New York Lifestyyles Magazine November / December 2021 - Jacques Lieberman by New York Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 7 #9 | November / December 2021

JACQUES LIEBERMAN Sharing Joy With The World

6.5 ACRE ESTATE

SECLUDED COUNTRY MANOR

This beautifully appointed country estate was custom built for the current owner. State-of-the-art Kuche+Cucina kitchen, 1st floor primary BR suite, great floor plan for entertaining & working remotely. Indoor & outdoor pools, cabana, regulation lighted tennis court, generator and 6-car garage. $5,495,000

Tuscan Inspired...Custom built in 2011, this 5 bedroom architectural masterpiece offers a first floor owner’s suite and a separate wing for extended family/guests. State-of-the-art appliances and mechanicals. Picture Perfect 2.3 acres on top Chestnut Ridge area cul de sac. $3,795,000

HIDDEN TREASURE

MODERN CLASSIC MANOR Spectacular European Stone and Stucco Manor on flat 2 acre+ cul-de-sac in sought after Chestnut Ridge area of town. Elegant open floor plan and state-of-the-art Kuche+Cucina kitchen and cabinetry throughout. Beautifully landscaped w/pool and cabana. 4-car garage, generator. $4,995,000

Colonial brick manor with over 8000 square feet, completed in 2010. Elegant woodworking, 5 fireplaces, 4-car garage and 1 or 2 office/libraries for great work space. Majestic 2 acre setting at the end of a sought after cul de sac offering complete privacy and seclusion! $3,495,000

PRIME LOCATION

ELEGANT FRENCH MANOR

This spacious 5 bedroom, 5.2 bath architectural gem offers high ceilings, exceptional woodworking, 5 fpls and great space for remote working and schooling The 2.76-acre setting offers a multi-level pool/spa/waterfalls, gardens and complete privacy! 3-car garage with Tesla charger more! $2,775,000

Gated, custom built Manor with circular driveway situated on 2 manicured acres. Elegant woodworking, elevator to all floors and a 6-7 car garage. Pool/spa/large paver patio and raised veranda with spectacular views. Large finished walk-out lower level, wonderful floorplan, ideal for WFH. $2,995,000

VICKI GAILY Realtor-Associate® • Founder Office 201 934 -7111 • Cell 201 390-5880 • vgaily @ specialproperties.com • www.specialproperties.com 158 WEST SADDLE RIVER ROAD

•

SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458

Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

LOCATION, LOCATION! Young all brick European Villa is situated majestically on a 2-acre cul de sac setting with panoramic views on a sought-after street. High ceilings, open floor plan, ideal for working remotely. Large lower-level with outside entry, Bluestone veranda, inground pool/spa with waterfall, 4-car garage, paver driveway. Low, low taxes. $4,250,000

TIMELESS FRENCH CHATEAU 2000’s built all-brick French Chateau on 2.33 gated and fenced acres with tennis/sport court and lagoon pool with waterfalls. Elegant woodworking, high ceilings and large 1st floor primary bedroom. Lower level has outside entry, theater and wine cellar. 4-car garage. Ready to move in!

$4,995,000

RESORT SETTING Built in 2010 over pre-existing foundation on over 2.7 acres along the panoramic Saddle River. Approx. 7400 square feet on the 1st and 2nd floors plus large unfinished lower level. High ceilings, multi-level paver patio with outdoor BBQ, Infinity pool, 3-car attached garages and generator.

$3,150,000

VICKI GAILY Realtor-Associate® • Founder Office 201 934 -7111 • Cell 201 390 - 5880 vgaily @ specialproperties.com www.specialproperties.com

From Cottages to Chateaus…Every Home is Special to Us.

Winter Garden, Florida NEW TO MARKET: 14628 Avenue of the Rushes, Winter Garden, Florida 34787 Enjoy Disney fireworks overlooking Lake Hancock in this stunning 5,675 sf home with formal dining, office, 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths. Featuring a two-story entry, wide-planked wood floors, a chef ’s kitchen, two master suites with luxurious baths, and quality finishes throughout. Truly bringing the inside out, this home features an outdoor kitchen, pool/spa, new boat dock and an additional parcel of 40+ acres of Lake Hancock. Call for more details or to schedule a virtual preview. Call for more details or to schedule a virtual preview.

Windermere, Florida

Located in Southwest Orlando, Windermere may be the best-kept secret in Florida. Its small town allure situated on the beautiful Butler Chain of Lakes offers the most exclusive luxury lifestyle in all of Florida. Famed athletes, celebrities and CEO’s call Windermere home while residing in their multi-million dollar estates surrounded by the fairways and lakes of Isleworth Country Club and The Golden Bear Club located within the gates of Keene’s Pointe. The lush landscape, gated communities and top-rated public and private schools offer residents the privacy and peace of living, while being conveniently located close to Walt Disney World and other attractions that make Orlando the #1 travel destination in the world.

SOLD: Keene’s Pointe 9425 Skiles Court Windermere, FL 34786 Golf Front Property 6 BR | 6.1 BA | 7,918 SF

SOLD: Isleworth 5317 Isleworth Country Club Dr. Windermere, FL 34786 Golf Front Property 4 BR | 5.2 BA | 6,189 SF

SOLD: Keene’s Pointe 6113 Grosvenor Shore Dr. Windermere, FL 34786 Lake Front Property 7 BR | 6.2 BA | 8,677 SF

Mike & Teresa Stewart Founders | Realtors® SOUTHERN REALTY GROUP, LLC 407.766.9826 | 407.493.3057 SRGRealtors@gmail.com SRGFlorida.com

Specializing in Luxury Real Estate in Southwest Orlando, Florida Since 2004

Travel Dates: January 2, 2021 through November 30 2021

3 Night Minimum

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

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Contents FEATURES

12 14 20 26

From The Publisher Maribel Lieberman: A New Design On Chocolate Jacques Lieberman: Sharing His Joy With The World Mike Harrison: An Exclusive Interview With The Author

STYLE 32 Life & Style: Holiday Gift Guide 2021 36 The U.S.Male Putting Your Best Face Forward 38 Chuck’s Vintage: Classic Style Arrives In Manhattan

TRAVEL Aruba: A Holiday Getaway Ski East: The Best Slopes To Hit This Season Winter Refresh Versante Hotel: Luxury In The Pacific Northwest Las Vegas: Travel Is Back And So Is LV Baby

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 57 Around Town: East End Avenue 60 The Hampshire House: Luxe Living On Central Park South

HEALTH & WELLNESS 63 Diana Seo: Skin Rejuvenation At The Collagen Bar 66 Dr. Karyn Gordon: Becoming A Confident Leader 67 Dr. Samuel Waxman: The Fight To Eradicate Cancer

14 Photography: Neil J. Tandy

40 43 47 52 54

Photography: Neil J. Tandy

FOOD & DRINK 68 69 70 71

Restaurant Review: Barn Joo Nomad Restaurant Review: Skorpios Nunzi’s Restaurant: Good Food & Vibes Under One Roof Gift Ideas: Snowflakes & Soirees

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 73 75 76 77 79 81

On Stage: Holiday Showtime In The Big Apple Home For The Holidays: BroadwayHD Makes It Festive Omnium Circus: A Big Top For Al On The Big Screen On The Small Screen AJ Smith: Catch A Rising Star

PET SPOTLIGHT 84 Paws Down…Tail Up: Holiday Cuteness Collection 2021

NEW YORK, NY 87 91 94 95 96

Entrepreneur’s Corner: Attorney Arthur Aidala My New York Story: Olympic Champion Andrew Weibrecht Viennese Opera Ball: A Celebration Of Cultural Relationships Cura Collective: Helping Those In Need Time Out With…Author Stewart Pearce

6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

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Beachfront accommodations Destination wedding/ honeymoon and/or anniversary getaways check Exclusive offers + packages check Cottages and private accommodations Private pilots The perfect mix of clear blue sea and soft white sand Fun sun and adventure, snorkeling, paddleboards and kayaks and bicycles, exploring the Island Located on Cat Island, one of the southern Bahamas Out Islands, Fernandez Bay Village offers a friendly, laid back vacation for couples and families alike. Discover a unique destination revered by travelers, who don’t want to be known as tourists, and families seeking outdoor adventures they can all share. Fernandez Bay Village is a hidden gem you’ll want to return to again and again. Recently upgraded and renovated, we look forward to hosting your next romantic rendezvous or family getaway. Call 954-302-7422 or book online www.fernandezbayvillage.com

Fernandez Bay Village | 954-302-7422 | www.fernandezbayvillage.com 4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

ISSN 2474-770X

OUR CONTRIBUTORS NEIL J. TANDY A regular contributor to NYL, Neil is a photographer with an innate passion that began as a youngster when he picked up an Instamatic to record a family vacation in the South of France. At 26, the British-born aspiring photographer moved to South Africa where he honed his skills before settling in New York. Today, he combines that passion to capture the interplay of light, line, and color to create visual stories whether on the streets of New York on a fashion shoot or seizing the moment of wonderous nature in Yellowstone National Park. “I visualize my finished photo before even taking it,” he says, “and try to capture emotion in everything I photograph.” For Neil, telling stories with his photographs is art. GRIFFIN MILLER Griffin is a New York journalist and editor. Her editorial work has also appeared in The New York Times, Promenade, For the Bride, Corporate & Incentive Travel, Hotels, and others. Her articles for New York MetroParents earned her five Parenting Media Association Editorial Gold Awards. Other professional writing includes promotional materials for The Metropolitan Opera, Guggenheim Museum, American Ballet Theatre and the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. A member of the New York Travel Writers Association and the Lewis Carroll Society of North America, Griffin is an award-winning collage artist, actress, and playwright. She lives in Forest Hills, New York with her husband, Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, and their cats, Reggie and Cosmo. MELANIE CARDEN Melanie is a B oston-based writer and editor. Formerly a newspaper columnist, she writes about social justice, culture, cooking, adventure, and all things curious and creative. She earned her BA— with a concentration in Food and Culture Journalism—from UMass Amherst. Melanie is a passionate advocate for lifelong le ar ning — t he t r ad it i ona l, immersive, and online classrooms alike—and remains an active alumnus for the University Without Walls department of her alma mater. Her work has been featured in such publications as The Gay & Lesbian Review, Incomer Magazine, The Winchester Star Newspaper, and Cleaver Magazine. Mel can’t resist a good coffee mug and is obsessed with picnics. Catch her on melaniecarden.com.

Vol. 7 #9 | November / December 2021 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Editor-at-Large Jeremy Murphy

Lifestyle Griffin Miller

Entertainment Jenny Peters

Special Projects Norah Bradford

Features Ruth J. Katz

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributing Writers Bailey Beckett, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Irvina Lew Lee Gabay, Ann Grenier, Bob Kappstatter, Cecille Langtry Darren Paltrowitz, Meryl Pearlstein, Anne Raso, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva Elizabeth Elston, Sara Wiesenfeld, Laurie Bain Wilson, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Don Fetherman - Director of Travel Michael Stulmaker - Sales Manager Internet Presence Michael McKenzie

Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. ©2021 New York Lifestyles Magazine.

COVER CREDITS: Maribebel Lieberman Photography: Olia Mirra mirrastudio.com

10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Jacques Lieberman Photography: Neil J. Tandy Makeup: John H. Edington

Mike Harrison Photography: Tomo Brejc Grooming: John Christopher

Woodloch’s

COOL IN THE WINTER

Get your family #BackTogether at Woodloch this winter.

W O O D L O C H . C O M | 8 0 0 . W O O D L O C H | IN THE NORTHERN POCONO MOUNTAINS

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Check us out on the web!

Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:

Issuu.com | Apple Newsstand | Our Website

MAKE IT MERRY! t’s almost a New Year, and we’re here to help you celebrate the holidays in style—and ring in 2022! This special double issue is packed with everything you need: special once-in-a-lifetime moments at Omnium Circus, joyful times at Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes, and so many stage productions to keep you festive throughout the season. All this plus holiday getaways to warm the spirit in the Caribbean or perhaps test your mettle ski at some of the most challenging slopes on the East Coast. In the issue, we speak to three fascinating people, each sharing their inspirations. Mike Harrison, Maribel Lieberman, and Jacques Lieberman created worlds unlike most and revealed their journeys with twists and turns. In the case of British author Mike Harrison, his new novel The Pale Tiger is a fast-paced, engaging, and suspenseful story that takes readers on a fantastic pursuit across the globe. Having worked in law and finance, Harrison takes readers on a roller-coaster ride around the world— including New York City. It’s gripping, and we know Hollywood is circling with the thought of his as the next popular. For Maribel and Jacques Lieberman, it’s a match made in heaven. Maribel credits her husband and his artistic talents with his signature designs on her world-famous ganache. The New York Collection is the most popular, and every chocolate piece in the blue box is a heavenly memory. In addition to his talents in designing, Jacques remains one of the finest artists in New York City and the world. You’ll find his story incredibly touching.

Vol. 6 #8 | November/D ecember 2020

JACQUES

LIEBERMAN LIFE & STYLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

A C O N V E R S AT I O N WITH THE ARTI ST FOOD & DRINK

BEST WINES TO TOAST THE SEASON

HEALTH

WINTER MYTHS FACT VS. FICTION

BONUS SECTION PETS + GIFTS & MORE

Of course, as we head into the merry season, there always seems to be much to do and so little time! Don’t stress. Our extensive holiday guides will help find a stylish, muchneeded gifts for everyone on your list—even for our four-legged friends. All this plus our regular features, as well. Don’t miss our coverage on Andrew Weibrecht, a former Olympian, who today is also a champion off the slopes. Then we have New York City’s Arthur Aidala, who shares insight into the top cases he’s led as a defense attorney. So, however and wherever you spend this holiday season, make a special resolution for yourself. Take care of the essential part of 2022—you! From our family at New York Lifestyles to yours, we wish you the very best during this season and a happy and healthy 2022!

-Bill Mason

Publisher

12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com For subscription or back issues, call:

(646) 259-2651

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL TOCSQUASH.COM @TOCSQUASH #ToC22

JANUARY 13 - 21 2022

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

Photography: Ezequiel de la Rosa | Make up: Gregg Brockington

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FEATURES

MARIBEL LIEBERMAN A New Design On Chocolates by Patricia Canole Photography Neil Tandy | Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup John H. Edington | Gregg Brockington

hether it’s gifting some of the famed ganache to family and friends or simply indulging in the deliciousness for yourself, the distinctive blue MarieBelle box will always be sure to brighten the mood. Maribel’s passion for confections started when she was eight years old when she made candies and sold them to neighborhood children in her native Honduras. Years passed with a relocation to New York City, where she enrolled in the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Here her love for fashion and design would take her on a journey in the fashion industry. But it was the creating foods that remained at her core. Maribel soon found herself running her own elegant catering business— Maribel’s Gourmet Cuisine, which paved the way for her lifelong passion—chocolate. True, her MarieBelle brand is known worldwide, but Maribel has deep roots in New York. So much so, her signature New York Collection is a tasty and timeless tribute to some of Manhattan’s most iconic sites. The collection comprised of her signature ganache has remained a bestseller ever since it was introduced. With her production factory and brand partnerships, Maribel has made her mark on the chocolate market. From the moment you step into her Soho store, you are magically transported to the realm of world-class chocolates. What is surprising is she can’t believe her chocolate world has taken her this far! After owning her popular catering company, Maribel opened her first store in Nolita called Lunettes et Chocolat, which featured designer chocolates. Eventually, she opened a pop-up shop in Soho just after September 11, 2001. The spot, which was only supposed to be open for a few months during the holiday season, has withstood the test of time for two successful decades. →

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15

How and when did you first realize you wanted to work in the chocolate industry? I had a beautiful childhood with eight siblings in the Honduras countryside. I am the youngest one of all. My mother was a seamstress, and I’d always use the leftover fabrics to make dresses for my dolls. Even if I didn’t have enough material, I would combine it with other fabrics. That’s when I realized I loved fashion. My goal in life was to become a fashion designer and work in the fashion industry. But It wasn’t until I came to New York and enrolled at Parsons School of Design to study fashion that I realized I was exposed to so many cultures and foods— ingredients from all over the world. I soon discovered a love to explore and experiment with these new ingredients with foods. Knowing I grew up creating new recipes, I soon realized that my passion was creating fusion cuisine. Your store in SoHo is so beautifully elegant. Why this location to start your company? I’ve lived in the neighborhood for many years. So, when I decided to open a store, I thought of Soho because 21 years ago, there wasn’t any chocolate store available in Soho. Now that you have two outlets in New York City tell us why you selected Japan as your international outlet? I feel Japan selected me! The Japanese customer is very selective and loves and respects creativity, presentation, and quality. Since day one, my product has been top-rated among the Japanese people. Your designs on the ganache are beautiful. What inspired you to create these minor works of art? My first ten designs on the ganache come from my artist husband [Jacques Lieberman] and his abstract work. After that, the rest is the inspiration that comes from my lifestyle and New York City.

16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

What is your biggest career highlight to date?

When Oprah featured my Hot Chocolate as one of her favorites.

Any celebrity clients or memorable stories related to your business that you would love to share?

I have many celebrities and faithful customers who visit the café and purchase their favorite chocolates.

How would you describe your personal style? Classic timeless.

What is a typical day in your life like?

I start my day at 6:30 am with Pilates and other exercises. Then, at 9 am, I am already sitting at my desk. Once or twice a week, I will go to the chocolate factory in Brooklyn.

What are three never-miss events on your calendar? The Nutcracker at the Met. Messiah at the Lincoln Center. The Armory Art Show.

What has been your best New York moment? Meeting Jacques at the theater.

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be? Jesus Christ.

What is something people might not know about you? I wanted to be an architect.

When did you feel like you had “made it” professionally?

When I arrived in Japan and saw my life-sized picture at a department store with my story printed next to it. →

Photography: Neil Tandy | Make up: John H. Edington

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17

What changes do you think your industry will undergo in the next five years? I know people are becoming more selective of the ingredients they consume. I feel in the chocolate industry, the same is true. Using less sugar and milk and more nuts is healthy. Tell us of any new products we’ll see from Maribelle this holiday. In addition to our Collections, we’ll be introducing the Advent Calendar.

