25A magazine February 2014

Gold Coast Luxury Magazine

KATIE

LEE

February 2014

25A

Oleg Cassini Vera Wang The Gateway to Machu Picchu Bridal/Romance Issue

Cover photo by Nigel Barker

Art | Design | Fashion | Features | Food | Health | Luxury | Profiles | Sports | Shopping | Travel

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contents February 2014

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Cover

Katie Lee

Cook, author, television host and fashionista are just a few of the prominent titles that can be bestowed on 25A’s February cover, Katie Lee

Splurge 14 Shop Local

Great stores from around the towns to find gifts for loved ones

18 Gifts

Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day

22

Beauty 20 Airbrushing

Great tips for wedding prep from NuBest

Couture 22 Weddings Weddings Weddings 22 Oleg Cassini 36 The Wedding Salon, Vera Wang 40 Dennis Basso 44 Mark Zunimo 48 Prina Tornai

52 Hot Celebrity Looks

From the red carpet at the Golden Globes

The world wide web.

Finally world wide.

The world doesn’t stop when you’re on a plane.

That’s why we’re introducing Wi-Fi on international flights. After all, we understand the importance of making connections of every kind when you travel internationally. We’re putting the wonder back into air travel, one innovation at a time.

The new American is arriving. aa.com/flybetter

AmericanAirlines, aa.com and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. © 2013 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

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february 2014

Design 60 Chateau D’Espoir Reminiscent of a bygone era, this magnificent French Normandy style mansion was built and designed in 2002 by its current owner, Karen Moss, and features over 11,000 square feet of impeccable design and thoughtful details

Regimen 66 Bridal Boot Camp

In planning my wedding day, I wanted to find a way to incorporate and inspire my students and friends that I have grown with over my many years teaching group fitness here in Long Island

68 Is Juicing Worth The Squeeze?

Juicing is one of the latest health crazes nowadays. Whether you are making it at home or purchasing a pricey pre-made one, make sure you understand the facts. What are the nutritional benefits and drawbacks?

68 On Tying Knots

Weddings are a certainly a topic not unfamiliar to the experienced plastic surgeon. In this column, Dr. Wells would like to relate to 25A readers his thoughts and experiences regarding this exciting event period

Features 76 Love on the Gold Coast

Monica Randall started to hit the books in search of famous lovers who once lived here on the fabled North Shore. She was shocked to discover it was more like a murder, suicide, and mayhem tale, and a good love story was hard to find

84 Defining Succe$$

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2014 ‌ it could be the beginning of a wonderful new year with a myriad of opportunities open to you on a personal, professional and business level. But you have to make it happen

82 Cosmic Love A poem by Victoria Crosby

Auto 92 BMW M6 Gran Coupe 92

BMW of Oyster Bay

OysterBayBMW.com 1-516-922-5555

BMW

DRIVE FOR TEAM USA

SUPPORT TEAM USA WITH EVERY TEST DRIVE.

When you come to BMW of Oyster Bay and test drive one of our thrilling vehicles, we’ll make a donation to Team USA. These contributions are very important.

BMW does whatever they can to support these athletes reach their goals. As always, special lease or finance offers available through BMW Financial Services.

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contents february 2014

Taste 82 Polo Steakhouse

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The legendary Garden City Hotel opens its signature restaurant while treating 25A food editor Venus Quintana like a queen

94 388 Restaurant & Lounge

388 Restaurant & Lounge in Roslyn is nothing short of extraordinary

98 A February Fête For Couples Why not celebrate the month of St. Valentine by celebrating the couple? Invite a group of friends who are couples and toast to the value of relationship

Jetset 100 Everwunder

Great getaways around Long Island for February

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102 The Gateway to a Lost Civilization

Editor-In-Chief Jason Feinberg takes us to the 11,500-foot-high city of Cusco, Peru on an adventure to the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu

108 Road Trip Down South, Y’all Victoria Crosby’s road trip to North Carolina

Art Form 112 United in Love & Art Photographers Reka Nyari and Ian Brewer

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25A-List 116 More Events From Around the Town

112 112

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Designs for every room.

For over 30 years, we’ve been helping people define the most important spaces inside and around their homes.

Call us today for a complimentary design consultation and see what California Closets can do for you.

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publisher’s note

Happy 2014 and welcome to 25A’s first issue of the New Year!

I’m thrilled to have the very beautiful Hamptonite Katie Lee on our cover this month. Katie has just joined with an incredible cast of celebrity chefs to co-host the Food Network’s newest program, The Kitchen, which premiered in January. As you’ll read, Katie has had a long and interesting journey on her way to becoming a top-notch chef.

With Valentine’s Day falling in February this is, as always, our annual romance and bridal issue. You’ll find some great bridal gowns from Oleg Cassini and the Wedding Salon in Manhasset, and much more for all you soon-to-be brides, as well as some great gift ideas and local shops to visit to find that something special for that special someone.

Continuing with our romance theme, Monica Randall takes us back to the interesting love stories framed in the Gold Coast, particularly the love story of Irving Berlin.

Need to make reservations for a Valentine’s Day dinner? Venus Quintana takes us to 388 Restaurant and to the Garden City Hotel’s newest restaurant, Polo Steakhouse, for some out-of-this-world food.

These are two restaurants that you should certainly check out!

Editor-in-Chief Jason Feinberg explores new heights in Peru’s Machu Picchu. Every time I turn around, that guy is off on another grand adventure! If you aren’t available to fly off to another world, Victoria Crosby takes us down south to North Carolina, while Gwen Wunderlich offers some great local getaways.

Valentine’s Day is the time to express your love for the special people in your life. The people I love are my children, my parents and my siblings. To them and to you, 25A readers, I wish a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Chase Backer Publisher

2014

HabberstadBMW.com

25A

Long Island’s Gold Coast Luxury Magazine

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Art Director Jr. Art Director Office Manager Copy Editor Director of Strategic Marketing Director of Financial Marketing Features Editor Society Editor Editor-at-Large Fitness Editor Nutrition Editor Contributing Health Editor Features Writer Arts and Travel Editor Food Writer Gold Coast Writer Contributors

Contributing Photographers

Chase Backer Jason Feinberg Brooke Morgan Gracemarie Louis Lori Biddiscombe Carla Santella Prof. Jack Mandel Georgia Gerosaus Victoria Caruso Christopher Robbins Gwen Wunderlich Pam Polestino Lindsay Brustein Rosen, M.S., R.D. Scott B. Wells, M.D. Victoria Crosby Diana Pinck Venus Quintana Monica Randall Dr. Gerald Acker, M.D., Paul Anthony, Melissa Argueta, Andrea Correale, Shane Fonner, Natalie Gaebelein, Olivia Katz, Jane Lerman, Liz Mendoza, Kelly O’Malley Mattone, M.D., Andrea Mineo, Aline Marie, Alyssa Nightingale, Ilena Ryan, Iris Wiener Patrick McMullan Paul Prince, Johnny Schiano, Paul Gerben, Kat Rabbit, Jennifer Thomas, Van Cushny, Clifton Parker, Neil Tandy

Contributing Photo/Videographer

Benno Klandt

Contributing Illustrator

Robert Bergin

Advertising Account Reps

Trish Cope, Paul Anthony

Contact: 1057 Jericho Rd East Norwich, NY 11732 516.864.2525 (f) 516.399.2444 www.25Amagazine.com facebook/25amagazine twitter/25amagazine Writers, Models, Musicians and Photographers please inquire © Copyright 2013 by 25A magazine, All rights reserved. 25A magazine is published ten times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as such and unconditionally assigned for publication subject to 25A magazine’s right to edit.

Now everyone gets an upgrade.

We’re obsessed with improving everything about flying.

Naturally, that starts with the planes. So we’re building the youngest, most modern fleet among the largest U.S. airlines, featuring amenities like Wi-Fi, USB and universal powerports and personal in-seat entertainment regardless of where you sit. We’re putting the wonder back into air travel, one innovation at a time. The new American is arriving. aa.com/newplanes

AmericanAirlines, aa.com and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. © 2013 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

splurge

25A

Unique Gifts to Give and Get Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything

By Victoria Caruso

W

hen it comes to gift giving, the quest for that perfect memento can sometimes be a difficult and frustrating one. And when the intended recipient is finicky or is someone who already has everything, the task can be daunting.

Fortunately, Long Island is home to an array of specialty and designer shops, galleries and boutiques guaranteed to make finding the perfect gift easier – and much more personal than conducting a ‘gifts for the impossible’ web search.

So, whether the gift is for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, anniversary, wedding or simply just because, why not check out some of these exquisite, extraordinary, unique and – best of all – local options first?

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Ben’s Garden Ben’s Garden offers a superior collection of sophisticated découpage art as well as handcrafted gifts, décor pieces and furniture inspired by owner and designer Ben Busko’s passion for nature and gardening. Key items include Guilded 18K Expression Artwork, Belgian Linen Quote Pillows and Quote Découpage Glass Trays, as well as copper and glass coaster sets and photo frames, and French crystal dome and oval paperweights. The boutiques in Oyster Bay, Huntington and Brooklyn also sell Ben’s custom line of découpage and trademarked Amusing Cocktail Napkins, iPhone cases, Superstrong magnets and Scribble-It Stickies and Notepads.

For information, visit BensGarden.com or call 888.922.7646.

Hermès Located at Americana Manhasset, Hermès offers men’s and women’s accessories, including scarves, ties and handkerchiefs, hats, gloves, belts, leather luggage, agendas, wallets and fragrances, not to mention jewelry and watches. For the recipient who loves to ride, the French designer carries equestrian gear and apparel. If it’s sun and surf or the slopes that they love, Hermès has that, too! Additionally, Hermès carries bath and bed lines, blankets and pillows, candles, desk accessories, vases, games and serving trays. For information, visit usa.Hermes.com or call 516.869.6660.

Hirshleifers If it is exclusive European and American couture, clothing and accessories one loves, head over to Hirshleifers at Americana Manhasset. This fourth-generation, family-owned and operated specialty store is the go-to destination for everything from handbags and leather goods, jewelry and cosmetics, to clothing and shoes culled from a plethora of top designers. Additionally, Hirshleifers’ team of personal stylists is available to help you find the perfect gift. For information, visit www.hirshleifers.com or call 516.627.3566.

Madison’s Niche Madison’s Niche boutiques on Wall Street in Huntington Village and Seventh Street in Garden City offer accessories, jewelry, candles, baby gifts, apparel, home décor and seasonal merchandise that has been carefully selected by specialty buyers.

In addition to Vera Bradley handbags and accessories, Madison’s Niche carries designer women’s clothing and jewelry.

For more information, visit www.madisonsniche.com or call 631.683.5700

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splurge

25A Shari’s Place

Shari’s Place offers leather and suede women’s clothing that, when combined with lavish silks, cashmeres and cottons, creates a look that is sophisticated, chic and feminine. Shari’s Greenvale and Southampton boutiques also offer evening wear and gowns, dresses, jackets, sweaters, tops, pants and skirts from 30 different designers as well as designer shoes, handbags, scarves, belts, sunglasses and gold, diamond and gemstone jewelry. For more information, visit Sharisplace.com or call 516.484.7400.

The Pear Tree Shoppe

Located on Seventh Street in Garden City, the Pear Tree Shoppe sells popular, unique and personalized gifts. In addition to a wide variety of home décor items including pillows, lamps, china, wine glasses and serving pieces, the shop also sells jewelry, accessories, hand-painted Hungarian Herend figurines, fine personal home fragrances from The Thymes Limited and a wide line of designer purses and accessories, including Vera Bradley. For information, call 516.248.1313.

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Sedoni Gallery

Located on New York Avenue in Huntington, Sedoni Gallery offers a treasure trove of unique and beautiful gifts, most notably its outstanding collection of fine and designer jewelry. The gallery also sells an array of home furnishings and accessories including handbags, glass, ceramics, occasional furniture, art and artisan-designed gifts as well as baby gifts. Sedoni customers have the option of creating an in-store ‘wish list,’ making it easier for friends and family to purchase something they really want. Additionally, Sedoni’s friendly staff is always available to assist you in finding the perfect gift.

For information, visit SedoniGallery.com or call 631.547.4811.

Sur La Table

Sur La Table in Roosevelt Field Mall and Americana Manhasset offers an unsurpassed selection of designer and top-of-the-line products. In addition to cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, glassware and bar items, housewares and tabletop and linens, Sur La Table offers specialty foods and a wide selection of outdoor accessories such as grills, smokers and handcrafted terra cotta ovens. Additionally, Sur La Table’s Manhasset store hosts the company’s prestigious cooking classes, the perfect gift for both the novice and expert home cooks. For information, visit www.surlatable.com.

