Vol. 1 #3 | August 2015
John McEnroe Mac is Back
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Table of Contents
Editor’s Letter: Teller, We Love You US Open: Mac Is Back Marvin Scott: Feet Firmly On The Ground -30-: Cuomo And DeBlasio Duking It Out?
Travel 21 26 35 40 43 51
43
Iguazu Falls: Beauty In The Jungle Chattanooga: The City, Not The Choo Choo English Pubs: A Great Way To Meet The Brits Ladies Las Vegas: Does It Really Stay In Vegas? Travel Roundup: Adventures Of A Lifetime Barging Through Europe: Moving In Slow Motion
Theater
71 Lincoln Center’s White Light: The Power Of Art 72 Jim Kierstead’s Broadway Insider 76 Kinky Boots: A Morality Lesson?
Real Estate
62 Off-Market: A Growing Niche 4 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
Dining 29 78 82 85 90
Limani: Exotic Dining Swifty’s: Haunt Of The Famous Little Italy: A Piece Of The Old Country Katz’s Deli: 127 Years And Still Fresh Schlesinger’s: History And Great Food
Sports 17 48 93 94
King & Prince: Golf And Luxury Saratoga: More Than Just Horses Golf Gadgets: More For Your Game Hall Of Fame Inductees
Finance
65 Planning for Retirement: Can You Afford It? 68 10 Worst Airline Fees
Seapointe Village is perfectly located within minutes of Historic Cape May and The Wildwoods. Our ocean front location and amenities, make us one of the most popular vacation and ownership resorts in the region. Some of our features include a beautiful private beach, four luxurious pools, including one indoor pool and our spectacular spas, waterfalls, gardens and children’s programs. Stop by and meet our staff at Seapointe Village to learn more about what makes us so unique.
WWW.SEAPOINTEREALTY.COM 609-729-7100 9900 SEAPOINTE BOULEVARD WILDWOOD CREST, NJ NJ licensed Real Estate Broker
Editor’s Letter: As Sally Field Said “You Love Us” hank you, thank you. Our last two issues literally flew off the distribution points. The response from readers, subjects in articles and advertisers has been nothing short of spectacular. It was so amazing that it even “almost” prompted Teller (of Penn and Teller) to speak publicly. Our distributor laughed when we asked for returns. He said he had only enough copies of New York Lifestyles Magazine to keep for his files. The magazine, he said, literally disappeared from the distribution points. And into the hands of eager readers such as yourself and for that we thank you. Our promise to you is that we intend to improve with each issue, bringing you more of the things you are interested in. We’ll have New York happenings, interesting trips abroad and day trips from the city. Finance and health are subjects we will be delving into and leisure and entertainment will be a major part of us. One area we will be giving special attention to is the real estate market and we are developing new writers who are experts in that field to bring you the latest news and trends. A prime destination for our readers is the Jersey Shore and we’ll have frequent pieces of places to stay, have fun (Morey’s Piers), relax and dine-such as Giovanni’s. Where? Look inside and you’ll find out. We’ll focus strongly on personalities you all know. Last month we featured that duo of crazy Libertarians who also happen to be arguably the best comic magicians on the boards; Penn & Teller, the duo appearing in New York until the middle of this month. Get out and see them if you have a chance. You will enjoy the evening. We have several new writers to introduce this month. Jim Kierstead, a two-time Tony Award winner will be writing a regular Broadway insider column. He won’t be doing reviews but will bring exclusive stories to our magazine. Jim has been a producer on Rocky, the currently amazing Kinky Boots and a host of other top-notch shows. Daniel Bollinger, a senior associate with AZAD Property Group will discuss real estate trends from his expertise. We are now in discussions with representatives of major real estate entities to bring you comprehensive news in the field. Karen Feld, a well-known travel journalist and experienced worldtraveler brings her personal touch to trips you know you want to take. She’ll tell you how to plan, what to bring-and what not to bring. She will give advice on how to choose just the right trip. This month she’s on an exotic barge trip down European rivers. 6 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
Over the coming months we’ll be bringing you a vast array of stories covering the topics above and some that you haven’t thought of but will find intriguing. As always, we are open to suggestions and comments (good or not so good-although we much prefer the good) from the readership. This is as much your magazine as it is ours. Please feel free to drop me a note at bobn@ newyorklifestylesmagazine.com at any time you feel you have something to say. We know you’ll enjoy the contents of this issue and we look forward to bringing you the next issue that’ll be jammed packed with great material. Cordially,
Bob Nesoff Executive Editor bobn@newyorklifestylesmagazine.com
B O B
N E S O F F Vol. 1 #3 | August 2015 President / Publisher Bill Mason Executive Editor Bob Nesoff Art Director Eric Duncan
BOB NESOFF
Travel Editor Sandy Nesoff Chief Photographer David Handschuh Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim Contributing Writers
Spyder Hole has won unanimous praise from reviewers who have compared it to an Indiana Jones movie and authors Frederick Forsythe and Tom Clancy. The Story He had the information in his hands. Dan Halevi, former American Green Beret, now a colonel in the Israeli Mossad, could have stopped the attack on 9/11 but he never connected the dots and 2,976 people died. Now he has information that the terrorists are planning to set off nuclear weapons in New York and London. This time he won’t let it happen. Bob Nesoff is a gifted and experienced writer who knows his subject. His knowledge of tactics and techniques is phenominal. In reading Spyder Hole the realism of planning black ops and special weapons rang as true as an actual foray into Iraq or Afghanistan. He manages to present technical subjects in an exciting manner without bogging the story down. He keeps the pace moving like and Indiana Jones movie; in fact, if Hollywood is smart, this will be made into a movie.
Thomas E. Neehdham, Maj. Gen. (Ret.), US Army To order a personally signed copy of Spyder Hole, send a check in the amount of $20 (s/h included) made out to Bob Nesoff Spyder Hole, at P.O. Box 104, Oradell, NJ 07649. Bob may be reached at Authorsoncall@aol.com. He is available for speaking engagements and book signings. 8 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
Northeast Jon Haggins, Jeff Sylva, Stephanie Sylva Ross Warren, Ed Curtis, Dale Reynolds Ross Warren, Sandy Roberts Jason Wolfgang Gehlert, Phillipe Mignon Midwest Mira Temkin, Jodie Jacobs
Pacific Northwest Curt Winston
South Mona Hayden
Real Estate Daniel J. Bollinger
Southeast Pam Barker, Gerry Barker
Spas/Health Karen Feld
New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651
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For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: New York Lifestyle Magazine Twitter: nylifestylesmag New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 12 times annually. © 2015 New York Lifestyles Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA.
