Vol. 4 #3 | April 2018
SPRING IN NYC What To See & Do
WOMEN TAKE BROADWAY Three Must-See Shows
REAL ESTATE Michael Stoler’s News
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Contents
15
FEATURES 12 15 52 57 59
From The Publisher Charlie Palmer: Cooking Is Not His Only Passion Through the Lens with Annie Watt Tech Talk: Video Gaming Grows Up Spring In New York: What To See & Do
24
FASHION & BEAUTY 23 Aromatherapy 24 Arsen Gurgov: Stylist Creates “Shear” Perfection
TRAVEL 26 28 30 32 36
Cruise Control Hidden Hawaii St. Luis Obispo: Exploring California’s Central Coast Town & Country: Boston & Cape Cod Kalahari Resorts
36
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 41 42 45 48 50 64 66
Notes From DB 100 East 53rd Street 75 Kenmare Street The Preserve Club & Residences Michael Stoler: Silver Linings North Carolina: Thinking Of Retirement? HomeAway: Paradise Found For Owners/Renters
6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
42
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Contents
68
HEALTH & WELLNESS 68 72 74 75
In The Sprint Of Time Spa Scene: Allure Spa Sleep: Rest Easy Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence
FOOD & DRINK 76 78 81 84
ZAVO: Mediterranean Fare With Flair La Pulperia: Rustic Latin Cuisine Rose & Basil Café: NYC’s Secret Garden Dan Aykroyd: Stirring Up The World Of Spirits
76
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 86 88 90 92 96
On Stage On The Big Screen On The Small Screen Museum Happenings Spyscape: Find Your Inner Spy
86
NEW YORK, NY 98 101 104 106 108 110 112
Collector’s Haven: MAAC Brooklyn Bowl: Strike It Rich Paws Down, Tails Up Center for Children-Helping Families Heal Entrepreneur’s Corner: Phi Pham My New York Story: Ann Toback Time Out With Jamie deRoy
8 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS GRIFFIN MILLER Griffin’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Corporate & Incentive Travel, City Guide New York, Promenade, Hotels, For the Bride and others. Her articles for New York Metro Pare nts earned her multiple Parenting Media Association Editorial Gold Awards. She is a member of the New York Travel Writers Association, on the board of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America, and an award-winning collage artist. Also an actress and playwright, Griffin lives in Forest Hills, New York with her husband, Richard Sandomir of The New York Times, and their cats, Reggie and Cosmo. LAURIE BAIN WILSON As a travel writer for many years, Laurie has crisscrossed the globe. She is a travel correspondent at The Boston Globe, writing about New England’s stunning ocean and mountain destinations, as well as other dreamy spots on the planet. As the travel editor for ten years at Bridal Guide magazine, Laurie covered the world’s most romantic destinations and sexiest resorts. When she’s not writing about travel, she’s covering food and is a frequent contributor to OpenTable.com and Chowhound.com. She sometimes combines her two loves and writes about the trending culinary travel scene. She has written hundreds of travel articles for outlets including TravelChannel.com, CNN.com, and many others. She is also the author of a handful of travel guidebooks and co-authored several Murder, She Wrote novels. NATASHA BAZIKA An aspiring freelance j ou r na l ist , Nat asha is on a mission to create compelling content while living the best life she can. As an Australian born native, she has always had a taste for adventure and travel. Natasha has contributed to publications including Upscale Living, Signature Luxury Travel and Style (Sydney) and many more media outlets. She loves exploring the world and has written articles ranging from fashion to profiling philanthropists and influencers from around the world. Her current focus is on creating travel essays and content for publications, but the world is her oyster. 10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Vol. 4 #3 | April 2018 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole
Art Director Eric Duncan
Entertainment Editors Jenny Peters, Lori Simmons Zelenko
Fashion/Beauty Editor Ann Lawlor
Features Editors Clint Brownfield, Ruth J. Katz
Lifestyle Editor Griffin Miller
Real Estate Editor Daniel J. Bollinger
Special Projects Editor Norah Bradford
Chief Photographer Annie Watt Contributing Writers Natasha Bazika, Felicia Czochanski, Elizabeth Easton, Thomas Ferguson Lee Gabay, Jenna Guarneri, Dana Humphrey, Dr. Peter Kalellis Gretchen Kelly, Ellis Nassour, Ted Owen, Darren Paltrowitz, David Porter Anne Raso, Miriam Silverberg, Michael Stoler, Gerrie Summers Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Ann Toback, Laurie Bain Wilson, Nadine Wynn, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Brett Caldwell - Director of Integrated Sales and Marketing Gary Albanese - Senior Sales Director of NYC John Miller - Director of Sales - Travel Michael Stulmaker - Director of Sales - Real Estate Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim
Advertising BLUE VISTA 725
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For 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. © 2018 New York Lifestyles Magazine
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
ow that we’ve ripped up our bracket sheets and the first day of Spring has arrived, let me bring you up to speed on some special dates and important events happening in the city this month. Speaking of speed, let’s start with the New York International Auto Show that’s happening now at the Jacob Javits Center through April 8th. You can turbo charge your day by checking out the coolest concept cars, some of the highest tech trucks and SUV’s, and even test drive a Jeep through an outdoor obstacle course. On April 7 , grab your pillow and head over to Washington Square Park between 3 – 5 PM to take part in Pillow Fight NYC. This annual event draws thousands of locals and visitors alike who are eager to playfully whack one another with pillows. th
As we inch towards the middle of the month, two dates automatically make me think of my parents. The first is April 13th which lands on a Friday, one of only two this year in 2018 the other coming in July. My mother is a very superstitious person and like a lot of others consider this day to be “unlucky”. Did you know if you live in fear of the number 13 you suffer from triskaidekaphobia? Try saying that five times in a row! The other date is April 15th, most commonly known as Income Tax Day. For me, it is known as my father’s birthday. It’s also the day we remember the Titanic, when after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic and lost 1522 passengers and crew. A few other dates you should put on your calendar include the Tribeca Film Festival. For the 17th year in a row it will bring creators and audiences together from the April 18th – 29th. They will showcase some of the best independent and short films that will soon be seen across the country. Then, on April 22nd we celebrate Earth Day. So go ahead and stand up and take action to help end plastic pollution. Make this planet a greener place for future generations to come. Later this month, be sure to take time to enjoy the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden on April 28th – 29th. It’s a wonderful place to celebrate Japanese culture and the beauty of nature. Make sure to email me a picture that you have taken of this pink-petal mecca.
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THE LATEST FOR YOU & HOME
TRAVEL
IRELAND AT ITS BEST
REAL ESTATE BEST BUYS IN TOWN
FASHION
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DINING
ASIAN CUISINE WITH FLAIR
For my foodie friends, let’s not forget National Pretzel Day on April 26th. No matter your preference—salted or unsalted, thick or thin, soft or crunchy, straight or twisted—there is a style and flavor for everyone. Here’s a little bit of knowledge for you: Did you know pretzels are believed to be the world’s oldest snack? Back in 610AD, French monks baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child’s arms folded in prayer. Have a great month and I look forward to hearing from you with your comments and any suggestions you would like to see on the pages of New York Lifestyles Magazine and Pet Lifestyles Magazine.
-Bill Mason
Publisher
12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
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TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018
Mandarin Oriental 80 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10023
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FEATURES
NEW YORK CELEBRITY CHEF
HARLIE
ALMER
Cooking Is Not His Only Passion By Ellis Nassour
elebrity chef, Charlie Palmer, is a restaurateur, hotel owner, and cookbook author and is so out there that he must have cloned himself. Otherwise, it would be impossible to be, as he describes himself, “chief cook and bottle washer” of seven restaurants in New York City, including Aureole, the Michelin-starred flagship of his eatery empire in Times Square (celebrating 30 years this November). Then, of course, there are two venues in Las Vegas, two in Napa, and one each in Washington DC, Sonoma, and Reno. And did we mention vintner? If only that would be possible,” he says with a wry smile. Shooting down that rumor, Palmer, 58 and a towering 6’4” describes his routine as one week in New York, one week in D.C. and then one week alternating between the others, and a week to enjoy life. Sadly, the latter hasn’t always been possible. “It helps that I love what I do and that I have the most understanding wife in the world.”
©Paige Green
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15
CHANGE IS GOOD
A TEAM EFFORT
It will come as no surprise that Palmer is very hands-on at each one. “However,” he states, “running a chain of restaurants isn’t a one-man operation. It’s collaboration with my individual executive chefs and staff. We can spend millions building restaurants with beautiful dining rooms and state-of-the-art kitchens, but it’s all about the people on the team.” Besides that coveted Michelin star, Palmer has been honored twice by the James Beard Foundation, including being named New York’s Best Chef (1997). He was one of 16 chefs honored in PBS’ 1993 series, Cooking with Master Chefs, hosted by Julia Child, and is featured in the cookbook from the series. He’s written or co-written six cookbooks, the latest of which is 2015’s Charlie Palmer’s American Fare: Everyday Recipes from my Kitchen to Yours. Looking back, he realizes he’s been a risk taker. At 27, in the midst of the worst economy in a quarter century, he fulfilled his dream to own a restaurant. In 1988, he created Aureole in a five-story East 61st Street townhouse (a one-time home to Orson Welles). Tranquil on the exterior, but “in the kitchen, we had no boundaries. Anybody that came up with an idea, we’d try it. Some were amazing; others, made me wonder what the hell I was doing. My dad used to say, ‘Be smart about what you do.’ I finally realized that taking a breath, thinking, analyzing, and researching is the way to longevity.” This new outlook paid off. Aureole made Forbes’ luminous list of New York’s 20 four-star restaurants; later, to Business Insider’s list of 15 Highest Paid Chefs in America. Then, in 2009, Palmer stunned the world of gourmet cuisine when he put the townhouse up for sale and moved to a spacious, state-of-the-art restaurant smack-dab in Times Square on West 42nd Street. “I made the decision against all advice and odds,” he admits. “I was called crazy, told over and over it’s not going to work. Even I grew to wonder if it would.” 16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Of course, TriBeca, SoHo, and the Lower East Side were booming. But he was offered an arrangement with the Durst Organization to relaunch in the spectacular Bank of America Tower/ One Bryant Park (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues). He saw Times Square as the heartbeat of the city. “Big changes were afoot; and, since we’ve opened, things around us have changed for the better.” One change was the gutting of the interior of the landmarked BeauxArts Knickerbocker Hotel, built in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV (residents included Ziegfeld showgirls, Caruso, and George M. Cohan). It reopened in 2015 as Times Square’s premier luxury hotel. “Aureole is just across the street, so we were at the top of the list to create a restaurant there, Charlie Palmer at the Knick,” relates Palmer. He added new twists to his acclaimed cuisine “to create honest American cuisine” in an open kitchen. “We kept pace with trends and on the huge mansard roof opened a bar and lounge overlooking the New Year’s ball drop and lights of Broadway.” A far cry from where Charlie Palmer was born in upstate Smyrna, NY. He described his dad as “a jack of all trades. He was a plumber, an electrician, the go-to guy when anything went wrong.” His parents had a household appliance store. It was a large family: two older half-brothers and an older brother—all married with families. In fact, he says, “My oldest brother has been in the lumber business all his life. I worked in the lumber yard in summer. That was a career possibility.”
THE PASSION BEGINS
At 15, he got a job scrubbing pots and pans in the restaurant of the historic Dutch-Colonial Colgate Inn in Hamilton. Palmer says that “amid expert chefs and scrubbing pots and pans is where my passion for food began.” There, and at the home of family friend Sharon Crane, a home economics teacher at his high school. “My parents kept late hours at the store, so meal times were a bit hectic,” he relates. “I was invited to Sharon’s, and she was always busy baking—especially her famous gingersnap cookies.” She made the most fantastic dishes, quite different from what I was used to. Sharon became like an aunt. I watched, observed, soaked it all in, assisted. She opened my eyes to the possibility of a career as a chef. She just turned 84 and is still amazing.” (Sharon Crane’s gingersnaps are a turn-down amenity for guests at Palmer’s Archer Hotel in Napa.) Right out of high school, Palmer was accepted at the C.I.A. “I was the black sheep of the family,” he laughs. “My first year at the C.I.A., I knew I was on the right path. That didn’t go over so well with my parents and half-brother Leslie. They thought I was nuts.” Upon graduation, he headed to New York City. Among his early influences were Leon Dahnens (C.I.A.), Buzzy O’Keeffe (River Café), and Jean-Jacques Rachou (La Côte Basque). That path led to meeting the former prima ballerina, Lisa Villarini, who had retired from the American Ballet Theater and working as the dining room manager at Lafayette where Jean-Georges (Vongerichten) was chef. Palmer couldn’t help but become inebriated by the exotic and aromatic flavors coming from the kitchen. Palmer and Lisa married and they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last month. They have four boys: Cortland, graduated from the Walter A. Haas School of Business at Berkeley and is a New York banker. Randall, a graduate of NYU Tisch, is an L.A.-based screenwriter and author. Reed, graduates this year from the C.I.A.and has been accepted at Cornell, and Eric is studying film at NYU. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17
My first year at the C.I.A., I knew I was on the right path. That didn’t go over so well with my parents and half-brother Leslie. They thought I was nuts. THE MAN & HIS FOOD
We wondered, of course, what types of food this celebrity chef enjoys most. Surprisingly, it’s a simple menu: In winter, his tastes turn to “slow-braised meats and heart-warming types of food,” such as polentas, and soups.” As the temperature changes, he likes lighter dishes. “But I love a good burger, and eggs, bacon, and cheese. I could eat that every day!” Back when the couple’s children were at home, he regularly fired up the grill for big family meals. When he and Lisa are in New York, Palmer says he doesn’t cook as much. “There are too many excellent food options.” He turned away from classical French when he was drawn early-on to the concept of farm-to-table, “which started with the idealistic approach of local, artisanal-raised produce, poultry, meats, and game and how things are raised and cultivated. Everything’s farm-to-table—no matter what part of the world. In a good way, it put chefs in a position of that’s where quality begins.” From the time the Palmers married, says Chef Palmer, “We were planners, filled with dreams and ambition.” After opening his fourth restaurant here, they decided, “in ten years, as much as we love New York, we’re going to live parttime somewhere else. “At that point, we had the ability to think big. Of course, we didn’t know we were going to have four kids…” 18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Charlie Palmer and business partner, Clay Mauritson
VINEYARDS & WINE
From his early days at the River Café, Palmer had been interested in wine—“more so than most chefs.” When winemakers visited, he was anxious to spend time with them “because I wanted to learn.” He developed relationships with wine experts. “When we initiated our 10-year plan, we looked seriously at California wine country. We were drawn to Sonoma County and Healdsburg, a great little town with a quaint town square, and a nice place to raise a family.” Part of the appeal was the Russian River and the multi-generational community of grape growers. Since he grew up in a farming community, Palmer says it was part of his DNA. One of his dreams was to grow grapes. The couple built a home just outside the town center, where they planted a vineyard, now 12 years old, and produced Pinot Noir “in the greatest Pinot Noir-growing region in California.” With Bay area people traveling to wine country weekends or having second homes there, “we decided to not only make a second home but the location would be ideal for a restaurant. The next step was to build a hotel, the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza. Chef Palmer is, time and time again, asked, “What’s the next thing in modern-day cuisine?” He believes it’s cyclical, “like the economy, like the seasons. It’s a matter of the more we read, the more our tastes change and the more we, as chefs, become educated about the world food scene.” Which explains why he feels wine has become a considerable part of dining. “Besides our small vineyard, I’m in partnership with Clay Mauritson at Mauritson/Charlie Clay Wines.” He’s a third-generation grape grower. His father and brothers own hundreds of acres of vineyards and farm thousands more for others. He has become the first in his family to make wine. In addition to their Russian Valley Pinot Noir (2015), they have just shipped a new Chardonnay to the Palmer restaurants “It’s phenomenal,” he boasts. “It’s lightly oaked, so it is a big departure from the California Chardonnays people have loved for the last 20 years.” APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19
Mike Ellis, GM Michael Irving, Charlie Palmer ©Tony Powell
THE CP NYC EMPIRE
AUREOLE LIBERTY ROOM One Bryant Park 135 West 42nd Street
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Chef Palmer explains that the one constant that will always be in place in the restaurant business “is that the way we become better cooks is dependent on the very finest ingredients. That’s the standard that will never change. Everything has got to be fresh, well-sourced. In the kitchen, we apply the cooking techniques and do the embellishments. If we don’t mess it up in the kitchen, it’s going to be fantastic. As simplistic as that sounds, it’s the goal. The more I’ve been in the food world, I’ve learned that to cook at a high level it’s about technique and how we treat the ingredients. It’s all about attention to detail.” Finding the right people to partner with, those that are passionate about what they do, is hard. “We’ve been fortunate to find them and to be able to spend the time to grow them. When you find raw talent, you invest in them. That takes time and patience. It’s something we’ve been good at and what we can always be better at.” It also helps he has a connection at the C.I.A. and as he says, “one of the world’s best hunting grounds for discovering talent.” Palmer has a special pride in the venerable Hyde Park institution. He’s on the Board of Trustees and was its chairman for some years. Charlie and family
AUREOLE One Bryant Park 135 West 42nd St
UPPER STORY BY CHARLIE PALMER 979 Third Avenue at the D&D Building
CHARLIE PALMER STEAK 47 West 38th Street
CRIMSON & RYE 198 East 54th Street
JAKE'S @ THE KNICK 6 Times Square
A HEALTHIER MENU
Palmer consults with his chefs on cutting salt and butter and being creative with gluten-free choices. “At what I call my Modern American Steak Houses, it’s no longer just about red meat. In our Washington restaurant, we sell 50 percent less red meat and much more seafood and pasta. The secret is developing flavors without a lot of additives. It’s a much different world than when I started at La Côte Basque.”
CHARLIE PALMER AT THE KNICK 6 Times Square
“In the modern world we live in,” he points out, “everyone’s a critic. You have to pay more attention. However, when people become educated about food, dining, and wine, it’s better for us [chefs] because we’ve invested our lives. Palmer says that everything he and his teams do must be at a high level. “Customers have an expectation of value for the price.”
ST. CLOUD 6 Times Square
In the end, it’s really all about good food, the best wines, and exceptional service. Charlie Palmer certainly has accomplished that along with winning the hearts of his many New York fans. • 20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
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FASHION & BEAUTY
AROMATHERAPY By Ann Lawlor
pring forward with a spritz of luscious modern florals with undertones like rose, passion flower, and violet. These six new scents hit all the right notes. JO MALONE
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Marie Inspired by Marie Antoinette’s rose garden, this fragrance is modern, feminine and captures notes of violet, cedar and silky musk. Info: neimanmarcus.com.
JURLIQUE Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition Soothe, hydrate and balance skin with this unique blend of five rose extracts. Info: jurlique.com.
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23
FASHION & BEAUTY
ARSEN GURGOV
A HOT STYLIST CREATES “SHEAR” PERFECTION By Ruth J. Katz
ou might say that Russian-born Arsen Gurgov is a czar. Not the kind who once owned coveted Fabergé eggs and dwelled in Romanov palaces, but rather, a czar of transformation. It was Gurgov who appeared like the proverbial Edwards Scissorhands every week for nearly ten years on Today’s favorite Ambush Makeover segment. Wielding a pair of scissors and harnessing his discerning visual artistry for analyzing the face and its angles, he restyled and transformed hundreds of women’s everyday hairdos into glam locks and gorgeous looks. And while he was a wizard creating makeovers for two lucky ladies on TV each week, he also had his “day job” for nearly 20 years at the famous Louis Licari Salon (now LicariCutler), where he started as an apprentice. Today, he continues his magical transformations currently at his new, eponymous salon on East 60th Street. He is regularly featured in the media, including The New York Times, the New York Post, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Glamour, and InStyle as well as The View and GMA.
THE RARE STYLIST
Arsen Gurgov
In a field dominated by prima donnas with outsize egos, Gurgov is the rare celebrity stylist who is down-to-earth, warm, and genuine. His bold-face-name regular clients include Emmy Rossum, whose tresses he has tended for 17 years. Other devoted A-listers are Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, Julianne Moore, Ellen Barkin, Sandra Lee, and hockey great Brendan Shanahan. In his full-service, handsomely designed aerie off Madison Avenue, he and his corps of stylists (including renowned Ric Pipino) and colorists ply their magic with flat and curling irons, hairdryers, and pixie dust to help women look their best. “I have always been fascinated by architecture and graphic design,” notes the mane maestro. “Perhaps I would have studied something else that deals with spatial relationships, angles, and aesthetics, but it turned out that hair was my true calling.” He explains that he carefully studies the angles and aesthetics of a person’s face and determines the best way to visually create the most flattering illusion, to frame the face to its best advantage. Whether it’s to shorten a long face, widen a narrow one, camouflage a high forehead, flatter cheekbones, highlight sparkling eyes, or accentuate a dazzling smile, Gurgov says that he “can orchestrate it to do what we need it to do.” 24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
THE MANE EVENT To Gurgov, it’s all about the aesthetics of facial architecture and how to enhance it. “I take the look that a client wants and adapt it, altering it to suit her face. Not every hairdo, for obvious reasons, is going to be right for different women’s faces. I love to find the gold at the end of the rainbow— the perfect integration of a client’s fantasy hairdo with one that is reality-based for her face. I enjoy engineering the makeover and then showing her how to maintain that look with ease.” The expert stylist is among the first to introduce “hot scissors” to the States from Europe. The implement itself, which can cost nearly $2,000, is electric and generates heat—just over 300 degrees. It is the ultimate tool to obliterate and prevent split ends. With a cut using a traditional pair of shears, the hair’s cuticles remain open, but with hot scissors, the heat from the blades seals them, preventing split ends from developing further. It is an ideal method for taming frizzy and fly-away hair, and once cut with hot scissors, hair can grow stronger and more radiant, without the ends dividing. With heat and humidity just around the corner, Gurgov cautions to keep the head covered, if possible, as the sun wreaks havoc on all hair, especially colored hair. And for anyone with the frizzies, he recommends a keratin treatment for unmanageable, kinky, or too-curly hair, or simply unruly hair. Keratin (a natural hair protein) tames it all and Gurgov, an expert in keratin treatments, has developed a method that allows the hair to grow out without a line of demarcation. The keratin formula also includes silicone and other protein compounds and is painted on the hair, saturating it. With a flatiron, the solution is “sealed” into the hair shaft, taming it. The process takes an hour or two and results in shiny, smooth, straight hair, with generous volume and luster. The keratin will wash out over time, but likely will last three to four months. For more information on the Arsen Gurgov Salon, visit arsengurgov.com. © 2018 Ruth J. Katz All Rights Reserved •
HAIR ESSENTIALS • Humidity spoiling your hairline? For those itsy-bitsy, fly-away short ends of your hair, the HerStyler Mini Colorful Straightener is the perfect tool to tame wild and wayward frizzy curls. Lightweight and easy-to-pack, the ceramic plates heat up in 30 seconds and the whole gizmo is less than 6” long. Priced $15.95 at herstyler.com • Fifteen years ago, when StrivectinSD Intensive Concentrate for skin, hit beauty counters, it was hailed as the best thing since sliced bread. Well, the StriVectin Company has done it again with a line of haircare products, geared toward keeping hair younger, vibrant, voluminous, sleek, and shiny. With seven products to choose from, there is bound to be something for you. Priced from $10 to $44 at strivectin.com. —RJK
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 25
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CRUISE CONTROL SAILING THE MIGHTY AMAZON By Patti Pietschmann
hile we have taken hundreds of cruises during our travel/cruise writing career, the Seabourn Quest voyage that took us from the tropics through the mighty Amazon was without a doubt one of the most romantic and interesting—awesome, fantastic, about as good as it gets. After years of planning, my first mate Richard and I would finally cruise the mighty river on the spectacular 450-passenger Seabourn Quest. The 15-day Caribbean/Amazon cruise sailed from Fort Lauderdale to romantic, sun-soaked ports such as St. Barths, Guadeloupe, Jost Van Dyke (BVI), Barbados, and other Caribbean ports. But like most of the well-heeled passengers on board, we eagerly awaited the entry to the Amazon. Embarkation for this voyage was typically Seabourn seamless with check-in at The Square—a hub of the ship stocked with friendly, helpful staff (like Belindah who made ‘house’ calls to help get the WiFi up and working on our laptops). Also located at The Square are computers, books and the piece de resistance, a coffee bar with talented baristas where we get our daily morning jolt of joe before we have breakfast and hit the pool. In addition to going ashore in all the Caribbean ports and swimming at our favorite Shell Beach in St. Barths, the Quest provided plenty of diversions ranging from lectures to entertainment, spa services, workout classes in the nicely-equipped fitness center and of course delicious meals in The Restaurant, Colonnade, Grill and Restaurant 2. Prior to the grand entry into the Amazon, there was a special lecture in the Grand Salon with eager passengers giving their rapt attention to destinations manager Claudio as he spoke about the upcoming Amazon River. In two days, we would reach the Amazon’s vast delta in Brazil and begin a thousand-mile journey into the heart of the great river’s tropical rainforest. And now Claudio was delivering a mild dose of reality. “It will rain,” he said. “There will be mud ashore. Don’t wear flip-flops. It will be hot and humid. Dress in light clothing. Wear a hat. There will be mosquitos everywhere.” He glanced up at the concerned faces and stated, “The key is flexibility.” 26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Sky Bar
The sea was mottled with brown when we woke on the morning the ship was approaching Brazil and the Amazon. The great river pours out so much water—as much as a third of the fresh water released by all the world’s rivers—that the salty Atlantic can be diluted and colored silty tan 100 miles from its mouth. And today, before reaching the vast delta, we will reach the Equator. The ship glided into the Amazon and stopped briefly at Macapa, a small city closest to the delta, to clear Brazilian immigration. Then she headed upstream for a day not at sea but at river before reaching our first river port at Santarem, about 275 miles away. It’s difficult to gauge speed when heading against the river current, but we are making a surprising 15-plus knots with the depth of the water about 60 feet, about average for the length of the Amazon. The river that the Portuguese called a “river sea” doesn’t seem boundless in this stretch as the forested northern bank is close enough to see individual trees. That is something of an illusion since much of the nearest land is a series of islands within the river itself.
