25A magazine July/Aug 2013

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Gold Coast Luxury Magazine

July / Aug 2013

25A Aruba Adventure The Best of Budapest East Hampton’s Maidstone Summers on the Gold Coast Catching Up with Jill Zarin

CONSUELO VANDERBILT COSTIN

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


We’re quite literally raising the bar on what flying should be. We’re taking comfort and convenience to new heights— our new 777s feature a walk-up bar in Business Class on international flights. 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.


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.


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contents july / august 2013

Cover 50 Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin Growing up with ties to one of the wealthiest families in the world can be intimidating, especially for a young woman trying to find her niche. While some may choose to fall back on their name to lead privileged, debutante lifestyles, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin isn’t one of them Cover photo by Johnny Schiano

22

Splurge 22 East Hampton

The Village of East Hampton is one of those “Rare Jewels” and its history is captivating. Located within the Town of East Hampton, the village was originally called Maidstone, after Maidstone in England

Couture 26 Summer Fun

Hot for the summer from Caffee, PilyQ and more

Design 36 Sprawling Splendor in Sands Point 36

In the Roaring’ 20s, visitors who were invited to attend lavish parties while sipping champagne under the stars at Beacon Towers, a Gilded Age mansion situated on the very tip of Sands Point, had to drive through a pair of wrought iron gates to be let inside

40 A Haven of Peace When it comes to Hamptons-style living, nothing is better than the real thing. Mabley Handler Interior Designs has been designing for more than 20 years; 11 of them have been in the great nautical environs of the Hamptons on eastern Long Island, N.Y.


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contents Regimen 44 Don’t Sweat Summer

july / august 2013

Summer brings to mind holiday festivities, beach barbecues and exotic vacations. It’s no wonder that many people find summer a difficult time to stick to a healthy eating and exercise routine

47 The Benefits of Flexibility Many believe that stretching is only necessary just before exercise or immediately following. Stretching, in fact, is an exercise in itself that yields tremendous benefits that should not be ignored. Flexibility is very personal and what may seem like low flexibility to one person actually can be considered high flexibility to another

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Celeb 48 Jill Zarin

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Features 64 Summers on the Gold Coast

A few weeks ago we were invited to a fabulous intimate gathering at the residence of Jill and Bobby Zarin in Southampton. Poolside, Jill and I sat for a few hours and played some catch-up soaking in the sun and talking for hours. Here’s what our favorite former housewife had to say

Once upon a time there was no place on earth more beautiful than the North Shore of Long Island. There were over 600 private estates, each its own little fiefdom with trellised and arbored gardens to rival those at Versailles

Hamptons events 56 DuJour Party 58 75 Main 59 Nammos / Trata

Green Vale school counts many illustrious North Shore families among its alumni but the history of the school dates back to 1919 when two sets of parents who were disenchanted with the local schools decided to educate their 5-year-olds themselves

70 Green Vale Celebrates 90 Years

72 Singles Culture

Passion and Dating by Professor Love


S I NC E 19 4 5

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july / august 2013

Jetset 80 The Best of Budapest Budapest is a city that many travelers overlook on their visits to Europe. They may visit Vienna and Prague, but to bypass Budapest is a great mistake, for this is a lively city full of art and culture, wonderful architecture and a vibrant expat community of British and Americans willing and eager to embrace visitors

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84 The Long Island Staycation Around the Island in Twenty-Four Hours or Less

88 Aruba Adventure

Just 17 miles north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch island is a completely different experience from other Caribbean islands. Because of its location, Aruba has a very dry, arid climate and is spared from the typical path of hurricanes

94 Ever Wunder

94

With summer in full swing, it may sometimes seem impossible to tear yourself away from the great beaches and pools of Long Island. But get ready to pry away because these exciting summer attractions will ensure memories that last a lifetime

Auto 96 Icona Vulcano A one-off luxury sports car

Taste 98 Amalfi Coast-Style Entertaining

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Summertime usually involves international travel and the Amalfi Coast is a favorite

102 Kyma brings a cool wave of Island Greek Drama and delight ensue in Kyma’s cuisine. The lively, diverse menu reads like a love letter to its native land, tempting diners with an array of fresh fish and authentic foods of the Greek Islands

Art Form 106 Take a Plunge into the Hamptons Art Scene 108 A Symphony of Passion Josef Kote’s paintings are lyrically beautiful, modern and current. In stillness they vibrate with energy and light, like shimmering fields of flowers, abandoned for siesta on hot summer day

25-A LIST 112 Christopher Robbins’ A-List Events

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publisher’s note

Life has never been better for me and add to that the fact that summer is here! That means all kinds of outdoor sports such as polo events, tennis matches, golf outings, boating, exotic auto shows and other affairs, all of which you’ll read about in this issue of 25A. The Hamptons are alive from west to east. The parks and beaches are filled with beautiful people all looking their best. Celebrity parties are all around us. I’ve had a blast meeting and greeting people at these exclusive events (some of which we couldn’t even photograph because of high-profile privacy issues). This month we also take our readers to Budapest and Aruba, and we enjoy a quick staycation in East Hampton. Monica Randall treats us to past summertime traditions of the Gold Coast and we study up on a couple of incomparable local schools with fascinating histories. We also bring you art, design and good food. There is truly no other place I would rather be than Long Island. Its beauty is unmatched, both its natural beauty and its inhabitants. Check out our event photos and see if you recognize yourself or some friends. I’ll be sure to see you out there on the scene. As always, thanks to all our readers for making 25A magazine their only luxury Gold Coast publication.

Chase Backer Publisher


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25A

Long Island’s Gold Coast Luxury Magazine

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

Contributing Photographers

Contributing Photo/Videographer Contributing Illustrator Advertising Account Reps

Chase Backer Jason Feinberg Brooke Morgan Lori Biddiscombe Natalie Gaebelein Carla Santella Prof. Jack Mandel Georgia Gerosaus Victoria Caruso Christopher Robbins Gwen Wunderlich Julie Leventhal 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, Amy Fisher, Shane Fonner, Cori Goldfarb, Jane Lerman, Kelly O’Malley Mattone, M.D., Alyssa Nightingale, Ilena Ryan, Iris Weiner, Diana Ziskin Patrick McMullan Paul Prince, Johnny Schiano, Paul Gerben, Kat Rabbit, Jennifer Thomas, Van Cushny, Clifton Parker Benno Klandt Robert Bergin Trish Cope, Paul Anthony, Bonnie Goldstein, Couture Marketing advertising@couturemarketing.com

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.


Luxury, Sophistication, Style, & Relaxation

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splurge

25A

east hampton

much more than the playground of the rich and famous By Paul Anthony

B

orn and raised in New York and living on Long Island all my life, I have visited all of the towns, villages and hamlets from Manhattan to Montauk. They are all unique and beautiful in their own way. The Village of East Hampton is one of those “Rare Jewels” and its history is captivating. Located within the Town of East Hampton, the village was originally called Maidstone, after Maidstone in England. Because of the proximity of Westhampton and Southampton, the name was changed to Easthampton (one word). Town records show that in 1885 after a local newspaper, The East Hampton Star, spelled it with two words, the two-word name stuck. Additionally, the name Maidstone is still used at many locations throughout the village.

One of America’s early English settlements, the Village of East Hampton was founded by English farmers in 1648. In the late 19 th century, it became a resort for the wealthy upper class and in the mid-20th century, it became an artists’ colony, popularized by abstract expressionists Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and Willem de Kooning, to name just a 22 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

few. Works of local artist Charles Waller are a must-see at the Richard J. Demato Fine Arts Gallery in Sag Harbor. Well-known local residents through the years include Julia Gardner who married President John Tyler and became First Lady. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was born at Southampton Hospital on July 28, 1929. Jacqueline’s parents, Janet Norton Lee and John Vernou Bouvier III, stayed at the East Hampton home of her grandfather on Further Lane and were married in East Hampton at St. Philomena Catholic Church. The reception was held at her grandparents’ home on Lily Pond. The family were members of the Maidstone Club and she spent her summers there until she was 10, when her parents divorced. Former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary stayed at Steven Spielberg’s house on Georgica Pond in East Hampton when she was considering her run for the New York Senate.


Stop in at The Golden Pear Café for a latte and croissant for breakfast and walk the town window shopping (and buying, of course) at your choice of an assortment of designer stores: Haute Hippie, Henry Lear, Michael Kors, Intermix, Scoop Beach, Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, etc. Take a break for some lunch at Rowdy Hall and try their amazing French onion soup and a nice bacon cheeseburger or a light salad. Spoil yourself – you’re on vacation! Then get back to shopping. Tired yet? Try The Palm for a great happy hour, light bar menu and some great cocktails. Whether you’re booked at a local hotel, staying with friends or have your own place, take a power nap and then it’s off to dinner at Nick & Toni’s. Catch a movie at the local theater or a function at Guild Hall. Here’s a great conversation starter: East Hampton had pirates on its waterways in the 17th century and early 18th century. The most notable of these, Captain Kidd, is said to have buried treasure in East Hampton and all over the East End. A piece of gold cloth from a Moorish ship that Kidd took as his bounty is showcased at the East Hampton Library. Now let’s keep this on the down low, but if you grab a pick and shovel and come join me, we just might locate Captain Kidd’s other buried treasures that are yet to be found.

T

oday, as in the past, East Hampton is an amazing destination for beautiful beaches, historic sites, mansions, farms, and of course, fine restaurants, designer shops, and arts and entertainment. East Hampton has something for everyone. It’s been called ‘America’s most beautiful village’ and ‘America’s most famous playground.’ But don’t be intimidated. You don’t have to be rich or famous to enjoy the beauty and diversity of East Hampton. Let’s take a tour. Driving in from points west on Rte. 27, The Hedges Inn is in front of you. It’s a great place to stay and dining in their restaurant is a pleasure. As you make the left to start your way into town, you will be greeted by two beautiful white swans that vacation every summer on the pond. If you make a right before you reach town, you will be heading to Main Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Drive down Further Lane and Lilly Pond Road and you will be awestruck by beautiful mansions, manicured lawns and pristine and picturesque views. The famous Maidstone Golf Club is located along the ocean. Heading back to town on either side of Main Street and Newtown Lane are great restaurants, designer stores, art galleries, historic locations and a multitude of real estate offices. July / August 2013 | 23


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east hampton

much more than the playground of the rich and famous Palm Restaurant and Huntting Inn This historic location was originally built in 1699 and the world-renowned Palm Restaurant is visited by celebrities, socialites and politicians. From mouth-watering steaks to local seafood, the menu has something for everyone. Check out the Oak Bar for a signature cocktail. Sit by the working fireplace and listen to the grand piano. The historic Huntting Inn, oldest building in East Hampton, is one of the most beautiful bed and breakfasts in America.

Guild Hall Guild Hall was dedicated as a cultural center in 1931 by Mrs. Lorenzo Woodhouse to inspire, inform and enrich the public by showcasing artists on the East End. More than 40,000 annual visitors come to the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, the John Drew Theater with its educational programs for children and adults, and the museum with permanent collections and traveling exhibitions. The Hamptons International Film Festival held every year shows award-winning films and, as always, this year’s SummerDocs Q & A sessions will be held with Alec Baldwin and friends in the John Drew Theater.

Ralph Lauren What started out over 40 years ago as a line of ties has evolved into 24 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

one of the world’s most sought-after brands of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as housewares and fragrances. The classic and clean-cut look is perfect for the Hamptons. Visit all four East Hampton locations to satisfy all your clothing and furnishing needs. For more information on East Hampton visit www.easthamptonchamber. com.

East Hampton Point Overlooking Three Mile Harbor, this restaurant, hotel and marina offers a great American breakfast, lunch or dinner. The sunsets are amazing and the atmosphere is second to none. The nautically themed interior features a full-size mahogany sloop with a mast that reaches the ceiling. The $40 prix fixe brunch is a great value. Start off with a white peach puree Bellini, then try the mussels, smoky tomato broth, Vidalia buttermilk onion rings for an appetizer and for your entrée, classic eggs Benedict, smoked Canadian bacon, English muffin and Long Island breakfast potatoes. The dinner menu is just as mouth-watering, from fettuccine with shrimp, toasted garlic, white wine and parsley to the roasted wild striped bass with roast peppers, tomatoes, capers and herb sauce. When you are done dining, stay in one of the luxurious suites or cottages. You will be pampered with the elegant accommodations. Also visit Cittanuova and 1770 House.


The Hedges Inn A quaint and most beautiful inn and restaurant for guests and special events, this quaint East Hampton landmark, built in the 1800s, overlooks the Village Pond. Ann Clarke, award winning inn designer, owner and manager of Sweetfield Manor in Barbados in the Caribbean, has renovated and transformed The Hedges Inn with luxury rooms and tasteful meals.

Nick & Toni’s A place to see and be seen. An East Hampton hot spot. Come for dinner or Sunday brunch. The atmosphere is lively and the diversity of the menu, from grilled Berkshire pork chop to mouth-watering wood roasted Gardiner’s Bay striped bass, is to die for. Sip on your favorite cocktail at the bar. For Sunday brunch, have a portion of almond pancakes with Meyer lemon curd and blueberries or bucatini, carbonara or fried organic eggs while sipping on a pre-prohibition Manhattan.

Haute Hippie Trish Wescoat Pound, founder and creative director, has put together a blend of vintage-inspired pieces with a sophisticated yet edgy aesthetic look. Check out the 2013 summer, beach and eveningwear collections. Have Nicole assist you with creating the complete outfit, accessories and all. Cool, luxurious clothes. Something for everyone. (Author’s Note: The Town of East Hampton includes the Village of East Hampton as well as the Hamlets of Montauk, Amagansett, Wainscott, and Springs. In addition it includes part of the Incorporated Village of Sag Harbor.)

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couture

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2013 Summer at

The Crescent Beach Club 333 Bayville Avenue Bayville, NY 11709



design

25A

Sprawling Splendor in

sands point

Luxury Waterfront Living on ‘Gatsby’ Inspired Retreat

By Melissa Argueta

I

n the Roaring ‘20s, visitors who were invited to attend lavish parties while sipping champagne under the stars at Beacon Towers, a Gilded Age mansion situated on the very tip of Sands Point, had to drive through a pair of wrought iron gates to be let inside. Today, those very same gates are the hallmark entrance to what is known as Sands Light, one of the most exclusive waterfront communities on the Gold Coast. As legend has it, one of those lucky partygoers was F. Scott Fitzgerald, the writer who many literary scholars believe used Beacon Towers as the model for Jay Gatsby’s mansion in the novel The Great Gatsby. Beacon Towers was built in 1917–18 for Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont, the ex-wife of William Kissam Vanderbilt and widow of Oliver Belmont. Subsequently, the property was sold to William Randolph Hearst in 1927. In 1946, Dime Savings Bank razed Beacon Towers and converted the land into what is now six private homes, which have

36 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

since been remodeled. “It is still a very exclusive location and address within Sands Point. Nobody is going through those gates unless they really are invited,” said Maggie Keats, the Douglas Elliman broker who has the exclusive listing for the property. In 1992, New York couple Larry and Amy Birnbaum purchased a colonial located at 8 Sands Light. “My husband Larry walked into the kitchen, saw the view and said to the broker, ‘Don’t show me anything else; this is what I want,’ and we’ve been here 21 years,” Amy Birnbaum remarked. As the parents of two daughters who have left home for college, the Birnbaums are officially empty nesters looking to relocate to Manhattan. A Brooklyn native, Larry is well versed and passionate about the rich history of the property. “This home is literally the inspiration for The Great Gatsby ... We are on his beach and he is standing on my beach.”


The luxurious modern home features an open floor plan with approximately 4,800 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and four and a half baths. The pristine gourmet kitchen is outfitted with white marble counter tops, custom cabinetry, a woodburning fireplace, terra cotta tile floors and high-end appliances. The adjacent chef’s eat-in kitchen is ideal for casual dining and is framed by windows and doors leading to the inviting custom cedar deck that wraps the entire back of the house. Spectacular panoramic views of Long Island Sound can be seen through multiple custom doors and windows in all principal rooms. The grand-scale Great Room is appointed with a wood-burning fireplace, custom shutters, a full wet bar, as well as vaulted cathedral ceilings. Additionally, there is a formal dining room and a library with custom bookshelves and cabinetry. On the main level, the master suite has it its own entrance to the deck overlooking the water. Off the bedroom,

there is a custom two-story walk-in closet featuring a home office and full dressing room inside. Other unique features of the property include a spacious lower level with a bedroom, full bath and recreation room that leads out onto the sprawling backyard lawn, providing 200 feet of private sandy beach. Listed on the market for $5.9 million, 8 Sands Light offers quintessential waterfront living, along with the all the glitz and glamour from its storied past. “It’s been a blessing to have been here for 21 years and we’ve enjoyed every moment,” Larry Birnbaum said.