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Excitement Looms at the 2015 US Open By Lyle Seltzer and Bob Nesoff ennis fans are eagerly awaiting the opening of the U.S. Open at the end of this month with a special focus on Serena Williams and her quest for a Grand Slam. The tournament commences at 11am on Monday, August 31 and runs through Sunday, September 13 with the men’s final slated for Sunday, September 13th and the women’s final slated for Saturday, September 12th. The tournament, played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows - Corona Park, will be broadcast by ESPN. This year’s broadcast is the first of a new 11 year deal between ESPN and the U.S. Tennis Association. ESPN’s US Open coverage now will include Labor day weekend and finals weekend windows that were broadcast by CBS for more than 40 years. John McEnroe, one of the greatest tennis players of all time and probably the most knowledgeable and interesting tennis analyst, will once again be part of the network broadcast team continuing the role he has played in prior years. Viewers look to John for his tennis insight and he plays a major role in the event based on his relationships with current players, past players and coaches. He is a fixture at the Open and fans talk not only about his announcing skills but also compare the top current players skills and personalities to John’s days as a tennis player when he won 7 major championships. John is a true New Yorker and a home town favorite having grown up in Douglaston, Queens and currently living in New York City. The 2015 tournament is shaping up to be full of excitement on both the men’s and women’s side. On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic fresh off his 2015 victory at Wimbledon will face a strong group of challengers. Roger Federer, the Wimbledon runner-up and five time US Open champion, is playing at the top of his game and is seeking the same type of major victory in the twilight of his career that Pete Sampras pulled off in his 2002 US Open victory against Andre Agassi. Rafael Nadal a one time US Open winner is always a strong contender sporting a .500 victory percentage against Djokovic but with only a hard court record of 6-13. Tune in to hear John’s analysis which goes far beyond just the numbers and see if he can predict who the sleepers may be.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 11
Photo by Boss Tweed
Photo by Angela Hengel
Photo by Carine06
On the women’s side it’s all about Serena Williams and her quest
12 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
Photo by Marianne Bevis
Photo by Charlie Cowins
Wiesbaden, Germany while his father was serving in the Air Force. The disciplined life of a military brat obviously didn’t wear off on him considering his antics on the court. But perhaps that same discipline was what made him into the top caliber professional he did become. “When he was only two years old he was able to hit a ball with a plastic bat,” commented his father, John Sr. “At age four he could hit it quite a distance.” That hand/eye coordination would develop as he grew and was invaluable on the tennis court. From Germany the family moved to Queens and John grew up in Douglaston and tennis became his sport. In 1977, following high school graduation, he went to Europe for a tennis tournament and won the French Juniors Tournament. He next went for the junior competition. At 18-years-old he dumbfounded everyone by reaching the
Ilie Nastase who earned the sobriquet “Nasty Nastase.” Named “Rookie of the Year” in 1977 despite inconsistent play, a sportswriter commented: “He is a young man who raised perfectly placed strokes to a high art form only to resort to tantrums that In 1978 he began his assault on the U.S. Open, reaching the semi-
McEnroe, contrary to his later escapades, handled the pressure exceptionally well and was a big factor in helping the United beat top names such as Bjorn Borg and began cementing his own reputation. But his on-court antics earned him the sobriquet “Super Brat” by the British press. His turns at Wimbledon brought out the British television audience almost unanimously there hoping to see him lose. As in 1776 the Brits lost once again.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 13
Photo by Francisco Antunes John showed his mettle in 1980 in his hot rivalry against Borg at the U.S. Open with McEnroe emerging victorious. This was a prelude to the following year (1981) when McEnroe took a four-set win, following that with wins in three consecutive years, U.S. Open titles. He set a record by capturing 28 Davis Cup singles victories and in 1984 he won 82 of 85 matches. In 1986 he stepped away from play to recharge his batteries and then the following year did so involuntarily when he was suspended for an outburst on the court. He packed it in during 1992 with seven career Grand Slam singles championships; nine Grand Slam doubles titles and another in mixed doubles. suspended. To the surprise of no one, the rule was put in place as a result of McEnroe’s on-court histrionics. He earned a suspension under that rule in 1984 after an outburst that became what today would be called “viral.” He questioned a chair umpire’s call and went on a rant demanding:
14 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
“Answer my question! The question, jerk.” He then slammed his racquet into a juice cart that was innocently nearby. That cost him Out of the maelstrom of tournament play, McEnroe became a sports broadcaster for television and still competes in a number of charity tournaments. He is especially interested in children’s causes and is very active with the Arthur Ashe Foundation working to eliminate AIDS. More in line with his ability on the court than his antics, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and was named captain of the Davis Cup team in 1999. John always had a wide range of interests. As an avid rock fan, he plays guitar and sometimes gives a performance at charity events. He learned to play with the assistance of such notables as Eddie Van Halen and Eric Clapton. He formed a band called the “Johnny Smyth Band,” and acted as lead singer. He also wrote music and songs.
2015 US Open Tournament Schedule The 2015 US Open is scheduled to take place from Monday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 13. Photo by steve9567
Tickets to the 2015 US Open are on sale now! Date
Session
Time
Featured Matches
Monday, August 31
1 Day
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s 1st Round
Monday, August 31
2 Evening
7:00 pm
Tuesday, September 1
3 Day
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s 1st Round
Tuesday, September 1
4 Evening
7:00 pm
Men’s/Women’s 1st Round
Men’s/Women’s 1st Round
Wednesday, September 2 5 Day
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round
Wednesday, September 2 6 Evening
7:00 pm
Thursday, September 3
7 Day
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round
Thursday, September 3
8 Evening
7:00 pm
Friday, September 4
9 Day
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round
Friday, September 4
10 Evening 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 5
11 Day
Saturday, September 5
12 Evening 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 6
13 Day
Sunday, September 6
14 Evening 7:00 pm
Monday, September 7
15 Day
Monday, September 7
16 Evening 7:00 pm
Men’s/Women’s Round of 16
playing himself on everything from sitcoms to cartoon shows. He played himself in “Mr. Deeds” and again in the critically panned “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan.”
Tuesday, September 8
17 Day
Women’s Quarterfinal / Men’s Quarterfinal
Tuesday, September 8
18 Evening 7:00 pm
In television commercials, he managed tongue-in-cheek antics
Wednesday, September 9 19 Day
He was featured in a British insurance company’s commercial putting on his on-court outburst.
Wednesday, September 9 20 Evening 7:00 pm
Photo by Shinya Suzuki Interested in art as well, he opened the John McEnroe Art Gallery in New York, offering an opportunity for young artists to display their works.
In a funny move, chess champion Freddie Trumper, who had much the same reputation, while in the musical “Chess,” said: “I don’t believe that they can’t see my game. I’m like that tennis player, what’s-his-name.” The fact of the matter; however, is that John McEnroe will be remembered as one of the best tennis players in the world long after his outbursts are forgotten. t
Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round
Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round
Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s Round of 16 Men’s/Women’s Round of 16
11:00 am Men’s/Women’s Round of 16
11:00 am
11:00 am
Women’s Quarterfinal / Men’s Quarterfinal Women’s Quarterfinals / Men’s Quarterfinal Men’s Quarterfinal / TBD
Thursday, September 10
21
7:00 pm^ Women’s Semifinals
Friday, September 11
22 Day
12:00 pm
Saturday, September 12
23 Day
12:00 pm Men’s Doubles Final / Women’s Final
Sunday, September 13
24 Day
12:00 pm Women’s Doubles Final / Men’s Final
* Schedule is subject to change
Mixed Doubles Final / Men’s Semifinals
^ Field court play begins at 12:00 p.m.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15
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For King and Prince By Stephanie and Jeff Sylva
n 1935 a small, private seaside dance club, The King and Prince Club opened on the picturesque beach of St. Simons Island, Georgia. From this humble origin, The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort has become a prized destination for visitors looking for a warm Southern welcome in a beautiful seaside setting. St. Simons Island is a serene, family-oriented community located across a five-mile causeway from Brunswick, Georgia. The largest of the four Southeast coastal barrier islands referred to as the Golden Isles (one of Georgia’s best kept secrets), St. Simons has
garnered some impressive kudos. Coastal Living Magazine named St. Simons Island one of America’s “Happiest Seaside Towns” in its June/July 2014 issue and Travel + Leisure rated this charming island No.1 for America’s “Favorite Beach Town,” noting its triple play offering of “Southern Charm, Serenity and Affordability.” The King and Prince Resort, St. Simons’ only oceanfront beach resort, is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and is a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America offering an array of activities infused with typical welcoming Southern hospitality. During our four-day stay at The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, we were treated like old friends by the attentive resort staff and by everyone we met throughout the island.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17
Resort activities The King and Prince Resort redesigned its pools in 2012 to create an impressive array of three tropical-themed pools with impressive views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. With 2 separate children’s pools and a large sandy play area, kids will have a blast. The resort’s activities coordinator keeps things hopping all summer with a variety of pool and beach games and activities. Golfers will revel in the beauty of The King and Prince Golf Course and its four spectacular, marsh-framed “island holes.” Golf Advisor ranked The King and Prince Golf Course the “Number 1 Course in Georgia Available to the Public” based on more than 4,000 reviews by everyday golfers. One voter wrote, “Lots of majestic oaks dripping with moss and the water holes are breathtaking… The greens are fast and fairways forgiving.” Tennis buffs will find two beautifully maintained Har-Tru courts available complimentary to guests. A fitness center is also complimentary. You can enjoy a relaxing session at the Royal Treatment Cottage, the resort’s full-service spa. Located in a historic beach cottage just steps from the beach, the spa and its welcoming front porch replete with comfy chaises and gentle sea breezes create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying one of the many relaxing, rejuvenating treatments offered by the expert staff.