From the moment you step into her Soho store, you are magically transported to the realm of world-class chocolates… Photography: Ezequiel de la Rosa Make up: Gregg Brockington

My first ten designs on the ganache come from my artist husband [Jacques Lieberman] and his abstract work…

What is your advice for those aspiring to work in the chocolate industry? Hard work. It’s a tough industry, but it is rewarding to see so many people smiling when they’re eating and savoring chocolate. For more information on MarieBelle Chocolates, visit mariebelle.com • Photography: Neil Tandy Make up: John H. Edington

18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Family Escapes & Romantic Rendezvous

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Photographer: Ezequiel de la Rosa | Make up: Gregg Brockington

20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES

JACQUES LIEBERMAN Sharing His Joy With The World by Patricia Canole Photography Neil Tandy | Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup John Edington | Gregg Brockington

acques Lieberman’s artwork is unique and has won him an appreciative audience from the artistic world. But like any artist in the modern world, the journey has had some turns and twists. It’s a story he loves to share. We met with Jacques to recount what it’s been like for him to flee Belgium during World War II to several European countries before settling in Israel at an early age. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Jacques quickly became a young Jewish refugee of the Second World War. His parents fled to Puisserguier, France, in 1940. Soon after, when the Nazis invaded, the family felt it necessary to send the young Jacques to an underground network of French people hiding and protecting Jewish refugees throughout the country. At the age of six, he kissed his family goodbye; it was the last time he would ever see them. After the war ended, Jacques moved to Switzerland, where he was reunited with cousins and other relatives from France. After four years, his journey took him to a Kibbutz in Israel

He moved to Soho and eventually opened his first gallery and has been my home ever since. I still believe that Soho is one of the most artistic neighborhoods in New York City. We met with Jacques in his Soho home he shares with wife, Maribel, and daughter. Here, his reflection on an esteemed career. →

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What’s the strongest memory of your childhood? I’ll always remember as a young boy, someone gifted me a box of colored pencils, and I discovered the thrill of putting colored pencils on paper. I loved to draw mountains and flowers, the same that I had grown up within France. Moving to New York City must have been difficult. What were your first impressions of the city when you first arrived? I loved New York, always dreamed of coming to America. I didn’t see the difficulties, but I saw more exciting opportunities. Was there one person who influenced you the most? Victor Vasarely was the most influential and inspiring artist for my work. Explain what you do as an artist? I am now retired, but when I was active, I would often wake up in the middle of the night with an idea to paint. I would get up with so much energy and try to put what I had in my mind on paper or canvas. What’s integral to the work of an artist? The authenticity of the work. Reflections of the artist’s feelings. What art do you most identify with? Victor Vasarely was my biggest influence. He taught me that art did not have to be representational but rather abstract and contemporary. His use of geometric shapes was fascinating and impacted the Op Art movement. I identified with his art, and I would do anything to go back in time and thank him for inspiring me into the artist I am today. Describe a real-life situation that has inspired you? The memory of the wildflowers in the mountains of France never left my memory. In New York and working as an architect, I wanted to immerse myself in color, so I began painting. My work comes out of my feelings. I get inspired by looking at the world and the stimulation around me. What are your inspirations/reference points for creating art? I adore the shapes of all colors and sizes. With my background in architecture, I have learned about lines and how specific shapes complement each other. I love creating abstract art that doesn’t have a deeper meaning. What memorable responses have you had to your work? Unique. Unlike any other work. My paintings convey emotions.

Photographer: Neil Tandy | Make up: John Edington

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Is the artistic life lonely? If so, what do you do to counteract it? It’s not lonely. My paintings are conversing with me and responding to my thoughts. It is never lonely! What is your dream project to do one day? I would love to do an exhibition like the “Immersive Van Gogh,” but in this case would be “Immersive Jacques Lieberman.” What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Follow your dream. What is the one thing you wouldn’t do without? Paints. What is it that draws you personally to painting? I am fascinated with geometric shapes, and painting allows me to create shapes of all sizes and colors. If I make a mistake, I can paint over it and create a new shape. The possibilities are endless! What projects are you presently working on? I am putting together an art show for November 17th of this year where paintings will be displayed on the wall and projected on different surfaces combining the subject into a world of the interaction of color, pattern, and tricks that fool the eye. For more information on Jacques Lieberman, visit JLEditions.com.

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26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES

THE LOOKS THAT KILL His Hit Thriller Is The Ultimate Must-Read For Spy Aficionados by Bailey Beckett Photography Tomo Brejc Styling | Grooming | Production Mike Adler/John Scacheri | John Christopher | ADB Agency

t’s the “what if” that had readers stunned and mesmerized this summer: as two superpowers get ready for war, two women—Emma Wilson, an MI6 agent, and Anne Perry, an investigator— race to prevent the U.S. and China from doing the unthinkable. Mike Harrison’s The Pale Tiger is a fast-paced, engaging, and suspenseful story that takes readers on a fantastic pursuit across the globe. The book caught the imagination of readers across the country, and now Hollywood is circling, hoping Harrison’s book could be the next franchise. In the meantime, the thriller is getting an early sequel. With demand soaring, the publisher has ordered a second printing of the novel. Harrison used locations across the globe—including New York—as the backdrop for the book. The author, who previously worked in law and finance in the U.K., used his background as key elements in The Pale Tiger. Modern warfare, he surmises, will not be fought on a battlefield but at a computer and in global markets. New York Lifestyles sat down with the author to talk about the book that has everyone talking. →

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What’s your elevator pitch on The Pale Tiger? In a raging storm on the South China Sea, American and Chinese warships collide. Was this an accident? Or is this the prelude to Operation Pale Tiger? A fabled Chinese plot to bring America to its knees. Emma Wilson, an elite MI6 agent, is sent to Hong Kong, trailing one of the principals at Crator Capital, a leading London hedge fund rumored to have high-level ties to the Chinese Government. Back in London, the strange death of an analyst at Crator Capital attracts the attention of Detective Anne Perry. Unbeknown to them both, they are caught in the eye of the same storm and will need all their courage and tradecraft to stay alive as they’re drawn into the murderous world of The Pale Tiger. As American and Chinese war fleets face off in the Taiwan Strait, Emma and Anne now face a desperate race against time to uncover the truth behind The Pale Tiger. Dark secrets are lying beneath the streets of London: secrets that can tear the world apart—or perhaps even save it.

You also worked in finance and have traveled across the world. How has this influenced your writing? I spent thirty years in the financial markets, so I have ‘seen the beast,’ as they say. Big banks, hedge funds—with this kind of money at stake, it warps the best of intentions and fans the worst of them—always good ingredients in any story! Travel is great for ideas, too, not just the geopolitics but a sense of place. Hong Kong is one of the settings for the account. It’s a magical location, fizzing with the desperate energy of a city that’s not sure it should even be there! What do you find fascinating about the relationship between the United States and China? Do you think the fictional scenario in your novel could happen in real life? History tells us that when the rising power grates up against the sitting power, the outcome is very often war. They call this the ‘Thucydides Trap.’ Yet, despite these warnings from history, people today console themselves with the idea that ‘no one wants a real war.’ That may be true, but I’m not sure it’s that reassuring.

What was your inspiration for writing a book like this? What was the jumping-off point? I wanted to bring the characters to life—especially my two protagonists, Emma and Anne. I was also keen to set the story against the backdrop of a geopolitical crisis that’s real and relevant. How America deals with the rise of China is the Great Power challenge of the 21st century.

I recently reread some of the headlines from the Summer of 1914, the eve of the First World War. Then, Germany asserted itself as a newly minted great power against the incumbents, most notably the British. In June 1914, Special Advisor to the U.S. president, Edward House, made a tour of the European capitals to see whether there was a major conflict. Back in London, he told the audience that ‘neither England, Germany, Russia nor France desire war.’ Yet, within five weeks, all these powers were embroiled in the bloodiest conflict the world had ever seen.

The jumping-off point? I remember reading a news headline about a near-miss between the U.S. and Chinese warships in the South China Sea. I began thinking: one day, the crash will be real—and what might happen next?

Whether we can prove history wrong and somehow engineer a peaceful accommodation between the world’s two great powers will define this era. I’m an optimist, and I’d like to believe that together we can steer a way through this and come out the other side. →

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How America deals with the rise of China is the Great Power challenge of the 21st century...

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As to whether The Pale Tiger plot could happen, absolutely it could! And the frightening thing is that it might not be so hard to pull it off, as you can read in my book. What’s the most important message you hope readers take away from this book? Aside from the geopolitics, I hope readers will enjoy their journey into the unpredictable and deadly world of The Pale Tiger. •

Modern warfare, he surmises, will not be fought on a battlefield but at a computer and in global markets... 30 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

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STYLE

LIFE & STYLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021 By Griffin Miller

egardless of how you choose to celebrate—decorating trees, lighting menorahs, sharing mega-feasts or reveling in intimate gatherings—the tradition of giftgiving will always be an intrinsic part of the season that sparkles with good cheer. Gifting promises to be even more important now, as we reunite with family and friends who were relegated to Skype and Zoom a year ago. I hope you’ll join me in blending the time-honored with the unorthodox to enchant everyone on your nice—and what the heck, naughty, too—list!

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FOR MEN INSIDER SAVANT If you’ve a sports fanatic on your list, think Thuzio, a membership gateway to exclusive experiential sports/events featuring pros like Christian McCaffrey and legends like Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen. Eight to 20 events per month (in-person or virtual), are on tap, many in the tri-state area. Info: thuzio.com

HARNESSING THE FORCE He may not have created Kross Studio’s Star Wars™ Collectible Watch Winder, but Darth Vader’s spirit inhabits this dramatic, Bluetooth enabled sculpture. Inspired by DV’s TIE Advance X1 Starfighter, this limited-edition winding capsule is definitely 2021’s ultimate Star Wars splurge. Info: kross.studio.com

FADE TO BLACK Love Metallica? Love aged whiskey? Love the idea of merging hard rock with the hard stuff? Enter sonic enhancement BlackNoise, harnessing vibrations from Metallica music to enhance the taste of Blackened American Whiskey. The best only got better. For more ontopic details visit the website: Info: blackenedwhiskey.com

MALE ORDER Customization is key at Cleverman, where zeroing in on the perfect athome color for hair and/or beards is a smart and simple process. Made-toorder, from tools to organic products to timing and technique for an awesomely natural grand reveal to friends and family (just in time for the holidays!). Info: becleverman.com

POWER POINT I dated a rock guitarist once, and if Fender’s Mustang Micro personal amp were around then, he would have sold his ponytail to get his hands on one. Pocket-sized yet packed with tones. Plug it directly into your guitar, connect to a pair of wired headphones and let her rip. at home or on the road. Info: fender.com

CLASSICALLY HANDSOME Even if your guy says he couldn’t care less, his subtext reads: “I want to look put together with minimal effort.” Pendleton’s Camp Stripe Lambswool Henley Sweater (based on the company’s iconic camp blankets) fits the bill, offering your devil-may-care dude the kind of go-to look he’ll love. Info: pendleton-usa.com

HOT, HOTTER, HOTTEST Originally offered for Father’s Day, California Crafted’s diverse collection of guy goodies has a heat launch point of “spicy” (Giddy Up Nuts), topping out at “medium-hot” (Char Man Verde Hot Sauce). As for Makabi & Sons Oaxaca Chocolate Shortbread cookies—the tangy “after-bite” is transcendent! Info: californiacrafted.com

JUST FOR KICKS In conjunction with a new pair of hightops, or as a stand-alone present for a sneaker “survivalist,” Gentlemen’s Hardware’s Sneaker Cleaning Kit will be a welcome addition to any athlete, gym member or casual stroller’s holiday haul. Retro tin holds all you need to give fresh life to elderly sneaks. Info: gentlemenshardware.com

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FOR WOMEN VIRTUOSITY TO BOOT They’re billed as “2 in 1”, which they are, but Modzori’s Reversible Jada Clogs, with their bootie gestalt – especially when you shift to the faux shearling side – are a fashion statement that defies competition. And don’t get me started on Modzori’s comfort level: profoundly wow. Info: modzori.com

CRUSHWORTHY As the weather plays havoc with body temps, it’s time to surrender to Jill Martin’s Oversized Plush Sherpa Lounger Hoodie from G.I.L.I. Winners of the holiday gift lottery will adore this indoor/outdoor wrap, from its ribbed thumb-holed cuffs to its myriad color/print options. Info: www.qvc.com

BEDAZZLED BY BLING Sparkle with a retro point of view was clearly the mindset behind this Vintage Ruby and Diamond Pendant created by Shane Co. I don’t get swept away easily, but this stunner left me in a puddle of “please, please, please” for the holidays. Minor splurge, major pay-off! Info: shaneco.com

SLEEP IN SILKEN PEACE Initially, I was thinking “stocking stuffer”, but DefenAge’s 100% Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, with its luxe personality and A+ packaging, rates primo presentation. The luxury fabric jettisons wrinkles and bad hair, all while sugarplums and/or dreidels dance in her head. Info: defenage.com

TOP STORY The marbled design reminiscent of posh book endpapers, seduced my eye. Then came the color palate -- ivory, shades of turquoise, smatterings of deep peach. Grey Bandit’s Katie Top: all kinds of supersoft sexy sans bra, yet holiday discreet when layered. Color me smitten. Info: greybandit.com

TINY TREASURE-TROVES Lipstick, ID, cash, keys and done. Her Orb Mini Bags, by Kuwaiti-designer Sarah S., are redefining red-carpet chic with Lilliputian wherewithal. Mirror is built-in; chain is detachable, and styles range from double-sided denim to glam Metallic Nova to a colorful duo—one red/ one pink. Info: herorb.com

EQUESTRIAN ELEGANCE Is there a secret art to finding a cool-looking belt that doesn’t fall down on the job? I thought so until I discovered Ellany Belts. Equine-inspired metal buckles – gold, black, silver -- couple with stretchable belt patterns or solids for a singular look that translates to a beautifully bulge-free silhouette. Info: ellany.com

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ABOVE AND BEYOND Seriously, a quarterly bonanza of full-sized, intensely effective skincare solutions curated by dermatologist Dr Ava Shamban. The Box by Dr Ava is a revelation of pure ingredients, face-savers and the unique, like Fall Box’s Ebony Mala meditation beads. Next up, Winter wonderful! Info: theboxbydrava.com

FOR KIDS YOUR OWN BACKYARD Magnetic connectivity may be the colorful nuts and bolts of Magformers, but dedication to Edu-Play is what gives the company’s toys their creative edge. For ages 3+, Magformers Backyard Adventure Set promises to be a hot item this holiday season. Familiar shapes are joined by a slide, seesaw, Minibot, Maggie, Max, and inspiration galore! Info: magformers.com

ROCKIN’ AROUND While mini in size, make no mistake, Loog Mini Acoustic Guitars are real deal instruments, just designed to accommodate to young finger placement. And thanks to flashcards and the free Loog app (video lessons/tuner/classic and contemporary songbook), it’s just a matter of time before the rockstar in your little one is jamming center stage. Info: loogguitars.com

CHECK, MATE! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone may have introduced kids to Wizard Chess, but it took LEGO to make it a reality—okay, without total destruction, but still. For HP fans, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard Chess set not only captures the look of the pieces from the movie, but it also includes minifigures of key characters and collectible card tiles. Brilliant! Info: lego.com

SUGARPLUM BUNNY Ready to accompany a budding young dancer to Lincoln Center for “The Nutcracker,” prima Ballerina Rabbit, Kate by Teddykompaniet is the epitome of grace, with a fashion sense to match tulle tutu flecked with gold, and matching slippers and crown. Most importantly, this BFF to be is also the epitome of softness. Brava, Kate, brava! Info: triactiontoys.com

THEY’RE BA-ACK! Possibly the hottest toy resurrection ever (thanks to co-creator/Henson alum, Tim Clarke), this new siege of grotesquely irresistible Boglins, introduced in 1987, have slithered back to hand-puppet life. Just in for the holiday: kings Vlobb and Dwork, snarling and primed to deliver gross-out havoc at the hands of monster-loving kids everywhere. Info: triactiontoys.com

JUST PLANE FUN Since receiving iPlay, iLearn Flynoculars, my pre-school nephew has proclaimed himself a pilot, birdwatcher, and explorer – one who rarely leaves the house without his airplane-shaped binoculars around his neck. With a cool cache of DIY stickers, he’s personalized them and once summer hits, for sure he’ll put the fan feature to good use. Info: iplayilearntoys.com

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? Not your big sister’s stretch & squish slime 101, for sure. The latest in slime nirvana is wildly ingenious, offering slime fanatics everything it takes, including a mini mic, to “capture amazing slime sounds.” The source? Compound Kings A.S.M.R. Sensory Tubs. Included, too, are snow, beads, cookie cutters & more! Info: wecooltoys.com

BLAZING WHEELS Scrap the DeLorean, travelling back the future, I’d want lightning speed and a semi’s worth of 21st-century bells and whistles. And LumiTEK™ R/C – Neon Giant would be my prototype. Mondo in every sense, this big boy comes with a .4 GHz 1/10 scale remote control, customizable chassis, and multi-colored neon lighting options. Info: wecooltoys.com

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STYLE

THE U.S. MALE PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD By Bob Kappstatter

kay, my macho creds: I have sky-dived, scuba-dived, flown dogfights (with a retired Air Force jock in the back seat talking me through), gotten up-close-and-personal with a running herd of wild-eyed, frothing buffalo at a Western roundup, been charged by African hippos trying to flip our small boat, and taken the first test ride of the season on the Coney Island roller coaster (almost as scary as the subways back then). So why the macho fear and loathing when my editor assigned me to get men’s facial at a top-end Manhattan salon? It’s not that we haven’t dabbled in massages on past assignments, including that foot massage in Hong Kong (“This part left foot go kidney, this part right foot go liver.”). And then there was that full body massage in Philly that began with a hosing down and ended up with a story that began: “I knew the moment of truth had arrived when she asked me to drop the towel.” So, I faced the assignment, so to speak, like a man and came out a better person for it. At least my face did. And yes, I learned real men do get facials.