Douglas Elliman Maggie Keats 516-944-2879 mkeats@elliman.com

July / August 2013 | 37


design

25A A CrossRoads Where City Meets Suburb By Natalie B. Gaebelein

A

distinguished style does not have to be designed for and tailored to just one room. Customizing a coffered ceiling, window treatments, wall panels, flooring and cabinetry throughout an entire home can emphasize the sophistication and elegance of prominent design features such as an elaborate staircase in a city triplex home. In-Site Interior Designs, founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Vaughan, who has been designing on Long Island and in New York City for more than 20 years, showcases a polished and characteristic look for both city and suburban homes. Using colors and patterns in warm saddle brown tones with gold highlights enhances the details of a room. Especially popular, said Vaughan, is an oil-rubbed bronze finish on Wenge wood floors with a dark stain for a romantic dressing room, dining room and even a grand stairwell that serves as the stunning focal point in an open-spaced hallway. Trendy crystal chandeliers boast a contemporary edge, unlike the vintage crystal chandeliers of yesteryear. Comfort is the most important priority to any design feature, Vaughan advises. The necessary, yet forgotten clothes 38 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


closet, for instance, can become a second living space. A joint closet is designed to feature built-in custom window seats wrapped in embossed velvet fabric. Combining custom wallpaper behind the vanity and wood cabinetry with mirrored doors, the room provides a dual purpose –to house one’s clothing and to serve as a retreat area where one can sit, read and otherwise unwind.

conventional options. A Carrera basket-weave stone floor will tie in nicely with a Carrera accent wall panel and green stone Verde Vecchio marble. Be bold and install Jerusalem Gold limestone walls instead of paint or wallpaper. This look will complement the niche of iridescent glass and stone mosaic for the whirlpool soaking tub area. Decorative light fixtures add charm and warmth.

When considering custom design for the master bath as an additional sanctuary in the home, Vaughan suggests envisioning varied stone and marble accents as non-

To learn more about In-Site Interior Design, visit www.insiteinteriordesign.com. July / August 2013 | 39


design

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mabley handler

Designs A Haven of Peace Mother nature’s Palette By Natalie Gaebelein

When it comes to Hamptons-style living, nothing is better than the real thing. Mabley Handler Interior Designs has been designing for more than 20 years; 11 of them have been in the great nautical environs of the Hamptons on eastern Long Island, N.Y. Designer duo Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler of Mabley Handler Interior Design use a natural and simplistic technique to form any style home into a fresh and serene sanctuary. The overall design featured throughout each project possesses a common “be at peace” theme. Certain shades of whites and off-whites, blues, greys and beiges provide the relaxing and soothing accents of Mother Nature. Using a mineral palette to imitate the soft and natural elements of sand, water and sky, subtle tones of green add to the allusion of the ocean’s sea foam hues. The purpose of any home is to create a relaxed haven. Since height adds openness, high ceilings in older homes that resemble the classic farmhouse or a historical barn, for example, evoke these

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classic and comfortable elements of Hamptons architecture, especially in specific rooms, such as the great room or the kitchen. However, keeping a low ceiling in the dining room, for instance, adds an intimate touch to the motif of the spacious adjacent rooms. Most people would consider this look to be that of a vacation-style home, but, realistically, owners should feel relaxed whenever they come home. The beauty of living within this holistic atmosphere is that one can experience the therapeutic retreat of a summer day, every day, even in the dead of winter.

ambiance

Tranquility for the Home One of the biggest challenges a designer has is how to appropriately employ the many shades of white. Creating a contrast among the subtle tones of whites and off-whites will display a harmonious and fresh ambiance to create the sensation of the luxurious beach life.


Alternatively, inspirational splashes of color can enhance interest to any room, whether through the texture of the fabric or the finish of a metal product, such as silver or pewter. This color technique of a room’s accessories adds dimension and depth — these are the extra touches that complete the room. Furthermore, the careful introduction of furniture for each room should encourage comfort in its style while possessing attractive, clean lines. Fresh and airy designs such as the ones noted should ramble elegantly and fluidly throughout the home, allowing homeowners and their guests to drop their shoulders and exhale upon entrance. Master bedrooms can elucidate tranquility levels. Balancing a steady shade of gray with a white contrast can amplify the walls and windows within the room. The bed and its dressings should be the center focal point, infusing the room with calming and soothing energy. Tying it all together with wooden end tables with mirror complements and a matching bed bench give an effortless effect of your restful haven. Finally, accentuating décor with a unique piece of artwork, a sophisticated glass coffee table, sparkly, dangling light fixtures, or even a natural beach item, such as driftwood or shells, will toss in that extra bit of flair and integrity to the décor. What is pleasing about this clean and natural style of interior design is that the rooms appear larger. In other words, if your home is not the size you would like, styling the rooms in this fresh and simple manner will make it appear more spacious and open … and always inviting. Visit http://www.mableyhandler.com for more information and exciting design ideas. July / August 2013 | 43


regimen

25A Don’t Sweat

Summer By: Lindsay Brustein Rosen, MS, RD

Summer brings to mind holiday festivities, beach barbecues and exotic vacations. It’s no wonder that many people find summer a difficult time to stick to a healthy eating and exercise routine. Whether you are taking a trip to the South of France or Southampton, you must not let your daily diet go on vacation, too. With these delicious and nutritious summer tips and tricks, you can enjoy these sunny times, no sweat!

1) Stay hydrated. Drinking adequate fluids is essential to prevent dehydration. As a reference, aim for 2 liters, or 8 cups, per day.

2) Walk it out.

our bodies process and store carbohydrates and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetites. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

6) Break the fast.

Being active doesn’t mean you have to skip the sun in favor of the indoor gym. Take a morning or afternoon walk along the beach to get your heart rate up – but don’t forget the SPF!

Many people’s schedules change during the summer months. Don’t take this as a cue to skimp out on your morning meal. Consuming breakfast increases the metabolic rate (in other words, how fast you burn calories) and signals to your body that you are ready to start the day.

3) Don’t drink your calories.

7) Contribute.

Always opt for water, not alcohol or sugary beverages. Add some fresh lemon, orange, cucumber or mint for added flavor! Water is great for rehydrating and replacing electrolytes that you may lose from sweating in the hot sun.

4) Fiber up! Fiber helps us feel full and keeps us regular. Load up on berries, apples, pears, green veggies, beans/lentils, whole grain breads and bran cereals.

5) Snooze to lose. Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way 44 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Many summer menus feature unhealthy options such as burgers, fries, chips and creamy dips. When attending barbecues, bring a healthy side dish to share at the gathering.


8) Build a better burger.

13) Pace yourself.

Create a healthier burger with whole grain buns, lean meats and lighter toppings like grilled pineapple, caramelized onions or guacamole.

Barbecues usually have platters full of delicious treats. Practice mindful eating while enjoying the food, as well your surroundings and company. Not only will you be pleased that you didn’t overeat, but you’ll also save yourself from upset stomach and heartburn.

9) Say yes to seafood. Summer is the perfect time to get the freshest catch of fish. Grill up some tuna, salmon, lobster, steamers or calamari for a low-calorie, protein-packed meal.

10) Ditch the bottled dressings. Summer salads are a delicious way to load up on fiber, vitamins and minerals. Don’t douse them with commercial dressings loaded with preservatives, chemicals and trans fats! Add heart-healthy fats to your greens with avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

14) Have it your way. When dining out, don’t be shy. Ask for sauces on the side, grilled instead of fried, etc.

15) Be prepared. Stock your fridge with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Make sure everything is washed, cut-up and ready to eat for easy snacking.

11) Buy local. Check out the delicious items in season at your local farmer’s market. The fresher the fruit or vegetable, the more nutritious it is. Also, local farmers that use sustainable means of growing their produce spare your body of harmful insecticides and herbicides.

12) Paint the rainbow. Choose a variety of colors of summer fruits and vegetables to get the most health benefits. Load up on juicy watermelon, fresh tomatoes, citrus fruits, mangoes and more!

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. www.nutritionbybru.com July / August 2013 | 45


regimen

25A

The Forever Lift The Gift That Keeps On Giving By Gerald A. Acker, MD

I have perfected an outpatient procedure that lasts forever, replaces Botox and eliminates most upper lid surgery. It is applicable to men and women of all ages and can replace hair transplant. The procedure softens crow’s feet and raises and straightens the nose while improving breathing. It forever eliminates scowls or frowns and can repair asymmetric brows or change any portion of either brow to a desired position. The middle face will be supported forever. This detailing and menu of options cannot be achieved by any other procedure. Simply put: the Forever Lift or Upper Lift ends looking mean or tired.

Brief History The idea of an invisible hairline incision without bandages was developed in Paris to repair major defects in children. This approach had to be inclusive, safe and allow normal facial growth. Credit for adapting this to a simple, permanent and predictable operation belongs to my colleague, Dr. Jose Vinas in Santiago, Chile, who innovated and taught me.

What Is It? The lift is an approximately one-hour outpatient hospital procedure. An incision in or at the front of the scalp, paralling the hair shafts (to produce no injury), gives complete control of the upper face. This is not a failed endoscopic lift, has no foreign material or screws and my results have been stable for more than 25 years.

Results The balance of the upper face is permanently restored. Unlike injectables, the angry, scowling, depressed look is forever gone. The descending nose (always with age) is elevated, improving breathing. The dropped brow, which causes false lid excess, is lost. Vision is improved and the eyes are protected against unnecessary upper lid surgery, which would cause the eyes to remain open while asleep. As all support is vertical, patients can never look tight or fake. The support also softens crow’s feet. Short or high foreheads can be altered to each patient’s wishes. Lastly, frown lines are

46 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

gone forever and the furrowed forehead is softened and looks normal, without paralysis. In my career, after 2,200 cases, it has never been necessary to redo or refine anyone with this procedure. There are no repetitive Botox injections. Patients vary from ages 17 to 82. There have been no significant complications for 28 years. There are no incisions or needle marks on the face and makeup can be applied immediately.

Future As I reflect on my career, my patients do not collapse but improve over time. Patients look like themselves, but now happier, rested, refreshed and more youthful. For many years, patients had come to me for rejuvenation. Though youngish and happy, they felt trapped in a doleful mask. I traveled to Europe, South America and Asia to visit the most highly regarded and respected plastic surgeons. My patients did not want to repeat intrusive and costly procedures. I was shocked when these internationally renowned physicians told me to address the upper face first, although this rarely troubled my patients. The logic of this is that a human face is similar to a suspension bridge and should be supported from the top down. I can now say that the Forever Lift has maintained my patients’ personas, careers and social relations over time. I consider myself fortunate to be their surgeon. (Dr. Acker graduated Columbia College summa cum laude and John Hopkins Medical School, Phi Beta Kappa. He continued surgical training at the John Hopkins Hospital, was chief resident at Mt. Sinai Hospital and chief resident in plastic reconstructive surgery at the Hospital University of Pennsylvania. During this time he did fellowship at the Cancer Center of the National Institute of Health and at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Acker is doubleboarded. He has been chief and director of three departments of plastic surgery in New York, extending over 20 years. In 2001 Dr. Acker’s team won the first Paragon Award as the Best Doctor/PA team in the United States. Dr. Acker has been voted one of the leading doctors of the world by the International Association of Plastic Surgeons. He has also won the Good Samaritan Award from the American Police Hall of Fame.)


the Benefits of Flexibility By Pam Polestino Many believe that stretching is only necessary just before exercise or immediately following. Stretching, in fact, is an exercise in itself that yields tremendous benefits that should not be ignored. Flexibility is very personal and what may seem like low flexibility to one person actually can be considered high flexibility to another. The simple definition for flexibility is increasing the distance between joints. It is definitely worth adding stretching to your exercise program for a number of reasons.

1. Improve Execution and Reduce Risk of Injury Having flexible joints decreases your risk of getting hurt, as it allows you move through a larger range of motion and also requires a lot less energy to do so.

2. Better Posture and Balance Stretching improves muscular balance and posture. Being more flexible can help realign soft tissue structures, thereby decreasing the effort it takes to gain and maintain better posture in your everyday life.

3. Keep a Healthier Lower Back So many suffer from lower back pain and half of that pain could be caused by inflexibility, or a lack of strength. Keeping the lower back flexible also promotes muscular relaxation. Relaxed hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, as well as all the other muscles connected to your pelvis, reduce stress to the lower back. Continuing to increase your level of flexibility will keep a healthier lower back.

4. Decrease Muscle Soreness Both dynamic stretching prior to your exercise and static stretching following your physical activity will aid in your body being less sore. Elongating muscles gives you a greater range of motion, therefore less soreness to worry about after you train.

5. Increase Blood Flow to Soft Tissue Greater flexibility will increase blood flow to muscle tissue and the entire body through nutrient delivery into your blood stream. It will increase the lubrication system that delivers nutrients to your joints, resulting in fewer joint issues and less risk of joint degeneration. There are many ways to begin to add stretching into your life. Hiring a private trainer for a personalized stretch session even one time can give you a wealth of knowledge. Stretching incorrectly or ballistically may harm you more than help you. There are specific styles of yoga that can help lengthen you, as well as relax your mind.

Pam Polestino is a certified fitness professional and lifestyle coach who also manages Group Fitness Programming for Equinox of Roslyn. pĂ&#x;polestino@yahoo. com 516.403.4444

July / August 2013 | 47


celeb

25A Catching Up with

Jill Zarin

By Gwen Wunderlich-Smith

A few weeks ago we were invited to a fabulous intimate gathering at the residence of Jill and Bobby Zarin in Southampton. Poolside, Jill and I sat for a few hours and played some catch-up soaking in the sun and talking for hours. Here’s what our favorite former housewife had to say… 25A magazine (25A): Jill, it’s been two years since Real Housewives of New York City, yet you’re out and about more than ever! What’s new? Wow … that is a loaded question. I have so much going on that if I stop to write it all down, I might think I am working too hard, which I try not to do! But with all my energy and adrenaline … I can’t seem to slow down. You know the expression ‘We make plans and God laughs’? Well, I recently broke my left foot, so there you go! God slowed me down … he actually brought me to a standstill, no pun intended.

the feeling of talking to people who tell you that wearing Skweez Couture changed their life. My second ‘child’ is Jill Zarin Jewelry, a costume fashion jewelry line aimed at women 18-100 looking for fashionable, colorful and original designs priced from $18-$135. My last two collections were based on my travels to St. Tropez and the Hamptons and sold out in stores. Morocco is available in stores this summer and was inspired by my trip with the Real Housewives of New York City Season 4. If building two fashion businesses aren’t enough to keep me going, I work with Stages of Beauty, a fantastic skincare line and write a regular blog for Rakuten.com. I am often traveling around the world with Bobby and my dog Ginger for personal appearances. Often traveling with radio show host and my sister, Lisa Wexler, and mom, Gloria Kamen. My mom and I wrote Secrets of a Jewish Mother together and still get regular speaking requests from Jewish organizations and corporations.

Well, here you go: Skweez Couture was my first ‘business baby.’ It has surpassed all our projections and continues to grow. We are currently selling to major department stores like Lord and Taylor, Macy’s and The Bon Ton in the USA and I recently returned, broken foot and all, from QVC in the UK and sold out. It is hard to describe

48 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

(25A): Do you feel like the housewives gave you a fan base that continues to follow you after the show and help the continued success of your business ventures? (JZ): I hope so! I made so many friends from doing the show that the word ‘fan’ seems so distant.