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Accommodations at The King and Prince are quite varied, with many rooms and suites having ocean views. Families can spread out in the two- and three-bedroom villas, which offer full kitchens and spacious living areas. Southern Culinary Treats Dining at The King and Prince is a treat sure to please even the most discerning of culinary enthusiasts. ECHO, the island’s only oceanfront restaurant, has broad, sweeping views of the ocean and offers indoor and outdoor dining. Serving classic coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, ECHO’s dining team boasts a local-first philosophy featuring such regional favorites as Shrimp & Grits and Fried Quail & French Toast. The King and Prince Resort’s reputation for elegance and warm hospitality that are both distinctly different and completely Southern has earned the resort a place in the Southern Living Hotel Collection, a selective list of Four and Five Star level independent resorts, hotels, and inns that offer the best in authentic Southern travel, hospitality and experience. Writers and Editors at Southern Living note, “You know it when you see it, from perfectly crafted rooms and restaurants to breathtaking natural surroundings.” It is The King and Prince’s continuous commitment to excellence that has earned it Trip Advisor’s “Hall of Fame” honors, recognizing properties that have won the travel website’s Certificate of Excellence for five straight years.
One of “America’s 10 Best Islandsâ€? – AOL Travel When visiting The King and Prince you must be sure to explore St. Simons Island, and a great way is with a narrated tour by Lighthouse Trolleys. The affable Cap Fending beams with pride when pointing out the beauty of the island and offers riders an interesting history of the island. Lighthouse Trolleys offers a wide variety of other tours including dolphin tours, sunset boat cruises, trolley ghost tours and ½ or full-day fishing trips. Cap can arrange an inshore, nearshore or offshore fishing trip, and may even share some of close secrets for the best fishing spots. With over 21 miles of bike paths, St. Simons offers great opportunities to get a little exercise and enjoy wonderful views of the marshes, beautiful homes and the beaches. When the tide is out, the beaches are perfect for riding bikes. Bike rentals are available at Ocean Motion, just one block from The King and the Prince. Ocean Motion also conducts kayak nature tours and dolphin nature tours, as does Southeast Adventure Outfitters. Experience “shrimpinâ€? aboard the Lady Jane, a 60-foot steel hull shrimp boat that trawls the protected inland waters of coastal Georgia. Watch the crew pull up the nets, dump the catch on board, and then sort through the myriad marine species. Passengers are encouraged to handle many of the aquatic creatures, or even chip in and help remove the shrimp heads as the crew prepares the freshest shrimp boil you’ve ever had, using the sweet Georgia white shrimp that these coastal waters are famous for.
Be sure to visit the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum. A climb to the top of the lighthouse reveals spectacular views of St. Simons, neighboring Jekyll Island and Brunswick on the mainland. Visitors to Saint Simons Island will find a quaintness and friendliness that will make them feel like they have come home – FWFO JG UIFZ BSF OPU EPXO IPNF 4PVUIFSOFST t For more information: The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort 912-638-3613 www.kingandprince.com Lighthouse Trolleys www.lighthousetrolleys.com Ocean Motion www.stsimonskayaking.com Southeast Adventures Outfitters www.southeastadventure.com Lady Jane www.shrimpcruise.com St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum www.stsimonslighthouse.org AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19
The Magic of Iguazu Falls & Sao Paulo By Jon Haggins Photos by David Fasano
guazu Falls is located in the glorious country of Brazil and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world and a UNESCO Natural Wonder of the World since 1986. It’s the largest waterfall in the world. It’s a spectacular site where a rainbow sits on the shoulders of the falls. What a sight to see! You
can take a boat ride under the falls, but be prepared to get soaked. It’s amazing! Iguazu is a magical and wet experience. A walkway is suspended over the bottom of the falls and offers a spectacular view. It’s where everyone gets drenched from the never-ending refreshing shower. It’s a perfect place for lovers to enjoy the spectacular view. There are seven luscious falls shared by Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Some folks come to renew their vows and replenish their energy. It’s perfect for everyone! AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21
The Bird Park, owned by a private company is where you can find 130 different species totaling more than 1,000 birds. Fifty percent of the birds come from The International Traffic Environmental Authority. They arrive in bad condition and receive treatment. Some are endangered, especially the Brazilian birds. Many of them are caught when they are chicks. If let go, they will probably die because they don’t know how to fend for themselves. The Bird Park is where one can see exotic birds like the Brazilian Macaw and other protected birds. The bird sanctuary also has a collection of butterflies and flamingos from Africa and Chile. In order for flamingos to reproduce, they like to be in big groups, which provides safety. Baby flamingos are grey in color and as they grow they change to pink as a result of eating shrimp of that color. As adults, color is very important for mating. Bufalo Branco-Churrascaria Restaurant Barbecue House offers twenty-five different meats. It’s the best steak house in Iguazu. First you start at the salad bar with a variety of choices. Then you must order the traditional Brazilian drink, the caipirinha (cachaca, fresh limes and sugar on the rocks). The selection of meats include chicken, lamb, pork and lots of beef. Waiters arrive at each table to slice the meats of your choice. The picanhas is a rump cut and it’s ooh so delicious. It comes from the rear of the steer (or heifer) and is the most sought-after piece of meat in Brazil. The meat is moist with the simplest seasoning of sea salt. You don’t need to add anything because the meat is so tender. My favorite side dish was a pineapple dipped in cinnamon and 22 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
then put in a rotisserie for five minutes. The pineapple was fresh and juicy, not like the pineapple we get in our supermarket. The cinnamon added another dimension. The local entertainment is colorful and energetic such as the Capoeira, which is a marshal art cartwheel dance that was developed during slavery because men weren’t allowed to fight with their hands. And of course, what is Brazil without Carmen Miranda? Several ladies performed one of Carmen’s numbers on stage. It was an eventful evening. Sao Paulo, Brazil Sao Paulo is a metropolis of twenty million people. The Brits built the Grand Luz Station, the central hub for trains and subways and is a copy of a station in Scotland. In 1800, Sao Paulo was the major producer of coffee for Brazil. Coffee was known as Black Gold. Sao Paulo no longer produces coffee. Today the major product is sugar cane. The Museum of Language is a part of the train station and shares the history of the Portuguese language with its roots integrated with native African influence in Brazil. In 1908 the first wave of Japanese came to Brazil as laborers. Liberdade (means Liberty) is the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. The neighborhood was built and preserved for the Japanese. Liberty Square was once used as a Pellourinho (whipping post), but no longer. Today you can shop for fresh produce and great food. It’s filled with restaurants, shops, a church and arts and crafts. It’s now a public square where people meet and socialize. It’s also a place to be seen.
