinness, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. 18 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
JOE SCHILDHORN/BFANYC.COM
The Costume Institute’s gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
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IN GOOD ‘COMPANY’ New York Philharmonic’s Spring Gala at Avery Fisher Hall
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The New York Philharmonic hosted its annual Spring Gala featuring a performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. Presented by BNY Mellon, the evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by the concert and a dinner catered by Restaurant Associates on the Grand Promenade. Gala co-chairmen Honey M. Kurtz and Joan and Joel I. Picket welcomed guests such as Alec Baldwin, Karen LeFrak, Anh Duong, Daisy Soros and William and Anne Harrison. 3 2
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1. Alec Baldwin and Joan Picket 2. Daisy Soros and Noreen Buckfire 3. Karen LeFrak and Anh Duong 4. David and Karen Peetz JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 19
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FILM FEST
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Recent Cinema Society events at The James Hotel, The Cooper Square Hotel and the Crosby Street Hotel At Cinema Society’s after-party for Meek’s Cutoff, host Nancy Gonzalez and film stars Michelle Williams and Zoe Kazan drew guests Sheryl Crow, Alan Cumming, Dana Delany, Sofia Coppola and others to Jimmy at The James Hotel. Meanwhile, at The Cooper Square Hotel’s The Trilby, Keanu Reeves, James Caan, Vera Farmiga, Candice Bergen, Parker Posey, Lee Pace and China Chow, amongst others, celebrated Henry’s Crime with the help of DeLeón Tequila. Then, Source Code stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan with director Duncan Jones welcomed guests to the Crosby Street Hotel for an after-party co-hosted by Coach. There, Gina Gershon, Seth Meyers, Reed Krakoff, Jeffrey Wright and many more toasted the film with Purity Vodka cocktails. 3
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THANKS NCTF’s Chairman’s Award Gala at The St. Regis
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The National Corporate Theatre Fund’s annual black-tie Chairman’s Awards Gala hosted by Lewis Black drew guests for cocktails, dinner and a silent auction, plus special performances by Broadway stars Ben Vereen and Stephanie J. Block. The night honored Joel Grey, Charles Dillingham and BNY Mellon. Proceeds benefited the New Theatrical Works at NCTF’s theatres nationwide.
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The Peggy Siegal Company screens The Conspirator at MoMA Piaget and The Wall Street Journal hosted the New York premiere of The Conspirator. Film stars James McAvoy and Evan Rachel Wood joined writer James Solomon and director Robert Redford. Other guests including Chris Benz, Maria Cuomo Cole and Kenneth Cole, Dree Hemingway and Stella Schnabel enjoyed this debut film from The American Film Company.
1. Joel Grey and Ben Vereen 2. Richard Purington and Ann Dickinson 3. Gerald Hassell and Anika Noni Rose JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 21
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FASHION & FILM In honor of the annual Tribeca Film Festival Artist Program, Chanel hosted a private dinner honoring those who have contributed original artwork to the award-winning filmmakers. This year’s contributing artists include Sarah Crowner, Robert De Niro Sr., Stephen Hannock, Mark Innerst, Nate Lowman, Tom Otterness, Clifford Ross, Will Ryman and Taryn Simon. Among the guests were Chloë Sevigny, Naomi Watts, Rose Byrne, Julia Resoin-Roitfeld and Zoe Kravitz. 22 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
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Tribeca Film Festival Artist Program dinner at The Odeon
T H E S A L O N AT B E R G D O R F G O O D M A N
FIFTH AVENUE AT 58TH STREET NEW YORK 212 872 2700 HAIRCARE COLLECTION AVAILABLE AT JOHNBARRETT.COM
chronicles
by
DEBBIE BANCROFT
Cause for Celebration
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pring benefits propagated like bunnies this year, bouncing this writer all over the farm. And you, dear reader, will bounce a bit, too, as my 1,000-word allotment will make these records (perhaps happily) brief. First off, Henry Street Settlement wowed on every level, particularly its philanthropy, which is as it should be. Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, Kalliope Karella, Anna Pinheiro, Pilar Crespi Robert, Lesley Schulhof, Veronica Bulgari and Angela Mariani chaired. And I was lucky enough to be with Veronica and Angela, whose grand Italian table was rounded out by the Fendis. It could’ve been Capri. David Garza, executive director, sang his introduction to award-winner Richard Abrons. It’s a good thing Mr. Garza’s day job is quite secure, though the lyrics were swell. Lauren Bush is, well, perfect—and she accepted her award with perfect poise, intellect and grace, applauded by her perfect fiancé, David Lauren, to whom she will be married at, yes, a perfect wedding this fall—making her Lauren, perfect, x 2. Ursula Burns, C.E.O. of Xerox, stole the show when she announced the company’s $250,000-contribution, citing her mother, who always said never to arrive for dinner emptyhanded. She told her presenter, David Santos, a Henry Street kid, to come see her when he graduates— Xerox may just have a spot for him. It doesn’t get any better. Teary guests included Peter Bacanovic, John Demsey, Amanda Ross, Zani Gugelmann, Lauren Remington Platt and more lovely patrons like them. Elizabeth Rohatyn was honored at The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House dinner, fittingly dubbed “You’re the Top.” Five-hundred guests raised $1 million for Lenox Lauren Bush and David Lauren Hill, which has served the 24 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
East Side with effective and integral human services for 117 years. Chair Diana Quasha said of Mrs. Rohatyn, long-time board member, “She is part visionary, part pragmatist, and as gutsy as she is glamorous.” Wouldn’t we all like that to be said—and be true—of us? Tables were decorated by top designers in the “top” theme, including “A Thrill Divine” by Elizabeth Pyne for McMillen, “You’re Mahatma Gandhi, You’re the Taj Majal” by Christopher Spitzmiller and “Top Drawer” by Roric Tobin for Geoffrey Bradfield. Lucky guests seated at these and other tables included Sydney and Stanley Shuman, Tom and Ingrid Edelman, Ann and John Pyne, Kamie Lightburn, Bunny Williams and Christy Pennoyer. I was perversely flattered when I was stopped at the entrance to the Fishermen’s Ball. “Don’t go near Bill Clinton!,” I was warned by the otherwise lovely P.R. gal. Had she read my mind? He is so attractive after all. Was Hillary alerted? Gosh, so embarrassing. Then I realized: No, it was because I am press! Oh joy! I have joined the ranks of those gritty Washington correspondents who badger and dig and get to go to that fun dinner. Then I saw her warn the fashion blogger with four readers. Oh well. Of course I made a beeline straight to Bill. And his stock in trade is making all who make that beeline—men, women, starfish—feel like he has waited his whole life for your visit. Damn, he’s good.
HENREY STREET: BILLY FARRELL/BFANYC.COM; ©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM
A bunch of recent benefits brought big-hearted New Yorkers out en masse for some well-deserved levity
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“When my PEN Literary Gala table-mates—writers for The New Yorker and Harper’s—asked what my beat was, I answered, ‘social issues.’ Well, would you have had me say ‘centerpieces’?” Clinton was being honored for his environmental advocacy, as were Sting and Trudie Styler. She said, “Yeah, I admit it, I’ve always had a crush on Bobby Kennedy, and my husband knows it. Rock and roll . . . you know.” As founders of The Rainforest Foundation, they have created environmental awareness and change across the world. Bobby Kennedy, Riverkeeper’s Chief Prosecuting Attorney, reminded us that our Hudson River—horribly polluted not so long ago—is now one of the cleanest waterways in the country. Our dinner trout came out of it. Rufus Wainwright sang “Five Shakespeare Sonnets,” and told us, “I thought Sting might like to do a loop with me, maybe at his house.” Note: environmentalists are a lusty lot. Included among them were Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trudie Styler and Sting McInerney, Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale, Kerry Kennedy, Jay Fielding, Kick Kennedy (to whom the whole group sang “Happy Birthday”), Joan and George Hornig, John McEnroe and Patty Smyth, Robert Zimmerman, George Farias, Ann Colley, Jann Wenner and Matt Nye, Gabrielle and Louis Bacon and Howard Rubin. When my PEN Literary Gala table-mates—writers for The New Yorker and Harper’s—asked what my beat was, I answered, “social issues.” Well, would you have had me say “centerpieces”? Held at the Museum of Natural History, the event raised $1 million. The Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award went to Nasrin Sotoudeh, the imprisoned Iranian lawyer/writer. Barbara read a letter from Nasrin’s husband that explained they had taken all her paper and her one pencil so that she would not be able to write, even to her children. Michael Ondaatje, author of The English Patient, accepted the Literary Service Award and dedicated it to the memory of Tamil lawyer Neelan Tiruchelvam, killed by a suicide bomber in 1999. I was honored to be under the same whale. In between the gasps, sobs and pounding hearts, there was fun to be had. Chairs Toni Goodale and Annette Tapert and guests including Shari and Ed Rollins, Marie Brennan, Jim Zirin and Lynn Sherr made sure of it. ! JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 25
pyts
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Child’s Play Rose McGowan and Derek Anderson
Mary Alice Stephenson
Harley Viera-Newton Karolina Kurkova and Selita Ebanks
Zac Posen and Crystal Renn Kerry Washington and Wyclef Jean
W
hen New York’s spring benefit season is in full bloom, it is quite difficult to choose which events to attend and those to send your regrets. Throughout the years, having attended most of the season’s staple galas, I’ve developed a simple yet effective method to help me navigate an overflowing inbox— a three-step checklist, that is. First and foremost, I always attend benefits whose organizations support causes I am passionate about. Secondly, I try to attend events chaired by good friends who support my own charitable efforts (reciprocity is a dominant flower in this city). And finally, of course, I ask myself which of these long drawn dinners will actually be fun? In the case of New Yorkers for Children’s annual Fool’s Fête, all criteria are met and surpassed year after year. So it is no surprise that on a windy mid-April evening, I find myself polished in a tux being whisked cross-town to the towering Mandarin Oriental Hotel. With every strand of hair still in place, I arrive fashionably late (10 minutes before dinner—cross-town traffic is dreadful at this time of night), quickly check-in and hop on their triple-speed lift to the 36th floor. If the ride in the elevator is the amuse bouche to the party, then I know I am in for a good night. Cramped in the little steel box are Zac Posen and a stunning Crystal Renn in one of the young designer’s inspired creations, stylist Keegan Singh wearing his own take on the tuxedo featuring his trademark black leather jacket and Dalia Oberlander looking flawless as usual in one of Alber Elbaz’s sought-after leopard-print dresses. The unsuspecting hotel guests have a hard time keeping their eyes in their sockets. This little elevator committee would have any fashion blogger in a tizzy. Stepping out into the reception area, we are welcomed by wide smiles, the faint sound of clinking champagne flutes, the hum of a skilled D.J. and soft party lighting augmented by the gentle fire of some distinct estate jewels. The foyer is transformed into a well-curated bazaar filled to the brim with a wide array of luxe silent auction items ranging from YSL handbags to a butter-soft mink shrug by Helen Yarmak. This crew certainly doesn’t have a hard time gathering items for its auctions! In fact, I once heard the committee politely turn down a few offerings due to the lack of space to showcase them. It’s no wonder they receive such support, given the importance of the work New Yorkers for Children is committed to. Partnering with the Administration for Children’s Services to improve the lives of kids in foster care in New York City, NYFC has made a difference in children’s lives through college scholarships, tutoring programs, job training and networking opportunities, and is committed to providing them with the essential tools to become successful, self-sufficient adults. So how did the idea for the Fool’s Fête come to be? “A Fool’s Fete is the Friends of New Yorkers For Children’s Spring Dinner Dance. It was our first annual fundraiser, and every year, we raise more and more,” explains Susan Shin, one of the many dedicated
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Carson Kressley and Amy Sacco
Rachel Roy
New York’s pretty young things put on their dancing shoes in support of the city’s youth
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Eddie Borgo, Karla Martinez and Keegan Singh
Jessica White
Derek Anderson, Lauren Remington Platt and Jamie Johnson Zani Gugelmann
Cecile Andrau and Nina Garcia
Frédéric Fekkai
Lydia Fenet
Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos
chairs, tonight clad in a flowy saffron and gold beaded caftan by the event’s headlining sponsor, Soigne K. “The purpose of the event is to celebrate and kick-off our main Fall Gala, which is NYFC’s major fundraising event. We decided to name the party after the traditional 16th-century French New Year’s celebration because it is an event that commemorates a new year of initiatives to support the youth through education. We thought this was a fun concept—and this is our 8th annual event!” And going strong . . . After snagging a quick drink from a passing tray and saying hello to a room filled with friendly faces, I head into the main dinning room. A blank-slate room with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking Central Park views has been morphed into a Bollywood banquet replete with colorful lanterns and yards of bold-toned silk framing long tables positioned on the edges of a major dance-floor. David Stark, the culprit responsible for the welcomed transformation, is an expert in making rooms feel intimate and warm. As the program begins, I find myself seated in good company, next to Lanvin’s Julia Erdman and across from super mom and fashion editor Nina Garcia. I’m always in awe of New York women who manage to have successful high-powered careers, children and a social life to top it off. I have a hard time getting to an event in after a long day at the office . . . What’s their secret? From my advantageous corner seat, I spot jewelry designer Eddie Borgo, casting director Natalie Joos in a summery long, knitted dress by her friend and escort Adam Lippes, gazelle-like beauties Karolina Kurkova and Selita Ebanks draped in silky reds, fashionable couple Euan and Lucy Sykes Rellie with good friend and stylist Mary Alice Stephenson, artsy Arden Wohl, Carson Kressley and nightlife doyenne Amy Sacco, honorary chair and always elegant Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and rapper turned philanthropist Wyclef Jean. “The most memorable moment of the evening, so far, was the speech given by Jessica Jimenez, the 21-year-old college student who spent much of her youth in foster care,” says Stephanie LaCava as I run into her in between courses, moments after Jimenez takes the stage. Indeed, the heartfelt speech had most of the attendees in tears, channeling their emotions into donation slips. Following an energetic Indian dance performance and before the desserts could be brought out, guests rush to the dance floor. Trying to navigate the crowded room without stumbling on the couture, I run into one my favorite cool cats, Zani Gugelmann, who of course has been a supporter and a committee member of NYFC for years. “The NYFC committee members are very passionate about the organization,” she says. “We all get involved in, not just raising money, but being a part of the youth and foster programs. Every year we throw this event in the ballroom, as you know, and the music is always amazing!” As if on cue, D.J. Kiss turns up the beat, and the prospect of delicious petit gâteaux fades from the animated dancers’ collective memory. From Earth, Wind & Fire and Donna Summer to Blondie and Bowie, the jams keep coming, prompting Wyclef to jump into the booth and take over the mic for an impromptu performance. Finding a good corner, equidistant from the bar and the dance floor, I gather with some friends and put my dancing shoes to good use. The party soon flows downtown with unofficial afters at both Kenmare and The Box. The next morning, with a sharp headache and a few blisters, I am happy to learn the evening was not only a fantastic party, but also raised more than $550,000 to benefit the cause. Now that’s how you do it. !