(25A): What has driven you to become the successful businesswoman you are today? (JZ):I have always been driven. As much as my parents spoiled me, I have the disease called ‘It’s never enough.’ Maybe because they didn’t give me everything I wanted ... only some of it. The biggest challenge of being a parent in 2013 is not spoiling your kids even though you can. Wanting more is what drives you … if you have everything already, why get up in the morning? (25A): You’re happier than you’ve ever been. What’s your secret? (JZ): My secret is realizing that I have the most incredible husband, Bobby, in the world. My parents (who are living in Boca and still call me every day! ... who else cares when I land on a plane that I am safe and sound?). My beautiful daughter Allyson has given me more nachas (pride and joy) than anyone could ask for but I don’t want to get a kaynahorah (dreaded evil eye). Sarah, my most loyal and loving assistant and my stepchildren David, Jill, Jennifer and Jonathan, grandchildren Micah and Lila, who bring so much love and happiness to our home and of course … my Ginger ... that wakes me up every day by licking my face! (25A): Your house in the Hamptons is extraordinary. What drew you to this house in particular? (JZ): The view. Ironically, that was the name of three of our boats! (25A): What does a day in the life of Jill Zarin involve in the Hamptons? (JZ): Running around like a madwoman getting ready for guests on the weekend, planning dinner party menus and finding time to do Pilates, yoga and Reiki to bring me calmness in my crazy mind! (25A): Where is your favorite spot to grab dinner with friends? (JZ): I love Hamptons Bays. I think it is heaven to eat on the water. My favorite is Cowfish because it is on the water, delicious, and you can get there by boat ... but if you don’t have your own, they have one to take you to their other restaurant, Roomba! (25A): Summertime in the Hamptons is full of events. Which ones are your must go-tos? (JZ): I am hosting a luxury Ladies Luncheon for my friends and will be giving them over $150,000 worth of free products so I think mine might qualify as the most fun. But there are some wonderful charity events that raise money all summer long that I love, like Southampton Hospital, Art for Life, Bay Street Theater, animal shelters, schools and Red Cross Ball. (25A): For a first time Hamptons visitor, what three things would you tell them they must do? (JZ): Visit all the towns from Hampton Bays to

Montauk since each one is extremely unique! (25A): We love your jewelry line. What is your go-to piece for summer from your line? (JZ): I love all my Z Logo jewelry. We did a collection in white enamel that goes with absolutely everything! (25A): What about the Hamptons keeps drawing you back year after year? (JZ): I have a lot of friends here and since we are all traveling and working throughout the year, it is the only time we are all here and can get together. (25A): Everyone has her go-to summer look. Describe yours? (JZ): I love maxi dresses. They are so sexy and make me look skinny! But you have to wear Skweez Couture under them to smooth you out! (25A): Are there any summer traditions that you and your family partake in that you used to do when you were growing up? (JZ): Not really, so we have started our own. I entertain all our family every big holiday weekend and I am known for my July 4th weekend festivities! When we were little I remember going upstate to the Catskills. The Fallsview and Neville hotels. Think Dirty Dancing without the dancing! (25A): We know you love to entertain. What is your favorite thing about entertaining in the Hamptons? (JZ): Since we live in an apartment in the city, we don’t entertain very often. I love to have 10-12 people for dinner on Saturday night and use all my china and table decorations I often buy on Gilt.com and Onekingslane.com! (25A): Summertime always brings out fun new recipes. Do you have a favorite recipe you prepare while at your Hamptons house? (JZ): My sister’s Summer New Potato Salad: A bag of red potatoes, placed whole on cookie sheet Sprinkle olive oil and salt In a processor, a bag of mint, lots of garlic and ½ cup olive oil. Should look like oily pesto. After two hours at 350 degrees, take out potatoes, slice them into quarters and pour mixture over them. Make hours ahead and serve room temp to warm. (25A): Summer isn’t complete for you unless you have…? (JZ): My family and friends around me. (25A): What can we expect next from Jill Zarin? (JZ): Stay tuned ... the best is yet to come!

July / August 2013 | 49


celeb

25A

‘I Love What I Do’ Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin – Singer, Songwriter, Philanthropist – On Her Music Career and Famous Ancestry By Victoria Caruso Growing up with ties to one of the wealthiest families in the world can be intimidating, especially for a young woman trying to find her niche. While some may choose to fall back on their name to lead privileged, debutante lifestyles, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin isn’t one of them. In fact, the singer/songwriter/actress has defied her old-world society roots – she is a seventh generation descendant of American railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt – and is making her mark in the dance-pop world based on her talents rather than her famous ancestry. Born in New York City and raised in London, Consuelo moved to Florence at the age of 17 to study at the British Institute and two years later was performing in a German rock band and shooting her first music video. By age 21, she signed her first record deal with Sanctuary Records in 50 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

the U.K. and sang back-up vocals for Joe Cocker at London’s Royal Albert Hall. In 2011 her single ‘Naked,’ with its strong vocal chords and upbeat tracks, spent 16 consecutive weeks on the U.S. Billboard Dance Chart, peaking at #12. Additionally, ‘Naked’ climbed the USA National Club and Dance Top 40 Charts while the video has received over 150,000 views on YouTube to date. Most recently, her single ‘Feel So Alive,’ which she co-wrote with producer Peter Amato (LeAnn Rimes, Miley Cyrus, Ricky Martin), reached Billboard’s #2 spot for Breakout Artist and ranked #21 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Chart. Currently, the video has more than 700,000 YouTube views, earning Consuelo her place in the top 25 most viewed videos during the week of its debut.


“My beautiful, wonderful mom passed away five years ago from ovarian cancer and ever since then I have performed at every charity event I could and even lobbied in Washington to raise money for research and education. I want to do everything and anything to help find a cure...” And her success is spreading outside the U.S. with Consuelo already on the track to becoming a household name in Germany. ‘Feel So Alive’ made its way onto the German Club Top 100 while the video has garnered 60,000 online views and reached #1 on the Pop Music Top 100. Her new single ‘Here We Go’ was released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on May 30 with the video for the track surpassing 650,000 YouTube views in the first 10 days. Over the course of her career, Consuelo has performed all around the world, touring the south of France and appearing on a German ZDF show last summer. This past May, she appeared on Taff – Rockin’ Berlin, which airs on Pro 7, one of the country’s largest television stations. Two million people in Germany and five million people in Europe tuned in to catch Consuelo’s episode. She has shared the stage with Mya, Tweet and Vanessa Carlton in Central Park, performed at N.Y.C.’s Fashion Week and, in 2009, had the opportunity to sing ‘God Bless America’ at Dodger Stadium. She has also performed at New York’s XL Nightclub for New Year’s Eve (2012-2013) and at The Roxy and The Key Club in L.A., to name a few. In 2011, Consuelo started her own record label, C&R Productions, and these days is hard at work putting the final touches on her new album – a still untitled 12-track dance-pop EP due out in the fall. “This album is Madonna in 2013 in an interesting and totally organic way. There are wonderful, fantastic textures and flavors coming into it,” she said, adding, “I never thought I’d be releasing an album on my own record label and have literally put every ounce of myself into this project. It’s going to be a fantastic record.” Consuelo, who prides herself on writing most of the tracks herself, added, “Songwriting is my passion. If I didn’t write, I wouldn’t sing,” she said, noting that the inspiration for her lyrics comes from all different places. “I tend to write whatever I am feeling at the moment and I tend to be spontaneous,” she said. “Sometimes it is very structured and I know what I am writing and other times it just takes on a life of its own and could be triggered by a melody, a phrase or a guitar riff.” For her song ‘Better Days,’ the inspiration was her mother, Serena July / August 2013 | 51


celeb

25A Photograph by Benno Klandt

Vanderbilt Van Ingen McCallum, who passed away in 2008 from ovarian cancer. The song has been licensed by the American Cancer Society to raise funds and awareness for the cause and Consuelo has dedicated herself to the fight for a cure. In addition to serving as a legislative ambassador for the society, Consuelo has donated her time and her music to increase funds and awareness of the disease. “My beautiful, wonderful mom passed away five years ago from ovarian cancer and ever since then I have performed at every charity event I could and even lobbied in Washington to raise money for research and education. I want to do everything and anything to help find a cure,” Consuelo said. “My sisters and I have formed an extraordinary bond, working together to raise awareness for the cause and to keep our mother’s memory alive. She was an extraordinary woman who should never be forgotten.”

“We weren’t raised to be debutantes or socialites. We were encouraged to choose our own paths. Being a Vanderbilt was always something I knew but it was never talked about.” Consuelo spent much of her life in Europe, moving to London with her mother and stepfather at the age of six and returning to the States once or twice a year to visit her father and other relatives. “My mother was proud of her family’s heritage but, perhaps because of all the expectations and pressures associated with the name, wanted to shelter me and my sisters,” Consuelo said. “We weren’t raised to be debutantes or socialites. We were encouraged to choose our own paths. Being a Vanderbilt was always something I knew but it was never talked about.” After returning to the States, Consuelo settled down on the West Coast, living in Los Angeles until seven months ago when she and her husband of six years, actor Rafael Feldman, relocated to New York. When asked how it’s been adjusting to the bustling life here in New York City and life on the East Coast, Consuelo didn’t hesitate. “I love New York! Culturally, it is amazing! And I’m addicted to Broadway. I’m really obsessed and simply cannot get enough. I have seen every musical and show out there!” she said, adding that returning to her roots has enabled her to gain some deep insight into her very private family history. “Living in the city has opened me up to things I never thought I would be interested in but perhaps the most beautiful thing about moving to New York is it has

52 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

provided me the opportunity to truly learn about my family.” Most recently, Consuelo had the opportunity – for her 25A cover! – to visit East Norwich’s Pine Hollow Country Club, which was once the home of her great, great, great aunt Consuelo Vanderbilt. “That was a real eyeopener for me. I heard stories of the amazing parties she used to throw on this gorgeous property. I only wish I could have had the privilege of meeting her,” she said, adding, “I am finding it all very interesting.” And who wouldn’t? Her great, great, great aunt Consuelo Vanderbilt (1877-1964), the Duchess of Marlborough, was the daughter of Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt and the great granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877). Cornelius, the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family and one of the richest Americans in history, was an American industrialist and philanthropist who built his wealth in shipping and railroads.


Chanel from Myrna Skoller at Designer Resale NYC E. 81st Street

July / August 2013 | 53


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25A

To factor in another famous tie, her distant cousin is artist, author, actress and clothing designer Gloria Vanderbilt, mother of journalist and CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper. Both Consuelo Vanderbilt (the Duchess of Marlborough) and Gloria Vanderbilt are descendants of William Henry Vanderbilt, a son of Cornelius. Although she did not spend much time in New York until recently, Consuelo has fond memories of her visits to Long Island as a child, spending time with her grandmother Iris Vanderbilt Christ at her Locust Valley llama farm. “Who ever heard of a llama farm!” she said, laughing. “She even had a calendar – a llama calendar – and would make me pose with the llamas.” Her grandmother, who passed away in 2006, was the daughter of Consuelo’s great grandmother and namesake Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 107. Although she goes by Consuelo Costin professionally, the prestige and familiarity associated with the Vanderbilt name is not lost on the singer. “I take pride in my family and where I am from, but I have never used it to benefit myself or further my career. I have made a point of keeping it separate from acting and singing and am very proud to have built a name as an artist on my own.” In fact, Consuelo, who describes herself as ‘quirky,’ has made a point of using the Vanderbilt name only to assist in her many philanthropic efforts. A supporter of gay rights, Consuelo has performed in front of hundreds of thousands in Washington, D.C. for Capital Pride the past two years. Last month, she served as a member of the celebrity and host

committee for the inaugural St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Spring Social and remains dedicated to the fight against cancer, continuing to serve as vice president of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California. Consuelo is also quite the entrepreneur. In addition to her record label, she is currently in the final stages of launching SohoMuse.com, an online trusted source, comparable to Angie’s List, for members of the creative industry. The need for an online source of this nature, said Consuelo, was reinforced earlier this year. “I was on my way to Germany to film Rockin’ Berlin and needed to hire dancers and a choreographer but didn’t know where to even start. I needed a way to find them and I needed to know if they were really good and reliable,” Consuelo said, adding, “Through SohoMuse, members of the creative community will have access to the best talent available, immediately and from anywhere.” With her new album due out this fall and her star already rising in Germany, Consuelo is living her dream. “I’m not going to lie, the music business is tough; I’ve certainly had my share of struggles, but it’s where my heart is and I love what I do,” she said. Her ultimate goal: To take the dance-pop music industry by storm, not just in the states but the United Kingdom as well. “My absolute dream is to make it in the U.K. The acts coming from there are just amazing. I mean, look at Adele! I would love to come back full circle and leave my mark,” Consuelo said before pausing to add, “Oh yeah, winning a Grammy would be nice, too!”

Credits: Photographer: Johnny Schiano | Stylist: Karlyn Waldschmidt | Makeup Artist: Konstantina Coulianidis | Hair Provided by: Richard Rubenstein (Twist Salon & Bangz Salon) | Hair Assistant: Gina Guzzardi | Cover Photo Jewelry: 18k yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Coral Necklace worn with our Sunny Face Lavalier $35,000 worn with an 18k yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Sunny Face Earrings $10, 500 54 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


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Bridgehampton

Du Jour Magazines Summer Launch Party at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club By Chris Robbins The beautiful oceanfront Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club was the setting for Haley and Jason Binn’s Summer Launch Party for their DuJour magazine. More than 500 guests swarmed the chic club and enjoyed the sweeping views of the Atlantic just steps away, including Brooke Shields, CBS 2 News Anchor Chris Wragge, Real Housewives of NY Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer. And when guests like Dr. Howard Sobel, Gabby and James Barba (she’s a producer of the TLC’s Long Island Medium reality show), 25A’s Chase Backer, Paul Anthony with Joan Macri weren’t tapping to the bongo band, they enjoyed the summertime fare provided by the club’s exclusive caterers to the stars, Christopher Robbins and Ken Wolfe.


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HAMPTON DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE TO BENEFIT

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Southampton

Sunday Brunch at 75 Main

By Kimberly Williams

While Mother Nature initially threatened to kick off the unofficial start of summer with, shall we say, less than perfect weather, she made up for it in time and by Sunday of Memorial Day weekend crowds of beautiful people were out partying in full force in the Hamptons, enjoying food, fun and friends. At 75 Main, one of the hippest locales in Southampton, Sunday brunch was crowded both inside and out with locals and guests, sightseers and people-watchers, all sipping mimosas, bloody Marys and vino, and enjoying an elegant menu in elegant surroundings. Owner Zach Erdem, amiable as always, was on hand to greet guests and continuous music was supplied by an assortment of DJs, including Eren AB, Lee Kalts and Kyle Rayner, each keeping the tunes cranking and the party hopping. The season for fun in the sun is just beginning and 75 Main invites all comers to enjoy its Sunday brunch every week all summer long, along with its standard fare. So come for the food, come for the fun, come with the friends. Just be sure you come, because 75 Main is not a place you want to miss.


Trata By Paul Anthony After 75 Main, the 25A team headed over to the hot spot Trata in Watermill on Montauk Highway for a bite and some cocktails. Some of the current East Hampton Georgica Restaurant owners, Sean Kehlenbeck and Dave Schulman, along with Salvatore Biundo with his warm charm and charisma, manage this must-see eclectic lunch, dinner, nightclub venue. Amazing food, great cocktails, a hip crowd for after-dinner dancing to great DJs both inside and out at the spacious outdoor lounge area.

Nammos Estiatorio By Paul Anthony From Trata we headed over to Nammos in Southampton for more nonstop fun to keep the Memorial Day weekend going. Owner Tim Salouros and Chef Emmanouil Aslanoglou have created a beautiful Greek restaurant with amazing and tasty appetizers, dinners and desserts. And after 11 pm, it becomes an inside club that rocks! The outside lounge is a must – a place to see and be seen. Talented DJ Lee Kalt once again kept the dance floor full with great sounds. He and his lovely wife Melinda are a great team. Definitely book them for your next function if you want a memorable event. Demetrius, who manages Nammos, will always greet you with a smile and his high energy will keep the night going as long as you want it to last.


southampton

House Party at the Zarin’s Jill and Bobby Zarin recently moved into their new luxury Hampton estate. What a gorgeous setting! The home boasts magnificent views of the bay, an infinity pool and built-in jacuzzi. What more can you ask for when you’re in the Hamptons? A few family guests attended a backyard barbeque with delicious food and wine. Kicking off the summer party scene, Jill and Bobby have welcomed 25A magazine to help host future parties at their estate. Jill Zarin is a class act. Be sure to read our interview on page 48 to learn more about Jill Zarin.

60 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


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features

25A

Summers on

the Gold Coast

Story and photographs by Monica Randall

Croquet Tournaments were held every sunday afternoon at Mrs. Dorothy Daveson’s, Peacock Point in Lattingtown.