REAL MEN DO GET FACIALS Mine was in the famed Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue at the exclusive Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa, a 10,000-square-foot warren of salons and private treatment rooms whose clients range from the corporate world, show business, politics and media, with prices worth the results. Celebrity French hair stylist Julien Farel, whose clients have included Ivanka Trump, Kate Moss, Selma Hayak and Richard Gere, is also the developer of a popular line of anti-aging and haircare products bearing his name. So, why a facial for men? “I believe in today’s world, men want to take care of themselves as much as women,” said Farel, 53, whose own tanned, chiseled-looking model’s face sets the example. “They can carry some wrinkles as long as they age gracefully.” Farel said his salon is more than happy to give a man a full treatment. “Within an hour, we can give you a power haircut, a pedicure and a manicure. You’ll feel like you’ve gone through a car wash!” he laughed.

ENRICHING MY LIFE As I lay shirtless under a sheet in a private treatment room, Oksana Shenker, the salon’s lead aesthetician, did her magic, gently but firmly rubbing a string of unguents and cleansers into my grizzled city-worn face.

Facials involve a 10-step process that begins with a skin cleanser, then a toner, she explained. “Then I analyze the skin to determine what is the best treatment I can choose to exfoliate the skin,” she said. “That can include microdermabrasion, a gentle scrub, dermaplaning or chemical peel. It all depends on the type of skin.” Along with the skin treatment, she also gave me some very relaxing face, neck and shoulder massages, laughing when I told her they were putting me to sleep. I wouldn’t be the first client to snooze on her, she responded. “Some even snored!” The final step was application of a drying face mask, and once peeled off, a final facial cleansing and face cream application. A look at my mug in the mirror at the results and I was honestly hearing Maria from West Side Julien Farel of Story in my head, singing “I feel Retore Salon & Spa © pretty.” My face really did look and feel great—a lot smoother, with fewer tension lines. Farel later explained his philosophy for men keeping themselves in shape as they age. “Men do want to look great, and for that, they must focus more on their hair, skin, and teeth. We can definitely make someone look better on those first two,” he said. “Once they try it, they become good customers—and keep up with their appearance.” Farel said he believes women can be the inspiration for their men to take those steps. “First off, women never know what kind of gift to get a guy, and a gift certificate for a facial is the ideal answer. And the results benefit them too! Once the men try it, I think there’ll be no way back. “And besides,” he added, “women run the world, so whatever she says, he’ll do it!” For more information on the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa, visit julienfarel.com •

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Welcome to a Tropical Paradise Dramatically situated overlooking Bermuda’s southwest coast, the 75 room family owned and operated Pompano Beach Club is a tropical paradise! The resort offers extensive recreational facilities, exceptional service and hospitality, gourmet cuisine, breathtaking ocean views from every guestroom and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are interested in a Bermuda family holiday, golf vacation, honeymoon getaway, place to relax with your significant other or some fun in the sun, the Pompano Beach Club offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a world-class beach resort. Pompano’s spectacular shallow waterfront is the only one of its kind in Bermuda, attracting beachgoers, snorkelers, water sports enthusiasts and swimmers of all ages and abilities. Golfers love having Port Royal, the island’s top ranked public course, right next door!

For more information and reservations, visit www.pompanobeachclub.com or call theirtheir reservations office at 1-800-343-4155 For more information and reservations, visit www.pompanobeachclub.com or call sales office at 1-800-343-4155 (toll-free from the the U.S. U.S.and andCanada) Canada) (toll-free from

STYLE

CHUCK’S VINTAGE CLASSIC STYLE ARRIVES IN MANHATTAN By Lillian Langtry

he iconic California-based Chuck’s Vintage has brought classic style to Manhattan with a grand celebration honoring the brand’s legacy. Chuck’s Vintage has proudly influenced catwalks, celebrities, and high street fashion for the past 15 years. Chuck’s Vintage was founded by Green Stream Holdings Inc. former CEO Madeline Cammarata. Her legendary styles have come to New York City. At a private launch party, guests toasted the arrival of Chuck’s Vintage at Classic Carsof Manhattan. Notable VIP attendeesgathered at Pier 76 for a night of old-school fun and modern twists that will mix the time-honored vibesof the brandwith edgy New York City fashion tones. There was also special live entertainment from DJ Lee Kalt and vocalist Xandra K.

HIGH FASHION MEETS DENIM The celebration commemorated the opening of the new flagship retail location and Madeline Cammarata’s illustrious career as the founder of Chuck’s Vintage. Madeline’s fashion background as a well-known model, played a huge role in her world of denim. While working as a model, she was discovered by the exemplary and provocative fashion photographer Helmut Newton, launching Cammarata to the runways of Europe. Returning to the U.S., Madeline, with her expertise in the high fashion world of denim, was instrumental in providing fabric development for powerful brands like 7 For All Mankind.

In 2006, she started Chuck’s Vintage, which became a true American original. Her great collection became treasured wear for celebrities and business elites, from Steve Jobs to famous musicians such as Dolly Parton, Robert Plant, Morrisey, and more who were the first customers in the original LA’s Melrose Place store. From the well-known to pure classic-style lovers, they have all at one point crossed the threshold of Chuck’s Vintage in the California hotspot shop. The shop is so iconic that even a world-renowneddenim archivist saw fit to entrust Madeline with millions of dollars’ worth of collectible denim that she proudly sold.

GROWING THE BRAND

Vinnie Cammarata, husband of Chuck’s Vintage creator, passed from a sudden illness, helped host the party that paid tribute to Madeline and the iconicbusiness. James DiPrima, who is the business proprietor and current CEO of Green Stream Holdings Inc., was also in attendance. “This is our way of not only keeping Madeline’s legacy alive but also growing the brand that she grew from the ground up and made a sensation worldwide,” stated DiPrima. “I and everyone who knew and worked with Madeline want to share her passion and innovation with everyone.” The soiree celebrated the new store’s collection of vintage denim that must be seen to be believed. The blue jeans in the Upper East Side locationwillrange from Strongholds found in the California Gold Rush mines to World War II-Era Levi’s, Lees, Wranglers, as well as 1960’s ladies high-waisted and groovy deadstock Levi’s bells. Chuck’s w ill also display the founder’s sampling of vintage American workwear: rugged military and work boots, buttery leather bomber jackets, and soft, perfectly worn-in vintage 70’s rock tees. Classic American Cool. The majority of fashionable clothes for sale are originals curated by Cammarata. Shelves of cowboy boots populate the outer corner of the store, conveying the Americana theme of the shop’s repertoire, which Cammarata interpreted as uninhibited joy and freedom. In addition, there are numerous racks of workwear ranging from boiler suits to denim jackets. Setting up its new flagship retail outlet in North America’s premier luxury district, Chuck’s Vintage will soon become a New York City favorite place to shop for time honored clothing. Given the shop’s museum-like quality, the seamless fusion of Californian essence and the New York City branch, and the exclusivity of its offerings, Chuck’s Vintage has already carved out a niche in the city, catering to more discerning clients looking for pieces that will last them for decades. Visit the new flagship location at 173 East 91st Street, Basement Level. For more information on Chuck’s Vintage, visit chucksvintage.com •

38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

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TRAVEL

Aruba Marriott Resort

AN ARUBA HOLIDAY GETAWAY

GET READY FOR TROPICAL REJUVENATION & ADVENTURE By Melanie Carden hat more could you ask for? Happy hour at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino lasts most of the afternoon. Endless sunshine, brilliant teal waters, silk-sand beaches, and trade winds gently swaying the palm trees. It is, as advertised, one happy island.

STAY Boasting the most spacious accommodations on the island, the Aruba Marriott offers 414 oversized rooms, each offering a balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The hotel offers suites, of course, but also their exclusive Tradewinds Club where hospitality begins with a pre-arrival concierge coordination call—before you even board your flight. Upon arrival, your adults-only accommodations include access to a reserved beach and lounge plus vacation planning services, unpacking, pressing, and packing assistance upon request, as well as preferred spa and restaurant reservations made by the dedicated concierge staff.

EAT With a restaurant, eatery, bar, or specialty shop for every mood and whim, The Aruba Marriott Resort has no less than 10 dining choices. Though anchored by a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, the property didn’t stop there. If your goal is to be barefoot, swimsuit-clad, and smelling of tropical sunblock, no worries. Indulge at the main pool’s iconic swim-up bar. Or—if you’re on the beach—just meander your sandy toes over to Waves Bar & Grill. Their Tuna Tataki Salad is the perfect seaside bite. But, of course, it wouldn’t be an island getaway without tropical drinks. From top-shelf Piña Coladas to the understated drama of a Giorita (tequila of choice, garnished with lime and fresh pineapple), these cocktails exceed your 40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

stuck-in-traffic daydreams. Looking for something with local flare? Their world-class mixologists create refreshing aloe-infused cocktails—a nod to the island’s bustling aloe industry. Cascading waterfalls, swim-up bars, and thatched-roof eateries—a sundrenched dreamscape for noshing coconut shrimp lettuce wraps! Drama is in no short supply. Be sure to make reservations for Atardi, the property’s breathtaking toes-in-the-sand fine dining experience. With tables just steps from the sea, this is the excuse to wear that casual-chic vacation-vibes ensemble you packed. Indulge in their signature dish—the sublime Macadamia Grouper—or keep it classic with entrees like filet mignon. Check your shoes at the reception area and order a bottle of wine. The sun’s about to set, and it never disappoints. Linger and enjoy a seaside sweet, or meander to the lobby and let Gelato & Co. spoil you with the best gelato treats you’ve ever had. Off-property dining is plentiful. You've not experienced proper comfort food until you've devoured the plate-size pancakes (both sweet and savory) at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes. And I was head-over-heels for Lima Bistro’s fine dining—especially their tropical passion fruit tapioca dessert.

PLAY The Aruba Marriott makes it a (tropical) breeze to toggle between hanging out under your palapa (thatched beach umbrella) and diving into island adventure. A concierge will set up your lounge chair; just tap the call button on your palapa when you’re ready for a cocktail. Then, when you get the itch for something active, choose from stand-up paddleboard yoga, boating, fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The tradewinds are constantly blowing, offering the finest, most consistent wind and kitesurfing conditions. After a day of play, rejuvenate at Mandara Spa, which offers over 300 treatment options. Feeling sporty? The property offers tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, and pool games. The aquarobics is surprisingly addictive as you shimmy your way through the pool to the swim-up bar! If you gravitate toward hands-on experiences, you can coordinate private itineraries. For example, I learned to cook the island dish, Keshi Yena—a cheese rind stuffed with meat and veggies. And I took an alfresco mixology class—carefully charring aromatic cinnamon sticks before putting my Old Fashioned in the bartender’s flavor-infusing smokebox to finish it off.

In addition to the palapa-speckled beach and the main pool, you can wile-away your time at the adult-only H2Oasis pool and its luxe cabanas. Long did I linger—not just reading and sipping cocktails—but admittedly, letting my tourist snap endless photos of the arm'slength, florescent green iguanas. Leave time to explore the island itself, which offers the otherworldly oasis of Arikok National Park—where the amalgam of desert and tropical beaches woos you to return annually. Adventure enthusiasts can spend the day UTV racing through the craggily coastal trails with De Palm Tours. Once I recovered from my adrenaline rush, I went to San Nicolas to dabble in the local art scene. The curated street murals—under the direction of Tito Bolivar (Aruba Mural Tours)—are phenomenal. Bolivar personally guides you through the history and context of the murals—an overwhelming visual sensation and reason enough to visit the island. With so many reasons to visit, it’s no wonder many guests I befriended told me they visit year after year. One day, as I ate breakfast, a couple arrived to be seated. When the waiter saw them, he burst out—calling to them by name. Because of the pandemic, it had been two years since they’d seen him—and he greeted them as though they were family. I sat, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, sipping Amaretto coffee, and thought to myself, “one happy island, indeed.” For more information on Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, visit arubamarriott.com NOVEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41

TRAVEL

SKI EAST

THE BEST SLOPES TO HIT THIS SEASON By Patricia Canole

kiing and snowboarding on the East Coast is decidedly different than out West. Although elevations may be lower, there are plenty of challenging trails to be found East of the Mississippi that boast challenging and fun terrain and a lot more of it than you may think. If you’re East Coast-faithful and looking to stack up the mileage this season, we have your winter hit list right here.

NEW YORK New York has its distinctive style. Rather than sleepy New England towns, you’ll find a lively crowd on—and off—the slopes. Reigning supreme here are Whiteface Mountain and Gore Mountain, both set in Adirondack State Park. The park is big and steep (if not more significant and precipitous) than many mountains in Vermont or the rest of New England. Few East Coast resorts can match Whiteface’s big-mountain challenge and none can match its tradition: Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics twice—in 1932 and 1980. For more information on Ski New York State, visit iskiny.com

WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN Vertical Rise: 3,430 feet In Lake Placid, you’ll find the towering Whiteface Mountain, which happens to have the highest vertical drop in the East. The terrain is weighted toward experts; however, less-experienced skiers have access to Runner Up and Silver, closer to the base. Families can also try out their skills at bobsledding in the town of Lake Placid. Whiteface has two significant advantages over other areas: the most prominent vertical drop in the Northeast and its proximity to Lake Placid, which offers many winter activities. Whiteface will especially please both expert and intermediate skiers looking for long trails and gorgeous views of the Adirondacks.

GORE MOUNTAIN Vertical Rise: 2,537 feet This small ski area has a loyal following of families who return year after year—most probably because it’s uncrowded. Besides, the comfortable layout, with all trails leading back to a medium-size base lodge is suitable for parents who might worry about losing their kids. The area encompasses four different mountains in the Adirondacks: Gore, Little Gore, Burnt Ridge, and Bear Mountain. Half the trails are intermediate, and 10 percent are suitable for beginners. In addition to alpine skiing, Gore Mountain also offers cross-country and snowshoe trails at North Creek Ski Bowl.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43

PENNSYLVANIA It’s time to shift your winter into high gear and plan your incredible Pennsylvania ski vacation to where else but the Poconos. With a history dating back to 1946, when the mountains welcomed the first commercial ski area in Pennsylvania and perfected the art of snowmaking, the Poconos have become a bona fide ski destination. Today, the Poconos have it all—beginner slopes to the double black diamonds and terrain parks to test your skills. So, get out and experience the exhilaration when your skis start sliding down a Pocono slope. For more information on the Pocono Mountains, visit poconomountains.com

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN Vertical Rise, 2,133 feet If you ski just one place in Pennsylvania, Camelback must be it. Most resorts along this gentle mountain range in Northeastern Pennsylvania describe runs as “great for beginners” or “family friendly.” Camelback is indeed that, but it also has trails that appeal to expert skiers. It can even make a high volume of snow and has two terrain parks and two half-pipes. For non-skiers, the sizeable snow-tubing park is a pleasing alternative. The ski day at Camelback is long—starting as early as 7:30 in the morning and going late into the night, with every trail capable of being lit. Best of all, it’s less than 90 miles from New York City.

VERMONT

The resort’s base lodge is a great place to get your après ski started. Friday through Sunday, live bands play crowd-pleasing covers for the happy masses downing the macro-brews on tap. As we all know, some ski and there are those who don’t. If you fall into the latter camp and have never vacationed at a ski lodge, then you’ve been missing out. Camelback Mountain Resort affords non-ski activities, including zip-lining over snow-covered mountains and treetop, and an indoor water park. For more information on Camelback Mountain, visit skicamelback.com; for information on Camelback Mountain Resort, visit camelmountainresort.com

It’s the king of New England skiing, with more major ski resorts than any other Eastern state. There are a few ways to make the most of a ski getaway here. For starters, with so many resorts in such a small state, it’s effortless to ski more than one in a single trip. And nearby resorts offer interchangeable lift tickets. Also, to get the most bang for your buck, go where the skiing best suits your ability. Southern Vermont areas (Okemo) lean toward intermediate cruising terrain, while northern resorts (Stowe) offer more advanced and expert skiers. In the middle is Killington, the biggest of all, with plenty to interest skiers of every ability. For more information on Ski Vermont, visit skivermont.com

KILLINGTON

OKEMO

STOWE

Vertical Rise: 3,050 feet This sprawling property offers snow-packed trails that weave around the Green Mountains and promise the most thrilling downhill skiing this side of the Mississippi. Dubbed the “Beast of the East,” it lives up to its name: It’s the biggest resort covering seven mountains and an excellent variety of terrain and the devoted skiers keep it as lively after hours as they do during the day. It also demonstrates that the beast is still an absolute beauty of a mountain. Beginners can trail off on Pico Peak and Rams Head Mountain while speed demons rip down Killington.

Vertical Rise: 2,200 feet Well-traveled skiers will enjoy the excellent grooming and quality of the white stuff, which has made this south-central a favorite. High-powered snow guns cover 96 percent of trails that span the resort’s five mountains—with terrain equally divided among novice, intermediate and advanced levels. So, there’s something for everyone (including acrobatic boarders, who can perform tricks on six terrain parks and a 500 foot-long superpipe). And those looking for more of a cardio workout should include a few hours on the extensive network of sweat-inducing trails, manicured especially for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Vertical Rise: 2,360 feet Discover legendary terrain, iconic trails, and an idyllic New England village that makes winter days warm. Don’t let the luxury hotels and vacation homes distract you—this mountain is no joke. Located on the face of Vermont’s highest summit, Mount Mansfield, Stowe has some of the most challenging runs on the East Coast. While the most famous trails are the legendary Front Four— National, Liftline, Goat, and Starr— Stowe also has access to the best-unmarked tree skiing in the east. Stowe is as close to a traditional European resort as it gets in the eastern United States. •

44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

One Of Upstate New York’s Premiere Destinations

Scenic Upstate NY drive... Outdoor activities... Family getaways.... Romantic rendezvous.... Spacious accommodations... Seasonal packages+exclusive offers...

King with Jacuzzi Bath & Mountain Views Windham Mountain Hotel

Searching for Hunter Mountain hotels? Discover the beauty of the Catskills with a stay at Hotel Vienna. Centrally located to Woodstock, Hudson, and Cooperstown, we are also just a short distance to the ski areas of Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain. Take in stunning meadow and mountain views from your private balcony with a stay in one of our King with Jacuzzi Bath room. Sleeping up to two people, these spacious rooms offer a King-size bed, ensuite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and a shower.

For all weekly/monthly and seasonal packages visit www.thehotelvienna.com – you can book direct online or give us a call – 518-734-5300… The Hotel Vienna – your premiere Upstate Catskill Mountain Destination.