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Valentine’s Day 2014 Gif t Guide SHAUNS $380

Carolinna Espinosa Sammy Heels, $275

Chanel Necklace

V

alentine’s Day is the one day of the year to celebrate and appreciate that one special person in our life … or just an excuse to overindulge in those Godiva heart-shaped chocolates. 25A knows it can be quite a challenge to step outside the box of flowers, candies and heart-shaped balloons. However, the items featured here will make the task less daunting, allowing you to really dote on your significant other and prove just how well you know them. Here are our picks for that hard-to-shop-for love of your life:

Whether your man is already a fashionisto who’s perfected his style, or one who could use a nudge in the right direction, SHAUNS Sunglasses has the perfect array of understatedly cool styles to complete his look. Treat him to the Dee style, for example (pictured), to make this V-Day special.

Offering an athletic feel to them with their retro classic look inspired by the design of a classic Porsche 911, the warm shades of browns and yellows mixed with rich caramel bring a subdued authority of nonchalant cool and masculinity that he’s sure to appreciate. The best part? For each pair of sunglasses sold, SHAUNS will donate a pair of vision glasses and sponsor an eye exam for someone in a developing community, so each time your man puts on his stylish shades, he can also feel good knowing that his gift helped give the gift of sight to someone in need.

Available at select Neiman Marcus stores or online at www.shaunscalifornia.com/shop-the-shades Make your woman fall in love with both you and Carolinna Espinosa shoes when you gift her the sexy, strappy Sammy gladiator heel (pictured).

The nude color is perfect for any outfit and the mesh mixed with leather detailing gives your girl the option to dress them up or down in any way she wants. Whether it’s for your getaway to a warmer climate or paired with a little dress for a night out on the town with you, these shoes will be her favorite gift yet.

Available at Nordstrom.com

Most times, designer duds can put a strain on the wallet, but not with LXR & Co! This luxury vintage shopping website has all your girl’s favorite designer accessories from brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more – all at discounted prices. Why not gift her something that is a classic she will treasure forever, like this Chanel necklace (pictured)? Not only will she be impressed with your designer knowledge, but this eternal piece that will never go out of style will also emulate an eternal relationship.

Prices starting from $39 at www.lxrco.com

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Go Above and Beyond for Your Love This Year with Luxe Gifts Sure to Spoil

So you want to spoil your loved one, but why should you miss out on all the indulgence? Enjoy a romantic cup of cocoa by the fire or relax in the jacuzzi as you embark on a romantic trip for two to Park City, Utah with the help of Resorts West, a luxury villa rental company that offers concierge services up to par with any 5-star hotel. If you’re an outdoorsy and adventurous couple, nothing will help you bond more than hitting the various slopes of Park City’s several resorts before cuddling up in your cozy, luxe condo or private home managed by Resorts West. A nice long weekend getaway is the perfect cure-all to brighten the winter months, so this gift is sure to make this Valentine’s Day simply unforgettable.

For your simple trip planning, starting at $5,552 per person for 9 nights, visit www.jacadatravel.com

Not a snow person? Then why not trade in the cold winter for a sunny beachside trip to an Easy-to-get-to destination like the boho beach town of Tulum, Mexico. The luxury private guided trip designers at Jacada Travel can personalize your whole trip, tailoring to your budget and interests, so that you are guaranteed the getaway of your dreams, without the fuss. You deserve to reward yourself this year for all your hard work, and what’s better than a trip with your honey to a warm location away from the dreary winter weather? It’s easy to say “I love you” when basking in the warm, white beaches, sightseeing the impressive Mayan ruins and engaging in experiences that create lasting, lifetime memories.

Resorts West packages and information available at www.resortswest.com

In these cold months, not much is better than snuggling up together in soft luxe linens. If you’re the type that would prefer to spend your V-Day cuddled up in warm sheets, than look no further than Luxor Linens for the perfect gift either she or he will enjoy. Custom monogrammed Egyptian Cotton sheets complete with personalized gift wrap are just a click away with Luxor Linens’ easy-to-shop website. Simply choose your color, style, and enter the initials for monogramming, and your sweetheart will receive a stunningly wrapped gift personalized for them right at their door. It’s a gift that’s sure to make you the last thing your sweetie thinks of before falling to sleep each night and the first thing they think of in the morning when they wake up!

Start monogramming at $35 at www.luxorlinens.com

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beauty

25A New Beauty Trends From

nuBest Salon

S

tylists from nuBest Salon and Spa have noticed that lately more brides are asking for airbrush makeup, which is your best bet for your big day.

It lasts longer, has a more natural finish and looks flawless in photos. Airbrush makeup is also perfect for the long haul, resistant to running or smudging, which traditional makeup is prone to do. More and more brides seem to be doing away with dramatic makeup in favor of softer, more natural beauty with a perfect complexion and subtly glamorous finish.

The Nude Look: The perfect look for any bride, especially those celebrating their nuptials with a daytime or early evening wedding, this look is based around delicate fleshtones of beige, tawny and rose with highlights of champagne and platinum. Lips are muted with a soft hint of pink or berry for color, while cheeks glow with a touch of golden peach. Eyes are subtly defined with warm, smoky shades of chocolate and sable.

Romantic/Ethereal: Taking a page out of the Pre-Raphaelite playbook, this look combines a soft hairstyle with one dramatic feature –either eyes or lips. Key shades include soft plums, bordeaux, muted crimson and brick reds, all of which are perfectly suited to dark or red hair. Lips should remain matte, while dewy, translucent skin and plenty of lashes complete the look.

Classic With a Twist: For the bride who wants some Old Hollywood drama in her look, a face centered around a softly smoky eye is the way to go. Layering shades of grey and taupe rather than the harsher, more traditional black, the eyes should be finished with some type of liner and plenty of mascara to keep the look soft and sensuous. Cheeks should have a neutral glow while lips should be paired down to let the eyes shine.

Tips From the Pros at nuBest:

Hair Trends:

– Start with a face primer that minimizes pores, such as Retexturizing Face Primer by nuBest salon and spa.

–Blotting papers are a must-have to decrease shine during the day for photos.

–Setting spray will keep makeup in place for hours on end.

–White eyeliner brightens whites of eyes and makes eyes look more open and alive.

Hair is being worn loose and flowing. Wavy hair is gently pulled back and paired with a simple and delicate headpiece that won't dictate the style. Smaller brooch and comb-style hairpieces are becoming more and more popular for this reason. On the other end of the spectrum is tight and sleek hair, which gives a more striking, dramatic look. Curls or tendrils are done away with in favor of clean lines and a simple silhouette.

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The Dress

Bridal Issue 2014

Sketches from Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress

Here Comes The Bride

Oleg Cassini

The Corset...imagining a romantic literary heroine, the corset bodice is designed to celebrate the narrowed waistline. The balance between romance and daring is what gives the corset its unique allure.

“

To be well dressed is a little like being in love. ...Oleg Cassini

“

T

he classic Cassini couture gown, a shimmering column of ivory silk crepe de chine caught with a center bow at the bodice. The Empire silhouette evokes the images of the memorable gowns created by Oleg Cassini as couturier to First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

As timeless as yesterday as beautiful as tomorrow.

"Simplicity is the key to perfection"...Oleg Cassini

At the top of the fiord in Norway, dressed in Oleg Cassini strapless ball gowns with dramatic chapel length rounded trains.

Mermaid on Hill Lace and Grace

Classic and beautiful meets timeless elegance in this all over graceful lace Oleg Cassini wedding dress! The romantic off the shoulder bodice features stunning Chantilly scalloped lace detail. The Trumpet gown shape is dramatic, with glorious layers of ethereal lace and a sweeping lace train.

Boardwalk Empire

“It’s all about the dress” ...Oleg Cassini

The art of embroidery is celebrated in this magnificent Oleg Cassini ball gown with all over gold embroidered lace illusion overlay with hand stitched crystal beading and an extravagant chapel train. It is the epitome of polished elegance and simply unforgettable.

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Oleg Cassini

From Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress

From Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress

Oleg Cassini

From Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress

February 2014 | 33

From Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress

couture

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From Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress

The Wedding Salon of Manhasset: Where Every Day Is a Special Day f or Brides

A

t The Wedding Salon of Manhasset, the emphasis is on treating each bride as if every day is her special day – from the first visit to the final fitting. The entire team is dedicated to ensuring that each bride has an experience that fulfills her ultimate wedding gown fantasy.

“The experience comes first and the perfect dress will follow,” said Nancy Aucone, co-founder of The Wedding Salon of Manhasset.

“Shopping for a wedding dress is a high point of life – and we want every bride and her family to savor it to the fullest.”

Anne Barge

Inbal Dror

At The Wedding Salon of Manhasset, appointments are carefully scheduled so there is never a hurried or crowded atmosphere. Relaxation reigns and every bride is given the focused attention and time that she needs from an expert bridal consultant.

The quality starts at the top, with co-founders Aucone and Susan Finale, who bring unparalleled experience to their business. The partners launched The Wedding Salon of Manhasset in 1996 to enable brides to find ‘Madison Avenue quality’ in a location that is more convenient for suburbanites. In 2008, they were selected to launch the first Vera Wang Bridal shop on Long Island, offering a complete range of the renowned designer’s lines.

In spring of 2012, The Wedding Salon of Manhasset moved to an expanded space that offers even greater opportunity for brides to have the shopping experience of a lifetime. Located at 1468 Northern Boulevard, the salon is more than 10,000 square feet, presenting a spacious venue for a still-intimate customer service experience. The new location also includes a chic Vera Wang Bridal ‘shop within a shop’ on the first floor.

Oscar de la Renta

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Oscar de la Renta

“We wanted to create a state-of-the-art wedding gown showcase that is unique in the metropolitan area – a must-see for brides,” explained Finale.

“Our new space embodies the feel of an art gallery for wedding gowns, with more than 100 dresses on display, which our sophisticated, fashionforward clientele really appreciates.”

The selection includes the most sought-after designer lines, many of which are offered exclusively on Long Island by The Wedding Salon of Manhasset. Designers include Amsale, Anne Barge, Anna Maier, Austin Scarlett, Carolina Herrera, Edgardo Bonilla, Inbal Dror, Kenneth Pool, Lazaro, Marchesa, Marisa, Milady, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Pronovias, Reem Acra, Romana Keveza, Rivini, Vera Wang, Victor Harper Couture, Victoria Nicole, Watters and more.

For more information on this fabulous salon, visit www.weddingsalononline.com.

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“The experience comes first and the perfect dress ...will follow”

Inbal Dror

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On the Red Carpet

The Golden

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Emma Roberts in Lanvin

Globes

Photography by Patrick McMullan

Sofia Vergara in Zac Posen

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Lizzy Caplan in Emilia Pucci

Rashida Jones in Fausto Puglisi

Helen Mirren in Jenny Packham

«

«

«

Margot Robbie in Gucci

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez

Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney

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Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein Collection

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Maria Menounos in BCBG Max Azria

Amber Heard in Atelier Versace

Caitlin Fitzgerald in Emilia Wickstead

Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung

Julia Roberts in Dolce & Gabbana

Sean Combs

Ty Burrell

Michael Douglas

Matador Cigars Tobacconist and Lounge

Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures.

ADOR CIGARS MAT

516.626.4966 38 Lincoln Avenue, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

www.matadorcigars.com

Mon - Thur: 10 am – 11pm • Fri & Sat: 10 am – Midnight • Sunday: 11am – 11pm • Overall: Flexible Closing Hours

design

25A Chateau D’Espoir …

From the Loire Valley to Muttontown

B

est known for its nature preserves and its magnificent estates, the Village of Muttontown has a rich history that dates to the 1600s when Dutch and English settlers found its verdant rolling hillsides ideal for raising sheep. The name Muttontown was derived from that early use of the land.

During the early 20th century, many of New York’s financial leaders established their grand residences on these majestic hills. Two former estates of New York City families are now The Muttontown Golf and Country Club and The Woodcrest Club. The Muttontown Preserve, a 500-acre natural parkland considered to be a local treasure to outdoor enthusiasts and equestrians, is home to Chelsea Mansion, the former Benjamin Moore estate. Perched atop a four-acre bluff on the northern corner of this singular village is a home that appears to have been plucked from France’s Loire Valley: Chateau D’Espoir (Castle of Hope).

Reminiscent of a bygone era, this magnificent French Normandy style mansion was built and designed in 2002 by its current owner and features over 11,000 square feet of impeccable design and thoughtful details. No expense was spared in utilizing the finest building materials and techniques while keeping with the architectural integrity of the home.