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nce upon a time there was no place on earth more beautiful than the North Shore of Long Island. There were over 600 private estates, each its own little fiefdom with trellised and arbored gardens to rival those at Versailles. Even after decades of neglect, abandonment and repeated attacks from vandals, they simply took your breath away. Once you entered those massive, vine-entangled gates, you were entering a world of magic and make-believe far different from the madness of our modern existence. Whether it was a ruined fortress or a derelict seaside pavilion, the settings were

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always enchanting. Every estate had its apple and cherry orchid where in spring the delicate petals would flutter about like pink snow. There was the insistent trill of crickets and swirl of monarch butterflies that were drawn to the heady scent of honeysuckle. Summers on the Gold Coast were filled with afternoon teas that seemed to stretch on forever. There were games of croquet, strawberry festivals and boating regattas on the Long Island Sound. Ladies dressed in period finery, demure tea dresses trimmed with delicate lace and floral and feathered hats; men wore white linen


suits and straw boater hats that had a way of flying off with the slightest breeze. At Welwyn, located in Glen Cove, Mrs. Harold Erving Pratt was known for her fabled English gardens. In May the wisteria overwhelmed the lattice arbors in a glorious cascade of lavish blooms. The 200-acre property was set on a quarter-mile of beachfront overlooking the Sound. At the east end there is a 300-foot rock jetty that leads to a Gothic pavilion that has survived the years but is listing dangerously. Years ago, it was the place to be on hot, humid nights. We would bring a picnic and sit along the rocks with the sea lapping at our feet at high tide. We would stay for hours watching the sun turn orange before fading to purple, then darkness. Lights would twinkle in far off Connecticut. Seagulls would swoop and dart about us and every sound – a crashing wave, a sailboat gliding past – hung like music in the air.

Croquet

A romantic couple enjoy an Edwardian Tea in a field of lupines awash in Easter colors at the former Woodward Estate.

In nearby Lattingtown, Dorothy Davidson’s beloved Peacock Point has remained almost unchanged since the turn of the last century. Only the huge Georgian manor house had been torn down to make way for a more manageable manor house. The 300-acre property still has its stables, garage and greenhouse that are maintained by a staff of aging workers. Unique to the

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Modern day Victorian’s gather for an old fashioned picnic at the Burrwood Estate Gardens in Cold Spring Harbor

area is the old Riviera-style casino that stands on a hill overlooking the water and private dock. In the lower level of the brick and pillared structure are the bathing cabanas and showers, and storage rooms for row boats and garden furniture. The upper deck has a huge dance floor where, on moonlit nights, an orchestra played into the night. Colorful paper lanterns were strung around the outer rim of the building. The casino overlooks a large pool with a charming 1920’s-era beach house that to this day is still used for parties. Guests can lounge on the porch in the original Hunter green wicker chairs. The pool and beach house were featured in the original 1954 movie Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. When Dorothy Davidson was in her 90s, she was still hosting her famous croquet tournaments on the South Lawn; her faithful butler Carl on the upper deck of the casino served lemonade and iced teacakes.

Boating Regattas Long Island has many preservation societies and historic reenactment groups that love to dress up in vintage clothing and travel back in time. Members of the North Shore Preservation Society often gather for rowing parties at the quiet coves and inlets along the 66 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

A sunset tea in a raw boat strung with colorful paper lanterns. Photographed at Count Uzelli’s “Lake House” in Woodbury.


A derelict Moroccan style Gazebo stands on the Water’s Edge at Salutations in Glen Cove Sound or at Belmont Lake, where rowboats can be rented for $2 an hour. These events are staged on a grand scale as in the old days when boating was all the rage. On bright sunny weekends, as many as 20 members, all in costume, load up the boats with wicker hampers filled with sandwiches, cheeses, fruit tarts and raspberry balm wine, and of course, crackers to feed the resident swans. The swans and ducks quickly snap up the morsels. A portable sound system plays palm court music and ragtime tunes. The members have built a portable, oldfashioned canopy from two-by-fours, draped with tasseled china curtains snitched from an abandoned mansion. The awning was then mounted to the back of the boat with C-clamps to keep it from blowing away. At these events only the finest china, crystal and silver are used. Anyone caught using plastic anything is quickly thrown overboard where the outraged swans, or an alligator or two, eats them (Just kidding).

Tennis Tennis is still the game to play in summer and every Gold Coast estate had at least one court. Many properties also had giant, glassed, indoor courts for guests to use in case of rain. Few of these massive

A beach party inspired by the paintings of French Impressionist, Eugene Louis Boudin.

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Rowing Regatta’s were all the rage on the North Shore during the twenties. Members of the North Shore Preservations Society travel back in time wearing vintage costumes. glass structures have survived, but Jock Whitney’s playhouse Greentree, in Manhasset, is still standing. Unlike many others, his had an Olympic-sized swimming pool on the main floor and grass court on the second. Charming neo-classic and Palladianstyle structures stood alongside most outdoor courts, where guests could watch the games while sipping gin and tonics and champagne. There are also the old-guard private clubs like Piping Rock, The Creek and Seawanhaka Yacht Club, which maintain perfect courts year round. The beautiful waterfront Seawanhaka Club on Center Island is still the place to be on July 4th, with its spectacular fireworks display and old-time Dixieland band for dancing on the emerald green lawn. Joe Farrell, Jock Whitney’s former tennis coach, had been a national champion before going on to teach the Astors, the Prince of Wales, J.P. Morgan

An afternoon tea in a rustic Gazebo at the old Tiffany ruins in Laurel Hollow.

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Summer’s on the Gold Coast and the Vanderbilts to play the game. As a sports celebrity, he lived the grand life on the Gold Coast. He knew everyone and attended all the best parties. During the ’70s while on a rare tour of Greentree, one of the largest remaining estates, Farrell recalled, “Summers were an endless round of activity. There would be tennis at The Creek, then a polo game at the Meadowbrook Club, followed by cocktails on Morgan’s 300-foot yacht, The Corsair. On hot summer nights everyone would end up in a pool, or diving off their yacht, formal clothes and all. There would be clambakes on the beach. But for all the pomp and wealth, I remember the best times were catching a fish along the rocks at Oak Point in Bayville and cooking it on an open fire and eating it with your bare hands.”

The Lake House During the late’60s and’70s, the Gold Coast was full of unexpected surprises, hidden away places that had remained unchanged over the years. None was more charming than the little classical temple-style house known as The Lake House. The 1920’s manor was originally designed by the celebrated Hollywood interior designer Ruby Ross Woods, who landscaped the property with long glades of clipped topiary trees, boxwood and rose gardens that surrounded a huge swan-filled lake. The whitewashed, wisteria-covered front façade was often compared to Jefferson’s Monticello. The view from the rear veranda made you feel as though you were stepping into a painting by Monet with its masses of pastel water lilies and the ethereal gliding of swans, their feathers luminescent in the setting sun. In that secluded paradise, there was the sound of splashing fountains, the intoxicating scent of endless acres of flowers and often the sudden call of a lovesick peacock searching for its mate at the end of an eight-foot hedge grove. At one time peacocks roamed freely on most of the North Shore estates and they often had whimsical shelters to house them during bad weather. In 1950, Count M.G. Uzielli, who owned a popular restaurant in

Manhattan, purchased The Lake House. I first met Count Uzielli in 1975 when I was renting Bridlewood, the property next door to his. One of my boarding horses had run off in the direction of his house and while chasing after him I suddenly came up upon a scene reminiscent of an Edwardian novel. The count and his wife were having a glass of wine on their veranda, while two of their guests were floating across the lake in an old blue painted boat, its mast strung at either end with Japanese paper lanterns. The woman was wearing a white vintage dress and carrying a parasol. The sun was setting and a group of snowy egrets were perched on branches of a low hanging willow tree. Life had once been like that on the Gold Coast, but such visions were rare during the ’70s. I often wondered whether it was the architecture of those dreamlike manor houses or the settings that surrounded them that inspired such unaffected poetic gestures. In the May issue of 25A, we featured the history of vintage costumes that were rescued from the doomed mansions during the ’60s. Here again are more of those one-of-a-kind treasures brought back to life, only this time at recreational events that took place here on the North Shore so many years ago. There were so many magical places to stage an old fashioned Victorian picnic or a cherry grove for an afternoon game of croquet. At The Lake House, an abandoned field of lupines awash in Easter colors became the inspiration for an Edwardian tea. We are truly fortunate that most of these beautiful locations have survived.

(Authors note: There is a one-hour slide program on the social history of the Gold Coast available to libraries and private clubs. For information, call 516.921.7438.)

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features

25A Green Vale Celebrates Ninety Years of Illustrious Alumni By Victoria Crosby

This year The Green Vale School will celebrate its 90th anniversary. The School counts many illustrious North Shore families among its alumni, but the history of the school dates back to 1919 when two sets of parents, who were disenchanted with the local schools, decided to educate their five-year-olds themselves. In the billiard room of the Old Westbury home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence C. Pell, a small school was started with seven children and a teacher who had experience working at the Buckley School in New York City. This school was quite successful until the Pells moved back to New York City in 1921 and the classes moved to the library of Philip Stevenson’s home in Old Westbury. In 1920, another group of parents founded the Nassau School, holding classes in the dining room of the Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove. As both schools outgrew their locations it was decided to merge them into one private school. A temporary building, which no longer 70 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

exists, a house on five acres of property, located at the corner of Cedar Swamp Road and Glen Head Road, was rented in Old Brookville for $300 a month. It was at that time known as The Temporary School. The headmaster was B. Lord Buckley who had founded The Buckley School in New York, Lawrence School in Hewlett and Great Neck Preparatory, which is now the Buckley Country Day School. Due to his skilled management the school was earning a small profit, and so a board of trustees was formed in 1922, and it was decided to seek a suitable property to build a school on the North Shore. In 1923, twenty-five acres on route 25A, which was then more of a country road, were purchased by Robert Winmill, a Board member, for $900 per acre, and eventually in 1929 a little over thirteen acres were conveyed to the school. Today there are forty acres of property.


The firm of Peabody, Wilson and Brown designed the school and after much discussion it was decided to name it The Green Vale School and a charter was granted by NY State In 1923 tuition ranged from $400 to $600 a year from the early grades to the higher grades. Currently, Green Vale’s program is for nursery though ninth grade. Over the years there have been nine headmasters at Green Vale, the present being Stephen Watters who has been headmaster since 1995. Among those early families at Green Vale was Henry Clay Frick, class of 1933, whose family owned Clayton, the Georgian revival mansion overlooking Hempstead Harbor that now houses the Nassau County Museum of Art; the beautiful actress Dina Merrill, whose real name was Nedenia Marjorie Hutton, was the daughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post, whose family owned the Post cereal company, now General Mills, and her second husband stockbroker, Edward Hutton. The Post property including Hillwood, the Tudor revival mansion, is now part of Long Island University - Post. Rynwood in Old Brookville was once owned by the Salvage family whose children attended Green Vale, Built for Samuel Agar Salvage in 1927 designed by architect Roger Harrington Bullard, the English style manor house is now Banfi Vitners headquarters. Gloria Vanderbilt graduated Green Vale in 1939, her uncle Alfred graduated in 1924. Lillian McKim Rousseau ‹47, who became better known as Lilly Pulitzer whose biography was featured in the May issue of 25A. The children of the Phipps family, whose estate is now known as Old Westbury Gardens, all attended Green Vale.

Rynwood (Banfi)

Cecily Pennoyer, wife of Paul G. Pennoyer Jr., class of 1933, who was a grandson of J.P. Morgan, was the first female elected to the board of trustees in 1932, and ever since she broke that glass ceiling there have been women on the board, with Linda Vander Poel Duryea becoming the first woman president in 1985. All the Pennoyer children attended Green Vale. Other Green Vale families include the Davisons of Peacock Point in Lattingtown, who still live on the property although the original house, built in 1914, was demolished in 1962 and another house built in its place. Julian Peabody designed and built Pond Hollow for himself in 1910, he was a partner at the firm of Peabody Wilson and Brown. The house still exists but has been remodeled and has a different look from the older photographs. My introduction to the Green Vale School began in 1981 when I was pregnant with my son Christopher and Carl Coash was headmaster. At the time the headmaster’s wife Nadine Coash attended some of my private classes on health and nutrition and asked me to give a lecture to the parent association and the school lunch department. My son attended Green Vale, graduating with the class of 1996. The Green Vale School continues to be a nurturing environment for educating children, a place where life-long friendships are formed Although founded by the wealthy elite of Long Island, the School’s current student body is a diverse one with families who share a common goal for their children -- to be Inspired to Excel, to Lead, and to Care.

Frick Estate

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features

25A passion and dating Webster’s Dictionary defines the word ‘passion’ as fervent devotion. By Professor JM Love

From a work of art (Picasso?) to an esteemed driving machine (Ferrari?) to a fine cigar (Cohiba?), each of us struts our own unique passion for that which we love.

cases reconnect, with people you take a liking to. That’s why I encourage you to be positive and open. It’s your attitude that counts. No one can tell you what to feel except you … and only you!

You have to admire an individual who exhibits a strong commitment to what is deemed ‘best’ in any product or service category. Passion is an ‘open book’ for others to know what we cherish and revere in our lives.

You need to not ever feel frustration in the single lifestyle, which implies a willingness to meet new people. No matter what, by maintaining a positive outlook, good things will happen. Let it be your mantra! Go with your instinct. It usually can be counted on.

And so my question to 25A readers is a simple one: Do you harness the same passion and honesty in your dating life? Or do emotions make the question (and answer) a far more complex and difficult one? Can a newly formed relationship have the same passion as that of a union that has lasted 30, 40 or 50 years? Remember – there is no secret formula or magic potion when it comes to matters pertaining to the heart. Passion is always clearer and more focused when it is not about us. We are passionate about our children, their future success and happiness. We can be passionate about our career direction because objectivity is easier with others around you. It’s okay to sometimes feel a little unsure as you connect, or in some

I’ve always been one of those guys whose feelings can’t be hidden … sort of like having a unique tattoo on your arm as you wear short sleeves. If you decide not to show your ‘true colors,’ you only need to wear long sleeves. Women still enjoy the chase, provided it is done with confidence and caring. Readers, what do you think? Please email me at the address below. Have a passionate and carefree summer. Until next issue, happy dating.

(Editor’s Note: Our resident Dating Guru at 25A, Professor JM Love welcomes your comments and suggestions. Please send them to his email at jkmjjjjj@yahoo.com.) 72 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Our Annual FREE Event Shorts On The Beach FILM SERIES August 22nd 2013 7PM on the beach at The Allegria Hotel Bring beach chairs and blankets, we’ll provide the popcorn!

ENTER YOUR FILM SUBMISSION’S OPEN @ longbeachfilm.com


features

25A Life Is Better On The Water Family-Run Strong’s Marine Offers Elite Boating Experience By Victoria Caruso

Strong’s Marine is one of the top dealers of Cobalt brand boats

For four generations, Strong’s Marine has been dedicated to making client satisfaction the number one priority. From dockage and sales to customer service and everything in between, the goal of Strong’s Marine is simple – to make life better on the water. “For us, it’s about listening to what our clients want and making life more enjoyable,” said Jeff Strong, president and third generation owner of the family-run business. “Quality of service is our number one factor and we work really hard to be cognizant of that.” And it shows. In additional to rave reviews on its website (www.StrongsMarine.com), the company was ranked #1 on Long Island by Boating Industry Magazine ‘s Top 100 Dealers for unsurpassed customer service and professionalism. Additionally, Strong’s Marine has consistently topped the boating industry’s list for professionalism, last year placing 9th out of 3,500 retailers in the tri-state area. “That is something we are very proud of,” said Strong. 74 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Strong’s Marine was started in 1945 when Stewart Strong opened the Strong & Holland Marina in Lindenhurst; 20 years later Stewart’s son and daughter-in-law Dave and Dolores relocated the business to Mattituck Bay and today Jeff Strong, his wife Re and their sons, Jay and Ryan, run three marina properties, two showrooms and two sales offices on Long Island’s North and South Forks. From Strong’s Mattituck Bay and Southampton marinas, boaters can easily access the Great Peconic Bay with quick admittance to the ocean via the Shinnecock Canal, while the company’s newly acquired Marine Water Club and Marina (formerly the historic Matt-A-Mar marina property) in Mattituck Inlet offers boaters direct access to Long Island Sound. All three of Strong’s marinas offer in-water (to 46 feet) and valet (to 35 feet, depending on beam and style) dockage as well as premium service options Additionally, the Water Club and Marina, which is complimentary to all of Strong’s


full-season dockage members, features a 130-slip facility providing dockage, service and storage for boats up to 75 feet, boasts an Olympic-sized saltwater pool, offers paddleboards and kayaks and a parkland setting with an on-site restaurant planned for the near future. Strong’s valet service includes a fresh water engine flush after every haul, canvas removal and storage, boat cleaning and winter storage while the premium option also features fuel tank top-off and seat cleaning along with a variety of other services. “We can top it off with fuel, provide ice and just about anything you want to make your day out on the water as enjoyable as we can,” Strong said, adding that getting one’s boat in the water requires nothing more than an hour’s notice. “Call us an hour in advance and we will take your boat down from the racks and have it ready for you when you get there. When you come back, just toss us the keys and we will reverse the process and put your boat away until

the next time.” Looking to spend a day entertaining on the water without having to man the wheel? Strong’s Marine also offers members the option of captain’s service. Additionally, the company has mobile dock site service and is proud to offer its unique Total Care Preventive Maintenance Program. With Total Care, a boat will be serviced within five years or Strong’s will provide a complimentary lender that suits one’s needs. Strong’s Marine, with showrooms in Mattituck and Southampton, offers new and previously enjoyed boats from some of the best brands in the industry. In addition to Cobalt, Pursuit and Regal models from 18- to 52-feet, Strong’s is now a retailer of Absolute Yachts 40- to 72-feet. And, with options ranging from $10,000 to $3 million and loans and financing available for up to 20 years, the decision to buy a boat comes down to deciding which one best fits your needs.