Euan Rellie and Derek Blasberg
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arts calendar
compiled by
KIMBERLY TURNER
Feasting the Eyes This month’s selection of art and antiques on view or for sale auctions BONHAMS & BUTTERFIELDS
June 7: 20th Century Decorative Arts 580 Madison Avenue 212.644.9001 CHRISTIE’S
June 14: New York Important Jewels 20 Rockefeller Plaza 212.636.2000 DOYLE NEW YORK
June 22: Doyle at Home 175 E. 87th Street 212.427.2730 SOTHEBY’S
galleries ANTON KERN GALLERY
Mark Grotjahn Through June 25 532 W. 20th Street 212.367.9663
Mark Grotjahn’s Untitled (Vertical Almond face 41.04), 2010; oil on cardboard mounted on linen, 108 1//4 by 73 1/4 inches; at Anton Kern Gallery
BARBARA MATHES GALLERY
Kimber Smith: Paintings and Works on Paper Through June 30 32 E. 67th Street 212.535.5767
Sol LeWitt: Structures and Drawings Through June 30 22 E. 80th Street 212.570.4190
JAMES GRAHAM & SONS
FORUM GALLERY
Megan Rye: I Will Follow You Into the Dark June 6-July 15 730 Fifth Avenue, 2nd floor 212.355.4545 30 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
exhibitions SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Lee Ufan: Marking Infinity June 24-Sept. 28
1071 Fifth Avenue 212.423.3500 THE FRICK COLLECTION
Turkish Taste at the Court of Marie-Antoinette June 8-Sept. 11 1 E. 70th Street 212.288.0700 WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Designing the Whitney of the Future Ongoing 945 Madison Avenue 212.570.3600
© THE ARTIST/COURTESY OF ANTON KERN GALLERY, NY./PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUGLAS M. PARKER STUDIO
June 17: Fine Books and Manuscripts 1334 York Avenue 212.606.7000
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5/12/11 5:01 PM
cricket’s crush
by
CRICKET BURNS
SHOE-IN An American Dictionary of the English Language describes a shoe as “a covering for the foot, usually of leather, composed of a thick species for the sole, and a thinner kind for the vamp and quarters.” If the esteemed Mr. Webster could feast his eyes on Reed Krakoff’s current rendition, he may advise a revise on the meaning he originally offered us in the year 1830. With their brightest-white resin heel, wild boar-hair ankle strap and silver python toe loop, these puppies are impossibly progressive. And while the chunky heel may suggest sturdiness, they sure make me weak in the knees! They are fabulously frivolous and any shoe fetishist’s fantasy. So c’mon, push the esoteric envelope and sport something boldly unconventional this summer. ✦ For more of Cricket’s crushes, visit www.avenueinsider.com
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Brompton Hobo by J.Crew www.jcrew.com
In the Sack Carry your most prized possessions in style with this season’s statement bags Cresta bag in crocodile embossed leather by Max Mara www.maxmara.com
510 Tote I in Cyan RK Grain by Reed Krakoff www.reedkrakoff.com
Leather laced large hobo by Ralph Lauren Collection www.ralphlaurencollection.com
Lady Dior bag in cannage tweed with crocodile trim by Dior www.dior.com
34 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
06-ARTS CALENDAR.01
5/25/11
11:14 AM
Page 35
shoptalk
Beauty At Its Best Famed hair stylist Rodolfo Valentin reflects on his success and winning the “Best Hair Extension Salon, 2011” award
AVENUE: Why do you think your hair extensions are among the most famous in the world today? Rodolfo Valentin: My hair extensions have been recognized and respected worldwide for being the only hair extension to not cause any damage to the wearer’s natural hair. AVENUE: How long have your hair extensions been available at your salons? RV: I originally looked into creating my own hair extensions during the early ’80s. Due to the lack of hair extensions on the market at that time, I was left with no choice but to create my own version of extensions, which I named “Fusion Hair.” AVENUE: Would you say that the hair extensions you first created embodied the same look that today’s hair extensions possess? RV: The hair extensions that we see in today’s salons have been dramatically improved by current technology. But although my first hair extensions were created by hand, I feel that they were of a fairly high standard compared to newer brands of extensions. AVENUE: At your salon in New York City, you offer a number of hair extension brands to your customers, yet you continuously promote your trademarked “Hair Infusion” extensions. What are the differences? RV: All brands are the same in terms of the cost, etc. However, when it comes to applying hair extensions, the one big difference is how healthy the client’s natural hair will stay during the process. In regards to promoting healthy hair, my techniques are famous worldwide. I did not enter the hair industry for monetary reasons, but because hair has been my passion for the past 40 years. I have no intention of retiring from this profession as hair is my life, and as long as I live a healthy life, I will continue to promote healthy hair. AVENUE: You have a huge following. When we spoke with some of your clients, they stated that you are the only hair stylist they would trust with their hair. Many said they would follow you across the globe. Why are your clients so devoted? RV: I truly appreciate the recognition from my clientele, and deeply feel their love and admiration for my work. In addition to local clients, I have some who travel from places such as Dubai, Mumbai, London, Paris and Rome. We also have a number of models and celebrities from Los Angeles on our clientele list. The most recent to visit us just a week ago was top model Alisar
Luscious locks by Rodolfo Valentin
Ailabouni, who flew from Frankfurt to have her hair done by me for a photo shoot and a television program. AVENUE: Tell us about your work as a female hair loss specialist. RV: In addition to hair color and hair extensions, hair loss replacement is a principal area of my expertise. I designed the first hair prosthesis for my mother, who was suffering hair loss as a result of chemotherapy treatments. Since then, I promised her that I would continue to design products to help those who suffer from hair loss, including alopecia patients. AVENUE: Does your company create the hair prosthesis used for cancer patients? RV: Yes, we do. These are handmade and can be customized depending on the type of hair loss product selected. Some of the pieces are created right here on the premises, while others are made by our technicians in Europe. We are the only company in the world producing these items in Europe for their actual cost in euros. Other wig makers are opting to have them produced in Asia. Although these companies are cheaper, the quality of the hair pieces is much lower, which is a great sacrifice to the wearer. I do not care about the costs or if my profits are reduced. What I care about is my customers’ satisfaction and confidence, which my hair pieces provide. In addition, all of my clients get the respect they deserve. ✦ JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 35
books
by
E.F. ULMANN
Gardens of Delight Celebrate summer with beautiful coffee table tomes on Manhattan rooftops, Hamptons gardens and Adirondack great camps
36 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
From left: An Elegant Wilderness by Gladys Montgomery, from Acanthus Press; Rooftop Gardens by Denise LeFrak Calicchio and Roberta Model Amon, from Rizzoli; Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, from Assouline
as a quiet summer colony. With 155 color illustrations, Hamptons Gardens ($150) by landscape designer Jack deLashmet from Assouline offers the reader a behind-the-hedges look into gardens that are not regularly on view to the public. These landscapes feature the work of names from the past, such as Innocenti and Webel and the Olmsted Brothers, to the designs of Russell Page, Edwina von Gal, Oehme van Sweden and Miranda Brooks. They range from sustainable native gardens to over-the-top spaces for both modern and traditional estates. From a new minimalist garden in Amagansett to the ambling greenery of the famous Grey Gardens in East Hampton, Hampton Gardens explores the most important landscape trends of today. Now for the really great outdoors: From Acanthus Press comes An Elegant Wilderness: Great Camps and Grand Lodges of the Adirondacks, 1855-1935 ($75) by Gladys Montgomery,
ELEGANT: COURTESY OF ACANTHUS PRESS; ROOFTOP: © NORMAN MCGRATH, ROOFTOP GARDENS, RIZZOLI NEW YORK 2011; HAMPTONS: © MARY ELLEN BARTLEY
I
suppose that gardening is one of man’s earliest enterprises, if that was what Adam and Eve were up to in the Garden of Eden before being rudely driven out of paradise. This month, we have three books on the great outdoors, ranging from the tiny rooftop gardens of Manhattan to the elegant wilderness of the Adirondacks, by way of the cultivated gardens of the Hamptons. First up is Rooftop Gardens: The Terraces, Conservatories, and Balconies of New York ($45) by Denise LeFrak Calicchio and Roberta Model Amon with photography by Norman McGrath, from Rizzoli. The book showcases some of the most unique and extraordinary outdoor spaces in New York City. It goes without saying that these are private places that we are privileged to have a peek into thanks to the connections of the authors. Who would have guessed that atop the city’s concrete jungle there exist these little Edens? Denise LeFrak Calicchio is of course a member of the prominent New York real estate family. She has a wide range of friends as a result of her philanthropic activities with charities encompassing the arts, education and medicine. Her co-author, Roberta Model Amon, is also a figure in the world of charitable enterprises. She is on the committees of the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, and serves on the advisory board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The well-known former editor-in-chief of House & Garden magazine, Dominique Browning, penned the introduction. Photographer Norman McGrath is known for his architectural monographs, and he teaches and shoots predominantly in the digital format. In this surprising book, he captures the diversity of urban landscapes near the sky. There’s an English cottage-themed garden, a Provençal one, a Japanese rock garden, sky-high gazebos, glass conservatories, risqué outdoor showers and art and sculpture installations. Out on Long Island, the Hamptons has been attracting people to its outstanding scenery and abundant natural resources for more than 350 years. Although well known as a playground for the rich and the swell, the East End has been at the epicenter of American garden design since its earliest days
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This is the story of the private retreats of gilded-age industrial rich who traveled north from New York to hunt, fish, play and teach their spoiled children lessons from the great wilderness. featuring the Adirondack Museum’s outstanding archive of vintage photographs. This is the story of the private retreats of gilded-age industrial rich who traveled north from New York to hunt, fish, play and teach their spoiled children lessons from the great wilderness. They arrived in private railway cars with chefs from the swellest restaurants and a retinue that included servants, tennis professionals, singing coaches, chauffeurs, secretaries and scores of famous guests. By the shores of the icy lakes, grandees such as railroad tycoon Collis Huntington, mining magnate Daniel Guggenheim, Wall Streeters J.P. Morgan and Otto Kahn, Whitneys, Vanderbilts and Webbs built high-style rustic cabins with dozens of bedrooms, two-story fireplaces, 38 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
ice house and boathouses. Ms. Montgomery does a splendid job combining the architectural, cultural and social history with archival photographs of mansion cabins and their lavish interiors, boating trips, fishing contests and parties, many published for the first time. The extraordinary thing is that the swells preserved a wilderness that at one time risked being devastated by mining and forestry interests. These millionaires were essentially one of the first environmental groups. They may have torn up the wilderness in other places, but not in the Adirondacks. Meanwhile, as we see in Rooftop Gardens, their contemporary counterparts are creating their own natural oases high above Manhattan’s concrete jungle. !
LEFT: © NORMAN MCGRATH, ROOFTOP GARDENS, RIZZOLI NEW YORK 2011; TOP: DOUG YOUNG; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF ACANTHUS PRESS
Clockwise from left: Outdoor space high above the Upper East Side from Rooftop Gardens; luscious greenery from Hamptons Gardens; Mabel Garvan’s Tree Room, Camp Kill Kare, Lake Sumner, circa 1935, from An Elegant Wilderness
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LO C AT E D I N M O N TC L A I R , N E W J E R S E Y “Where New York Moves”
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Above: The second Maidstone clubhouse, 1902-1922
T
hanks to the extension of the Long Island Rail Road and the introduction of automobiles, East Hampton became a popular destination for New York City’s affluent in the 1880s and ’90s. To address this new summer population’s need for privacy and leisure, the Maidstone Club was constructed right on the ocean as a tennis and bathing facility in 1891. Dubbed Maidstone in recognition of the village’s original moniker (the English settlers named it after their hometown in Kent, England), the Club attracted Pan Am founder Juan Trippe as an early member and later president. At the time of its founding, golf was hardly a popular pastime, but Maidstone quickly became one of the country’s first 100 golf courses as its members became increasingly 40 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
besotted with the sport. In 1896, a nine-hole course designed by English professional player William H. Tucker was added, later expanding to 18 holes in 1899. Then, in 1922, the Maidstone Club acquired the 80-acre Gardiner Peninsula, and enlisted two-time British Open winner (1887 and 1889) Scotsman Willie Park Jr. to design an even bigger course. Flash-forward to 2009, and the Maidstone Club was ranked 86th in Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.” Meanwhile, the Clubhouse itself has gone through several reconstructs due to a series of fires. Today, the Maidstone Club remains one of East Hampton’s primary social hubs—intensely exclusive with an elite membership that comprises the area’s biggest and boldest names. !
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Born-and-bred New Yorker Tracy Pollan comes from a famous literary family, but decided to follow a different path to success. A working actress, she and husband Michael J. Fox—plus their beautiful children—have formed their own iconic family. Not one to leave behind her roots, Tracy’s familiar face can be seen both on screen and around town, from the Upper East Side to the Hamptons. Here, she reveals her secret for balancing work and family—even a family as prominent as hers. Hair by CREIGHTON BOWMAN for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT Makeup by TROY SURRATT for ARTISTS BY TIMOTHY PRIANO Photographed on location at 15 UNION SQUARE WEST Anthracite jersey wrap gown (worn as a skirt) by J. Mendel. White tank top by Chanel. Oval pave diamond ring and pave gemstone cuff at Jennifer Miller. 46 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
FEBRUARY 2011 路 AVENUE MAGAZINE | 47
t’s hard to picture a typical family dinner—be it al fresco in the Hamptons or on wintry Upper East Side—for Tracy Pollan. For one thing, there’s her exceptional professional background as an actress, activist and designer. Then there’s her family: husband Michael J. Fox and the couple’s four children. And let’s not forget the extended Pollan clan. Those assembled at the table on any given evening might include her father, Stephen Pollan, the financial guru and professional coach turned writer; her mother, Corky Pollan, Gourmet’s former style director, New York Magazine’s Best Bets Editor and now Cooking Channel contributor turned blogger; and her brother, Michael Pollan, food activist, professor, and— surprise, surprise—writer of such works as The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. Undoubtedly, these dinners are rather exceptional. “Well, as you can imagine,” says Pollan, “the food is pretty amazing. My mother’s a fantastic cook, and my brother as well. I grew up in a really foodie family, so we get together and basically our entire weekend is built around discussing, shopping for and cooking a meal for no less than 17 people.”