518-734-5300 | www.thehotelvienna.com

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Thanks to relationships with local property managers and businesses, we offer the best vacation rates.

+1 800 235 5888 | +1 345.945.4144 | reservations@caymanvillas.com www.caymanvillas.com |

TRAVEL

WINTER REFRESH

VERSATILE MUST-HAVES FOR STYLISH GETAWAYS By Melanie Carden

midst all the holiday chaos, we sometimes need a getaway. Whether you choose a road trip to a snowy woodland cabin or a tropical snowbird vacation, it’s time to refresh your travel must-haves. Curated for style and the versatility we demand in travel goods; this collection offers a head start on packing for all your winter travels. PROPORTIONS

CONVERSATION STARTER

Not your average tote, the Parker Clay Eden Carryall is a luxe-yetversatile travel staple. This mid-size bag comes with a crossbody strap and zips closed for safe (stylish!) sightseeing. Info: parkerclay.com

This smaller-than-your-cell phone device translates 82 languages in more than 130 countries and regions. With both voice and text translation, Pocketalk is a must-have for globe-trotters. Info: pocketalk.co

TRAVEL-SIZED SHINE

A day of travel can wreak havoc on your hair. Be cocktail-hour-ready with just three drops of Masami’s Mekabu Shine Serum. Grab their airport-compliant travel kit before you jet off after the holidays. Info: lovemasami.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47

SAVVY SANDAL

ALLURE ON WHEELS

Tropical holiday getaway? Cambiami’s swap-out sandals save oodles of space in your carryon bag. Choose a sandal or wedge base and then rotate straps with every outfit—from day to night! Info: cambiami.com

The ultimate travel refreshes. Introducing Zero Halliburton’s Continental Carry-On in bronze. It’s exquisite in every possible way, and each case has its own unique serial number. Info: zerohalliturton.com

WINTER’S MAGIC WAND

TECHY NOMAD

Winter advice? Listen to MUTHA—she knows best. Winter is tough on skin, then add a ski outing? This super luxe botanical set is like Mother’s Nature’s magic wand. Info: mutha.com

You’re likely taking your laptop on your post-holiday meanderings. Time to upgrade. Harber London’s handcrafted leather goods is an investment in style as much as it is unparalleled quality. Info: harberlondon.com

ADVENTURE AWAITS

PARK CITY HOMAGE

If your holiday escape is rooted in adventure, Danner’s Chukka is for you. They can handle trails, museums, and everything in between. Weather resistant, warm but not too warm—versatility at its cutest. Info: danner.com

This extraordinary jacket is a celebration of the pioneering— alpine ski crusaders—of Park City, Utah. Busting at the seams with detail and function, Alps & Meters created the jacket of your dreams. Info: alpsandmeters.com

48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

premiere Must-Visit, Once-in-a-Lifetime Western iconic and historic National Destination – and this isn’t just a “visit once destination, once you experience Flanigan’s and Zion Canyon”, you’ll surely fall in love with our idyllic and exclusive Destination – and will assuredly be back... we look forward to hosting you.

Flanigan’s is more than a place for food and lodging... in this day-and-age, there’s surely a need to relax, unwind, and enjoy life. We at Flanigan’s offer a travel experience like no other... exclusive accommodations, our spa is unparalleled, an exhilarating and refreshing Escape from the Ordinary. Experience the magic of Zion and the Flaniang’s Inn Zion Canyon... feel rejuvenated, become inspired, and enjoy our natural beauty and outdoor adventures at it’s pure and true finest. ~Larry McKown Owner since 1978

+ Deep Canyon Adventure Spa +Zion National park

(a 5 minute – walking distance to a must-visit outdoor adventure)

Visit www.flanigans.com to view everything awaiting your arrival, upcoming and exclusive promotions and to reserve your once-in-a-lifetime Western Excursion.

+Spotted Dog Café

(and Flanigan’s Salon onsite – unparalleled dining and drinks)

www.flanigans.com | Springdale, UT | 435.772.3244

Celebrate the Holidays in the Wildwoods! 5 WEEKENDS OF HOLIDAY FUN NOV 20 Gratitude Fest NOV 25-DEC 30 Elks Holiday Window Decorating Contest NOV 26-28 Christmas in North Wildwood NOV 27 Outdoor Holiday Shopping Village DEC 1 Wildwood Crest Tree Lighting Ceremony DEC 3 North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

DEC 3 Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade DEC 3 Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony DEC 3-4 Christmas in the Plaza

DEC 11 ‘Pinch the GrYnch’ Boardwalk 5K Run DEC 18 Family Holiday Beach Bonfire DEC 20 Holiday Lights Walk

DEC 10-JAN 15 Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park DEC 11 Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

For a full list of events and details visit: WildwoodHoliday.com or call 609.729.9000

7194East Street, City,2021 NJ 08226 | 609.399.1000 | www.TheFlandersHotel.com | OUR11th CITY, YOUR LIFE Ocean | NOVEMBER

TRAVEL

VERSANTE HOTEL LUXURY IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

By Elizabeth Darwen

ears in the making and hugely anticipated, Versante Hotel—Greater Vancouver’s first new luxury boutique hotel in years and the first hotel of its kind in the city of Richmond—finally opened its doors to the public.

Every detail at Versante has been carefully considered, from innovative technology to vibrantly colored interior design, to provide the most unique and captivating hotel experience in the region. “Having spent almost 20 years managing boutique hotels in Canada and the U.S., I can’t overstate how special a property Versante is,” says General Manager David Curell. “In a region crowded with branded hotels, we’re proud to be Richmond’s only independent boutique hotel, and locally owned and operated. As a result, our guests are independent spirits who seek out fresh and innovative experiences everywhere they go.”

DAZZLING FEATURES Versante is a design hotel celebrating Asian and Western influences. Housed in Richmond’s sparkling new International Trade Centre, the 14-story glass façade features View Smart® tinted windows for optimal daylight and privacy. The lobby dazzles with vibrant colors and iconic furnishings, including a handcrafted chinoiserie carpet by Andy Dixon, a charcoal sculpture of local topography by Marie Khouri, and a custom pink reception pod. Artwork by Canadian artists is featured throughout the hotel, including prints in all guestrooms by Kathy Slade and Andy Dixon. Versante has 100 guestrooms and suites boasting five bold décor themes—developed by Vancouver-based CHIL Interior Design—each evoking a distinct personality. Wallcoverings, fabric selections, and furniture colors create an immersive experience within each room scheme. In addition to either two luxury queens or one king-size bed, each room features contactless check-in/out, room entry, and lighting controls via the Versante App. The app also allows for contactless room-service ordering, as well as connecting with the Versante guest-services team. Additionally, guests will find complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi with unlimited bandwidth; 24-hour room service; spa-inspired bathrooms featuring the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, large rainforest shower with heated floor; and, in most guestrooms and all suites, a freestanding soaker tub, and many other luxuries. Red Flower bath amenities are exclusive to the hotel which supports biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free products. Situated in Richmond, Versante is only 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver and mere minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The city of Richmond was cited by The New York Times as having the best Asian food in North America—so you can discover incredible culinary experiences just steps away. World-class shopping, golf, recreation, gaming, and much more are also close by.

DINE WITH THE BEST Versante is home to one of Vancouver’s hottest new restaurants, Bruno, featuring dishes with hyper-local ingredients such as Oyster Shellfish Caviar and Truffle Lavender Duck. Led by a team of industry veterans, the restaurant boasts incredible family-style share plates and delicious destination-inspired craft cocktails, each working in tandem with one another to take guests on a culinary journey featuring the best of British Columbia. Directly influenced by the farmers and artisans that supply their ingredients, no two Bruno dishes are the same, and the always-changing menu keeps things fresh, fun, and always in season. There is also the Versante Bar, a sophisticated lounge offering delectable small plates and classic cocktails by night. Being in the heart of Richmond, Versante is close to other trending restaurants in the area. In need of some rejuvenation? In addition to a 24-hour fitness facility with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness cardio equipment, guests may retreat to the serene outdoor rooftop terrace with a saltwater pool and hot tub. At Versante Hotel, you’ll find all the services of a big-brand hotel within a stylish and intimate environment—plus the welcome extras. For more information on Versante Hotel, visit versantehotel.com • 52 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Always Abuzz We’re gearing up for a beautiful fall at the Honeybee Fest and the bounty of the harvest from our local farmers. But there’s lots of summering left to do. Fuel up with a hearty bakery breakfast. Hop on a bike and enjoy the scenery. Swing in for for a brew on the Good Taste Craft Beverage Trail. That’s only the beginning. Come see what all the buzz is about in our Sullivan Catskills. We’re just 90 minutes from Manhattan.

#SullivanCatskills SullivanCatskills.com #SullivanCatskillsCraftBeverageTrail #SullivanCatskillsDoveTrail This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

TRAVEL

LAS VEGAS

TRAVEL IS BACK…AND SO IS LV, BABY! By Jenny Peters

hrough thick and thin, Las Vegas has always survived. That’s simply because people from around the world love to gamble in an ultra-glitzy setting, or maybe it’s the lure of the desert oasis created by mobsters that morphed into a truly iconic American city. Today, with over fifty casinos and close to 145,000 hotel rooms, Las Vegas is certainly a place people love to visit. The city has come roaring back, with full-on panoply of indoor attractions ranging from completely luxurious accommodations, open casinos (with many still requiring masks be worn), shows of all sorts, and world-class restaurants open again to visitors.

VENETIAN RESORT With lots of resort choices in Vegas, we’re partial to the all-suites Venetian Resort, which offers truly luxurious and spacious places to sleep ranging from a 650-square-foot king suite to the massive Chairman Suite, 8,000 square feet of sheer decadence. And if that wasn’t enough, The Venetian has some of the best restaurants in town, including Chef Thomas Keller’s classic French Bistro Bouchon as well as two distinctly wonderful newcomers. Don’t miss Brera Osteria, the Italian spot where you’ll have the best Mediterranean sea bass and scallops of your life; and Estiatorio Milos, where Chef Costas Spiliadis wows diners every day with ultra-fresh Greek seafood beyond compare and his “Milos Special,” eggplant and zucchini sliced impossibly thin then fried, stacked, and served with tzatziki.

WESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT A more traditional take on Vegas can be found by staying at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort, the place that Elvis Presley put on the map when he did his musical residency there back in 1969 (back then it was known as the International Hotel). Elvis did fifty-seven sold-out shows here, while living in one of the three outrageous penthouse suites that still make high rollers and big stars gasp with amazement today. Barry Manilow has returned to his residency there as of mid-September 2021, belting out his hits until February 2022; magician Jen Kramer wows crowds every night; and the Soul of Motown gets the crowds singing and dancing along. The Edge Steakhouse is a popular spot for Vegas visitors, with its Wagyu cuts of beef and an award-winning wine list to go along; and it seems Vegas lovers can never get enough of Benihana and its Teppan grill-style Japanese cooking, as they’ve been at the Westgate since Elvis’ time.

RESORTS WORLD For a new Vegas experience, hit Resorts World, the first new resort built on the Strip in a decade. It’s a massive place that is three resorts in one – the Las Vegas Hilton, the posh Conrad Las Vegas, and Crockfords, the ultimate in Sin City’s luxury offerings. Think sky villas with private pools, and even two “palaces,” 6,500 and 7,000 square feet of what can only be described as pleasure domes! The main resort pool is epic, two stories of private cabanas and Zouk, a large nightclub that spills out right into the waters; Carrie Underwood and Celine Dion are doing residencies there; and Liberace is celebrated with displays of his blinged-out Rolls Royce and over-the-top costumes. Try Marigold Restaurant if lobster strikes your fancy or go Asian fusion, as many of the new resort’s eateries focus on tastes of the East. 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

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4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

Welcome to Brooklyn!

ON THE MARKET 565 5th Street, #2 $1,495,000

SOLD 198 Washington Avenue $3,700,000

SOLD 14 Martense Court $1,695,000

SOLD 117 Underhill Avenue $1,850,000

ON THE MARKET 353 Jefferson Avenue, #4 $1,395,000

ON THE MARKET 301A Hart Street $1,495,000

IN CONTRACT 365 Clinton Avenue, 4F $875,000

SOLD 162 Washington Park #5 $1,425,000

SOLD 120 Patchen Avenue $1,690,000

SOLD 456 Tompkins Avenue $899,000

"We started looking for a house back in October and Emma has been involved in the process from day 1. We were so lucky to get to meet her in the first house we visited and, since then, she became our agent and guided us through the whole purchase process, which was life changing! To say that we couldn't have done this without her is definitely an understatement. This was the first time for us buying some property in NY, which it's not a simple process and we definitely needed a lot of help. Emma is extremely experienced and knowledgeable, super responsive and was on top of the search and the process all these months, weekends included, 24/7. Thanks to her, we were able to secure the house of our dreams. She knows her stuff: the business, the neighborhoods, the available houses and everyone involved in the process, which became extremely valuable. She is also great to deal with, extremely nice, not afraid to speak up and explain things as they are. It was really easy to go through this otherwise stressful process with her. My recommendation to anyone out there looking to buy something: do not go through this alone and make sure you call Emma. She is the best!" Carroll Gardens Townhome Buyer.

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

AROUND TOWN: EAST END AVENUE AN URBAN OASIS AND SO MUCH MORE By AP Connolly

ast End Avenue is the kind of street most New Yorkers might miss as they go to a favorite restaurant, shop, or club. You have to be looking for it. The neighborhood that it anchors, hugging the edge of the Upper East Side, traverses only 13 blocks or so with streets often ending in cul-de-sacs, giving the area an almost gated feel. Adding to the appeal of this little pocket of Manhattan are the streets leading to Carl Schurz Park plus the front-seat view of the boat parade along the East River. So, now that we’ve tempted you, here are some excellent properties to call home. All are listed with Fox Residential Group. Visit them at: foxresidential.com

25 EAST END AVE. #7E Calm and serene water views welcome you to this unique pre-war home on East End Avenue with over 27 feet of frontage on the river. A semi-private landing leads to the ample foyer of this spacious apartment. The living room takes full advantage of its picture windows, offering spectacular water views. The oversized dining room also overlooks the river and opens through double pocket doors to the newly renovated windowed kitchen. The eat-in kitchen has top-of-the-line appliances, including a Viking stove, double ovens, a Miele dishwasher, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. A home office/study/staff room with a fourth bath sits tucked away between the kitchen and the additional space offered by a butler’s pantry. The three bedrooms are off a private hall, each with its ensuite bathroom, custom closets, and western views for enjoying the spectacular NYC sunsets. The primary bedroom has two walk-in closets, and the entire home has an abundance of closets and storage. Additional must-have conveniences include through the wall A/C and a Bosch washer/dryer. Design elements throughout include hardwood floors, crown molding, and 9’ 2” ceilings.

25 East End Avenue is a full-service building built-in 1928. Each apartment has a storage unit. In addition, there is a fitness center, bike storage, and a live-in super. Pets are allowed, and pieds-a-terre are considered on a caseby-case basis. Info: Asking $3,225,000. Represented by Stephanie Kanner and Roni E. Cowan. →

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57

60 EAST END AVE. #16A Extraordinarily spacious—over 2600 square feet—four-bedroom, four-bath sun-filled home with all the classic features of a grand residence with beautiful millwork throughout awaits you on tranquil East End Avenue. Enter the enormous gallery off the entry foyer, and you immediately get the feeling of the gracious proportions of this seven-room home. The South and East facing living room is flooded with sunlight, open city views, and a peak of the East River. The space flows into the formal dining room through French doors flanked by built-in cabinets. Adjacent to the dining room is the tastefully renovated gourmet eatin kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, granite countertops, and paneled cabinets. The inviting breakfast room has a large window filled with southern light and sweeping city views making this a cozy nook to enjoy at all hours. A private corridor leads to a wing of three large bedrooms, all with eastern exposures. The primary bedroom features two separate marble bathrooms, a windowed sitting area, three substantial walk-in closets, and a built-in desk. Beautiful cabinetry gives extra depth and storage to the room in the most discrete way. Two additional spacious bedrooms share a marbled bath, and one of them has a murphy bed concealed behind sliding bookcases. The large fourth bedroom at the opposite side of the apartment has south-facing city views of iconic buildings. It functions as a family room/den. It is a quiet place to relax with its decorative fireplace, wall of custom bookcases and cabinetry, en-suite bathroom, and two oversized walk-in closets. The laundry room, formerly a powder room, has a washer, dryer, and sink, completing the amenities of this dream home. 60 East End Avenue was built as a cooperative residence. It features three apartments per floor, a live-in resident manager, a full-time concierge and door attendant, dedicated staff, individual private storage, a fitness center, bike room, and a laundry room. A parking garage on the lobby level is available to residents for an additional monthly charge. Info: Asking $3,250,000. Represented by Claudia Fields and Evelyn Katz.

75 EAST END AVE. #16A Opportunity Knocks! This oversized corner twobedroom, two-bath apartment on serene East End Avenue, can be everything you want. Wonderful open city views West and North, plus a river view from the primary bedroom, make this gracious, expansive layout welcoming and ready for your individualized touch! Bright and sunny, the well-proportioned living room is perfect for entertaining and relaxing. The adjacent dining room, an ideal spot for dinner parties or casual entertaining, can easily be used as a den/ home office for today’s modern living. Windowed and expansive, the kitchen offers excellent options to create what works for you. The oversized primary bedroom, with northern and eastern exposures and a view of the East River, has an en-suite bathroom and two large closets, one of which is a walk-in. Spacious enough to accommodate a king-size bed, night tables, dresser, and much more, this will be your private refuge. The second bedroom has two closets and can be used as a library or guest room. Across from the bedroom, the second bath also serves as a powder room. Closet and storage space galore, central air conditioning, open views, and abundant sunshine make this the perfect backdrop for your individualized touch.