Pool
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS There were many special moments on board the Seabourn Quest such as pre-dinner cocktails at a Cheerslike bar on the Observation Deck where Martin, the talented Irish mixologist not only remembered our name and favorite drink but also prepared it to order and entertained us. It is where a group of about ten passengers from all over the world met and got to know each other. Another memorable occasion was a trip to a Manaus market with Chef Andreas Lang to shop for fish, fruit, and vegetables to be prepared for dinner that night.
Global Travel + Tours & EXCURSIONS
THE SUITE LIFE Our suite had a balcony and was ideally located on the same deck as The Square, two flights up from the free laundromat (which we used often) and just below the Colonnade where we enjoyed many lunches and casual dinners. It came with a table and chairs, sofa, queen bed, bathroom with double vanity, shower, tub, robes, slippers and lots of upscale amenities. The in-suite WiFi worked remarkably well. A nice touch on all Seabourn ships is a large wall clock.
“Where Luxury Meets Passion”
Come, Join Us!
One Day Excursion Swimming with the Pigs
Spanish Wells or
SEEING THE WORLD BY SHIP What better way to see the world than by cruising the seas (or in this case the rivers). It’s a hassle-free way where your cabin becomes your hotel room. And you just pack/unpack once. With cruises to Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond, The Seabourn line is mostly all-inclusive meaning you never have to tip. For more information on Seabourn cruises, visit seabourn.com •
+ Optional Adventures Exuma, The Bahamas
Harbour Island – Pink Sand Beach
Please visit our website for other “Wonder” Excursions!
242.477.4103 242.803.4918
alkrallis@gmail.com globaltravelparadiseisland.com
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27
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HIDDEN HAWAII
A VISIT TO LESS-EXPLORED PLACES By Jenny Peters
es, it’s true. The Hawaiian Islands are stunningly gorgeous, each with a different overall feel and some unique landscapes. And while the islands invite visitors to luxurious beachfront resorts and restaurants, we found other appealing ways to see the real Hawaii on the islands of Oahu and Kauai. Here, some places where you can discover nature and explore the ways that locals are still practicing ancient Hawaiian traditions. OAHU
If you’ve never been to Oahu or Honolulu before, then do take a gander at Waikiki—it’s a must-see, iconic Hawaiian spot. For a cool place to sleep, try the Surfjack Hotel, a boutique hotel just off the beach, that boasts an iconic swimming pool and a terrific local farm-totable restaurant called Mahina & Suns specializing in Hawaiian home cooking. Wander along the beach, take in the views of Diamond Head in the distance and get wet with a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard, or outrigger canoe rental. If you’ve timed your trip to coincide with the annual Aloha Festivals (the beautiful 72nd Annual Floral Parade is September 29th right in the heart of downtown Honolulu), you’ll see get a month-long glimpse of many Hawaiian island traditions, too. 28 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
But if you’ve been there, seen that, why not head West to our new favorite spot on Oahu, where the land is a bit wilder, and the natural beauty is spectacular. You’ll notice that the population dwindles and the roads become clear; that’s when you know you’ve made it to the Western side of the island. Choose a home base of either the incredibly serene Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina or (if you have children along) Disney’s Aulani Resort, both located on the calm Kohola Lagoon. A must-do is head out on a guided outrigger canoe trip for a funfilled (and not too strenuous) afternoon. It’s also the perfect place to watch as the sun sets on the horizon. After, take in the Hawaiian healing therapies found at the Naupaka Spa at the Four Seasons. We recommend the Lomi Lomi massage. There’s plenty to see under the water on the Western side as well. Scuba diving to the old wreck, Sea Tiger, with Nani Kai Charter Dive Company is incredibly fun and educational. Sea turtles and tropical fish greet divers. The company offers bespoke dive tours complete with all the gear you need, allowing you to choose the perfect time (even at night) for your undersea excursion. Staying on the Western side of Oahu allows visitors easy access to a real bucket-list experience: a helicopter tour like no other. Book a Paradise Helicopters Tour, at Kalaeloa Airport in Kapolei. Their Oahu Circle Experience provides an island tour along with a remote hilltop landing to pop a bottle of bubbly (be sure not to get too close to the edge)!
Oahu
KAUAI A visit to Kauai, “The Garden Island,” is the least-visited of the four main Hawaiian Islands. You won’t find massive traffic jams here, for this gorgeously green place is a quiet, more laid-back. This is good especially for those wanting to commune with nature. Choose the lovely Koloa Landing Resort on the Southern Coast as your base. Here you’ll be transported to a place that feels like home, complete with a historic old town that features a shave ice stand and an ice cream shop. Then let the adventures begin, with every day offering an exhilarating experience. Hit the beach for some snorkeling, or go for a few dives in the warm, clear waters. Go mountain river tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. Be sure to head to Kipu Ranch, too, and jump into a UTV for an exhilarating off-road drive across beautiful landscapes until you reach a secluded waterfall. Both are exciting and unforgettable trips. For a less adrenaline-filled day, take in the massive Allerton Gardens where guides will be happy to identify all the exotic plants that call Hawaii home; be sure to watch for birds and other critters along the way, too. Then be sure to take a ride to the Northern tip of the island, where Limahuli Garden and Preserve awaits just before the road ends at the wild Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park. The preserve is keeping many Hawaiian growing traditions alive and is a fascinating place to learn about how ancient Hawaiians lived before Westerners arrived on the islands. If you have time, be sure to take the helicopter tour (there are several offered near Princeville). The ride takes you to Waimea Canyon, the wildly lush canyon where the volcano that made the island imploded eons ago, as well as the Na Pali Coast, those iconic, rugged and mostly inaccessible cliffs filled with waterfalls, jagged peaks, and incredible landscapes. That ride is a perfect way to complete your off-the-beaten-path Hawaii experience; and if these aren’t remote enough to make you feel like you have left the world behind, consider going to Molokai on your next Hawaiian vacation, the out-of-the-way island that doesn’t even have a single stoplight. Kauai
For more information on Oahu and Kauai (and all of Hawaii), visit gohawaii.com. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29
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SAN LUIS OSBISPO
EXPLORING CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL COAST By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva
hinking about a trip to sunny California, MORRO BAY but you want to experience something Sitting on the balcony of our “over-the-water” room at the boutique away from the hustle and bustle of cities Anderson Inn (andersoninnmorrobay.com) in Morro Bay, we like Los Angeles and San Francisco? Why not enjoyed a spectacular view of the famed Morro Rock. Located on The Embarcadero, all eight rooms have a view of the try a SLO CAL—otherwise known as San Luis directly harbor and all its wildlife: Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and Obispo County. How does 315 days of sunshine; water fowl are abundant. Experience the beauty of the bay on a kayak breathtaking landscapes; award-winning tour with Central Coast Outdoors. Owner John Flaherty provides an breweries, distilleries, and wineries; 80 miles of informative narration on the ecology of Morro Bay and the National beautiful coastline; and a variety of hip, fresh Estuary, its wildlife and its thriving oyster farms. culinary scenes sound? Located halfway between For landlubbers outdoor activities await visitors. Rent a bike to Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Central Coast explore town, or if you prefer hop on the bike path at Coleman Park radiates California’s “laid-back” attitude in towns next to Morro Rock and cruise north along Morro Beach. Hike Black Hill for a spectacular 360-degree view. Other activities include like Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach. Anderson Inn - Morro Bay
paddle boarding, whale watching, bay cruises, and fishing charters. Golfers will love the chance to play Morro Bay Golf Course, dubbed “The Poor Man’s Pebble Beach” with ocean and bay views from every hole. Don’t miss Montana de Oro State Park, located six miles southwest of Morro Bay. The Bluff Trail, an easy-to-moderate walk, offers spectacular views of the rocky coast and cliffs. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll along Morro Bay’s waterfront and browse the shops and galleries, sample some wonderful regional wine at one of the tasting rooms or wine bars. Stop in at STAX Wine Bar & Bistro where you can choose from a large selection of local and international wines as well as a variety of craft beers. Dining in Morro Bay, a working fishing village, is a treat for seafood lovers. Windows on the Water is an excellent dining choice with spectacular water views. Try the Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing served with Grilled Squash. Dorn’s Breakers Café is also a great choice for fresh seafood, and the sunsets from the patio are stunning. Established in 1942, Dorn’s has been a family-run restaurant for three generations. A popular choice is Calamari Steak garnished with sautéed mushrooms in butter and wine.
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PISMO BEACH
For a classic California beach town—one with a beautiful beach, festive boardwalk, active surf scene, boutique shops, and great food— check out Pismo Beach. Stroll the boardwalk and hang out on the pier to watch the surfers. Or rent some fishing gear and join the locals trying their luck. Shell Beach, a lovely beach community adjacent to Pismo Beach, is known for its outstanding vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Pack a picnic and catch the last rays of sun from the gazebo in Margo Dodd Park. For those planning a trip between October and February be sure to head to the Monarch Butterfly Grove where thousands of Monarchs cluster in the limbs of eucalyptus trees. A great place to stay is The Inn at The Pier (theinnatthepier.com). This upscale inn sits just steps from the pier and boardwalk and offers great ocean views from nearly every room. The vibe at The Rooftop, a restaurant and bar offering small plates and signature cocktails, is infectious. With a collection of inviting fire pits, a dipping pool, hot tub, and killer sunset views, The Rooftop is sure to get you into that laid-back California mood. The Inn’s restaurant, Blonde, was a true surprise. Much more than conveniently located in the hotel lobby, the restaurant serves “upscale casual contemporary beach fare.” Call it what you like—we just know our meals were outstanding.
Inn at the Pier
Pismo Beach Pier Hotel
AVILA BEACH
Here you will find the Land of Ahh’s: Golfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and biking the popular Bob Jones Trail. After an active day, treat yourself to a soothing soak in the therapeutic hot mineral soaking pool at Avila Hot Springs. After a rejuvenating experience, head to the boardwalk to enjoy a rewarding dining experience at Blue Moon over Avila, a delightful seaside wine bar and French bistro reminiscent of the French Riviera. Blue Moon focuses on wines from around the world and global cuisine prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Ask for a table on the patio and try the Free-Range Organic Mary’s Chicken served with Lemon Risotto. You won’t be disappointed.
THE SLO LIFE Your visit to SLO CAL should include a stop in the town touted as one of the “Happiest Places in America.” A vibrant and walkable college town, San Luis Obispo has a Mediterranean marine climate and thousands of acres of protected open space, which beckon people to get outside and slow down. Hike one of the many surrounding trails or walk its quaint streets to explore the many shops, galleries, and eateries and cafes. Tour its world-class wine region, the Edna Valley. Maybe it’s the pleasant climate; or the wonderful epicurean scene; or possibly the fact you can get from downtown to the beach and wine country in a matter of minutes. For more information about San Luis Obispo County, visit slocal.com. •
FROM THE GRAPEVINE
Halter Ranch Vineyard
Another must-see in SLO CAL is a tour of Paso Robles Wine Country, particularly the winding roads of the Adelaida District. Tasting rooms beckon guests to relax, sip, and soak in the beauty of the vine-covered hillsides. We especially enjoyed the Excursion Tour at Halter Ranch Vineyard, where our guide’s jeep took us through the vineyard as he explained the history of Halter Ranch. We then toured the state-of-the-art winery and the caves, before ending with a tasting. A complimentary one-hour Winery & Cave Tour is available. (Reservations are required for all tours.) For more information on Wine Tours, visit pasowine.com. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31
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TOWN & COUNTRY BOSTON/CAPE COD: EAT, STAY & PLAY By Laurie Bain Wilson
ou’re a museum-loving, sophisticated city slicker, and your partner is a beach-loving, freshair country type. Planning for a long weekend/getaway is tough going. The answer? A favorite of many: Boston and Cape Cod. Spend a night, or a couple of nights in Boston, a romantic town with European charm—cobblestoned streets, world-class museums, parks for romantic picnics, restaurants with the freshest seafood, and a storied baseball stadium. And, Cape Cod is where you’ll find ribbons of unspoiled beaches, weathered clam shacks, darling villages and roadside antique shops. The two destinations are just about an hour drive apart or, you can take a ferry from Long Wharf in Boston (near Faneuil Hall), where you’ll board Salacia, said to be the largest, fastest catamaran in the country, and arrive in Provincetown in less than 90 minutes. Here, some ideas for where to eat, stay, play in Boston and Cape Cod.
BOSTON Boston is arguably one of America’s most romantic towns. Hook arms and stroll the banks of the Charles River—or bike to Cambridge, home to Harvard, just across the river. City slickers will eat up the world-class museums and shop in the boutiques that line Newbury Street. EAT Select Oyster This brownstone spot just off Newbury Street is a pearl. The vibe is a cozy neighborhood, and you can expect the freshest of local oysters and seafood. Info: selectoyster.com. Harvest Julia Child was a regular (Table 102 is known as Julia’s Corner) at this Cambridge restaurant. She loved the fine French wines served here, as well as American cuisine like Roasted Chicken. Info: harvestcambridge.com. 32 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Boston Public Market Boston’s got many swaths of green for a picnic. Grab some picnic provisions from the 40-plus local vendors at this indoor market at Haymarket Station—like a chunk of cave-aged cheese from The Cellars at Jasper Hill or a lobster roll from Red’s Best. Info: bostonpublicmrket.org). Tip: Take your goodies to the nearby Rose Kennedy Greenway for a romantic picnic. The North End New York’s Little Italy is Boston’s North End. There are many Italian restaurants, and Italian bakeries—Mike’s Pastry (mikespastry.com) and Modern Pastry (modernpastry.com) are two of the most popular spots for cannoli’s and cappuccinos and other treats. Saltie Girl A darling, Newbury Street-ish tin-sized restaurant with 25 seats. The menu: fried waffles and lobster with sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup, an amazing raw bar, and sustainable tinned fish specials, too. Info: saltiegirl.com. STAY The Verb Hotel The best adjective to describe the Verb hotel is retro fun. It’s a ‘70s and ‘80s music-themed hotel with a vinyl library and record player in the guestrooms. But baseball fans will score big here, too—the hotel is adjacent to Fenway and many rooms look out at the ballpark. A great spot to stay after a game—and your dog is more than welcome, too. Info: theverbhotel.com. Boston Harbor Hotel This five-star hotel is Boston defined. It’s located on the Boston Harbor waterfront at historic Rowes Wharf (you can dock and dine) and features music concerts (during warm weather), an award-winning restaurant, Le Meritage, and handsome guestrooms that are spacious and have cityscape or harbor views. Understated elegance like the town it represents so well. Info: bhh.com. Loews Boston Hotel With a convenient Back Bay location, this 222room hotel has a past—it’s the former Boston Police Headquarters. The Precinct Kitchen + Bar here is lively—and the outdoor patio, with flat-screen TVs, is an arresting spot for a cold Sam Adams, good conversation and a Red Sox game. Info: loewshotels.com/boston-hotel. Element Boston Seaport/Aloft Boston Seaport If you want to explore the Seaport District—or downtown Boston—by bike, the complimentary Bikes-to-Borrow program is one reason to stay at the Element Boston Seaport. Complimentary breakfast and a nightly reception with wine and apps is another. Info: elementbostonseaport.com. Sister property Aloft is a fun stay for tech-lovers. The hotel is Starwood-Marriott’s tech-forward incubator—book one of the voiceactivated rooms, and you’ll get an iPad with a custom app that you’ll use to control your in-room experience (think “Hey Siri, please turn on the lights.”) There’s a cool WXYZ Bar, too. Info: aloftbostonseaport.com. XV Beacon This 62-room boutique hotel sits pretty near the Boston Common and Freedom Trail, and the private Roof Deck has skyline views. Each guestroom features a gas fireplace, and the hotel will also let you test drive two of Lexus’ coveted cars, the RX450h F Sport and the GS350 F Sport between 8 AM and 8 PM. Or, take advantage of the complimentary chauffeured house car service to spots within three miles of the hotel. Info: xvbeacon.com. The Mandarin Oriental, Boston Located in convenient Back Bay, this hotel has the only Forbes Five-Star awarded spa in Massachusetts, exceptional service, and Bar Boulud, a Frenchinspired bistro for Champagne sipping. Info: mandarinoriental. com/boston/back-bay/luxury-hotel. Taj Boston Across from the Public Garden, and around the corner from Newbury Street’s best boutiques, the Taj is a luxe stay for an urban getaway. Bonus: The hotel is also sustainability-conscious and home to 12 apiaries on the third and 17th floors of the hotel— the chef at Café at Taj Boston uses the hyperlocal honey in cocktails and some dishes. Info: thetajboston.com. The Ritz-Carlton Boston This hotel in the Theater District lives up to its Ritz name. You’ll want to book a deluxe city view guestroom that overlooks Boston and Boston Common for a peek at Boston from above. Bonus: Channel the 1950s in the retro-chic Avery Bar. Info: ritzcarlton.com. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33
PLAY Fenway Park Baseball lovers will want to take in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Or, you can also tour America’s oldest baseball park (1912)—built by Irish immigrant Charles Logue who arrived from Country Derry in 1881. Take the tour and you’ll see the famed Green Monster, up-close bullpen views. Info: mlb.com/redsox/ballpark. The Freedom Trail One of Boston’s popular attractions is The Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile, red-lined trail that takes in 16 historic sites, including the USS Constitution, Paul Revere’s House and the Bunker Hill Monument. Start at the Boston Common and end in Charlestown—you can do it yourself, at your own pace, or, book one of the organized tours like Ye Olde Tavern Tours “because beer makes history even better”. Info: yeoldetaverntours.com. Culinary aficiandos can book the Boston Foodie Tours’ fun Feed’em Trail Historical Scavenger Hunt. Info: bostonfoodietours.com.
The Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum The art is world-class, but this gem of a museum also shows off rich gardens and a lovely courtyard—works of art that rival the paintings hanging on the walls. Info: gardnermuseum.org.
CAPE COD The Cape is shaped like a muscular arm—you’ve got the pretty village of Chatham at the elbow and Provincetown at the wrist, and both should be on your Cape bucket list. Sleepy seaside towns such as Wellfleet are not too far from P-Town, and where you’ll find lovely art galleries and the popular bars that locals and visitors gravitate to after a day on the beach.
Fenway Park
EAT Quahog Republic Dive Bar This is a wicked popular spot in Falmouth, a favorite dive bar with quahog chowder, stuffed quahogs, “monsta lobstah rolls” and a solid local vibe that’ll give you a real taste of Cape Cod. Info: quahogrepublic.com. Chillingsworth Restaurant Elegant, but not suffocating, Chillingsworth is housed in a late 1600’s house in Brewster. Expect dishes like Warm Brewster Oysters and Seared Cape Scallops. For a more casual setting and smaller bites, there’s Chill’s Bistro and Bar. Info: chillingsworth.com. Chatham Squire Inn The wildly popular Chatham Squire in the heart of preppy downtown Chatham is spot-on for a local brew and steamers—and a lively bar scene. Info: thesquire.com. The Harbor Lounge A lounge and restaurant in Provincetown that’s loved for its martinis and intoxicating harbor views—come at sunset. Info:theharborlounge.com.
Lobster Roll Ocean Edge Resort
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Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar For the best-fried clams on the Cape, this roadside spot, that’s also on the Cape Cod Bike Trail, is a goldmine. There are picnic tables to dine—and the lobster dinners come with the works (corn on the cob, chowder, steamers). Info: arnoldsrestaurant.com.
Cape Cod
STAY Ocean Edge Resort This sprawling 429-acre mansion seaside resort has one of the Cape’s best seasonal beach bars—on a dune where you’ll want to sip a Cape Codder at sunset (exclusive for hotel guests only). There are condo-style accommodations (best for families and pets), but couples will want to stay in the Mansion guestrooms with access to a private beach—and that beach bar. Tee off at the 18-hole Nicklausdesigned golf course, swim in your pick of pools, play tennis on clay courts, and who can resist the serenity-now Beach House Spa. Info: oceanedge.com. Eben House An absolutely charming inn in the heart of Provincetown, and just a quick walk to the ferry from Boston, this is where you want to stay in P’Town. A gourmet breakfast is included in the sweet breakfast room, and there’s a saltwater pool for a swim and a sun soak. Info: ebenhouse.com.