I
met in a program for Dalton students who were bad at math. Pollan and Grey now live on opposite coasts, but talk constantly, and their daughters have become best friends. After high school graduation, Pollan worked in theater and film in New York, with no plans to move west to Hollywood. Then, an amazing opportunity seemed to “just come out of nowhere,” as she describes it. It was, of course, the recurring role of Ellen Reed on the popular television show “Family Ties” starring Michael J. Fox. “It really wasn’t what I was looking to do,” remembers Pollan. “My whole family was in New York, and I felt like that’s where I wanted to spend my early twenties. But I went out to L.A., and I remember I had to do an audition for Michael. That was the first time we met.” When Pollan got offered the job, she spent several weeks weighing her options. “I remember those days so clearly, asking myself, ‘Should I? Shouldn’t I?’ In the end, I decided to jump in and go for it.” At the time, she wasn’t that familiar with the show, or with the work of the show’s lead—her future husband. “Back to the Future had just come out, so one of the first things I did was go see it,” she says.“And I remember thinking to myself that this guy really has something.” For several years, there was a sortof-moved-to-L.A. vibe to her life, as she flew out west and stayed in hotels while she shot the show, and then flew back home during her weeks off. When Fox and Pollan got married, the couple stayed in L.A. for a short time. But when they had their first son, they decided to move back to the East Coast. “I loved growing up in Manhattan, and my whole family was still living in New York. There’s so much the city has to offer, and I feel that kids [here] have an opportunity to be independent from a very early age,” says Pollan. “Because I was so familiar with New York, it seemed like an easier way to raise a family. For me, it’s really all I knew, and I felt it was the best of every world.” And now that her baby boy is a big brother to three little sisters, Pollan can look back on the decision without any doubts. “Our kids are such New Yorkers,” she says. “They’re very savvy and used to the fast pace. I’m always struck by it when I go someplace else. My girls are 16 and it’s great that they can just move around by themselves.” Though New York is her home, the family also keeps a house in Connecticut. “My parents have a place that’s literally two seconds away, so that’s another spot where the whole family gets together,” Pollan notes. Meanwhile, her summers are largely spent in the Hamptons. “We’re all so lucky because we have a house in the country so we can get away on weekends,” she says. “The kids get to run around outside and ride their bikes, but then we also get to be in Manhattan. That really is the best of both worlds.” As an actress in addition to a mom, Pollan has been hard at work. Having made guest appearances on such popular television shows as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and
Born on Long Island and then raised in Manhattan, one could say that Tracy Pollan’s roots are as literary as they are culinary, with an orbit that revolved around books as much as it did around the meals over which they were discussed. “I grew up in a very literary family,” she explains. “Everybody in my family writes, and my husband writes as well, so it continues on. The thing that was so prevalent in our house was literature. Everybody was always reading and always talking about books.” She pauses, and then laughs. “I wish I had the writing skills that certainly my parents and my brother have. I think it skipped me. My kids are better writers than I am!” And yet, it was Pollan’s love of the written word that first inspired her to go into acting. “From a very young age, I would read these books,” she says. “But I wouldn’t just be reading them. I would put the book down and become so emotionally involved that I wanted to explore the character. I think my mother would just kind of roll her eyes.” Realizing how these early experiences with literature affected her eventually translated into reading and then performing in plays. At Dalton, a school renowned for its strong theater department, Pollan started acting in theatrical productions— and that was how her career began. She also became best friends with Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, whom she 48 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
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“I wish I had the writing skills that certainly my parents and my brother have. I think it skipped me. My kids are better writers than I am!” —Tracy Pollan
. . . with Harvey Weinstein (left) and Michael
Tracy Pollan with, from left, husband Michael J. Fox, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue . . . with daughters Aquinnah (left) and Schuyler
. . . with Kevin Bacon (left) and Michael
Michael and Lance Armstrong . . . with Jennifer Grey
. . . with Michael Whoopi Goldberg and Michael with his son, Sam
. . . with Michael (left) and Matt Lauer
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. . . with, from left, Michael, Sheryl Crow and Muhammad Ali
. . . with Willem Dafoe (left) and Michael . . . with Peter Martins
. . . with Sam (left) and Michael . . . with Michael (left), Jane Rosenthal and Kevin Huvane
. . . with, from left, George Stephanopoulos and Alexandra Wentworth and Michael . . . with, from left, Bart Freundlich, Julianne Moore and Michael
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. . . with, from left, John McEnroe, Gregg Allman, Michael, Rob Riggle and John Popper
PARTY PHOTOS: ©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM
“Medium” in recent years, Pollan then starred as Beth Holloway-Twitty in the 2009 film Natalee Holloway, which tells the true story of a teen’s disappearance during a high school graduation trip to Aruba. “I was familiar with the story, and it definitely touched me because I have three daughters of my own,” Pollan says sympathetically. Since the first film aired, there have been many more developments in the case. Not surprisingly, Pollan was approached about making a second movie, though she admits that she was a little conflicted at first. “The film was incredibly successful, and it really moved people a lot,” she says, “but it was such a difficult film to make because it’s such a sad, sad story.” But Pollan overcame her hesitation. “Natalee meant a lot to a lot of people,” she says, “and I saw that there was still so much to the story that needed to be told. In the end, I decided to do it, and I was really glad I did, even though, emotionally, it was very difficult.” The sequel, Justice for Natalee, came out just this May. In this one, Pollan had even further opportunity to explore any connection she may feel with Beth. “I started watching interviews with Natalee’s mom, and I was so taken by her resilience and composure, her ability to take what really is the most tragic experience that anyone can go through and do something positive with it,” says Pollan. “I think that’s a really important message to get out there.” No doubt her attraction to a focus-on-the-positive mentality is at least partially born of Pollan’s own experience with hardship. Though hardly comparable to the loss of a child, her husband’s struggles with illness and his ability, along with Pollan, to create something great from that pain—the highly influential Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research—has inspired many. Pollan has been on the board of directors since its inception. So it’s been a long time that Pollan has wanted to design something for the Foundation, something that would have a message and that would directly benefit its mission. One day, on a shopping trip in East Hampton, Pollan and her son wandered into Ralph Lauren’s RRL Store. “I was showing him these original dog tags they sell there,” she says. “I thought they were a great symbol. I really liked the way they looked aesthetically, and I remember saying, ‘This is what I want to do.’”
As she was explaining the idea to her son, a man who looked familiar to Pollan walked in and started listening to their conversation. It was Jerry Lauren, brother to Ralph.“I had never met him before, and it was just so fortuitous,” remembers Pollan. “I started talking to him about it, and he loved the idea.” Thus her latest project for the Foundation was born. Pollan designed a line of dog tags for Ralph Lauren inscribed with either “Be Inspired” or “Be Involved,” with the proceeds going straight to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. In Pollan’s own words,“It’s literally a way to keep a person close to your heart.” Aside from this impromptu project, Pollan’s Hamptons life is mostly a respite from her busy schedule. For the most part, summertime is focused on pleasure rather than business. “The beach is a big thing for me. I have to go everyday, and I boogie board like crazy,” Pollan says, describing herself as an “ocean fanatic.” And of course, food remains a big part of her life. Her list of favorite Hamptons dining spots is quite diverse, ranging from Sushi 1—“It’s a great Japanese restaurant that isn’t that far from us”—to Townline BBQ in Sagaponack to Stone Creek Inn and Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Hargor to “that lobster place on the way to Montauk.” She frowns trying to remember. “It’s a little shack on the side of the road, and they have the most amazing lobster rolls,” she concludes, giving up on the name. “Honestly, we’ll drive anywhere for a meal.” And then, of course, there are the meals at home. “I do a lot of cooking over the summer. There’s an amazing farmer’s market in our town, and I’ll also travel to different farmer’s markets. I’ll go and get fresh produce, and make a great big meal. We have a lot of friends there [in the Hamptons], so we’re always a big group, and we’ll just move from house to house.” And though September—and the work it brings—seems to come far too soon, Pollan focuses on living in the moment. Today, this moment is being spent around her family table in the Hamptons. “I really try, if I can, to keep my summers free,” she says with a smile. “I relish that time with my family, with my children and with my friends.” ✦ For more on Tracy Pollan, visit www.avenueinsider.com
Above: Black jersey top by Lanvin. Watch by Cartier. Michael J. Fox Foundation Dog Tag designed by Polo Ralph Lauren in collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation. JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 51
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The Hamptons A-List
A Dan Abrams Acquavella family Jonathan Adler & Simon Doonan Edward Albee Alan Alda Joe Allen & Annette Tapert Julie Andrews Ken Auletta Yigal Azrouël
The Hamptons
B André Balazs Alec Baldwin Bryan Bantry Dennis Basso & Michael Cominotto Arthur Becker & Vera Wang Becker family Joy Behar Daniel Benedict & Andrew Saffir Carl Bernstein Nathan Bernstein &
List
Katharina Otto-Bernstein
Jeff Blau Ross Bleckner Jon & Dorothea Bon Jovi Lorraine Bracco Nuno & Muriel Brandolini Brant family Bregman family Christie Brinkley Matthew Broderick &
Every Memorial Day, New Yorkers pull their crisp white clothes out of storage, pack ’em up and drive out to the Hamptons—which is hotter and hauter than ever. From Tory Burch’s mega-house to hip hotelier Sean MacPherson’s major injection of California cool into the once mellow fishing village of Montauk, the East End has never been more alive with action. Want to rub society shoulders with the people that matter in the Hamptons? Memorize our A-List to be sure you’re at the best parties and the right beaches through Labor Day.
Sarah Jessica Parker Bronfman family Bobbi Brown Dominique Browning Jimmy & Jane Buffett Henry Buhl Ed Burns & Christy Turlington Lauren Bush
C Mario & Ariadne Calvo-Platero Jayma Cardoso Dick Cavett John Chamberlain Ken & Kathryn Chenault Chuck Close
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Grace Coddington
Dashing Duo
Lyor Cohen & Tory Burch Richard Cohen & Mona Ackerman Bob Colacello Chase & Stephanie Coleman Sean “Diddy” Combs Jennet Conant David Conrod & Nina Garcia Mark Consuelos & Kelly Ripa Joan Ganz Cooney Katie Couric Cuomo family
D Robert Dash Tim Davis Paul & Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos Susan de França Roberto & Joanne de Guardiola Philippe de Montebello GianPaolo & Gabby Karan DeFelice Ron & Ellin Delsener Patrick Demarchelier Gary DePersia Donny Deutsch Mickey & Peggy Drexler
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Tom & Caroline Dean
Dennis Basso (right) started his business in 1983 by hawking a line of pelts out of a rented Town Car. He now sells luxurious furs to clients like Sharon Stone, Brooke Shields and Kim Cattrall, not to mention every social maven that shops on Madison Avenue. And fans of QVC tune in to watch the witty, charming designer sell his less expensive line regularly on the shopping channel. But come summertime, the king of fur becomes the party king along with longtime boyfriend Michael Cominotto at their beautiful Water Mill house. Their soirees (often held around and inside the Kenneth Alpert pool house)—both private dinners and charity benefits—attract the fashion flock (Isaac Mizrahi, Rachel Zoe), society stars (Marjorie Gubelmann) and even the first family of reality T.V. (the Kardashians). Talk about mixing it up.
Peter Duchin & Virginia Coleman Duke family
Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler
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Dennis Basso and Michael Cominotto
Mica Ertegun Dan Abrams
F James & Whitney Fairchild Farkas family Tracy Feith Bob Felner Ferrer family Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier James Finkelstein & Pamela Gross Pamela Fiori Eric Fischl & April Gornik Jay Flagg Bobby Flay Tom & Lori Florio Harold Ford Jr. Ted Forstmann Michael J. Fox & Tracy Pollan Bart Freundlich & Julianne Moore
Shala Monroque and Larry Gagosian
The Hamptons A-List
G Larry Gagosian & Shala Monroque Steven Gaines Galesi family David & Danielle Ganek
The Hip Hilfiger
Richard Gere & Carey Lowell Gilbert family
Despite being the daughter of prep mogul Tommy Hilfiger, Ally Hilfiger (right) is not a pink-and-green-wearing, silver spoonfed celebutot. The former MTV reality star of the show “Rich Girls” and young designer just launched NAHM, a collection of crisp, cleanly cut dresses based on men’s shirts, with partner Nary Manivong. The two met at a dinner party and then Hilfiger styled two of Manivong’s shows. Meanwhile, his tale is a true rags-to-riches story: he was the subject of the documentary Dressed, which portrays his incredible journey from homeless child to successful fashion designer. Expect to see Hilfiger and her pretty posse of pals wearing NAHM (and probably a little Tommy, too) at all the nightclubs and chic clambakes.
Rudy & Judith Giuliani Arne & Mildred Glimcher Gregory family Jack & Ann Grimm Grubman family Louise Grunwald Gruss family Marjorie Gubelmann
H Hackett family Hampton family Ted Hartley Craig Hatkoff & Jane Rosenthal R. Couri Hay Hearst family Ally Hilfiger
Dottie Herman Hilfiger family Rick & Kathy Hilton Neil Hirsch Tony Hitchcock Richard Holbrooke & Kati Martan Jane Holzer
Donna Karan
A.M. Homes Horn family
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David Lauren, Ricky Lauren, Dylan Lauren and Andrew Lauren
Carl & Gail Icahn
J Donald & Lisa Jackson Morton & Linda Janklow Billy Joel Betsey Johnson Robert Wood Johnson IV Sale Johnson
K ©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM
Donna Karan
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Michael & Eleanora Kennedy Calvin Klein Dan Klores David & Julia Koch Reed & Delphine Krakoff Steve Kroft
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The Material Mom
L’Esperance family
A longtime visitor to the area, Madonna (right) made headlines (again) when she bought nearly 50 acres of open land in Bridgehampton: Wild Ocean Farm from Kelly Klein in 2009 and the adjacent plot in 2010. But when it comes to hearth and home, the Material Girl still has to rent while she’s in town—most recently an English stucco on Lily Pond Lane near the estates of Martha Stewart and Jerry Della Femina, sources say. Though pretty private— one summer she supposedly demanded to have the riding ring at the Wölffer Estate Vineyards’ stables to herself whenever she liked—Madge was seen hitting up last year’s Hamptons Film Festival and palling around with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld and the area’s other stars.
James LaForce Lauder family Lauren family LeFrak family Adam Lindemann & Amalia Dayan Howard Lorber Bryan Lourd Ivana Lowell Dan & Cynthia Lufkin
M Mack family Macklowe family Sean MacPherson Madonna Fern Mallis Manger family Alison Mazzola Paul McCartney & Nancy Shevell John McEnroe & Patty Smyth McFadden family Jay McInerney &
Montauk’s Main Man
Anne Hearst McInerney McKnight family Patrick McMullan Richard Meier Meister family Frederick & Virginia Melhado Dina Merrill Lorne & Alice Michaels Jennifer Miller Richard & Marcia Mishaan Isaac Mizrahi Todd & Dorritt Morley Mortimer family William & Nina Morton Dini von Mueffling Alberto Mugrabi
N Nederlander family Niven family
O P Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin Alexander Stavros Panos & Christina Lowris
©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM
Polly Onet
Sean MacPherson
Hotelier Sean MacPherson (left), of The Jane, The Bowery Hotel and The Maritime, has become the unofficial social mayor of Montauk, bringing his California cool factor (he was an avid skateboarder in the ’70s) to the once sleepy, run-down fishing village. MacPherson’s Crow’s Nest restaurant and 14-room inn has been revamped from a dusty semi-dump on the shores of Lake Montauk to the epicenter of East End chic. Last summer, its first big bash celebrated Chanel’s J12 watch and drew Rachel Weisz, Mark Ronson, Bruce Weber, Laird Hamilton and other boldfaced names. Expect everyone to flock to the Crow’s Nest again this summer.
Danielle and David Ganek
Madonna
Alex Papachristidis
The Hamptons A-List
Stuart Parr & Allison Sarofim Alan & Susan Patricof Pat Patterson
Behind the Hedge
Ronald Perelman and Dr. Anna Chapman
Ronald Perelman & Dr. Anna Chapman
Legendary hedge funder Ronald Perelman and new wife Dr. Anna Chapman (left) recently welcomed a baby boy into their enormous East Hampton home (and their Upper East Side townhouse and numerous other properties around the country). Dubbed “The Creeks,” the 57-acre, heavily guarded estate on Georgica Pond is the site of an annual topsecret Fourth of July party. Last summer, Perelman held his first benefit there for Harlem’s Apollo Theater, drawing Richard Gere and Carey Lowell, Christie Brinkley, Tamara Mellon, Lorne Michaels and many others. Perelman is no stranger to playing host—the billionaire has his hand in many restaurants around the country, including Manhattan’s Monkey Bar with Graydon Carter. In the Hamptons, Perelman opened Savanna’s and reopened the popular margaritaville Blue Parrot with partners Larry Gagosian, Jon Bon Jovi and Renée Zellweger.