Sao Paulo also has African, Jewish, Arab, Lebanese and Italian communities. The people of Brazil are such a mix like a Feijoada stew. Feijoada is a mixture of beans with beef and pork, a typical Portuguese dish. St. Paulista Cathedral is a New Gothic design built in 1954, but it looks older. The stained glass windows remind me of patterns on old lace curtains. Rows of royal palms line the plaza, which is surrounded by classical buildings. The Financial Center has converted some of its old buildings into cultural centers. The Banco do Brazil building is an example of a conversion into an art museum which brings music and art alive. A large bust sits at the doorstep and a modern tire sculpture streams down the facade. The first skyscraper stands in the historic district. Martinelli Building began construction in 1927 and was dedicated in 1930 with only 12 floors completed. In 1934 eight more floors were added for a total of twenty floors. Paulista Avenue is the main financial avenue. The Museum of Modernism or the São Paulo Museum of Art has a collection of contemporary works of Brazilian arts and culture. It took twelve years to construct and had to follow a condition imposed by the donor of the land to the city of Sao Paulo. The condition was that the view from downtown should be preserved. In order to respect that condition, four columns with a span of 265 feet were designed to support and raise the building off the ground, creating a large open concourse. The museum is a leading expression of modern art in Brazil. It is a must see when visiting Sao Paulo.
Madalena is an artistic, hippie district where the walls are filled with colorful murals expressing the life of the neighborhood. Famous Brazilian artists have painted the colorful murals. During the weekend an artist’s craft market is set up in a square where you can find unusual items and treasures. Madalena is also where you’ll find numerous restaurants offering great dining experiences. The last evening was energetic with another fantastic dinner and entertainment by Carlinhos de Jesus, a well-known entertainer in Sao Paulo. He wore a white suit with a horizontal black and white crew neck shirt as he danced and sang with his samba band and sexy samba-dancing ladies. They reflected the energy and excitement of Sao Paulo. Editor’s Note: Check out Jon’s interestingly named book Chasing Wild ASS. Oooooh, it’s not what you’re thinking. Chasing Wild ASS is a narrative of his travels to more than 60 countries around the world. The title came about while chasing jackasses in Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Chasing Wild ASS will entertain and offer tips to massage your soul. It’s a celebration of life. Get an autographed copy of Chasing Wild ASS. 489 pages including color photos and recipes. Paperback ISBN: 978-0-578-13897-8, $19.95 plus $5.00 S&H. Jon Haggins, PO Box 20902, New York, NY 10023. With any questions please email: jonhaggins@aol.com t AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23
MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE | 12025 NW 78TH PL | PARKLAND, FL 33076 | $560,000
4BEDROOM 3 CAR GARAGE, PAVER DRIVE, POOL WITH LIONS HEADS, TANNING SHELF, OVERSIZED CORNER LOT. 18X18 STONE TILE FLOORS ON DIAGONAL, CROWN MOLDING, GOURMET CHEFS KITCHEN WITH 42’ WOOD CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, WALL OVEN, DOUBLE DOOR REF, 5 BURNER COOK TOP, QUIET DISHWASHER. MASTER BATH IN CREMA MARFIL, HIS&HER VANITIES IN MARBLE WITH UNDERMOUNT SINKS. FRAMLESS SHOWER ENCLOSURE, JACUZZI TUB, FRAMED OUT MIRRORS. FRONT LOAD WASHER&DRYER. SUMMER KIT, PERGOLA IN BACKYARD. NEVER LIVED IN | 8655 W WATERCREST CIR | PARKLAND, FL 33076 | $790,000
Composition 1
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WHY WAIT 14 MONTHS TO BUILD, UPGRADED 5BED + OFFICE + LOFT 3 FULL BATHS, 2 HALF BATHS, 3 CAR GARAGE. 22X22 PORCELIAN TILE FLOORS IN ALL LIVING AREAS, VOLUME 22’ CEILINGS IN GREAT ROOM. GOURMET CHEFS KITHCEN WITH 42” UPPER WOOD CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. Composition 3
Composition 4
Realty World
Ria Qadri realtorria@gmail.com
11555 Heron Bay Blvd Coral Springs, FL 33076 Jack Dhanji thedhanjiteam.com
jackdhanji@gmail.com
Mahwah, NJ … $6,395,000
23 + ACRES! RIVERFRONT HORSE FARM The renowned architects Shope, Reno & Wharten created a masterpiece on this 23+ acre setting. The 5 bedroom Hampton’s style shingle and stone residence offers high volume and expansive views. The 9-stall barn opens to a limestone jumping area, paddocks and trails along the river. Above the stalls is a massive artist loft. There is an infinity pool, hot tub, patios and so much more.
Saddle River, NJ … $6,975,000
STUNNING FRENCH COUNTRY ESTATE Completely renovated and expanded stone and European stucco estate on over 5.7 manicured acres. 6 bedrooms, 7.2 baths plus guesthouse, lagoon pool with grotto and waterfalls, huge basketball court/additional parking area and natural gas generator. Elevator, 3-car garage with artist studio, fabulous kitchen, first floor theater, verandas and more!
Saddle River, NJ … $3,695,000
SIMPLY ELEGANT This incredible brick manor on 2 prime acres offers 6 bedrooms, 7.2 baths, 5 fireplaces, fabulous woodworking and 5-car garage. The elegant stone veranda, heated pool and spa and lushly landscaped setting are just a few of the features in this spectacular residence. Sought after multi-million dollar Fox Hedge area.
Every Home is Special to Us. R VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® R MARKETING DIRECTOR OFFICE 201 934-7111 R CELL 201 390-5880 R VGAILY@SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM R SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.
Chattanooga Charm By Mona L. Hayden
ou see it everywhere in Chattanooga. From the riverside parks and galleries to thriving businesses and restaurants throughout the pristine city, the sense of pride and passion is most evident. Adding to the allure are panoramic views of the beautiful Tennessee River, a section of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Located on the Tennessee/Georgia state line, Chattanooga has experienced an astonishing transformation during the last 20 years. Today, the Scenic City glistens with fresh paint and high rises, lush landscapes and dance steps embossed in downtown sidewalks, an array of performing arts, and about 165,000 people who are proud to call Chattanooga home. First things first – check into the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Historic Hotel (choochoo.com). This landmark sits on 24 acres with the grand lobby once a former railroad terminal housing an 85 foot dome ceiling built in 1909. It’s the largest freestanding brick dome in the world. Opt to stay overnight in an authentic sleep car or a
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conventional room. Dining options range from café style to formal but don’t miss an evening at the Station House Restaurant where the wait-staff sings for their supper! Tour the 174’ long Model Railroad with over 3000 feet of track, the elaborate rose gardens, or take the free electric shuttle bus downtown to see attractions near the beautiful Tennessee River. Next stop is the Tennessee Aquarium & Imax 3D Theatre (tnaqua. org). Perched beneath six majestic glass peaks is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium with thriving forests and aqua treasures, next to the Imax 3D Theatre. Just across the parking area is the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Gorge Explorer, a high-tech catamaran that travels up to 50mph into the Tennessee Grand Canyon. Take a two-hour narrated cruise on this 70-passenger hydrofoil-assisted vessel that is generally operated only in an ocean environment. Children can be entertained at the nearby hands-on Creative Discovery Museum (cdmfun.org). Experience the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (tvrail.com) to ride authentically restored steam and diesel powered passenger trains through tunnels, across water, and among treetops on the South’s largest operating historic railroad.