Built of distinctive large hand-baked brick with cast limestone corner-

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By Kristine Livadas

stones, the château evokes the spirit of estates built generations ago.

Windows in the French style of three large panes all have the gentle camber arc, adding to the beauty and authenticity of the structure.

Upon ascending the winding drive through natural woodland, visitors get their first glance of the impressive structure and the tranquil setting which surrounds it. The stately front entry reveals exemplary mason work showcasing a delicate motif of fruit, flowers and shells. This theme, the universal sign of hospitality and generosity, is echoed throughout the home.

As you cross the threshold, a glowing reception awaits, making you feel like Cinderella arriving at the ball. Surrounded by incredible craftsmanship and beauty, you first take notice of the floating staircase that seems to pour down from the second-story above. Handmade of wrought iron with 24K gold leaf detail, the grand stairs bestow a bronze maiden finial upon its mahogany rail - a signed original work of sculptor Mathurin Moreau (1822-1912), stamped with the French Médaille d’honneur.

Baronial rooms of epic proportions showcase the accoutrements of luxury living. Beyond the reception area, arches dressed in Beaux Art

Grand Foyer

Hallway

Chateau D’Espoir ornamentation lead you into the Wedgewood Blue Salon.

With its authentic Parisian antique mirror and imported fireplace mantel (circa 1800), you are seemingly transported to 19th century France. The porcelain plate wall display and gold sconces dressed in antique Baccarat crystal bells are just a few of the lavish touches reflecting the refined taste of the homeowner.

Pocket doors from the salon lead into a ‘tomato red’ dining room, instantly whetting your appetite. An enormous 450-pound solid bronze, hand cast Doré chandelier sends a glow through the banquet-sized room and is one of the many permanent art installations found throughout the house. French doors lead outside, suggesting cocktails or al fresco dining on the terrace.

The epicenter of activity in this home is the kitchen.

Thoughtfully designed with joyful cooking and informal gatherings in mind, the kitchen surrounds you with custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances and finishes. Huge camber windows encircle the breathtaking breakfast nook. Drenched in natural light, the octagonal room’s trompe l’oeil gazebo effect was the yearlong work of movie background artist Robert Braun.

The library with its rolling ladder, fireplace and private veranda is utilized as a quiet reading space but also doubles as a ‘dining biblioteca’ for extraordinary entertaining.

Intricate ornamental millwork, embellished archways and wall recesses bathed in gentle light mingle with tapestries in the upstairs hallway. Turn a corner to find five of the seven en suite bedrooms, each with its own unique theme, color scheme and artwork. A cozy second floor sitting room holds a secret; an antique bookcase, when opened, reveals a hidden passage to the art studio beyond. In the opposite wing, the sumptuous master suite is a self-contained sanctuary comprised of the bedroom, a sitting room with a wet bar, separate his and hers baths, mammoth walk-in closets and dressing rooms with outdoor access for a ‘weather check’ before dressing.

Exhibiting the same quality as the main living floors, the 5,000-square-foot finished lower level offers a movie theater, full service gym, billiard room, poker room, maid’s quarters and a entertaining space/dance hall with full access to an enchanting rose garden. Elevator service is available to all levels.

Kitchen

Dining Room

Pantry

Bedroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

While the house sits directly in the center of the property, ancillary spaces protrude thoughtfully around it and provide comfort and refuge. Gently rolling hills and sweeping lawns interconnect the motor and service courts in front with the 117-foot terrace and 50-foot swimming pool in the rear. Landscaped within a magical parterre garden, the pool is enhanced by a pergola cloaked in a veil of wisteria.

This home of rare distinction is clearly one of the crown jewels of the Gold Coast.

Price on Request The North Shore Ultra Luxury Market Summary 2013 The ultra luxury market is defined as properties valued greater than $5 million. According to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, there were 13 residences that sold in 2013 that fit this criterion, with an average sales price of $7.7 million.

Average number of days on the market was 289, with a total market value of over $100 million. In 2012, there were 16 residences sold with an average sales price of $6.9 million, an average of 223 days on the market, and a total market value of over $115 million. At the time this article was reported, there were 67 ultra luxury homes for sale and seven currently under contract.

Contact Kristine Livadas Laffey Fine Homes International 516.776.0039

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Bridal Boot Camp

By Pam Polestino

I

n planning my wedding day, I wanted to find a way to incorporate and inspire my students and friends that I have grown with over my many years teaching group fitness here in Long Island. As a motivator, mentor and big part of my many students’ lives, I had to give them a special gift and include them on my wedding day. Each Saturday morning for the past several years, I began my day with at least 60 weekend warriors, who all arrived at least 30 minutes early to get a spot in class.

Since my wedding was to fall on a Saturday, I decided to host a special 90-minute boot camp, with the theme My Bridal Boot Camp.

Bridal Boot Camp is a name we have all heard before but the concept is so much stronger than the name. In planning my wedding day, I could not believe how much time, effort and money would go into this soonto-be amazing day! For me, looking my absolute best was top priority, so I designed my own program based on the six-month window I had to work with. Whether you are engaged and counting down or have another special moment in your life that you want to be your absolute best for, boot camp can get you there! Even just a 90-day program yields amazing results.

We all have photographers, florists, caterers, DJs/bands and limos accounted for. The personal trainer, or life coach, that will help you transform your body, and even the way you view yourself, should be added to the list. I myself added my own personal trainer to the mix, as someone on the outside will always push me harder than I could push myself.

How do you get started? Well, first you decide what your goals are.

Write them down and share them with someone close to you, so they can help motivate and inspire you. Consult with a fitness professional and talk about your personalized plan that will get you to your ideal place. My plan consisted of cardiovascular training, boxing for shoulder and arm definition and strength training in a boot camp format for more intense, shorter training sessions. The meal plan that you follow is the key to reaching your desired goals. Whether you are interested in fat loss, weight loss or building muscle, the meal plan you follow will make or break you – it is that simple.

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I have a new bride I am training for a 2014 dream wedding and her program was designed specifically for her. She has decided to drop 40 pounds and look tight and strong for her special day. Our first step was to look over the seven-day food journal she kept for me. We went over the journal together and I was able to make suggestions to assist with her current meal plan. We took out all of the unnecessary sugars and added in more protein and green vegetables. Then we took a six-month calendar and began scheduling her training sessions with me and her workouts on her own. We marked set goals on the top of each month so that she has an exact goal to achieve monthly. Having struggled with a weight issue, I explained to her that eating to lose weight may not be so much fun until the weight starts falling off. Once the scale drops, you begin to enjoy your meal plan and your exercise so much more. The boot camp way of training allows brides-to-be to achieve preset goals, which help you stay invested toward even larger goals moving forward.

My bride emails me daily with her food journal, as that holds her accountable. I also have her email me if she has any exercise challenges of the day, as I want to stay totally connected to her in order to be her #1 support system.

Whether you are going to be a bride or you just want to transform your body for a very special occasion, Bridal Boot Camp can help you achieve all of your desired goals.

As always, email me with any of your fitness questions.

Ppolestino@yahoo.com

regimen

25A

Is Juicing Worth the Squeeze?

By Lindsay Brustein Rosen, MS, RD

J

uicing is one of the latest health crazes nowadays. Whether you are making it at home or purchasing a pricey pre-made one, make sure you understand the facts. What are the nutritional benefits and drawbacks? Can you juice for weight loss? What about claims about cleansing your system? Here’s what you need to know.

Benefits • If you don’t enjoy eating fresh fruits and vegetables, juicing may be a fun way to add them to your diet or to try fruits and vegetables you wouldn’t normally eat. You can mix up combinations to suit your taste preferences.

• Juicing is a great way to squeeze extra servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

• When making juice, you can add fruits and vegetables that are about to spoil. This prevents you from wasting produce.

Drawbacks • Juice is not a nutritionally equivalent replacement for whole fruits and vegetables. When we juice a fruit or vegetable, we are extracting an extremely important nutrient, the dietary fiber. The skin and the pulp of fruits and veggies are where the fiber and most of the vitamins and minerals are housed. Therefore, if you discard these parts, you’re throwing out the most beneficial portions of the produce.

• Juicers are expensive, ranging from $50 to as much as $500. Clearly this is a lot of money to spend on one piece of kitchen equipment, especially when it serves only one purpose. A blender, on the other hand, can be used for a variety of foods but costs much less.

• Juice, no matter where it comes from, is a concentrated source of calories. This is especially true if you use more fruits than vegetables in your juices.

Now that we have explored some positive and negative aspects of juicing itself, let’s dive into why people juice in the first place. A large majority of people that fall victim to the juicing craze do so in order to lose weight or ‘cleanse.’

However, juicing for these reasons is not only unsuccessful, it can be downright dangerous. If you’re drinking juices in place of real food, you’ll fall short on a number of nutrients your body needs, namely

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fiber and protein. Fiber keeps us full for longer periods of time, preventing overeating. Protein also increases satiety and helps us build and maintain lean muscle mass, which burns calories even when one is at rest. If you cut your calories too low because you’re just drinking juice all day, your metabolism may slow down. Then, once you start eating solid foods again, you’ll likely put on weight in the form of fat cells.

The bottom line is that your body has two powerful organs to do any cleansing you need – your liver and your kidneys. Although freshly prepared juice can certainly be incorporated into a healthy diet, it is not a miracle food that’s going to make you instantly lose weight or clean all the toxins out of your body.

My recommendation?

While there are many reasons why one should not turn to an exclusively juicing diet, there is no need to forgo juice if you enjoy its refreshing taste and endless flavor combinations. When enjoyed in moderation, fresh-squeezed juice is a tasty way to obtain vitamins and minerals in liquid form.

Looking for a fun, new juice to try?

My personal favorite combination is carrot, beet, spinach and green apple. I love the sweetness that the carrots and beets provide, which balances the tartness of the green apple.

nutritionbybru.com Lindsay Brustein Rosen, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and the founder of Nutrition by Bru, a nutrition counseling and consulting practice in New York.

She received a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as the Greater New York Dietetic Association.

On Tying Knots

By Scott Wells, MD

T

his issue of 25A is themed Bridal and Romance. This is certainly a topic not unfamiliar to the experienced plastic surgeon. In this column, I would like to relate to 25A readers my thoughts and experiences regarding this exciting event period.

Allow me to begin by sharing an amusing anecdote that occurred very early in my professional career and, in variations, has become a recurrent theme in spring. One of my childhood friends called to tell me that she had recently gotten engaged and that her future mother-in-law was interested in having a facelift. Delighted that she trusted me enough for the recommendation, I consulted with the perspective in-law. The woman was only in her late 40s, as the groom was her eldest son, and younger than the bride. She was a perfect candidate for a mini-facelift and her results were exceptional. Everyone wins … right? Well, not exactly. Now the mother of the bride, whom I knew well, called – a little perturbed. “You son of a…, I wasn’t planning on doing anything before the wedding but I’ll be damned if I’m going to look like the mother of the mother-in-law!” At the wedding, I felt as proud as a couturier watching his designs come down the runway!

Although some might think it trivial to have a little work done in anticipation of someone else’s big event, it turns out that weddings, bar mitzvahs and other major celebrations represent a huge impetus for cosmetic improvement. In today’s age of photo documentation and social networking, friends and acquaintances will get to share many more photos than just the wedding album. Also, in today’s culture of late and multiple marriages, the wedding parties are no longer predominantly ‘young’ adults.

So, what are people doing today to enhance themselves in anticipation of the big day? Obviously, Botox and fillers are a huge attraction prior to any major event. But here is the important message: Do your injectables at least a month in advance. This allows for any minor adjustments to be made or for the rare but possible occasional bruise to subside with-

out additional stress right before the event. Another procedure I strongly recommend to brides or their wedding parties is light laser or IPL photofacials. When the skin is optimized, or ‘canvassed,’ as I like to call it, lesser amounts of makeup allow for much more natural and beautiful appearances. On numerous occasions we have had bridal parties in our Manhattan office where the bride and her bridesmaids meet with our team of aesthetic professionals, including skin care, laser, brow and makeup specialists.

As my earlier story illustrated, for the family of the wedding party, a wedding often falls at a time ideally suited for a surgical intervention. I can think of no other single event that brings more people to the operating room for facial rejuvenation than a child’s wedding. Plan ahead, however.

This is obviously not a last minute decision to be made before the wedding. Four to six months is probably the ideal leadtime, though as short as two to three months may be adequate for smaller procedures.

“I am not going to look like the mother of the mother-in-law!”