Itzhak Perlman Richard & Lisa Perry Peterson family Carroll Petrie Nick Pileggi & Nora Ephron Leonel Piraino & Nina Griscom Bill Powers & Cynthia Rowley Richard Prince
R Radziwill family Dan Rattiner William & Kathy Rayner L.A. Reid Euan Rellie & Lucy Sykes Rellie Ira & Ingeborg Rennert Feliz & Liz Rohatyn Daniel Romualdez & Mike Meagher Marshall Rose & Candice Bergen Aby Rosen & Samantha Boardman Rosen Courtney Sale Ross Wilbur Ross & Hilary Geary Ross Steve & Kara Ross Rudin family
D.C.-turned-Manhattan power couple George Stephanopoulos and Alexandra Wentworth (left) bought a new Hamptons home last year, after selling their last one in 2008. But the recently-appointed “Good Morning America” host and his actress wife—plus their two daughters—have hardly been strangers to the East End these past few years. When Stephanopoulos rushes back to the city to do last minute broadcasts, Wentworth hangs out with gal pal and childhood friend Holly Peterson or attends the Seinfelds’ Baby Buggy benefit and other events. Together, the affable “Head Case” creator and star and her huz enjoy family time and mingling with their fab Hamptons neighbors. Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopolous with Elliott Stephanopolous 56 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
S David Salle Santo Domingo family Andrew Saunders Chuck & Ellen Scarborough Timothy & Helen Lee Schifter Edwin Schlossberg & WENTWORTH: AARON WEXLER/BFANYC.COM; ©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM
The East Hampton Stars
Gwyneth Paltrow
Caroline Kennedy Schnabel family Miachel Schnayerson Ian & Tania Schrager Schulhof family Jerry & Jessica Seinfeld Jeffrey Seller & Josh Lehrer Sal Shariff & Hollis Reh Jeff Sharp & Dr. Doug Steinbrech Cindy Sherman Sherrill family Peggy Siegal Russell Simmons Paul Simon
Richard Sinnott Lucy Sykes and Euan Rellie
Dr. Howard & Gayle Sobel Barry Sonnenfeld George Soros Andy & Kate Spade Spielberg family Stark family Richard & Renée Steinberg George Stephanopoulos & Ali Wentworth Leonard & Allison Stern Howard & Beth Ostrosky Stern Leslie Stevens Stevenson family Jon Stewart Martha Stewart Jill Stuart Dr. Patrick & Dana Hammond Stübgen Donald Sultan Sulzberger family John & Laurie Sykes
Renée Zellweger
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Vera Wang
Elie Tahari Kim Taipale & Nicole Miller Alex Kuczynski and Charles Stevenson
Theodoracopulos family Jonathan & Lizzie Tisch
W Barbara Walters Claude Wasserstein Bruce Weber & Nan Bush Ronald & Harriet Weintraub Jann Wenner & Matt Nye Lally Weymouth Chris Whittle & Priscilla Rattazzi Rob Wiesenthal Robert Wilson Tom & Sheila Wolfe
Y Z Renée Zellweger Zilkha family Zoulas family Jeff Zucker Mort Zuckerman
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Yurman family
All In The Family When the weather turns warm, hedge fund billionaire Charles Stevenson, his journalist wife Alex Kuczynski (left) and their son swap their Park Avenue residence for their home in Southampton. There, the couple hosts chic shindigs each summer, like last year’s cocktail party for Parrish Art Museum’s Landscape Pleasures Benefit. The Stevenson clan’s Hamptons presence continues with Roy and Polly, owners of the popular Stevenson’s Toys & Games in Southampton. Though the shop became the subject of scandal when Peter Cook began an affair with a teenage employee—eventually leading to his divorce from Christie Brinkley—this wholesome spot enjoys a much more positive reputation with Hamptons kids, who look forward to visits all summer. JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 57
An Upper East Side Story The daughter of novelists Erica Jong and Jonathan Fast has writing in her blood. Having published three books of her own, Molly Jong-Fast has transcended a semi-famous upbringing to achieve true success. A lifelong Upper East Sider, she attended her fair share of prep schools—Dalton, Trevor, Riverdale— and now lives there with her husband and their three small children. They say “write what you know,” and it is this world that she explores with much insight and a quick wit in her work. The following excerpt sets up Jong-Fast’s hilarious new book, The Social Climber’s Handbook, in which she plumbs the darkest depths of elite life to shed light on what happens when the Dow drops, Dior becomes unaffordable and even death (by way of socialite serial killer!) abounds. Author Molly Jong-Fast
by MOLLY JONG-FAST
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CHAPTER ONE June 2, 2008 Dow closes down 134.50 points to 12,503.82 S&P closes down 14.71 points to 1,395.67 Daisy Greenbaum looked over at her husband, Dick, master of the universe. He was wearing one of those white strips on the bridge of his nose. He had a black mask on his eyes that read BRITISH AIRWAYS across it. Tucked neatly in his mouth was a custom-made mouth guard so he didn’t grind his teeth, and looking at him across their California king-sized bed Daisy might have thought for a slip of a second (before she banished that thought away, like all her other vaguely communist urges) that this was a man on whom making money had taken its toll. “I love you.”
Manhattan’s Upper East Side was the week between when the private schools let out and the social families packed up their Denalis and headed for the beach. The third week of June was the demarcation line: once it was crossed over, all of the apartments on Park Avenue would be dark, except for the flicker of the occasional husband enjoying a quiet tryst with a secretary or a nubile young associate. Daisy Greenbaum hated summer. And perhaps this could have been traced back to a lifetime of summers spent at Camp Shane (or, as she called it, Camp Shame), a “loving, accepting, nurturing weight-loss invitational,” which was known by people occupying the real world as “fatty camp.” Or maybe it was her hatred of sand, of heat, of sun, of wearing less clothing, of shedding her cavernous sweaters and her enormous winter coat. And maybe the rest of the world tacitly agreed. Summer was a time of mourning, a time to muse on various
Dick kept snoring. “I love you.” Through his mouth guard Dick Greenbaum squeezed out the words: “I have to be at work in approximately seven hours and twenty-two minutes and eleven seconds. Go to sleep.” “I can’t sleep.” Dick opened one eye, but only slightly. “Take something.”
Daisy had a secret . . . Daisy knew what she was capable of. Daisy knew the animal that lurked inside of her, the one who could not be calmed by a million yoga lessons.
“I said I love you.” Dick sat up with a start. He took off his eye mask and opened his eyes. “We are about to be faced with the biggest economic crisis of our lifetime. Next month you may see bread lines, a true unemployment rate of 22.1 percent. Never mind. I need to go to bed.” “You didn’t say anything when I told you that I . . .” “Imagine a world with no credit, no lending, imagine a world where you go into the Prada store on Madison and there is nothing on the shelves, and don’t get me started on your precious Starbucks. Okay, now I need to be there in seven hours and twenty-one minutes”—he looked down at his expensive self-winding watch—“and thirty seconds, okay?” In her infinite sadness, it seemed to Daisy Greenbaum that the loneliest time of the year on
losses (real and imagined), a time when different layers of rarefied folks plunged through different layers of loss, all narrated by the constant zombifying hum of giant air conditioners. Loss affected everyone in every section of every gentrified neighborhood—the bookish Upper West Siders mourned the loss of their shrinks in August, the Brooklyn hipsters mourned the loss of their parents’ ramshackle summer cottages on Fire Island, the barely-getting-by working parents mourned the death of the school year. Yes, summer was the bleakest time of the year, and this summer was to be the last golden summer of the Dow at thirteen thousand. Daisy was standing, feet on the cold white tile, in her gray linen pajamas (Daisy had seven identical pairs, all ironed by Nina, the long-suffering housekeeper, on Tuesdays, which was the day that Easton, the fancy twin, went riding in Manhasset and Avery, the funky twin, went to her acting class in the West Village). Daisy stared at herself in her enormous JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 59
bathroom mirror. It was six a.m. and the sun was bright, or as bright as it could be, considering that she lived on the second floor. She squinted at herself. She didn’t look like all the other mummies of the yummy variety. She had white skin that had never seen the inside of a tanning booth (spray or otherwise). She had regular features (her grandmother had always complimented her on her non-ethnic nose, and she knew what this meant), pretty and appropriately sized for her slightly equine face, which was just slightly too long to be beautiful. Every time she looked in the mirror she remembered that she had been what had seemed (to her at the time) grotesquely fat in her youth. As a result she had never considered herself a pretty girl; hence she had developed a somewhat charming personality. Having a good personality had served her—she had married up (her husband had found her
spilling orange juice on the floor. But for that slip of a second she was the last woman on earth, alone in the silence, alone enough to think. Daisy Greenbaum’s brain was permanently awash in a sea of minutiae, constantly focused on trivialities, like who was the better dry cleaner and who made the best saddles. But Daisy had a secret, and it cut through the minutiae like a great white shark. Daisy knew what she was capable of. Daisy knew the animal that lurked inside of her, the one who could not be calmed by a million yoga lessons. She stared at her own eyes until the blue faded into itself, until her face faded into the mirror, until everything around her was smooth and blurry. But there was trouble in the world of unfathomable wealth; Dick had passed down the edict—no more spending, no more car services, no Hamptons house this summer, no more shopping, no more three-hundred-dollar dresses for the girls, no more trips to the Breakers, no more dinners at Per Se. Daisy looked back at her long face. She wasn’t one of those airheaded trophy wives. She knew that one of two things had happened—one was that Dick had fucked up something big in whatever it was he did (she wasn’t totally sure what he did, something with debt, something called credit default swaps), and the other was that what he had told her about the crumbling of the equities markets was actually true (but she couldn’t quite wrap her head around this story).
The culture of scarcity and panic among the wealthy was still going strong (not enough preschool spots, not enough Hamptons houses, not enough Mandarinspeaking nannies, oh my). amusing), and she wasn’t fat anymore, though she wasn’t exactly thin; she was Banana Republic thin. Not truly thin, not thin like the other ladies on Park Avenue with their exposed vertebrae and their sharp, bony hips, but thin. Her Polish DNA, from her zaftig great-granny from the shtetl, would guarantee that she would never be Prada thin. But she didn’t really care, and besides, she was funny. Maybe not laugh-out-loud funny, but ironic. And she was smart. Maybe not Ivy League smart, but Brandeis smart, which was still smarter than 99.99 percent of the yummy mummies on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And she was striking, with enormous blue eyes, which made her look like a model from the Eastern Bloc. A fat model from the Eastern Bloc. She tweezed at a few stray chin hairs with her green metal tweezers. Soon Dick and the girls would be up, shattering the exquisite silence of morning. Soon she’d be burning waffles, and fighting with the extremely expensive espresso machine, and 60 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
After all, it was June 2008 and Barneys was still packed with ladies vying to buy thousand-dollar-a-pair lizard-skin platforms, condos and co-ops were still flying off the shelves, waiting lists for various gotta-have-it accessories were still snaking around the block, the culture of scarcity and panic among the wealthy was still going strong (not enough preschool spots, not enough Hampton houses, not enough Mandarinspeaking nannies, oh my). But some small men in large offices who worked for monstrous investment banks saw the writing on the wall, and the writing was recession, depression, end-of-the-world bad. One of these men was Dick Greenbaum, Daisy’s small and vaguely simian husband. Every night since March 14, when Morgan and the Fed had provided a twenty-eight-day emergency loan to Bear Stearns, he had suffered from some variation on the same nightmare. Somehow the collapse of Bear Stearns had made Dick realize that the whole system was intrinsically flawed. He wasn’t stupid and he had known the system was
truly fucked for a long time, but he kept thinking the debt wouldn’t catch up with the bets. He thought it could keep going like this for years. But the crash of Bear was the death knell for the American economy. He saw it all very clearly. And in this clarity he realized his life was a house (or an apartment, as the case may be) of derivatives, and these derivatives (he was pretty sure) might well take down the American economy. And so suddenly he was panicked about the lack of derivatives regulation—where were the necessary derivatives clearinghouses? Who the hell was keeping track of all the little pieces of paper that were representing trillions of dollars of debt? It was as if one day Dick woke up and realized that bad math was going to eat up the entire world and that he somehow had to stop it. The worst dream, the one that haunted him, the one that made him wonder what it was that he was doing on this earth, was this dream (it was a recurring dream but it always sort of went like this)—it started with him sitting there in his favorite brown pinstripe suit (the one that made him look five feet eight instead of five feet six, and tan instead of jaundiced) enjoying his strawberries and his champagne. Then a stewardess came out in her little blue frock. Usually in the dream it was one of two secretaries, neither of whom were in real life stewardesses: one was Maggie, the thick-calved Irish girl, but in some of the dreams it was Candice, the plucky-but-not-great-looking single mom. Everything would be going along just fine when all of a sudden there would be a popping sound, like someone making popcorn, and then the window next to him would pop open and then things would start getting sucked into the ether. Everything that was on the polished mahogany coffee table in front of him would go flying into the air. He would try to grab all these papers, all his careful, thoughtful documentation of his theorems. But it would be too late, the paper would melt through his hands and then he would wake up covered in sweat and gasping for breath. Sometimes Daisy would notice and volunteer a few
semi-soothing sentences (none of which really hit the right note with Dick), and sometimes she would pretend not to see him dripping in his own sweat, laboring to catch his breath. ✦
Excerpted from The Social Climber’s Handbook by Molly Jong-Fast. Copyright © 2011 by Molly Jong-Fast. Excerpted by permission of Villard, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 61
ask hall f. willkie
The real estate expert shares his wisdom on . . . the current market
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o far, the market this year is good and many sales are taking place. However, per the Brown Harris Stevens Market Report, compared to this time last year, there is a reduction in volume of approximately 23 percent. I believe the comparison can be explained by two factors. One is the understandable backlog from 2008 and 2009 that came forward in 2010. Secondly, part of the decline in the number of sales this year is attributable to the scheduled expiration of the Bushera tax cuts at the end of last year. Although they were ultimately extended, the extension was not signed until the middle of December. This was after many homeowners had already made the decision to sell to avoid paying a higher capital gains rate. Therefore, closings that might have occurred in the first quarter of 2011 happened in 2010. The two major factors in our current market are the lack of inventory both in resales and in new development, and the fact that buyers are willing to commit, but remain very price sensitive. Perception of good value is key to this commitment. When a property is well priced, it sells. !
Hall F. Willkie, President, Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales; hwillkie@bhsusa.com
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FEATURED PROPERTY
GLAMOUROUS DUPLEX PH LOFT Fifth Ave/26th Excl. 8 into 7.5 sun-drenched rooms, 2 terraces, 10 foot ceiling, floating above glorious and lovely Madison Square Park, plus views of downtown Manhattan. $8.5M. Web#1154280 Art Irwin, EVP 212.381.3263
Scan this H-Tag with your smartphone to instantly view more detailed info, images and a floorplan of this property. Learn how at halstead.com/HTag
VIEWS OVER CENTRAL PARK 15 W 53rd St Excl. 2BR/3BA home, impressively appointed. Gourmet open kit, incredible clsts. Excellent loc. Wonderful FSB. $6.275M. Web#1879180 Margaret Lacey 212.207.1813
STUNNING PH Flatiron Excl. Top architect designed, highend finishes. 2BR/2.5BA, 2 setback terr, glass walls w/360° views, hi ceils. F/S, gym & garage. $4.775M. Web#1885928 Barbara Licalzi, EVP 212.381.4228
TRIPLE MINT CLASSIC 7 90s/West Excl. Spacious w/PW charm & mod details. LR, wbfp, grand DR, renov kit, 3BR + md’s, 3 full baths, great clsts, W/D. $3.495M. Web#1812388 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329
HOME IN THE SKY Midtown East Excl. Rare opportunity to own renov, high flr, unique 5BR/5BA w/panoramic views. Near transportation and best shopping. $3.35M. Web#1881898 Ruth Sobie, SVP 212.381.6528
STUNNING CLASSIC 6 Park/80s Excl. Possible 3BR. Renov, light, 10’ ceilings, chef’s kitchen, 2 renov baths, grand living room, wbfp, gym. 24HR DM. $2.995M. Web#1868522 Eloise Johnson, EVP 212.381.3224
STUNNING 3BR CONDO 65th St/East Excl. Open layout of 1,800SF. Breathtaking views, 2 balcs, designer kit & 2.5BA. W/D, 24HR DM, HC, pool & rfdk. $2.645M. Web#164443 Christian Wittmann 212.521.5733
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES 77th E/3rd Excl. Oppty to buy sunny, sprawling corner apt. Currently 3BR, media rm & 2.5 baths. Easily 4-5BR/3.5BA. F/S co-op. $2.1M. Web#1942745 Sandra Lauer, VP 212.381.3351
5 ROOM DUPLEX/GREAT LOCALE 70s/E Excl. Charming w/soaring ceils in grand LR w/wbfp & grt N light throughout. Newly renov w/3BR/3 full BA. FSB. $1.725M. Web#1922413 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329
2BR + BONUS RM UES Excl. Sunny, sprawling corner 2BR/2BA + bonus rm & 3 WICs. Wndwd kit, SS appls, granite cntrs in DM bldg on tree-lined blk. $1.095M. Web#1809273 Leah Blesoff 212.381.2376
V i r t u a l ly s ta g e d
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real estate
Lofty Living With its expansive residences, 77 READE blends historic beauty with the best of contemporary living right in the heart of Tribeca
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et amidst Tribeca’s historic architecture and abundant green spaces is a building that blends old-world beauty and modern comfort. Designed by renowned architectural firm BKSK, 77 READE incorporates a newly restored 1852 cast iron warehouse with a new limestone building to create a one-of-akind work of architecture. Having just arrived on the market, this handsome structure is perfectly at home in the neighborhood. “This is one of the oldest blocks in the Tribeca Historic District,” says S. Myles Group, the developer of 77 READE. “We have worked closely with the Landmarks Commission to honor the surrounding architecture, while creating new lofts of character, comfort and long-term value.” The Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York agrees: “This is one of the most unique and excellent designs I have seen in quite some time,” comments Chairman Robert Tierney. Inside the spacious, sun-drenched lofts, historic elements—like exposed brick in some residences—accent modern interiors. Ceiling heights range from 10-to-14 feet, with 7-foot windows and wide plank hardwood Ash floors. Sleek kitchens are distinguished by Italian white lacquer cabinetry, Bianco Luna glass countertops and Miele appliances. Zen-like 77 READE baths feature soaking tubs, elegant fixtures and smooth finishes. “Purchasers immediately notice the level of craftsmanship at 77 READE,” says Barrie Mandel, senior vice president and associate broker at The Corcoran Group and Corcoran Group Marketing and director of sales for the property. “The beauty is in the details. Thoughtful touches, 4-inch hardwood floors, fully vented kitchens and laundry and ultra-efficient and handsome hydronic heating and air conditioning that can be controlled in every major room—these details convey real value to today’s buyers.”