If you want to know Chattanooga like a local, take a 90-minute walking tour downtown with Chattanooga Sidewalk Tours (chattanoogasidewalktours.com). Stroll across the renovated Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian-only bridges in the world, or amble through Coolidge Park to see the vintage Carousel and the retail revival on the North Shore where shopping rules. Catch a ride aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat (chattanoogariverboat.com) as it cruises through the Tennessee River Gorge. Select from an array of cruise and meal options, with a theme for every occasion. The Fall Leaf Cruise is one not to miss.
& Sculpture Garden (river-gallery.com) displaying an impressive private collection of contemporary American art in a breathtaking natural setting.
Downtown across the Tennessee River, perched high on an 80 foot bluff, is a celebration of 100 years of architecture with the South’s largest collection of American Art – the Hunter Museum of American Art (huntermuseum.org). From the 1905 classic mansion to the sharp lines of the modern 1975 East Wing and the contemporary steel and glass of the 2005 West Wing, the museums façade coincides with the vast collection of paintings, paper, sculpture, furniture, and other art spanning these periods.
If you want to venture out a bit, nearby attractions include Rock City (SeeRockCity.com) with its awesome botanical and geological features including numerous natural rock formations, waterfalls, bridges, and even a cliff-side terrace where on a clear day you can see seven states, all from the top of Lookout Mountain.
Within walking distance from the museum is the Bluff View Art District (bluffviewdistrict.com), an enchanting fusion of restaurants, cafés, galleries, gardens, and a historic inn, where the panache of Southern flair meshes with European influence. Stroll charming street-side shops where visitors can observe culinary artisans at work through storefront windows making pastries and pastas, creating handmade chocolates, roasting gourmet coffees, and baking scrumptious breads. Relax in the two acre River Gallery
Dining options throughout this charming city are unlimited. For the finest in Greek cuisine, Niko’s Southside Grill (nikossouthside. com) delivers in a big way. The Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar (boathousechattanooga.com) satisfies cravings for Gulf Coast foods while Sticky Fingers (stickyfingers.com) slathers mouthwatering BBQ sauce on its menu selection.
See American’s highest underground phenomenon at Ruby Falls (rubyfalls.com). This massive 145’ underground waterfall is located 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, but 200 feet below at the entrance to the cave, estimated to be about 30 million years old. While on the mountain top, don’t miss America’s most amazing mile – the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (ridetheincline. com). With a breathtaking grade of tract at 72.7%, the world’s steepest passenger railway is an enclosed railcar with a glass roof for spectacular views of the mountains and the valley. Better get some rest before you come to Chattanooga because UIFSF T UPP NVDI UP EP UP TMFFQ t
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27
Seafood Docks At Rockefeller Center Written by Jon Haggins Photos by webmadphotography.com s we entered this freshly decorated seaboard restaurant of white on white with its high ceiling, I felt as if I was sailing out at sea. Limani Restaurant’s other decorative elements include an open kitchen, a market display of fish, and a modern airy space with soaring ceilings that eschews nautical and
cultural clichés. The dramatic décor, as built by Shawmut Design and Construction, also includes an elaborate entrance design, symbolizing the ribs of a ship’s hull. It opens onto the timeless sophistication of the main dining room’s gleaming white marble floor, hand-grooved sandstone columns and walls, (filmy fabric panels forming gracefully flowing partitions). In the center of the restaurant is an infinity pool of sparkling water. It reflects a swirling school of fish in a seemingly endless motion suspended from the ceiling. AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29
The bar and lounge area are defined by a massive wall of striking stainless steel displaying a wide variety of spirits behind the backlit onyx bar, a portion of which is dedicated to sashimi and shellfish offerings. As befits such a cosmopolitan setting, there is an extensive wine list with 400 bottles representing Old and New World production. Likewise, the beer selection represents a broad range of domestic and international brews.
sliced very thin like fine potato chips.
Small candelabras with white shades accented each table and add a glow to the atmosphere. We began dinner with a traditional Classic Greek Salad of feta cheese, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and the freshest red tomatoes. One exceptional appetizer dish is a tower of zucchini and eggplant chips resting on a bed of fried kefalograviera cheese topped with a sprig of parsley. This dish is seamlessly hand
Several of the 22 seafood entrée selections are market priced by the pound. Another Limani innovation is the option for some fish to be coated with a salt crust and oven baked, as opposed to Limani’s norm of being charcoal grilled.
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Limani’s specialties include Tunisian grilled sashimi quality octopus, a Maryland crab cake of jumbo lump crabmeat served with piazzi puree, mustard and mayonnaise sauce and a charcoal broiled Royal shrimp. The crab cake had a perfect texture and was extra special.
Executive chef M.J. Alam said, “We get fish daily from Portugal,
Spain and Greece in order to maintain the Mediterranean tradition. I use the freshest ingredients and everything is seasonal from other fresh markets, such as the Ivy Salmon (white Alaska).” A large Dover Sole from Holland was filleted and served with three lemon wedges accompanied with a side of steamed asparagus tossed in olive oil and sea salt. From the land we had a serving of grilled French cut Colorado lamb chops served with Greek fries; complimented with a glass of merlot. Patrit Titani, the manager said, “No matter how hectic it gets, we keep it simple. We plan to keep nature as it was given to us. We
maintain the Greek traditions with our cuisine.” For our special dessert we ordered Ekmak, which is a custard and pistachio with whipped cream resting on a bed of shredded phyllo; accented with an array of fresh raspberries. -JNBOJ T DVJTJOF JT BU JUT IFBWFOMZ iCFTUFTU wt Limani Restaurant 45 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10111 212-858-9200 www.limani.com/nyc
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31
beautiful beachfront luxury
Set sail for adventure at the Port Royal and make luxuriously appointed accommodations your port of call on the Jersey Shore. Soak up some sun and salty sea air with your First Mate from a private balcony with spectacular views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.
Voted 2015 Favorite Hotel by Family Vacation Critic
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beautiful beachfront luxury
Check your cares at the front desk and explore the oceanfront Pan American Hotel where our professional crew stands ready to meet your every need. Lovely first class rooms feature private balconies providing sweeping aerial views of the ocean.
Voted 2015 Favorite Hotel by Family Vacation Critic A MOREY RESORT
/N THE "EACH AT #ROCUS 2OAD s /CEAN !VENUE 7ILDWOOD #REST .* s 6ISIT US AT WWW 0AN!MERICAN(OTEL COM
COUNTRY CLUB PROPERTIES OF HIGHLANDS, NC PRESTIGIOUS BRUSHY FACE
Spectacular layered vistas await you from this lovely home, located on over 1.4 acres with usable yard in the desirable community of Brushy Face. The home features one level living with the living, kitchen, dining, master bedroom with ensuite bath, powder room, and laundry all on the main level. Great room design with lovely kitchen with breakfast bar, living room with stone fireplace opens onto a huge screened porch. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus an office. Lower level has great storage with a kids room, 2 additional sleeping rooms, 2 full baths, and a family room with fireplace. Full propane furnace plus central air, whole house generator and a 2 car garage round out this wonderful opportunity. Offered at $2,150,000.