75 East End Avenue is a full-service co-op with a 24-hour door attendant, live-in resident manager, a beautifully landscaped roof deck, a fully equipped gym, storage room, bike room, central laundry, and garage. Pets are welcome. Co-purchasing , guarantors, and pied-a-terre purchasers are not permitted. Info: Asking $1,250,000. Represented by Margo Mohr and Evelyn Katz. •

58 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

WESTPORT, CT I Surrounded by panoramic water views of beautiful Long Island Sound and Mill Cove, this idyllic compound offers two homes on a private beach. One being a classic beach bungalow style 4-bedroom home with newer kitchen and wrap around covered porch. The second, a sweet hideaway cottage set right up on the rushing waters for the Mill Pond Estuary. $7,200,000 I MLS#170415156 Leslie Clarke Homes, 203.984.1856 & Connie & Company, 203.856.6491

NEW CANAAN, CT I This estate home is uber-generous in its design. Tall, wide windows flood the interior with natural light. Remarkable millwork, handsome hardwood floors, coffered ceilings - all perfect complements to its stone and shingle exterior. Balconies, terraces, porches extend the formal and informal interior spaces to the secluded and stunning grounds with pool, spa and gardens. $6,995,000I MLS#170405384 Hannelore Kaplan, 914.450.3880

SOUTHPORT, CT I Originally built in 1904, this gracious Victorian was completely expanded and restored to perfection. Spacious rooms, high ceilings, large windows, and multiple fireplaces. Indoor/ outdoor entertaining by the salt water pool with grill and fireplace. The lower level is complete with wine cellar, gym, game area, full bath, and basketball court. The bonus room over the attached garage is perfect for guests or a possible In-law. $4,400,000 I MLS#170442402 Al Filippone Associates, 203.331.7512

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

THE HAMPSHIRE HOUSE LUXE LIVING ON CENTRAL PARK SOUTH By AP Connolly

he Hampshire House is an established and unique cooperative residence located on the most elegant block of Central Park South, between the Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue. It is convenient to public transportation, shopping, and restaurants, and has spectacular views. Located on Central Park South near the main entrance to the park the building offers unsurpassed services and conveniences year-round, including car service, guest suites, gym, plus lobby pianist in the evenings twice weekly. Living at The Hampshire House—150 Central Park South—is truly New York life at its very best. The building is a city icon, its extraordinary facade and copper roof appearing in multiple movies, television shows, and on daily news networks. The building boasts as its motto Dedicated to Yesterday’s Charm,Today’s Sophistication, and Tomorrow’s Innovation—the luxury residence embodies these words. With interiors designed by the famed Dorothy Draper, the building’s extraordinary history spans more than 75 years. The Hampshire House has been home to dignitaries, celebrities, artists, diplomats, captains of industry, and families who continue to enjoy the understated luxury, elegant sophistication, modern conveniences, and exceptional amenities. Here are two residences you may want to call home. Apartment 602 This sleek and sunny one bedroom home offers a master suite with a bath spacious enough for the large soaking tub. The lovely sunken living room features ample space for entertaining or just sitting and gazing at the beautiful Central Park view. The view from this sixth-floor unit is centered above the avenue and park — an icon unto itself and often referred to as the heart of the city. Enjoying the views from this residence allows one to feel intimately involved with the theatre below while maintaining complete privacy. Central Park South is considered one of the most coveted addresses in New York City and home to an inspiring combination of architecture, landscape design, and urban planning. Info: Asking price is $1,375,000 Apartment 1208 This recently listed large, bright, beautifully designed 12th floor studio apartment situated in a prime location on Central Park South has a multitude of special features including tile entry, custom cabinetry and built-ins, and a Murphy bed which allows for a more enhanced living space. The open kitchen offers the resident the ability to entertain, cook a deluxe meal and eat comfortably while sitting at a table. The apartment features a stunning bath that is well complemented with double sinks. This is a rare opportunity to buy the apartment at an attractive price and live in a prestigious building situated in a highly desirable and safe area. As a bonus, the residence is being sold fully furnished. One could also envision the apartment as the ultimate pied a terre. Info: Asking price is $625,000. For more information visit avalonrealestateadvisory.com. To schedule a visit contact Grace Lappin at 212-717-5477 or by e-mail avalonpartners@aol.com 60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

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4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021 1551 Coral Ct., Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042 4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

HEALTHTRAVEL & WELLNESS

DIANA SEO

SKIN REJUVENATION AT THE COLLAGEN BAR By Patricia Canole

er A-list celebrity clientele stretches from socialites to Hollywood luminaries, but for Diana Seo, she’d prefer to keep the names as quiet as her treatment room. With degrees in Biophysics and chemistry, the attractive Korean-American Diana is far from your typical medical aesthetician. Instead, Diana treats the elite to her exclusive and technologically advanced practice, The Collagen Bar, with locations in Manhattan and Greenwich, CT. Diana’ journey in wellness took place in her 20s after experiencing her grandfather’s illness. It made her aware of total health and holistic care of face, body, and mind. This approach stems from her commitment to Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, acupressure, and reflexology. In addition, she firmly practices and advocates that balance is the key to a healthy life as she incorporates both Eastern and Western philosophies. We met with Diana at her Manhattan office to learn more about her practice and how she implements supplying the most effective collagen-based facials available today. What inspired you to open your practice? It came unexpectedly since my former years were spent as a lab technologist at Mount Sinai’s cytogenetics research department. After my trial and error in fixing my skin, I became obsessed with aesthetics, researching over 800 skincare products in the market for about two years! Then I realized I just loved talking about beauty and skincare, decided to enroll to get my aesthetician license and open a small clinic at the Soho Grand. It helped that I worked for the top plastic surgeon, Dr. Charles Thorne, who is the chairperson at Lenox Hill Hospital and president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). I went to every conference and seminar, learning everything about aesthetics and skincare, which helped me change my career.

What is the difference between your practice now versus when you first opened? We are now more focused on medical treatments using the latest technologies. And now we have a more customizable approach using all this new technology depending on one’s skin conditions and needs. What is the one word you would use to describe your medical spa journey? Endurance is the keyword especially post COVID. Last year topped all our challenges, and we went through obstacles in the past. Of course, there were so many instances where I questioned myself and wanted to give up during difficult times. But the fact that my team and I overcame these hurdles, that journey inspired me to be better as an aesthetician, business owner, and person. Tell our readers about your unique treatments—and which is the most popular one? There are so many unique treatments to stay and keep looking better without surgery, all that downtime, and pain. Our therapies can target tightening for the face/body, fat trimming, and toning. These devices include our patented Neo Collagenizer, Forma Radiofrequency, Body FX, Evolve Tite/Tone/ Trim, Lumecca, Diolaze & Morpheus8 micro-needling.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63

The most popular treatment is the Morpheus8, whereby microneedling activates collagen and results in the remodeling of the skin. What makes your practice different from others? How we customize every program for everyone makes our practice different from others. We pride ourselves on giving our clients exact results using unique ingredients and patented technologies such as the Neo Collagenizer with microcurrent. Our advanced techniques have been researched and tested throughout 39 countries which is why I have received the international certification by ITEC to advance and learn more. What do you love most about aesthetics? I love that aesthetics is very personal to the individual, and we get to uncover what bothers our clients the most to try to help them. Yet, the common thread is to look and feel their best with a healthy glow. Tell us more about The Collagen Bar the unique Forma? The Collagen Bar is a medical skin clinic where we design a custom program for those who want actual results for their skin. We specialize in Optimal Collagen Remodeling using the most advanced ingredients and devices with minimal downtime and pain. Forma is one of our unique Radiofrequency treatments for the face or body. What are some critical factors everyone should know when it comes to wellness? Beauty today is all about well-being and consistency. We should all achieve the best version of ourselves, and I believe it starts with taking care of our body from the inside to the outside. We are dealing with a lot of stress these days besides environmental factors such as the sun’s harmful UVA/B rays, pollution, etc. Therefore, we believe that one’s overall health should be the number one priority, whether mental or physical. A lot of people who ask me what they should do to tighten their butt or stomach but rarely go to the gym or have a bad diet, or they ask me about my favorite eye creams or serums, but they don’t hydrate enough. So why spend all that money when you can do the basic stuff first.

I like to combine wellness practices such as acupuncture, massages, and yoga to complement our beauty treatments for a better overall healthy glow. What is the mantra you live by every single day? So long as you’re doing most of the things you should and do everything in moderation. I’m not perfect, and I believe that you should not over-stress yourself trying to be perfect. I also believe in the motto: I rather prevent than cure. What are the products you can’t live without? I admit that I love carbs, fresh pasta, bread, the rice. They’re all essential in my daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But to be on the healthier side, I can’t live without my teas, honey, collagen powder and elixir shots, avocados--and chocolate milk. The fact is, I like to keep things simple since I’m always on the go. So, I need ingredients that make a difference since I’m in my 40s. For skincare, I only use medical-grade products. These three ingredients have changed my skin entirely, and I always add them into my daily routine: collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. For more information on and The Collagen Bar, visit collagenbar.nyc 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Ulster County Surprising Gem!

Magnificent antique glasswork mostly by renowned glass carving artists who have been featured in Smithsonian magazine. Luxurious features include Marble, Granite, Cherrywood, gold leaf light fixtures with exterior of rare Redwood. Upon entering the high arched front door you sense the uniqueness of the home. The granite counter has a zig zag formation, and the octagon dining room is surrounded with windows. The art gallery like hallway of great glass pieces leads to an office space, 3 guest BRs - 2 with private baths featuring carved glass and mirrors., The very large great room has some of the best floor to ceiling glassworks featuring native Americans, horses and other wildlife. There is a large hot tub in the center as well as stone waterfalls, an authentic phone booth and a bar top made from a slab of redwood root. Master bedroom is an octagon shaped wing, with its own round stone freestanding fireplace, lots of windows and a raised platform sleeping area with thick carved glass panels in place of railings. Step down to the marble bath & the walk-in closet which the owner has redubbed into office space. Take your time soaking in everything the owner has created in this special home. Beautiful landscaping and stonework, built-in bar and barbecue with round stone tables and stools on the stone patio offers great entertaining space. There is a full unfinished basement that seems to go on forever, 2 separate heating systems, a 30 x 50 heated garage, 10x10 overhead doors, water & sewer, hook up for RV, circle driveway to front door and 64 acres to explore. Call or text Gail M. Vesely, NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker, at 845-901-4553 (c).

Asking Price ~ $1,395,000

280 Continental Road, Napanoch, NY 12458 4 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DR. KARYN GORDON BECOMING A CONFIDENT LEADER By Cecille Langtry

eadership and relationship expert Dr. Karyn Gordon’s new book The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance, and Engagement is making a profound impact on people around the globe. Most of us strive to be leaders who are self-assured, productive, and energized. However, research shows that if you don’t learn foundational leadership skills, you’ll have communication, performance, engagement, and employee retention issues. So, the stakes are incredibly high. How can you quickly pick up critical leadership skills? While most organizations and professionals place a high value on leadership development, it is frequently time-consuming and impractical. In The Three Chairs, Dr. Karyn Gordon offers a tried-and-true framework for improving anyone’s ability to lead others.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER The CEO and co-founder of DK Leadership has taken her riveting principles of developing influential leaders at work and the home and turned them into what is destined to be a top-selling book. With the publication of The Three Chairs comes the introduction to obtaining a status that will forever change your existence for the better. “Working with Millennials, I realized that a lot of them struggled with self-esteem and confidence,” states Dr. Gordon. “I had researched about the different power of attitudes and how that impacts decision making throughout the years. I started seeing a pattern that comes down to three attitudes that people have. When you understand what these three attitudes are, you can start making educated guesses on how people make decisions, and respond to a situation based on what chair they sit in.”

In the text framework, she explains how she produced the three chairs as a powerful visual. Each chair represents the three different attitudes that everybody has in life. Which chair you’re sitting in and which attitude you carry impacts your everyday behavior (communication; re l at i ons h ip s / f r i e n d s h ip s ; goal-setting; decision-making, stress-management/wellness). The three chairs represent those three different attitudes, and people can identify and connect too. The groundbreaking concept is not only helping shift dynamics for Millennials. It is also creating a positive work environment across multiple platforms. Three Chairs is a business book with an edge since it highlights applications to use in the office as equally as in your personal life. “It is such an easy concept for people to understand,” the leadership and relationship expert explains. “People can quickly start seeing themselves where they sit.”

EASY TO UNDERSTAND Karyn’s particular skill is in simplifying research passionately and practically. She has spoken to over 500,000 people from Fortune 500 companies, family businesses, entrepreneurs, professional associations, and others in 17 countries. In addition, she has worked as a media personality and contributor for Good Morning America, Forbes, The New York Times, and Cityline. In 2018, Dr. Karyn co-created “SI” (Success Intelligence with Dr. Karyn), which includes Live Online SI Masterclasses and SI Courses for managers (and all levels of leaders), making leadership development inspiring and simple saving HR time. SI is now used by thousands of global leaders across many different industries. Karyn has over 20 years of experience as a professional coach to global CEOs, organizations, and families. She holds a Doctorate in Marriage and Family, and additional certifications in leadership, EQ, personality, wellness, and career development. She has been nominated for the 29th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award in 2021. Three Chairs, which includes a special forward from Shark Tank Investor Robert Herjavec, has received rave reviews from dozens of leaders within the industry. The book is now available on Amazon. For more information on Three Chairs, visit: dkleadership.org/the-three-chairs-book •

66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DR. SAMUEL WAXMAN THE FIGHT TO ERADICATE CANCER By Harry Brads

ince 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer, has allocated more than $100 million to support the work of an estimated 200 researchers worldwide. Founded by Samuel Waxman, M.D., a notable oncologist and physician-scientist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research. Its mission is to eradicate cancer. The SWCRF’s innovative approach funds cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer, as well as the development of minimally toxic treatments for patients. Investigators share information and tools to accelerate cancer research through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without WallsTM (IWW). Dr. Waxman’s passion for cancer research and treatment stems from the belief that collaboration—across expertise, research institutions, and even national borders—is the key to breaking down barriers and achieving more breakthroughs. They fund a network of 50 researchers, including some of the brightest scientific minds in North America, Asia, and Europe, through the SWCRF IWW. For example, SWCRF supported numerous collaborations at academic research institutions in China, the lead of which resulted in the discovery of a treatment for a type of leukemia that increased patient survival rates from less than 25 percent to greater than 95 percent.

AGING & CANCER

Samuel Waxman MD © Mount Sinai

Funding for these projects is generated through various events, including the tremendously successful Hamptons Happening, which made its return this past summer. Also, their annual Ladies Luncheon, and of course its biggest fundraiser of the year, the 24th Annual Collaborating for A Cure Gala, aptly themed Together Again since last year’s event was reimagined as a virtual event due to the global pandemic. The upcoming gala will honor Debra S. Waller, Chairman and CEO of Jockey International, Inc., and Dr. Kevan Shokat. The gala will also feature a live performance by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with extraordinary guest artist Warren Haynes.

DISCOVERING NEW TREATMENTS Dr. Shokat, an SWCRF-funded investigator, recently discovered a new compound that effectively shuts off the most common cancer-causing genetic mutations—the overactive KRAS protein, which is most common in lung cancer as well as colorectal and pancreatic cancer. This mutant protein was considered “undruggable” for decades. Still, after 15 years of research and significant investments from SWCRF, a new FDA-approved medication is now available that shrinks tumors by 50 percent and has remarkably low toxicity. “This medication is a real gamechanger,” said Waxman. “This is a perfect example of why we do what we do—fund leading scientists, encourage collaboration, and find new treatments for cancer that will save lives.

Over the last several years, the SWCRF initiated a renewed focus on aging and cancer. In 2018, SWCRF launched a new partnership with the National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Aging. The initial two-year, $3 million collaboration will bring together some of the brightest minds working on addressing the rising incidence of cancer in older populations. SWCRF also partnered with Wiley Publishing in 2019 to produce a new scientific peerreviewed journal titled Aging AND Cancer, focused on understanding how the process of aging is linked to cancer.

FIGHTING FEMALE CANCER The Foundation is also committed to funding breakthrough research towards better patient outcomes for those living with breast and ovarian cancer. Approximately 12.9 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1.2 percent will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point during their lifetime, according to data from the National Cancer Institute. In the past ten years, SWCRF has allocated $4 million to its Women’s Cancer Research Program and is currently investing $1,550,000 towards 15 prestigious scientists working on finding new treatments for breast and ovarian cancer. For more information on the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, visit waxmancancer.org •

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67

FOOD & DRINK

BARN JOO NOMAD

KOREAN GASTROPUB CUISINE HITS THE DINING SCENE By Anne Raso

ndoubtedly, living in New York City has provided you with some of the best cuisines the world offers. Add one more to the list: Korean gastropub food Barn Joo Nomad. Jinsu Park, the Barn Joo Group executive chef, refers to the restaurant as a “tapas establishment.” Hence, we gave it a try and found dining on the innovative Korean small plates quite original—even if they were way out of our palates’ usual comfort zone. Park, a South Korean native, cut his teeth in Asian kitchens since he was 17 and likes to challenge himself by coming up with genuinely unique fare. “We like to call our cuisine Korean inspired rather than use the word fusion. The way we look at it, every dish we make has something Korean about it, whether it be the ingredients or the way we prepare it. It’s just like what Korean Americans would experience at least once if they tried to cook Korean food in the states.” Park goes on to list Barn Joo Nomad’s most popular dishes: “I would say that our BJ Signature Open Roll Trio is the best seller followed by our Steamed Dumplings (Kimchi/ Pork combined), Truffle Fries and Korean Chicken Wings. Hwe Bibimbap has been coming up fast, especially as a lunch order. The BJ Open Rolls experiment with creative plating and structure, putting a twist on the original concept of a roll. The rolls range from Uni and Yellowtail to Shiitake and Black Truffle Mushroom and Eel and are served with housemade bone marrow soup and chef ’s special soy sauce reduction with pickled ginger chayote.