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Duplex and triplex penthouses offer sweeping views of Tribeca and beyond, including the Woolworth Building, One World Trade Center and City Hall. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls accentuate the cityscape, and deep private terraces maximize entertainment space. Inside, fireplaces add warmth to the expansive layouts. Additional, utilitarian space comes in the form of oversized private storage spaces, which come with each loft. Residents enjoy
EVAN JOSEPH
EVAN JOSEPH
EVAN JOSEPH
Above: A glossy modern kitchen Middle: A polished and refined bath
“This is one of the most unique . . . designs I have seen in quite some time.” —Robert Tierney a state-of-the-art fitness center and a rooftop terrace. The sky-lit lobby is enhanced by original cast iron columns at its entry, and is attended 24-hours-a-day. While respecting architectural tradition, 77 READE creatively addresses the demands of a contemporary New York lifestyle with its luxurious amenities and airy, open spaces. Here, residents will find a retreat that is at once private and connected to the surrounding neighborhood. This innovative building is sure to advance the artsy and intellectual reputation Tribeca has cultivated over the years. Exclusively offered by Corcoran Group Marketing, 77 READE has an on-site presentation gallery and furnished model residences that can now be viewed. Open plans, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom lofts are available, starting at $1 million, and the development is one of the last in the city to offer a 421a tax abatement. Please visit www.77reade.com or call 212.77.READE for more information. !
Left: A spacious, open living area JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 65
real estate
Castle in the Sky This newly renovated Park Avenue penthouse is fit for a king
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n exceptional prewar building on Park Avenue is crowned with a magnificent penthouse occupying the entire 17th floor. Approximately 4,500 square feet, the space has recently undergone a complete and stunning renovation. Designed by renowned architect Stephen Wang and decorated by Nicole Freezer Rubens of NFR Consulting, the apartment now offers all the comforts of state-of-the-art technology within a beautiful, traditional architectural setting. “I have so much respect for the prewar bones of the apartment,” Rubens says, “and wanted to emphasize that while creating an elegant atmosphere that’s truly user friendly for a family living in New York City today.” Wang’s inspirations for the design were light and air—“a true rarity in New York City apartments,” he says. Thus, the interior of the penthouse is bright and spacious, accentuated by a 4,000-square-foot terrace. Wrapping around all four of the apartment’s exposures, this outdoor space showcases the skyline’s most iconic views, including Central Park, the East River, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Accessible from every room comprising the residence’s entertaining areas plus some bedrooms, the landscaped terrace helps create a seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor space. “There are 1,000 things to see outside a New York City window,” notes Ruben, “yet this view is a beautiful cohesive unit, all reflected in the design of the home.” The apartment itself is divided into two distinct areas—the aforementioned entertaining space and the private quarters—
separated by a gallery with a sunny eat-in kitchen. No detail has been overlooked, from the Baltic black and Thassos marble floors in the gallery to the fully equipped media room featuring Triad speakers and James Power Pipe subwoofers. The private area of the penthouse features an inviting family room and an eat-in kitchen. The stunning master bedroom includes a wood-burning fireplace and custom closets for him and her. Its windowed bath is both functional and luxurious, with a double-sink vanity and steam shower, Whirlpool Jacuzzi bath and heated Calcutta marble walls and floors. The three spacious children’s bedrooms are equipped with large closets and custom cabinetry throughout, and have access to a play area on the terrace. A laundry room and staff room with a full bath complete the private quarters. Thanks to an impressive renovation and the stunning integration of modern comforts and conveniences, this Park Avenue penthouse has become an ideal residence for the sophisticated New York family. “With some creative thinking and a willing client, this apartment was transformed into a well-proportioned space that perfectly suits an apartment of this scale,” says Wang. !
Juliette Janssens, S.V.P. / Allison Koffman, S.V.P. Sotheby’s International Realty 212.606.7670 / 212.606.7688
Above: The bright gallery featuring French doors and stunning skylights Below, left to right: Spacious sitting room; fully landscaped terrace; expansive master bedroom featuring a wood-burning fireplace
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FIFTH AVENUE-14 ROOMS PLUS LARGE TERRACE: Enormous, high floor 14 room duplex with outstanding views and magnificent terrace facing Central Park. $19,500,000. WEB: A0017569
RIVERFRONT MAISONETTE: Grand 4 bedroom, townhouse style living with River views & amenities of top 1929 prewar co-op, including pool and basketball court. $10,750,000. WEB: A0017605
THE HUBERT: Impeccably renovated, high floor 2 bedroom plus library, open city views, 12 ft ceilings, ±2,758 sq ft, in one of Tribeca’s finest full service condo’s. $6,850,000. WEB: A0017270
FIFTH AVENUE DUPLEX WITH TERRACE: Beautifully renovated 5 room apartment with sun drenched terrace. Grand master with 2 baths and 2 dressing rooms. $3,950,000. WEB: A0017516
RIVERSIDE DRIVE MANSION: Dramatic, 6-story, 26’ wide home across from Park in mint condition. $14,750,000. WEB:A0017528.
EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE I sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 ROGER ERICKSON SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR I T 212.606.7612 I www.roger-erickson.com Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.
View of Central Park, The Plaza Hotel Residences’ backyard
real estate
Power House Prudential Douglas Elliman Senior Vice President Lisa Simonsen made New York City real estate history this year—and didn’t even take a day off
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or Lisa Simonsen, senior vice president of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, figuring out what to do following the 2011 sale of the most expensive single-condo in New York City history was simple. “You get up and come to the office to get ready for the next deal,” she says. “It’s business as usual now and focusing on the future. I didn’t take a day off.” Simonsen recently brokered both sides of the $48-million purchase of a 6,000-squarefoot apartment at The Plaza Hotel Residences on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. She sees the deal as indicative of a resurgent luxury real-estate market in New York City. “In the last two or three months, there have been some record-breaking deals happening,” she notes. “There’s obviously been a shift in the high end of the market because there have been several big sales. I think it’s a very exciting time. There’s lots of opportunity.” The five-bedroom condominium at The Plaza combines three separate apartments on the 12th floor to create a truly exceptional home. It was purchased by Russian composer and music producer Igor Krutoy, and comes complete with breathtaking bird’s-eye views of both Central Park and Fifth Avenue. “I hadn’t personally seen an apartment done to this level of craftsmanship
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and workmanship,” Simonsen says. “It was just really a flawless space.” Originally from Alberta—“the cold part” of Canada, as Simonsen puts—she came to New York City 20 years ago to study acting. “I was horrible at it,” she recalls. Simonsen lived on the Upper East Side where she says she built friendships and contacts that later aided in her successful careers, first in fitness, then real estate. She soon realized she had an innate sensibility for sales, which served her well when she segued into real estate seven years ago. “I had very good intuition with my clients, which really just translated,” Simonsen says. “My skill set didn’t change; the commodity did. It went from fitness to real estate.” Today, her intuition and focus are the foundations of her expertise in pairing potential buyers with perfect properties, down to the most minute detail. These skills have propelled Simonsen into the upper echelon of luxury homes sales and marketing here in New York. Simonsen is quick to acknowledge the importance of the support and guidance she gets from her management and colleagues at Prudential Douglas Elliman. “I’ve been very fortunate because I work for an exceptional company,” Simonsen says of the city’s largest residential real estate brokerage, ranked as one of the top four real estate companies in
Senior Vice President Lisa Simonsen, Prudential Douglas Elliman
the country. “I have some great people that guide me and give me good advice, and I have a great team around me.” As Simonsen focuses on future sales, she is imbued with an even greater “confidence in her skill set,” as she puts it, generated by the brokerage of The Plaza apartment. “I think it’s a very good way to start the year,” she says. “But it really is important not to lose momentum. There’s always deals to be done for good brokers.” !
TOP OF THE CLASS Fifth Avenue/East 60s • $6,200,000 • 6 rooms into 5. Mint renovation in a white glove co-op. Beautiful Park views from 3 rooms, elegant living room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with butler’s pantry. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, closets, built-ins. Web# 1303405. Rebecca Steindecker 212.891.7080 I 917.670.4193
CARRIAGE HOUSE ON GIN LANE Southampton Village • $9,995,000 • Charming carriage house across from the ocean with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, living room with fireplace & kitchen with dining area. Gunite pool & pool house on 1.2 acres. Web# H48226. Alex Lubschik 917.684.5889
BOULDER BEACH…ON LONG ISLAND SOUND Sands Point • $12,500,000 • Unparalleled waterfront estate with 8 bedrooms, 7.5 baths and 5 fireplaces, oversized gathering areas, infinity pool and private dock, all on nearly 3 acres. Web# 2392230. Maggie Keats 516.944.2879
SPECTACULAR CONDO Park Avenue • $3,475,000 • The most beautiful apartment on Park Avenue, brand new superior renovation just completed. Must see to believe. Web# 1357682. Faith Fisher Einhorn 917.797.8999
980 FIFTH AVENUE East 79th Street • Heart of Museum Mile. 6 large rooms with style & elegance. The living room & master bedroom with dressing area face South affording sunny & bright view of the Park. 2nd bedroom, large formal dining room, eat-in kitchen & maids. Web# 1340511. Rebecca Steindecker 212.891.7080 I 917.670.4193
TERRACED BEAUTY ON PARK AVENUE Park Ave at East 80s • $5,995,000 • Prime prewar 7 in full-service building. Terrace extends full width of living room with wood burning fireplace, master bedroom and library/2nd bedroom. Large & elegant formal dining room. 3rd bedroom, extra room on 15th floor. Bright. Web# 1359244. Rebecca Steindecker 917.670.4193
ACADEMY AWARD WINNING RENTAL Sutton Area/East 50s • $6,000 per month • Regally furnished prewar co-op. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, wood burning fireplace. Magnificent renovation. Windowed eat-in kitchen, master bedroom with bath en suite, large 2nd bedroom, W/D, surround sound. Approx. 1,700 sf. Web# 1353575. Jill Libman 212.769.6545
LUXURY CONDO, ENDLESS VIEWS Park Ave/Midtown • $1,395,000 • You will be awed by the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap this stunning corner condo in views and light. 1 bedroom, 1.5 marble baths. Top quality finishes throughout, washer/dryer, first class amenities, garage. Web# 1323026. Elyse Dubin 917.482.3570
A ROOF OF ONE’S OWN West Village • $2,272,000 • Penthouse triplex 3 bedroom, 3 bath in Far West Village, plus about 500 sf private roof space. Loft like living/dining; Full-floor master suite; and two striking stairways unifying the home. Web# 1349770. Armanda Squadrilli 646.824.8379
LONG ISLAND
MANHATTAN
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THE HAMPTONS
THE NORTH FORK RIVERDALE/BRONX
WESTCHESTER/PUTNAM
©2011. An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. is a service mark of Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, number of bedrooms and the school district in property listings are deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert.