KALALANTA, BOWERY ROAD
Main house has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Guest house has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Wonderful old Highlands charm with this 1880 Farmhouse located on desirable Bowery Road and sits on over 10 acres of unspoiled nature. Spectacular southerly views! Level, grassy yard for family get togethers. Outdoor BBQ area perfect for cool summer evenings. One car garage. MLS #80904 Offered at $2,400,000
Anna P. Wilson Real Estate Broker Country Club Properties ccphighlandsnc.com
828-526-2470 Fax 828-421-5406 Cell ccp4anna@frontier.com
Go Get Ye to a Pub By Ross Warren
ne of the oldest, if not the oldest pubs in the United States is the famed Fraunces Tavern on Pearl Street in lower Manhattan. It was the site of Washington’s farewell address and more recently, the site of a terror bombing. Built as a residence in 1719, it was sold in 1762 and converted into a tavern and stopping point for travelers coming by on horseback and coach. While that passes for nearly ancient in this country, Fraunces Tavern was born some 613 years after The Ostrich was built in 1106. England’s third oldest pub, situated minutes from Heathrow Airport on High Street, Colnbrook, Berkshire, is still serving up warm beer and overflowing platters of roasts 900 years after it opened its doors.
Colnbrook is a beautiful little village situated within hailing distance of the busy air hub and providing a respite for travelers wise enough to get away from hotel food and seek out local watering holes. Walk into the Ostrich and you’ll probably be the only outsider to venture in. Built when Henry I was on the throne and originally named “The Hospice,” it was eventually linguistically corrupted to its present identity. There is, however, a dark side to the pub, one that has locals insisting it is haunted. Now, to have a haunting you must first have some violent deaths. In the 17th century the inn was owned by a man named Jarman and his wife who had a sideline of murdering their wealthy clientele.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35
Photo by Gail Frederick
Photo by Martin Cooper
Photo by Bobby McKay One bedroom had a trap door under a bed hinged to swing down. They would place wealthy guests in that room, drop them into a vat of boiling liquid below and keep their belongings and purse. Their sideline came to an end when they dispatched a wealthy clothier named Thomas Cole but neglected to rein in his horse. When the horse was found wandering about the village, searchers found his body at a nearby brook; thus giving the village its name of Colnbrook (Cole in brook). Other notorious visitors to the pub included the famed highwayman Dick Turpin, who used it as a hideout. King John is also reputed to have stayed here on his way to Runnymeade to sign the Magna Carta. Today The Ostrich is a beautiful time capsule with open beams, low ceilings and crooked stairs, still serving typically British meals, but with a flair that belies the erroneous belief that food here is strictly rump and potatoes. About an hour away from The Ostrich, on Hinton Road in Hurst, the Village of Twyford, also in the Berkshires, is The Green Man Pub. Although contemporary when compared to The Ostrich, built in 1646, the pub sits on a busy road: cars are guaranteed to pass by 36 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
at the rate of at least three or four an hour. This beautiful old structure was built from the beams of decommissioned ships from the nearby port of Portsmouth. These beams were taken from the great Windsor Forest, which at one time in the very distant past, encompassed the Hurst area. Using this as a yardstick, it is estimated that the beams in the oldest part of the pub are more than 1,000 years old. The Green Man obtained its first liquor license in 1602 permitting it to sell ale. The pub was a waypoint for travelers from High Wycombe to Portsmouth. Brakspears took over the pub in 1646, purchasing a 1,000-year lease, giving it operating authority until the year 2646. If you are interested in the real estate you had better hurry as the lease expires in 631 years. Brakspears began its brewing operations in 1779, some 133 years later. Today The Green Man is operated by Philip Sanderson and his partner, Jack Moody, who also serves as the head chef. They have remained true to the history and panache of the original inn. While it has expanded over the years, it still has that old flavor with small sections and tables set in tightly near each other. All of this atmosphere would be wasted without two things: good food and fellowship.
Menu items range from seafood to delicately prepared continental dishes. Of course the old staples that kept many a British peasant fed and full, such as Sheppard’s Pie, are also available. While most of the diners and drinkers at these pubs are locals, outsiders need not fear going in should they come across such a pub. They will remain strangers only for so long as it takes them to be seated and strike up a conversation with their neighbors at the next table. Neighborhood pubs abound throughout Britain and almost without exception, they are amongst the most welcoming places to visit. It is highly recommended that those visiting England for the first time, or the 50th, get out of the hotel, away from the city and stop into the first pub they come across. All you have to do is be friendly and outgoing and you’ll wonder how the Brits ever were tainted with the reputation of being staid BOE SFTFSWFE t For more information, visit: www.thegreenman.uk.com www.theostrichcolnbrook.co.uk
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37
At the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, you’re not just at the beach, you’re on it! Whether you choose a suite with a private balcony, a deluxe accommodation that adds a whirlpool bathtub-for-two, or something in between, you’ll find an artful combination of freshly updated, Victorian-reproduction furnishings and can’t-do-without amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. For adults traveling without children, the keyed-access concierge level offers accommodations enhanced with genteel extras like evening turndown service, the daily newspaper, morning coffee in the garden, a later checkout time, and use of the private rooftop sundeck and spa. Victoria’s, the on-site restaurant, offers fine dining in a charming setting. Drink in the view of the Atlantic from every table, and enjoy outdoor dining on the boardwalk patio during the warmer months. Beyond breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, a traditional Victorian afternoon tea is also offered (by advance reservation only.) The Plaza Pub, an oceanfront lounge with a cozy walnut bar, inviting leather chairs and cocktail tables on the patio, welcomes guests with a convivial atmosphere for cocktails and lighter fare. Both the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant are open 365 days a year. Plan a week-long vacation or a romantic escape in any season—from a summer beach holiday to a cozy winter getaway—and enjoy the convenience of being located directly on Rehoboth Beach’s white sand beach and mile-long boardwalk.
BOARDWALK PLAZA HOTEL 2 Olive Ave & the Boardwalk | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 LAT / LON: 38° 43 ‘ 09” N 75° 04’ 36” W RESERVATIONS: 800-33-BEACH or 302-227-7169 www.BoardwalkPlaza.com
Vegas Insiders Launch Web Site for Women By Dale Reynolds
e careful…be very careful. What happens in Vegas may not stay in Vegas. VegasGirlsNightOut.com, Las Vegas’ firstof-its kind boutique concierge service designed exclusively for women by women, announced its official launch. The new online service will provide exclusive inside access to the Las Vegas party scene for the ultimate girls’ getaway. Through the support of live Las Vegas experts, VegasGirlsNightOut.com is designed to customize specific party packages for every type of Las Vegas experience. Whether it’s a bachelorette party, divorce party or mom’s night out, VegasGirlsNightOut.com takes pride in planning the most memorable Las Vegas experience. From their “Thunder Storm Through Vegas” package, which includes VIP access to the all-male revue Thunder From Down Under as well as free VIP access to 40 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
several of Vegas’ hottest nightclubs to their “Boyz Crazy Package,” which includes a premium ticket to see Grammy Award Winning R&B Group Boyz II Men, a ticket to Thunder From Down Under, as well as VIP access to a Las Vegas nightclub, any party planned through VegasGirlsNightOut.com offers a customized experience. For a group looking for a more relaxing day on the strip, VegasGirlsNightOut.com has also put together its “Glamour Girl Package,” which includes a day of pampering from professionals at a high end salon. The experts behind VegasGirlsNightOut.com out know the ins and outs of the Las Vegas party scene, and have connections to the hottest shows, nightclubs and restaurants. Through the website, prospective partyers can choose from one of VegasGirlsNightOut. com’s most popular pre-made packages or customize their own party package to fit their specific needs with the help of one of the site’s experts, a VegasGirlsNightOut.com “Insider.”