Regardless of whether you are game or not for cosmetic intervention, the months and weeks leading up to the event can be exciting but stressful.

As skin often does not cooperate well under stress, I would recommend that at the very least brides consider seeing an experienced facialist in the final weeks in order to ensure a fresh, clean look. Remember, now more than ever, you might be on a candid camera!

Plastic surgeon Scott Wells, M.D. has been located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side for nearly 20 years. He is seasoned in traditional plastic surgery as well as in the newest high-tech bio-restorative techniques. A leading authority in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Wells’ unique and knowledgeable approach to lasting beauty through a combination of surgical and non-surgical disciplines sets him apart in the field of aesthetic rejuvenation. Dr. Wells currently serves as medical director of the Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Center. He is available for consultation by private appointment. Visit www.scottwellsmd.com.

February 2014 | 69

Cooking Couture with

Katie Lee

By Jason Feinberg

Photo by Miki Duisterhof

Cover Photo by Nigel Barker Additional Photography by Ben Fink Shapiro, Miki Duisterhof, & The Food Network

C

ook, author, television host and fashionista are just a few of the prominent titles that can be bestowed on 25A’s February cover, Katie Lee. S h e h a s a p p e a re d o n n u m e ro u s t e l e v i s i o n shows and to date is the author of two cookbooks, The Comfort Table and The Comfort Table: Recipes for Everyday Occasions, as well as the novel Groundswell.

Before food became a part of mainstream television, there were only a handful of recognizable names in the industry.

Today, there are dozens of people who have transformed from chef to cooking personality. “It’s pretty incredible how it’s taken off,” Katie says, referring to how in a relatively short time cooking shows, and in particular the Food Network, have become such a booming industry. “[Growing up] I used to watch Emeril every evening with my grandfather and it was just really gaining momentum. People started thinking of food as entertaining and it has since boomed.”

This passion would eventually lead Katie to a path that would take all her cooking expertise and transform her into one of the next recognizable names and faces on camera when she became the host of Bravo’s Top Chef and a judge on Top Chef All Stars and Iron Chef America.

I first met Katie over the summer at the Hampton’s Classic. I noticed her browsing at the Hermès boutique pop-up store. One thing you can see instantly looking at Katie is her style, and she likes her food like she likes her fashion, with her three simple Cs – Classic, Comfortable and a touch of Couture. It’s about serving simple foods but with individual style. “I like simple dishes, things that don’t have a lot of fuss going on, just a little touch of something to make it nice. Kind of like the idea that you make a meatloaf for a dinner party but serve it on fine china. Or if I’m making a green-bean casserole, instead of adding canned condensed mushroom soup, I’ll make a real cream sauce.”

She says, “It’s like getting dressed – the clothes you have, some Gap and some Gucci.” This philosophy is evident in her cookbooks, The Comfort Table (2008) and the followup a year later, The Comfort Table: Recipes for Ever yday Occasions.

In 2011, Lee took a slightly different route from her love of food and published her first novel, Groundswell, which

Photo by Ben Fink Shapiro

Since she was 4 years old, Katie has been cooking up delicacies in the kitchen under the direction of her mentor and grandmother, Dora. She quickly lear ned the value and importance of seasonal ingredients by using fresh vegetables from her grandfather’s garden and meats from the family’s pig and cattle farms.

The cast of The Kitchen Marcela Valladolid, Geoffrey Zakarian, Sunny Anderson, Jeff Mauro, and Katie Lee. Courtesy of The Food Network

she describes as “an eat, surf and love story about a young woman who falls in love and marries an A-list actor but is soon devastated by his infidelity.” Hounded by the paparazzi, she decides to find a new life in Mexico where no one knows her.

It’s an exciting story about finding what you need after losing everything.

O n e qu es tion I lov e a s k i n g c h e f s i s , “Wh a t i s y our fa v or it e food?” At that point, I can usually walk away, go get coffee, read a novel and come back to them and they’ll still be thinking about it. When I asked Katie about her favorite food and she said, “Oh, God, that’s so difficult,” I prepared for my 15 minutes of pause but she came right back and said “Oh! Pizza!”

“Pizza?” I questioned, as if I was waiting for some unknown fancy chocolate covered ancient Antarctican pizza recipe to be revealed. But it was nonetheless that simple – pizza. “I love pizza. In fact, I just went to pizza school.” Pizza school?

I thought she meant to say she took a class on making pizza or perhaps one of her chef friends taught her some secrets of the classic pie. But as it tur ns out there is a school called Associazone Verace Pizza Napoletana, or AVPN. It’s an international organization founded in 1984 in Naples, Italy, whose American headquarters are in Marina Del Ray, California. While

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the classes are not designed for ‘professional use,’ courses range from one to five days during which students lear n athome pizza cooking, making dough with specific double zero flour and proper temperatures. “People say water makes a difference. Because the water is too hard in LA, we actually used bottled water to make the pizza dough. I got way into [making] pizza.” Katie laughs, “I love making pizza. I have a pizza oven at my home in the Hamptons that I used all summer but I really wanted to learn how to make this the right way. There is such a craft to making it. I had such a ball!”

On the other side of the spectrum Katie stays away from foie gras and veal, mainly for humane reasons but also to avoid organ meats. However, she says, “I’ve never met a vegetable I didn’t like,” explaining that as a kid she was the one who would eat all the other kids’ vegetables and never shied away from another helping of broccoli.

On January 4, the Food Network’s The Kitchen debuted. On The Kitchen, Katie co-hosts with celebrity chefs Sunny Anderson, Jeff Mauro, Marcela Valladolid and Geoffrey Zakarian.

“The kitchen is the center of the home; everyone gravitates to it,” she says, speaking about the premise of her new show,

“

I like simple dishes, things that don’t have a lot of fuss going on, just a little touch of something to make it nice.

Photo by Miki Duisterhof

“

“[It’s] five chefs hanging out in the kitchen sharing different experiences and recipes.” The show covers all the latest in food trends, gadgets, meal tips, trivia and all things culinary as well as answering twitter questions from viewers. “I love my cast. Everyone is different and cooks different things. There is so much to talk about with food.” Other recurring segments in clud e Simp le Supp er s, whe re v ie we rs a re shown a n ea sy weeknight dinner dish, Personal Favorites (where I’m expecting pizza will be on the list), Cookbook Club, which showcases the latest cookbooks with their authors as well as demonstrations, and lastly Myth and Fact, where each co-host guesses if a common cooking belief is true or false. At the end of each episode, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who is also a mixologist, hosts the ‘It’s Five O’clock Somewhere’ segment in which he “pours something tall an’ strong.” W ith this lineup of celebrity chefs congregating and concocting, viewers will undoubtedly walk away as master chefs themselves. (See 25A March 2013 issue for a profile of Geoffrey Zakarian) While having the ability to share her cooking skills and fabulous gastronomy tastes with the world, Lee certainly does not take for granted those who are in need. Katie sits on the celebrity board of Feeding America and also works closely with the Food Bank of New York (a member of Feeding America).

“It’s staggering the numbers of people and children that go hungry in our country but especially in New York. [The figures] are mind-blowing.” The food bank reports that just in New York City alone there are 2.6 million residents who find it difficult to afford sufficient food. To put that in perspective, that number is slightly smaller then the total population of Nassau and Suffolk counties combined. W ith all of the current issues in our country, this is one that is almost never sufficiently addressed.

Photo by Ben Fink Shapiro

Katie Lee

“It could be your neighbor who needs assistance. That should not be happening in this country. No child should go to bed hungry,” states a passionate Katie.

H e r w e b s i t e , k a t i e l e e h o m e . c o m , i s a g re a t re s o u rc e f o r a l l things Katie Lee. You’ll find fabulous recipes, personal stories, her blog and forum, and party planning tips … some excellent party planning tips, actually. There’s also a link to Local Harvest where you can find information on regional farms, farmers’ markets, greengrocers and dairies as well as information on initiatives formed to encourage and further environmental consciousness and to better inform consumers on more healthful food choices.

Katie spends most of her time in the Hamptons and she loves Long Island, especially the abundance of local farmstands. Her respect for the local bounty of the Island and affection for the Hamptons have served as inspiration for her third cookbook, due out next year.

From a little girl tinkering with intriguing flavors in the kitchen with Grandma to dishing up her own favorites to the public on television to spending time working to make a healthier world, life is a fascinating jour ney for Katie Lee. It’s no wonder that this chef’s plate is always full.

To help the charities associated with Feeding America, Please visit: Long Island Cares www.licares.org Island Harvest www.islandharvest.org City Harvest www.cityharvest.org Food Bank for New York City www.foodbanknyc.com

Photo by Monica Randall Barbara Hutton grew up at Winfield, in Glen Cove, the gloomy sixty room palace built by her grandfather, five and dime king F.W. Woolworth.

Love on the Gold Coast

By Monica Randall

E

verything about the North Shore of Long Island is romantic. A woman could fall in love with almost any man racing across a polo field on a well-groomed trusty steed. All men take on a dashing persona when galloping, leaping and “Tally-ho”ing to the hounds. At elegant society gatherings, just standing in a garden surrounded by giant statues of naked nymphs, splashing fountains filled with Chanel N°5 (an old Clarence Mackay trick) would set anyone’s heart aflutter. Add to that a 100-room castle looming just beyond the hedge groves.

Here on the Gold Coast the stage was always set for romance. When our creative editor Jason Feinberg suggested we put some love in 25A’s Valentine’s issue, I started to hit the books in search of famous lovers who once lived here on the fabled North Shore. I was shocked to discover it was more like a murder, suicide, and mayhem tale, and a good love story was hard to find. So often there were marriages of convenience, fortunes merging with fortunes. Take the theme in the classic movie Sabrina. Yes, love won out in the end but that was a Hollywood fantasy.

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The fickle Daisy in Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby said to Gatsby, “Rich girls don’t marry poor boys” but around here rich boys often marry poor girls, and it usually ends in disaster. The most famous of those unions was of course Ann and Billy Woodward (featured on the Discovery Channel on Dec. 17). Ann was a poor farm girl from Kansas. Woodward was heir to a centuries-old banking fortune. They met at the El Morocco, fell in love, married and moved to the lavish playhouse in Oyster Bay. They were described by everyone as an ideally suited couple until she blew off his head while he was taking a shower. That was not good.

Found in The Playhouse 1955 Ann Woodward, was once in love with millionaire, sportsman, Billy Woodward, until she blew his head off in their Oyster Bay mansion in 1955. Ann with a photo of herself holding the gun she used that terrible night.

Then there was Wallis and Winnie. Winnie was a beautiful Ziegfeld showgirl, born in a shack in Missouri. Wallis Bird, one of the biggest stockholders of Standard Oil, was mad for Winnie and would send masses of red roses to her dressing room each night. They fell in love, married and moved to a 50-room palace in Oyster Bay. They were happy together until a bolt of lightening struck his private plane and he was killed. Winnie, devastated, sought the help of a psychiatrist who then murdered her for her millions in jewels. That was not good either. (See the September 2013 issue of 25A for the full story).

Bryant Library 1914 Clarence Mackay’s, Harbor Hill was the second largest house in America. His daughter Ellin gave it up to marry the man she loved.

Scott and Zelda The golden couple of the era was of course Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald. He was the dashing, handsome writer whose Gatsby novel put him at the top of his game. Zelda was the rich girl from Alabama, so to keep up appearances they moved into a 20-room mansion in Great Neck. But when Scott looked out his window at night he saw Alva Vanderbilt’s 60-room fortress on the water’s edge, the flashing green light at the end of the dock at the nearby 100-room Castlegould, and dozens of other mansions all bigger than his. He, a poor boy from Minnesota, couldn’t compete. He ended up drinking himself to death at the age of 40. Zelda went mad and died in a tragic fire a few years later. Another sad story.

“Save Me the Waltz” by Zelda Fitzgerald 1932 Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald were considered the golden couple of the jazz age. Both their lives ended in tragedy.

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features

25A

“Men, the y ruined my lif e.”

Woolworth heiress, Barbara Hutton searched for love and romance in all the wrong places.

She died penniless.

Photo by Cecil Beaton 1962, courtesy of Sotheby’s Belgravia

Barbara Hutton The beautiful Barbara Hutton grew up at Winfield in Glen Cove and was raised by her grandfather, F.W. Woolworth, after her mother, Edna Woolworth Hutton, committed suicide in 1916. Barbara made a career out of finding love and romance in all the wrong places and became the most married woman of her day. She went through a series of fake princes, a count and a gigolo or two, who each took her millions. But she was swept off her feel by Hollywood’s real prince, the charming Cary Grant. The marriage lasted three years. She died penniless subsisting on chocolate chip cookies and drinking 20 Coca-Colas a day. Her last words were: “Men, they ruined my life.”