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Alina Pedroso
Susan Raanan
Haley Venn
EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY
FULL FLOOR WITH WRAP TERRACE
GRAND PARK AVENUE 12
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UWS. Excl. Free-standing mansion. 41’w 73’d. Museum-quality, exquisite original detail. Superb light. High ceilings. Fireplaces. 3,400SF outdoor space. $20M. WEB# 1102553. Diane Abrams 212-588-5605 Felise Gross 212-588-5681
UWS. Excl. Full floor condo with terrace. Huge living/dining room, chef’s kitchen, 6BR, 6.5 bath, library and den. CAC, oversized windows, garage, gym, pool and playroom. $19.9M. WEB# 1175789. Lisa Lippman 212-588-5606 Scott Moore 212-588-5608
UES. Excl. Grand prewar residence, meticulous renovation. Soaring ceilings, elegant archways, 33’ living room, 25’ formal dining room. Chef’s eat-in kitchen. $18M. WEB# 1018479. John Burger 212-906-9274
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PRIVATE TERRACE, VIEW ICONIC BLDGS
255 EAST 74TH STREET
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UES. Excl. Five-story townhouse. Elevator to all floors, garden, parlour terrace, master bedroom terrace, roof garden, 5BR plus staff suite. Gorgeous, bright, and turn-key. $7.995M. WEB# 1129664. Paula Del Nunzio 212-906-9207
Madison Square Park. Excl. Special prewar PH loft w/terrace & panoramic views through huge wndws. 12’ ceils, perfect cond, gut renov, 5 rms, 3 bath, top-line finishes. $5.7M. WEB# 1218125. Russell Miller 212-906-9360 Mary Rutherfurd 212-906-9211
UES. Excl. New to market. 14th floor 4BR, 3.5 bath, approx 2,328SF. Eat-in kitchen with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. Open and bright north, south and west city views. F/S building. 421A tax abatement. $5.1M. WEB# 1219347. Young Randolph Young 212 452-6249
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GLAMOUROUS TRUMP WORLD TOWER
ELEGANT CENTRAL PARK VIEWS
BEAUTIFUL PROPORTIONS
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Midtown East. Excl. The jewel of Trump Condos offers stunning 2MBR, 2.5 bath. Breathtaking views from the 47th floor, elegant details, 5 star services. 1,613SF. Reduced. $2.42M. WEB# 1201366. Margaret H. Bay 212-906-9308
UWS. Excl. Mint 2BR, 2.5 bath prewar with stunning views of Central Park. Herringbone wood flrs, beamed ceilings, oversized windows. A/C and sound system. White glove bldg. $2.395M. WEB# 1210218. Judith A. Furgiuele 212-588-5693
Sutton Place. Excl. Elegant layout and mint condition, CAC, top-of-line eat-in kitchen. Oversized living rm with wbfp. Either 2-3MBR or 2MBR + library, 2.5 bath. New renovation. W/D. Easy move. $2.349M. WEB# 1113977. Mary L. Fitzgibbons 212-906-9259
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Steven Parrino
Rebecca Daniels
Allison Utsch
Alexandra Loeb
Michael Mansur
Katherine Marshall
Elsie Nelson
new york city
the hamptons
pa l m b e a c h
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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PANORAMIC PARK VIEWS
WINDOWS TO THE PARK/3BR/3.5 BATH
MAGNIFICENT DESIGN
UES. Co-excl. Triple mint, sun drenched, PW condop with spectacular Central Park views. Approx 4,300SF gross with 4BR, 5.5 bath, LR, FDR, libr, EIK, W/D. $13.9M. WEB# 1214499. Cathy Franklin 212-906-9236 Alexis Bodenheimer 212-906-9230
Central Park South. Excl. Prewar paradise offers option to create your own apt space. Hampshire House combines old world charm w/modern amenities. Doorman, laundry and health club. $12.5M. WEB# 1216037. Kathy Sloane 212-906-9258
TriBeCa. Excl. 4,200SF exquisitely designed loft w/dramatic 23’ ceils, 3BR, 2.5 bath + home office. Priceless silk walls & wall of glass opens to private 900SF patio. $9M. WEB# 1060870. Craig Filipacchi 212-452-4468 Jacques Foussard 212-452-4475
Talia Kahn
Jacques Foussard
Lisa Vaamonde
BEST OF TWO WORLDS
SPLENDID 72ND STREET
FULL SERVICE CONDO IN TRIBECA
Fifth Ave. Excl. Maisionette combines privacy of townhouse living with the services of a white-glove Co-op. Oversized windows with Central Park views. 3BR, 3.5 bath, chef’s kit. Private garden. $4.5M. WEB# 1223455. Susan Greenfield 212-906-9214
UES. Excl. 8 rms in turn-key condition, gallery open to LR and FDR. Library with bath plus 3MBR with baths. New eat-in kit, laundry, staff rm and bath. Sun all day with open views. Full service, pets ok. $3.9M. WEB# 1219636. Leslie Crossley 212-906-9218
TriBeCa. Excl. Convertible 3BR, 3 bath 2,500+SF at The River Lofts with 10’ ceilings, modern appliances, CAC, W/D, and gorgeous master bedroom suite. $3.65M. WEB# 1196874. Erin Boisson Aries 212-317-3680 Nic Bottero 212-317-3664
Joyce West
Joy Kimmelman
Gary Lacy
TRIPLE MINT AND VIEWS
3 BEDROOM VALUE ON WEST END AVENUE
LIGHT FILLED CLASSIC SIX
Midtown East. Excl. From beautiful gallery to large south living room and dining area. With views, views, views. 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath. Exquisitely appointed. $2.1M. WEB# 1223125. Jessica Ushan 212-906-9325
UWS. Excl. Rare opportunity to create a 3BR, 3 bath apartment on the 10th floor in a prewar Co-op one block from Riverside Park. 24-hour elevator operator and planted roof terrace. $1.95M. WEB# 1213876. Kyle Blackmon 212-588-5648
UWS. Excl. Beautifully renovated home with extensive prewar details, generous open kitchen and dining room, and plentiful windows providing excellent light. $1.925M. WEB# 1205199. James Perez 212-588-5656
Jasna Perucic
Wendy Singer Spotts
new york city
the hamptons
pa l m b e a c h
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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THE WOOLWORTH mANSION OFF FIFTH AVENUE Renovated 35 feet wide, 7 levels, elevator, central air conditioing, approximately 14 foot ceilings, majestic stair, service suite. While the other great mansions that have come on the market in New York have been shells requiring total renovation, this is the only mansion to be formally available that has been fully renovated in a traditional prewar style. Never before could one acquire such a magnificent building in this condition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; truly a rare opportunity not to be missed. For rent at $210,000/month or for sale at $90 million. Web# 1207017
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THE VIEW FROm 15 CENTRAL PARk WEST
Potential perfectly addressed. 25â&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide, prime village block, elevator. Grand scale entertaining rooms and high ceils. Private 2-car garage. Superb. Web# 1196846
Exquisitely renovated 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath majestic residence on a high floor. Soaring panoramas from every room. Approximately 2,800 square feet. Brilliant and bold. Web# 1218090
new york city
the hamptons
pa l m b e a c h
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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F p b W
PAULA DEL NUNZIO Senior Vice President, Managing Director Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker 212-906-9207 pdelnunzio@bhsusa.com
• REPRESENTED THE SELLER OF THE HIGHEST RESIDENTIAL TOWNHOUSE SALE AT $53,000,000 • HIGHEST SELLING RESIDENTIAL TOWNHOUSE FOR THIRD TImE IN PAST FOUR yEARS • SINCE 2006, PAULA HAS SOLD 45 TOWNHOUSES FOR A TOTAL VALUE OF OVER $720,000,000
445 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022
THE RECORD SPEAkS FOR ITSELF
Of the eight largest residential townhouse sales, Paula had represented the seller of seven, the seller and buyer of one, and sold one twice.
THE mODERN TOWNHOUSE
LA ROTONDA IN THE VILLAGE
mORTON SqUARE TOWNHOUSE
Renovated 22 foot carriage house transformed into modern residence of approx 11,000 square feet. Waterfall, spa, gallery, elevator, lot-line windows, high ceilings. Unrivaled. Web# 1192333
Approximately 4,535 square feet, 36’ x 20’ living room, 16 windows, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, high ceilings. Meticulous renovation inspired by villa La Rotonda. Full-service condo in prime Greenwich Village locale. Web# 1039452
Meticulously renovated 3 bedroom plus staff suite townhouse-condo. Hudson River views. Concierge services, health club, and central parking. Exquisite. Web# 1138258
mINT AND mODERN RENOVATION
RESTORATION AT THE OSbORNE
STUyVESANT STREET TOWNHOUSE
Five-story townhouse. Elevator to all floors, garden, parlour terrace, master bedroom terrace, roof garden, 5 bedrooms plus staff suite. Gorgeous, bright, and turn-key. Web# 1129664
Restored and renovated co-op. 13’6” ceilings and dramatic windows in living room, 4 wood burning fireplaces, Poggenpohl chef’s kitchen, central air conditioning. 2 bedrooms, library, 3.5 baths. Expertly finished. Web# 1067608
Superbly proportioned, flooded with light, this approximately 3,380 square foot, 16-foot wide townhouse on landmark block is built 6 levels. Beautiful views. Ready for restoration. Web# 1220335
new york city
the hamptons
pa l m b e a c h
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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Local Experts Worldw ide
MANHATTAN PROPERTIES
TRIPLE MINT PARK AVE PENTHOUSE: Full floor 5-bedroom with wraparound terraces. $25,000,000 WEB: A0017618. Juliette Janssens, 212.606.7670, Allison Koffman, 212.606.7688
GRAND RIVERFRONT MAISONETTE: Beekman
485 PARK AVE: Elegant 11-room pre war co-op
Pl. townhouse lifestyle, River views, large terrace and full service, 4 bedrooms, 3 fireplaces. $10,750,000 WEB: A0017605. Roger Erickson, 212.606.7612
situated on a high floor featuring large bright rooms. 3 bedrooms, 51⁄2 baths. $10,000,000 WEB: A0017498. B. Boalt, 212.606.7702, S.Boardman,212.606.7611
150 CPS: Remarkable opportunity to own the penthouse in one of Manhattan’s finest prewar buildings. Spectacular Central Park views. $7,950,000 WEB: A0017515. Robin Rothman, 212.606.7751
PREWAR PENTHOUSE: Sprawling 5 bedrooms, 6½ baths triplex with sun-flooded terraces and open city views. $5,950,000 WEB: A0017578. M. Smith, 212.606.7683, J. Hascoe, 212.606.7695
180 EAST 79TH STREET: Grand prewar home.
THE EMPIRE – 188 EAST 78TH STREET: Lightflooded, corner condo with 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, 9’ ceilings, bay windows. Broker Owner. $2,950,000 WEB: A0017598. Gillian Friedman, 212.606.7637
PLAZA HOTEL CONDO: The Rose Suite.
DUPLEX AT THE PYTHIAN: Bright open city views. 1,400± sq ft prewar condo with flexible layout. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 16’ ceilings. $1,995,000 WEB: A0017619. Kathy Hoffman Linburn, 212.606.7791
CO-OP LOFT: Very bright 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with home office, 10’5” ceilings home. Modern kitchen, open living room. $1,975,000 WEB: A0017594. Martine Capdevielle, 212.400.8702
180 RIVERSIDE DRIVE: Very large Classic 6 prewar co-op with Riverside Park views. $1,900,000 WEB: A0017615. Gabriele Devlin, 212.606.7729, Lee Summers, 212.606.7789
Completely furnished, south facing 1 bedroom. Perfect pied-a-terre. $2,250,000 WEB: A0017593. T. Model, 212.606.7740, C. Leavitt, 212.606.7720
Sunken living room, library, formal dining room, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths. $4,995,000 WEB: A0017601. P. Hogan, 212.606.7767, C. Daly, 212.606.7758
1725 YORK AVENUE: Spectacular river and city views from all rooms from this high floor, spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. $1,150,000 WEB: A0017590. Phyllis Gallaway, 212.606.7678
MANHATTAN BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/nyc EAST SIDE 38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 DOWNTOWN 379 WEST BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10012 T 212.431.2440 F 212.431.2441 Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Street in Saintes-Maries, used with permission.
PA R K A V E N U E PENTHOUSE
Triple Mint Park Avenue Penthouse: Full floor 5 bedroom penthouse in a prewar coop with wraparound terraces showcasing iconic views. Total renovation just finished, featuring top-of-the-line finishes and technology. A dramatic gallery leads to a large living room with fireplace, a dining room, bar/butler’s pantry, media room, full bath & office/guest room. Access the large entertaining terraces from every room. Solarium style gourmet eat-in kitchen with staffroom & laundry rooms. Family room leads to master suite with luxurious bath, fireplace and private terrace. 3 additional bedrooms with terraces & two baths. Crestron system for automated climate control, humidification, shades, lighting and A/V equipment. Private elevator landings, custom windows/doors, skylights, wide plank white oak floors,Venetian plaster walls, and 10’ ceilings. WEB: NYO0017618. EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE I sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 JULIETTE JANSSENS, Senior Vice President, Associate Broker I 212.606.7670 juliette.janssens@sothebyshomes.com ALLISON KOFFMAN, Senior Vice President, Associate Broker I 212.606.7688 allison.koffman@sothebyshomes.com Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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a TRue Real eSTaTe pROFeSSIONal
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Dedicated to the extraordinary. The exceptional. The unique.
the ePitome of traditional luXurY BridGehamPton, nY
$9,995,000*
eXQuisite GamBrel mill Pond Water mill, nY
$5,395,000*
Christina Galesi, Vice President, has been with Sotheby’s International Realty since 1999. Among the 46,000 sales associates across all NRT brands, including Sotheby’s International Realty, Corcoran, Coldwell Banker, ERA and Century 21, Christina Galesi ranks among the top 2% of the company’s entire sales force. Christina focuses on selling high-end proper ties and has a history of negotiating record-breaking waterfront sales. Examples include prestigious Southampton waterfront properties with prices ranging from $18 million to $29.9 million. Having just sold a stunning Sagaponack proper ty with the last asking price of $14,900,000, currently in just the months of April and May 2011, she has an additional $15 million in sale properties in contract and sold as well as more than $1 million in rental deals fully executed.
Beautiful traditional on a 22 acre reserve 3000 sq.ft. traditional. Beautiful sunset views. Four bedrooms, 4.5 baths, media room, heated gunite pool, tennis. $3,195,000. WeB: 0054334
1780’s farmhouse & Barn, Water mill On 1.1 acres plus 200 yr. old restored and updated potato barn. Five bedrooms, 7.5 baths, fireplaces, library, offices, studios gunite pool and pool house. $3,995,000. WeB: 0055012
BriGht and BeachY modern farmhouse, saGaPonacK Designer built and owned bordering a 300 acre preserve. Five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, chic details, finished lower level, heated gunite pool. $2,495,000. WeB:0054291 * last asking price
CHRISTINA GALESI, VICE PRESIDENT christina.galesi@sothebyshomes.com C 917.969.0532 SOUTHAMPTON BROKERAGE l sothebyshomes.com/hamptons 50 NugeNT STReeT, SOuThampTON, NY 11968 T 631.283.0600 F 631.283.0921 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated.
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REAL ESTATE
2011 YEARBOOK SOME OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS SHARE THEIR WISDOM ON THE CURRENT MARKET AND THE FUTURE OF NEW YORK REAL ESTATE
JANUARY 2010 路 AVENUE MAGAZINE | 77
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
richard steinberg, warburg realty partnership Senior Managing Director
Q:
A: WARBURG REALTY PARTNERSHIP 212.439.5183 rjsteinberg@warburgrealty.com
What experience do you bring to the table? Twenty years of negotiating, combined with an honest, straightforward dialogue with clients that allows them to trust me. What does it take to be a top broker? Tenacity, courage and a passion for real estate. In what direction are prices headed? Up, up, up! Is this a good time to buy? What advice would you offer to potential buyers? It is a great time to buy, unless you are stuck with a ceiling on your mortgage—flexibility rules the game, and cash buyers are still way out ahead.
78 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
Have you noticed an increase in foreign investors? Yes, by 50 percent. Have you noticed any trends in what is selling? Properties in mint condition are still—and will always be—the easiest properties to sell; you do not need to have a vision. What is your dream project? I am working on it now, but cannot talk about it at the request of the developer. Trust me, it is big and has not been done in 50 years! What’s the most exciting change you’ve noticed lately? Every day is exciting and changes in real estate—that is why I love it so much!
Senior Vice President and Managing Director
Q:
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
paula del nunzio, brown harris stevens
A:
BROWN HARRIS STEVENS 212.906.9207 ■ pdelnunzio@bhsusa.com
Are you currently representing anything very unique or newsworthy? The Woolworth Mansion at 4 E. 80th Street is the most remarkable property on the market today, as the amazing fact is that it still contains all the original detail created in 1910 by the illustrious architect C.P.H. Gilbert, and that irreplaceable historical detail has been painstakingly restored with the addition of all modern systems. That combination of restoration and renovated condition has never before been available for sale in New York. With approximately 20,000 total square feet of astonishingly grand scale rooms, its asking price of $90 million represents $4,500 per square foot for a
35-foot wide renovated limestone mansion literally steps from Fifth Avenue and Central Park. In what direction are prices headed? As has been the case in good markets and bad, properties with unique characteristics marketed in a manner that draws the buyers seeking those specific characteristics will always sell, as buyers of residential properties bring an emotional component to their purchase that can produce inexplicable results. From a historical perspective, prices in Manhattan have, despite temporary periods of decline, tended to increase over time. And John Paulson recently pointed out that residential real estate is “a spectacular hedge against inflation.”
JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 79
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
inez s. wade, stribling & associates, ltd. Senior Vice President
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? Actually, there were two recent sales on the Upper East Side— one on Park Avenue and one on Fifth Avenue—of which I am most proud. Both are located in co-ops and the selling prices achieved were significantly higher than those that would have been realized at the height of the market. Needless to say, the sellers were most pleased. Have you noticed any trends in what is selling? People are opting to purchase renovated properties. Unlike previous markets, there is significantly less appetite for renovation. The discount for an un-renovated property is typically greater than the cost of completing the work. There are opportunities in the market for those who are willing to purchase properties that require work. In addition, buyers are increasingly asking for condominium properties, where the board scrutiny process is not as burdensome. However, that comes with a price, as condominiums are typically more expensive than equivalent co-operative homes. Also, there are some locations, such as Fifth and Park Avenues or the West Village, where there is ordinarily a more limited inventory of condominium properties. Is this a good time to buy? What advice would you offer to potential buyers? Yes, it is certainly a good time to make a purchase. Overall, prices are lower than prior to the September 2008 decline. Moreover, there are always opportunities in any market, properties that are of special value and those that are very well priced. My advice to those making a purchase is to avoid buying a property with a significant flaw that cannot be corrected; that flaw will always impact a future sale. A buyer needs to remember that most often their future profit is made at the time of purchase. And, of course, location, location, location! What are you most proud of in your professional career? Twenty years ago, I established an endowment in cancer research in memory of my brother at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where I am a board member of the Abramson Cancer Center. I support that endowment through my real estate sales, by donating significant portions of my commissions to cancer research. Additionally, I have maintained a consistently high performance record in sales—both as an exclusive broker and as the representative of buyers—without compromising my integrity and sense of fair play. There is nothing that is more important to me professionally than my reputation.