“As a Las Vegas native, I have lived and breathed that Las Vegas experience that everyone is looking for when they plan their trip out here,� said Bri Steck, CEO and Owner of VegasGirlsNightOut. com. “I’m so excited to not only help women experience the best of what Las Vegas has to offer, but also give them the most personalized and customized experience that will make their trip to Las Vegas unforgettable.� The new boutique concierge service also takes away the stress of planning the perfect girls’ trip. Its VIP nightclub access allows groups to skip the long lines at the hottest Las Vegas nightclubs, as well as entrance to the club free of charge. Traveling to activities or parties is also a stress free experience when booking through VegasGirlsNightOut.com, as many of the packages offer a 1 hour, one-way limo ride, which includes a mini tour of the Las Vegas Strip as well as a complimentary bottle of champagne. “We really wanted to create something different from all the other Las Vegas concierge services out here,� said Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment. “Creating a service geared specifically towards women sets us apart as the go-to experts for the ultimate girls’ getaway, which so many women look for when planning a trip to Las Vegas.� VegasGirlsNightOut.com was created by the experts behind SPI Entertainment, Inc., a leading Las Vegas based production company and talent agency with six successful resident awardwinning shows as well as several shows touring internationally. SPI Entertainment’s in depth knowledge and expertise of Las Vegas’
entertainment provided the building blocks to create this first-ofits-kind concierge service. Its consistent work within the Las Vegas entertainment and party scene will continue to provide the best and most exclusive party options for those booking their girls’ getaway through VegasGirlsNightOut.com. Steck shares four suggestions essential to coordinating a retreat as exciting and relaxing for the host as it is for the guests: ¡ Get Your Ducks in a Row – Start planning at least six months in advance; if possible, arrange a chat about events and set a budget to stick to so that everyone is on the same page. ¡ Pack Wisely – If traveling somewhere warm, don’t forget sunscreen – a sunburn is sure to spoil all the fun. Also, throw a pair of fold-up flats in your bag if you don’t think you’ll make it all night in your heels. ¡ Don’t Over-do It! - Take it easy on your first night. Going ‘all-out’ will most likely result in a miserable hangover the following day. ¡ Avoid Arguments – If you’re traveling with a larger group, plan at least one nice dinner together. Prix Fixe menus are a great suggestion- this way you will have an automatic reservation and won’t have to worry about splitting the check 10 different ways. Also, this way you can please everyone if half want a crazy night PVU BOE UIF PUIFS IBMG EPO U t For more information: www.vegasgirlsnightout.com www.SPIentertainment.com
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41
Welcome.
Escape to your own private country estate at The Lodge at Woodloch, an all-inclusive destination spa resort just 95 miles from Manhattan. Reservations: 866.953.8500
thelodgeatwoodloch.com
Adventures of a Lifetime By Mira Temkin hen you travel across the globe with Insight Vacations, the images you see, the exotic cuisine you taste and the places you discover become a part of you. Insight Vacations is known for premium escorted journeys with well-crafted itineraries that promote understanding of different cultures, making connections with the locals, and exploring historic sites with knowledgeable guides. Extravagant Gold Luxury vacations feature style and refinement, with the finest hotels, a range of epicurean adventures, and an authentic assortment of Signature Experiences; interesting, local experiences that provide a hands-on familiarity of a region, making the destination truly come alive.
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Basque in the Glory of Northern Spain Several years ago, I toured the Green Coast of northern Spain with Insight Vacations, which boasted beautiful scenery, dramatic landscapes and snow-covered mountains, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. My most memorable stop was in Santiago de Compostela, made famous by its cathedral and the Way of St. James. Tradition has it that the remains of St. James were found and brought to the cathedral in the town, an architectural wonder of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque design. For thousands of years, this site was a famous pilgrimage route. Today, travelers begin their spiritual journey from their front doorstep on foot, bicycle, even horseback. Many walk just for the experience, converging on the city as a celebrated accomplishment. Everywhere we went, we saw “pilgrims with backpacks.” Some stay for a day or two, others for months. Insight arranged for us to have dinner in the historic parador in the town square, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which over time served as a hospital, prison and orphanage. With its many nooks and crannies, you could sense the history that played out here. Celebrate India’s Distinctive Culture Exotic India beckons with Holi, their joyous Festival of Colors. This ancient festival is one of the most anticipated celebrations in 44 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
the Hindu calendar in March, and offers cultural riches, spiritual harmony and intriguing history. Insight Vacations takes you there with a range of itineraries. “The Holi Festival provides an unusual way to usher in the spring after an unusually harsh winter,” said Phil Cappelli, President of Insight Vacations. “As the India Specialist, we are proud to offer guests the opportunity to discover India’s grand spectacle.” Enjoy Signature Experiences like a lively rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, an exploration of India’s largest mosque, a visit to the lustrous Taj Mahal in Agra and free time to wander Jaipur’s famous bazaars. On other tours, you’ll journey to the coastal villages and ornate spiritual temples in Southern India. Signature Experiences let guests spin golden palm fibers into coil and tap them for a potent “toddy” drink. In Thekkady, you’re treated to a stay at an eco-friendly resort and joined by an expert naturalist for a cruise through the waterways of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Relax in the opulent Leela Palace in Chennai with spectacular seafront views and world-class amenities. Discover Italy’s Best Italy is one destination where you need the expertise of a guided tour to understand the history and background of this centuriesold treasure. In Insight’s new “Ultimate Italy” 13-day tour, you’ll
visit Rome, Capri, Tuscany, Venice and other destinations with departures from April – October 2016. Signature Experiences feature exclusive Vatican City/Sistine Chapel with early access before it opens to the public. Stay at the renowned Capri Palace on the Isle of Capri where you can wander the peaceful streets in the evening after the day trippers have left the island. And, learn the secrets of Italian cuisine from a master chef with a Tuscan cooking demonstration. Insight Vacations offers different styles of touring For more than 35 years, Insight Vacations® has been designing the world’s finest escorted travel itineraries with 113 journeys to 36 countries in Europe as well as across North America, Morocco and Israel. You’ll enjoy The Art of Touring in Style® with business-class legroom aboard customized luxury coaches, intimate groups of 40 travelers and an experienced Tour Director who acts as “traveling concierge.” For reservations visit: www.insightvacations.com Luxury 5-Star South African Escape with Lion World Travel Imagine being up close and personal with Africa’s magnificent wildlife. The elephants stalk. Lion cubs stop in the middle of the road as if they have all the time in the world. The zebras run swiftly
in a herd. It all comes to life as you sit, almost breathless, in your open safari jeep. This is just one of the many amazing experiences Lion World Travel brings to travelers who seek a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure. New this year is the 10-day Platinum South Africa tour, which highlights a Bush Dinner under the African skies, wildlife safari and a scenic helicopter flight in Cape Town, named one of the New York Times top places to visit in 2014. Daily game drives in the Kruger National Park make you part of the untamed wilderness with accommodations at the award-winning 5-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Tour dates continue into the fall of 2015 and throughout 2016 with departures from 26 major U.S. cities. For information: 800-387-2706 www.lionworldtravel.com t Editor’s Note: Mira Temkin has a passion for writing and sharing her adventures across the globe. Her work has appeared in Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Lakeland Boating, Long Island Woman and more.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45
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Saratoga, It’s More
By Tony Gonzalez
aratoga is just over a three hour drive via major highways from New York City and makes for a great mid -week or weekend getaway.There are over 30 hotels to choose from in the area with such notables as The Gideon Putnam, The Pavillion Grand Hotel, The Batcheller Mansion Inn, The Inn at Saratoga as well as a number of chain hotels. Activities abound in August and September with the key draw being World-class thoroughbred horse racing. Other activites include the arts, festivals, shopping, dining and family attractions. The thoroughbred horse racing meet began July 24th, 2015 and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7th, 2015 at the historic Saratoga Race Course. The best horses and the top jockeys in the country come to race at Saratoga. This year will be even more special as racing fans get to see triple crown winner American Pharoah in action. Racing is so popular at Saratoga that it draws 400 % more spectators than the meets at Belmont and Aqueduct. The highlight of the summer will be the 146th running of the Travers Stakes on Saturday August 29th with attendance expected to reach between 40,000 and 50,000 spectators. A day at the track is fun for everyone from serious horseplayers to families who just want to spend a day together picnicking outdoors. Come out, enjoy the festive atmosphere,bet a few races and no matter what you will leave feeling like a winner. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is an entertainment mecca and is home to one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, the Philadelphia Orchestra who will make Saratoga its home from August 5th –
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22nd, highlighted by Yo Yo Ma, Bernadette Peters, Joshua Bell and more. SPAC will also host several major music pop and rock concerts.