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Irene and Vernon Castle Irene and Vernon Castle danced their way into the hearts of America and was the most sought-after performing couple at elegant parties here on the Gold Coast.

Vernon, originally from England, came to this country in 1909. A short time later he met and fell in love with his future wife, Irene Foote, at a fashionable boating regatta on the Long Island Sound. They soon discovered they shared a passion for dancing and together they invented the fox trot, the Castle walk and many other popular steps. They moved to Great Neck where they were often invited to Long Island’s glittering ballrooms where they charged the Vanderbilts, Whitneys and Morgans as much as a $1,000 an hour for private lessons. The Castles reached their peak of popularity in Irving Berlin’s first Broadway musical show, Watch Your Step, in 1914. Vernon, like Wallis Bird, liked to fly airplanes solo. In 1918 while practicing complex aviation maneuvers he crashed into another plane and went down in a ball of flames and was killed. Irene never got over the loss. Decades later, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers portrayed the life of the glamorous dancing couple in the Hollywood film The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle released by RKO in 1939.

With the December 25A magazine deadline looming and Christmas only days away I was starting to get frantic because I hadn’t found the perfect love story with a happy ending. Then while driving along the Long Island Expressway, the haunting tune ‘Always’ began to play over the car radio. When the song ended, the DJ said it had been written by Irving Berlin for the love of his life. I knew I’d found the love story of the era and it happened right here on Long Island.

Lady’s Home Journal 1914 Vernon and Irene Castle danced their way into the hearts of America, and became the darlings of Gold Coast Society.

Irving Berlin Irving Berlin was considered the greatest songwriter of the 20th century. Far from handsome, he was short, gaunt and thin, but he was charming.

He had an oversized nose and a pair of dark bushy eyebrows that looked like two squirrels entwined in an embrace. Berlin was born in Russia in 1888, but his family, wanting a better life, boarded the transatlantic liner S.S. Rhynland and headed for New York in 1893. The young Berlin grew up in a crowded ghetto on Cherry Street in lower Manhattan and sometimes lived off the streets. There was an old theater nearby where he sometimes dated unstable showgirls and taught himself to play the piano backstage when the theater shut down late at night. He never learned to read or write music. He married the girl who helped transcribe his early songs but she died of typhoid fever while they were on their honeymoon in Cuba.

Berlin went into a dark phase of gloom. To drown out his sorrow, he wrote constantly and soon became known for his sob ballads that reflected his loneliness and melancholy. But they were soulful, emotional, unique and they stuck in your head. His music seemed to resonate in the hearts of American women. Songs like ‘All Alone’, ‘Remember’, ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘Always’ began to hit the charts. Soon he was writing for musicals on Broadway and scores for movies. He soon became an overnight celebrity, was rich and famous, and the press followed his every move. He was still lonely, but that was about to change.

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25A

Harbor Hill Clarence Mackay, multi-millionaire and head of Postal Telegraph and Cable Co. had recently built the second largest home in America. The massive French château had more than 126 rooms and was perched high on a hill overlooking Roslyn Harbor. There were 600 acres of formal gardens, indoor/outdoor tennis courts and a stone stable that looked like a Bavarian castle. Clarence kept his three children on a short leash after his wife Katherine ran off and left him for another man. On a warm, starry night in September of 1924, Mackay made headlines for hosting the most extravagant party ever held in American history.

Bryant Library Nearly $1 million ($13,629,766.08 adjusted for 2013) Front view of Harbor Hill in Roslyn where Ellin Mackay grew up. She was disinherited and banished from was spent to impress the Prince of Wales, the future her home forever.

King of England, who was visiting the states to attend the polo games in Old Westbury. Mackay invited 2,000 of his closest friends who danced the night away to Paul Whiteman’s orchestra. It was the height of prohibition and a bottle of champagne cost as much as $100. Thousands of Chinese paper lanterns lined the mile-long drive and hung in swags in and around the formal gardens. The fountains were lit with colorful floodlights and perfume filled the air. Entertainers from Broadway and silent film stars performed all night in the two massive pink and white tents set up on the front lawn. To let the uninvited neighbors know there was a party going on, there was a fireworks display at midnight. On the roof, a 200-foot replica of the American flag was lit up with bright red, white, and blue lights that could be seen glowing as far away as Connecticut.

Ellin Mackay, Clarence’s youngest daughter sat at the table with the Prince of Wales, wearing her grandmother’s priceless pearls. The two began to see each other after the party. Ellin had always been the dutiful daughter of the strict, strong-willed and very powerful father, and perhaps because of this she wanted to strike out on her own and became a successful writer at a very young age. She was an adventurous soul, took risks and often wrote critiques on the hypocrisy of society life.

She was a beautiful blonde, blue-eyed debutante who went to the best schools and was part of her father’s rarefied world at Harbor Hill. Ellin’s courtship with the Prince of Wales, which delighted her father, didn’t last long.

One night while working on a story for The New Yorker magazine, Ellin wandered into Jimmy Kelly’s speakeasy in downtown Greenwich Village. There she spotted Irving Berlin tinkering at the piano. Though a celebrity, he never acted like one and often hung out in the familiar Bryant Library 1914 places downtown. Ellin walked right up to him and introThe stables at Harbor Hill in Roslyn, looked like a castle built by King Ludwig. It was home to Clarence duced herself and said she loved his music. At first he Mackay’s forty two prized horses. thought she was another celebrity worshipper and continued to play. Then he looked up and saw her innocent 80 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

blue eyes and there was an immediate attraction. They began to talk, then date secretly, and soon fell madly in love and planned to marry. There was only one problem. Berlin was an Orthodox Jew, his family still lived in a ghetto and spoke only Yiddish. It wasn’t long before Ellin’s father got wind of their relationship and wedding plans and he exploded. “My daughter will marry that Jew over my dead body!” He boomed so loudly, his voice echoed throughout the house in all 126 rooms and carried out to the stables where even the pampered ponies cowered in fear.

Irving Berlin became depressed and feared the father would win out, that he didn’t have a chance. It was during that time he wrote one of the most enduring and haunting songs of his career, ‘What’ll I Do?’ The song played on the soundtrack that drove the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby and even if you didn’t like Redford’s portrayal of the lovesick bootlegger, or Farrow’s flighty Daisy, the music made you cry. That was the power of Berlin. He knew how to tug at your heartstrings. But nothing got through to Clarence Mackay, who sat in his stone fortress high on a hill making threats to disinherit his daughter and bar her from ever returning home again. He sent detectives out to dog Berlin’s every move hoping to dig up some scandal but Berlin had nothing to hide. He was loved by everyone. The determined couple made secret plans to elope and early in January of 1926, during a storm, they took a subway downtown. Ellin had never been on one before. When they arrived at City Hall, they were hastily married by a justice of the peace. She wore a plain grey suit and brown felt hat and both were said to be shaking from anxiety.

Berlin had booked the $5,000 presidential suite on the great ocean liner Leviathan and they sailed off to Europe as newspaper headlines flashed across the country:

Bryant Library 1942 Irving Berlin and Ellin Mackay were one of the great love stories of the twentieth century.

Berlin Marries Mackay Heiress, Father Furious Though happy and in love, Ellin was immediately disinherited of tens of millions. On their honeymoon Berlin sang ‘I’ll Be Loving You Always’ to his young bride. As a wedding present he gave her documents assigning her its copyright, worth over $300,000. Clarence refused to speak to his daughter and wouldn’t even see his first grandchild when she was born just before Christmas.

Three years after the sensational wedding, Mackay’s life took a bad turn when the stock market crashed in 1929. His million dollar parties, some bad investments, not to mention some negative karma, came back to haunt him and he went bankrupt like so many of his friends and rivals. Harbor Hill was closed up and became a spectacular ruin as it moldered away and the vines crept through the broken windows.

Ten months before the crash Ellin gave birth to a little boy whom they named Irving Berlin Jr, but he only lived a few weeks and died on Christmas Eve. Sometime later Clarence finally reached out to beg forgiveness. By then he was old, lonely and broke.

Through it all Berlin and Ellin remained happily married for 62 years. They raised three beautiful daughters. Berlin died in 1989 at the age of 101, outliving his wife by one year. He remains one of the best-loved composers of all time. His music reflects a time in our history when there was hope, innocence, optimism and love in our hearts … something we seem to have lost in recent years.

(Authors Note: There is still time to catch my ‘Winter Dreams’ costume and photo exhibition at the North Shore Historical Museum in Glen Cove.

The lavish winter outfits were originally worn by local society ladies of the era and photographed during real blizzards and snowstorms at many of the surviving estates. You won’t see anything like it anywhere. For more information call 516.801.1191 or 516.921.7438.)

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Whatever you’re celebrating… celebrate it in lavish classic grandeur.

Weddings • Mitzvahs • Sweet 16’s • Corporate Events • Milestones • Fundraising

LEONARD’S PALAZZO

555 Northern Blvd, Great Neck NY | 11021 | 516-487-7900 | www.LeonardsPalazzo.com

features

25A

DEFINING SUCCESS

By Professor Jack K. Mandel

2014

… it could be the beginning of a wonderful new year with a myriad of opportunities open to you on a personal, professional and business level. But you have to make it happen.

Did you ever stop to think why some of us are the alpha (lead) dog while others merely follow in a pack? While it may be complex in scope there is a very logical scenario. Not all of us have what it takes to be an individual and/or team leader. Let’s focus on five key traits that both men and women have in common as they pursue worthy life goals. As a professor at Nassau Community College, I try to drive home these five points to my entrepreneurial students.

AUTONOMY: Regardless of age or gender, the ability of an individual to plan, focus and turn ideas into action is paramount to success. Independent thinkers do not require a boss or supervisor to lead them. They are self-driven and know how to innovate to achieve. That’s why many pursue their own ventures.

POWER: While earning potential is one gauge of power, so too is the symbol of personal influence over others. Certainly political figures, members of the clergy and even college professors such as myself are seen by society as ‘opinion leaders.’ Maybe the financial opportunities are not as significant as in the business sector, but there are different measurements that apply. In a word: priceless.

SERVICE: Let’s give credit where credit is due – to both genders.

Certainly with many women as single heads of the household a bal-

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“Independent thinkers do not require a boss or supervisor to lead them...” ance of career, family and home responsibilities must be appreciated.

Women certainly serve 24/7! Men, on the other hand, age with a different mindset. They begin to focus on a ‘legacy.’ Once they reach their 50s and 60s, career and financial goals often take a backseat to increased community involvement. And as for the ‘R’ word, forget about it. Retirement is a long way off for some. For others, it is not even in their vocabulary!

PERSONAL GROWTH: As we age, we often recognize our abilities to ‘put out fires’ when needed. Now we can hold our heads high and serve as mentors to the young.

I know as a professor, I find the learning curve to be a 50/50 equal proposition. Students often walk circles around me regarding their knowledge of social media and technology. Yes, I admit I am ‘old school’ and can learn from those around me, regardless of age or gender.

PASSION: This trait is a must-have on my list. Achieving success in anything requires a positive outlook and inner discipline so you can finish what you start. Learn to manage time effectively and you will be more productive.

No ifs, ands or buts. Faith in oneself always trumps the challenges and obstacles we face each day.

Here’s hoping 2014 is your year to make a difference.

Good luck!

MID ISLAND

COLLISION 20 lakeview avenue rockville centre, nY 11570 • 516. 766. 0101 • midislandcollision.com

Established in 1955 by Vincent Brett, Mid Island Collision continues to lead the industry in all aspects of automotive repairs. when robert Jesberger took the reins in 1987 mid island collision became a cornerstone of the community as well as a strong supporter for worthy causes such as the wounded warrior project www.woundedwarriorproject.org) and the interfaith nutrition network(www.the-inn.org). mid island collision has expertly repaired over 100,000 cars since 1955. mid island collision operates a "green" shop, utilizing all aspects of recycling and using environmentally friendly paints and materials. thank you all for your help on the food drive. we have started the coats for kids drive, as well as the toys for tots...

features

25A Old King Coal

If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you will love reading Catherine Bailey’s book Black Diamonds The Rise and Fall of an English Dynasty, (first published by Viking in 2007 and by Penguin in 2008) 451 pages.