Strong’s Marine offers a wide selection of makes and models, including this offshore fishing boat from Pursuit

An aerial shot of the new Strong’s Marine Water Club and Marina at Mattituck Inlet

The Strong’s Marine team includes 52 full-time year-round employees

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features

25A “Our goal is to accommodate our clients by finding out what they are dreaming about and what their fears and wants, likes and don’t likes may be...”

Strong’s Marine, established in 1945, is a family-owned and operated business currently run by Jeff and Re Strong and their sons, Jay and Ryan

“Our goal is to accommodate our clients by finding out what they are dreaming about and what their fears and wants, likes and don’t likes may be,” said Strong. “The process does not have to be daunting and our sales team is not going to pressure you.” The key, he said, is to let Strong’s expert staff know exactly what you are looking for and what your concerns are. “If you currently own a smaller boat and are considering moving up to something bigger and have concerns, share them with us. If you’ve never owned a boat and want to figure out what’s right for you, let us know that, too,” said Strong, adding that the one-on-one personal customer assistance at Strong’s Marine doesn’t end once a purchase is made. “We don’t just sell people boats and send them out. We will not only teach someone how to use the boat but also help them learn how to anchor, where to go or how to pull up to or leave a dock and other real-life stuff they want to do.” Not ready to buy just yet? Strong’s Marine’s Boat Club 76 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

may be the ideal choice to maximize your time on the water. The company offers daily, weekly or seasonal rentals, including the most current models, out of their Mattituck and Southampton locations. Whether you are considering moving up to a larger vessel or purchasing your first boat, Strong promises clients will receive Strong’s superior service every step of the way. “We pride ourselves on being the ‘Home of Super Service’ and that is the thread that runs through every person who works for the company,” Strong said, adding, “We are reallife people who have made this our career. Our employees are as vested in our clients as we are.”

Strong’s Marine www.StrongsMarine.com Info@StrongsMarine.com



features

25A The Knox School Traditions of Excellence – Past, Present and Future By Elektra Damianos Gaebelein & Virginia Riccardi

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magine your child experiencing a superior education in a setting of Gold Coast splendor. Imagine your child dining in waterfront mansions with wood paneled dining rooms, riding horses and playing athletics on a 48-acre bucolic estate. Imagine your child competing in regattas with a crew team that trains from its own waterfront, bordering its home beside the shore. Imagine your child participating in an equestrian program that boasts the legacy of Harry de Leyer and his horse Snowman, known as the Eighty Dollar Champion, saved by Harry from a certain slaughterhouse death to become a worldrenowned award-winning jumper. Imagine your child being an integral part of a school setting where traditions match the graceful elegance of the best of classic Gold Coast grandeur and where character values are infused into the curriculum on a regular basis. Well, imagine no more … this is reality at The Knox School, Long Island’s hidden gem in premier boarding and day schools. Under the veneer of its glorious, historic setting, The Knox School is built on a solid foundation of 110 years of academic integrity and success. Established in 1904 in Briarcliff Manor by Mary Alice Knox, the school

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eventually settled in the grandiose Lathrop Brown mansion and estate in Nissequogue. Situated on Long Island’s North Shore, the beautiful and serene Knox campus rests on a small peninsula between Long Island Sound and Stony Brook Harbor, offering expansive waterfront views. Although continually evolving, Knox maintains many long-standing traditions and is still influenced by the vision of its founder. Today, it is a co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades six through postgraduate, where rigorous academics are combined with athletic and artistic pursuits. It successfully fulfills its mission to prepare young men and women to gain admission to leading colleges and universities as they learn to “be exceptional at Knox.” Unique to the Knox experience is the challenging, college preparatory program that includes honors and advanced placement programs and an international student population, which represents more than a dozen countries. Additionally, Knox offers the option of five- or sevenday boarding, so parents can give their child the gift of independence without giving up their child. The curriculum is infused with arts, athletics and the teaching of core values to foster the creation of well-rounded


individuals who are ready for the demands of the real world and of higher education at selective colleges and universities. This year alone, graduates of the Class of 2013 have been accepted to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, New York University and University of Pennsylvania. With an average class size of 10, Knox is a close-knit and familial community where skilled, highly qualified educators bring the disciplines alive and foster a lifelong love of learning. Knox English teachers particularly emphasize the fundamentals of grammar, writing, and the development of critical thinking in the classroom. Additionally, The Writing Center at Knox reinforces all teacher-efforts by assisting and empowering students to write clearly and effectively. Knox’s visual and performing artists thrive and opportunities for personal and collective creative expression abound. The school and its students enjoy a unique partnership with the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Roundabout Theater Company and take frequent excursions into Manhattan to expose students to the beauty and wonders of the arts. With 48 acres of pastoral, rolling hills, the campus offers three athletic playing fields, four tennis courts, easy waterfront access for its competitive crew program and a unique, circa 1912 equestrian center to support its Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team. The Knox seal, emblazoned with a lit torch and the Latin words Semper Ad Lucem remind The Knox School community – past, present and those who will join the family in the future – to always go “toward the light.” Soon to commemorate its 110th year of excellence, Knox celebrates the achievements of its current students and recognizes its alumni as they distinguish themselves in their local communities and around the world. Imagine The Knox School experience for your child … visit www.knoxschool.org for more information. July / August 2013 | 79


jetset

25A

The Best of

Budapest...

By Victoria Crosby

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udapest is a city that many travelers overlook on their visits to Europe. They may visit Vienna and Prague, but to bypass Budapest is a great mistake, for this is a lively city full of art and culture, wonderful architecture and a vibrant expat community of British and Americans willing and eager to embrace visitors. I recently spent a week as the guest of a friend who is Hungarian-born, but spends half the year in Budapest and the other half in

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Lattingtown, an ideal lifestyle. She welcomed me to her charming townhouse on the Buda side of Budapest, a city separated by the River Danube. When I arrived, my luggage was taken by a housekeeper and I was whisked off for a relaxing facial to eliminate any trace of jetlag. Then we headed for a tour of the ‘castle district,’ a medieval town, to visit the castle and a magnificent church, St Matthew, where the crown and scepter of Hungarian kings are kept.

Then it was on to the Fishermen’s Castle. That evening a formal dinner party was given for me by my hostess. My room had a private bathroom and a terrace with a view of the old city overlooking the Danube, rooftops, the castle and the Parliament. In the morning the church bells would ring, reminding me of a stay in Florence, Italy some years ago. My friend arranged for me and other visitors


from America to tour the Parliament, which was designed by the same architect as the London Houses of Parliament. Then we visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stephen. St. Stephen was Hungary’s first king and the cathedral, which is the largest church in Budapest, has his mummified right hand as a relic. While this is an important piece of history for the devout, some visitors are reluctant to view it. The church was completed in 1905 in neo-Renaissance style. Concerts are frequently held there, as the church has fabulous acoustics. The view from the top of the church dome, which you get to by stairs or elevator, is a panoramic of the city. This same day we visited the synagogue in Budapest, which like the church of St. Matthew has a beautiful porcelain tile roof and an interesting history. One of our many memorable forays was a visit to the Hungarian State Opera House. My hostess invited some of her friends to her box at the opera for a fabulous production of Puccini’s Turandot. The opera house itself is a magnificent building, modeled after the design of Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris, and is both opulent and grand, evoking images of a bygone era. The next day our first stop was the Fine Arts Museum at Hero’s Square, an architecturally imposing place with magnificent buildings placed in a semicircle. Edina Deme, one of the museum board members, gave us a private tour of a wonderful Goya exhibit; this autumn the museum will be host to a major exhibit of Italian artists. We visited the Gundel restaurant which was visited by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1989, Pope John Paul II and many other celebrities and world leaders. The Gundel also is one of the finest catering establishments with historic turn-of-the-century rooms, including the Queen Elizabeth Ballroom, the Andrassy Room and eight other rooms for smaller parties, including the library and music room. There is also a charming garden and terrace for al fresco dining. The building was once the home of the Gundel family and is decorated in an opulent style with period furnishings of that era.

The spas of Budapest are definitely worth a visit and the history of the baths is a whole other article.

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jetset

25A

The city lit up at night is magical...it is like living in Disney World Of course, we visited some of the spas of Budapest, for which the city is so famous, including the thermal baths at the Old Gellard Hotel. Then we arrived at another architecturally magnificent building, the Szecsenyi Spa, where an English-speaking staff offered us a tour. I wish I could have spent a whole day there! The spas of Budapest are a definitely worth a visit and the history of the baths is a whole other article. From there we walked on Andrassy Street, which was designed in the style of the ChampsÉlysées in Paris. Stores were mainly French or Italian: Chanel, Vuitton, Max Mara, Biagotti and of course, Gucci. In the evening we dined at Tom George Restaurant, a popular favorite of locals with excellent food that was beautifully presented. 82 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

On another evening we dined at the Buddha Bar, which serves Asian fusion food in a soothing ambiance. Style is very important in Budapest, as in many European cities, and in the better restaurants getting dressed is a must. Another memorable evening for me was dinner at the Dunacorso restaurant, which featured Hungarian home-style food and a musical group that performed a mix of classical and popular tunes from operatic arias to traditional Hungarian melodies and a variation on a theme of the Elvis tune “Love Me Tender.” The entry has a large, circular, stained glass dome and in the summer there is outside dining overlooking the picturesque Danube. One night we attended a wonderful concert at St. Michael’s Church by a string orchestra

that performed Mozart’s A Little Night Music, Hungarian Rhapsody #2 and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This historic old church was built in the 1700s and has been is undergoing restoration since 1999. I was given a private VIP tour of the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel, which is housed in the old Gresham Palace across from the Chain Bridge on the Pest side. The palace was neglected and slated for demolition when the Four Seasons management rescued it from oblivion and restored it to glory. Many of the iron grill gates and stair railings are reproductions of the original ornate grillwork. Some are original and it is difficult, if not impossible, to tell which is which. Peacocks are prominent in the design. There are wonderful stained glass windows throughout the palace. The lobby features a huge white glass chandelier. From the most


humble room to the Presidential suite, the Four Seasons hotel offers the utmost in comfort and luxury. There is a spa and gym on the top floor and two towers on either side of the building with tower suites, which would make any guest feel like a prince or princess. On my visit, our groups of friends used the Four Seasons as our gathering place for lunch or after-concert drinks and dessert. Since I serve as president of the Daughters of the British Empire in New York State, a ladies’ luncheon was given in my honor, hosted by Countess Eva Csaky-Bornemisza at her elegant apartment and attended by women who were either themselves diplomats, or wives of diplomats and ambassadors to Hungary. Several other cocktail parties and dinners were given at the homes of British residents of Budapest in my honor, for which I was honored and grateful. One of these was a champagne farewell reception the night before my departure held at the fabulous home of designer/decorator Richard Adams, originally from Oyster Bay on Long Island’s Gold Coast, who now has homes in London and Budapest. A pianist played as guests nibbled on delicious hors d’oeuvres and chocolates from the Ritz. I was warmly welcomed and was asked to read selections of my poetry from 25A magazine.

Auction House, and Nidus Design, an eclectic shop owned by designer Maria Csecsodi. Maria has authored several books on decorating and design including Budapest Interiors and Christmas Interiors, which features photographs of Richard Adams’ Budapest apartment, described by Maria as “extravagant yet elegant; the exquisiteness of the antique and modern furniture make us feel as if we were in a real palazzo.” Transportation around Budapest is affordable and reliable; the trams run through the city and strolling is a pleasant way to walk off the famous pastries available throughout the city. Many of the old apartment buildings I visited have magnificent architecture both inside and out, with very high ceilings, and courtyards with atriums and old world elevators that actually work. Although the River Danube is no longer blue, there are many boat tours available and the city lit up at night is magical. As my friend said, “It is like living in Disney World” and indeed, the Vajdahunyad Castle architecture is reminiscent of Cinderella’s castle. There are always concerts in the city, all year round, indoors and out. So no matter your budget, you can find history, culture and adventure in Budapest.

At Richard’s I met Director of the British Council Simon Ingram–Hill and many other dignitaries including a prince, a count and a baron. I was introduced to them by their first names and was told their titles the next day. My friend told me that there is a saying in Hungary that depending on how many windows are in your house, you are either a baron or a count! An expat British couple, Jane and Lance Hattat, held a musical soirée in their amazing Budapest apartment with a dinner in my honor. A gifted young Hungarian student played several musical selections on the cello, by classical to contemporary composers. There were visits to art galleries and antique and design shops, including openings at the Kiesekbach Gallery, Nagyhazi Gallery and July / August 2013 | 83


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The Long Island StayCation Around the Island in Twenty Four hours or less with your Summer Staycation By Gwen Wunderlich-Smith

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n a sunny Tuesday afternoon a few weeks ago, I called one of my fabulous entrepreneur friends to join me on an “around the Island in twenty-four hours or less” staycation where we would journey from New York City to East Hampton and back. Scandinavian Sunsets, Buddha Gardens and morning surf awaited so we both agreed that between work and traffic it might be just a bit of a challenge but no matter, we would squeeze in every ounce of fun that we could have. And so we did.

Around 2 pm that day we headed out, bags packed and ready to go, to the jitney on 40th Street and took the two and a half hour ride to East Hampton. There we got off and walked to the popular Maidstone Inn, a favorite boutique hotel in the 84 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Hamptons adored by media, fashion, music, art and creative types. It was love at first sight. Between the pristine historic setting, shiny red bikes, sheepskin-covered porch chairs, beachy guest towels and a neatly positioned surfboard, this place was “summer as it should be.” On entering, we found the inn was vividly colored, fantastical and inviting. The concierge desk doubles as a bar and before we even checked in, we had made our way to the bar stools and within three minutes flat were sipping Scandinavian Sunsets at the inn’s “after beach” daily cocktail party. And out of the madness of the city, happiness was easily found.


With clever designs and arresting photography, the folks at the Maidstone clearly have a true appreciation of art and Swedish design. The inn is welcoming and accommodating, with a concierge service that offers an extensive roster of spa service specialists, dog walkers, pet groomers and other professionals. Added to that, all guests get a much-coveted beach parking permit for the entirety of their stay, complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, yoga in the Buddha Garden, free use of bikes and access to a private garden with classic Swedish lawn furniture. Hungry minds are satiated by the Maidstone’s library, stocked with volumes of art, design, photography and Hamptons’ history. Avid shoppers can relish at the retail store that offers products from brands such Malin+Goetz and Coyuchi. After a few cocktails, an enjoyable chat with Leo, our new favorite bartender, and a quick tour around the place, we decided it was best we got on to the next part of our funfilled 24 hours, as we only had so many hours left in the

day. We checked in to our own private cottage graced with aromatherapy burners, essential oils, Hästens luxury bedding, organic coffee from Hampton Coffee Co. and a bevy of contemporary photographic art from the inn’s private collection. We loved the décor of our cottage and were excited to learn that each has its own theme, each stylishly crafted for a ravishing good time. A quick change and it was off to grab a bike and head to town, where we hit some of our favorite stores including Catherine Malandrino and Dylan’s before heading on a laughter-filled ride to the beach. With the sun almost setting, wind blowing in our hair and the sweet smell of fresh cut grass upon us, it was hard to believe that just a few hours before we were sitting at the office working away. That evening it was dinner at the Living Room at the Maidstone, an Alice in Wonderland type of a perfectly juxtaposition Scandinavian-style restaurant. Chef de Cuisine Mathias

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25A Brogie is strongly devoted to the Slow Food philosophy, so we decided it might be a while and that we would order a bottle of wine, relax and enjoy some downtime. Good things come to those who wait, no? Good things come indeed and throughout the night we enjoyed a sampling of typical Swedish dishes such as Löjrom from Kalix, Swedish meatballs with classic condiments like cream gravy, lingonberries and pickled cucumber. Then it was onto an exquisitely grilled halibut and a decadent grilled rib eye for sharing. Barely able to eat a bite more, we had to try the superb sticky toffee pudding. I must mention that I will probably request this very dish as my last meal. The next morning, perfectly rested, we awoke at 6 am for meditation in the Buddha Garden, which perfectly set our intention for the amazing day to come. An hour later we headed to Main Beach Surf and Sport and met up with the owner and surfer extraordinaire, Lars, who welcomed us graciously. We were two girls who have never tried surfing but who recently had become obsessed with the surfer chic style was no match for Lars. Sure, no problem for this expert!