Ocean Edge Beach Bar
Chatham Bars Inn If you love an inn with a porch for a cocktail and water views, this is a good bet. Book a room in the historic inn, spread out in one of the cottages, or in a sexy spa suite for a wellness experience. And get out on the water, on one of the resort’s luxury boat fleets for a lobster pulling, oyster digging or fishing excursion. Info: chathambarsinn.com. Lamb and Lion This award-winning inn in Barnstable is uniquely welcoming, fun and lovely. Pack the dog—this inn is also one of the most pet-friendly inns on the planet. Book a room, a suite, a converted horse stable or barn—you’ll hang by the solar-heated swimming pool, in the year-round hot-tub, in the wellness studio (massage, hello!) and linger over breakfast in your room, poolside or, wherever you want. Info: lambandlion.com. Captain’s House Inn Within walking distance of the Chatham Fish Pier and beach, this Cape favorite in Chatham has deluxe suites with whirlpools and soaking tubs, and fireplaces, too. And, you can take breakfast and tea in the lovely gardens in the warmer months. Info: captainshouseinn.com.
PLAY Cape Cod National Seashore One of the Cape’s treasures is this 40-mile stretch of land and sea between Eastham and Provincetown. There are almost a dozen self-guided trails to explore, and two visitor centers, too. Beach bums rejoice. Info: nps.gov/caco/index.htm.
Chatham Beach
Art’s Dune Tours Take a dune buggy tour through the Cape Cod National Seashore, and you’ll see not only miles of dunes and beachscapes but dune shacks where artists have lived through the years—and still do. Special: Book the sunset lobster bake tour. Info: artsdunetours.com. Cape Cod Baseball League It may not be the MLB or Fenway Park, but most of the players that play in this prestigious Cape league end up playing professional baseball, including Jason Varitek and Jacoby Ellsbury. Practically every Cape town has a team and home ballpark where you’ll cheer on the next generation of major league players—one of the Cape’s most popular summer pastimes. Info: capecodbaseball.org. Chatham Don’t miss a visit to this quintessential preppy New England village. Main Street is lined with shops and restaurants—and Chatham Candy Manor for a piece of homemade fudge (watch them make it, too). Info: candymanor.com. Miniature Golf Cape Cod takes mini golf very seriously, and you’ll find fun courses in practically every town. One of the best: Pirate’s Cove in South Yarmouth—it’s a fantasy of pirates and waterfalls. Info: piratescove.net. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Take a walking tour to get the most out of this incredible marine science research institution in Woods Hole. Woods Hole is also where you can catch a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for the day. Info: whoi.edu. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35
TRAVEL
KALAHARI RESORTS NO PASSPORT REQUIRED By Patricia Canole
alahari Resorts & Conventions isn’t your typical resort. Its authentically African theme is designed to bring families together. The African spirit of “togetherness” is reflected in every aspect of the resort, like the handpicked African grown coffee beans, handcrafted artwork, and a welcoming ambiance like no other. “It’s all part of Kalahari’s commitment to bring guests a beyond-expectations experience,” says Donald Pleau, General Manager of the resort. Back in the early ‘90s, Todd Nelson and family, who now own the Kalahari Resorts empire, completed a 23-day trip to Africa to reconnect with the land that inspired their vision, strengthen the ties with various communities throughout the continent, and source items for the Pocono Mountains property. Todd Nelson said, “The majesty of Africa and the continent’s culture is our inspiration for the resort and a key driver in every decision we make. The spirit and culture of Africa have long inspired my family, ever since our first visit to the continent more than 20 years ago.” The trip brought extraordinary family bonding: the Nelsons climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, saw the Big Five up close on a rugged safari, witnessed the Mara River crossing among lurking crocodiles, para-glided, and explored Zanzibar and Zimbabwe’s delicious offerings. Today, there are a total of three Kalahari Resorts located throughout the U.S. with the latest—and largest—situated just 100 miles from NYC in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. A fourth is already on the drawing board and to be located in Texas. 36 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
IT’S A JUNGLE IN THERE
“Kalahari was built by a family for families,” explained Pleau “and we pride ourselves on offering amenities and activities for all ages. Here, some of what to expect once you arrive: Indoor Waterpark Boasting 220,000 square feet of space, the indoor waterpark features a variety of thrilling slides, a wavepool, an extended lazy river and adult swim-up bars. The waterpark also houses an enhanced area called Coral Cove, where pint-size adventurers can enjoy a zero-depth entry water play area featuring slides, bouncers, mini-basketball and more. Other popular activities include: • Flowrider - Test your bodyboarding/surfing skills on a 5-foot wave simulator. The Flowrider is a safe and controlled environment for learning how to ride the waves. • Mermaid/Shark Lessons - Here’s the opportunity to dress up as a mermaid or shark and dive in to enjoy what it must be like to be a creature of the deep. Family Entertainment Center The Big Game Room features hundreds of the newest arcade games, simulators and redemption games for the entire family. Beyond games, families can enjoy other fantastic experiences including the 7-D motion theater, escape room and virtual reality experience with The Arena: • The Arena Virtual Reality is powered by Zero Latency, where guests are transported into a digital realm. Taking on a new identity, their surroundings are an ever-changing, computergenerated landscape that will shock and amaze all senses. Players can choose experiences ranging from hunting zombies with Zombie Survival to flying through enchanted cities with Engineerium. Spa Kalahari & Salon Relax and rejuvenate at Spa Kalahari where guests are pampered with such treatments as the Hydro Oasis experience, Halotherapy, body treatments, salon services and more. Bugs Burrow The experience offers youngsters the chance to imagine what it would be like if they were the size of a bug. The community of Bugs Burrow features a myriad of lovable cartoon insects and critters that welcome Kalahari’s smallest guests to splash, play and have fun. Gorilla Grove TreeTop Adventures The seasonal outdoor aerial adventure park features rope courses—a total of eight—comprised of 87 elements and designed for guests to enjoy at all levels from kids to beginners and experts. The aerial adventure park is the only one of its kind in the Pocono Mountains. The Adventurer’s Club Guests enjoy the daily adventures of the resort’s iconic characters and the Adventurers’ Club. Every Saturday, guests are welcomed to join Kenya’s Birthday Breakfast along with other activities including coloring contests and photo opportunities. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37
SUITE DREAMS
“The nearly 1,000 rooms of the resort capture the authenticity of the African continent,” Pleau told us. The African-themed resort is filled with artifacts, stunning photos, and other items that Nelson and his family have personally gathered during the many trips they have taken to the continent. It helps give Kalahari a sense of authenticity. There are a variety of accommodations available from roomy suites for couples to suites for larger families. “There is even a honeymoon suite with a heart-shaped whirlpool,” Pleau added. “After all, this is the Pocono Mountains. All guest rooms include a coffee maker, a vacation-sized refrigerator, a microwave, free WiFi, voicemail, HD-TV, an in-room safe, and lots more.”
DELIGHTFUL DINING
The resort provides it all from grab-and-go snacks to fine cuisine and everything in between. Here, a selection of places to refuel or simply sit back and relax. B-Lux Grill & Bar Home of handcrafted burgers and shakes, the new restaurant captures the latest craves through its robust influence of American-style food with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. Double Cut Charcoal Grill Kalahari’s signature steakhouse experience featuring premium cuts of meat, craft cocktails, family-style sides and more. Sortino’s Italian Kitchen A restaurant where the accent is on flavorful, excellently prepared Italian cuisine in a family atmosphere. Look for brick-oven pizza, homemade pastas and a large variety of cocktails and wine. Be sure to save room for the special cannoli cart dessert featuring three pastry shells filled tableside with ricotta and mascarpone. Great Karoo Features multiple food stations and picture-perfect pastries. The restaurant has a full African theme and serves breakfast and dinner. Ivory Coast A relaxing atmosphere to enjoy breakfast, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and your favorite beverages. Java Manjaro The coffee shop serves a jolt of espresso and cappuccino drinks, smoothies, a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and assorted desserts. Features Rwandan blend coffee from Africa. The Last Bite Indulge in hand-dipped chocolate, fabulous caramel apples, homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, ice cream and more. Marrakesh Market Grab-and-go foods and snacks, bazaarstyle shopping, unique gifts and authentic-African items. Felix’s Bar/Paxton Grotto Adult guests can enjoy savoring a cocktail or beer at this enclosed swim-up bar. It’s the perfect weekend getaway. At Kalahari, you will feel you’ve arrived home—and may not want to leave! Sortino’s cannoli bar
38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
For more information on Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Poconos, visit kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania. •
POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA
We bring the spirit of Africa to life in the world’s coolest indoor waterparks at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Our parks feature rides and activities that everyone in your family will love. Every splash and smile are pieces of an unforgettable adventure your family will cherish forever.
KALAHARIRESORTS.COM | 1-877-KALAHARI
© 2018 Kalahari Development LLC
. E C N O G N U T HE Y ’ R E Y O . S E I R O M E M H T I W M E H T D F L OO
DANIEL J BOLLINGER • New Development Expert • Knows NYC & Brooklyn • Relocation Specialist • Commercial Experience Contact Daniel for all of your real estate needs:
Daniel J Bollinger Licensed Real Estate Salesperson T: 646-677-0627 C: 718-662-9493 DJB@kwnyc.com 379 Broadway | New York, NY 10013
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
NOTES FROM DB By Daniel J. Bollinger
THE MARKET
The world is changing drastically, from the stock market to international politics to real estate... and it is good, bad, and ugly. The NYC real estate market continues to soften as I have been forecasting. There has been some decent activity in the luxury market in 2018, but these sales have been discounted at an average of 10 percent. Manhattan luxury sales are down 20 percent from last year, and the first two months of 2018 make for the slowest sales activity since the 2008 recession started to turn around. We see price reductions in all areas of the market, most drastically at the top end. Watch for price reductions to continue through 2018, as more and more inventory comes to market. There are 40 more new developments completing and coming to market this spring alone (rentals and sales). Combine that with a volatile stock market and political tensions, and it makes for good, bad, and ugly. There is good in all this, but let’s start with the bad and ugly.
THE BAD
Wall Street is a wild roller coaster ride with triple-digit index point swings every week, sometimes with every breaking news story. Gone are the days of the record-breaking 25,000 level ‘jubilee’ and very somber and serious discussions have entered the CNBC realm. Many pundits including Alan Greenspan and Carl Icahn speak of impending dangers in the bond and stock markets. Many guests on Squawk Box continually say, “I do not see a recession,” which eerily reminds me of 2008 when nobody seemed to see any real estate/financial crisis. There is a “wait and see” feeling in all of the business news. All of this reflects the volatility of the stock market.
THE UGLY
Political instability is causing some of the stock market volatility. Threats of a global tariff war (which bodes terribly for all consumers worldwide), constant political turnover in The Trump camp, the Fed’s planned interest rate hikes, and the threat of inflation is causing global tensions and instability. With increasing international tensions rising (i.e., Russian and UK over assassinations of former spies, China vs. US tariff war), there is trepidation in both the stock and real estate markets. With a softening real estate market, a volatile stock market, global political instability, and the threat of inflation there is some good in all this.
THE GOOD
In all of this volatility and instability, there is good: Buying opportunities. Prices are continuing to trend downwards, and there are no factors in today’s news that forecast any change going forward. Another good for real estate is during political turmoil when many people seek to relocate to the USA, especially NYC. Though the world seems to be in flux at the moment with a lot of unknowns as to where we are heading, there is always opportunity in chaos. If we look back at the financial crisis of 2008, real estate prices varied wildly on a daily basis by tens of thousands of dollars, there were great buying opportunities then, as there are great buying opportunities now in all this good, bad, and ugly. One should always work with a buyer agent, a knowledgeable agent who knows the market, especially the new development market. As I have stated before I will state it again, “The sky is not falling. The world isn’t ending. NYC is possibly the safest city to invest in real estate in terms of hedging against inflation and as a safe-haven for value retention.” • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
100 EAST 53RD STREET CONTEMPORARY URBAN IN MIDTOWN By Daniel J. Bollinger
oster + Partners and Aby Rosen have teamed up to develop a genuinely stunning new development. With sixty-five floors consisting of 94 units from studios to four bedrooms, 100 East 53rd Street has something for everyone. There are a variety of units, from loft apartments located on the fifth through ninth floors, tower units from floor ten up, ten full floors of 6,600-square-foot units featuring all four exposures and duplexes that are just as large and include outdoor space—all with great layouts and designs. The location is ideal and within proximity to MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall as well as fine dining and shopping. This new development scores high marks from me in all my factors of value: location, building, light, space, air, view, amenities, and design details.
UNITS
All one-bedrooms in the tower face south while all two-bedrooms face north and feature 1.5 baths. Studios have east or west exposures. They all have great open layouts with sizeable kitchen spaces. The kitchens have integrated cabinets with a Gaggenau and Sub-Zero appliance package (with Miele washer/dryers). High ceilings with floorto-ceiling windows allow for great light. The two-bedrooms are mostly gallery style, and there are plenty of solid wood pocket doors to maximize space and layout. The studios are more than 1,000 square feet which is quite significant for this type of apartment. Some design details that make these condos stand out include the kitchens which are framed out with warm-hued integrated cabinetry with a full marble backsplash (loft designs differ). There is a long vented shelf made of stainless steel that runs close to the entire length of the prep area. The choice of warm-toned wood cabinets against the contrasting marble backsplash makes the stainless steel shelf “pop,” which scores high marks from me regarding design and aesthetics. The baths are well-designed as well. Wet rooms with ceiling mounted rain shower heads, and a ‘niche’ factor with under mounted lighting and travertines floors. 42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
One unique design detail that I had not seen in the luxury market to date related to the medicine cabinets. They are custom made by Foster + Partners. What makes them unique is that they open like a pocket door—you slide it open. It’s just another design detail that makes 100 East 53rd Street a great development. All units also have zoned heating and vented windows for superb air circulation throughout the large residences. The loft units have a different design aesthetic. Lofts have architectural concrete walls, ribbed concrete ceilings, and diamond-polished concrete flooring. They also have stainless steel backsplashes in place of marble in the kitchens. These design elements combine to emanate an industrial loft feel. There is also one lovely duplex unit, where the building’s setback happens on the 10th and 11th floors, which allows it to have a 5,272-square-foot terrace. It is an exceptional unit.
AMENITIES
There are some five-star stand out amenities. The wellness facility features a Ballet/Pilates room, sauna and steam room, and spa treatment rooms. One of the rarer amenities in the luxury market is the 60-ft sunlit swimming pool. The building also features a residential library along with multiple lounges. In addition, acclaimed French chef Joel Robuchon, who has garnered a total of 32 Michelin stars, will occupy a two-level restaurant with a new dining concept. Architect Joseph Dirand will be designing the space. There is also Quintessentially Lifestyle which provides a members-only luxury lifestyle management service; it includes a dedicated lifestyle manager who offers global travel arrangements, concierge services to gain access to priority events and restaurants, personalized shopping services, and more.
RECAP With the vast amount of new luxury developments in the marketplace it is becoming more difficult to stand out from the crowd. Aby Rosen and Foster + Partners have impressed me with 100 East 53rd Street because it exemplifies what great architecture and design should be. These units will hold their value over time because great design “will always be sought after.” This is another example of architectural history being made in NYC. For more information on 100 East 53rd Street, visit 100e53.com. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43
L A K E F R O N T B E AU T Y !
I Proudly Suppor Friends of Laurelwood
Dramatic, stunning waterfront views of Pines Lake from almost every room. Renovated and rebuilt in 2013. The 2 story soaring ceilings in the Great room with a bar, a gas fireplace and a wall of windows that enhance the calming water views and also creates the open concept living spaces that todays buyers desire. The gorgeous Ikitchen with aSupport huge centerthe island Proudly is steps away and features a walk in pantry, top of the line stainless appliances, granite counters and is open to the spacious, Friends of the Laurelwood formal dining room. A first floor bedroom/den, a full bath and a formal powder room complete first floor. The Arboretum beautiful, Presid International second floor master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath. The open loft creates an entertainment space and has access to 2 Top 1% Worl additional bedrooms and a full bath. Second floor laundry. The grade level rec room/ gym has access to the yard and lakefront Carole “Lynn” property and dock. Live the lifestyle! CallBrescia Direct: 201.
Carole “Lynn
I Proudly Support Proudly Support the the Pines ILake, Wayne, NJ. Offered at $1,550,000 Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum
International President’s Premier www.lynnbres Top 1% Worldwide Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com
Call today and come see!
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
International President’s Premier Top 1% Worldwide International President’s Premier Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com Top 1% Worldwide
Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com
More photos at lynnbrescia.com
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
75 KENMARE HIP DOWNTOWN LIVING By Daniel J. Bollinger
n the very popular area of NoLita comes a 38-unit condo offering comprised of one- to fourbedrooms homes designed by Lenny Kravitz’s namesake firm Kravitz Design. Knit into the contextual fabric of the area, with its richly textured façade and artful interiors, 75 Kenmare retains the authenticity of downtown life while incorporating a new sense of refined elegance. RESIDENCES The real beauty of these homes is in the choice of materials selected by Kravitz Design for the kitchens and bathrooms. In the kitchen, 75 Kenmare beautifully features custom, matte-white lacquer cabinetry with integrated Gaggenau appliances. The Turkish Callabash marble countertop and book-matched backsplash mesh with the Elmclad Gaggenau refrigerator and matching breakfast bar. The vent is also a real centerpiece of art and design. Made of industrial grade pewter, there’s nothing else like it on the market today. The baths are equally unique, with frameless glass, heated marble floors, backlit bronze mirror and custom Elm floating vanity accented by a polished Bianco Drama marble countertop and sink. With these design decisions, this is not your typical luxury condo. There are an abundance of walk-in closets and pocket doors (all solid wood). Most units have balconies, and penthouses feature private rooftop spaces. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45
Proudly offering commercial and residential services, Tully Spagnoli can handle all of your hardwood flooring needs. From installations and repairs to sanding and full floor refinishing, allow us to provide you with beautiful hardwood floors that will impress customers and increase the value of your home.
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AMENITIES This address features a private gym and a very charming rooftop terrace. Additionally, the development has a private courtyard that guarantees protected views from your residence. But the great amenity here is the fully-automated parking garage. This system utilizes automated sliding platforms that maneuver your car seamlessly to it parking location.
Tully Spagnoli Flooring 4822 Avenue N Brooklyn, NY 11234
(718) 252-9128 spagnoliflooring.com
RECAP Kravitz Design makes excellent use of color and varying materials in these units. This is a great marriage between Andre Kikoski and Kravitz Design. If your search for a new condo in today’s NYC luxury market has left you unfulfilled, then 75 Kenmare may be the answer. For more information on 75 Kenmare, visit 75kenmare.com. •
Sula Pearlman
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Purchase, NY | Meandering drive and circular approach lead to a luxurious beautifully crafted 15 room Federal Colonial manor, built in 2003 with all the amenities, a top-end chef ’s kitchen imported beams from South of France, A 4-Car Garage and generator. On 2.4 acres of lushly landscaped property with a pool. $5,695,000
Rye PO, NY | A private cul-de-sac leads to this beautiful 5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bathroom Colonial Farm House situated on a 1.47 acre lot. Beautiful French Door opens to a bluestone terrace overlooking the stunning tiered gardens. $2,195,000
Purchase, NY | Contemporary mini estate combines elegance and sheer beauty with 5 spacious en-suite bedrooms. The wall of windows and high vaulted ceilings of the indoor pool evoke awe-inspiring views of the serene backyard for a resort-like feel. $2,750,000
Sula Pearlman, Associate Real Estate Broker C: 914.393.4104 | Sula.Pearlman@Cbmoves.com www.SulaPearlman.com | 25 Purdy Ave, Rye, NY 10580
2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All rights reserved Coldwell banker residential Brokerage supports the principles of fair housing act and the equal opportunity act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. Property information supplied by seller and/or other sources and is not guaranteed. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a listing solicitation.
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
THE PRESERVE CLUB & RESIDENCES
REWARD YOURSELF WITH LUXURY LIFESTYLE By Patti Senga
ne of the country’s finest sporting communities is right in our backyard, nestled in the picturesque landscape of New England. Located in Richmond, Rhode Island, The Preserve Club & Residences offers luxury homes set amid 3,500 acres of unspoiled nature, yet is just five minutes from Interstate 95, and 23 minutes from Providence, one hour from Boston and Hartford, and 2.5 hours from New York City. The Preserve offers private residences of diverse designs and sizes, including Signature Residences, Hilltop Condominiums, and Townhomes, providing both one-level and twolevel options. Reside in the uplands or beside creeks and rivers. Enjoy wooded privacy and stress-free, maintenancefree living. All residences have easy access to amenities including a 25,000 square foot clubhouse with gourmet restaurant, luxury spa services, and full concierge service. Also, every conceivable outdoor sporting experience is available world class sporting clays, upland hunting, fishing, zip-lining, hiking, ATV’s, tennis, equestrian, and a championship 18-hole executive golf course, just to name a few.
87 Kingstown Road, Richmond
48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
MAGICAL ADVENTURES At The Preserve, you can enjoy adventurous “glamping” experiences in luxury Tree Houses and Yurts. Built into hillsides and rock faces, with stone fireplaces, skylights and a round door to suit, the Preserve’s unique Hobbit Hillside Homes conjure images of magical adventures. They are ideal settings for family fun, for the reading and telling of tall tales, and for roasting s’mores. And because they’re a green alternative, they’re kind to the earth. Within the Preserve’s gates, you will also find The Sporting Shoppe, offering everything from bespoke handcrafted rifles, to custom-built fishing reels, to camping and hiking gear, and even formal wear and cigars. One of the newest additions for the sporting enthusiast is the longest indoor, underground range in America, with 150-yard-lanes and programmable target retrieval systems, plus 3D archery, a golf simulation room, a members’ lounge, additional restaurant, and reach-in humidor.