TABLE IS SET We found our selections nothing short of amazing. The Steamed Dumplings full of your choice of pork or kimchi with tofu, glass noodles, cabbage, and chives are amongst the freshest tasting in the city. Likewise, the Korean Chicken Wings is a generous five-piece appetizer done in hot ‘n spicy, soy garlic, or citron flavors—these wings are so juicy and filling that you might want to get two plates for yourself and call it a night. These are what you call wings that truly “stick to your bones!” The Nomad Bite (beef short rib with carrots, dates, marbled potatoes, kabocha squash, soy sauce, and sweet potato puree) and Slow Pork Belly (slow-cooked pork belly, homemade chicharron, pickled coyote squash, white kimchi, and ssamjang oil), enticed with a mix international flavors and organic veggies. Barn Joo is also famous for its BJ Rolls, seaweed rolls stuffed with crab meat, galbi (short rib), eel, salmon, lemon aioli, and assorted microgreens. There is a unique layer of soft bread inside each seaweed roll that is created with bean paste. For dessert, expect Red Bean + Fruit Bingsu (a bed of shaved frozen milk, seasonal fruits, a nut medley, and sweet red bean paste topped off with a scoop of ice cream). The Bread Pudding (made with bourbon, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a homemade pirouette cookie) is a tasty take on a comfort food classic. Barn Joo is Korean for “an alcoholic drink paired with a meal,” so try one of their incredibly inventive cocktails, including the popular Jeju Spirit (Bokbunja, Grenadine, Campari, Orange Bitters, and Brut Sparkling Wine). Any die-hard fan of the Manhattan should try the Toasted Sesame Manhattan (Sesame Washed Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Drambuie, and Whiskey Bitters). For more information on Barn Joo Nomad, visit: barnjoonomad.com •

68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

FOOD & DRINK

SKORPIOS

GREEK CLASSICS SHINE IN MIDTOWN By Patricia Canole korpios has a lot going for it: a prime midtown location, a white space making you feel you just arrived onto an Aegean isle, waterfalls cascading down pillars, an expansive rock wall, and a 32-foot sand art provide your passage to a perfect evening. But that’s not all… Dara Young is the force behind the restaurant’s design. The Aviva Collective CEO created a spacious dining room lined with white leather banquettes, white-washed tables, and an expansive bar with natural light shining in. All this and a tempting menu make you feel more like you’re nestled in a Greek taverna than East 54th Street.

SIMPLY SEDUCED Few cuisines are as seductive. At Skorpios it’s the fresh, flavorful food prepared with care, tradition, and technique that chef and co-owner Yiannis Chatiris takes pride in. The Greek-born Chatiris learned his craft at an early age and opened his first restaurant, Rodos, at 22. Years later, he set his eyes on New York City and made it his home. Chatiris continued his flourishing career and opened several restaurants, including Ethos Gallery 51, Pathos Café, and Mykonos Bleu. My companion and I yearned for the Greek classics because so many have become the iconic treasured tastes of a proud country. Here the flavors of Greece abound. We knew we were in for a delicious evening the instant the Spanakopita arrived at our table. It’s my favorite with phyllo so wonderfully buttery and crisp, the spinach filling splendidly fresh and not oversalted. It was simply refreshing and filling. Speaking of refreshing, the Greek salad—that simple classic that often seems tired and dull—was crisp with excellent quality olives and two chunks of feta. Other appetizers prepared for us included the traditional Greek spreads: Tzatziki, Skordalia and Eggplant Melitzanosalata; Grilled Octopus (incredibly moist), and Ouzo-flamed Haloumi Cheese.

Pasta lovers will enjoy prepared dishes that will please your palate. Tunisian Tuna Linguini and Orzo Paella are popular favorites. Never overlook the Vegetarian Moussaka—a classic that has stood the test of time.

A PERFECT ENDING The wine list is of note, starring the city’s finest Greek vintages. Also, look for a full menu of specialty cocktails: The Blood Orange Manhattan is a must! Of course, one needs to leave room for the Baklava. No other dessert spells Greek cuisine than this honey-infused confection: Not too sweet but unquestionably big on taste—and lots of pistachios. Skorpios is an excellent escape from the concrete jungle, perfect for a date or a good meal with a few friends. Food this good deserves to be enjoyed repeatedly. Welcome to Skorpios!

The menu features freshly caught whole fish flown in daily from Greece and beyond, sold by the pound at market price. The fish is charcoalgrilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and sea salt. Meat is prepared to perfection with choices ranging from Ribeye to Tomahawk. It was an easy choice for us: Lamb Chops with roasted mushrooms and Branzino—both superbly prepared and presented—with spinach and For more information on Skorpios, visit skorpiosny.com • lemon potatoes as sides.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69

FOOD & DRINK

NUNZI’S RESTAURANT GOOD FOOD & VIBES UNDER ONE ROOF By Peter Elston

family’s love for good food and good vibes has created what is destined to be the hottest new restaurant in Farmingdale, Long Island. Inspired by a grandfather’s passion for bringing people together at a table and a grandmother’s love for food is the opening of Nunzi’s, considered by some to be the finest Italian food in the world. Nunzi’s proves to be that and so much more with their unique traditional platters and stunning décor. Nunzi’s is not just another eating establishment; it is a dining experience. Owner and operator Michael Napolitano, along with his brother, Vincent Jr, is out to prove that the incredible dishes made in the kitchen are only to be rivaled by the fantastic hospitality of Nunzi’s, where everybody is treated like a VIP. As a result, Italian dinners are not just enormous feasts but social gatherings.

THE MEMORIES LIVE ON Named for their grandfather, Nunzi’s was founded on his principles. “My grandfather would talk about and stress the importance of traditions.” He often said, ‘When I pass, they’ll be no more traditions in this family.’ Here at Nunzi’s, we plan on keeping my grandfather’s traditions alive. You will eat with us, drink with us and laugh with us. Families and friends will all enjoy delicious food, fine drinks, good music, and making memories,” states Napolitano. “For those of you that never got a chance to meet Nunzi, these were the memories that he lived for and the nights we know he never wanted to end. Chefs Anthony LoCastro and Marc Wisehart have collaborated to produce memorable moments on a plate that Nunzi would be proud of. The modern take on classic dishes highlights a menu that incorporates unique twists on old-school Italian meals. With superb creations such as Grandma’s Meatballs, served with tomato sauce and fresh ricotta, and Pappardelle & Lamb, red wine braised lamb, tomato mushroom ragu, pancetta and shaved parmesan you can’t go wrong. Other great menu choices include the savory Heritage Pork Chop with white wine, garlic, cherry pepper jam, and roasted cipollini onions; the delectable Pan Seared Scallops served with corn pureé, pancetta, asparagus, roasted baby bell pepper, basil oil, arugula, and radicchio salad; and inspired by Nunzi himself, the Grandpa’s Rigatoni with filetto di Pomodoro tomato sauce, prosciutto de Parma, plum tomato, basil, and chili oil.

ONE-OF-A-KIND SPECIALTIES Not to be missed are fascinating interpretations that will satisfy the cravings of adventurous foodies, such as one-of-a-kind Limoncello Chicken Wings and a boisterous menu placement of a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. In addition, the extensive wine selection is ideal for happy hour or to sip while enjoying one of the many delicious meals.

The Napolitano Family: Vincent Jr., Vincent, and Michael.

Besides the fabulous cuisine, the décor is sleek and modern, created by renowned designer Derek Axelrod. The moment guests walk in the door; they are dazzled by a lively atmosphere that is both edgy and delightful. Both Axelrod and the Napolitano’s worked in harmony to create a beautiful environment. Nunzi’s seeks to enchant young and old alike by capturing a fresh, contemporary, and sleek look, with nods to the glamour and romance of classic Italian meals. Making customers happy while giving them that home feeling is the main priority of the Napolitano brothers. The cozy restaurant will leave a lasting impression on all who experience it. For more information on Nunzi’s, visit nunzis1274.com •

70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

FOOD & DRINK

SNOWFLAKES & SOIREES ESSENTIALS TO BRIGHTEN THE SEASON By Melanie Carden

The season of snow and celebratory soirees are upon us. So, whether it’s to grace your own home or give a friend, these essentials will brighten the spirit of the season—and into the new year!

CARROTS + COWS

GOLD STANDARD

TURKEY TRAVEL

Many winter celebrations are centered round a feast. Holy Grail Steak Company offers humanely-raised, carrot-finished beef from the folks of Santa Carota (at the foot of Breckenridge Mountain). It’s a game-changer. Info: holygrailsteak.com

Gold Belly has fast become a foodie treasure trove delivering limitless treats— popular and niche alike. Be sure to sort by region to find NYC-based gourmet gifts for all the holidays. Info: goldbelly.com

If you want to score an extra-large portion of stuffing this year, offer to send your Thanksgiving host a Bear Creek Smokehouse turkey. These are fullycooked and ready to eat! Info: bearcreeksmokehouse.com

SPLENDID SPLENDOR

MERRY MERINGUE

TIMELESS TEA

Whatever curated boxed gift theme you’re looking for, Something Splendid offers it! From luxe to laid back, holiday gifting has never been so simple. Info: somethingsplendidco.com

Taste a little bit of Paris. With the opening of its new flagship location in Midtown Manhattan, the iconic Parisian patisserie Marvelous by Fred now offers pickup and local delivery. Info: marvelousbyfred.com

Aromatic and elegant, tea is a timeless gift—especially when the winter winds are howling. Vahdam India offers a variety of holiday collections for sipping connoisseurs. Info: vahdamteas.com

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BABKA & BEYOND

A GRANDE ENTRANCE

Each of the many winter holidays evokes memories of special baked goods. This lovely cookbook, Jewish Holiday Baking, is spilling over with treats for Hanukkah or snowy days. Info: alwaysfits.com

If you wow-on-arrival, invest in an opulent bottle of Glenfiddich Grande Couronne. Aged 26 years, its extended finish in rare French cognac casks adds extra lavish layers of toasty oak and velvety aromas. Info: glenfiddich.com

Winter tip: don’t wait until the February arrival of Chinese New Year to indulge in dumplings. Spoil your hosts with the many gift options from the Cooking Gift Set Co. Info: cookinggiftset.com

DASH OF DECADENT

COLLECTION 242

FARM-TO-GLASS

Be the coolest party guest with Dashfire’s line of ready-to-drink cocktails includes six high-proof, complex drinks made with their unique extracts and bitters. Try the Manhattan with Fig and Cascara or Chair White Russian. Info: dashfire.us

As Champagne Louis Roederer’s first release of the new multi-vintage, Collection 242 is sure to elevate any winter soiree. Each year, a new collection of Champagne will be offered—perfect for collectors! Info: louis-roederer.com

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur is the first farm-to-table Irish cream liquor. A classic holiday sip that’s as sustainable as it is delicious. Buy one for the host, and two for yourself. Info: fivefarmsirishcream.com

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DUMPLINGS THAT DELIGHT

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE

HOLIDAY SHOWTIME IN THE BIG APPLE By Griffin Miller

ith the Rockettes high kicking the season into high gear and Scrooge doing his bahhumbugging in traditional and unexpended ways, it’s clear that holiday theatrics are back, rolling onto the theater scene in jolly New York style. So, don ye now your masks bedecked with candy canes, dreidels, snowflakes and Santa’s, it’s time to get down with some razzle-dazzle comfort & joy! CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR STARRING THE RADIO CITY ROCKETTES Boasting “More Rockettes numbers than ever before”—nine to be exact—NYC’s holiday show of shows promises fans and newcomers a wondrous mix of nostalgic and high-tech show-stoppers. From the celebrated dancers’ famous “March of the Wooden Soldiers” to “Snow,” a heart-stopping transformation of Radio City’s Great Stage into a glorious winter wonderland, this annual production will be sparkling from December 5th through January 2nd. Info: rockettes.com

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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… Cirque du Soleil injects its signature magic into the iconic 1823 Christmas poem vis a vis a merry band of engaging characters and fantastical acts. Expect everything from acrobatics to skating to inspired cavorting, with plenty of giggles along the way. In short, the unabashed enchantment only Cirque can deliver. Performing at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, the show is a family tradition in the making! December 9th through 27th. Info: msg.com/cirque

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE MERCHANT HOUSE After a year away, one of Gotham’s treasured Christmas traditions returns to its Victorian home: downtown’s Merchant’s House Museum. Here candles illuminate vintage décor and holiday flourishes, as Charles Dickens (John Kevin Jones) spins his classic tale of Scrooge’s encounter with three lifealtering spirits. Bonus: Every Friday and Saturday through December 18th, and all performances December 21st through 28th, include A Holiday Reception with Mr. Dickens. December 1st through December 31st. Info: summonersensemble.org JIM HENSON’S EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS Jim Henson’s warmhearted 1977 TV special, this New Victory Theater production reunites the residents of Frogtown Hollow as Ma and Emmet Otter selflessly try to make each other’s holiday dreams come true. It’s assured that new generations of kids will fall under the spell of the story, the characters (played by actors and puppets), and the rollicking score by noted songwriter Paul Williams. December 10th through January 2nd. Info: newvictory.org A SHERLOCK CAROL

In a deliciously clever literary twist, Arthur Conan Doyle’s primary sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, is called into action when Tiny Tim hires him to investigate the suspicious death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Not surprisingly, this new spin on the well-known Dickensian tale unfolds on an eerie Christmas Eve tinged with the supernatural as a trio of ghosts from the past, present and future show up to haunt the investigation. November 11th through January 2nd. Info: asherlockcarol.com

COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES Like Broadway, Off-Broadway productions require proof of vaccination and masks. For theatre-specifics, which may vary, visit individual show websites. 74 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

BE A BROADWAY STAR! Fame may be fickle or fleeting but climbing (clawing?) your way to the top of the Broadway ladder couldn’t be more awesome than when you’re put through your paces courtesy of Be a Broadway Star! In this showbiz savvy board game, a role of the dice takes you from Acting School through a labyrinth of auditions, expenses, performances, contract renewals, to the ultimate theatrical coup: The Broadway Hall of Fame. Along the way, Audition Cards may have you singing or dancing your way to coveted Fan Cards, while Agent and Publicist Cards can put a hefty drain on your bank account. And no matter how far ahead you think you are, a bad review can send you back to the rehearsal room or worse, dinner theater! Breaking News: You can now scoop up the New Holiday Edition Pack as an addendum to the current game. Included in the big buzz mix are White Christmas, Elf the Musical, Annie, Moulin Rouge, Six and American Utopia, as well as other Broadway hits. Info: beabroadwaystar.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! BROADWAYHD MAKES IT FESTIVE

By Sara Wiesenfeld

f you’re like us, there’s nothing you love more than snuggling with a loved one, drinking some hot cocoa, and watching holiday classics this winter. Lucky for you, BroadwayHD (broadwayhd. com) has you covered with holiday entertainment for the whole family.

BroadwayHD is available on your computer or any of your favorite devices such as Roku, AppleTV, Chromecast & Amazon Firestick. For more information on BroadwayHD, visit broadwayhd.com

HOLIDAY INN Jim leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut. But life isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. With your favorite Irving Berlin tunes and starring High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu, this is one the whole family will love. THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the quintessential Christmas ballet. When her nutcracker toy comes to life, young Clara is transported by the magician Drosselmeyer to a magical world of excitement and delight. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince and a cast of magical characters in this exquisite production. With sumptuous period designs, spellbinding stage effects, and of course, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker continues to enchant audiences of all ages. THE MESHUGA NUTCRACKER! The MeshugaNutcracker! is a full-length musical comedy that features Chelm’s folklore’s wonderfully silly sensibilities underscored by an invigorating, Klezmer-ized orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, now with original lyrics that celebrate Chanukah. Add in dancing dreidels, singing sufganiyot, and surprise guest stars, and you have the perfect recipe for a holiday gathering. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar returns to its roots with this sensational performance filmed in the UK during the Live Arena Tour. An incredible cast, including Tim Minchin, Melanie Chisholm, and Ben Forster as Jesus Christ, perform hit songs including “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Everything’s Alright,” and “Superstar” in an exciting and contemporary interpretation. A CHRISTMAS CAROL Ebenezer Scrooge, a London businessman, is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his dead business partner Marley, who warns him that three more ghosts will appear during the night trying to show Scrooge the error of his ways. Starring Michael Hordern & John Le Mesurier. THE GOES WRONG SHOW From the company that brought you The Play That Goes Wrong, comes a series of brand new, hand-crafted, half hours of theatrical catastrophe as The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society undertake more (overly) ambitious endeavors. You will love all 6 episodes of the hilarious hijinks, including our favorite: The Spirit of Christmas.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OMNIUM CIRCUS A BIG TOP FOR ALL By AP Connolly

he word omnium means of all and belonging to all, a perfect name for what is the best circus in town. Omnium Circus presents the best in family circus entertainment—inclusive of all and accessible at every performance. The world premier of Omnium Circus is a most incredible combination of great circus arts.Opening in Tysons Corner (near Washington, D.C.) on November 18th, in partnership with Lerner Enterprises, the new, non-profit circus company emerges from the negative impact of systemic racism, exclusion, multi-generational socioeconomic division, and the effect of a global pandemic. An opportunity for a collaborative effort among a multitude of talented and experienced professionals of all demographics and abilities arose to create a new circus, one that has diversity and inclusivity as the foundation of a great circus. The inaugural season began on December 12, 2020, with a virtual showcase, and partnering with Disability Unite (NYC) to present the circus using their unique streaming platform technology. This provides each viewer with a menu of access choices (ASL, Plain Language, Captioning, Audio Description, Spanish). Full access, every day, every show. Circus Omnium was an immediate success. The New York Times called us “Genuinely Extraordinary.” The impact increased exponentially having reached over 30,000 people in 16 states and seven countries. They have served 45+ schools and community groups; 3000+ students of whom 270+ are blind/low vision; 480+ are deaf/hard of hearing; 500+ are neurodiverse, including Autism, and 1550+ classify as general education. Omnium proudly enters the world as a full live big top production! All the multi-sensory chills, thrills, and excitement under a climate-controlled big top! There are very few touring shows in this country right now, and Omnium is leading the family entertainment industry in a global movement toward the complete inclusion of races, ethnicities, and abilities.