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At Georgica Beach my friend and I struggled with wetsuits for a while and laughed nonstop about how ridiculous we looked but, with longboards under arms, we headed for the water and Lars taught us, joked with us and put our fears to ease. Sure, surfing for the first time wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve done and truthfully, I didn’t even stand up. I did ride a wave a few times though and the rush was indescribable. In the morning before work, there we were – surfing, or trying at least. We were happy and we were living, because this was summer as it should be and this I know for sure. We were back at work just a few hours later and you can be too, so instead of saying you don’t have enough time to take a little time out and enjoy life, be assured – you do. It’s all here on Long Island.

For more info on The Maidstone Inn visit www.maidstoneinn. com and for info on Main Beach Surf and Sport head to www. mainbeach.com.


The

H A M P TO N S A N D N O RT H S H O R E C AT E R E R

SEXY SUMMER PARTIES SINCE 1987 The Hamptons 631.537.1926 NYC 212.924.6500 Locust Valley 516.671.2127 robbinswolfe.com


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RUBA dventure

Carubbuan Festival

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By Jason Feinberg


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he last time I went to Aruba, I left 90-degree weather for 90-degree weather. This time, I left home during a cold spring day. Yet, wouldn’t you know it, the day I arrived in Aruba, New York soared into the 80s. Go figure.

Just 17 miles north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch island is a completely different experience from other Caribbean islands. Because of its location, Aruba has a very dry, arid climate and is spared from the typical path of hurricanes. In fact, I think most people are surprised to see cactus in the tropics, let alone the Martian-like landscape of Aruba’s vast desert.

I always recommend taking advantage of a resort’s spa upon your arrival. It will really help get those kinks out after a long flight and let you enjoy your vacation right from the start. I headed over to the Radisson’s Larimar spa. I’m not particular about the massages I get; it’s typically nothing out of the ordinary. But here was something different. I opted for the Aloe Vera and Rum Massage. I think I envisioned getting a massage followed by shots with the masseuse at the bar. I was slightly wrong, but not displeased. The technique included hot black stones, pure liquid aloe and cold rum applied to your skin while you are given a very relaxing massage … relaxing to the point that the masseuse asked, “Are you still with me?” to which I quickly responded, “Of course,” while wondering how long I was asleep (and if I had been snoring!). That evening we headed to San Nicolas to celebrate the Carubbian Festival, which is held every Thursday night. Carubbian is a small, intimate version of Carnival, complete with festive clothing, parade and street vendors selling local cuisine. Larimar Spa at the Radission

Plunge Pool

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ATVing in the desert

The next morning, I was eager to get an early start. It was time to explore the desert by means of an ATV. We met at a parking garage just a short walk from the hotel and within minutes we were off. We drove along local streets that in about 20 minutes became dirt roads. As we crossed over to the desert, the terrain was a little more challenging but nothing that even the most amateur rider couldn’t handle. While I spent a good part of the day eating dust it was worth it. Our first stop was Aruba’s natural pool. The first thing you notice is that the water on this side of the island is very rough compared with the virtually still water by the resorts. The natural pool offers protection while allowing you to cool down and take a break from the hot sun. Next we headed over to explore two caves just a short distance away. Here you can see ancient and not-so-ancient drawings from natives and those who have previously explored these bat-laden caverns. After an all-day excursion of exploring and just plain getting dusty, we stopped over at Boca Prins Restaurant. This tiny open-air restaurant pops out of the desert like an oasis with million dollar views. And with great food and frozen drinks, it makes for the perfect stopover.

Exploring the caves

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Boca Prins Restaurant


SNUBA diving

One thing you can do on this happy little island is water sports! And there are plenty. We set sail on a 50-foot catamaran, complete with music and cocktails, then anchored and jumped in for some snorkeling and ‘SNUBA.’ SNUBA is similar to SCUBA except the air tank is floating on top of the water and you are tethered by the air hose, which limits you to about a 20-foot dive. You also do not need to be certified. This gave us an opportunity to dive a World War II German supply ship that had exploded. If you’re up to the challenge, there are windsurfing and paddle boarding available also.

Paggle Boarding

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Caribbian Cuisine

With its European influence, Aruba has a vast array of cuisine to offer. Near the hotel area are The Queen restaurant serving authentic Aruban specialties and the Screaming Eagle with its French fusion and South Beach flair. For a more romantic experience that’s a little off the beaten path, head over to The Old Man & the Sea. This open-air restaurant literally sits on the water’s edge. Serving Caribbean seafood, this is the perfect spot for sunset dining. At night, if you’re a gambler, Aruba has several casinos like the one at the Westin where I stayed, or you can dance the night away at MooMba Beach Bar. If shopping is your thing, there are a number of small markets for souvenirs or if you so desire, the Renaissance Mall carries top luxury retail brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more. Most significant about Aruba is the weather; it’s perfect. The average temperature is in the 80s with a constant, yet deceiving, breeze and rain is hardly ever a thought. Boredom is something else that is hardly ever a thought. Aruba offers endless activities from diving to skydiving, or horseback riding to horsepower. Give it a try when you choose your next adventure.

Old Man & the Sea Restaurant

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6/26/13 That 70’s Band

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8/14/13 That 70’s Band

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the island’s most sophisticated outdoor music scene

live music wednesdays Under the stars...weather permitting

Raw bar, outdoor barbeque, cafe menu & designer cocktails overlooking the famous Bethpage Black... A setting unlike any other.

Bethpage State park | www.carlyleonthegreen.net | 516.501.9700


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25A

4th of July at Captain’s Cove – Glen Cove Come celebrate one of our absolute favorite holidays – the 4th of July – at the annual Sea-Faire Festival on the waterfront in Glen Cove on July 6 and 7. Revel in our great nation’s birthday with spectacular fireworks, pirate shows, treasure hunts, craft vendors, a food court by Vincent`s Clam Bar, live music, kids’ entertainment and sailings on the Christeen, North America’s oldest oyster sloop. Hours of the festival are 11am – 8pm and fireworks begin at 9 pm. For more information, check out www.preferredpromotions.com.

ever wunder

37th Annual Around Long Island Regatta

By Gwen Wunderlich-Smith With summer in full swing, it may sometimes seem impossible to tear yourself away from the great beaches and pools of Long Island. But get ready to pry away because these exciting summer attractions will ensure memories that last a lifetime. From Shakespeare festivals to outdoor movie nights, fourstar chef dinners and celebrity-hosted shopping events, your calendar will fill up so quickly, you’ll soon be the toast of the town. Check out some of the best events Long Island has to offer this month and we’ll be sure to see you there. 94 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

The 37th Annual Around Long Island Regatta’s 190-mile course combines ocean and coastal-water racing and lasts for an exciting two or three days. It caters to friends who wish to compete as a team, cruising sailors who enjoy the occasional race, owners of multi-hull and classic yachts and serious racing yachtsmen competing for the Northern Ocean Racing Trophy and other IRC distance racing trophies. The race begins on Thursday, July 25 at 1700 hours (that’s 5 pm for you landlubbers) with a spectacular ocean start off. The weekend concludes with the ALIR Beach Barbeque and Awards Ceremony at the Sea Cliff Yacht Club from 2 – 7pm on Sunday, July 28. Find out more and enter the race at www.alir.org. Make sure to head out for salt, sun and fun!


Super Saturday On Saturday, July 27, spunky actress and television host Kelly Ripa will be hosting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s (OCRF) 16th annual Super Saturday alongside the stylish and talented designer Donna Karan, presented by QVC and InStyle. Super Saturday 16 will take place from 12 – 6 pm at Nova’s Ark Project in Water Mill and is a fun-filled, daylong fundraiser, complete with a one-of- a-kind designer garage sale, kids’ carnival and activities, a luxury raffle and gourmet treats. Once dubbed “the Rolls Royce of garage sales,” the most anticipated element of Super Saturday is the fashion sale, which includes merchandise from more than 200 prominent designers including Donna Karan, Theory, alice + olivia, Diane von Furstenberg, Helmut Lang, Smythson and Ralph Lauren. For the sixth consecutive year, Rachel Zoe will be curating a luxury designer booth, Designers A to Zoe. Registration is a must. www.ocrf.com

Great Chef’s Dinner Make sure to mark your calendar for the Great Chef’s Dinner in Bridgehampton. Known as one of the best food events of the summer, this cocktail party and auction is not to be missed. The Meet the Chefs Cocktails and Tastings party will be held in a festive tent on the beautiful grounds of the Hayground School. The event will feature live music by Lily and the Parlor Tricks, a silent art auction featuring renowned artists, bountiful tastings by top chefs, specialty drinks and new this year – exciting demonstrations by TV host and chef George Hirsch in the recently expanded Jeff’s Kitchen. Tickets for the cocktail party only are $175 per person. The VIP dinner held in honor of four-star Chef Eric Ripert will be located at the home of Toni Ross; tickets are $1,000 and include the Meet the Chefs Cocktails and Tastings party. www.greatchefsdinner.com

Step Up and Dive In to Paddle Surfing – Oyster Bay The sport of Stand Up Paddling has exploded! Originating in Hawaii in the 1960s, stand up paddling allows even first-timers to paddle long distances. It is not only a great core workout but it makes you feel as though you are walking on water! The tradition of Stand Up Paddling (SUP) continues today on Long Island and it’s yours to try for only $18 an hour this summer at the Oyster Bay WaterFront Center. To find out more about SUP rentals, head over to www.waterfrontcenter.org.

The Long Island Shakespeare Festival O, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Come get your culture on at Suffolk Community College and enjoy, under the stars, an abridged version of one of Shakespeare’s most complex, entertaining and well-known dramas, Romeo and Juliet. Performances are free and will be presented on July 3, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at the college’s Ammerman Campus in Selden. All performances will take place outdoors unless there is inclement weather, in which case they will be held at the Shea Theatre. Make sure to grab a blanket, a picnic and your family and enjoy this classic play right here in your very own backyard. www.sunysuffolk.edu July / August 2013 | 95


auto

25A

icona vulcano

beauty and the beast come together

The 2013 Icona Vulcano is truly the specimen it declares itself to be: a combination of Beauty and Beast. Icona unveiled its luxury one-off supersportscar at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year to an unparalleled response. This superlative and unique model has evolved from the original form and concept introduced in 2011 by Icona’s design director Samuel Chuffart. Chuffart’s work is complemented by the work of Claudio Lombardi, former powertrain technical director of Ferrari, to forge a vehicle that looks and performs unlike anything on the road today, fulfilling the promise of the grandeur and magnificence its legacy warrants.

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Front Engine V-12 Two Door - Two Seat

900 horsepower Top speed 217 0-124 under ten seconds

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taste

25A

Amalfi Coast-Style

Entertaining

By Andrea Correale

Andrea Correale, President of Elegant Affairs is considered a celebrity caterer, event planner and entertaining expert. www.elegantaffairscaterers.com

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ummertime usually involves international travel and the Amalfi Coast is a favorite. You can always recreate the mood of a European vacation at home. Narrow it down to one location, like the Isle of Capri and go to town with your décor and menu. I start with the mood of Capri – relaxed elegance – and build from there. Capri is known for its signature sea cave, the Blue Grotto, so I use cobalt blue as a thematic color. Then there’s the foliage indigenous to the area, like night-blooming jasmine. The scent alone can easily be created with herb candles; if you have plenty of outdoor plants, the two will integrate seamlessly. Recollect old world movie star elegance. They blazed the trail for Capristyle entertaining; it was their hotspot decades ago. Then imagine the era of the Roman Gods; it’s pristine and ethereal. Arrange a few long farm-style tables and cover them with crisp white tablecloths. Consider outdoor string lights for extra sparkle and adorn some of the tables with

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big bowls of lemons. Download a copy of A Late Night Italian Lounge Experience from I Tunes. The stage is set and what follows is the menu. Start with a full bodied red wine from the Campania region and serve it sangria-style with fresh peaches. Assemble the main ingredients of the summertime diet: bufala mozzarella, eggplant, tomatoes, sea bass, freerange chicken and pasta. I like to adjust the carb levels by changing the ratio of pasta to chicken or vegetable. My guests appreciate it. Consider the zucchini flower – they’re off the vine and an authentic unexpected appetizer – or sautéed broccoli rabe. As your evening progresses, crank up the volume of the music and set up for dessert. Place a bottle of Limoncello on each table and offer some native Italian desserts like torta caprese, a chocolate almond cake, and sfogliatelle, the shell-shaped pastry (it’s particularly delicious when served warm). Last but not least, have a large tray of granita for individual scooping. The food and drink of the Campania region are a feast for the palate.


Bronzino served whole, grilled or broiled and garnished with fresh herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. July / August 2013 | 99


taste

25A Bon Appetite

Eggplant: Stacked eggplant with crumbled aged provolone or Reggiano layered with organic marinara sauce. Chicken: Free-range spring chicken with extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. Granita: Mix water with purĂŠe of raspberry and agave syrup and place in a large Pyrex dish. Place in the freezer for 45 minutes. Before it freezes completely, scrape it with a fork to loosen it up and refreeze it for another 15 minutes. Scoop and serve in a small glass vessel and garnish with a mint leaf. 100 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


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kyma brings a cool wave of island greek to the village of roslyn

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tretching from the shores of Turkey to the Ionian Sea east of Italy, the Greek Islands have been the crossroads of the Mediterranean since the time of Homer. As in ancient times, this revered cuisine and its gastronomic art was built on four pillars, which still characterize contemporary Greek cuisine: freshness, richness, simplicity, and variety. This ethos has been creatively adopted at Kyma, Roslyn’s most recent Greek addition. Opened in May, Kyma (meaning ‘wave’) brings ‘Island Greek’ cuisine to Long Island’s shores and has successfully raised the bar for its neighborhood competitors, Limani and MP Taverna. Owners Mike Angeliades and Christos Panayiotopoulos teamed up with operating partners, Reno Christou and Yiannis Chatiris who run the show. Christou worked at Estiatorio Milos in New York City before moving to Roslyn where he became managing partner of Limani in 2008. Chatiris co-owns the popular Ethos Gallery 51st in New York. With Executive Chef Chris Kletsides heading the kitchen, they have joined forces to create an alluring Greek

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By Venus Quintana

Island getaway complemented by an equally matched authentic menu. Kyma’s striking interior and design sets the tone for a most enchanting dining experience. White stucco walls frame the open space showcasing a painted sea-scape that evokes images of warm, Mediterranean nights. White wooden tables imported from Greece and large banquettes lined with white canvas upholstery create a whimsical feel that is truly breathtaking. A large, oval shaped bar wraps around into the dining room and lounge area that offers additional seating. The inviting outdoor patio provides al fresco dining for warmer nights. A beautiful fish display, exposed wine cabinets and an arresting Goliath mirror framed with imported, decorative wooden blocks, ties together Kyma’s unique and vibrant ambience. The drama and delight ensues in Kyma’s cuisine. The lively, diverse menu reads like a love letter to its native land, tempting diners with an array of fresh fish and authentic foods of the Greek Islands. Our culinary journey began with a warm bread basket filled with oregano and olive oil infused pita accompanied

by a house-made hummus. Spanakopita was light and crispy and the signature sushi grade grilled octopus was accented with capers, EVO and red wine vinegar. Fresh grilled sardines with olive oil and lemon gave a taste, perhaps of the Aegean Sea. Fresh fish was abound with Madagascar king shrimp, simply grilled and served with lemon. Barbounia (red mullet) was flour dusted and lightly fried- one of the best tasting fish I have ever eaten! A fragrant black sea bass was chargrilled and served de-boned. For dessert, we could only manage one- the Ekmek, a heavenly cake made with a layer of shredded wheat pastry with syrup, a layer of light cream and topped with pistachios. If you are looking for a relaxing Island getaway minus the plane ride- Kyma offers the package deal and its right on your doorstep. Kyma 1446 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn NY 11576 (516) 621-3700 www.kyma-roslyn.com Open for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.