87 Kingstown Road, Richmond
At The Preserve, you can come home to nature, adventure, elegance—a life unfettered. There are limited residences and memberships available. Model homes are open daily. For more information on The Preserve Club & Residences, visit thepreserveri.com or call 401-539-4653. •
The Preserve Club & Residences
Hobbit Hillside Home Driven Hunt
Golfcourse summer
Snowmobile
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
SILVER LININGS
AS STORES CLOSE—LOW-COST GYMS EXPAND By Michael Stoler
ith so many brick and mortar stores closing is it any wonder others are in line to catch the brass ring? Take ClubIndustry.com which reports the closing of retail stores has opened even more significant opportunities for Planet Fitness to expand, according to the company’s CEO, who said half of the 1,000 locations for which agreements have been signed will be open in the next two to three years. Planet Fitness has reached a 1,500-club milestone and now also can claim a presence in all 50 states, the company announced. The company has agreements to open another 1,000 locations across the country, and half of those will begin in the next three years, Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau said during an appearance on Mad Money with Jim Cramer. Cramer and Rondeau spoke about how this trend was an opportunity for Planet Fitness as real estate developers look for businesses that drive traffic on a consistent basis to fill those empty spaces. Real estate developers and even retailers who want to downsize their physical space are contacting Planet Fitness about opportunities, some even doing so for leases that are up in two to three years, Rondeau said. “So our pipeline is starting to build even better now. “
MORE CLUBS
Planet Fitness’ scale is a competitive advantage since most of its low-priced competitors have around 150 clubs or less, Rondeau explained. “We’ve been opening about 200 [clubs] per year for the past couple of years here and plan to do so in the upcoming years,” he said. In fact, most of the brand’s competitors are built on an old model. “They are not catering to the first timer, casual gym user,” Rondeau said. “They are going after the Gold’s Gym guy. So I just let them fight over those.” Rondeau touted Planet Fitness as the place that welcomes casual gym goers as well as people who have never before belonged to a health club, noting that a survey of its new members found that 43 percent of them had never before belonged to a gym. On a January 5th segment of The Street Rondeau talked about consolidation of the health club industry. He said that the approximately 36,000 health clubs in the country have a lot of small, regional mom and pop club operators that over time will likely be consolidated. Consolidation makes sense for the industry, he added, for brands and for the satisfaction of customers who can use multiple locations of their club. Still, he said Planet Fitness could hit 4,000 clubs without consolidation. 50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
EXPLORE OPTIONS
On January 2nd, Planet Fitness corporate acquired a franchise group of six clubs in Suffolk County, New York, for an undisclosed amount after that franchisee, John Mahoney, retired. “As we’ve said before, we’ll pursue franchise store acquisitions when it makes economic and geographic sense for Planet Fitness, Inc.,” Rondeau said about the purchase. “The acquisition of the six franchised stores on eastern Long Island is a great strategic fit as the western half of the market is currently comprised of company-owned stores. We are committed to our asset-light business model, and we continue to explore options for returning a portion of our cash to shareholders.” Recently, one of Planet Fitness’ largest franchisees, ECP-PF Holdings Group Inc., Orange, Connecticut, purchased ten more Planet Fitness locations, giving it 71 clubs. The purchase was of 10 clubs in the central New York region that had been owned by Robert Morris for 15 years. The price of the acquisition was not disclosed. ECP-PF Holdings Group is a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Exaltare Capital Partners, which formed the ECP-PF Holdings Group in 2012 through Exaltare Capital Partner’s acquisition of 15 Planet Fitness health clubs in Connecticut. ECP-PF Holding’s portfolio of health clubs includes locations in Connecticut, upstate New York, New Mexico, Arizona and western Canada. It plans to expand to another 50 areas during the next five years, including at least 10 in upstate New York.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Much of ECP-PF Holding’s past growth has come through the acquisition of existing Planet Fitness franchises. In 2013, the company purchased PFC Management, a Planet Fitness franchise group that owned 15 clubs in Connecticut. Later, it purchased eight clubs in New Mexico from Planet Fitness franchisee Rick Glassman. At that time, it also acquired an area development agreement to open Planet Fitness clubs in all unoccupied territories in New Mexico. In 2015, Exaltare and Brightwood Capital Advisors purchased 17 Planet Fitness clubs in New York from Dave Leon, who had been a Planet Fitness franchisee since 2004. Exaltare is currently investing out of Exaltare Capital Partners Fund I, L.P., a $90 million pool of capital raised in October 2017. “Having successfully closed seven Planet Fitness acquisitions, Exaltare Capital continues to seek additional acquisitions in North America, offering a fast, certain exit for entrepreneurs looking to diversify their wealth while preserving the business they built,” said Omar Simmons, the founder and managing partner of Exaltare Capital. David Humphrey, the chief executive officer of ECP-PF said, “We are eager to integrate this region into ECP-PF’s operations, and we will continue to invest in new locations, new equipment, and Black Card spa amenities to continue to exceed our customers’ expectations.”
MORE LOW-COST CLUBS
Another gym is expanding: the low-cost sister company of Equinox. Blink Fitness will enter “six new major U.S. markets” in 2018, as the company continues to target its goal of 300 clubs-both company- and franchisee-owned-by 2021. After a year of expanding into new markets, Blink Fitness, New York, announced it plans to jump from 64 locations to 90 by the end of 2018. The Equinox sister brand has already signed 45 additional club development deals that include entering “six new major U.S. markets,” according to a media release. The new wave of low-priced boutique clubs will include the first opening of franchisee-owned Blink Fitness facilities, but the majority will be company-owned, the release said. “It has been an incredible year in terms of growth both on the company-owned and franchise side,” Blink Fitness President Todd Magazine said in the release. “Becoming a bi-coastal brand and signing franchise deals across the Midwest, South, and Northeast were two giant steps toward reaching our five-year goal of 300 locations nationwide. We are thrilled with the progress we have made over the past 12 months and feel that we have better things coming in the remainder of 2018 as well as in future years.” In addition to expanding in its core New Jersey and New York markets in 2018, Blink Fitness notably moved into the Philadelphia and Los Angeles areas. As Magazine referenced, the latter gives the brand its first foothold on the West Coast. Blink Fitness’ first Los Angeles club opened in December 2017 in Gardena, California and a second club opened earlier this year in a former theater in Huntington Park. A third location will open in late 2018 in Anaheim, California. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51
FEATURES
THROUGH THE LENS Photography By AnnieWatt.com
ARTSJAM KICK-OFF HOSTED BY RICHARD ANDERMAN
Vicki Gross, Elizabeth Sarnoff, Richard Anderman
ATI SEDGWICK PRIVATE GALLERY EXHIBITION PREVIEW
Richard Johnson, John Dizard, Anthony Haden-Guest
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COUTURE COUNCIL LUNCHEON AT AVRA
FRENCH HERITAGE PALM BEACH GALA
KAREN TOMPKINS EXHIBITION
Karen and Clay Tompkins Anish Melwani, Dr. Valerie Steele
Lee Black, CeCe Black, Elizabeth Stribling, Guy Robinson
Brian Owens, Evelyn Tompkins, Victor Geraci Anna Kennedy, Eleanora Kennedy, Kathy Prounis
Denis De Kergorlay, Elizabeth Stribling, Erin Leclerc, Clement Leclerc
Othon Prounis, Sana Sabbagh and Kathy Prounis
Ashley Wein, Kathy Prounis, Blakely Griggs, Kamie Lightburn, Melissa Mithoff, Alyson Cafiero Jean Doyen De Montaillou, Michael Kovner
Dr. Valerie Steele, Angela Dotson, Yaz Hernandez, Violet Gross
Michel Cox Witmer, Diana Quasha, Eileen Judell, Bob Crowe
Peter Rockefeller, Caroline Garrity, Jon Garrity, Grace Johnson
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53
LEAH LANE BIRTHDAY HIGH TEA
JOAN HORNIG HOSTS MAD LOOT’S KICK OFF PARTY
NYU LANGONE’S PLAYING FOR PEDIATRICS WINTER GAME NIGHT
NYU Langone’s Playing for Pediatrics Planning Committee
Joan Hornig,Bryna Pomp, Carolee Lee, Michael Rotenberg, Karen Rotenberg Leah Lane
Dr. Catherine Manno, Dr. Jeffrey Wisoff, Dr. John Golfinos
Leah Lane and friends
Barbara Tober, Linda Plattus, Katharine Fields, Carolee Lee
Leah Lane party guests
Leah Lane, Bonnie Comley 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Kathleen Giordano, Katharine Fields, Jill Ryan, Maria Nunes, Beth Farber
Sean Collins, Dr Jeffrey Wisoff, Jeanine Schroder
Lauren Lawrence, Edgar Batista, Meriel Lari, Donald Tober, Sharon Hoge
Stacey Chiat, Carol Alt
PLACES AND FACES THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MARY HILLIARD
AMAN HOSTS COCKTAIL RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE ASIA WEEK NY AT THE RESIDENCE OF SANDRA NUTTERLEY
Mary Hilliard
Sven Van den Broeck, Yasuo Mizobuchi, Serge Ditesheim, Christina Deeny, Jane Mackie, Nicolas Pillet, Marguita Kracht, John Reed, Ana Nash, Ian White, Donald Wong
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM AND ASIA WEEK NEW YORK CO-HOST RECEPTION
Jason Sun, Robert Kuo, Fu Shen, Victoria Lu, Michael Lim, I-Hsuan Chen
Alejandro Saralegui, Kendell Cronstrom, Marilyn White, Geoffrey Bradfield
Mike Hearn, Christina Prescott-Walker
Amanda Bhalla, Christina Deeny, Jane Mackie, Ritam Bhalla
Aman Hosts and Asia Week New York Planning Committee
Ron Bricke, Sandra Nunnerley
Erin Byunn, Dr. Young Yang Chung, Seongmin Ahn, Moonhee Kim
Annie Watt
Augustus Mayhew
Mary Hilliard Photography
Whether it is a charitable cause, a magazine cover, or a special occasion, the photographers with Annie Watt.com make an occasion more memorable. Annie and her associates embody the essence of professionalism, seamlessly moving through any assignment with finesse and an innate ability to capture the moment at its heart. Book a photographer/videographer, contact annie@anniewatt.com. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55
FEATURES
TECH TALK
VIDEO GAMING GROWS UP By Ted Owen
ost of us have childhood memories of playing video games on computers at home, loading them either by cartridge, cassette or in the case of the rich kid on the block by floppy disk. That was then. Welcome to 2018 where you and your own children are now living in a world where the computer or video gaming is as mainstream as going to the movies or watching TV. More importantly, digital games are increasingly played competitively over the internet against others, coining the term eSports. Here are some factors to put in perspective:
MAJOR TOURNAMENTS The latest data from 2014 identifies 205 million people having watched or played eSports with growth currently forecast at more than 20 percent per year. As ESPN put it, “If this were a country it would have the fifth largest population in the world.” In the early 1970s, the first digital games tournament at Stanford University had as its prize a one-year subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. Thankfully, the ante has increased and the recent The International: DOTA (Defense of the Ancients) 2 took first place with prize money totaling $134 million with over 2,000 players in nearly 900 tournaments. The second place League of Legends had prize money totaling near $50 million and some 5,000 plus players in near 2,000 matches.
GENERATING SALES So popular is the eSports craze that Twitch.com, a website where you can post your own, or watch videos of people playing video games was bought by Amazon in 2014 for $970 million: it has some 100 million unique viewers per month. The most successful video game to date is Tetris with sales of 170 million copies followed by Minecraft with sales of 144 million copies. The 2004 release of World of Warcraft is the leading revenue generator for online games with $10 billion in sales to date with the 2010 installment of the Call of Duty franchise achieving some $1.5 billion in sales.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS The 21-to-35 year old age group is a key demographic for actively engaged eSports fans and consists of 35 percent of men and 21 percent of women who fall within this group. Also of note: observers of the Olympic Games viewership ratings have noted the increase in digital views by the younger demographic at the expense of traditional TV-based viewing. NBC reported TV viewing was down some 7 percent at Pyeongchang compared to the previous Sochi Winter Games. However, the mobile phone sharing app Snapchat had 35 million unique views during the most recent Winter Olympics, which in 7 days was more than that garnered for the entire 2016 Summer Games. The International Olympic Committee is currently looking hard at including eSports in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics games, and I have personally invested much time and effort in seeking to bring this to reality. One of the keys to making this initiative successful is to have the infrastructure in place so that people can qualify on a level playing field. One of the initiatives my company PlayAPI is pursuing with some independent developers is the inclusion of a standard programming routine which enables the data accrued by the gamer to be analyzed and compared on a level playing field. So, the next time someone in your family is ignoring the chores and playing a game, just think—they may be the next Sean White or Lindsay Vonn (digitally, of course). • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57
OUR RICH HISTORY FROM 1795 UNTIL THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY | Maiden Lane was the center of the jewelry district. Stretching west from the South Street Seaport all the way to the World Trade Center Site, Maiden Lane now hosts such significant edifices that contribute to the grand city skyline, evoking an eclectic mix of modernist, neoclassicist, and beaux arts architecture all along the lane. - NY Times notes Lower Manhattan as #16 out of 52 Top Places to visit in 2015 - Bringing history into the hotel in the modern times - Spacious guestrooms the size of a New York City studio apartment
WORLD TRADE
170 Broadway at Maiden Lane | New York, NY 10007 | 1.212.600.8900 | www.residenceinnnewyork.com
FEATURES
SPRING IN NYC WHAT TO SEE & DO By Natasha Bazika
pring brings vibrant colors, the fresh scent of flowers, and casual brunch dates—and lots of outdoor activity. And there’s no shortage of delightful events and happenings in the city when the trees begin to turn green. Strolling through some of the best parks, enjoying festivals of all kinds, or simply relaxing at a weekend brunch, we have everything you need to enjoy this lovely season. Yes, Spring has finally arrived! BLOOMING GARDENS AND MORE Spring creates an enchanting display of life, as flora and fauna bask in the gentle rays of the sun while the inhabitants of the city emerge from hiding and expose themselves to the many entertaining events happening this spring. It’s that time of the year where the city is on show, and thousands flock from all over to see New York in full bloom. Brooklyn Sakura Matsuri Cherry Festival Hidden in the Japanese Hill and Pond in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is a heavenly display of cherry blossom trees. Only in bloom from early April to midMay, you will want to get in quick before you miss it. This annual celebration of Japanese culture is also on display with over 60 events and performances including an art gallery, mini-flea market and, of course, the picturesque sea of soft pink petals that draws in the crowds. Kids will take part in fun activities such as sword-fighting play, taiko drumming, manga artist workshops and a traditional sohenryu tea ceremony. This year the festival takes place April 29th – April 30th. Info: bbg.org.
Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59
The New York Botanical Gardens/Orchid Show The 16th Annual Orchid Show is in full bloom once again with the mesmerizing displays of thousands of vibrant orchids. This year’s exhibition showcases a series of installations crafted by Belgian floral artist Daniel Ost. Each living sculpture created is a celebration of the intricate beauty of the orchids. Visitors will experience live music and special performances that pay homage to the orchids. Cash bars will offer beers, wine and cocktails including the dancing lady, a cocktail created by Edible Bronx’s head mixologists while Hudson Garden Grill serves up a preshow meal and light bites. Whether you are a floral connoisseur yourself or you’re just there for the spectacle, the Orchid Show is for everyone. Info: www.nybg.org. Macy’s Flower Show Here is another excellent flower show blossoming this Spring. The Macy’s Flower Show draws on New Yorkers and visitors every year with the floral-filled exhibition at flagship Herald Orchid Show Square store until April 8th. This year’s theme “Once Upon A Springtime” spawns a fantasy world of blooming flowers fit for a princess and her royal family. Visitors will enter a make-believe world, where magic is real and beautiful displays bring to life classic fairytale themes. Stop by to smell the sweet aromas or merely take a step back and appreciate the beauty of nature and its magical essence. Whatever your reason, the Macy’s Flower Show is an enchanting experience for the whole family. Info: macys.com/social/events. American Museum of Natural History/Butterfly Conservatory Spring brings these delicate beauties to the palm of your hands at the butterfly pavilion in the American Museum of Natural History. Housed in a 1,200 square foot vivarium that simulates their natural habitat, up to 500 butterflies flutter around you creating a truly magical sight. The winding path surrounded by tropical plants and vibrant blossoms guides visitors through the butterfly oasis allowing you and the family to get close with the beautiful creatures. It is truly an enchanting experience to be transported into a magical setting teeming with color and flourishing life. Hanging above are powerful halide lamps to simulate sunlight streaming through rainforest canopies, and the enclosure is kept at an optimum 80-degree temperature. Pupae hang in a case inside the vivarium, giving visitors a first-hand look at adult butterflies emerging from their chrysalises and flying away just moments after adjusting to their new surroundings. After an intimate experience with these spectacular creatures, colorful and interactive displays await you beyond the vivarium. Learn about a butterfly’s life cycle, the worldwide efforts to protect their diverse habitats and a variety of butterfly species in the New York area. Info: amnh.org/exhibitions/the-butterfly-conservatory.
American Museum Butterfly
FESTIVALS It’s time to dust off your sneakers, retrieve your T-shirts from the back of the closet and locate the sunglasses that you had put away for so long. Spring is here and with it comes an abundance of festivals that are not to be missed.
The Bloody Mary Festival
60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
The Bloody Mary Festival Create unforgettable moments with friends while celebrating one of the most beloved brunch cocktails, the Bloody Mary. Spend hours tasting some of New York City’s most creative and delicious Bloody Marys’ crafted by the finest bars and restaurants. You can wash it down with tastings from over 20 food and beverage artisans. Lunch catered by locals is also available for purchase. While you are relishing all the glorious items in front of you, treat your ears to the sound of a live DJ and the buzz of people conversing on a splendid Spring day. The festival is held on April 8th in the Grand Prospect Hall starting from 11 AM; tickets start at $50. Info: thebloodymaryfest.com.
Five Boro Craft Beer Fest Calling all beer aficionados. The Five Boro Craft Beer Fest is wholly dedicated to celebrating the liquid gold malt beverage that everyone loves. In its 5th year celebration, the festival includes 50 local and out of state brewers serving over 100 craft beers at optimum temperature— the right way. Along with the countless beer tastings, local restaurants have coordinated to bring guests a variety of delectable bites to go with the many varietals of beer. For entertainment, three different bands will be performing all through the day and night. The May 19th festival runs from 4 to 9 PM; giving you plenty of time to taste your way through some of the best beers you will ever taste, not to mention the appetizing bites. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes. This will be a night you wouldn’t want to miss. An all-inclusive ticket includes unlimited 2 oz. tastings from each brewery, catered food and a special gift for each attendee. Doors open at 6:30 PM at The Well in Brooklyn. Info: fiveborocraftbeerfest.com. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit Every Spring the sidewalks around Washington Square Park are transformed into an outdoor gallery. Explore the work of a wide range of artists and craftspeople from the city and around the world in this famous square, where artist Jackson Pollock was inspired to start the art show—now an annual event. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend until June 3rd visitors can peruse the abundance of paintings, hand-made jewelry, metal workpieces, ceramic pieces, photography displays, sculptures and a variety of other crafts on display. This event is great for the family and even doubles as a romantic outing with a loved one. Info: wsoae.org. Tribeca Film Festival This world-famous festival brings together visionaries across industries and diverse audiences to celebrate the power of storytelling. Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hotkiff, the Tribeca Film Festival is a memorable event worthy of your time. Not only is it an entertaining event, but it also provides the audience with the opportunity to experience remarkable productions from independent filmmakers who aim to leave an impact on their work. This year (April 18th – April 29th), the festival will open with a premiere of Love, Gilda—an intimate portrait honoring comedy legend Gilda Radner. If you are a movie buff, an inspiring filmmaker or just looking for something great to experience, the Tribeca Film Festival is the ideal option for you. Attendees can purchase passes ranging from VIP packages to Awards day pass. Info: tribecafilm.com.
Five Boro Craft Beer Festival Washington Square Park
Tribeca Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61
WEEKEND BRUNCH Spring has sprung in New York City and that means leisurely strolls downtown, catching the latest design trends at out-of-the-way shops and, of course, taking a break with a relaxing brunch with friends. Jacks Wife Freda American/Mediterranean cuisine sets the tone in a lively all-day bistro, perfect for Sunday brunch with friends. Diners will indulge in savory and sweet items, made from the freshest ingredients. Dishes such as a classic Eggs Benedict or Waffles topped with fresh fruits, maple syrup, and whipped cream are the type of delectable items you can indulge. The simple setting offers a dynamic atmosphere with plenty of light making it the perfect backdrop for a stunning Instagram post. The menus are everything you could want at an adorable establishment such as this. Miniscule doodles float across the menus providing a playful sense while giving guests a visual representation of some of the items available. Everything about this place is fun, light, fresh and airy. Open seven days a week, and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Jacks Wife Freda is a must for spring in the city. Info: jackswifefreda.com.
Blue Stone Lane Blue Stone Lane
Jacks Wife Freda Jacks Wife Freda
Bluestone Lane Experience a taste of dining down under at Bluestone Lane in the West Village. Diners will experience a feeling of sophistication as they sip on some of the best coffee found in the city. Influenced from the renowned coffee culture hub of the city Melbourne, Australia, where premium coffee is a way of life, Bluestone Lane offers New Yorkers and visitors the chance to sense culinary themes found in Australia. The menu items have a strong focus on healthy eating and light cooking, including gluten-free options. Guests will indulge dishes such as a classic Smashed Avocado served on Balthazar toast with tahini, cherry tomatoes, feta and the option to add a poached egg, bacon, prosciutto or salmon. The BL Big Brekkie includes smoked bacon, poached eggs, roasted tomato, grilled chorizo, avocado smash, sautéed kale, baked mushroom and Balthazar toast. To accompany one of the many delicious dishes, opt in for a cup of macchiato with a single espresso blended with steamed silky textured milk or the Australian classic, a flat white with a thin layer of micro-foam. Bluestone Lane has several other locations including Dumbo, Upper East Side, and Bryant Park. Info: bluestonelane.com. The Butcher’s Daughter Situated in the charming upscale NoLita area is a this trendy plant-based café and juice bar. This thriving establishment takes pride in creating healthy creations that look—and taste—good. Guests are welcomed with the stark contrast of light blue and sandy wood tones, with the occasional accent of fresh greens and crisp whites floating around. The juice bar is loaded with fresh raw drinks such as Anjou Pear, Beetroot and Ginger, or Pineapple, Jicama and Lemon. The elixir shots include fresh-cut wheatgrass, liquid vitality with ginger, honey, yuzu and Echinacea tincture. As for the food, savor brunch items such as Soaked Orange Muesli, Tacos Verde, a full English Breakfast, and much, much more. The Butcher’s Daughter is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Info: thebutchersdaughter.com.
Two Hands Another excellent brunch spot downtown is this bright and airy café serving juices, espresso drinks, and classic brunch items. Upon arrival, crisp whites, warm lighting, and tasteful décor will greet you as you dine with friends and family. Indulge in simple and delicious dishes paired with exceptional coffee and fresh juices, perfect for the sunny days of Spring. Some menu items include healthy acai bowls, with blueberries and bananas, cacao and acai powder with almond milk topped with Granola, Coconut, Chia Seeds and Raspberries. If you’re looking for something more substantial, build your breakfast and choose from classic items such as Smashed Avocado, Bacon, Chorizo, Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon or Feta Cheese. Be sure to try the signature Banana Bread. Info: twohandsnyc.com.• 62 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Two Hands
Two Hands
Saddle River, NJ
Arrowwood Estate
$8,998,888
This custom built, 6.5 acre country estate, approximately 17,000 sf in the main residence offers a state-of-the-art custom kitchen, 1st floor master bedroom suite, indoor and outdoor pool/spa, cabana, regulation lighted tennis crt. & 6-car garage.
Saddle River, NJ
Unique Private Location
$2,395,000
23 + Acre Riverfront Equestrian Estate
Mahwah, NJ
$4,695,000
Fenced-in pool area and adjacent separate 4 acre wooded, open lot offers privacy. Completely renovated by professional designer/owner. Furnishings available to purchase.
Hampton’s style shingle & stone masterpiece along the Ramapo River. 9-stall barn, limestone jumping area, paddocks & trails. Infinity pool, hot tub, generator.
Saddle River, NJ
Saddle River, NJ
Brand New Construction
$5,280,000
Stone and Stucco Manor on flat 2 acre+ double cul-de-sac. Elegant open floor plan & state-of-the-art Kuche+Cucina kitchen & cabinetry throughout. Beautifully landscaped with B&B salt water pool & cabana. 4-car garage & generator.
Palatial Masterpiece
$5,495,000
Grand brick manor in the heart of sought after Chestnut Ridge section of town, offers every amenity. Elegant woodworking, theater, elevator, 6-car garage and more! Gated, waterfall, lagoon pool and full service cabana.