80 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
Q:
A:
STRIBLING & ASSOCIATES, LTD. 212.452.4439 ■ iwade@stribling.com
Senior Vice President
Q:
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
nikki field, sotheby’s international realty
A:
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 212.606.7669 ■ nikki.field@sothebyshomes.com www.nikkifield.com
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? A triple sale/triple rental deal with a European investor who purchased a high-end condo for income and appreciation potential. Within weeks of the closing, I placed a qualified tenant, who—after two months of occupancy—made my owner a significant offer for purchase. The principle and profit from that sale were used to double-down on 2 more trophy properties, and both are now available for rental: a 5-bedroom, loft-style, furnished home at The Lucida for $35,000 monthly and a Didier Lorence-designed and furnished 3-bedroom at One Beacon Court for $50,000 monthly. What do you think is on the horizon for the real estate market in your area this coming year? Amped up foreign investment. The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) Survey recently ranked U.S. real estate as “Most Desired Amongst Foreign Investors,” and ranked New York City as “Top Global City for Real Estate Investment.” When asked which country provided the best opportunity for capital appreciation related to real estate investments, an astounding 65 percent of those surveyed answered the United States. This was a drastic increase over the mere 26 percent of the vote received in 2006 during a time when the U.S. real estate market was at its peak. For sake of comparison, in 2009, New York City finished behind London globally and Washington, D.C., nationally. It is clear that the New York market is the targeted area for the non-U.S. investor.
In what direction are prices headed? I am currently seeing market stabilization, especially on the high end, with gradual price increases becoming substantial as inventory declines and economic conditions improve. If you are looking for a prime property, this is definitely the time to buy. In my opinion, prices for high-end residences are still rising. Have you noticed an increase in foreign investors? I traveled to China last month to build on Sotheby’s’ growing business with international investors. The emerging elite in Beijing and Shanghai are particularly interested in acquiring Manhattan residential real estate. The Chinese appetite for Manhattan is exploding. International buyers consider the New York market a stronger investment opportunity than other world capitals. A recent International Herald Tribune survey determined that residential values in Manhattan are 18 percent below London, 54 percent below Moscow and a whopping 94 percent below Hong Kong. It is not surprising that the Chinese are taking advantage of current market conditions here. Why this focus on Manhattan when there are better prices in other U.S. markets? Use and familiarity. Many international investors are following their children here, who are flooding school and university campuses along the East Coast. These buyers are purchasing homes for personal use, proximity to the schools and prime investment opportunities. They find that conditions in the Manhattan market are much healthier than most of the country, thereby providing purchase incentive along with income and investment security.
JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 81
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
lisa lippman, brown harris stevens Senior Vice President, Director
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? The first half of this year has been really productive and very gratifying. I have gotten excellent prices for my sellers and have found the “perfect” homes for my buyers. My job feels most successful when I feel that my clients are happy, and so far, this year has been rewarding. What do you think is on the horizon for the real estate market in your area this coming year? I think the market will continue to strengthen. It will happen at a slower pace than we have seen in the past (pre-spring 2008), but nevertheless at a solid speed. New York is the safest, most exciting and friendliest city in the world, and I truly believe that our real estate market reflects that. People want to live here and they want to invest here. In what direction are prices headed? Up, steady and slowly. Is this a good time to buy? What advice would you offer to potential buyers? I think it’s a great time to buy. Prices are just starting to come up again, but we have not regained the loss of 2008/2009, so there is real value and the interest rates are still so amazingly low. Buyers should educate themselves and be ready to bid, quickly and seriously, if they see a property they like. There is a lot of competition again.
Q:
A:
BROWN HARRIS STEVENS 212.588.5606 ■ llippman@bhsusa.com
82 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
Have you noticed an increase in foreign investors? Yes, and from new and interesting places. What’s the most exciting change you’ve noticed lately? People are excited about real estate again. Most of the naysayers are gone and people are really happy to buy real estate and are enjoying the process. Perhaps because we have more of an even playing field (it’s neither a buyer’s or a seller’s market; it’s both), but I think that buying and selling real estate—for principles and brokers alike—is really a lot of fun again. Are you currently representing anything very unique or newsworthy? Right now, I have five properties on the market with private outdoor spaces, and I’m about to list three more. Outdoor space has become something people really want. For some buyers, it’s that extra special feature that makes their home more unique and exciting. For others, it’s a way to enjoy outdoor living without having to own a weekend home, too. What are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of my ability to juggle my career and my family and friends, and also of all the repeat and referral business I have.
Senior Vice President
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? Tyndal Point, without a doubt. I wound up selling my 55-acre waterfront listing, most recently listed at $44.99 million, to a South Florida businessman who responded to one of my ads. With all the time and effort spent on marketing this very complicated property, including a number of years of the seller trying to get subdivision approvals, the sale boiled down to someone who liked what he saw and wanted the property, as is, for him and his growing family. The 82-year-old seller, who had spent his summers here as a youth, had always hoped that it would go to a family, so it was a great situation all around.
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
gary depersia, the corcoran group
What experience do you bring to the table? Buying, selling, renting or investing in the Hamptons requires someone who knows how to navigate the complicated transactional waters. With more than 15 years of experience, the first decade spent with the legendary Allan Schneider Associates, I can guide those looking to achieve such goals on the East End. With a marketing budget second to none and four full-time assistants, sellers in particular know that they will get the most exposure and the greatest care with me. In what direction are prices headed? Up. I think the resurgence of activity—including bidding wars, spec building and land sales—affirms the fact that buyers recognize the market is heading back up and now is their opportunity to secure a property at a price that might elude them in the next few years. Are you currently representing anything very unique or newsworthy? Sagaponack Greens has been one of the most successful projects I have ever been involved with. Purchased in 2005 by the a group of investors led by real estate visionary Alan Schnurman, the 40-acre property near the ocean in Sagaponack was subdivided into 8 lots and a 25-acre reserve. Once I became involved in the listing, four lots went quickly to contract and recently three more lots have found owners, with interest brewing on the reserve as well. In fact, the project has proven so successful that the sellers have decided to keep the remaining lot on which to build a substantial house, pool, pool house and tennis court, which we will put on the market for sale. What are you most proud of in your professional career? That people know my name. After working more or less anonymously in another industry for 20-plus years, the recognition I now get within the Hampton real estate community is confirmation that my efforts have been successful. It took me nearly 18 months to sell my first house, but since then I have been involved in many benchmark sales, including Tyndal Point—which remains the highest price ever paid for a residential property north of the highway, and the largest transaction so far this year throughout the Hamptons.
Q:
A:
THE CORCORAN GROUP 516.380.0538 ■ gdp@corcoran.com
JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 83
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
carol t. nobbs, prudential douglas elliman LBA Vice President, Chairman’s Circle & Fine Homes Specialist
Q:
What is the most exciting part of your job? Seeing all the properties and meeting new people. I enjoy meeting individuals from all walks of life, which being a broker allows me to do. Over the years, I have met and represented real estate developers, cosmetic dentists, surgeons, music moguls and fashion and Wall Street professionals. I would not have met all of these interesting people had it not been for my real estate career!
A:
What makes you a top broker? You have to love what you do. Knowing the inventory positions me to be a “matchmaker”—matching the right property with the right person. Establishing credibility is very important. Be honest, listen, then meet the customer’s needs. This starts a snowball effect of referrals from their friends and business associates.
PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN 631.204.2714 ■ cnobbs@elliman.com
paula i. hathaway, prudential douglas elliman Senior Vice President
Q:
A:
PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN 631.204.2712 ■ paula.hathaway@elliman.com
84 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
What do you think is on the horizon for the real estate market in your area this coming year ? The Hamptons real estate market is very robust in new construction, with prices coming in at record highs. I think new homes will remain strong into the fall and 2012. Is this a good time to buy? What advice would you offer to potential buyers? Investors, especially from Wall Street, are buying houses to counter-balance other investments. Real estate is the “tangible asset” needed in all healthy portfolios. What are you most proud of in your professional career? My proudest moment in the 18 years I have been in real estate came when I sold one of my Southampton Village oceanfront listings and did both sides of the transaction.
Vice President
What was your biggest deal or most successful project this year? So far, the year has been intense and high-paced—especially with the Hamptons luxury market in such robust health. The largest sales transaction, and perhaps the most noteworthy, was the sale of a Hamptons estate with a national profile owned by a leading television personality. It was originally priced at $16.1 million, but came back on the market at a discounted price. My buyers dropped everything, flew up here, were first in the door and made a full-price offer. Despite a competitive rush at the last minute, their bid prevailed. How do you distinguish yourself from other brokers? I specialize in matching buyers and sellers with high-end properties. I have established my career over the last 12 years with a history of negotiating record-breaking waterfront sales in the Hamptons, ranging from $7.5 million to $29.9 million. Whether it’s developing a cutting-edge marketing campaign for a seller or reaching out through my relationships to identify properties that are not even formally on the market, it’s this kind of outside-the-box thinking that my clients really appreciate. They know they can reach me at any time, no matter what time zone they are in. They trust my taste and my opinion and say that I am always positive and fun to work with. But more than anything else, clients value my honesty. I always tell them what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. I’m in this business for the long haul, so I pride myself not on my yearly income, but on my reputation. Who is buying in the Hamptons right now? Buyers are very savvy and have been waiting and watching since 2007. Though sales picked up in 2010, buyers have needed full confirmation that the market has hit bottom before they invest. The tide has turned. Not only is Wall Street buying, so are the residential developers, building on spec. However the majority of properties that are trading are those that are priced at, or close to, market value. What does it take to be a top broker? Experience. The purchase or sale of a home or investment property is one of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples’ lives, so it is critical to have a seasoned, hardworking and connected real estate agent to navigate you through the entire process. A top broker knows the market, is super organized, honest, analytical and a tough negotiator who understands the process, what can go wrong and how to solve the issues that arise. A top broker has established the relationships that can connect you with the right referrals to make the process as smooth as possible. A top broker has brought buyers and seller to the table over and over again, year after year. This is what I do, and I love it.
Q:
A:
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 917.969.0532 christina.galesi@sothebyshomes.com
JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 85
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
christina galesi, sotheby’s international realty
S T R I B L I N G
New 5BR at the Chatham. One-of-a-kind 5 bedroom plus a large playroom. Sparkling open city views from the 19th floor at 181 East 65th Street. There is a corner living rm, formal dining rm, eat-in kitchen & luxurious private master bedroom suite. Equinox gym included. $8.9M. Web #1221650. Alexa Lambert 212-452-4408/Marc Achilles 452-4396
Grand Apartment on Fifth Avenue with Private Address. 5BR home exquisitely renovated with highest quality workmanship in the finest Italian-Renaissance-style bldg by McKim, Mead & White. Elegant & comfortable living, soaring 14 foot ceilings, light, 2 wood-burning fireplaces, state-of-art systems. $17.5M. Web #1204578. C.Eland 212-452-4384
Just Reduced! Classic 8 Rm on Fifth Avenue with 4 Major Rms Facing Central Park. Views from the 12th floor. LR with WBFP, formal DR, 3BRs, 2.5 bths, windowed eat-in kitch & laundry rm. Full service prewar apt with herringbone floors, high ceilings & period details. Quite elegant & priced well. $4.495M. Web #1216461. Cathy Taub 212-452-4387
STRIBLING A Privately Held Brokerage Firm
Is Now In Association With
Exquisite Five Bedroom. East 72nd. Wonderful 9 room apartment has a spacious MBR suite & 3-4 additional bedrooms. The elegant double living room & sophisticated library both have wood-burning fireplaces & the formal dining room is perfect for larger-scale entertaining. $5.49M. Web #1166068. K.Henckels 212-452-4402/J.Callahan 646-613-7063
Fantastic Prewar Terraced 2 Bedroom on Fifth Avenue and East 74th Street. So rare people stop thinking they can find it! Wonderful, charming 2 bedroom and 2 bath with a working fireplace, lovely terrace, side Central Park and postcard city views. Doorman building. Co-exclusive. $3.15M. Web #1215874. Alexa Lambert 917-403-8819
Stribling.com
AVE0611_Stribling.indd 1
Distinguished Residences Worldwide 200 Offices and 48 Countries Globally
Exceptional Park Ave Home. This elegant, light & spacious 8-into-7 room is in one of NYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most distinguished prewar buildings between 63rd & 64th Streets. High ceilings, a grand gallery, large LR with WBFP, formal DR, library, 2 MBRs, 3 baths, office & large kitchen, in excellent condition. $4.85M. Web #1201862. C.Eland 212-452-4384/E.Hanna 452-4404
STRIBLING
Perfect Nine at 1120 Park Ave. Renov designers home. Semi-private landing. Gracious gallery. Wood-paneled LR with WBFP & wood-paneled library. FDR, hi ceils, arch detail, grand scale, MBR + 2BRs, staff BR, 4 baths, laundry rm & windowd EIK. Quality & comfort. FS bldg with gym & storage. Pets allowed. $6.195M. Web #1216850. B.Evans-Butler 212-452-4391
Elegant Condo Living on the UES. Luxurious 5 room, 2BR, 1681 sf, beautifully proportioned apt on E 78th has 9 ft ceils & open city views from which you can see Central Park. Grac foyer leads into LR & DRs, 2.5 marble bths & corner MBR w/oversized windowed bth. 2nd BR w/wall of built-ins, windowed top-of-line kit. $2.55M. Web #1224421. G.Fein 452-4386
The Right Broker Makes All the Difference
5/20/11 1:04 PM
S T R I B L I N G
It is All About the Views... 4000 Square Feet on Central Park. At the glorious Essex House. 2000 sf of which is a terr to entertain or have breakfast with most spectacular views. Full-size kitchen, 2BRs + library, 3 full bths & oversized living room & dining areas, solarium & more. $8.995M. Web #1224677. C.Serrano 212-585-4571/H.Lawrence 212-585-4572
Central Park West Trophy, Entire Tower Floor. Panoramic views in 4 directions from this prewar co-op. A magical night time perch for grand entertaing. Living rm, dining rm, library, 2-4BRs (flexible plan) & 4 baths. The Majestic, white glove building at West 72nd/CPW with gym & gardens. $16.9M. Web #1183380. R.Arons 452-4360/C.Taub 452-4387
Beyond Replication. This home at the famed Osborne 205 West 57th Street, has 12 rooms, 7 bedrooms, 34 foot living room, library & formal dining room. Ceilings rise to 14 feet. Original details intact. New windows. Four fireplaces. Central air conditioning. Washer/dryer. Pets okay. New to the market. $6.9M. Web #1221469. Victoria Ghilaga 212-452-4392
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Park Block Beauty. West 92nd Street. Four story, 20 foot wide brownstone with a 50 foot garden. Currently configured as a grand two bedroom ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duplex with two wood-burning fireplaces. There are four income-producing one bedroom apartments on the two floors above. $3.75M. Web #1217250. Robert Faust 646-613-2618
Large Sun-Drenched 1BR Condo. Escape into this exquisite 1BR oasis w/ample closet space & south expos. Steps from Lincoln Center, Trader Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & express trains, this FS condo offers the ultimate convenience, complimented by vast amenities & superior service. $845K. Web #1220653. K.Meem 212-452-4415/S.Meem 646-613-2760
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Midtown Oasis. West 36th. Sprawling 3200 sf original loft in a 1920s converted bldg on high floor with lots of light, NSW exposures & 600 sf south terrace with Empire State Bldg views. Small studio unit for income or use full space. 11 ft ceils, concrete floors. 2 passenger + 1 freight elevators, 3 baths & sauna. $2.375M. Web #1174056. P.Browne 646-613-2718
STRIBLING
Rare Prewar Condo on WEA at 92nd Street. Classic 6.5 rms, 1838 square feet, flexible layout with designer potential. Light from 3 exposures through 14 windows, 3 baths, 3 entrances, large foyer, formal DR & LR. Full service building, investment potential. $2.139M. $2235 CC & taxes. Web #1189369. Dan Critchett 800-759-0029
Upscale. Downtown. 52 Thomas. This 2422 square foot, 3 bedroom penthouse features 2 private terraces that total over 1000 square feet, dramatic southeast-facing living room surrounded by curved glass atrium wall, wood-burning fireplace and expansive skylight. AG File #CD06-006. $3.25M. Web #1192439. Michael Chapman 646-613-2613
Uptown: 924 Madison Avenue / 212-570-2440 Downtown: 340 West 23rd Street / 212-243-4000 Tribeca: 32 Avenue of the Americas / 212-941- 8420
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Summer Preview
SINGULAR SENSATION ON FIFTH
HEAVENLY TERRACE VIEWS
STUNNING DUPLEX
Fifth Avenue. Annabelle Selldorf designed high flr duplex co-op. Lux loft-like LR/DR with panoramic views of Central Park, 6 BRs, 6 baths, 3 setback terraces, 4 expos, F/S bldg. $15.3M WEB# 2179897
Fifth Ave. 4 BR/4 bath Museum Mile penthouse jewel with dream terrace and staggering views. Sun-filled duplex apartment with private elevator landing. N, S & E exposures. $7.5M WEB# 2163164
68th St at Park/Lexington. Magnificent home at the Milan House offers 4 BR suites, 5.5 baths, lib, chef’s eat-in kitchen, wood burning fireplace, formal DR, flawless reno. $6.25M WEB# 2169541
Deborah Grubman 212.836.1055
Barbara Brewster 212.605.9229
Maria Pashby 212.893.1436
ONE-OF-A-KIND DUPLEX
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E 71st St/5th Ave. New to market. Central Park views, light & space. 3 BR, 4.5 bath, chef’s kitchen, library, home office, 2 WBFPs in F/S lux co-op. Pets & pied-a-terres OK. $6.2M WEB# 2186913
WEA. 8 rooms. Huge entry leads to gorgeous 4 BR, 3 bath home with spacious LR & elegant DR. New granite eat-in Kit, staff room/office. Full service building with doorman. $3.995M WEB# 2178088
E 80s. 6 rooms, 3 BRs. Rare chance. Steal huge 3 BR, 3 bath, mint & sunny, best layout. Large rms, gallery, LR, DR, eat-in granite Kit. $300 garage in bldg. Best full service bldg. $2.695M WEB# 2172625
Patricia Cliff 212.836.1063
Eileen Mintz 212.572.3183
Suzanne Turkewitz 212.821.9139
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Chelsea. 1,430 SF+/-, 2 BR/2 bath, full service condo w/doorman & live-in super. Chef’s Kit, 10’+ ceils, floor-to-ceil windows & full city views. In-house gym, roof deck & more. $1.895M WEB# 2165559
E 50s/Beekman. Extraordinary loft-like penthouse, 2,700 SF+/- terrace, perfect for entertaining. Grand LR w/WBFP, 12’ ceil, prvt elev landing, panoramic river & city views. Lux FSB. $1.75M WEB# 2159091
E 79th St. Best value: jumbo prewar 1 BR/1 bath, top location, fab light & views, WBFP, pin-drop quiet, an elegant & charm classic with windowed kitchen & bath. Won’t last. $695K WEB# 2171847
J. Gasdaska 212.821.9138, J. Conlon 212.508.7162
Joan C. Billick 212.848.0474
Rhea F. Stein 212.836.1047
Search by WEB# on Equal Housing Opportunity. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker. Owned and operated by NRT LLC.