James Beard Foundation Honors Andrew Zimmern at Annual Chefs & Champagne New York By Venus Quintana The bucolic Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack will once again play host to the annual Chefs & Champagne New York, which is considered one of the East End’s premier culinary events. This year, the James Beard Foundation will be honoring the multiple James Beard award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer and teacher Andrew Zimmern. The sumptuous tasting party and fundraiser will be held on Saturday, July 20 and will feature the wines of Wölffer Estate, fine champagne and culinary offerings from a select group of more than 35 discerning chefs. Funds raised at the event help support the James Beard Foundation’s mission and programs including culinary student scholarships and the organization’s annual food conference on sustainability, public health and nutrition. This year’s charming guest of honor has announced a charitable collaboration with eyebobs, a leading U.S. eyewear company. A portion of the proceeds from ‘The Zimm,’ Zimmern’s new style of limited-edition eyeglass frames, will be dedicated to furthering the James Beard Foundation’s mission. “I never thought my ‘bizarre’ culinary journey would include a stop in the Hamptons, where I will join the ranks of such prestigious past Chefs & Champagne honorees including Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagasse,” said Andrew Zimmern. Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation is dedicated to commemorating, cultivating and conserving America’s diverse culinary heritage. The foundation also maintains the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a ‘performance space’ for visiting chefs. “Andrew truly is one of the most innovative and multi-talented individuals in the food world today,” said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. “We are thrilled to honor him for all of the work he has done to enlighten eaters around the world, broadening our culinary spectrum and assisting us in making more informed choices for the future.” The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 pm on Saturday, July 20 and is open to the public. Reservations are $200 for JBF members and $275 for non-members. General admission includes all tastings, silent auction and gift bag. VIP admission begins at 5 pm and is $375 for JBF members and non-members. VIP tables of 10 are available for $4,000. The VIP experience includes an additional exclusive reception hour with early access to tastings, advanced silent auction preview, gift bag and invitation to the after-party. Reservations can be made by calling 212.627.2308 or by visiting www.jamesbeard.org/chefsandchampagne. July / August 2013 | 103


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25A Organic Avenue

partners with Theory, serving up juicy health in the Hamptons

By Venus Quintana Theory clothing line and Organic Avenue, New York City’s leading source of organic cold-pressed juices and vegan foods, have forged an exciting summer partnership in the Hamptons. Started on June 14, the high-end clothing retailer is showcasing the Organic Avenue Pop-Ups inside its East Hampton and Southampton stores. Some of the deliciously healthy fruit and vegetable juices available will include Green Love, Sweet Green and Royal Red, in addition to the new flavors Young Love and Virgin Mary. Booster shots will include Dragon’s Breath and Wheatgrass. The partnership is a match made in heaven, as both companies aim to reinforce their commitment to provide customers with products that enhance their modern, healthy lifestyles. “Hosting Organic Avenue in Theory stores feels like a natural fit. Both brands put an emphasis on producing the best possible product within our respective fields,” said Theory founder Andrew Rosen. “Both Theory and Organic Avenue strive 104 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

to improve their customers’ quality of life whether through tailored, wellmade clothes or 100 percent organic juices.” “We are always looking for new ways to help our customers achieve optimal health and well-being, inside and out,” said Jonathan Grayer, chairman and CEO of Weld North, which acquired a controlling stake in Organic Avenue in January. “This partnership with Theory is the first of many we expect to forge with a variety of mutually complementary brands in the near future.” Theory East Hampton is located at 46 Newton Lane, Suite 5 and Theory Southampton is located at 98-100 Main Street. For more information about Theory, visit www.theory.com. More information about Organic Avenue can be found at www.organicavenue.com.


One Visit Can Change Your Child’s Future. Seeing Is Believing. Tour Green Vale, Long Island’s premier independent school for students from early childhood to middle school, at an open house or schedule a personal tour. Contact Colleen Fortuna at admissions@greenvaleschool.org or call 516-628-5146. Financial aid available.

Applications for September 2013 are being processed now.

E A R LY C H I L D H O O D T H R O U G H M I D D L E S C H O O L

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3/29/13 12:23 AM

25A magazine is Proud to Announce the Solo Exhibit of Our Art & Travel Writer:

DIANA PINCK SOLO EXHIBITION HORIZONS JuLy 10 - JuLy 28, 2013 ARTIST PRESENT AT OPENING RECEPTION WEDNESDAy, JuLy 10, 6PM - 9:30 PM PLEASE R.S.V.P. fOR OPENING RECEPTION.

J.K CONCEPTUAL ART FINE ART GALLERY 7N STATION PLAZA, GREAT NECK, NY 11021 TEL 516 466 8887 FAX 516 986 3818 www.jkconceptualart.com info@jkconceptualart.com


artform

25A

Take a Plunge into the

Hamptons Art Scene

(Left) Brad Howe’s Sculptures, Evan Lurie Gallery, ArtHamptons 2012 (Bottom Right) Eric Zener, Aqua Journey, Mixed Media 41”x78” Gallery Henoch (Top Right) Sculpture by Carole Feuerman, Mark Borghi Fine Art Gallery

106 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


Art Hamptons VIP Opening Preview Party July 11, 6:30PM -9:30PM July 11-14, 2013 Fr & Sat 11Am - 8PM Sunday 11AM - 6PM Sculpture Field of Nova’s Ark in 60 Millstone Road, Bridgehampton, NY, 11963 www.arthamptons.com

(Top) Josh Hadar, The Solar E-trike, George Krevsky Gallery, ArtHampton 2012 (Middle) Sculpture by Nova Mihai Popa, Steel 10’ x 17’ - Nova’s Ark, Bridgehampton (Bottom) Gino Miles and his sculptures, Evan Lurie Gallery, ArtHamptons 2012

Art Southampton VIP Preview July 25, 6PM - 10PM July 25 - 29, 2013 Fr - Sun 12PM - 7PM Monday 12PM - 5PM Art Southampton Pavilion, Southampton Elks Lodge 605 Country Road 39, Southampton, NY 11968 www.art-southampton.com

July / August 2013 | 107


artform

25A

Symphony of Passion The Paintings of Josef Kote By Diana Pinck

(Upper left) Cold Spring Harbor 40x30”. (Upper Right) Forever Blue 48x48”. (Lower Left) Always Ready 36x60”. (Lower Right) Old Summertime 48x48”. All paintings acrylic on canvas.

108 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


J

osef Kote’s paintings are lyrically beautiful, modern and current. In stillness they vibrate with energy and light, like shimmering fields of flowers, abandoned for siesta on hot summer day. He achieves this mastery by combining classical academic style with abstract elements. Interested in art and music since he can remember, Josef entered and won a national competition in his native Albania and was accepted into the National Lyceum of Arts in Tirana at the age of 14. He repeated this amazing feat by competing and winning a spot at the Academy of Arts of Tirana to complete his studies. Upon graduation Josef soon gained recognition by his peers and in the art world. At 26 he moved to Greece, where his paintings became infused with the warmth and bright light of the Mediterranean. The highly respected artist was even commissioned to paint the country’s president at the time, Konstantino Stephanopulos. Not a man to rest on his laurels, Josef moved to Toronto, Canada for a decade and finally to Great Neck, New York, leaving in his wake hundreds of amazing paintings in important collections worldwide. Highly prolific, Josef paints every day, often for more than seven hours. He likes to listen to classical music while painting and in a symphony of passion the artist becomes one with the music, the canvas and the colors. “When I work, I pour all my energy into the painting. I hear and see nothing outside the music and my canvas. At the end of the day I am drained but I am completely happy and satisfied,” said Josef. The master finds inspiration in all things around him. In his travels and on excursions he makes small pencil sketches of scenes. Back in his studio he is not interested in rendering the exact reality of what he saw, but rather the emotion that the scene evoked in him. Generally his work has a realistically painted focal point and an abstracted background. Often paint drips down from one into the other, connecting the two in rivulets of color. The results are mesmerizing tableaux upon which one can repeatedly reflect and discover new surprises and meaning.

Sweet Spring Central Park 36x48”. Acrylic on Canvas

Dont Wake Me Up 30x30”. Acrylic on Canvas

Fortunately for residents of the Gold Coast, we can visit the artist in his studio and gallery space in Great Neck and see his amazing work first hand. Josef is represented by Blazing Editions in Rhode Island.

Josef Kote 7 North Station Plaza Great Neck, NY 11021 516.466.8887 Blazing Editions 42 Ladd Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 401.885.4329 www.blazing.com

The Old Barn 40x40”. Acrylic on Canvas

July / August 2013 | 109


poems

25A Retirement Plan By Victoria Crosby

While on a cruise ship not long ago, I noticed an old woman that the crew seemed to know. They all paid attention to her and made such a fuss, that I thought she couldn’t be like the rest of us. Perhaps she owns the cruise ship I thought, or maybe the shipping company she bought. I asked the waiter if he knew the elderly lady, and what does she do? Oh, Mrs. Jones has been on this ship for a very long time, it’s her twentieth trip. One evening I happened to catch her eye and tactfully tried to ask her why she stayed on the ship for so many a year. “It’s cheaper than a nursing home, my dear!” So I checked it out and I was told that the average cost when you get old for a nursing home is $200 a day. For a senior long-term cruise half of that you’d pay. Even with tips you’re ahead of the game. The staff will always remember your name. They will treat you like you are royalty, and everything on the cruise ship is free. You get to meet new people on each cruise, you eat all you want, and there’s plenty of booze. If something is broken you don’t have to worry, The staff will fix it for you in a hurry. There are several pools if you like to swim, and you can work out each day at the well-equipped gym. Your destination you get to choose, the world is at your fingertips, what’s there to lose? If you should fall and break your hip while you are aboard a luxury ship, instead of putting you on Medicaid they’ll give you a suite in a special upgrade. And when you die and meet the Lord, at no extra charge they’ll dump you overboard! 110 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


D A L AZA COUTURE

Iman Bridal

565 Cedar Swamp Rd Old Brookville NY 11545 516•656•0674


THE

25ALIST

by Christopher Robbins with additional photos by ROB RICH, VAN CUSHNY, PATRICK MCMULLAN, DENNIS LEON AND ANGELA GLORIA

The gold gala (top row left to right) Marilyn & Neil Solomon with Leo & Kay Ullman; Jeffrey & Nikkie Friedman with Donna & Donovan Welsh; Edith & Dr. Stanley Katz (middle row left to right) Ruth Feingold & Maria Forman; Bonnie & Daniel Zarabi; Patrick Gannon and Nancy Kiteck; Haley and Bill Blood (bottom row left to right) James and Karli Hagadorn with Jean-Marie and Steve Posner; Brendan Blood with Sharon and Dr. Robert Coleman; Karen and Sean Phillips

112 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


I love a re-make … you know, where everything old is new again? As in The Great Gatsby – Leonardo DiCaprio replacing Robert Redford, who replaced Alan Ladd. Well, that adage of renewal and Gatsby as a theme created the backdrop for many fabulous parties this spring! Let’s start with the perfect nod to Jay Gatsby, the setting for The Gold Gala … The Friends of the Sands Point Preserve’s annual Preserver’s Celebration at the famed Hempstead House—that spectacular limestone castle on 216 acres just north of Port Washington, with its dramatic views of Long Island Sound where another famous redux was in play … their Gold Gala channeled James Bond and if he hasn’t been remade, replaced and retooled over and over, I can barely think of any movie character who comes close, can you? So as guests approached the massive stone portico (which in its heyday likely saw plenty of social drama!) passing by a classic ’60s-era Aston Martin (and several other assorted antique convertible sports cars, naturally), one almost could see the cameras rolling, filming one of those epic opening scenes from the many films – especially after you entered the enormous 80-foot high foyer where a chilling replica of the Goldfinger murder scene awaited – a sexy, leggy blonde lay strewn on an oversized round bed, painted in gold from head to toe (Goldfinger … Gold Gala, get it?). What a start – to a starry night! After catching their breath from that shocking scene upon arrival, guests were very quickly offered up lip-smacking, ‘shaken’ Casino Royale Vesper Martinis by several smart waiters. Then a global food festival that only a 007 film can conjure awaited. We dined on Philip Stone’s clever take on dinner menus from several memorable films, For Your Eyes Only (Greek Island fare), Octopussy (Cuban fare), The Spy Who Loved Me (Moroccan fare), and Moonraker (French desserts!), while impersonators like a hooded, jump-suited Grace Jones and several other ‘Goldfinger Girls’ (wearing little more than their gold body paint, hello?!!) mingled. And during ‘Shirley Bassey’s’ rendition of ‘Goldfinger,’ archenemy Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s Turkish Angora stalked around in the Palm Court and in the Casino, which was staged in the adjacent original mahogany paneled library, all under the musical camouflage of DJ Afro’s beguiling intermix of all the signature James Bond melodies … think Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die merging into

Adele’s Skyfall merging into Nancy Sinatra’s You Only Live Twice – not to mention our North Shore’s own original 007 composer John Barry’s original theatrical score, which he created for the first film, Dr. No, in 1962 (in an interesting “who knew?”— Mr. Barry lived with his family on nearby Centre Island and won every major musical award you can think of before his death in 2011). Mixed with smooth Latin jazz and other cool beats in between, the party was so well done … the theme so complete … that I fully expected Ursula Andress or Halle Berry (there’s that redo again…) to emerge from the nearby surf, spear gun in hand. Ohhhh, what a night for Q, Miss Moneypenny and her Majesty’s Secret Service! Well by now, the more than 220 guests, among them New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (who acted as mistress of ceremonies during the awards presentation), Sands Point philanthropists Karli and James Hagadorn, Kathy and Peter Christie with Mark Laffey, Jean-Marie and Steve Posner, Perri and Joseph Cesarelli, Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, Melinda and Francis Verrall, Mayor Edward Adler of Sands Point, Karen and Sean Phillips, Bonnie and Daniel Zarabi, Donna and Donovan Welsh, Haley and Bill Blood, Dr. Cynthia Paulis, Sharon and Dr. Robert Coleman and Lisa and Dan Donatelli had settled in and gave a rousing applause at the announcement of the event’s honorees, Edie Katz, Dr. Patrick J. Gannon and Dr. Nancy Kheck, who are collectively known as the BeeWhisperers of the Gold Coast due largely to their extensive honeybee research and the forming of a Bee Apiary there on the grounds. Honeybees are in great decline – in global crisis actually – and are beneficial and crucial to our environment, hence the forming of an educational program onsite, in collaboration with Hofstra University and North Shore-LIJ, which sustains local honeybee colonies. The raw honey, in part, is used in nutraceutical study to desensitize pollen allergies in patients with ‘spring fever.’ Involved in that study, along with immunologist Dr. Vincent Bonagura, are three outstanding medical students, Alexander “A.J.” Blood, Matthew Katz, and Branson Sparks, who are in their second or third year of studies at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, each of whom was recognized with the 2013 Preservers’ Awards of Distinction for their voluntary work in maintaining the Bee Apiary. Congratulations to all!

July / August 2013 | 113


THE

25ALIST

by Christopher Robbins with additional photos by ROB RICH, VAN CUSHNY, PATRICK MCMULLAN, DENNIS LEON AND ANGELA GLORIA

CUCHEL NCMA KICKOFF (top row left to right) Sharon and Dr. Stephen Cuchel with Amy and Dr. George Kane; Angela Anton with Frank and Rita Castagna; Pat and Jeffrey Tupper (bottom row left to right) Van Cushny and Alix Michel; Todd and Jill Cohen; Karen Loeffler and Ed Cortez; Harvey Manes and CC Carr

Ironically, four nights later, a pre-world release showing of the current Great Gatsby film was introduced by the film’s director Baz Luhrmann at the Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington; the after-party (and the screening) for 300 guests, hosted by the Gold Coast International Film Festival, took place in Hempstead House, there in Sands Point! Mr. Luhrmann, in his speech before the film, credited Hempstead House with its magnificent structure and beautiful views of LI Sound as among the North Shore estates that inspired his film visually. (Love that a famous movie mogul director came to our little slice of land, don’t you?) Then it was off to Roslyn Harbor, to another legendary Gold Coast manse, Greenridge, the beautiful Tudor-style historic residence built in 1916 and home of Sharon and Dr. Stephen Cuchel, who every year open their doors to launch the kick-off cocktail reception for the annual ball for the Nassau County Museum of Art. This year, chairwoman Angela Susan Anton announced (in another redux!) that the Museum 114 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Ball dinner dance would return home to a big white tent on the grounds of the former Frick Estate with … ahem … a Great Gatsby theme! Here we go again…! Cheering the return to the tented gala concept after holding their event for the past three years at Oheka Castle (another local residence of fine renown) were Rita and Frank Castagna, Cora and Clarence Michalis, Deirdre Costa Major, Amy and Dr. George Kane (in from Southampton), Dr. Karl Willers, Brigitte and David Stetson, Judie and Dr. Herbert Chessin, Alix Michel and Van Cushny, Victoria Crosby, Jill and Dr. Todd Cohen and about 50 more who all are eagerly awaiting the fun, glamorous night ahead (see below for more on “the Ball”!) when everyone will dress up in fine tuxedos and long gowns and arrive to celebrate the museum – just like the Fricks, Goulds and Guggenheims did about a century ago!