Every Home is Special to Us. OFFICE
VICKI GAILY REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
201 934-7111 • CELL 201 390-5880
•
FOUNDER
•
MARKETING DIRECTOR
VGAILY@SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM • SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: @SPECIALPROPERTIESNJ •
Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
THINKING OF RETIREMENT? LAKE NORMAN, NC IS THE IDEAL PLACE By Nadine Wynn
t can be fun to think about where you want to retire! In fact, once you no longer have a job or other responsibilities tying you to a particular area, there are numerous reasons to relocate to a place that’s more to your liking. Perhaps you want a warmer climate, or maybe you want a lower cost of living. With so many factors to consider, choosing a place that’s right for you can quickly become overwhelming. Choosing the optimal place to live later in life can be a lot more involved than scanning your typical “10 Best” lists. For starters, it’s really about personal preferences. One place that is on the top of everyone’s list for retirement is North Carolina—Lake Norman in particular. Considering a move to North Carolina? Here, some important information you might find helpful: Lower Real Estate Taxes At Lake Norman which is just north of Charlotte, taxes range from $.50 per $100 of tax value to $1.50 per $100 of tax value. For example, on a $500,000 home taxes can range from $2,500 per year to $7,500. Per year depending on which county you choose on Lake Norman. HOA dues and golf club memberships tend to be substantially lower than the NY, NJ and Long Island areas. Your Military Pension Military retirement pay may not be taxed at all if it meets specific requirements including if the veteran was “vested in the retirement system” for five years as of August 12, 1989. Otherwise, tax exemptions may be applicable up to $4,000 for single returns and $8,000 for joint returns. State Income Tax North Carolina does have a state income tax rate of 5.75 percent but keep in mind overall real estate taxes are substantially lower as are HOA dues and your dollar goes farther to purchase real estate. Better Home Values Your purchasing dollar goes much, much farther. In Lake Norman, you can purchase a luxury waterfront home with long range views, gourmet kitchen, in-ground pool, private boat dock and quick commute to Charlotte and the international airport for $2 million or less. There is also something for everyone here on Lake Norman with prices for waterfront homes with private piers from $425,000 to $8 million. 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Retirement Resort Communities North Carolina and particularly the Lake Norman area does offer a variety of fabulous new resort-style retirement communities for people age 55 and over that even include boating. For example, the Trilogy at Lake Norman community located in Denver, NC is a highly popular retirement destination with home prices that vary from $269,000 to $569,000 and include a boat club membership where you check out a boat for the day just like a library book. Their amenities are top notch including a fabulous restaurant that is open to the public. Strong Economy Charlotte, NC has been known as a strong banking and airline hub for many years but also offers a muchdiversified employment opportunity with unemployment at 4.5 percent, job growth at 3.5 percent and future job growth over the next ten years predicted to be 42.5 percent. It was ranked 12th for Fastest Home Price Growth nationwide from the 2017 S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices. Ideal Location Lake Norman is ideally located just 25 minutes north of uptown Charlotte and the international airport. If you are looking for a weekend getaway at the ocean it’s only 3 hours away to Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC is just 3.5 hours away. If you are looking for a quick escape to the mountains pack your bags and head to Blowing Rock (1.5 hours) or Ashville (2 hours). Whether you are considering moving south for weather reasons or better values, North Carolina has it all and has something for everyone at all price points. Come check us out! For more information on Nadine Wynn and Team Nadine—rated the #1 team for Keller Williams Realty—visit alakehome.com or call 704-806-6711. •
Lake Norman is conveniently located North of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Proud to be Keller Williams #1 Individual Agent in the Lake Norman region for 2016! 3561 Ridgetop Road Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
Majestic log home equestrian estate on over 28 acres ideally located with quick commute to Charlotte, Lake Norman, airport, shopping & restaurants. Features a meticulously 3 bedroom 1.5 story log home with finished basement & in ground pool. Entertaining is a snap in the gorgeous covered outdoor area with 2 story stone fireplace. The detached 1300 sq foot garage features epoxy floors with a wood burning fireplace and ""Honeymoon Suite" above. Your horses will love the beautiful 4 stall barn with studio apartment, pastures and trails.
$1,200,000
55 + Community
Designations by the National Association of Realtors: Accredited Buyer’s Representative / ABR® ABR® education provides REALTORS® with what they need to stay competitive in today’s market and to represent buyers in this competitive market to the highest degree.
View Team Nadine’s Full Listings online: ALakeHome.com Nadine@TeamNadine.com • 704.806.6711 Nadine Wynn
19721 Bethel Church Road • Cornelius, NC 28031
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR
HOMEAWAY
PARADISE FOUND FOR OWNERS/RENTERS By Daniel J. Bollinger
omeAway is a vacation rental website that connects travelers to rental homes and allows property owners to turn their second home/vacation home into an income producing asset. Unlike other property rental sites, it is comprised only of full houses with no “bed” or “room” rental options available. There are more than two million properties for rent on HomeAway in 190 countries attracting people looking for the privacy and benefits of a full size property ranging from groups traveling for family vacations, girls getaways, golf and other outings as well as singles. Naturally, there are many benefits for both owner and renter.
FOR OWNERS
FOR RENTERS
If you own a second home, you know most of the year your house remains unused while you’re still paying for expenses associated with owning a property. HomeAway gives owners the chance to earn income with their asset instead of just sitting idly.
There are benefits for renters as well. The costs of renting on HomeAway are significantly lower than renting a hotel room, according to the company’s homeowner expert, Adam Annen. He likes to use the term, “twice the space for half the cost.” Annen also points out that while a group can rent a hotel room, that with HomeAway, everyone has the luxury of their own bedroom. In addition, while hotels may provide a kitchenette, HomeAway allows access to a full kitchen in your rental which cuts down on food costs and is perfect if you love to cook. There are even homes that are pet-friendly.
There are a number of analytics that owners can use on the website, such as the HomeAway Earn tool which helps calculate a property’s potential rental income. If you’re interested in buying a vacation home, HomeAway’s website has information where the most popular destinations are, what locations have the most bookings, and can help calculate estimated income potential using this data. HomeAway also has analytics on how best to price your nightly rate through its MarketMaker tool once your rental business is up and running.
HomeAway also offers advanced search parameters making it easy to search for homes in all locations, including rural areas. Users can also filter search results for specific amenities like pools, hot tubs, waterfront properties, etc. HomeAway’s property listings run the gamut from a rustic cabin in the woods to castles, which can be found in their luxury sections. So, if you are thinking of a getaway in the near future, why not compare rates and housing options available from HomeAway. See how much money your family can save on their next vacation and why HomeAway has a 90 percent retention rate among its customers. Tune in to see more of HomeAway’s extensive portfolio of homes on Vacation Rental Potential which has wrapped its first season on A&E. Full episodes and helpful video vignettes can be viewed at homeaway.com/vrp. For more information on HomeAway, visit homeaway.com. •
66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
50 years of Family Traditions
Best Buys in Indigo Run
Outer Banks Vacation Rentals & Real Estate Sales joelambjr.com • 800-552-6257
602 COLONIAL DRIVE
4 bedrooms | 4½ bathrooms | 4954 sq. ft. | $799,000
INCREDIBLE PRIVATE LOWCOUNTRY ESTATES A SHORT DRIVE TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC AND SAVANNAH, GA
One of a kind 22 acre estate on one of the most beautiful deep water properties in all of Beaufort County. Brand new; approx 8,500 sq. ft.; 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths; drive under 6 car garage with golf cart facilities. Antique heart-of-pine floors; separate living room & dining room; brick masonry fireplaces; 140 ft. porch; elevator. Boat lift with a 50x10 floating dock; boathouse with kitchen.
107 OKATIE HIGHWAY
Gated entrance leads you down a long driveway onto this private 5 acre family compound with direct waterfront views of the Okatie River. One lot features the unique main residence with attached guest house (9,150 sq ft total) & a private dock. On the 2nd lot, there is a 2 bedroom Guest House (2,090 sq ft) with dock permit included.
8 LINDEN PLACE
4 bedrooms | 4½ bathrooms | 5200 sq. ft. | $765,000 8 bedrooms | 8 full baths
5 bedrooms | 5 full bath 8,500 sq. ft. | $4,995,000
67 CAMP ST MARYS ROAD 11,240 sq. ft. | $2,450,000
direct 843-686-9513 | toll free 888-478-4972 | cell 843-384-7825 James@JamesWedgeworth.com www.JamesWedgeworth.com direct 843-686-9513 ||toll free 888-478-4972 | cell 843-384-7825 James@JamesWedgeworth.com | www.JamesWedgeworth.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
IN THE SPRINT OF TIME PREPARING FOR THE RUN OF YOUR LIFE By Patricia Canole
ith warmer weather comes the fleet of runners who take their workout outdoors. Spring is the prime season! Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a devoted marathoner, a training plan is necessary to build strength and endurance. However, if you’re not performing the proper stretches and listening to your body’s cues, an injury could prevent you from ultimately crossing that finish line. We went to the experts at Professional Physical Therapy to guide us on proper stretches, common running injuries, and more. Professional Physical Therapy, is the leading provider of rehabilitation services throughout New York City and operates 106 outpatient therapy centers: Equinox Fitness Centers, Blink Fitness, STACK Sports Performance Center, and Golf & Fitness Academy to name a few. The company’s outpatient physical therapy centers provide treatment to patients suffering from musculoskeletal impairments associated with orthopedic and sports injuries and other medical conditions. For more information on Professional Physical Therapy, visit professionalpt.com.
COMMON RUNNING INJURIES Amanda Brick PT, DPT Common running injuries are often due to overuse, and learning how to avoid them can keep runners moving, as well as help them reap mental and physical health benefits. Every time a runner’s foot hits the ground, they are effectively absorbing the weight of their entire body on one leg. Make sure sneakers are changed regularly, and warm up/cool down can also help. But most importantly, make sure muscles are strong enough to withstand these constant forces. Three common knee injuries, Runner’s Knee/Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (pain around the kneecap), Patellar Tendonitis (pain below the knee cap), and ITB (Iliotibial Band) Syndrome (outer knee pain) are most often due to glute weakness and tight ankles. Stand up and do a single leg squat. If you see your knee tracking inward, instead of staying over your toes, this is indicative of abnormal mechanics when you run, and puts you at risk for injury. Performing calf stretches and glute exercises, like a clamshell (lie on your side with knees bent, feet together, and lift your top knee) will help give you the stability you need to maintain correct form. Achilles Tendonitis (pain in the back of the ankle/heel), Plantar Fasciitis (pain on the bottom of the foot), and Shin Splints can be avoided by not ramping up mileage, incline, or speed too quickly. Maintain glute strength and calf flexibility, as well as flexibility of your first toe, which will allow you to push off better. In summary, strength and flexibility will stop the pain from stopping you. 68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
STRETCHES AND EXERCISES TO IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY Ryan Yelle PT, DPT, OCS Runners can be particularly susceptible to muscle imbalances, typically from the extensive training required to prepare for a marathon. When combined with lifestyle influences (such as sitting for prolonged periods of time at work), and weakness in the gluteal muscles, shortening of the hip flexors and hamstrings can occur. These imbalances lead to inefficiency in movement patterns and require the body to work harder than is necessary. To improve flexibility in the hip flexors, a kneeling runner’s stretch (half kneeling with one leg forward and the other trailing behind the body) is a simple exercise that can be performed almost anywhere. A seated runner’s stretch (sitting on the ground with one leg extended, reaching forward towards the foot) is an easy way to improve muscle length in the hamstring group in the back of the thigh. To combat gluteal muscle weakness, and thus improve pelvic stability while running, training the gluteus medius is essential. With the use of a resistance band, lateral band walks (keeping the resistance band around both ankles, and performing side steps, with hips and knees slightly flexed in an “athletic stance”) is another way to target this crucial pelvic stabilizer.
PROPER USE OF A FOAM ROLLER Shoshana Gelb PT, DPT Proper use of a foam roller to loosen up fascia helps to allow structures to move freely, decreasing tension in muscles and joints, as well as improving mobility. Although it would make sense to target just the one pain point, it is important to work on the surrounding muscles and connective tissue, as they can be a contributing factor to your source of pain. Also, it is important to work on surrounding structures to avoid increased inflammation, which can further cause discomfort. For example, when noting trigger points into the Iliotibial Band (ITB)—which is the connective tissue running from the outside of the hip to the outside of your knee—it is recommended that you address tightness along the quadriceps and glute muscles, to decrease tension on the ITB as a whole. However, working solely on one pain center for too long can further cause inflammation and increase overall discomfort. When using a foam roller, you should think about working on a targeted area for 2-5 minutes, to sufficiently allow the fascia to release. If hitting an area with a trigger point, you can stay on that area for 60-90 seconds to allow it to release, before moving away from the pain center to surrounding structures. Lastly, it is important to ease into foam rolling, progressing toward using your full body weight to apply pressure for myofascial release. Foam rolling can be used as a pre-workout warm-up activity to improve mobility for peak performance, as well as part of your recovery following running, to prevent thickening, tightening of fascia and improve overall muscle joint/pain and soreness.
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AVOID FOOT CRAMPS AND CHARLIE HORSES Ohi Aregbeyen PT, DPT There is no doubt that diet plays a role in the prevention of foot and leg cramps. Regulating intake of water, sodium, potassium, and magnesium can help to prevent cramping. However, stretching and strengthening of the involved structures can also provide a lot of benefits. The primary structure involved in leg and foot cramps is the calf. The calf is made up of two muscles, the gastrocnemius, and the soleus. The gastrocnemius has more Type II muscle fibers (fast twitch) and is used more for explosive actions, such as running and jumping. The soleus has more Type I muscle fibers (slow twitch) and is used more for endurance activities, such as walking and standing. Stretching and strengthening both of these muscles can help reduce the occurrence of cramps. A common and effective way of strengthening the gastrocnemius is the standing heel raise. Perform 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions to build strength in these mostly Type II muscle fibers. A practical exercise for targeting the soleus muscle is the seated calf raise because it is performed with bent knees. Perform 3-5 sets of 15-20 repetitions. The increased number of sets and repetitions addresses the fact that this is an endurance muscle. A standing calf stretch against a wall with the knee straight is an excellent way to stretch the gastrocnemius. Stretching of the soleus is performed in the same exact position except both knees are bent. Hold for 30 seconds and perform three sets of each.
SOOTHE MUSCLE CRAMPS/SHIN-SPLINTS Natalie Lovitz PT, DPT, USA-W Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, can result from a variety of different causes – most often from training too much and ramping up your training schedule too quickly. This overuse injury can start as an ache along the front of your lower leg and progress into sharp shooting pains during activity. Unfortunately, once the pain progresses to this point, the recommended treatment is rest and limited running, while your body recovers. Preventative measures are often the best course of treatment. To help prevent muscle cramps or shin splits: • Warm up/cool down Actively warming up your muscles before a run is best. Start with a dynamic warm-up and finish your run with a cool down walk, followed by gentle stretching. • Stretch your calf Use 30-second holds, just at the point where you first feel the stretch. • Ice After a run, use ice on your shins to help with pain. Ice is an anti-inflammatory and will help reduce lingering swelling and delayed onset muscle soreness within the following day or two. • Wear the right shoes Many runners over-pronate. Pronation is the inward rolling of your foot as you hit the ground during running. Over-pronation, or excessive pronation, occurs in many runners who have flat feet. Finding a motion-control shoe or inserts with medial arch support have been shown to limit stresses on the shin that can lead to shin splints. • Take rest days More isn’t always better. Runners should take at least one day of complete rest, using recovery days or cross-training intermittently, as well. • Slowly ramp up After experiencing shin splints or an injury, return slowly. Only increase running distance by 10 percent a week. • Consult a medical professional Shin splints can progress to stress reactions and stress fractures. If pain persists see a health provider. •
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
SPA SCENE
SMASHING STRESS WITH A DOSE OF “ALLURE” By Griffin Miller
t’s not always the most chi-chi backdrop that shines brightest when it comes to day spas in the City that Never Sleeps. Just ask anyone that’s happened upon a coveted—or unique--treatment in cozy, charming, froufrou-free surroundings. Case in point: Lana Bargraser, owner/founder of Allure Day Spa & Hair Design on East 55th Street, has made a substantial dent in corrective and luxury facials courtesy of esthetician Marta. She’s also built up a dedicated clientele for massages, scrubs, waxing, electrolysis, airbrush tanning, ear candling and hair services—from mainstream to cutting edge, like Balayage coloring technique and a straightening system known as Hair Botox. And everything is customizable. “I work with my team to design new treatments,” says Bargraser, adding that 2018 marks Allure’s 25th anniversary. “It looks like we’re here to stay,” she adds.
CARE & EXPERTISE As for the space, Bargraser has created a bustling backdrop that welcomes visitors without overpowering them: no overlapping scents, one too many throw pillows, or the kind of dim lighting that has you bumping into walls. As for the Spa’s storefront entrance—well, it’s somewhat misleading. As you enter, you’re facing a wide downward staircase and immense floor-to-ceiling mirror. Once downstairs the atmosphere is laid-back, with a lounge dominated by a long, comfortable sofa. Not surprisingly, it’s the go-to spot for tea, cookies, and consultations with Bargraser’s knowledgeable staff. Since (at least theoretically, in the realm of spa services), scrubs are the new black, I dove body-first into Allure’s most popular one—their Coconut Milk Body Glow. With an ingredient roster of coconut milk, Dead Sea salt and essential oils, this particular offering could not have been more enticing. That is until Bargraser pointed out that, not only is this blend a natural exfoliator, it also moisturizes, jettisons pore buildup, is free of chemicals, dyes, toxins, and other nasty things, and—the clincher— was never, ever, tested on animals.
FEELING SERENE So there I was, stretched out on a massage table wearing only a “spa thong” and an expression of absolute surrender. Scrub with a massage chaser (actually the massage was more or less the delivery system), this single treatment—at the hands of Marta, who may be Allure’s facial wonder woman, but proved equally impressive in the scrub sector. Adjacent to the scrub room (calming candlelight and New Age music) was a shower (pristine and contemporary) that could compete with any cable home improvement show. Stepping out was a sacrifice (I confess to lingering an extra five minutes or so), but the upshot was a super posh bathrobe hanging in wait. Creamy skin… muscles soothed… stress at bay… a mug of green tea warming my newly minted hands, I sink into the lounge swaddled in terrycloth before dressing and the inevitable climb to the street above. When I do, glancing over my shoulder into the giant looking glass, I catch a glimmer of serenity. Until next time… For more information on Allure Day Spa & Hair Design (139 East 55th Street), visit allurespa.com. • 72 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
REST EASY
EFFECTIVE WAYS TO WIND DOWN AND FEEL YOUR BEST By Patricia Canole
leep is elusive indeed. With lives multitasked to the umpteenth degree many of us come up short on shut-eye. You toss and turn as you slumber, upsetting the all-important REM-rich cycles. Here, some compelling reasons why you need more shut-eye.
RESTED DEVELOPMENT Think you’re slumber savvy? Don’t be so sure! Answer these questions to reveal if you catch enough z’s. Do you generally wake up before your alarm goes off every morning? A. Yes B. No Best answer: A You’ll wake up on your own if you’re getting enough sleep, which many of us aren’t. More than 43 percent report feeling so tired it affects their dayto-day activities three days a week. How fast do you fall asleep when you get into bed? A. As soon as your head hits the pillow B. Within 10 to 15 minutes C. You toss and turn for almost an hour Best answer: B If you lose consciousness almost immediately after crawling under the covers, you’re sleep-deprived. But if you toss and turn, consumed by stress, you may be spending too much time in bed, which contributes to insomnia. Try going to sleep 15 minutes later. How much caffeine do you consume? A. You’re useless without your morning brew and afternoon cappuccino (not to mention those two diet sodas you drink with lunch. B. You have a cup of coffee in the morning and either a cup of coffee or a diet drink in the afternoon as pick-meup C. Just one cup in the morning. Best answer: C The less caffeine you crave, the more rested you are. If you can get through that 3 PM slump (your body’s natural low point) without reaching for the cup of java, then you’re master of your sleep domain. •
YOUR WEIGHT Those of us who skimp on sleep are significantly more likely to be overweight than those who consistently get seven hours of shut-eye a night. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more stress hormones such as cortisol, which slows down your metabolism and ups production of appetiteincreasing hormones such as leptin.
YOUR HEALTH Being tired means you’re more susceptible to everything from developing diabetes to catching colds. Experts indicate that after six nights of four hours’ sleep, you may have an increase in higher blood sugar (an early warning sign of diabetes) and weaker immune systems than those who slept eight hours. Sleeping only six hours a night increases the risk of heart disease by 18 percent.
A GOOD NIGHT’S REST The major consequence of sleep deprivation is—sleepiness. When you have bouts of insomnia, the result is a general disorientation accompanied by irritability or depression and the inability to concentrate on or to perform your usual functions. Severe insomnia can lead to even more serious problems, like the loss of physical coordination and even hallucinations. With countless over-the-counter sleep aids also available, most are quick to reach for the bottle of pills when troubled with sleep problems. And very often drugs may cause more problems than they solve. However, there are natural ways to train your body to go to sleep on a regular schedule without the aid of chemicals. Here are some wide-awake tips from the National Better Sleep Council in Washington, DC: * First, the possible culprits: Caffeine is a stimulant, and should be avoided, especially at bedtime. Also avoid teas, colas, and chocolates. * Go to bed and get up at the same time each day—even on weekends—the point is to set your internal clock so that you’re automatically sleepy at the same time each night. * Get a check-up. Make certain you have no hidden medical condition to account for sleeplessness or for feelings of fatigue during the day. * Avoid heavy exercise workout and large meals before bed. Both stimulate the body’s hormonal, metabolic and circulatory functions that can interfere with “winding down.” * Create a sleep environment. Screen out light and noise and set the temperature between 60 and 68 degrees.
CATCH 40 WINKS Of course nothing can take the place of a good night’s sleep. But a short, 20-minute nap can help ease a bout of drowsiness. Napping can help fight off physical and emotional fatigue, improve work performance and even fight depression. And, most certainly, it will boost your energy level to complete the remainder of your daily tasks. If you’re a 9-to-5er, it’s undoubtedly difficult to catch some z’s at your desk. There are techniques, though, that provide similar benefits to a 20-minute snooze. * Step away from your workload and just relax your body and close your eyes. Then, take 10 deep breaths. Doing this will help to recharge your body and renew your zest. * If possible, make the switch from day to evening with some downtime. Take a few moments for some much-needed relaxation after work, but before dinner. You’ll soon find that you can go much longer into the night—without even as much as a yawn!
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
ENDOMETRIOSIS BREAKING THE SILENCE By Elizabeth Easton
t’s a disease few women want to talk about. Until now. Thanks to The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound), founded by Tamer Seckin, MD, and Padma Lakshmi, host of Bravo’s Top Chef, which is creating awareness about endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disease associated with painful periods which has resulted in a lot of taboos and societal misconception about menstruation. Seckin, founder of the Seckin Endometriosis Center in New York City says, “Women are not comfortable talking about their periods openly making it hard to create a national dialogue about the disease. That is all changing now thanks to women like Padma Lakshmi, Lena Dunham, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Ridley, Julianne Hough, and Halsey, who are sharing their journeys with the disease. Finally, a national dialogue is happening.”
Dr. Tamer Seckin 8th Blossom Ball
Along with this increased awareness, the research priority at EndoFound has led to the launch of the MIT Center for Gynepathology Research, and the ROSE (Research Outsmarts Endometriosis) study at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. Last year EndoFound offered its first annual research awards to projects at institutions that include Stanford University, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center and George Mason University Department of Global and Community Health. The studies range from understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis to lead to improved treatments, developing a biomarker to predict endometriosis earlier while also potentially uncovering a therapeutic strategy for endometriosis-associated pain, to a mobile app to track and understand the disease.