This isn’t a novel, but a compelling historical drama of a real English family, plus the fascinating account of the Kennedy family whose lives were intertwined with the Fitzwilliams of Wentworth in Yorkshire. The author Catherine Bailey, has a degree in history from Oxford, and this is her first book. It details the true life romance of Kathleen Kennedy, known as Kick (sister to President John Fitzgerald Kennedy) who was married to one of the Fitzwilliam family members against the wishes of her mother, Rose Kennedy, who told Kick she would be excommunicated for marrying a Protestant, and even tried to get the Pope to intervene to prevent the marriage.

The family home, Wentworth, was, and still is, the largest privately owned house in Britain. Now shuttered and closed to the public, the 600 foot long Palladian East Front is almost twice as long as Buckingham Palace writes Bailey.

Black Diamonds is a well researched book with photographs of Wentworth House and the families with many pages of notes. The title Black Diamonds

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By Victoria Crosby

refers to the family coalmines at a time when coal was an extremely valuable commodity.

The story is an upstairs/downstairs story as well, as it tells of the lives of the miners, their families and the servants who worked for the landed aristocracy. The book illustrates the class distinctions, the great wealth and great poverty of the people of Britain in the 1900’s.

The family home, Wentworth, was, and still is, the largest privately owned house in Britain.

The storybook has all the elements of family drama, inheritance fights, infidelity, war, and accusations of a changeling (a baby switched at birth) at a time when only boys could inherit property.

Ken Follet may have drawn inspiration for his book Fall of Giants from the history of the Fitzwilliam family, as it too is about a mining family and the fictitious Earl Fitzherbert, although it takes place in Wales not Yorkshire.

Black Diamonds is a fascinating story which received rave reviews from the British press, and should be on the reading list of every history buff and Anglophile.

Cosmic Love

By Victoria Crosby

Just thinking about you brings a smile to my face.

You touch me without contact.

Like a magic magnet I feel you pull me near.

It seems a strange fact that we're together, even when you're not here.

Have we loved in other times?

Have we dreamed together?

Were our past lives intertwined?

Will our future destiny cross eternal lines?

Someday when all the universe is in harmony, our love song will still reverberate around the cosmos.

Loving you for who you are, and who you used to be, across the lines of space and time for all eternity.

features

25A The Muttontown Club Membership With a Heart

Club Raises Over $100,000 at 2013 BIG M Charity Pro-Am

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here is a certain spirit at The Muttontown Club that is undeniable. The understated luxe of the former mansion that now holds the clubhouse, along with the rolling landscape of fairways and greens, provide a grand backdrop to a life of leisure. Over generations, the member owners of The Muttontown Club may have accentuated their busy lives with the respite and tranquility of club life, but make no mistake – they don’t take the privilege lightly. Indeed, the stewardship for club and community shared here evokes a unique pride that has helped to perpetuate The Muttontown Club for the last 50 years.

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One such example of this is the annual BIG M, a charity pro-am that contributes to an organization close to the hearts of Muttontown Club members – The UJA. “The founders of The Muttontown Club established charitable giving as one of our club’s basic tenets and it gives the members great pleasure to carry on the tradition of the annual BIG M,” said General Manager/COO Friedrich Eder. Over the past 47 years, The Muttontown Club’s efforts through the BIG M have contributed more than $3 million dollars to the UJA, helping to provide programs that enrich the Jewish experience, educate and enlighten, and serve the needy, elderly and threatened throughout the United States and Israel. Thanks to the diligent fundraising efforts of members, this year’s BIG M raised more than $100,000.

Through the years, members have consistently recognized and supported one another’s efforts. “We are extremely proud of the contributions our fellow members make in the community and every year at The BIG M we honor two couples who embody the club’s culture of charitable work,” said The Muttontown Club President Richard Sherman.

This year’s honorees included Steven and Bonnie Kanowitz, and Jeff and Marla Maidenbaum who were honored for their various charitable efforts, as well as their affinity for their Jewish heritage.

February 2014 | 89

“

The stewardship for club and community shared here evokes a unique pride that has helped to perpetuate The Muttontown Club for the last 50 years.

“

The Muttontown Club’s 14,000-square-foot mansion was once a private Long Island estate. Although the grand façade and elegantly appointed interior of the home remain intact, it has been modernized to accommodate the camaraderie of country club life. Its sprawling landscape has been cultivated into a 6,500-yard, 18-hole golf course designed by Alfred H. Tull that provides competitive and casual play for men and women alike. Under the auspices of The Muttontown Club’s Board of Managers, Troon Privé is now responsible for day-to-day management of the club and for the impeccable maintenance of the course’s intricate greens and double-sided driving range. Other amenities include an engaging social calendar, and a tennis and free-form pool complex with kiddie playground.

It may be typical for clubs in the area to close or substantially restrict services over the winter but The Muttontown Club remains open all 12 months, providing high quality, wallet-friendly dining and an indoor golf simulator for year-round enjoyment. If ample access to a life of luxurious leisure on Long Island isn’t enough, members also enjoy global rewards

through its association with Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon Golf – including reciprocal play at more than 30 private clubs and preferred rates at resort and daily fee facilities around the world. The Troon Privé portfolio includes such private clubs of distinction as BallenIsles in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Fieldstone in Greenville, Delaware; Silver Creek Valley in San Jose, California; St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina; Pronghorn in Bend, Oregon; Ocean Club in Paradise Island, Bahamas; Settlers Run in Cranbourne South, Victoria, Australia; and Bearwood Lakes in London, England.

In an ever-changing world, the guiding principle of stewardship is just one trait that has driven the members of The Muttontown Club to continue the traditions of their predecessors and it’s that spirit that keeps tradition alive in the hearts of the families and friends who call it their club.

For details about The Muttontown Club call 516.922.7500 or visit www.TheMuttontownClub.com. For more information on Troon Privé, visit www.TroonGolf.com.

February 2014 | 91

The

Sexy M6 Gran Coupe

by BMW

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e all like sexy figures. Well, this gem will cost you six figures. The M is always sexier than your standard bimmer.

The M6 Gran Coupe comes in both two- and four-door models and is powered by a 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 with direct injection, pushing 560 ponies under the hood with 500 lb-feet of torque.

No matter if you’re in a rush to meet your bride-to-be or not, the M6 has the potential to get you there at 155 mph (electronically limited; 189 without), hitting 60mph in 4.1 seconds.

In addition to its power, the M stands above its standard six cousins with more aggressive front and rear bumpers, an exposed carbon fiber roof and 20� low-profile tires.

Base specs: (4-Door Sedan) Engine: 4.4-liter twin turbo 32-valve V8

Performance: Horsepower: 560 HP @rpm: 6,000 Torque: 500 7-speed M double-clutch transmission with drivelogic

Dimensions: Fuel tank: 21.1 gal MPG: (est) 14city/20hwy Rear Wheel Drive Gross weight: 5,315 lbs

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Polo Steakhouse

By Venus Quintana

Steakhouse Opens in the Legendary Garden City Hotel

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he iconic Long Island landmark hotel that has served as the face of luxury and hospitality since 1874 has recently acquired a major facelift. The legendary Garden City Hotel has undergone an extensive transformation over the last year, after being purchased by the Fortuna Realty Group. In addition to the vast lobby renovation, its signature restaurant has been completely revamped. Polo Steakhouse made its impressive debut in November of 2013, serving up 28-day dry-aged USDA prime grade steak and classic American steakhouse dishes.

I had the honor of attending the preview dinner, where I was treated to a feast fit for a queen. Cocktails such as the Polo Pony, a signature drink mixed with Bombay gin, Lillet aperitif, honey syrup and fresh orange juice, as well as a champagne cocktail, Gardening at Night, composed of sparkling point method champagnoise, zubrowka bison grass vodka and house-made raspberry shrub, dazzled on all levels. The inventive cocktail list has been developed by Frank Caiafa, an industry expert who has curated cocktail menus for some of New York’s most venerable spots, including the Waldorf-Astoria’s Peacock Alley.

Heading the kitchen is Executive Chef Michael Mandato who has worked with such top chefs as Jean-Georges Vongerichten at New York’s Brandywine Restaurant and has cooked on an international level for such notables as the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh. “The key to hand-picking the best steak is partnering with the region’s top purveyors and knowing the breed of cattle, how they are raised and what they are fed,” explained Mandato. Perfectly cooked cuts such as porterhouse for two, bone-in rib eye, Kansas City strip steak and centercut filet mignon were colossal and bursting with aged-steak flavor. Side dishes were delectable and included four-cheese macaroni and cheese,

creamed spinach and mashed potatoes, along with a piquant housemade steak sauce.

The 120-seat Polo Steakhouse serves weekday lunches and daily dinners in both the main dining room and the Wine Room, a private space for special events and celebrations for up to 50 guests. The interior, envisioned by Italian designer Marcello Pozzi, combines traditional steakhouse dining with modern luxury, distinguished by hand-laid mahogany herringbone floors, deep cabernet textiles and custom-made Italian furniture, including leather sofas with red piping. “Polo Steakhouse will honor the tradition of great steakhouses and will be a defining addition to a new era of our hotel’s history. We are putting forth a modern classic,” said Garden City Hotel General Manager Grady Colin. “Expect a sophisticated yet approachable restaurant experience with superlative steaks, seafood and a few surprises - complemented by the attentive and gracious service expected of our iconic property.”

Polo Steakhouse 45 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530 516.877.9385 www.gardencityhotel.com Reservations are highly recommended

February 2014 | 95

taste

25A

388

Restaurant & Catering

Where every night is a celebration

By Venus Quintana

T

he restaurant industry is an ever-changing world filled with trials and tribulations of the risk-takers and the go-getters. There are good restaurants and there are great restaurants, but an extraordinary restaurant generally only develops over time, the product of prolonged artistic risk and managerial attention. An extraordinary restaurant uses the threat of failure first as a spur to improvement, then as a vision of unimaginable calamity. And of course, an extraordinary restaurant serves food that leads to gasps and laughter, to thoughtful discussion and demands for more of that, please, now.

388 Restaurant & Catering in Roslyn is nothing short of extraordinary.

Under the direction and guidance of a talented team of industry veterans, 388 has become a successful addition to Long Island’s culinary scene, serving up home-style Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. A substantial part of its success can be attributed to restaurant consultant Matty Sorrentino, who oversees the operations. He brings his extensive knowledge to the table to create an all-encompassing dining experience. Matty heads a staff of dedicated individuals who are passionate

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about what they do, and it shows. He takes a very hands-on approach to training, making sure that service is flawless and that guests leave happy. After all, a prosperous business is only as good as the driving force behind it.

Possessing an impressive repertoire of accomplishments in the business, Matty first got his start at Matteo’s family-style restaurant, where he worked with his brother, Andrew, and his father, Salvatore. In 2010, Matty opened up his own consulting firm and now consults for 388, sister restaurant Chris and Tony’s in Syosset, and Ciro’s in Kings Park.

Food lovers go crazy for the delectable Italian cuisine at 388, where simple, classic dishes, high-quality ingredients and lots of passion rule the table. From salads and pastas to meats and seafood to sauces and sides, co-owner Chris Tarsi and Chef Saul have created a winning menu with dishes to please every palate. Servers flaunt plates heaped with full-size and half-portions of any dish on the menu with the goal of being able to cater to the romantic couple or the hungry family of eight.

Exceptional baked clams are lightly breaded and baked on the half-shell while crab cakes are pan seared and perfectly moist, filled with tender crabmeat. Kobe beef meatballs, accented with a seasoned tomato sauce and topped with ricotta, took first prize. Entrees are simply mouthwatering, with dishes such as Shrimp Luciano – succulent shrimp cooked in a light tomato sauce resting on a bed of garlicky spinach, and Penne Alexia – tossed with chunks of chicken, shrimp and broccoli in a garlic and oil (with a touch of tomato) sauce.

All entrees beg for a side platter of ‘burnt vegetables’ including broccoli, string beans, asparagus and cauliflower that are perfectly seared and bursting with flavor. For health-conscious eaters, the kitchen at 388 has it covered. The menu includes gluten-free pasta, whole-wheat pasta and a wide selection of fish as well as gluten-free desserts. Every dish is cooked to order with only the freshest and finest ingredients, delivered daily to the restaurant.

Chris Tarsi, co-owner of 388 and Chris & Tony’s, shares the success of both establishments with restaurant partner Alexia, possessing a deep devotion and passion for the industry and for their staff. Their ultimate goal is to make the customer happy; they believe in giving patrons what they want and treating them like family so they keep coming back for more. The staff has proved that success is a result of tried and tested formulas. 388 Restaurant is a winning combination of that passion, hard work and fortitude executed by a dynamic team who pull it all together. Hats off to the team!

Private rooms available for all occasions including corporate events. Special pricing offered for all charity events.