The big top, seating 1645 people, provides ample space to unite communities of audiences and performers to celebrate the birth of an all-new type of circus. One which genuinely embodies global inclusion and complete access for all audiences—bringing families and communities together to share the joyful exhilarating experience of a live circus production. Founder Lisa B. Lewis formed Omnium; the real faces behind the statistics motivated her to change the way we enjoy family entertainment. For example, 1 in 4 people in our country has a disability. That means, in every family, someone is left behind, families are divided. Lewis envisioned a world where everyone had access to every show and where every audience member could identify with the performers. Omnium is pioneering a new concept in audience accommodation. Every performance includes ASL, Audio Description, and enhancing audio headsets. Often, families with members who are neurodiverse feel awkward about attending public performances. Omnium has designated a “relaxed seating area,” a judgement-free zone where each family is provided additional space within which to express their joy freely. It is positioned near the chill zone—a reduced sensory area where those who become overstimulated can refocus. Disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people. The opportunity to create meaningful jobs in a previously not as welcoming sector. Some 26 percent of Omnium staff is among the disability community. Omnium is creating apprenticeships for those who have the desire and the aptitude and seek the opportunity to learn and become vital members of this incredible force of family entertainment. Lewis and her team hope to change the face of family entertainment by leading with a stellar example. So why not join Omnium as an audience member, supporter, partner, and fan. All who love the circus are welcome here! For more information on Omnium Circus, visit omniumcircus.org •

76 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE BIG SCREEN By Jenny Peters

OSCAR CONTENDERS BELFAST Not yet rated Kenneth Branagh wrote and directed this film memoir, based on his own childhood growing up in Belfast, Ireland. He’s populated this very personal film with newcomers (Jude Hill, who plays Branagh’s nine-year-old self), rising stars (Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan) and veterans (Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds), many of whom once called Belfast home themselves. Set in 1969, the film takes us amid The Troubles, as Northern Ireland’s civil war began to rage. DON’T LOOK UP R This satiric comedic drama from Oscar winner Adam McKay (The Big Short, Vice) is so chockablock with Oscar winners and nominees that the odds are someone will be nominated. Stars Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, Tyler Perry, and Cate Blanchett have been honored by the Academy already. Not to mention the rest of the talented cast, including Jonah Hill, Melanie Lynskey, Ron Perlman, Matthew Perry, Ariana Grande, and Michael Chiklis, who all make this story of two astronomers trying to alert the world to pending doom one to watch. HOUSE OF GUCCI R The lurid truth-based story of the Gucci fashion family is packed with Oscar winners (Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, Lady Gaga, director Ridley Scott). And who wouldn’t want to delve into the Italian family that created an iconic brand while at the same time swirling with intrigue, decadence, and even murder, along with a top-notch cast? THE TENDER BAR R Two-time Oscar winner Ben Affleck has never won (nor nominated) for his acting. But this heartfelt film based on the popular memoir written by J. R. Moehringer may just change that. He’s a bartender whose young nephew comes to live nearby and begins to camp out in the bar, learning life lessons that help him make his way toward becoming a writer. Oscar winner George Clooney directs and Christopher Lloyd, Lily Rabe, and Tye Sheridan co-star. THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH R Shakespeare lovers have a holiday gift on the way, as Oscar powerhouses Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand join forces with her fourtime Oscar-winning husband Joel Coen, who adapted and directed this cinematic rendition of Macbeth. Filmed in black and white, this inventive take on the man who would be king also stars Brendan Gleeson, Bertie Carvel, and Corey Hawkins. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77

WEST SIDE STORY PG-13 The original 1961 version of West Side Story took home ten Oscars, but director Steven Spielberg (who has three Oscars himself) still decided that it was time for a fresh look at that classic film. Adapted by Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and starring Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DuBose, and David Alvarez, the love story is still set in New York in 1957, as rival gangs play out a tragic story. Rita Moreno returns for a cameo and produces.

LONG-AWAITED BLOCKBUSTERS GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE PG-13 Just about the whole gang is back in this Ghostbusters sequel that director Jason Reitman shot in 2019, sadly less the late Harold Ramis. But if your idea of fun is revisiting Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts in their iconic roles once again, then this supernatural comedy fits the bill. Mostly a story about newcomers Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Carrie Coon, and Paul Rudd, this one’s sure to make you smile—and scream a little, too. THE MATRIX: RESURRECTIONS Not yet rated Twenty-plus years since The Matrix bent our minds into a whole different reality, it’s back, with Keanu Reeves and CarrieAnne Moss reprising their iconic roles of Neo and Trinity. Once again written and directed by the Wachowski siblings, this fourth film in the franchise has everything a fan could want— action, violence, little blue pills, mind-bending concepts, and Christina Ricci and Priyanka Chopra Jonas along for this latest ride into the Matrix. SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME Not yet rated In this, the ninth Spider-Man movie to come from the Marvel Comic Universe, Tom Holland returns as Spidey, the superhero who slings webs and saves his fellow man. But this time out, his real identity (Peter Parker) is outed, and he must turn to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help with coping. Zendaya costars in this action-packed flick, along with Jon Favreau, Marisa Tomei, Jamie Foxx, and Alfred Molina.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE SMALL SCREEN By Jenny Peters

BIG MOVIES FINCH Apple TV+ Tom Hanks stars in this post-apocalyptic story shot in 2019. Like many pandemic-affected movies, this one is bypassing theatrical release and heading straight for the small screen. It’s the story of a man, his dog, and the robot he invents, as together they struggle to survive after a cataclysmic event changes the face of the planet forever. THE HARDER THEY FALL Netflix This ultra-violent tale turns the Western genre upside down, as a primarily Black cast populates this story of America’s Wild West. And seriously wild it is, with rival outlaw gangs gunning for each other in bloody detail as the story unfolds. This one’s sure to turn into a cult favorite with Idris Elba, Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, and Jonathan Majors leading the mayhem. In movie theaters October 22nd streaming November 3rd. RED NOTICE Netflix In a bold experiment, Netflix is bypassing theaters with this star-studded action caper flick, despite encouraging movie-going numbers as we emerge from the pandemic. Duane Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds star in the story of an Interpol agent whose life goal is to catch a wily international art thief. Stylized action and comic overtones make this one perfect for a popcorn movie night at home. TICK, TICK . . . BOOM! Netflix Marking Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature-film directorial debut, this adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s award-winning autobiographical musical stars Andrew Garfield as a composer struggling to write his “great American musical.” Stressing out over a series of emotional and financial problems, he’s reached the point of explosion (thus the title). Also starring Vanessa Hudgens, Bradley Whitford, Joey Grey, and Judith Light, this one’s for Off-Broadway show fans. NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79

STREAMING SERIES THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT Disney+ Starring Morrison as Fett and Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand, this continuation of the story begun in The Mandalorian follows those two bounty hunter/mercenaries back to Tattooine in this actionpacked sequel. Look for it on December 29th. HAWKEYE Disney+ The Marvel Universe just keeps expanding, this time with a series based on Hawkeye, the superhero with a bow and arrow. Jeremy Renner reprises his role, joined by Hailee Steinfeld as Young Avenger (aka Kate Bishop), who idolizes him and has some mad archery skills of her own. The eight-episode series with a Christmas theme begins November 24th. THE SHRINK NEXT DOOR Apple TV+ Put Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell into a dark comedy about psychiatry, one that’s based on a stranger-thanfiction true story, and the result is a wacked-out series that is sure to make you rethink everything you know about Paul Rudd. He’s one of our greatest, which he again proves in this weird saga of a shrink who gets way too close to his patient.

THE WHEEL OF TIME Amazon Prime This ambitious series based on the fantasy world created by Robert Jordan in his bestselling books has struggled to make it to the small screen. Filming began in 2019, and now the series is finally making it on air. Set in a magical place and centered on an epic journey, the story follows a familiar trope, but this time with a female in the lead. Rosamund Pike stars in this much-anticipated series, which is already set for a second season. 80 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CATCH A RISING STAR MEET AJ SMITH, SINGER/SONGWRITER By Bailey Beckett

he voice belies the face. Wise, versatile, utterly unique, and able to hit any note, AJ Smith’s sound doesn’t sound anything like he appears. Though he’s only 30 years old, the handsome musician has a range most singers would push their rivals down the stairs for. And yet, the singer has a rare modesty for someone with such talent. Smith will put it to the test as he explodes onto the pop scene with his new album Illusions of Grandeur and buzzy first single “Cooler.” But it was a love song that put Smith on the radar of the music insiders. One in particular: Piano Man Billy Joel, whose name Smith used for a soulful ballad he crooned for his fiancée. “He was so kind and reached out after he heard it,” Smith remembers. Moreover, the man loved the song “Billy Joel,” which further endeared him to Smith. “They say never meet your heroes. Well, I was so afraid after putting out a song named after one of mine that he would hate it, I was relived the opposite happened:” He shared on his social media. Any moment of self-doubt, or when I’d read that one negative comment out of a hundred, I’d tell myself, “If Billy Joel likes what I’m doing, I must be doing something right.” Since then, it’s been a non-stop marathon: tours, new music, even teaching civilian pilots to play the ukulele in space for the Netflix series Countdown: With the upcoming release of your debut album, Illusions of Grandeur, what Inspiration4 Mission to Space. kind of sound can we expect from that record? New York Lifestyles talked to the singer/songwriter as I write songs for the dreamers of the world. Many of these songs follow that emotional rollercoaster for anyone who dreams big. There are a lot of wildly fun he surfs the wave to fame. anthems, sonically inspired by artists like Queen, The Eagles, Billy Joel, Fun, Panic at the Disco and more. I wanted to create a big stadium-shaking sound for moments of triumph and something where every title is tied to this central concept of grandiose dreams. But those massive moments can only be felt if there’s contrast, so many quiet, intimate moments as well. I’m one of those weird “plays a lot of instruments” types, so there are strings, piano, guitars, horns, ‘80s synths, and more. When did you first discover you had musical talent? When I was eight years old, I discovered my parents’ cassette tape recorder, and it was game over. When I first saw people’s eyes light up seeing live music, I knew I wanted to spread that kind of joy and be on stage. My mom would turn up the radio and sing the words to the song. I wanted to write that kind of song to bring that kind of experience and connection to the universe that music seems to have. How did it feel being discovered by Glenn Frey? That was one of my early breaks—catching his ear. He invited two other students and me from my songwriting class to band up and open for The Eagles, then brought us backstage when they played MSG and listened to all our songs. He gave incredible feedback, helping me become a stronger writer. Most musicians talk about “paying your dues.” What was that like for you? There are many humbling experiences like working three jobs to pay rent and studio time, sleeping in my car after a show on the road because I couldn’t afford a hotel, crashing down to reality but the dream was still alive. I felt like I didn’t have direction in many ways, but I was still at open mics and playing acoustic sets in the city every week and learning how to get whole bars who didn’t know my name to sing along to original songs instead of covers. And in that extremely humbling ‘check my bank account before I buy groceries’ moment in my life, I met the most incredible person, my fiancée Brianna. For more information on AJ Smith, visit him ajsmithmusic.com NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81

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PET SPOTLIGHT

PAWS DOWN… TAILS UP HOLIDAY CUTENESS COLLECTION 2021 By Melanie Carden

h, my goodness! It’s the best time of year—when all the meows and woofs come together in a joyous winter harmony. It’s time to kick off the holiday season, and all its gifting glory. I’ve searched high and low for gifts for good pups and kitties—and one for the whole family too. Hope your holidays are purr’fectly delightful! BOWIE-OH-BOY

PASS THE STUFFING

SNOW-DAY PJ PARTY

If you’re equally obsessed with your cat and David Bowie, you’re about to have the best holiday season ever. Always Fits has this Ziggy Stardust-themed ornament— the purr’fect way to rock the holidays. Info: alwaysfits.com

If your pup can’t resist begging at the Thanksgiving table, it’s okay to give in. Goodies from Bark Box make it easy for your bestie to join in the feast. Info: barkbox.com

Snow days are paw’fect for hot cocoa and PJs. Let the whole family join in the fun— furry critters and all. Lazy One offers matching sets with winter, Hanukkah, and Christmas themes. Info: lazyone.com

MORE WHIPPED CREAM, PLEASE Finally, a hot cocoa that your pup can enjoy too! This P.L.A.Y plush is the perfect way to busy your bestie on a chilly winter weekend. Info: petplay.com

MOMMA’S DAY OFF

SANTA’S STASH

After wrapping all the gifts and baking holiday dog biscuits—it’s time for momma to chill. Every dog-mom deserves one of these super-cozy Lulu Simon Studio sweatshirts! Info: lulusimonstudio.com

Be sure to hang your buddy’s stocking from the mantle—Santa is on his way! Garnet Hill’s dog bone-themed stocking has ample room for goodies, treats, and toys. Info: garnethill.com

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FESTIVAL OF TREATS

GINGERBREAD & LATTES

DOG DAYS OF WINTER

Wufers offers one-stop shopping for a wide array of celebratory dog treats. So, spin the dreidel and get your fur-baby ready for Hanukkah with this fun batch of cookies. Info: wufers.com

The folks at P.L.A.Y know how to serve up winter fun. Plush dog toys in all the iconic winter shapes—gingerbread men, candy canes, hot cocoa & more—seasonal spirit galore! Info: petplay.com

Fido works hard during the holidays— investigating turkey, shredding wrapping paper, and keeping your feet warm. These PJs are perfect to rest up afterward, and Lazy One has many prints! Info: lazyone.com

APRES SKI

LUMBER JACK TERRIER

SEEING DOUBLE

If your dog loves time on the slopes, the luxe winter wear at Max Bone is just the ticket. Grab this posh ski sweater and ring in the New Year right! Info: maxbone.com

Stormy Kromer makes it easy to take your pup on winter adventures. This fleece jacket is perfect for winter hikes and building snow-dogs when the flakes fly. Info: stormykromer.com

Cuddle Clones is amazing. They make insanely accurate replicas of your favorite pets—stuffed animals, slippers, gold club covers, and more. It will be the showstopper gift of your holiday season! Info: cuddleclones.com

REINDEER AT THE READY

FAIR ISLE FELINE

HOLIDAY ELVES

A cat in a fair isle hoodie? Unstoppable. Frisco’s winter wear is sure to keep kitty happy all winter. Not as happy as batting around tree ornaments—but close! Info: chewy.com

Tiny holiday hats on big dogs? Yup, I’m sold. Modern Beast has made the holidays extra special with cool stuff for dogs of all sizes. Dog-momma tip: they sell little crowns too! Info: modernbeast.com

From Guinea pigs to dogs—this reindeer snood is sure to fool even Santa! Zoo Snoods is a fast-trending cuteness resource. Grab a giraffe or yoda while you’re there. Info: zoosnoods.com

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NEW YORK, NY

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER ATTORNEY ARTHUR AIDALA: THE ADVOCATE’S ADVOCATE By Bailey Beckett

rthur Aidala is the attorney other lawyers call when they get into trouble—as well as politicians, media moguls, athletes and, yes, even innocent people! His number is the one you want on your phone, but you don’t want to call it. Like, ever. Aidala is one of the law profession’s fiercest advocates, with a client roster that, well, you might not list to your family. But not Aidala. The charismatic, animated, lovable-huggable until-he-cross-examines your attorney could not be proud of the work he and his firm, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, have done for their clients. Even if they have included controversial figures like Roger Ailes, Anthony Weiner, Alan Dershowitz, and many other notorious names you’ve read in the headlines. Crain’s NY called him the “go-to lawyer for those in big trouble,” and they weren’t kidding. “Sometimes you do wind up representing unpopular people,” says Aidala on a Friday evening, gathered in his office’s conference room he’s filled with his colleagues. “People make mistakes,” he explains. “There’s often greed involved, and alcohol and drugs. I can’t tell you how many clients tell you, ‘Well, I was drinking, and I did that or ‘I got addicted to OxyContin and I did that.’ I’ve had clients who got jammed up with gambling, and then they had to go on the street to get money, and that went sideways. People make mistakes,” Aidala says, face filled with empathy. “Most of the time, we’re making either a horrible situation only bad or a bad situation to be not great,” he continues. “But we represent everyone with passion. There is humanity involved here. And if you have that passion, you may not be able to get a person out of jail sentence, but you’re going to get them the best possible result, and that’s what you must shoot for. But passionate does not mean delusional. We’re not ignorant. We’re not stupid. We’re not naïve.” →

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A former prosecutor with Kings County out of school—CUNY School of Law—Aidala tried and supervised some of the toughest felony and homicide cases before founding his firm in the late 90s. Now, he fights to keep people out of jail as fiercely as he once did putting them behind bars. But there are no hard feelings. To wit: to celebrate his 50th birthday, Aidala bridged the city divided and brought together the strangest of bedfellows, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Good Day New York anchor Rosanna Scotto, and broadcasters Kimberly Guilfoyle, Shepard Smith and Juan Williams, among others. Aidala keeps his firm small, with less than 20 partners, associates, and support staff that function more like a loud, passionate family than law practice. He plays consummate host to visitors, introducing his entire team, often with an endearing anecdote that makes them blush with pride. His office, located off 5th Avenue, brims with personality, sophistication, a touch of testosterone (there is a “time-out” Sinatra room filled with Mad Men-style décor and scotch), and loud, family-style squabbles that always end with laughs.

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The firm’s brand: “Passionate representation,” Aidala says. He’s not exaggerating. After getting William Rapetti acquitted of seven counts of murder after a crane collapsed off a New York building in 2008 killing eleven people, Aidala broke down crying. Rapetti was facing several life sentences, and the attorneys at Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins made sure he could go home that night a free man. Aidala saw the emotion overflow in the courtroom, excused himself and found a broom closet where “I collapsed,” he says. “I was crying like I hadn’t cried since I was 12; I couldn’t stop. It just poured out of me. And that’s what makes this job worthwhile.” Over two hours from his offices (and yes, even a cocktail in the Sinatra room), New York Lifestyles talked to Aidala about his inspirations, clients, and the one who got away because he didn’t take it. →

Inspirations: “My father was a prosecutor when Frank Hogan was the storied Manhattan District Attorney; Hogan made Morgenthau look like a rookie. And then dad became a defense attorney running his small firm and was tapped by the New York State Attorney General to be a special prosecutor in the Attica trials. Only one case ever went to trial—the people who killed the guard to get the keys to the entire prison complex. Monday through Friday, he’s in court as a prosecutor, and on weekends he’s coming home tending to his criminal defense attorney clients. So, he was wearing two hats at the same time. I grew up in an environment of justice. And I have had outstanding role models. [My father] is one, but I also had a spectacular relationship with [the late Supreme Court] Justice Scalia, who was like a godfather uncle. When I went through personal tough times, I saw him and we just talked about cases. Justice Scalia would tell me, “We have the greatest system!” and then my dad would say, “it’s not a perfect system, but everyone has a role.” He didn’t like it when prosecutors compared their trial records, like ‘I’m 3-1” or “I’m 7-1.” He said, “It’s not about statistics. This isn’t baseball.” Harvey Weinstein “Several years ago, we got a call about representing Harvey Weinstein. In instances like that, you lift your skirt a little. One of my colleagues was skeptical about taking it on, while another thought we should do it. But I always must be concerned from a business point of view of what the effect of that is going to be. I don’t think it’s going out on a limb to say at that point, Harvey Weinstein was the most hated man in America. And I wasn’t 100 percent sure what to do because I’m at a point where I don’t just think about my personal family, I also think of this family—our firm, and what’s in their best interests. If I’m a solo practitioner, I can be more of a cowboy.