GETTING THE WORD OUT
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
“And the work doesn’t stop there,” said Seckin. “The ENPOWR™ project that we piloted in New York City schools with funding from both New York State Senator Jeffrey Klein and Bloomberg Philanthropies has done so well that we are ready to take it national.” EndoFound has the only school and communityb as e d e ndome t r iosis e duc at i on program in the United States. Through its New York City pilot program, over 27,000 students at 166 schools have learned about endometriosis. Feedback from the program has shown most of these students had never heard of endometriosis before, and the few who had were neither aware of the wideranging symptoms nor the type of treatment options available. “The lack of awareness among adolescents is staggering, despite the statistically high prevalence of female high school (and potentially middle school) students living with the disease and experiencing symptoms,” said Seckin.
As EndoFound’s Medical Director, Seckin makes it a priority every year to gather the top physicians, researchers, scientists, disease advocates and integrative service professionals from around the world to meet and learn from each other to improve patient experiences. At the Endometriosis Foundation of America Annual Medical Conference, discussions from cuttingedge research to the basic science and clinical management of the disease are covered. “In October 2017, at our Ninth Annual Conference, we explored the relationship between breast cancer and endometriosis,” said Seckin.
At E ndo Fou nd, aw are ne ss go e s beyond educating the public. “Medical professionals are not trained in medical school about endometriosis,” said Seckin. And so Seckin believes “EndoFound must reach out to the medical community to teach medical professionals about the disease and to advocate for endometriosis to be included in the medical school curricula.”
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with EndoFound, including volunteering to teach ENPOWR, running in one of the marathon events, or attending the Annual Medical Conference and Patient Awareness Days. Supporters can also submit original content to EndoFound’s monthly newsletter The Blossom and apply to participate in the EndoFound Holiday Bazaar, held in December. For more information on EndoFound, visit endofound.org. For more information on the Seckin Endometriosis Center, visit drseckin.com. •
HALSEY’S JOURNEY Last month at its Ninth Annual Blossom Ball, EndoFound honored Halsey with the Blossom Award. The twenty-three-year-old has shown incredible strength and has become a role model for so many young women. While she has enjoyed a meteoric rise as a recording artist, she’s also simultaneously grappled with painful endometriosis resulting in multiple surgeries. Throughout it all, Halsey has been open with her fans, providing a raw honesty about the arduous journey so many women with this disease experience. Halsey’s courage has helped dispel the stigma that surrounds this disease, which affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It is the third leading cause of female infertility and one of the most misdiagnosed—yet treatable—diseases. As a result, a woman can suffer for years before getting the correct diagnosis and care. The direct healthcare costs coupled with the indirect costs of time lost from work due to endometriosis amount to an estimated $110 billion annually in the United States.
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FOOD & DRINK
ZAVO
LUXURY MEDITERRANEAN FARE WITH FLAIR By Anne Raso
estaurateur Ilya Zavolunov is a man with not only a tremendous amount of experience in the restaurant business both in New York and in Europe, but he had enough courage to sign a 15year lease on a 15,000 square foot space in midtown Manhattan (on Third Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets). In the fickle restaurant business, that really takes confidence. New York Lifestyles had to ask Zavolunov if he had any trepidation about taking over this huge space next to Dylan’s Candy Bar that was most recently Texas De Brazil. He told us candidly, “Yes, especially knowing that other major restaurants didn’t succeed at this location. For executive chef Sunil Sharma (a veteran of the beloved Capital Grille), it was challenging to take over the kitchen of this huge space. But we felt up to the task since we have decades of experience in the industry. We have operated several restaurants in Europe, including in Vienna.” He continued to tell us his goal was to “introduce the Upper East Side to a very European modern Mediterranean concept.” There’s even a rotating exhibit of art from emerging artists.
TEMPTATIONS AWAIT On a recent visit to Zavo, I had to try the favorite Burrata Salad, served with heirloom tomatoes, basil oil, and mint. My guest had The Beet Salad with roasted beets, citrus salad celery, and goat cheese. Everything was ultra-fresh and the portions generous. We found the large selection of steaks tempting and shared the 16 ounce Strip Steak and Filet Mignon. These prime cuts were cooked to perfection and did not require steak knives. We had to try the Forbidden Rice as a side just because the name was, well, so enticing. This fragrant rice dish turned out to be wild rice with saffron and an assortment of diced farm fresh veggies including carrots, corn and string beans. For dessert, the Apple and Pistachio Baklava served with fresh Tahitian vanilla ice cream rocked my world—be aware that it has more of a “pie filling” texture than most baklava and it was not overly sweet! Sincerely, this is one of the best Mediterranean-style desserts that I have ever eaten and is artistically served on an extra-large white plate! It was spectacular on every level and truly an original take on an age-old Greek classic! While the elegantly appointed Zavo is dubbed a Mediterranean eatery, Zavolunov is quick to point out that it is really “Modern American Cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The Mediterranean region heavily influences the menu but another strong influence is the festive culture and the strong spirit of NYC. We buy local produce from local growers and beef from local butchers. Our fish is picked up fresh from the market daily.” 76 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
SEAFOOD FAVORITES We wondered what has turned out to be the most popular menu choices so far with New Yorkers. Executive Chef Sunil tells us that the seafood is getting the most accolades and gave us the “laundry list” of the top-selling dishes in the eatery’s first few months of operation. “The Seafood Platter Flambé, the special Mezze Platter, and our Surf ‘n’ Turf Kebob are among the favorites.” And for dessert, he told us it’s the Molten Chocolate Cake. We had to ask what the most health-conscious dishes on the menu are and if Zavolunov finds that guests order those dishes as much as the heartier fare like steaks. He revealed, “We pride ourselves on our healthy dishes, such as fresh salads without heavy or creamy vinaigrettes. You can add grilled chicken or grilled shrimp to any salad. We also offer a vegan cauliflower steak served over lentils and Romesco (classic Spanish almond and red pepper) sauce that is packed with flavor. Everything on the menu is sourced from ethical vendors ranging from our freerange organic chicken to our prime beef and fresh fish.”
CREATIVE CUISINE IS A GOAL As mentioned, Zavolunov is a veteran of the restaurant biz and tells NYLM, “We started our family restaurant business almost 34 years ago. We have operated several restaurants in Europe. It’s a lifelong dream to own a restaurant in Manhattan. We have worked and continue to work extremely hard on this beautiful space serving fresh, creative cuisine.” What sort of crowd is Zavo aiming for—especially since it is one of the only restaurants in New York to feature a Saturday night floor show worthy of a Las Vegas A-List hotel? (The show features beautiful dancers, contortionists, singers and more in flashy costumes that Cher would envy!) Zavolunov revealed to us, “We serve to a very sophisticated clientele with an upscale taste, high-end expectations and the very best level of food, service, and presentation. We attract a big after-work crowd, which is boosted by our happy hour that is offered from 4 to 7 PM. We also attract shoppers since we are surrounded by boutiques and Bloomingdale’s.” Not only is Zavo “cutting edge” but the service is some of the most friendly in the city with a staff who are truly accommodating. Attire is business chic and there are a couple of prix fixe menus available that are a real steal. For more information on Zavo, visit zavonyc.com. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77
FOOD & DRINK
LA PULPERIA
RUSTIC LATIN CUISINE IN NYC By Norah Bradford
ustic Latin American restaurant group La Pulperia, co-owned by Victor Medina and head chef Carlos Barroz, has been satisfying New Yorkers since its opening in Hell’s Kitchen four years ago. Since then, the partners have added two other locations on the Upper East Side and Midtown East. And no matter where you happen to dine, the food is always consistent. “La Pulperia draws inspiration from the authentic pulperias of South America, with handcrafted floor tiles from Mexico, walls, and ceilings of brick, reclaimed wood from Brazil on the ceiling and walls, rich red leather seating, and abundant shelving displaying topshelf liquor, fresh produce, and wine,” explains Medina. A native of Puebla, Mexico he has been a part of New York City’s restaurant world for over 15 years. “I spent my entire culinary career in notable New York City venues, always in the forefront of foodie destinations,” Medina told us. For his first five years in Manhattan, he worked for the renowned Jackson Hole and Joanna’s Italian Restaurant at Madison & 92 Street (known for its famous clientele, such as Paul Newman, Woody Allen, and Al Pacino to mention a few). Additionally, he managed Richard Sandoval’s acclaimed Maya and top-rated Mexican bistro Toloache. Like Medina, chef Barroz came to the U.S. in search of a culinary dream. In Argentina, he was first drawn to the kitchen through his mother and how she prepared food for the family. “I then went on to work in my family’s restaurant in Argentina. Working with my family is where my passion for cooking came to full flower,” says Barroz. He is now responsible for all three La Pluperia kitchen operations, developing innovative and delicious cuisine, as well as running a cooking class at the Upper East Side location. 78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Fish Ribs
MENU CHOICES
La Pulperia’s menu includes several fresh seafood dishes, accentuated by select meat and vegetarian options. Signature menu items include Las Tablas, which allow patrons to choose from a variety of grilled proteins such as their famous Pulpo (grilled octopus), accompanied by five seasonal cazuelitas: traditional side dishes such as Eggplant Chambota, Russian Potato Salad, Celery Root Gratin, and Pacu Fish Ribs. Then there’s the always famous grilled Brazilian Pacu, a wild and sustainable freshwater fish, served with an orange chipotle BBQ sauce and coconut rice. The Warm Farro Salad with parsnips, beets, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and butternut squash, tossed in orange maple vinaigrette, is an excellent lunchtime choice for guests of the Midtown East or Upper East Side locations. Save room, however, for some of New York’s incredibly delicious desserts including Mezcal Chocolate Mousse, made with Riazuleno Classico Juven, olive oil flourless cake, popcorn toffee, espresso crumbs and 24k edible gold flakes. There’s also Mango & Lychee Tres Leches, a citrus sponge cake, topped with coconut mousse & sake soak, with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, mango and lychee pico de gallo. All are exceptionally good.
Benedict Brunch
Hells Kitchen
In a reflective tone, Medina says, “I believe that my passion for Latin flavors, and my belief in people, is what brought me the opportunity to begin a great partnership with Carlos. We are both proud to have conceived the highly successful restaurant concept of La Pulperia to spice up the culinary culture of New York City.” For more information on La Pulperia, visit pulperianyc.com. • Farro salad
WEEKEND BRUNCH “On Saturdays and Sundays, diners can enjoy a Latin twist to a classic brunch,” says Medina. Menu items include Lobster & Baked Eggs seasoned with fresh herbs, and fresh cream and truffle-scented toasted bread. Another must is the La Pulperia Omelet with caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, tomato confit, Chihuahua cheese, a side of home fries and a house salad. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of spirits and an ample cocktail menu featuring both classic and innovative cocktails. For a genuinely entertaining addition to the weekend, join La Pulperia’s 57th Street or Hell’s Kitchen locations for Drag Brunch every Saturday (57th St) and Sunday (HK) between 12 - 4 PM, featuring $30 unlimited cocktails and performances by some of the city’s most fabulous entertainers. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79
FOOD & DRINK
ROSE AND BASIL NYC’S SECRET GARDEN By Jenna Guarneri
hen you step into this East Village establishment, you may think it’s more a flower shop than a romantic café. Blooms of every shape and color are everywhere. Continue walking into the restaurant, and you’ll find white garden-designed tables inviting you to stay for a relaxing cup of coffee and some of the city’s best sweet treats. Rose and Basil began to take physical form in 2014 when self-taught chef/co-owner Ioana Holt sketched two items that best represented her studies of natural ingredients and the beauty intrinsic in food: a rose and a basil leaf. Two years later, Rose and Basil opened its doors at 104 East 7th Street. Ioana Holt
NATURE AT ITS BEST Bridging natural, beautiful and tasty, edible flowers adorn brightly colored cakes while assorted spices, herbs, and flavorings embellish chocolate truffles and other desserts. Specialty coffees and cocktails are floral-inspired, while an adventurous menu has a multitude of past and present influences. The ambiance of the café and presentation of the food were designed to transport you out of the concrete jungle. Growing up in Romania, Ioana identified herself as a cook— even from the tender age of five, when she would follow Grandmother Stela everywhere around the kitchen. Years later, Ioana was introduced to the art of creating sweets at the renowned Mozart Chocolates in the Austrian Alps. She marveled at how sweets heightened our senses and the interplay of flavors, smells and arrangement could provide so much joy. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81
While on her journey, Ioana found that many pre-mixed or favorite recipes weren’t using natural ingredients. Instead, refined sugars, over-processed flour, trans fat and artificial flavors were clogging the food chain and the experience of eating. Ioana set out to not only use the most healthful ingredients, but she also succeeded in elevating the flavor, their aesthetic and olfactory aspects. For her, cooking became synonymous with ephemeral works of art. We sat down recently with Ioana to find out her secret for success and marvel at her love of flowers—and everything beautiful. Tell us a little about your childhood in Romania. I was one of those kids who was good at many things, but I could never figure out what my real calling was. I was the epitome of “jack of all trades, master of none.” It took me almost a decade to conclude that whatever my future held, it was going to belong to me and me alone. When I was five years old, I decided I wanted to make people happy. When I was 10, I realized I loved being around plants and animals, and that I always wanted to be surrounded by nature. When I turned 15, I fell in love with programming. Working with numbers became another thing on my list of possible life purposes. I never had the one thing on my list that I was already doing every day: cooking. I never realized that the one thing I could do the best was the very thing I was already doing. What made you want to leave your family and Romania? I wanted to spread my wings academically, so I entered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, in Austria. There, I fell in love with creating art and learned how to bake at my after-school job. Austria taught me it was that where you are can shape who you become. With that in mind, I decided to move to New York City wher e I attended college and worked organizing bake sales and working in a restaurant.
What inspired you to start thinking about owning a restaurant? Those years were full of doubt, but it was the day to day of working in a restaurant that made me start dreaming about living that life; having my restaurant and creating, leading, and strategizing that next move on my own. I wasn’t quite brave enough to take that leap quite so fast, but life found a way to force me into it. The restaurant I worked at closed down and I lost my job. It was the push I needed because five months after it did, Rose and Basil took form at 104 East 7th Street. Now that you’re an established owner and chef, what does a typical day entail? My days now start with notes on recipes, marketing strategies, and emails. Afternoons revolve around numbers, and evenings are all about creating the next big thing at Rose and Basil. My sources of inspiration are the important people in my life, and each recipe is shaped with one of them in mind. There is a story in each, and every taste awakens memories. Because of that, I am fascinated with involving all senses into my recipes. • First is visual: Be they food or beverages are what I think of as little works of art, to be enchanting and bring smiles. • Second is olfactory: This stage involves a daring and pioneering use of herbs and flowers. Our drinks are adorned with fresh flowers, so before you sip, you get the delicate smell of the flower, making the experience much more special. In that same way, our cakes capture your attention from the moment you see them. • Third is taste: Be it delicate and light or bold and innovative, we have something for everyone. • Lastly is how you feel: I often overhear people commenting about eating out at various restaurants around town who feel terrible afterward. Our ingredients and my recipes are created in such way that minimizes all aftermeal effects. It all makes my work complete. There is a routine somewhere in there, but no day is the same. While I’m in the café, I can be lucky enough to interact with someone who looks at what we do, tastes, and wonders. Best of all, they appreciate. For more information on Rose and Basil, visit roseandbasil.com. •
82 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
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FOOD & DRINK
DAN AYKROYD
STIRRING UP THE WORLD OF SPIRITS By Darren Paltrowitz
legendary actor, screenwriter, producer, director and musician, Dan Aykroyd has been at the forefront for over 40 years. Beyond being synonymous with New York through his work on Saturday Night Live and Ghostbusters, Aykroyd also holds his own as a co-founder of both The Blues Brothers and the House Of Blues chain of music venues. Beyond entertainment, Aykroyd has also succeeded as a philanthropist—he helped start the Blue Line Foundation—within the wine and spirits world. In 2007, Aykroyd conceptualized Crystal Head Vodka alongside artist John Alexander. Crystal Head’s vodka is quadruple-distilled and seven times filtered; the final three filtrations are done through Herkimer diamond crystals. Beyond the production quality, what is also unique about Crystal Head is that it is served in a skull-shaped glass bottle, as manufactured by the Milan-based Bruni Glass. The brand was the official vodka of the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Tour and received Gold Medals at the 2016 and 2017 editions of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. New York Lifestyles Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Aykroyd about Crystal Head Vodka—and plenty more. I’ve read that Crystal Head Vodka came from your interest in having an additive-free vodka on the market. When did you first become aware of additives? It probably was about 10 or 11 years ago, when a friend noticed the masked smell and taste of other vodka products on the market. What came first: the Crystal Head name, or the design concept? The bottle idea came first. Once we had the first prototype in our hands though, the name came pretty quick as it looks like one of the legendary crystal skulls found around the world. It seemed like a natural to us. 84 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Did the design of the body always look like it does now? Or did it change over time? The bottle didn’t change much from the first drawings. There were a couple of minor tweaks to it, but that was it. Has vodka always been your drink of choice? I enjoy all kinds of alcoholic beverages if they are well-made. I have become more partial to vodka over the years because I just love that we have made such a clean, pure product. Until Crystal Head came along, I didn’t drink nearly as much vodka. Do you usually drink Crystal Head straight? With a mixer? I am a simple guy when it comes to cocktails. Because Crystal Head is so pure, I enjoy it on the rocks with a squeeze of lime. Also Crystal Head with freshly-squeezed tangerine juice—now that’s refreshing. Are there plans for new products or new varieties for Crystal Head? We recently launched Aurora by Crystal Head. Aurora is an English wheat-based vodka that we make, additive-free. It is drier, bolder and a little spicier than our regular vodka. It is packaged in an iridescent metalized bottle that looks like the Aurora Borealis. When do you feel Crystal Head went from being a “celebrity vodka” to an award-winning brand? Within about a year of selling Crystal Head, we started entering competitions. The first one we entered we won the Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Then we just kept winning more and more competitions. You are often associated with New York City, thanks to your years with Saturday Night Live and starring in Ghostbusters. Do you still spend much time in New York? Not as much time as I would like to. I’ve lived in New York City—there’s just no other place like it.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York? How can you possibly just have one favorite restaurant in a city like New York? The bar keeps getting higher and higher for New York restaurants. They only get better and better all the time. I don’t know how I could just pick one restaurant. A lot of people may not realize that you were one of the founders of the House of Blues chain. Has attending concerts always been one of your main hobbies? I have always loved music, movies and entertainment in general. I still love going to concerts and watching movies. That will probably never change. Do you have any upcoming film or work projects you would like to share? I am pretty much spending my time with Crystal Head and doing some Blues Brothers concerts with Jimmy [Belushi]. I still may do the odd part in a movie, and I enjoy writing, but I really enjoy being in the alcohol business. There are some great people in the industry, and I have learned a lot in a short time. Concerts aside, when not busy with Crystal Head or work projects, how do you like to spend your free time? I love spending time with family and being up at my farm in Canada. For more information on Crystal Head vodka, visit crystalheadvodka.com. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON STAGE
BROADWAY CELEBRATES WOMEN By Lori Simmons Zelenko
hree Broadway shows to see this April all cast women MEAN GIRLS front and center in stories that speak to us of life journeys The August Wilson Theatre traveled with daring and passion, heartbreak, and joy. Opening: April 8th
Back when Lindsey Lohan was a talented young actress she played Cady, the newbie at the local high school in Mean Girls, the movie with Rachel McAdams glorying in her role as the leader of a ferocious pack of teen girls. Now this hit movie comes to Broadway in a new musical starring Erika Henningsen (Les Miserables) as Cady and Taylor Louderman (Kinky Boots) as Regina, supported by a cast of talented but not yet household names. To sum up the action in this crazy comedy, our heroine, Cady Heron, may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But, when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. And so, Cady earns her seat at the pool table. But spoiler alert, she beats the odds and hangs on to her individuality.
86 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD The New American Theatre Opening: April 11th Maybe you remember the Marlee Matlin and William Hurt movie of the mid-80s, but it’s just as rewarding to come at the first Broadway revival of Mark Medoff ’s stellar play with a blank slate, leaving behind memories too of affable Pacey in TV’s late 90s hit, Dawson’s Creek. Making his Broadway debut, Children of a Lesser God’s leading man, Joshua Jackson has, as they say, grown up since his days sharing the small screen with Katie Holmes as adventurous if not anguished teens. Children of A Lesser God is at its heart a love story, the romance between a hearing teacher at a deaf school and a beautiful, angry deaf woman, a former student fiercely rejecting the hearing world. Love finds them, unites them passionately yet it lets us experience their struggle to find the right place in each other’s universe. Joshua Jackson (The Affair) captures the essence of the play with his compassionate insights, “I don’t think love ever goes out of fashion. The play is not just about the deaf world, but in a broader sense, it speaks to how we talk past each other, how we don’t see each other, how we make ourselves comfortable trying to reform people in our own images.” This universal message is echoed by his co-star, Lauren Ridloff (Wonderstruck) who being born deaf, acknowledges the timeless need to be loved as she recognizes the tough issues of adjusting to another language and another culture. As she says, “the desire to be heard by someone else is never out of date.” The phrase Children of a Lesser God is from Tennyson, Idylls of the King, “As if some lesser god had made the world, But had not force to shape it as he would…” In Mark Medoff ’s play, the two lovers find the force to shape their world together, defying the reference to the disabled as created by a God less than perfect.
SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Opening: April 23rd Did you slither across the dance floor, a denizen of Studio 54, while Donna Summer breathed “Love to Love You Baby”? Is it a guilty pleasure to flip the car radio dial to disco every now and then? Tell me you don’t have a few albums from the 70s stashed in the closet. Well, your time has come to indulge. Summer: The Donna Summer Musical is about to open on Broadway. A girl from Boston with a voice of an angel, a woman, an artist, who shot through the stars from the gospel choir to disco diva, Donna Summer seemed heaven sent. But to become the icon of an era, Donna Summer risked it all. The show lets this disco queen take charge of her narrative, and as a result, the audience loses control, singing, humming, crying, laughing and dancing in the aisles as the show reveals how she broke through barriers to reign supreme for every diva who’s followed. You’re sure to find your favorite classic Summer hit including “MacArthur Park” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” performed by three mega-talented women: Tony Award winner LaChanze (The Color Purple, Once on This Island) as “Diva Donna,” Ariana DeBose (A Bronx Tale, Hamilton) as “Disco Donna” and Storm Lever (Freaky Friday) as “Duckling Donna.” Dust off your platforms, shake out your bell bottoms and get ready to boogie on down to Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Broadway. Don’t blame us if you’re still dancing on the way to work the next day. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE BIG SCREEN By Jenny Peters
ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURES AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Rated PG Marvel comic and movie fans—including the millions who rejoiced in the release of Black Panther—will be thrilled that yet another installment of The Avengers cinema series arrives in theaters this month. And yes, T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) is part of the heroic team, who not very surprisingly must save both earth and the universe from an evil despot (played by Josh Brolin) who is out to control the galaxy. If the previous Avengers flicks are any indication, expect plenty of special effects and a collection of your other favorite superheroes—Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Man, AntMan, Hulk, Dr. Strange, Hawkeye, Falcon, War Machine, Loki— up on the big screen. You get the idea; everyone is in this one. RAMPAGE Rated PG-13 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may be the hardest-working man in show business today with three movies already scheduled for release in 2018. In Rampage, he stars as a primatologist (ape expert) who raises a white gorilla from birth. When a genetic experiment goes terribly wrong, the gorilla mutates into a giant monster and the race is on to stop him—and others like him—from wreaking havoc on human civilization. Think King Kong on steroids in this cinematic adaptation of the video games of the same name. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, and Joe Manganiello co-star.