388 Restaurant & Catering 388 Willis Avenue Roslyn NY 11577 516.621.3888 www.388restaurant.com Open for dinner seven days a week Private rooms available for all events

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A February Fête For Couples

By Andrea Correale

Andrea Correale, president of Elegant Affairs, is considered a celebrity caterer, event planner and entertaining expert.

She has been featured in multiple magazines and television programs such as US magazine, Woman’s Day magazine, Oprah.com, VH-1 Fabulous Life, New York Housewives, and Martha Stewart Living. L’Oreal Paris Academy calls her their lifestyle expert as she inspires women across the country with a series of ‘how to’ videos.

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hy not celebrate the month of St. Valentine by celebrating the couple? Invite a group of friends who are couples and toast to the value of relationship. Where would we be without our friends? Our friends are the very people who, in their own indirect way, enrich our ability to embrace our life partner.

I remember how I celebrated Valentine’s Day as a child; I handed out Valentine’s cards and gifts to everyone in my class! This year, I choose to celebrate the value of coupling – whether it’s a romantic partner, a good friend or someone else’s relationship that I deeply admire. I’m inviting everyone over to tell their own personal story of love.

I encourage you to do this yourself. Create a gathering that begins in the kitchen and plan your menu first. Go Chocolate mousse parfait garnished with almonds

Roasted beet salad drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper Wild rice with thyme scented mushrooms

to the supermarket with your list and fill your basket. I like to roast a large organic chicken for the main entrée and have the guests join the event by preparing the side dishes. Set up three or four food stations with accompanying baskets of the ingredients for each side dish. Keep the side dishes simple and balanced in relation to the main dish. Print the recipe on 8 ½” x 11½” paper and place it in a picture frame next to the basket along with the kitchen utensils needed … like you see on the Food Network cookoffs. Just keep it friendly and approachable for your guests; they may not do this on a regular basis.

Create teams of two for each dish, provide aprons and go to town! Offer some red or white wine along with sparkling water for those who might want to pass on alcohol. Once the dishes have been created, you can sit down to a stylish, healthy meal and celebrate couplehood. Encourage your guests to recount their experience of love. If you want to get seriously campy, play The Newlywed Game with your guests around the fire after dinner. Remember that?

Brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta

Set the tone with romantic music, too. You might want to focus on love songs from a particular decade. If you were born in the ’70s, go with soft rock. If you were bor n in the ’80s, there’s rock ’n’ roll and plenty of alter native from the days of WLIR. Remember? It’s all about remembering and recollecting the important people from your life.

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jetset

25A

The Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show

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If you’re a dog lover, head into Manhattan to attend the famous Westminster Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show.

This renowned event is celebrating its 138th year, and is truly a sight to see, featuring the finest of dogs in their respective breeds. Breed judging and benching will be held at The Piers (711 12th Ave. at 55th Street) during the day from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Group, Junior Showmanship Finals and BIS will take place at Madison Square Garden in the evening, from 8 – 11 p.m. All Best of Breed winners from each day will be benched at MSG at 6 p.m.

February 10 and 11 For tickets and more information, visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Valentine’s Day at Gurney’s Inn

ever wunder

By Gwen Wunderlich-Smith With the New Year upon us, there’s no shortage of exciting events and activities to help make 2014 your best year yet. A fresh start and time of new resolutions, why not aim to step out of your old routine and try something new? From the famous Westminster Dog Show, stargazing, concerts and more, there are plenty of new experiences to be had!

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The holiday of love falls on a Friday this year, making a romantic weekend getaway to Gurney’s Inn the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. The resort is located on the coast of Montauk, providing couples with the idyllic setting in which to celebrate. Rooms overlooking the ocean, treatments at the Sea Water Spa, champagne toasts and a special, dimly lit dinner combine to ensure the perfect Valentine’s celebration filled with romance, sparks and passion. Gurney’s offers a Lovers Package as well, catering to couples to make the holiday an unforgettable affair.

Gurney’s is located at 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY. For more information call 631.668.2345 or visit www.gurneysinn.com.

Saturday Night Stars at the Custer Observatory Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the breathtaking sights that Mother Nature has to offer. These dark nights are perfect for stargazing at the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold, NY. When weather permits, staff will take visitors on a majestic trip through the sky, guiding with laser pointers and powerful telescopes.

Clear, dark nights are the ideal conditions and the observatory’s website provides a moon calendar to help you plan the best night for your visit.

Open every Saturday from 7 p.m. until midnight, weather permitting.

For more information call 631.765.2626 or visit www.custerobservatory.org.

Candlelight Fridays Unwind after a long workweek at Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s Candlelight Fridays. What a cozy way to spend winter evenings with friends – listening to live music while enjoying wine and cheese plates in the tasting room! Candlelight Fridays are held from 5 – 8 p.m. through May 2. Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located on the South Fork in Sagaponack, NY. Visit www.wolffer.com or call 631.537.5106 for further information.

2014 Climb to the Top at 30 Rock Give back this March by participating in the sixth annual ‘Climb to the Top’ at Rockefeller Center to help raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis.

Participants will climb 66 flights of stairs to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck of the illustrious New York City skyscraper at Rockefeller Center. Millions of dollars are expected to be raised to fund important new research and programs providing support and education to people living with MS in the five boroughs of New York City as well as Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties.

Sunday, March 2 from 6 – 10 a.m.

For more information visit eventnyn.nationalmssociety.org

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The Gateway to a Lost Civilization

CUSCO

MACHU PICCHU AND

P

E

R

Text and Photography by Jason Feinberg

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Additional hotel photography provided by JW Marriott

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hen traveling, there is always a bit of prep time built in. For me, it’s generally packing 10 minutes before I have to head out the door. But for my most recent trip, prep would have to start a week before I left.

I don’t want to scare anyone away from this adventure.

If you’re going to the tropics, bring suntan lotion and bug spray; if you’re going skiing, dress warm. If you’re going to Cusco in Peru, prepare for the altitude.

Start by drinking lots of water. Get plenty of rest. Eat light meals and more carbs than usual. Oh, and of course, don’t smoke. That last caveat would normally be difficult for me but I came down with the flu the week of Thanksgiving, so quitting kind of just happened.

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February 2014 | 103

JW Marriott Cusco Exterior

Our journey in Cusco started after a one-night stay in Lima. At 11,500 feet above sea level, Cusco is considered a high-altitude city. A common misconception is that there is a lack of oxygen at these altitudes. Well, yes and no.

There is always 21 percent oxygen in the air but the air is less dense and therefore the pressure changes.

It came as no surprise to learn that Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long before the arrival of the Incas in the 13th century, Cusco had been well established and there is evidence everywhere you look around the city.

Its status helps the city retain its history but in some ways makes it more difficult to modernize. Construction and renovations can be very restrictive because of UNESCO standards. On my visit I stayed at the JW Marriott. Unlike other hotels that I have stayed at, including other JW Marriotts, this one could easily be missed; as you walk along the cobblestone streets, it blends seamlessly into the city’s architectural past.

JW Marriott Courtyard

Guest Suite

Guest Suite

Library

Bar and Dining area

The hotel is built upon the ruins of the 16th century San Agustin Convent. The challenge the builders faced was constructing a modern day hotel without disturbing the existing property or taking away from the exterior appearance of the surrounding buildings. What they created

was a perfect mix of past and present. A hidden treasure blended with beauty and luxury with a modern lifestyle tucked away in a city rich in culture. From the outside, what you see is a stone structure lined with archways that lead you to the massive lobby doors into a dimly lit lobby surrounded by stone and thousands of crystals dangling behind the check-in desk. The interior has an historic feel to it, as it should. The hotel did an excellent job keeping with the architectural style of the previous structure, making sure it was the perfect fit.

In the center of the hotel is a huge courtyard. At the time of my visit, the court was transformed into a 300-person festival complete with acrobats, live music and plenty of food, wine and dancing, something that the JW’s onsite 5-star restaurant handled with ease. This was no surprise as Cusco is known for its cuisine and around every corner there are incredible restaurants that can please even the most demanding appetite.

Incan Ruins at the JW Marriott

While the courtyard allowed for great entertainment, what was beneath it was astonishing.

Taking the elevator to the basement of a hotel is typically not part of the tour. But at the JW in Cusco, it’s a must. When building the hotel, the crews uncovered Inca ruins, something that is not rare in this area. While for most construction jobs this would cause a big problem, for the JW it was an opportunity to preserve the find in a temperature-controlled environment.

Qurikancha Church of Santo Domingo

Just beyond the Incan relics is the JW’s health club spa complete with a small indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and of course, massages, scrubs, wraps, manicures and more.

There are two things that really stood out at this particular hotel. First was the staff’s greeting: “Welcome, sit, relax … take it slow.” The temperature was in the 40s when we arrived and the staff walked us over to the lounge where we sat by the warm fireplace and drank some coca tea. The coca tea helps prevent altitude sickness. The staff’s first concern was to make sure we were comfortable and acclimated but their attention didn’t stop there. Throughout the entire stay, they remembered people’s names, they remembered specific things individu-

Cathedral of Cusco

Qurikancha Church of Santo Domingo

Sakasaywaman

als liked and most of all, they were incredibly friendly and accommodating.

The second thing that stood out was what was said next: “The oxygen is turned on in each of your rooms.” I had to think about that for a minute wondering if something had been lost in translation. But in addition to its water filtration system, the JW Marriott also has an oxygen system onsite that pumps O 2 right into your room. This was truly one of the most fascinating hotels I’ve ever experienced.

But you’re not in Cusco to spend all of your time inside. Located nearby are some very famous sites that demand a visit. A couple of blocks from the JW is the Plaza de Armas, a central square surrounded by shops and restaurants. The focal point is the Cathedral of Cusco. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take pictures inside. From the outside, it seems rather small, but that appearance, it turns out, is very deceiving. Built in the 1600s the cathedral is a perfect example of Gothic-Renaissance that is simply massive. Constructed of stone, some of which was transitioned from the Incan fortress Saksaywaman, you feel the strength as soon as you enter. The main altar, which was added in the 1700s, is made of silver and is just one of thousands of details embedded into the sacred building.

Another must-see is Qurikancha. This was formerly an Incan temple dedicated to the Sun God where walls and floors were once covered

in sheets of gold. The remaining ruins, enclosed within, are fascinating, to say the least.

To see the incredible engineering accuracy of tightly interlocked stone is beyond belief. When the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo, which stands today along with the Convent of Santo Domingo, they built it on top of the original temple’s foundation and incorporated original Incan walls, due to their strength.

To get a real sense of the engineering, we took a ride to Saksaywaman (pronounced like ‘sexy woman’), which is about 15 minutes away.

Here, located a few hundred feet above the city, are the remains of a walled city and the capital of the Incan Empire. Precision-cut boulders weighing tons were moved from a quarry not far from the site and placed together like a life-size Jenga puzzle, creating a fortress-like series of structures and retaining walls.

While this was impressive enough, it would be the next stop about which most people say, “Someday I’ll get to see it.” That adventure started on a 57-mile, 3-hour train ride. I must admit I had a preconceived notion of what a Peruvian train might be like. I had visions of an overpacked train and accommodations that included sitting on the roof or fighting with a chicken.

Luckily I was wrong. We would be taking the luxurious Peru Rail. I was very impressed with how well organized everything was. Each passenger was given an assigned seat and escort-

ed by an attendant to his or her car. The cars had sky-view windows and first-class seating with dining tables and dining service.

The ride in itself was relaxing, with amazing views. The tracks hugged the landscape along a wild and at times raging Urubamba River. At one of the stops a number of passengers disembarked, grabbing their gear to start a long hike along the original Inca trail to our destination. Soon we were pulling into a station where we transferred to a bus and we continued up a long dirt road with hairpin turns hugging the cliffsides. I was occasionally white-knuckled but it would all be worth it.

Welcome to Machu Picchu.

Surreal is the first word that comes to mind.

When you are dropped off at the visitors center, you don’t see the picturesque view that is so familiar. You walk a short distance and as you pass the first stone structure – there it is – as if someone opened a giant curtain and you were suddenly whisked into a fantasy world: a magnificent vastness covered in lavish shades of green cascading down the hillsides, perfectly manicured, with white mist slithering through mountaintops.

Built in the 15th century, this hidden city was abandoned after only 100 years (I’m guessing the walk up the mountain had something to do with that) and rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham III, who is believed to be the inspi-

Machu Picchu

Only 400 visitors per day in two groups are allowed to make the additional climb to the top

Sun Dial

ration for Indiana Jones. After the mysticism has slightly worn off, you begin to realize the engineering masterpiece that was created by this civilization of astronomical experts. Nearly every window and every stone had some intentional purpose of placement to be exactly aligned to a star, the sun, or what-have-you to pinpoint the time of day, month and year.

Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and words cannot describe what its like to see it up close and personal. Here you can spend an entire day walking, hiking, climbing and exploring the past of Incan history and culture. And since it’s about 3,300 feet lower then Cusco, it has a milder climate and you don’t need to worry as

much about the affects of the altitude. But even if Cusco and Machu Picchu were at sea level, their sheer beauty and cultural heritage would still take your breath away.

For more pictures, please visit our website For more information on the JW Marriott please visit www.marriott.com

jetset

25A

Typical Architecture in Charleston

Road Trip Down South, Y’all!

By Victoria Crosby

I

recently took a road trip down south to a wedding in Greensboro, North Carolina, stopping first in Charlottesville, Virginia, about a five-hour drive from Long Island. We wandered through the large outdoor mall where we ate al fresco at a Mediterranean restaurant and had a great time people watching.

Nearby is Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, which is certainly worth a visit. The drive to Greensboro took us through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The wedding was held at a vineyard with the ceremony outdoors overlooking a lake and a gazebo. Naturally, plenty of wine was served, including a peach-flavored Chardonnay, which was too sweet for my taste. I preferred their delicious Malbec, which was smooth and full-bodied.

Our next stop was Charleston and we stayed at a hotel overlooking Folly Beach, a beautiful beach with a wonderful pier. George Gershwin lived on Arctic Avenue in Folly Beach and it was there in 1934 that he wrote the music for Porgy and Bess. The novel Porgy was written by Charleston native DuBose Heyward in 1925.

The lovely old cobblestones of Charleston’s streets were originally ballasts in the holds of the sailing ships in colonial days. To see the many sights in 108 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

“The long drive to Boone Hall is lined with old oak trees draped

Pier in Folly Beach in Charleston

Boone Plantation

Zenobia Washington at the Boone Plantation

in Spanish moss like a scene f rom Gone with the Wind.”

Charleston, I recommend the Old South Carriage Company for a horse drawn carriage ride around the old part of the city. Our tour guide was right out of central casting, with a charming southern drawl and a vast knowledge of history.

We ate at the Clam Shack in Folly Beach, one of several in the Charleston area. I had a delicious she-crab soup. The owners of the Clam Shack donate the proceeds of this particular soup to a non-profit cancer organization they founded. We also dined at a French restaurant, 39 Rue de Jean, with friends who had relocated from Locust Valley to Charleston some years ago. There are many good restaurants in town, within all price ranges.

Unfortunately historic Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, as well as the Naval and Maritime Museum, home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown were closed due to the government shutdown at the time we were there.

Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant is the oldest working plantation in America. Its origins are 300 years old. The long drive to Boone Hall is lined with old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, like a scene from Gone With The Wind. The mansion that stands now isn’t the original but the property has the original old brick slave quarters, nine buildings in all, which are now museums, each one telling its heartbreaking story.

We attended a presentation by Zenobia Washington who spoke of the history of Africans in America. She told the story of the evolution of the Gullah language, which is based in English but heavily influenced by Creole African dialects. I found the presentation brilliant; she related stories of her childhood, her children and family, all of which were humorous and moving. She read a poem in English and in the Gullah language (this poem appeared in the December issue of 25A) and offered copies for a small donation. Zenobia is also a dollmaker, an endeavor she began as a way of grieving the death of her brother. She now teaches workshops to children and adults and her dolls and quilts are shown in galleries.

The Boone Hall house and property are privately owned so no photographs were allowed inside the house and only the downstairs rooms were included on the tour. The docent was dressed in period costume with a hoop skirt. The McRae family bought the house in 1955 and furnished it with the period pieces that are still there; it has been open to the public since 1956.

February 2014 | 109

The Ranch 4.0 Malibu Reboot, Refresh and Rejuvenate

By Gwen Wunderlich-Smith

I

ercise that will enhance your metabolism and cleanse and detoxify your body, allowing for a healthy loss of weight and inches. Of course the heightened sense of mental clarity and serenity that also comes with the program served as an inspiration.

Last month I experienced a complete overhaul when I journeyed to Malibu, California and joined a four-day fitness and wellness program at the The Ranch 4.0 Four Seasons Westlake Village, spun off from The Ranch at Live Oak’s highly-acclaimed weeklong program. I was able to recalibrate my mind and body at this premier results-oriented fitness and wellness retreat.

I felt different going into this new experience. I had a little thing called conviction. I had been overworked and unhealthy for too long and I was ready to make a change. Experiencing a breaking point, I knew I needed to step away from my hectic life to really take care of myself. I was ready to grab life by the horns and stop with the reasons and excuses, and that’s exactly what I did at The Ranch. At 4 a.m. on a Thursday morning, with suitcase in hand, I left behind my doubts and fears and set out to reboot, rejuvenate and make a change once and for all.

f you do one thing for yourself this year, I urge you to jumpstart 2014 by pressing the restart button and rebooting your life to see improvements and a better you in the New Year. There’s nothing quite like getting away from it all and taking quality time for yourself. We all deserve time away to step back and reflect so we can gain a fresh outlook on all areas of our life.

The Ranch 4.0 offers guests a four-day version (Thursday-Monday) of the brand’s signature seven-day stay in a setting that allows for diagnostic testing and the ability to stay connected to the outside world.

Limited to 16 guests each week, this program is specifically designed for those unable to be away for a full week but who still have the desire to lose weight, discover more facts about their physical health and learn sustainable nutritional habits.

I had booked the trip a few months in advance and week by week, I’ll admit, I became a little more daunted about the journey ahead and what it would demand of me physically and mentally. The Ranch has a clear philosophy of stimulating your mind and body through sustainable ex-

110 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

When I walked through the doors of the Four Seasons, I remember thinking how ready I was to give all my heart and soul to this experience.

The truth is I never realized just how much I had to give and what intense emotions would surface. When I sat with the team leaders and small group who would participate alongside me, I had no idea what significance they would hold for me during this short amount of time.

Sure, there were the idyllic retreat aspects that I welcomed with open arms: beaches, massages, gourmet chefs, blissful solitude, daily yoga classes and swimming under the palm trees to feel relaxed. To get on track with my health, there was a vegetarian menu; eight hours per day of rigorous exercise that included four hours of morning mountain hiking

and afternoon exercise classes and stretching; a no-outside-communication policy and medical diagnostic testing performed by the California Health & Longevity Institute located in the hotel. This was the intimidating part, of course. There were so many questions running through my mind: Could I be entirely away from my company and its business demands for four whole days? Could I exercise that many hours a day? Not give in to cheating? Would they find a reason I couldn’t stay after my health test?

Following a morning of medical and fitness testing to ensure the 10 of us were healthy enough to complete the program, the group enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at a beautifully decorated private greenhouse on the property. From there on out, this is where we would gather for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meals at The Ranch were designed to exclude alcohol, caffeine, soy, gluten, dairy and processed sugars, aiding in detoxification and revitalization and, although they did, each meal was as satisfying as it was fulfilling.

Each day was an early rise at 5 a.m. and we began with a relaxing stretch class to prepare our limbs for exercise. A breakfast of homemade granola and delicious smoothies was the perfect start. Even though my tea was not caffeinated I pretended it was to give me a mental boost for the hard day ahead. With crisp morning temperatures we headed for our daily 10- to 13-mile mountain hike. It was grueling but I was determined to make it through even though the thought of giving up was entering my mind toward the home stretch. The breathtaking views and deep conversations with my group kept me motivated to keep going. After each daily hike we ate lunch at either the Malibu beach or at the greenhouse, feeling exhausted but accomplished. After we had a too-brief rest, it was on to dance, more stretching and total body classes.

The sprawling property provided a wonderful balance of Southern California elegance and luxury. The spa, to which we all had access, has

been named as one of the Top Ten Hotel Spas in the United States and comes complete with a pool, sauna, jacuzzi and relaxation room. Massages were given in the room daily. One of my rewards for my hard work each day was a massage and boy, did I look forward to that more than anything! By dinnertime, we practically crawled to eat and were almost too tired to lift our forks, but invigorating and meaningful conversation flowed among participants. When I hit my pillow at 9 p.m., I was out like a light.

The grueling workouts, the encouraging chants of “We are almost there!

It’s just around the bend” (when we were still four miles away!) pushed me to my limits and challenged me not only physically but mentally as well. This cleansing of the mind, body and soul was exactly what I needed and I now understood why so many people from all different walks of life come here. The chance to literally reset your life was here in Southern California at The Ranch, and I couldn’t have asked for a better time to be able to do this.

The intimate setting allowed for all of the guests to bond, as we all went through this process of detoxing our lives together. I formed friendships with people I wouldn’t have met if it weren’t for this retreat. The four days of intense workouts paired with a very strict diet that was provided by a private chef (all cuisine was organically grown and the freshest possible) allowed for me to jumpstart on a healthy new lifestyle.

Taking part in The Ranch was one of most difficult things I have endured.

But it was all worth it as I met my goals and left a new person. My newfound perspective on what it really takes to be happy and centered without being weighed down both physically and mentally could have only happened at The Ranch. Cheers to Alex Glasscock, the founder of this retreat, for his guidance and to my newfound friends … here’s to you for giving everyone a chance to take a leap of faith to restart one’s life.

February 2014 | 111

Reka Nyari

“This started a very romantic, almost old-fashioned courtship�

United in Love & Art

by Diana Pinck

Finally, Ian arrived back home. After a year of emotional buildup and countless emails, the couple rendezvoused in a café. Reka laughs: “It was a total bust. There was no chemistry!

But we decided to stay friends.” They went out as friends a couple of times, until one night Ian stole a kiss from Reka as she was getting into a cab. “That whole night my lips were burning, like fire from Ian’s kiss.” Since that night the two artists are living their own happily ever after, united in love and art.

To find out more about the artists, visit www.rekanyari.com and www.ianbrewer.com.

Photographers Reka Niary and Ian Brewer

Reka & Ian

The stunning half-Finnish, half-Hungarian Reka was born and raised in Helsinki. After spending some time in Budapest, she moved to New York City to study fine art at the School of Visual Arts. She worked as a model and club manager while painting very realistic paintings from her edgy, erotic photographs, almost exclusively of women. However, her many photographer friends questioned Reka’s choice to spend hours and hours painting something that was already a piece of art in itself.

Born in London, Ian Brewer’s family moved to Spain when he was six years old. He studied fine arts and photography in Granada before transferring to Berkley College on a Fulbright Scholarship for his final year. In California the dot-com boom was in full swing and Ian became interested in digital art and web design as well. He moved to New York but was restless and decided to travel in Asia for a year.

One week before his scheduled departure, Ian met Reka on MySpace. Although hesitant to leave, his wanderlust superseded his desire to see Reka and he reluctantly traveled east. “This started a very romantic, almost

old-fashioned courtship. I’d be stranded in airports or train stations, or sitting on a mountain top awaiting the sunrise, and I’d write Reka long, descriptive emails about my journey. Another thing that happened was that instead of taking photographs to document my trip, I started to travel and seek out places and settings to photograph.”

Ian Brewer

The newlyweds met eight years ago on MySpace, one of the world’s largest social networks. Reka said, “On our profile pages, we both cited The Egyptian by Finnish writer Mika Waltari as our favorite book.” Although an international bestseller in 1949, the book was and is an unusual favorite, creating an instant connection between the two young urban artists.

Finally Reka conceded that photography was ‘real art’ and stopped painting. As a photographer, her career took off with meteoric rise.

Reka’s main interests remain the female form, fashion, artistic nudes and edgy, sexually charged portraiture. In 2011, Reka compiled her best work in an internationally published book, Femme Fatale - Female Erotic Photography. The book was translated into 10 languages and sold out almost immediately.

Reka Nyari

F

or this Bridal and Romance issue of 25A I offer you, dear readers, the romantic story and the fascinating photography of Reka Nyari and Ian Brewer.

February 2014 | 113

25a-list

25A 25th Annual Producers Guild Awards

Photography ANDREAS BRANCH/patrickmcmullan.com On Sunday, January 19, 2014, the Beverly Hilton Hotel hosted the 25th Annual Producers Guild Awards. This must-attend event for the industry is known to attract some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Brad Pitt

Claire Danes

Bryan Cranston

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Terri Seymour

Forest Whitaker

Leonardo DiCaprio

Helen Mirren

Morgan Freeman

Kristin Chenoweth

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February 2014 | 117

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Holiday Party at Leonard’s Palazzo

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