Operative words: “In Heaven.” The Devil’s Advocate gets past the pearly gates... But leading the firm, I must be more judicious. So, I called my father and I said, “Here’s the situation. What do you think?” And he asked: “Number one, are you going to get paid? Because there were a lot of rumors that Harvey wanted everyone to do it for free.” Then he said, “It’s OK to represent clients who have been accused of murder or other crimes, but you can’t represent Harvey Weinstein.” Roger Ailes “I did not know Roger Ailes well, although I’d worked for Fox News for 12 years as a commentator. I had a wonderful time there; I enjoyed it. But I never got involved with the politics. You can Google every segment of mine; I’ve never done anything. Politically, I always handled it from the portion of the law. And I thought that was my path to longevity there because if I don’t say anything politically and stick to the law, I can’t get in trouble. Then, in 2015, just when I got back from my honeymoon, [former Fox News anchor] Gretchen Carlson sued him. My wife and I went on a boat ride with my in-laws, niece, and nephew, and I decided not to bring my phone. Two hours later, we returned and found eighteen missed calls: Roger Ailes, Beth Ailes, Fox News. I called Roger back and asked, “What the hell is going on?” I’m thinking everyone must be pocket dialing me. Anyway, the conversation was quite simple. He wanted to know how I would attack the lawsuit. He said, “I need a street fighter, and one thing I know about you is you’re a street fighter. You’re passionate, you believe in what you do, and you get the job done. I want you to be my lawyer.” There was no way I could have said no. I’m working for the guy for 12 years; he’s paying my check. He’s the most powerful man in media. But it cost me my career at Fox News. They’d just gotten rid of Roger and 117 “Friends of Roger”—they called them FORs—and they couldn’t keep his lawyer. Maybe one day, when I’m in heaven, there’ll be a computer to look at all the different choices I made.” •

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NEW YORK, NY

Courtesy US Ski and Snowboard Association

MY NEW YORK STORY

ANDREW WEIBRECHT, A CHAMPION ON AND OFF THE SLOPES By Patricia Canole

ven if you’re not a skiing fan or even a follower of skiing competitions, his name is forever inscribed as a two-time Olympic medalist. In 2019 he was inducted into the U.S. Skiing Hall of Fame and Museum. He’ll always be regarded, too, as the humblest on and off the slopes. With his quiet confidence, you’ll never find Weibrecht basking in his celebrity. Instead, Weibrecht’s got something special about him. He’s cool and calm then and now. When Weibrecht initially made the U.S. Ski Team, he was nicknamed “Warhorse” for the manner in which he charged World Cup courses with high intensity. He solidified the epithet in 2007, coming in 10th place at the famed Birds of Prey Downhill—one of the gnarliest downhill tracks on the World Cup circuit. A little-known fact about Weibrecht: In January 2015, he took time out of his hectic schedule to visit Paul Newman’s Double H Ranch SeriousFun for the annual ski and snowboard program with 230 young, seriously ill campers. The program, with its volunteers, blew Weibrecht away. The champion spoke to the campers about overcoming their fears and achieving success with a never-give-up message during his visit. “It’s an incredible organization for kids.” He continues to spread this message wherever he goes to this day. Today, Weibrecht’s involved in fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is skiing all 46 Adirondack peaks. Last year he achieved about half of the goal and will finish the mission this winter. He proudly sits on the board of the Make-A-Wish Northeastern NY chapter. We met up with Weibrecht recently and learned more about the three-time Olympian and what he’s been up to since retiring almost four years ago.

Andrew tackling Sentinel Mountain for his fundraiser. Courtesy Ethan Weibrecht

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Describe how you learned to ski and when did you discover you loved it. I started skiing at two years old. My parents are both avid skiers, and my father originally came to Lake Placid as a ski instructor on the weekends from downstate New York. As was the tradition in my family, as soon as my siblings and I started walking, mom and dad had us skiing. When I was five, I joined the New York State Ski Education kids race program, and that’s where my love for skiing grew. Some of my fondest memories from being a kid are skiing with my friends and family at Whiteface Mountain. Are there any special memories you have of skiing as a young boy? There are so many great specific memories. However, for me, it was always about spending time with my friends and family out at the mountain. I remember being dropped off at Whiteface as a kid, our parents would go and do their own thing, and then we had the freedom to cut loose with our friends. It was terrific, and as a young child, it felt like entering a whole new world where we had free license to explore and express ourselves.

Training and competing certainly opened the world for you. What did you learn in your journeys to foreign lands for 16 years? I learned not to eat sushi when staying high in the Andes. Beyond that, it was a constant learning experience as I navigated the trials and tribulations that go along with travel; constantly changing cultures, language barriers, and the overarching challenge of feeling a sense of normalcy through the entire process. Over the years, I eventually understood that even if you are in a foreign land, that doesn’t mean you have to be an outsider. After garnering Olympic medals in 2010 (Whistler/Vancouver) and 2014 (Sochi), what prompted you to retire in 2018 in Pyeongchang, South Korea? My body was beginning to give me trouble, and my second daughter was due to be born that June. When the girls came, it changed my calculus regarding travel, training, and priorities. Ultimately, I had a much greater desire to be with them and see them grow than I did to keep ski racing.

Growing up in Lake Placid must have been a wonderful experience. What were your first experiences skiing at Whiteface? My first skiing experiences were always with my family. I have two older sisters, an older brother, and a younger brother, and for a couple of years, we were all figuring it out and learning to ski together. Eventually, as we graduated from beginner terrain, family ski days were where we spent most of our time together during the winter.

With your ski career in the rearview mirror, what has the transition been like collaborating with your parents at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa? I have enjoyed my transition from athletics into life beyond. The initial few weeks were somewhat jolting, as the sense of identity (athlete) I carried for so many years was immediately stripped away. However, this feeling passed quickly for me, especially once I discovered a whole set of challenges outside of athletics, I could put my mind towards. Learning the hotel business and applying many of the skills I gained as an athlete has been very rewarding and ultimately no less challenging than racing down mountains.

How did growing up in Lake Placid shape you as an individual? Lake Placid was a fantastic place to grow up, especially as an athlete. There is an ever-present support system in the community that encourages kids to pursue athletics at whatever level. Couple this with the legacy of the Olympics, and it is an extraordinary place.

Do you still stay involved in skiing? I still maintain a summer ski camp at Mount Hood with my exteammate, Ted Ligety (Ligety Weibrecht Ski Camps). Additionally, I do some clinics, ski with Mirror Lake Inn guests, and sit on several U.S. Ski and Snowboard and U.S. Olympic Team sports committees. In my free time, I love skiing with my kids.

Courtesy Mirror Lake Inn Resort Inn Spa & Resort

Now that you’ve retired as a professional skier, do you ever get to ski without feeling like you’re in training? In other words, once on the slopes, can you relax and enjoy the sport? I do relax and enjoy the sport still. I love skiing with my kids; it’s a joy to pass a lifelong passion of mine onto them. I also do a lot of backcountry ski touring now, which has allowed me to experience the sport I love in a different context, keeping things fresh and fun.

Andrew at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa front desk

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NEW YORK, NY

VIENNESE OPERA BALL A CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL RELATIONSHIPS By Elizabeth Darwen

he Viennese Opera Ball recently hosted their Swing Dinner Dance Gala, “The Golden Age” at a private club in Manhattan. The Viennese Opera Ball is a nonprofit association and celebrated under the auspices of the U.S. Austrian Chamber of Commerce and with the support of the City of Vienna. The proceeds of the Swing Dinner Dance Gala will benefit the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Due to the events of the past year, the gala was scaled down from previous years with limited capacity. The black-tie event was a change up to their traditional Opera Ball with the swing dance party theme. The music for the evening was provided by the Misha Piatigorsky Trio. The Gala Chairs for the evening were Denise Rich, and Jean Shafiroff. The evening started with a reception, followed by a formal dinner, then music and dancing lasted till midnight. There was also a silent auction during the gala which raised funds for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

GALA CELEBRATIONS The Viennese Opera Ball looks to hold its main gala in all its grandeur with special surprise performances this coming Spring of 2022. Additionally, an annual white-tie charity gala celebrates the cultural and economic relationships between Austria and America, connecting two continents, two cities, and two centuries in one glamorous night. It was founded by Austrians immigrating to the United States 66 years ago and is a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York. The gala attracts an international audience that includes diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals and is considered the most prestigious and oldest Viennese ball outside of Vienna. Metropolitan Opera singers, the Viennese Opera Ball orchestra, ballet performances, the West Point color guard, a Midnight Quadrille, and many other surprises make for a glamorous and delightful evening. The Midnight Quadrille begins as the clock strikes midnight, and all attendees join in on the famous dance.

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Debutantes and their male partners (known as Escorts) rehearse for one week prior to the ball, and they are generally chosen each year based on recommendations from Committee members. The

choreographed Waltzers rehearse for three months prior to the ball and are chosen from dance auditions held each year by a Choreographer from a traditional Austrian dancing school in Vienna, Austria who was flown in for the Ball. Opera singers come from the Metropolitan Opera, and ballet dancers are flown over from Vienna. “Every year we have fantastic opera singers that perform at the Ball. Some highlights were Rene Pape, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Nadine Sierra, Lucas Meacham, and more. Most of them perform in leading roles at the MET,” said VOB President Silvia Frieser.

A WORTHY CAUSE The event has hosted 400 guests from Europe and America in recent years. The Board of Directors, led by Silvia Frieser and Artistic Director Daniel Serafin, organizes the Ball. Every year, the Viennese Opera Ball raises funds for charitable causes in New York and Vienna. “In the last few years, we have brought the Viennese Opera Ball to another level, with the help of major support of the international opera singers and of course, of our generous guests, donors and sponsors. In the next 5 years, I would like to invite even more international guests, as well as as well as both American and Austrian companies to join our gala. The Ball is a platform for cultural and economic exchange, and an event for American philanthropists and New York’s high-society where you are part of a totally unique and spectacular night while supporting a worthy cause,” said Frieser. “There is really nothing else like it here. The music, the dancing—these are always at the center, just the way we traditionally do in Vienna.” For more information on visit vienneseoperaball.com •

the

Viennese

Opera

Ball,

NEW YORK, NY

CURA COLLECTIVE HELPING THOSE IN NEED By Elizabeth Elston

he Cura Collective is a new non-profit aimed at helping communities rebuild in the wake of major disasters by partnering with local businesses, driven by a belief that the most potent care comes from within our community. Cura was founded in April 2020 out of a desire to do more to help those most hard hit in New York City during the burgeoning Covid-19 pandemic. Last year saw the Cura founders Lizzie Asher, Nora Boyd, Mercedes de Guardiola, Casey Kohlberg, and Laura Day Webb personally deliver tens of thousands of meals in the greater New York City area. Their original aim was to support hospital workers on the frontline but then expanded to support kids facing food insecurity. Starting with a few small connections between existing businesses and the frontline workers and utilizing their broad range of experience across the business and non-profit sectors, they established Cura Collective for a new kind of philanthropic support. “We are driven by a belief that the people and communities around us give the most powerful care,” says Lizzie Asher. “Our neighborhoods are the ecosystems that support us, and even seemingly small actions can be largely impactful, even more so during difficult times.”

FROM THE HEART Taking inspiration from the heart shown by Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Cura’ translates simply to ‘Care.’ The group believes that the most effective care during a crisis comes through one’s community coming together to help those among them who need it most. Who knows the needs of a community better than those within it? The Cura Collective worked with local restaurants to deliver meals to frontline medical workers at major New York hospitals. Thanks to donations from Oars + Alps and the Peninsula Hotel, they also provided over 5,000 toiletries and wellness products to healthcare workers staying in temporary housing. During the height of the pandemic, Cura also worked with local restaurants, such as NoMad Kitchen, to deliver meals to the ICUs at New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center, Lenox Hill, and Bellevue Hospital.

RECOGNIZING WOMEN The Cura Collective recently hosted a Sunset Cruise aboard Sailing Yacht Ventura that left from the North Cove Marina to celebrate their newly launched Female Philanthropy Initiative. The initiative aims to bring more visibility and networking opportunities to the women who are on the ground doing beneficial work to aid their communities and beyond. The Female Philanthropy Initiative looks to step in and find the gaps within traditional philanthropy vehicles.

Whether it be sharing expertise or supporting active fundraising efforts, Cura aims to situate itself at the intersection of crowdsourcing and crowdfunding. With the rising threat of the Delta Variant, the Cura Collective wanted to recognize some of the women who did extraordinary work despite the hardships of the pandemic last year. So while we are celebrating the re-opening of the city, Cura hopes to amplify the heroic deeds women accomplished while the world was shut down. Under the gaze of Lady Liberty herself, guests toasted the three honorees of the evening as they sailed past lower Manhattan into New York Harbor. The evening featured designer Patricia Bonaldi of Pat.Bo, known for her work in her home country of Brazil for female empowerment. Her efforts of nearly a decade led to founding a school in her hometown of Uberlandia where women were taught the art of embroidery and painting. Bonaldi’s school today boasts 400 artisans who are responsible for the couture craftsmanship of her eponymous line. The arduous work of Susan Hale of Bellevue Hospital was also highlighted. Hale partnered with the Cura Collective team coordinating meal deliveries sourced from the Nomad Hotel to the hospital staff. Finally, Naila Amin, whose strenuous lobbying during the lockdown shepherded legislation that was adopted by the New York State legislature to ban the practice of child marriage under the age of 18, was heralded for her tireless work. Guests were treated to cocktails graciously donated by Campari, Cinzano Prosecco, and Macchu Pisco. As the setting sun washed the sky in a Campari-esque red, Lizzie Asher wondered if red should become the color of this initiative since “after all, without the passion of each of these women, none of their transformational endeavors would have been possible.” Their work is straightforward and responsive: They identify what support frontline workers need and how they can work alongside local businesses to answer them. Ultimately, Cura’s goal is to play a temporary role in impacted communities. They aim to bridge gaps and support vital economic regrowth through empowering the local leaders who know what their communities need best. For more information on Cura Collective, visit curacollective.org •

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NEW YORK, NY

TIME OUT WITH… STEWART PEARCE By Bailey Beckett

tewart Pearce is hands down one of the most respected voice, and presence coaches on the world stage. From famous actors (Michelle Williams! Eddie Redmayne!) to politicians (yes, that was Dame Maggie Thatcher), Pearce has built a sterling clientele by focusing far beyond just the mechanics of the voice. His process dives deeper into spiritual and metaphysical methods, helping find the “authentic self.” It’s a journey that has won him many fans—none more significant than his most famous client to date: Princess Diana. Two years before her untimely death, she began seeing Pearce in secret as she struggled to find her voice and share her message with the world. “Stewart’s gift is incalculable,” she said at the time. “I knew something profound was coming my way. He helped me personally with such generosity.”

THE CONFIDENCE TO BE YOURSELF No one ever knew-until now. For the first time, Pearce is describing their shared experience in Diana The Voice of Change. Far from a scandalous tell-all, Pearce’s book is both a story and call to action, detailing how Diana’s legacy broke taboos, opened hearts, and gave people the confidence to be themselves. A presage to the #Me2 movement, the book is also a workbook for women to be the voice of change in their own lives. “The essence of Diana The Voice of Change urges each woman to rise up, to be a force for change just as Diana intended her mission to be a culture-shaper, particularly during the latter years of her short life,” says Pearce. “Diana’s firm desire was that through her example, the women of the world would find their own authentic voice, fulfilling their unique purpose. In this, Diana was the trailblazer.” Diana The Voice of Change includes exercises, tips, and ways to stimulate personal presence, persuasive magnetism, gracious charisma, and creative excellence. Pearce shows how the body’s architecture, breath, head movement, signature sound, alchemy, persona, and empowering affirmations can help people find the “song of their soul.” At the time he met the Princess, Pearce wasn’t sure he wanted the high-profile assignment. Hounded by a relentless press, indifferent family, and a coterie of supporters who would leak the most intimate details of her life, she was struggling to find her authentic self amid the chaos that surrounded her life. “Frankly, I had huge reservations about becoming involved, which was based on not wishing to be part of the ‘circus’ that surrounded dear Diana,” Pearce says. “The notoriety that moved alongside the Princess’s public existence was crazy.”

LOVE IS ALL THERE IS Over the next two years, Pearce and Diana met regularly but secretly. “My role was defined to enhance her presence in the world by building the skills of confidence, persona, passion, persuasion, and physical presence,” Pearce says. “Diana embodied a crucible of peerless human virtues openly, that we may view as the essential moral principles which balance us in times of monumental change. Her principal virtue being that love is all there is.”

From the start, Pearce knew working with a figure like Diana and the media circus that followed her was not going to be easy. “Being exposed to the hostile criticism of the establishment meant that Diana had never felt strong in voice,” he says. “The emergence as a global phenomenon began to shine through the hurly-burly years of her mid-thirties, through the strength and elegance that she radiated. Yet, at the same time, every dismissive word she received was felt like a personal wounding, even though the public attitude was immensely favorable and supportive.” Pearce helped her channel that support into a voice thoroughly unique and powerful. “She spoke the truth as she felt it, she became endearing as she sensed someone’s frailty, she loved where love was absent, and just as the royal family disparaged her fragility, she used this negativity to aid the search for her own voice.” As a “Master of Voice,” Pearce has a reputation for his holistic training, having coached world-acclaimed actors including Mark Rylance, Matthew Goode, Vanessa Redgrave, Michelle Williams, Minnie Driver, and Emilia Clarke. And, of course, Diana. “My fervent intention is to address the very essence of who and what Diana was so that we may all heal the lamentation of her passing which still scores the hearts and souls of many,” he says. For more information on Stewart Pearce, visit stewartpearce.com

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