DARK DRAMAS CHAPPAQUIDDICK Rated PG-13 Jason Clarke stars as Edward “Teddy” Kennedy in this intense exploration of the worst day of his life, that moment in 1969 when his car plunged off a bridge in Chappaquiddick, Massachusetts. The accident killed 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara), a single woman who had been at a party with the 37-year-old Kennedy, who was married with three children at the time. The story was a sensation, for Kennedy had apparently left Kopechne to drown in the car as he swam to safety. Directed by John Curran, Chappaquiddick tells not only the tale of the accident but of the political repercussions that resulted for decades to follow. DISOBEDIENCE Rated R Academy Award-winner Rachel Weisz stars with Academy Awardnominee Rachel McAdams in Disobedience, the modern story of two girls raised as Orthodox Jews in London who leave that conservative world behind them as adults, when they discover a passionate love together. Their same-sex union is an affront to the society they were raised in; as the story unfolds, we find out just what this disobedience to the cultural norms of their community will cost them both. Based on the popular novel by Naomi Alderman, Disobedience is directed by Sebastian Lelio, whose A Fantastic Woman recently took home the 2018 Best Foreign Film Academy Award. 88 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
SUBMERGENCE Not yet rated Alicia Vikander and James McAvoy are star-crossed lovers in this romantic drama that spans the globe. He’s being held hostage in Africa; she’s heading to the bottom of the ocean in a submarine off the coast of Greenland. Both are remembering the encounter they had during a seaside vacation in France. With direction by the enigmatic German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire), Submergence is a film that is certain to leave you with as many questions as answers as the credits roll.
KOOKY COMEDIES I FEEL PRETTY Not yet rated Amy Schumer takes the lead in this raucous comedy about an insecure woman who suddenly gains confidence in her looks, which leads to all sorts of interesting situations. It’s a good thing she’s found her mojo, as the story surrounds her with some of the world’s most-beautiful women, including Naomi Campbell, Lauren Hutton, Michelle Williams, Busy Philipps and Emily Ratajkowski. Schumer didn’t pen this script, but she’s hoping her fans of Trainwreck will still stampede into theaters to see her latest starring vehicle. OVERBOARD Rated PG-13 In Hollywood, everything old is new again, which explains this re-do of Overboard, the 1987 comedy that starred Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. This time around, Anna Faris and Eugenio Derbez (from How To Be A Latin Lover) play the pair, with roles reversed from the original flick. He’s a spoiled millionaire; she’s an overworked single mother. When fate brings them together, both find a new lease on life, as this romantic comedy tries to set off the same sparks as the original. TULLY Rated R From the winning writing-directing duo that brought the world Juno in 2007 (and garnered four Oscar nominations in the process, including a Best Original Screenplay win for Diablo Cody) comes Tully, a comedy about an overwrought mother and her new nanny. Jason Reitman directed and Cody wrote the script for this wry family comedy that puts Charlize Theron in the stressful position of having a newborn, along with two other young children. But when Tully, the night nanny played by Mackenzie Davis (Blade Runner 2049), comes along, there just might be a way to survive the perils of motherhood. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 89
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE SMALL SCREEN By Jenny Peters
CAT-AND-MOUSE THRILLERS KILLING EVE BBC America Get ready for a spy thriller for the modern age, starring two women on opposite sides of the law. Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy) takes the lead as Eve, a slightly disaffected British MI6 agent whose life is changed when she begins tracking a female assassin (Jodie Comer) who has just taken out a Russian politician. As the search continues through this limited series (four episodes to start) the intrigue intensifies. The show is based on the Villanelle series of novellas by Luke Jennings. UNFORGOTTEN PBS This British crime series will grip you from the moment you tune in. A body from 39 years ago is unearthed, and as the criminal investigation of this cold case unravels, you’ll be holding your breath as the first six episodes play out. This hard-boiled police procedural won Tom Courtenay the prestigious BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor and also stars Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar as the detectives trying to piece together this fascinating cold case that begins to open up the moment they start to search for the killer.
OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD SCI-FI LOST IN SPACE Netflix If you’re a Baby Boomer, then the words Lost in Space evoke memories of Robby the Robot and the Robinson family, from the 1960s sci-fi series. If not, then this reboot will seem all new—and either way, the special effects will be on a whole different planet from the original. Much of the story is similar, as John and Maureen Robinson and their three kids (Judy, Penny, and Will) are stranded on a distant planet, along with a talented doctor (Parker Posey) and— naturally—a robot sidekick. Toby Stephens and Molly Parker star as the parents, whose primary goal is to keep their family together, protected—and alive. THE CROSSING ABC Affable Steve Zahn stars in this strange tale of time travel, set in a sleepy town on the Oregon Coast. Zahn’s the sheriff, whose life is turned upside down when a large group of refugees washes up on the beach. But these people are not from some nearby country; instead, they are Americans, but Americans from 180 years in the future. As the mysteries of their existence begin to unfold, there are many more questions than answers from this group that includes humans with seemingly supernatural powers. Natalie Martinez, Rick Gomez and Sandrine Holt costar in this mysterious new series on ABC. 90 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
EMOTIONALLY CHARGED DRAMAS GENIUS: PICASSO Nat Geo The newest chapter in National Geographic’s Genius series is Picasso, a ten-part series that stars both Alex Rich as the young Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas as the famed artist in his later years. This in-depth imagining of the influential modern-art visionary covers both his artistic evolution and his many love affairs, as well as his creative collaborations with many of the other artistic geniuses of his time. Picasso was born in Spain but spent much of his life in France, where he produced nearly 50,000 works of art. His is a legacy of greatness; this series looks at the real man and the incredible life he lived until he left the earth in 1973 at age 91. HOWARD’S END Starz Based on E. M. Forster’s famed novel, this fourpart series adapted by Oscar-winning writer Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester By the Sea) follows the lives of two sisters, independent spirits living in a time (the late 1800s in England) when women were expected to marry quietly, procreate and keep their ideas to themselves. Instead, the sisters (played by Hayley Atwell and Philippa Coulthard) take a more unorthodox path, much to the concern of their more-traditional aunt (Tracey Ullman). As men come in and out of their lives, the two sisters discover that some societal norms are almost impossible to break. For lovers of gorgeous clothes and settings, this one is worth watching just for the visuals alone. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE IN CONCERT NBC Easter Sunday brings a special treat to lovers of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar, the award-winning show that opened on Broadway in 1971. This version airs live on NBC and stars John Legend in the role of Jesus. He’ll be supported by a wide range of talented performers, from Sara Bareilles to Alice Cooper, Brandon Victor Dixon, Ben Daniels and Jason Tam. Following the last week of Christ’s life, this is sure to be an emotional celebration tied directly into the most important day of the Christian calendar, which happens to be April 1 this year. PATERNO HBO He was a legendary college football coach until the truth came out. Joe Paterno led the Penn State Nittany Lions to glory for decades, until the stark reality of his assistant coach Jerry Sandusky’s systematic sexual abuse of the boys in the program came to light. The scandal brought both the program and the legend of Paterno’s coaching success crashing down, as Sandusky’s horrific behavior and Paterno’s enabling of it forever tarnished the coach’s legacy at the university. Al Pacino stars as Paterno in this HBO film directed by Barry Levinson (Rain Man). • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 91
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUSEUM HAPPENINGS SPRING ART SHOWS AROUND TOWN By Clint Brownfield
pring ushers in a spectacular array of exhibitions around the city—proving once again that New York is indeed the art capital of the world. THE FRICK COLLECTION Zurbarán’s Jacob and His Twelve Sons (Through April 22nd) The Frick Collection, or The Frick, as most New Yorks call it, has one of the best name recognitions in the city. You know Spring has arrived in New York when the Frick’s famous pink magnolia trees begin to bloom—not to mention the riot of color that’s also beginning to bloom across the street in Central Park. With it’s location at 5th Avenue and 70th St., the museum is a dazzling blend of the mansion built and occupied by Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919) and the collections of art and objects he amassed during his lifetime. In addition to seeing the fabulous house and collections you can, at no extra charge, also view a number of special exhibitions during the year. Running through April 22nd the Frick is showing, for the first time in North America, all of the13 bigger-than-life paintings from the Old Testament of Jacob and his Twelve Sons, by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664). This truly remarkable series is derived from the Blessings of Jacob in Chapter 49 of the Book of Genesis, a poem that has significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. On his deathbed, Jacob called together his sons, who would become the founders of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He bestowed on each a blessing, which foretold their destinies and those of their tribes. Jacob’s prophecies provide the basis for the manner in which the figures are represented in Zurbarán’s series. On loan from Auckland Castle in England, this landmark exhibition is not to be missed. The opportunity to view them all at once, in a gorgeous room at the Frick, may never come along again. Info: frick.org. 92 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Jacob
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Thomas Coles Journey Atlantic Crossings (Through May 13th) The Met’s unparalleled comprehensive permanent collection and special exhibitions each year make this museum one of the city’s most visited attractions. More than 7 million people visited the Met last year, including the Met Breuer and the Cloisters. This landmark exhibition of over 70 works coincides with the 200th anniversary of Cole’s first Atlantic crossing in 1818, when at age 17 he emigrated from England to the United States. In just a few years he would become the founder of America’s first art movement—the Hudson River School. Among the American artists he would mentor along the way include such budding superstars as Asher B. Durand and Frederic E. Church. The show examines in depth Cole’s return journey to England in 1829–31 and his travels in Italy in 1831–32. Two of his most iconic masterpieces are on view: The Oxbow and The Course of Empire—created between 1832 and 1837, shortly after his return to New York. Born in England in 1801, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1834. He would only live to be 47 years old but to this day he is celebrated as one of America’s most preeminent landscape painters. On view are many of his masterpieces from the Met’s permanent collection as well as major works borrowed from other institutions such as the New York Historical Society and the Yale Center for British Art. Info: metmuseum.org. Public Parks, Private Gardens: Paris to Provence (Through July 29th) Also at the Met, this exhibition is a great way to get into a very Spring mood. Some 150 works by more than 70 artists, spanning the late 19th through early 20th century are on view highlighting the importance of the rise of public parks and private and public gardens that reached a fever pitch in Paris and France in the mid-1800s—ushering in Impressionism and Art Nouveau. In addition to the flowers that may be blooming in Central Park, prepare yourself for a major look at the Met’s vast holdings of works produced in this era as well as major works borrowed from institutions and private collections around the world. If an April shower should loom on the horizon you can see all the flowers you can imagine at this landmark exhibition.
Monet
UP THE HUDSON This spring is a great time to travel up the Hudson where one can still see many of the scenes painted by Cole and his disciples. Cole’s home and studio (thomascole.org) are open to the public in the town of Catskill and Frederic Church’s home, Olana (olana. org), located just across the Hudson in Columbia County, is also open to the public as Olana State Historic Site. Put both of these on your Spring travel bucket list.
Cole
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93
Zurbarán installation
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Grant Wood: American Gothic and Other Fables (Through June 10th) Grant Wood’s American Gothic is in New York! This iconic American classic rarely leaves the walls of the Art Institute of Chicago. But leave it to the folks at the Whitney to somehow manage to bring it to New York. The iconic (and much-spoofed) double portrait of a pitchforkwielding farmer and a woman commonly presumed to be his wife (she was actually Wood’s sister) is America’s most recognized and recognizable painting--maybe only rivaled by the Mona Lisa, which rarely leaves the walls of the Louvre in Paris. But wait, there is more…much more! Wood’s career consists of far more than one single painting. This show brings together the full range of his art, from his early Arts and Crafts decorative objects and Impressionist oils through his mature paintings, murals, and book illustrations; revealing a complex, sophisticated artist whose image as a farmer-painter was as mythical as the fables he depicted in his art. More than 130 works by Grand Wood form this landmark retrospective exhibition, including such easily recognizable paintings as: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and Parson Weems’ Fable. If you thought George Washington really chopped down a cherry tree and couldn’t lie about it, then think again. This painting will enlighten you. Info: whitney.org. • Parson Weems’ Fable
94 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
AFTER THE WHITNEY The Whitney is at the southernmost end of the High Line at the corner of Gansevoort and Washington Streets. So after taking in the Grand Wood exhibit you can do what just about every New Yorker and visitor to New York does these days—walk the High Line. This instant classic reaches up to West 34th Street, where along the way, you can take in the gorgeous landscaping and views of the Hudson River and also witness some off the most ambitious building projects in Manhattan. TThere are plenty of places to pause, catch your breath, and perhaps have a bite to eat or sip on a beverage to fortify yourself on the nearly two-mile walk. Info: thehighline.org American Gothic
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SPYSCAPE
FIND YOUR INNER SPY By Darren Paltrowitz | Photos by Scott Frances
ew York’s first museum dedicated to spying and related tactics, SPYSCAPE is on West 55th Street—just two blocks from MoMA. As few professions are more universally-intriguing than that of a spy, SPYSCAPE ought to appeal to all sorts of New Yorkers, from history buffs and fans of espionage-related movies to curious children and typical museum-goers. The museum was designed by David Adjaye—known for his work on Washington D.C.’s Museum of African American History and Culture—and is full of interactive exhibits and artifacts. I had the pleasure of speaking with SPYSCAPE’s Chief of Staff, Shelby Prichard. Before arriving at SPYSCAPE, Prichard had served as Chief of Staff at The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, landing there after time with the New York City Mayor’s Office. When asked which spy-related film is the best of all time, Prichard clued me into SPYSCAPE focusing in on two films within its galleries, 2007’s Breach and 2014’s The Imitation Game. How would you describe SPYSCAPE to a first-time visitor? SPYSCAPE is an entirely new kind of destination. It’s a contemporary museum, featuring fantastic spy stories, devices, and characters brought to life by world-class design, technology, and storytelling. It’s an interactive experience, where you can try real spy challenges including lie-detection in interrogation booths, observation in surveillance missions, and agility in special ops laser tunnels. More importantly, it’s a personal journey, to discover your inner spy through our authentic profiling system—developed with a former head of training at British Intelligence—and learn to see yourself and the world around you more clearly. 96 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
SPYSCAPE is both a museum and an experience. Who or what inspired its creation? The inspiration to create SPYSCAPE came from a recognition of two things: the universal fascination with secret intelligence, and growing demand for experiential and destination-based entertainment. We wanted to combine these things in ways that would be educational, entertaining and empowering. Do you have a favorite exhibit or part of the museum? One truly unique and compelling artifact in the SPYSCAPE collection is a tele-presence robot that Edward Snowden used to “go places” outside Russia. The “Snowbot” allowed him to take physical form anywhere in the world with WiFi. By using the arrow keys on his laptop, he was able to move around, see and be seen and interact live with people in places he is not able to visit in person. The “Snowbot” is on display in our Surveillance gallery and was used by Snowden to attend CES in 2016.
For someone visiting, is there anything they must bring with them? Any knowledge base they must have? We have invested enormous resource into designing the galleries and the experiences so that people can engage with them independently and at their own pace. We also have staff on-hand to answer questions which visitors may have about the artifacts, characters, stories, interactive experiences, and profiling system. There is a definite path for visitors to follow if they wish to see the whole exhibition in the order in which it was designed. That said, visitors can move through the museum space at their own speed and may skip or revisit anything they like. Does anyone on the staff have actual experience in the spy world? The museum has been brought to life by a diverse team of curators, designers, educators, programmers, and storytellers, with expert advice from former members of renowned hacking collectives, award-winning investigative journalists, and former Station Chiefs and Directors of International Intelligence Agencies. Do you think there are any misconceptions as to what a spy is or does? The reality is that most espionage requires far more patience and politics than we typically see in the movies. Most people will be surprised to discover that James Bond is not a spy at all, he is an intelligence officer or “agent handler”—one of the ten essential spy roles we bring to life through our profiling system. Tell us about any upcoming exhibits you will be showcasing in the near future. We have a temporary exhibition space, not open yet, that will feature short-term—three-to-six months—exhibitions on both the fictional and the factual worlds of hacking and spying; it will also present exhibitions in partnership with other organizations examining spying in art, fashion, film, technology. For more information on SPYSCAPE, visit spyscape.com. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 97
NEW YORK, NY
A COLLECTOR’S HAVEN THE MANHATTAN ART & ANTIQUES CENTER By Miriam Silverberg
he Manhattan Art & Antiques Center is one of the country’s largest art and antiques centers. Three floors, close to 100 dealers showcasing fine art and antiques, vintage jewelry, silver, furniture and much more. European, Asian, and African art is also on display at this treasure trove of cultural antiquities. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just take in some of the many wonders of the world, the Manhattan Art & Antiques Center is a must. It is where collectors and connoisseurs come to buy and add to their Collections.
PALMYRA HERITAGE GALLERY
Palmyra greek apulian red figure kantharos Anthony Mammon’s Estate Silver
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“What is this?” I asked as I held a silver Hemistater Sardes mint coin from 564553BC. This was the first coin ever minted in ancient Greece, and it weighed 5.12 grams made of silver. Morris Khouli, the owner of the gallery, explained that “it is priced at $800.” Something else that caught my eye was a Greek Hydria Vase with three handles dating from 340BC. This would be about $12,000. Khouli, one of the most important rare coin dealers in the world, is a life member of the American Numismatic Society, the American Numismatic Association, and The Florida Numismatic. Info: palmyraheritagegallery.com.
ESTATE SILVER CO.
Are you interested in buying a Sterling Silver Wine Cooler from the 20th century modeled after the original by Kandler in London 1735? The original is in the Hermitage Museum. However, there are some silver-plated copies in museums. Estate Silver Co. has the only sterling silver one for sale and it weighs around 400 lbs (it comes on wheels). If you want it, you’d better hurry as the price is $1.6 million. Don’t be scared off, though, owner Anthony Mammon also has items starting at $100. Info: estatesilver.com.
Cooler
Palmyra-Constance II gold solidus
HADASSA ANTIQUES GALLERY
This gallery caught my eye with its display of porcelain, paintings, silver, furniture, and Ancient art. Isaac, one of the owners, showed me around and I was enthralled with the Louis XV Ormolu and Meissen Porcelain-mounted automaton centerpiece clock, circa 1760-1780. The clock is in an igloo surrounded with figures and animals. The price is $50,000. There was another French Empire clock dating from 1820 depicting a fortress and seaside tower; priced at $15,000. Before I left, a beautiful porcelain vase from 1878 Gustavsberg Stockholm, Sweden caught my eye. It depicted offerings to the Queen based on the various trades in Sweden at the time. Isaac said it was meant to commemorate a special occasion” and is indeed memorable and priced at $75,000. Info: hadassinc@aol.com.
HEMINGWAY AFRICAN GALLERY
Pende Mask
Of course, the Hemingway Congo Fretish Gallery is a must-see at MAAC. Logan Gaisford, one of the owners, told me, “We’re the leading dealers in African art.” They also do a great deal to stop the killing of animals in Africa. She showed me some pieces they had bought from the son of Jean-Pierre Hallet, a French adventurer in Africa who brought back some of the foremost pieces of art—“all made of wood and costing near $20,000.” If you have the room, take a peek at the Cuba Helmet Masks from the Congo at $5,000. Info: hemingwayafricangallery.com.
Kuba Mask
MANHATTAN RARE BOOKS
I ended my tour at the Manhattan Rare Book Company—I didn’t want to leave. Owner Michael DiRuggiero deals in first editions, autographed letters, manuscripts, and photographs. He showed me an original book by Chagall with his full-page color drawings from 1966 for $40,000. Another item that took my breath away was a Vitruvius architectural book with engravings by DaVinci from 1521. DiRuggiero said, “This is considered one of the most beautiful illustrated books in the world of the Italian Renaissance; it’s $75,000.” We looked at the earliest known signed photo of William Butler Yeats from 1904 for $17,500. He told me he is “one of the leading authorities on Albert Einstein” and showed me a letter from the genius to his son in 1937 giving advice and discussing Freud and Shakespeare. A rare find at $60,000. Info: manhattanraarebooks.com. Chagall
Ian Fleming’s First Edition
For more information on The Manhattan Arts & Antiques Center, visit the-maac.com. •
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 99
NEW YORK, NY
BROOKLYN BOWL STRIKE IT RICH
By David A. Porter | Photos by Geoff Tischman
magine you’re a skinny, music-besotted high schooler, somewhere in the wilds of suburban New Jersey, circa 1985. You keep your records in plastic sleeves. You’ve got Springsteen and U2 pins on the lapel of your jean jacket. You’ve got Elvis Costello and Dire Straits lyrics written all over the inside covers of your three-ring binder. You are serious. And let’s say you’re somewhere on the Jersey Shore, walking in the sand, and you stumble upon a magic lamp. You, of course, pick it up, rub it, and make a wish: For your basement to become the coolest nightclub on earth, with an amazing sound system, incredible food, psychedelic lights, fantastic bands playing for hours every night—and a bowling alley! Welcome to Brooklyn Bowl on Wythe Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a mere two blocks from the banks of the mighty East River and a short seven-block scurry from the Bedford Avenue L station. For many of us, music is a religion, and Brooklyn Bowl is a church, temple and oracle rolled into one—and that roll is a strike! What makes this a holy site for music lovers? SpinDoctors
LET ME COUNT THE WAYS The sound is fantastic, loud and clear, and the stage, which always looks as if it’s been decorated for a Big Top birthday party, is low, about three feet off the floor; for most of the audience, the show takes place just above waist-high (and beneath a sparkling disco ball). If you get up close, you’re almost onstage. I was in the front row for a Hold Steady concert last year, and I could have reached out and touched guitarist Tad Kubler’s effects boxes. Another night, I was also lucky enough to see a knockout performance by late soul sensation Charles Bradley, who stepped into the audience toward the end of his show to give people flowers and hugs. APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 101
A MUSIC MECCA Charley Ryan and Pete Shapiro founded Brooklyn Bowl in 2009 just about the time the neighborhood was becoming an epicenter of New York—and global—cool. Ryan and Shapiro built the 23,000 square-foot club in the historic Hecia Iron Works building, which was completed in 1897. Today Brooklyn Bowl hosts performances and events seven nights every week, sometimes even two the same night, eleven performances weekly and more than four thousand since it opened. What kind of music do you like? Brooklyn Bowl books everything from blues, classic rock, jazz to punk, rap, reggae and soul, mixing legendary performers with up-and-comers, local acts and DJs. Since 2009 Adele, Elvis Costello, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Dr. John, Phil Lesh, Bruno Mars, John Mayer, The Neville Brothers, Stevie Nicks, Robert Plant, Paul Simon, Toots and the Maytals (to name but a few) have all dazzled crowds at Brooklyn Bowl. “We book national and international artists as well local acts,” says Brooklyn Bowl Talent Buyer Lucas Sacks, “and we try to keep the ticket prices as low as possible. We try to get big name talent as often as possible, but we also add local acts for support slots and midweek shows. We often book multi-night residencies because the shows are unique, and they allow bands to stretch out and feel comfortable: they can cover some of their favorite songs, play extended versions of songs, or host opening acts or special guests. Our goal is to create a ‘do-not-miss scenario for music lovers every night.” Ripe
Blue Ribbon Wall
BURGERS, BITES & BOWL Show up early, and hungry, as Brooklyn Bowl is also an outpost of Blue Ribbon, the legendary Lower East Side purveyor of fried chicken and other delights. Try the egg shooters with pickled peppers and olive oil mayonnaise, the buffalo cauliflower, spicy kale and quinoa salad or some of New York’s best wings, smoked in-house, but leave room for Blue Ribbon’s signature fried chicken platters. They will rock you, as will those mouthwatering burgers and ribs. You’ll undoubtedly need to fuel up, as you’ll be dancing until the wee hours of the morning. One of the venue’s two bars is inside the restaurant area, across from the entrance, and the other is across from the stage where, if bowling and delicious food and incredible live music aren’t enough, you can watch the game, or games, on a TV above the bar. In addition to Blue Ribbon, and as part of its commitment to local products, Brooklyn Bowl serves beers from nearby Brooklyn Brewery, as well as Kelos and Sixpoint, alongside handcrafted cocktails. Love bowling? Brooklyn Bowl is home to the world’s first LEEDcertified bowling alley, 16 immaculate lanes with Chesterfield sofas and tables. You can bowl before, after or even during a performance, and there’s table service if you want to dine while you bowl. On Sunday nights mention “Sunday Night Special” at the shoe rental desk for 50 percent off beginning at 8:00 PM. If you’re going, hop an L train and leave yourself enough time to stroll through one of Brooklyn’s most happening neighborhoods. After the show, take a gander at the bejeweled Manhattan skyline as you’re leaving the club. You can take photos with your phone and with a small point-and-shoot camera, but GoPros, professional cameras, and selfie sticks are prohibited. So, you see, wishes do come true after all! Bar and Soundboard
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For more information on Brooklyn Bowl, visit brooklynbowl.com. •
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NEW YORK, NY
PAWS DOWN, TAILS UP
STORMY WEATHER CHIC FOR PETS AND PEOPLE TOO! By Felicia Czochanski & Lori Zelenko
pril showers bring… wet paws! There’s nothing pet parents want more than to keep their four-legged fur babies out of the rain. From weather-resistant raincoats to booties and umbrellas, these stylish rainy day outfits will keep Fifi or Fido dry and happy when it’s raining cats and dogs. P.S. We know pet parents don’t always enjoy getting soaked on a stroll, so we’re sharing a look or two we think will make walking the dog a pleasure even in stormy weather. CITY SLICKERS
GREAT ADVENTURE
BOOTIE-LICIOUS
We love this colorful wardrobe staple from Django for even the smallest of our furry friends (modeled here by Django himself.) Keep it ready when April showers catch you both by surprise! Info: djangobrand.com.