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luxury
Feast on the East End Chef Marcus Samuelsson
Dan’s Taste of Two Forks brings together the Hamptons’ finest chefs for a memorable al fresco event that is guaranteed to nourish both body and soul
90 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
MARCUS SAMUELSSON: PAUL BRISSMAN
W
ith its myriad of amazing restaurants and eclectic cuisine, Long Island’s East End is as much a summer destination for its fine dining as its fresh air and ocean views. Each year, discerning folks flock to enjoy this seaside community and the bounty of local food and wine it offers. So it’s no wonder that an upcoming celebration of the Hamptons’ most heralded restaurants, wineries and premiere local purveyors has become one of the most anticipated events of the season. On the evening of July 16 at Sayre Park in Bridgehampton, the first annual Dan’s Taste of Two Forks will bring the area’s finest food and wine offerings together under one elegant tent for an unprecedented presentation of the East End’s culinary delights. Presented by preeminent Hamptons weekly newspaper Dan’s Papers and produced by its new owner, AVENUE publisher Manhattan Media, in conjunction with the production team Agency 21, the event will feature the gastronomic feats of more than 40 favorite restaurants and a selection from the finest wineries on Long Island’s North and South Forks. Tickets for this enticing display of food and wine went on sale in early May, with a VIP package including a special champagne reception to whet the appetite. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local food pantries through Have a Heart Community Trust. This charitable organization supports non-profit initiatives focused on providing social support to the community, and it has inspired notable food lovers to bring their own epicurean sensibilities to Taste of Two Forks’ table. Acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson, of Red Rooster in Harlem and other tasty spots around the world, will host the night’s festivities. In addition to opening a slew of successful restaurants, Samuelsson has appeared on
“I love his Red Rooster restaurant in New York, and now he’s involved with Blue Parrot in the Hamptons . . . I can’t wait to be in his presence and maybe get a few recipes.” —Rosanna Scotto on Chef Marcus Samuelsson
JAMESPORT MANOR INN: THERESA WELLS; LT BURGER: ERIC STRIFFLER; ROSANNA SCOTTO: FOX TELEVISION STATIONS
Top: The North Fork’s Jamesport Manor Inn will be cooking up luscious sweets like this strawberry shortcake Bottom: The Harbor’s LT Burger will be offering its namesake dish
television shows centered around culinary competitions—you know him from Bravo’s “Top Chef” and the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”—and started the men’s website Food Republic. With a deep understanding of food culture and a natural ability to communicate it across various platforms, Samuelsson is most excited by Taste of Two Forks’ laid-back environment and the idea of guests getting to mingle with participating chefs. “There’s always so much going on in the Hamptons each summer,” he says. “It’s a very highend clientele out East, but they’re a little bit more casual. In the city, they’re busier. This is a chance for chefs to interact with customers in a softer way.” Samuelsson will be helped out by Master of Ceremonies Rosanna Scotto. The Fox 5 anchor and “Good Day New York” co-host whips up dishes every week with chefs from the tri-state area in her Good Day Café segments. Dining has always been a family affair for this newswoman, who leaves Manhattan—where her parents own Fresco by Scotto in Midtown—each summer for the East End.
“I love Marcus’ Red Rooster restaurant,” Scotto gushes. “And now he’s involved with Blue Parrot in the Hamptons. He is the quintessential chef, and I can’t wait to be in his presence and maybe get a few recipes.” Also in attendance will be chefs from Blue Parrot, Almond, Starr Boggs, Fresno, LT Burger, La Plage, Mosaic, Luce & Hawkins, Nick & Toni’s, Savanna’s, Serafina, Southfork Kitchen, the Montauk Yacht Club and Vine Street Café, plus many others involved in Taste of Two Forks. As a regular at several of these spots, Scotto can assure that an unforgettable night is in store. “This will be such a fun night in the Hamptons, giving everybody a little taste of what’s going on in their neighborhood,” she says. “Raising money to help the people in our area who really don’t have the necessities and basics to get by in life is a priority. I spend a lot of time out on the East End, and whenever we can, we love to give back and help the people in the area.” As the first food festival of its kind to showcase the high caliber of culinary talent found on the East End, Taste of Two Forks is expected to bring a great deal of exposure to the chefs and restaurants involved and yield a substantial charitable contribution to the community. “I’m hoping that we get a lot of people from Long Island, the Hamptons, New York and Connecticut,” Scotto says. “It’s going to be a chance to
Rosanna Scotto, “Good Day New York” co-host
sample some of the wonderful cuisine from the finest chefs in the area. This is a great place, all under one roof, to taste the best they have to offer. You’ll leave not only feeling like you nourished your body, but that you’ve nourished your soul as well because you’re helping so many other people who are less fortunate.” —Jordan Galloway ✦
Dan’s Taste of Two Forks July 16, 2011 154 Snake Hollow Road Bridgehampton, N.Y. 11932 www.tasteoftwoforks.com 6:30-7:30 p.m. VIP Champagne Reception 7:30-10:00 p.m. General Admission
One of the many vineyards on Long Island’s North Fork
JUNE 2011 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 91
dining
Nuela Restaurant in the Flatiron District
South of the Border Nuela Restaurant brings a taste of South America to the Flatiron District
S
tepping into Nuela Restaurant on 24th Street in the restaurants around the world is indicative of what Schop sees as Flatiron District is like being transported to the sights, South America’s steadily elevating relevance to international cuisine. sounds and smells of South America—no passport or “I really believe it should be the next great cuisine,” he says. “It’s plane ticket required. The 200-seat space is a complete all pretty amazing. They have the Amazon, which provides sensory experience, with Latin lounge music and a blood-orange ingredients that nowhere else in the country provides. They have interior accentuated by verdant hues as lush as those of the fruits and vegetables and onions and potatoes that nobody else Amazon Rain Forest—the design work of Angel Sanchez and has. They’re probably the most up-and-coming food region, with Christopher Coleman. Nuela, the latest diverse geography, of any place I can Nuevo Latin offering from owner and think of.” entrepreneur Jaime Diaz, introduces Schop’s taken several trips to South New York City to some of South America over the past few years—and America’s best-kept culinary secrets. is going back to Peru in mid-June as “We want to make you feel at home, well—in order to fill Nuela’s menu with as if you were hosted by a South refined interpretations of primarily American family,” says Columbian-born Peruvian dishes. He assures diners that Diaz of the restaurant’s concept. Nuela is the closest they will get to South “Regardless of if you’re in Brazil, Peru, American fine dining without crossing Argentina or Columbia, you will always the border. feel how warm and friendly South “The most import aspect about American families are and how traveling to these places is that you get hospitable they make you feel.” a truthfulness and authenticity of the Nuela rolled out its welcome mat last culture, which transfers directly to the August, and has been inviting guests to food,” Schop says. “We’re using the very sample the exotic creations of best ingredients that we can source, Executive Chef Adam Schop ever since. and we’re presenting them in a way The menu centers around a ceviche that’s engaging and challenging to bar—the classic Latin American modern, sophisticated diners in New seafood dish accented with citrus juice York City.” It’s an experience Nuela offers and chili peppers. Its increasing one savory mouthful of South American South American fare at Neula includes flavor-filled dishes like this Arroz con Pato presence on the menus of fine-dining cuisine at a time. ✦
92 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
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Broker Portfolio Some of those who hold the keys to the most coveted real estate in New York
Properties of the Month A selection of deluxe residences in New York and beyond Brown Harris Stevens RENAISSANCE REVIVAL MANSION Perfectly situated just off Fifth Avenue on East 95th Street, this magnificent, sun-drenched 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath, Renaissance Revival mansion was built by renowned architect Henry Anderson in 1899. With the original exquisite details intact, this residence has been impeccably renovated to seamlessly incorporate an elevator and state-of-the-art technology. With a south-facing garden, two terraces and a stunning roof deck, the home is ideal for entertaining. Co-exclusive. $26 million. Please call Cathy Franklin at 212.906.9236 or Alexis Bodenheimer at 212.906.9230.
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94 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
ELEGANCE REDEFINED Located just 30 minutes from Manhattan in Montclair, N.J., Highwall—a majestic, 21-room English Manor built in 1928—features 8 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 6 fireplaces, balcony library, grand living room, his and her offices, wine cellar and gracefully landscaped gardens. The property is positioned on 1.7 acres at the brow of the Watchung Mountains with an unobstructed view of New York City. Bordering a protected natural reservation, this property provides total privacy for its 10,600 square feet of stately living, pool and tennis court. $3.95 million. Please call Andrée W. Bertsche at 973.769.0101.
Photo Credit: Alexander Armster-Wikoff
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A copy of our annual financial report may be obtained from The Fresh Air Fund, 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212) 897-8900 or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. ©2009 The Fresh Air Fund
the world according to . . .
ELIE TAHARI AVENUE’s back-page column asks New York notables our version of the questionnaire made famous by Marcel Proust
B
efore Elie Tahari became a New York success story, he was just a kid growing up in politically-turbulent Israel. In 1972, not even 20 years old, Tahari emigrated to the United States with less than $100 in his pocket. Before too long, he was learning the ins and outs of the fashion retail business at a Greenwich Village boutique. Flash-forward to 1974, and Tahari had become one of the first fashion designers to open a store on Madison Avenue. Since then, Agyness Deyn, Daria Werbowy and Eugenia Volodina have all modeled for his eponymous line, and Tahari’s luxurious fashions can be found in more than 40 countries. Fashion designer Elie Tahari
The opportunity to make what I wanted out of my life.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DINNER PARTNER(S)?
My kids! Jeremy and Zoe.
AT WHAT ADDRESS WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NEW YORK CLICHÉ? LEAST FAVORITE?
Right where I am now on Central Park West. I love looking out on the park every morning.
Favorite: “The city that never sleeps.” Least favorite: that New Yorkers are mean; we are actually very nice and even helpful!
WHEN DID YOU FIRST FEEL LIKE A NEW YORKER? WHAT HAPPENED?
When I landed here from Israel in 1972, I thought: I am here to stay. When I got my citizenship, it was a time of hope and honor. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WATERING HOLE FOR LUNCH? FOR DINNER?
The Four Seasons for lunch; Jean Georges and The Lion for dinner.
WHAT’S YOUR WORST-DRESSED NEW YORK MOMENT?
My wide-legged pants suits and open shirts from the ’70s. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NEW YORK LOGO?
I NY.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GET AROUND NEW YORK?
WHAT NEWSPAPER DO YOU READ FIRST IN THE MORNING?
Walking.
The New York Times.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRANSPORTATION MOMENT IN THE CITY?
WHO IS THE SMARTEST NEW YORKER YOU KNOW?
Mayor Bloomberg. WHO IS THE FUNNIEST?
Joan Rivers. 96 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2011
the downpour without an umbrella so I kindly offered her a ride.
I am a true believer in what goes around comes around . . . One time, on a rainy day, I was in a car on my way downtown and saw a woman standing outside Bergdorf Goodman. She was caught in
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NEW YORK SOUND?
The horse and buggy going by outside my window in Central Park. WHAT PART OF THE NEW YORK LIFESTYLE CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?
The fast pace—it’s where I get my energy and inspiration. WHAT’S THE ONE THING ABOUT NEW YORK YOU WOULD CHANGE?
A lot, but I haven’t been elected mayor yet! WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT LIVING IN NEW YORK?
Getting around the city in the winter weather. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NEW YORK MOMENT?
When I covered my design building on Fifth Avenue with the American flag after 9/11. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
A good parent.
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO NEW YORK?
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photography by: Rogerio Voltan model by Mint Management
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