Our next revamp takes place in Dix Hills, if you can imagine?! Dix Hills, by the way, is just that … a very hilly hamlet about 35 minutes east of the aforementioned luxury residences of yore. Why Dix Hills, you ask? Well, I was included, by invitation, to attend a chic party at the recently renovated Dix Hills Jewish Center … and what a renovation it was (and IS!!) The party, attended by over 200 guests, saw the three entertaining rooms transformed for the night with ‘redux’ themes —‘Refresh’ in the foyer and outdoor terraced garden spaces designed by Stefan’s Florist in a sultry lemon-lime/citrus/tropical palm tree-esque palette, ‘Revamp’ in the cocktail space with décor by Andrew Scott Events in a sexy, goth-esque black and red motif with candelabra, blood-hot lighting and the very hip DJ Jessica – as the centerpiece, raised up above us spinning an up-tempo, hot mix. And when dinnertime came, we entered ‘Reenergize’ and ‘Rejuvenate’ in the main ballroom — the large space split in two with Reenergize décor by United Florals in a sensual, Havana Night Club theme with sound and entertainment by Hicksville’s More

Than Music spinning a cool mosaic of inspired tunes by DJ Gil and Rejuvenate, all opulent and oversized florals one would expect to see in the finest hotels in Europe – think grand opening at the Ritz during the Cannes Film Festival – all stylized crystal and glass tables and a huge cut-glass bar serving up every kind of martini and specialty cocktail you can imagine! The guests, breathless and taking it all in, included Melissa and Brett Sturn, Pat and Joseph Pacifico, Aimee Pavone, Debra Thompson, Hillary and Andrew Wohl, Marcus Mordachini, Kerry Crosby, Tracy Rubenstein, Sepideh Roozdar, Aviva Miller and Marc Finkelstein, Colleen and Kevin Straker, Meredith and Steven Stern, Ann Marie and Tom Cataldo, Gina Geiger, Danielle Eliades, Randi Benbenisti, Caryn and Allan Kaplan, June Kolber, Sanam Jovan and Danate Stefan and about 180 more were on the list as well – all relishing in Regal Caterers’ multifaceted fine menu – the tuna tartare was particularly tasty – all thanks to Peter Schneir, who presided over the event with aplomb.

Dix Hills (top row left to right) Aimee Pavone, Michelle Lippolis and Debra Thompson; Denis Leon, Ali Bernardi and Marcus Mordachini; Marc Finkelstein and Aviva Miller (bottom row left to right) Allan and Caryn Kaplan; Kevin and Colleen Straker; Christopher Robbins and Tracy Rubenstein; Steven and Meredith Stern

July / August 2013 | 115


THE

25ALIST

by Christopher Robbins with additional photos by ROB RICH, VAN CUSHNY, PATRICK MCMULLAN, DENNIS LEON AND ANGELA GLORIA

ncma ball june 8th (top row left to right) Dr. Karl Willers and Angela Susan Anton; Karen and Joshua Skurnik; Karen Loeffler and Linda Ugenti; James and Jennifer Weil (bottom row left to right) Becky Creavin, Pat Janco-Tupper and Alan Starkie; Nancy DeMatteis with Arlene and Arthur Levine; Kim and John Bancroft

So full circle we’ve now traveled, having trekked all along the North Shore, bringing us back to Jay Gatsby and all his ‘friends’ as they arrived at the Frick’s former residence, now the Nassau County Museum of Art, to their annual black tie gala, The Great Gatsby Ball! Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE (except maybe five guests) donned period attire and arrived in style to celebrate the museum and help raise Rolls Royceloads of cash in a spectacular tent designed to perfection by Artistry in Flowers with ornate crystal candelabras, thousands of feathers, streaming lights and about a million sequins. Chairwoman Angela Susan Anton was there, along with Anne and Russell G. Byers, Jr., Ambassador Arnold Saltzman, Sharon and Dr. Stephen Cuchel, Arlene and Arthur Levine (celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!), Kimberly and John Bancroft, Cora and Clarence Michalis (he’s the museum’s board presi-

116 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

dent, but you knew that), Nancy DeMatteis, Kathy and Tom Klar, Boo Grace, several members of the Danny and Jacob Ambalu families – fine jewelers that they are, having draped the beautiful Linda Ugenti in thousands worth of sapphires – Helen and Michael Bonebrake, Mona Engel and Wayne Sturman, Corky Paston, renowned local artist Frank Olt and his lovely wife Meredith, Gene Brown, fine art dealer Lynda Anderson with Jacques Busquet, Danielle and Mark Merollo (she’s the fabulous personal shopper at Americana Manhasset, which sponsored the dinner), Karen Loeffler and Ed Cortez, Natalia and Adam Good, Kandice and Craig Seitz with daughter Skylar Seitz, event journal cochairs Pat Janco-Tupper and Becky Creavin with husbands Jeffrey Tupper and Fred Creavin, Jennifer and James Weil, Executive Director Karl Willers, Michele and Evan Cagner, Nassau County Comptrol-


ler George Maragos, Kerry Klaherty and Matthew Schmidt, Dee Dee Brix, Marilyn and Paul Basen, Caroline Camp, Karen and Joshua Skurnik, and on and on into the stellar night, all of whom were also swarming around the cocktail tent, where everyone was bidding on more than 120 silent auction prizes and indulging in sparkly Kir Royales and a feast of 1920s-style Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs hors d’oeuvres including Lobster Newburg Profiteroles and Deviled Quail Eggs, which preceded the seated, served dinner of Mille Fuielle of Salmon to start, followed by roasted Beef Tenderloin Bordelaise – with Mr. Gatsby’s favorite – Macaroni and Cheese (flavored with truffle, bringing that classic into the 21st century) and sautéed Haricots Verts (tiny French green beans, in case you don’t know the translation!). And capping it all off, amidst fevered dancing to the Alex Donner Orchestra, was the Cherries Jubilee Trifle

Cake with Chocolate Truffles—YUM! I really cannot express in words what an exciting night (all of them above included, actually) – all the pageantry and sophistication you would imagine from evenings along 1920s’ Gold Coast Long Island brought right up into 2013! Well, what can I say? It’s just another few Gatsby-esque nights in a life of Loving the Camera. If you have an event, benefit or social happening that you’d like considered for The 25A-List, please let us know by emailing me, Society Editor Christopher Robbins, at chris@robbinswolfe.com or 25A Art Director Brooke Morgan at brooke@25amagazine.com

ncma ball june 8th (top row left to right) Sam and Jane Casale with Kerry Klaherty and Matthew Schmidt; Tom Killeen with Kathy and Tom Klar; The Dining Tent (bottom row left to right) John Meyer and Brittany Cohen; Natalia Good, Michelle Cagner and Eden White; Meredith and Frank Olt

July / August 2013 | 117


Glen Oaks Country club

Children’s Medical Fund of New York’s 38th Annual Golf Classic held at Glen Oaks Country Club in Old Westbury

118 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Photos by Johnny Schiano


Learn to play Polo - the Game of Kings Private Lessons and Junior Clinics or Become a Social Member You are welcome to watch a Polo Match on Hickox Field - Whitney Lane in Old Westbury Practice and Game days every TU/TH and SAT

Esteban Scott, Club Manager

516.484.0343 | www.meadowbrookpolo.com

July / August 2013 | 119


hendrick’s tavern

Dancing Through Sunrise Hosted at Hendrick’s Tavern on Wednesday, May 29 to Benefit Sunrise Day Camp and Children With Cancer

120 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Photos by Paul Prince


the chalet

Photos by Benno Klandt

25A magazine Cigar Party at The Chalet On Thursday, June 6, 25A magazine hosted a cigar party at The Chalet Restaurant and Tap Room located in Roslyn on Long Island’s beautiful North Shore. Kevin Dursan, The Chalet’s owner, provided a sleek indoor/outdoor atmosphere that allowed guests to enjoy fine cigars from Global Smokes, topshelf drinks, and tasty hors d’oeuvres. The event featured a sultry, intimate VIP setting with candlelit décor and chic lounge music. Guests from varied business backgrounds used the time to their advantage to network and socialize among a very hip crowd.

July / August 2013 | 121


Martin viette

Photos by Benno Klandt

Martin Viette Nursery Celebrates Grill Night Sponsored by Rallye Lexus

122 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


Your Affair Could Be a Work of Creative Artistry

dance floors • lounge furniture • lighting

everything you need to create your vision

Tower Productions AN EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY

100A Dale Street, West Babylon, New York 11704

631- 501-2960

www.towerproductionsnyc.com


Long island hospitality ball

L.I.H.B. at Crest Hollow Country Club On June 3, 25A magazine had the privilege of sponsoring and covering the 2013 Long Island Hospitality Ball held at the magnificent Crest Hollow Country Club. The gala, created and organized by philanthropist Keith Hart, helped raised funds for the American Cancer Society. A charming group of more than 2,000 notable guests was in attendance, as were representatives from the Island’s top restaurants, wine and spirit brands, nightclubs, entertainers, hotels and catering halls. The venue’s attendance surpassed all expectations and was a major success, raising in excess of $350,000.

124 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Photos by Benno Klandt & Paul Prince


Chi

HAPPY HOUR

BAR, DINING LOUNGE

MONDAY-FRIDAY 5PM-7PM

weekly appetizer & drink specials

enjoy our outdoor dining patio 103 POST AVENUE, WESTBURY NY 516.385.3829 • chIDININGLOUNGE.cOM


Thanks to all of the following friends of 25A magazine who donated kindly to the Breast Cancer Research Donation known as FACT that was held May 15th, 2013 at Carlyle on the Green Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate 135 West Gate Drive Huntington, NY 11743 631.659.1400 Bon Bon Chocolatiers 319 Main Street Huntington Village, NY 11746 631.549.1059 Muttingtown Country Club 5933 Northern Boulevard East Norwich, NY 11732 516.922.7500 Petals Florist 200 Forest Avenue Locust Valley, NY 11560 516.674.9325 Shag Boutique 1370 Old Northern Boulevard Roslyn, NY 11574 516.584.3133 Sam Ash 269 Old Walt Whitman Road Huntington Station, NY 11746 516.932.6400 Cinema Arts 423 Park Avenue Po Box 498 Huntington, NY 11743 631.423.7611 The Paramount 370 New York Avenue Huntington, NY 11743 631.673.7300 Park Lane Jewelry Dawn Marie Rizzi (Independent) 28 Amherst Drive North Massapequa, NY 11758 516.749.9498 Soul Cycle 250 South Service Road Roslyn, NY 11577 516.833.1300 Ms’tique Boutique 7935 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury, NY 11797 516.496.3488 Sophia Home Accents & Design 3 Bryant Avenue Roslyn, NY 11576 516.200.5146 Massage On The Run 22 Wall Street Huntington, NY 11743 631.351.9898 Lift Fitness 55 Lumber Road Roslyn, NY 11576 516.277.1465 Red Door Spa 79-17 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury, NY 11794 516.364.6780 Alter Ego Hair Studio 505 Jericho Turnpike Syosset, NY 11791 516.921.1100 Haven Hair Spa 294 Main Street Huntington, NY 11743 631.923.2211 Post Wine & Spirits 510 Jericho Turnpike Syosset, NY 11791 516.921.1820 Duck Walk Vineyards 231 Montauk Highway Water Mill, NY 11976 631.726.7555 Elwood Cinemas 1950 Jericho Turnpike East Northport, NY 11731 631.499.7800 Woodbury Sports 7965 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury, NY 11797 516.496.0600 Syosset Health & Wellness Center 332 Jackson Avenue Syosset, NY

11791 516.682.5050 Framing Productions, Ltd 25 Jackson Avenue Syosset, NY 11791 516.364.6000 Konstant Beauty Make-Up Artist / Esthetician 917.407.4720 Id Salon 25 South Oyster Bay Road Syosset, NY 11791 516.921.5541 Kitchen Kabaret 409 Glen Cove Road East Hills, NY 11577 516.484.3320 Serata Restaurant 160 Mill River Road Oyster Bay, NY 11771 516.628.2800 Grasso’s 134 Main Street Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 631.367.6060 Gold Coast Golf Center One Southwoods Road Woodbury, NY 11797 516.682.4776 Shine Dental 400 Jericho Turnpike Syosset, NY 11791 516.348.8500 Sam Ash 269 Old Walt Whitman Road Huntington, NY 11746 631.421.9333 Entourage Salon 567 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 200 Syosset, NY 11791 516.496.1700 Cow Over The Moon 282 Main Street Huntington, NY 11746 631.424.1796 Chelsea Market Baskets 75 9th Avenue New York, NY 10011 212.727.1111 Messina Market 6255 Northern Boulevard East Norwich, NY 11732 516.624.6800 388 Restaurant 388 Willis Avenue Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.3888 Chris And Tony’s Restaurant 352 Jericho Turnpike East Norwich, NY 11732 516.496.1011 Harbor Mist 105 Harbor Road Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 631.659.3888 Bryant & Cooper 2 Middle Neck Road Roslyn, NY 11576 516.627.7270 Toku Restaurant 2014 Northern Blvd Manhasset, NY 11030 516.627.8658 Cipollini Restaurant 2110 Northern Boulevard Manhasset, NY 11030 516.627.7172 Petals Florist 200 Forest Avenue Locust Valley, NY 11560 516.674.9325 Truth And Beauty 250 South Service Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.625.7000 A Vital Beauty 212.810.1048 Santoria Lonzano Jake & Anna

Vendors & Contributors Linda Silver Designs | Shine Dental | Cow Over The Moon | Star Industries (Georgi Vodka) | Jake and Anna Jewelry | O’Connell Protection Services, LLC | 106.1 BLI | Sky Blue Entertainment – Lighting Supply Service | Andriella’s Adornments 126 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


long island shields

Photos by Jason Feinberg & Joseph Virgilio

Long Island Shields Hosts an Evening of Honors Long Island Shields hosted its scholarship night at Stuart Thomas Manor on Thursday, June 13. In addition to distributing its scholarship awards, Shields honored the four daughters of fallen NYPD Officer Peter Figoski. Officer Figoski’s parents were presented with a statue to honor the heroic services of their son. Nassau Police Officer Shevy Berkovits was honored as Police Officer of the Month. Our sincere thanks go to retired NYPD Officer Dave Fischer for allowing 25A magazine to be a part of this special event. Zvi, Shevy and Elan Berkovits

Retired detective, Actor and Author Randy Jurgensen with NYPD Officer (ret) Dave Fischer

Family Music Event at BMW of Oyster Bay On Friday, July 12 from 6–9 pm, BMW of Oyster Bay invites the public to an unprecedented musical evening titled Bavarian Musical Works: Bach, Beethoven, Brats and Beer at the BMW. The special family event at the BMW of Oyster Bay, 145 Pine Hollow Road, will be one of several innovative concerts presented in and around Oyster Bay from July 6–14 as part of the second annual Oyster Bay Music Festival. Curated by the directors of the OBMF, the eclectic program will showcase highly gifted music students from the nine-day festival. The event will also feature Bavarian food and drink, impromptu musical game shows and a celebratory community atmosphere.

by Steinway & Sons for the occasion, will share prominence alongside BMW’s legendary cars. No ticket or RSVP is required; the event is open and free to the public and the North Shore community is encouraged to come out and join this contagious enthusiasm for the arts. Oyster Bay Music Festival is dedicated to the art of performance and the revival of classical music as a vital part of community. The festival, which involves an intensive week of musical study and performance opportunities for 30 gifted music students aged 10–22, is rooted in the heart of Oyster Bay. It is the festival’s mission to build connections between aspiring performers, new audiences and unusual venues.

A Steinway grand piano, generously donated July / August 2013 | 127


oheka castle

Photos by Benno Klandt & Paul Prince

Oheka Castle’s Annual Garden Party On June 12, the Friends of Oheka hosted their annual Garden Party with a Great Gatsby theme. This year they celebrated the Otto Kahn Awards program and the 30th anniversary of Gary Melius discovering Oheka. Music was performed by the Walt Whitman High School Jazz Band and the Walt Whitman High School Chamber Orchestra.

128 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com


WRAITH And the world stood still

Introducing Wraith - the most dynamic Rolls-Royce in history. Experience the power, style and drama for yourself.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675 Telephone: 1-877-877-3735 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com Š Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2013. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.



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