When Mother Nature’s dishing it out, but your dog is still up for a great adventure turn to Orvis for their Houndtex® gear. No wet dirty dog smell to keep pet parents up at night! Wicks away just about everything. Info: orvis.com.
Walking in the rain? Don’t let your best friend get cold, damp feet! Pawz waterproof dog boots are a colorful, easy way to avoid muddy paw prints in the house. Info: chewy.com.
SURF ‘N TURF
SHELTER FROM THE STORM
LONDON CALLING
Imagine a dog life jacket that doubles as a raincoat! Waterproof for the wet and ready. Works for three seasons so no matter what the weather, here’s a coat that does triple duty. Info: kurgo.com.
Not every dog loves the rain. So when it comes to protecting a particularly resistant furry friend, this pet umbrella will do the trick. Info: evine.com/ Product/468-845.
Ready to accompany any royal, the Westerly Trench by Rover is a classic. City or country, London or New York, here’s a true Brit way to keep your pampered pooch dry when the heavens open. Info: thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/westerlytrench-rover/.
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SPORTING LIFE
DUTCHESS-WORTHY
Is your four-legged best buddy quite the athlete? The Hurtta rain blocker was created in Finland we love its sleek Scandinavian style. Sure to keep Fido dry for day trips down the shore or hikes on upstate trails. Info: hurtta.com/global_en/rain-blocker.
Kate Middleton wears Le Chameau just for everyday so no need to save these chic and comfortable boots only for wet weather. Practical for being outdoors with the dog but just as good for running errands. Info: lechameau.com.
HIP HOUNDS` The Barbour Waxed Cotton Coat is designed for the hip hound, in fact we’re betting we’ll see one on the pup likely to accompany future mega-royal Megan Markle who’s a fan of the brand’s coats for people. Definitely get one for yourself too! Info: barbour.com.
HELPFUL HINTS FROM THE PET LADY By Dana Humphrey
Wet and muddy paws not to mention a stinky dog is not a pretty picture. Here, The Pet Lady shares tips on making life with Fido and Fifi a little bit easier— especially on a rainy day. RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
• Stubborn pet when it comes to going out in the rain? If pee pads indoors are not an option, be prepared, it may take what feels like all day to get him to go outside. • Try to desensitize your pup to the rain by spending time outside during light drizzles. • Remember rewards work wonders when it’s time to praise your dog after a soggy outing. Treatibles Hemp Wellness Chews make a terrific treat after a walk in the rain. Info: treatibles.com.
QUICK DRY
• Even with the best raingear out there today, you and your dog will still manage to get wet— especially during a downpour. • Keeping a storage box full of super-absorbent towels by your entry way is a good way to be ready to dry off the moment you come home. Try the Soggy Doggy Towel, a must for rainy days with your best friend. Info: theegadgetflow.com.
TOYS FOR US
• Rainy days means less outdoor mental and physical stimulation for Fido or Fifi. • It’s a good idea to have a few activities or games prepared to give your dog the play and exercise he or she needs. • Play tug, hide and seek or find the treat. Stock up on puzzle or treat dispensing toys or try out a new bone. • Teach your dog a new trick or work on basic training skills while you’re cooped up inside. Conquering the rain with your pooch is possible. With a little mindfulness and preparation, rainy days can be safe, fun, and dry with your four-legged friend by your side!
APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 105
NEW YORK, NY
NEW YORK CENTER FOR CHILDREN HELPING FAMILIES HEAL By Norah Bradford
or children who have been abused in New York City, there is a place to find safety, hope and recovery. It’s called the New York Center for Children (NYCC)—and it’s free. Located on the Upper East Side, it’s run by a dedicated team of professionals headed by administrative director Christine Crowther. In fact, NYCC is considered one of the best centers for assisting children—and families—overcoming the trauma of abuse. Founded in 1995, New York Center for Children (NYCC) is a not-for-profit organization providing comprehensive and therapy services to victims of child abuse. The staff will never turn a child in need away. Conveniently located on East 70th Street, NYCC also offers professional training on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of child abuse. NYCC serves all families, including those lacking insurance. In addition to evaluation and treatment, the children at NYCC benefit from tutoring, mentoring and extracurricular events.
A TEAM OF PROS “What sets us apart is our expertise and focus on helping children heal from abuse, as well as our holistic approach. All of our services to children and families are provided in a warm and nurturing environment by our expert and dedicated staff,” explained Crowther. Clinical social workers and psychologists are onsite to help children and their families through NYCC’s Therapy Program. The program provides weekly individual therapy to help children address and recover from their traumatic experience. The Center also conducts group therapy. “Our children learn to trust again and to thrive,” added Linda Schoenthaler, President of the NYCC Board of Directors. An on-site pediatrician provides a sensitive and comprehensive medical exam. State-ofthe-art equipment helps identify and preserve crucial evidence. Also, staff experts speak with anyone in need of intervention and assistance as a result of child abuse. NYCC also provides referral and advocacy services. Phone and in-person consultations are also available to victims, their families and outside professionals engaged in the investigative/ reporting process. “This year, NYCC is expanding our services to serve more children and families—particularly from underserved communities,” Crowther explained. “We are reaching out to provide our services to the Latino immigrant community where there is a great need.” 106 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Christine Crowther
SHAPING PUBLIC POLICY NYCC is at the forefront of some educational projects focused on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of child abuse. In addition to the Center’s annual conference, educational offerings include workshops and intern/ externships geared to various constituencies including professional, community groups and students. Every year NYCC’s conference produces and distributes action steps which help shape and inform public policy on child abuse. Held in association with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services and Prevent Child Abuse America, it highlights best practices and innovative approaches to a range of situations. “One of our longer term goals is to double the number of children we serve in the next four years,” noted Crowther. To help guide teachers, social workers, and other professionals, NYCC conducts training and workshops on child abuse recognition and response. The Center also conducts parenting workshops at community organizations to provide parents with strategies and tools to communicate effectively, strengthen their relationships with their children and keep them safe from harm. “The most rewarding part of working at NYCC,” she said, “is being able to make a tremendous positive impact in the lives of children and families which will positively impact future generations as well.” Honorary Chair of the NYCC Board of Directors, Kate Spade, believes “Children are supported in their journey to a safer place.” To date, the center has helped more than 15,000 families receive care. The NYCC also provides groundbreaking training programs on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of child abuse, attended by medical students, doctors, nurses and first responders worldwide. More than 20,000 professionals have been trained through NYCC’s educational programs.
Playroom
A SPRING CELEBRATION To benefit the work NYCC does for the community, the 23rd Annual Spring Celebration Benefit will be held on April 30th at the Peninsula Hotel’s Clement Restaurant. “This year’s Spring Celebration will be a wonderful evening benefitting the children of New York,” commented Glenn Askin, NYCC Event Chair. The organization will celebrate over 20 years of helping the most vulnerable children achieve their full potential. The event, which coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month, helps raise funds for the Center’s work in healing, prevention, and education. This year’s event will feature a “Lift Me Up” theme, which reflects the organization’s aim to bring about hope and help children achieve their dreams. At this year’s Spring Celebration, guests will enjoy live music by Award Winning ensemble Englewinds, and a terrific silent auction featuring travel offers, fine dining, high-end fashion accessories and more. “We always welcome new volunteers and supporters. Those who wish to help support the NYCC can attend our events, get involved with the organization’s work, support our cause, volunteer, and spread awareness about our mission. Our supporters and volunteers make a tremendous impact at NYCC,” explained Crowther. For more information about the New York Center for Children (NYCC) and the 23rd Annual Spring Celebration Benefit, visit newyorkcenterforchildren.org. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 107
NEW YORK, NY
ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER By Thomas Ferguson
t’s a given: Music education helps young people stay focused, learn interpersonal skills, and gain confidence in their creative abilities. While most existing music education models rely on classical training with a steep learning curve that makes it hard to engage students, there is another unique approach. Building Beats encourages students to learn through digital music. They aim to democratize music education and make it more enjoyable and accessible to youth. Building Beats engages students with music making that builds their creative skills through free and affordable digital music software. By engaging their creative talents, students become contributors to their communities.
THE POWER OF MUSIC Since 2013, Building Beats has provided workshops to over three thousand NYC youth. Beginning as a small project located in the Bronx and Manhattan, Building Beats has since expanded all over NYC. Building Beats partners include the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, Carnegie Hall, Brooklyn Public Library, and the Metropolitan Museum. 108 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
HOW IT BEGAN Phi Pham, a DJ and music producer of 17 years, founded Building Beats. His leadership and vision have helped build a network of music and creative professionals mentoring the youth of NYC. Growing up with a passion for hip-hop music, Phi stumbled upon the art of DJing in 7th grade. Within minutes of scratching records, the inspiration to get his own set of turntables was born. Phi spent his weekends and school nights learning and developing his own skills (after finishing his homework, of course!). “I never imagined that something I loved doing would end up being my career,” recalls Phi as he looks back on the past two decades.
Phi Pham
After moving to New York in 2005 for college, he began gaining attention around the NYU community for his gigs downtown. He double majored in Neural Science and Psychology, but DJing and music was still his real passion. It was during his senior year that he came up with the idea of Building Beats. Phi remembers there was a program at NYU called the Reynolds Social Entrepreneur Program that gave grants for social impact startup ideas. His initial vision for Building Beats was to start music studios around the world for youth and have them collaborate online. The $800 grant from the Reynolds Program helped Phi launch Building Beats’ first project, starting a DJ school in Brazil. That project helped Phi learn the costs and difficulties of launching an international program. Soon after, he reset the team focus to start workshops in New York City. What started out as a group of volunteers has transformed to a growing staff continuing the work of digital music education.
THE MISSION Building Beats employs a team of 18 Workshop Leaders, many of whom are DJs and music producers with backgrounds in youth development. They instill music skills as well as develop a mindset in students to embrace the challenges of the creative process. This wisdom helps build students’ Creative Confidence: the courage to fail or take creative risks, and the knowledge that all the ideas created have value. Creative Confidence allows students to believe in themselves and to build confidence in all aspects of their growth and development. This process begins with access—using free mobile software, Building Beats holds workshops in schools and community centers throughout NYC. All they need is a computer with an internet connection.
Phi with a group of his students
Workshops generally last from 90 minutes to 2 hours, and class sizes are 10 to 12 students and consist of a warm-up activity, skill-building, and collaboration. Students learn how to produce and record music using their technology. The workshops are culturally responsive and relevant to students. Music concepts like theory, harmony, rhythm, songwriting, and arrangement are integrated into the curriculum. Feedback is an essential part of the workshops. Students share their work and give feedback to one another. This allows each student to learn new approaches as well as help each other; they use feedback to get better every day.
DEVELOP SKILLS Students also gain a set of transferable skills applicable to other arts, academic, or career endeavors. They develop social and emotional intelligence, mathematical aptitude, and design thinking skills. These skills will help a young person no matter what career they have. The goal of a Building Beats alum is not to become a superstar DJ, but to become a superstar community member. An important aspect of the program is every student connects with professionals and companies in the music industry. This is a pipeline to future opportunities for their personal growth. They also get to complete the program with a digital portfolio. Students have used the digital portfolios for college applications and resumes.
A young DJ in the making
To continue growing the work, Building Beats relies on the support of grants and generous supporters. Donors share the values of the Building Beats of empowering young people with creative skills to prepare them for the 21st century. Many jobs in the future need creative individuals with an imagination. Building Beats makes sure young people from under-resourced communities receive that training. While serving over 500 youth in the 2017-18 school year, Building Beats aims to provide a platform for disenfranchised youth to tap into their passions and share them with the world. There are long-term plans to expand their partnerships beyond New York City. For more information on Building Beats and to possibly partner with them, visit buildingbeats.org. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 109
NEW YORK, NY
MY NEW YORK STORY By Ann Toback
was born to be an activist, as surely as I was born to be a New Yorker. Raised in a family where my father was a third-generation union activist, with my grandparents having met at a union hall, activism was our “family business.” My parents taught us to live our values every day. We were progressives who never, ever crossed a picket line, and for over a decade, during the California grape boycott and strike, the only grapes I ate were Concords—grown locally and still my favorite. I was born in Brooklyn. My mother worked as research assistant at Downstate Medical Center and was a staunch feminist. Her monthly Ms. Magazines were big favorites of mine. My father was an engineer and an active member of the Newspaper Guild. The culture and energy of New York City were very much interwoven into my childhood, from art classes at MoMA to walks and bike rides through Prospect Park. Our family moved to Long Island before I started school, but we made frequent trips back to Brooklyn and Manhattan throughout my childhood, and I was back in Manhattan, for my first job after college graduation. Except for law school at Boston University, I have lived in Manhattan ever since.
WORD POWER After I earned my undergrad degree, I took my place as one of the thousands of twenty-somethings immersing ourselves in New York life. I got a job in a publishing house and shared an apartment in Pomander Walk, the charming, quirky Tudor-style mews on the UWS, built from a theater set design in the 1920s. Books and reading were my passion. I was privileged to know legendary publisher Charles Scribner IV and to spend hour upon hour in the iconic bookstores: the Gotham Book Mart, the Strand, and Scribner’s on Fifth Avenue. I felt like I had made it when I was able to purchase a season subscription to the 92nd Street Y Literary Series. As much as I enjoyed being part of the publishing world, it was not enough for me. I ultimately realized that I needed a career that allowed me to pursue my passion for advocacy and social justice activism. It wasn’t enough for activism to be a sideline. I continued to be moved by so many issues of inequality and economic disparity around me; I felt that I had to change careers and become an advocate full time. 110 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
Ann with sister Eileen Toback-profl organizer & activist
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
THE START OF A MOVEMENT
I went on to law school, then became a labor lawyer for the Writers Guild of America, East. I have always felt compelled to speak for people who don’t have a voice. Unions were formed so that people had the opportunity to be empowered through the support of a collective. Workers have strength in numbers and the protection of a contract. I loved my work for the Writers Guild, East, bargaining contracts, organizing workers, and representing them in grievance and arbitration procedures. Ultimately, I was much more connected to being a union leader than being a labor lawyer. For me, the idea of building coalitions, strategic activism and collective engagement is so important. I am very proud of having been the on-the-ground staff leader of the 20072008 Writers Guild strike, a bitter four-month struggle. It helped crystallize my future in social action leadership.
To me, one of the most important activist moments of the past was the Uprising of the 20,000. In 1909-1910. Clara Lemlich, a young Yiddishspeaking immigrant woman, along with fellow immigrant and activist, Rose Schneiderman, led a strike of 20,000 immigrant workers, mostly young women in their teens and twenties. These incredibly brave strikers worked in unsafe, deplorable conditions, often for 60 to 80 hours a week and still did not make a living wage. In 1909, they walked out of their jobs en masse and shut down the then-lucrative shirtwaist industry. The outcome of the strike transformed the garment industry and led to the creation of a work week, holidays, the recognition of women’s rights in the workplace, and many of the workplace safety regulations and union protections that have been in place for almost a century.
The idea of helping to build and lead a movement became my passion. In June 2008, I made the transition to the Workmen’s Circle. I am proud to be the first woman leader of the organization in its 100-plus year history. In 2008, the Workmen’s Circle was ripe for renewal in its second generation of life. It had been founded in 1900 as a progressive values-driven fraternal benefit society that helped over 100,000 Eastern European Jews transition into life in the United States. One of my first jobs here was to help re-envision the Workmen’s Circle for the 21st century as an organizational leader in the progressive social and economic justice world through a Jewish lens. It was more of a rededication to its ethical core than a rebirth since the organization grew out of the pro-labor, pro-worker movement of the last century. I arrived with the passion and commitment to creating new programs to help train future leaders and progressive activists in and around the labor movement and the social and economic justice world. As the Workmen’s Circle has reconnected to its activist roots, our partnership with the labor movement across the country has become one of our most important connections. At the Workmen’s Circle, we are fierce activists for social and economic justice, but it’s not enough for us—or for me—to just show up at rallies or picket lines. We have to make sure that our activism is strategic and focused on effecting real-world change. First and foremost, I have to understand the problem that I want to change, how I can move a solution forward and how I can help to educate people and activate them. Toback - de Blasio
CHANGING THE WORLD
Today, as I proudly lead the Workmen’s Circle in the 21st century, I am always cognizant that we are standing on the shoulders of so many great activists from the past. I think it is important to teach and engage children around issues of social and economic justice. The idea that they are empowered to change the world, helping new generations understand what meaningful activism can be, and how they can have a significant role in improving the world is a critical piece of our mission that we are now growing. We are living in very challenging times. Even so, I have always been, and remain an optimist. I see people making alliances and partnerships that I have never seen before. I am hopeful that in the coming months, we will see an increase in collective action with more diversity in the ranks of the progressive movement going forward. Different cultural organizations are forming meaningful coalitions of activism and support in the face of attacks on so much that we all hold close – on our fundamental freedoms, rights, and in many cases, critical support. I am hoping this will become the norm. It is essential in the face of the rising national dialogue on Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, immigrant oppression, homophobia, gender bias , and racism, that all of the many impacted groups join together in support and activism. Much like the Uprising of the 20,000, we need to stand firmly together and create a movement where strength and support are shared. All people who believe in a better world have to work as one. These alliances and connections will take us into a stronger future, here in NYC and the world around us. For more information on the Workmen’s Circle and Ann Toback, visit circle.org. • APRIL 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 111
NEW YORK, NY
TIME OUT WITH…
JAMIE DEROY By Clint Brownfield
hen one enters Jamie deRoy’s vast apartment at the historic Alwyn Court, there is a lot to take in. Meeting her and visiting with her for an afternoon in this setting—well, there’s even more to take in.
Jamie deRoy
One can easily lose track of exactly how many rooms there are in the apartment. The word cavernous comes to mind. Along the way are enough books, CDs, works of art and collections that could quickly fill a branch of the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. Her mother, noted artist Aaronel deRoy Gruber—Jamie goes by her mother’s maiden name— created much of the art on display. Collections on view in the living room range from large groupings of cat figurines, Kewpie Dolls and, casually thrown into the mix, are eight MAC Awards (Manhattan Association of Cabarets), four Back Stage Bistro Awards and 11 Telly Awards. The three Tony Awards she has won for producing Broadway plays and musicals are not in the living room. But don’t think her apartment resembles the Collier brothers’ infamous digs. Everything is kept in mint condition and displayed in lighted display cabinets. The living room is big enough to contain a grand piano and provides plenty of space to tape her bi-monthly television show, Jamie deRoy & friends. Tiptoeing through all this is her intrepid cat Harpo, who never breaks a thing. Very stealthy!
THE JOURNEY BEGINS Jamie arrived from Pittsburgh to NYC in 1964 and began her multi-faceted journey by knocking on doors, going to auditions, taking classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and hasn’t looked back since—sort of a living, breathing work of kinetic sculpture. Summer stock, club dates and parts in plays and musicals began to happen both in New York and LA. One of her earliest collaborations was with a young rising musician who went by the name of Barry Manilow. In LA she would become the opening act for another funny lady, Joan Rivers, who encouraged her to be as funny as she wanted—a rarity in those days when comedians didn’t want their opening acts to infringe on their comedic offerings. Joan was very generous, and show people of all stripes, to this day, also know Jamie for her longtime generosity.
BROADWAY CALLS
In the 1980s someone in Jamie’s orbit suggested she might try her hand at producing. Good suggestion—three Tony Awards and numerous successful plays and musicals are the evidence. Currently on Broadway are these productions that were helped by Jamie’s involvement: Angels in America, The Band’s Visit, The Play That Goes Wrong and Latin History for Morons, which just finished a successful extended run. Her nurturing spirit manifests itself via her participation in the outreach programs at, among others, the Actors Fund, where she founded and runs the Jamie deRoy & friends Cabaret Initiative and the venerable Friars Club. Women were not allowed to be members of the Friars Club until 1988; Jamie was admitted to the club that year along with such other superstars as Liza Minnelli. There were other honorary female members admitted, but Jamie was in the first wave of women to be admitted as regular members. Jamie’s not one of those members who shows up once in a while for lunch or an occasional dinner. She believes that if you are a member of an organization that you should be an active member. To say the least, Jamie has been a very active member, serving on many committees, helping with tributes and roasts and raising money to help fellow show people all around the city and country via the Friars Foundation. She’s a wonder woman! Her longtime showbiz pal, Julie Gold, sums it up perfectly: “I’ve known Jamie for 40 years. She’s a tireless, cheerleading, cat loving, purple wearing, entertaining, risktaking, fund-raising, silver-haired wonder!” •
HONORING A LIVING LEGEND
Friars Club
This month on the 11th, Jamie will be feted and celebrated at a Friars Club tribute called 30 Years A Friar!, when and where a who’s who of Jamie’s friends and colleagues will honor her for her 30 years of service as a treasured member of the Friars Club. The Friars Club was founded as a private club in 1904, and it’s monasterythemed mansion on East 55th St., serves as its headquarters. Known for its famed rollicking roasts, the Club has historically raised funds to help entertainers in times of need. The club’s membership currently includes about 200 women—20 percent of the club’s total membership. Two-thirds of the membership is made up of people in the entertainment business, and the rest are corporate members.
112 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2018
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