Saratoga is also home to live harness racing on a beautiful halfmile track at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, alongside more than 1,700 gaming machines, a popular nightclub and numerous dining options. You can learn about famous race horses of the past and racing history at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which has interactive exhibits, a horse racing simulator and Oklahoma Training Track Tours with the beautiful Whitney Viewing Stand. Visitors to Saratoga can relive one of the most important battles in world history at Saratoga National Historical Park, site of the “Turning Point” of the American Revolution. The park is host to numerous events , including guided walks and bike rides, reenactments, citizenship ceremony and a weekend-long celebration for the 236th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.
Than Just Horses Saratoga County has a number of museums, art galleries and historic landmarks, including the New York State Military Museum, Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery at Skidmore College, Grant’s Cottage, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, Brookside Museum and the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
Saratoga County is also rich in affordable, unique and high quality golf courses, including the award-winning Saratoga National Golf Club. Named one of the Top 100 public courses in America by Golf Digest, it is one of fourteen courses to tee off at in the area.
A day in Saratoga isn’t complete till one strolls through the downtown streets along Broadway checking out all of the wonderful shopping establishments. Culminate the day by dining indoors or outdoors at one of the many fine restaurants along Broadway. You will definitely want to come back. t
Visitors interested in spending time outdoors will find over 10,000 acres of parks, trails, lakes, rivers and scenic beauty nestled between the banks of the Hudson River and the southern foothills of the Adirondacks.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49
Barging France... In Slow Motion By Karen Feld Photos by Karen Feld & Karen McCarthy
arging doesn’t normally conjure up images of luxury... that is, until I traveled with European Waterways in June. The UK-based company has elevated barging –or “en peniche” as it’s called in France – to a new consciousness. The 126-foot L’Impressionniste once carried commercial freight on the canals in Holland, but in 1996 the two-deck, flat-bottomed, diesel powered boat was converted to a luxury boutique hotel on the water offering high end, well-traveled passengers a unique experience on the tree-lined French canals. From the moment that our Captain, Donald Morrison, a onetime champion rugby player in Scotland, met us and our travel companions for the following six days at The Westminster
Hotel in Paris in a Mercedes Sprinter, we knew we were in good hands. We drove about three hours to Escommes, the summit of the canal on the side of the Seine and a village prized for cattle. There, we boarded L’Impressionniste – for the 40 mile journey on the lower Burgundy Canal to the charming traditional village, Fleury-sur-Ouche, stopping at a series of 37 locks along the way. The crew met us on deck with champagne to toast the voyage. The barge had an abundance of colorful fresh flowers, planters filled with herbs and was furnished in keeping with the theme of the impressionist painters. A reproduction of Renoir’s Boating Party hangs in the wood-paneled dining area and the six staterooms and suites followed the theme of the artists of the time – Degas, Monet, Cezanne and Sisley. AUGUST AUGUST 2015 2015| |NEW NEWYORK YORKLIFESTYLES LIFESTYLESMAGAZINE MAGAZINE|| 51
We watched the eclusierieres – some doing this strenuous job were women-- move the heavy gates of the locks by hand to raise and lower the water levels. Our pilot maneuvered the narrow canals and guided us through the numbered locks controlled by the French waterways. The lock keepers, who have a “towpath telegraph” of sorts, motor bike from one lock to the next to await our arrival. From a wine connoisseur’s point of view, the journey began as a quest for “Baby Jesus in velvety pantaloons,” as barge hostess Karima Sharaf shared the legend. Bouchard Pere & Fils Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus as we would soon discover is a Grand Cru from the southern burgundy region of France. A few days later, we found ourselves standing in the center of the Boucherd Pere et Fils vineyard, one of the best in Bourne, eyeing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape vines before actually tasting the wine paired with one of Master Chef Joss Roper’s artistically prepared dinners aboard. Slow down– that’s mandatory in the world of barging. Little moves as slowly as a barge –maximum speed approaches three MPH – which takes a short while to adjust to if you’re a type “A” personality like yours truly. It’s the time to disconnect– no TV and only limited email access is available for those who insist. This is a casual and leisurely exploration through the wine country to delight in the natural pastoral and serene beauty as we cruise through miles of waving wheat fields, small hamlets and bright orange poppies dotting the canal route. Frogs serenaded us in the evening. The barge experience took us back to a far simpler time. Unlike river cruising, barging is so slow-paced that you can hop on and off at will. The barge doesn’t move at night or during lunch since the 52 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
locks are closed. Chef Joss, who treated us to products and regional specialties from top purveyors along the way, obtained fresh ingredients-- whether from butcher or farmer-- directly from the source in each port of call. His mastery at dazzling the eye as well as the palate with his multi-course meals culminated with a five course Captain’s farewell dinner. My favorites were his individual goat cheese soufflé with quince jelly starter, duck with chive mash and braised red cabbage and filet from the white Charolais cows we saw grazing in the distance. Joss explained the appeal of barge life for him. “It’s the interaction with the passengers.” That was also true of the rest of the European but English speaking attentive crew. They not only anticipated our every need but engaged in conversation sharing local humor and colorful stories as well. Karima entertained us with cheese jokes each evening and the captain and deck hands were delightful raconteurs. The comfortable banter and interaction between the crew and six passengers –one-to-one ratio on this trip--was reciprocal. “For me,” the chef said, “food is about sharing and about sitting at the table as a family.” It didn’t take long before the couple from Australia and four of us from the East Coast of the U.S. felt as though we were life long friends. For some this was a first trip to France, and for all, an initial barge experience. We delighted in walking or biking along the canal, exploring the history and culture of the small hamlets and limestone buildings along the
way, relaxing in the hot tub on deck, competing in a bocci match, exploring fine gastronomic and fresh farm markets, and expanding our wine knowledge of Premiere and Grand Cru at fine Burgundy vineyards. The Captain was our “go to” tour guide through medieval castles and vineyards. We visited the privately owned Chateau de BussyRabutin and its well-manicured gardens; Chateau de Longecourt, a 12th century fortress transformed into a manor house; and the fascinating 15th century Hotel-Dieu Hospice with incredible hand-painted tiles on the roof in Beaune. The bargees explored the squares in Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy wine country and a well preserved medieval city, and the bustling food markets and mustard shops in Dijon on our own. I watched an elderly man cane chairs and chatted with local artisans who live along the canal, including Michelle Coustou, a sculptor who incorporates snail shells with bronze, fossil and precious stone to create reptile sculpture. A highlight for me was a private tasting and lunch in the orangery of Chateau de Beaune owned by the Bouchard et Pere Fils winery. While there, Viviana Jaimon showed us the wine museum with 50,000 old bottles including a still drinkable white wine from 1846. Every 20 to 40 years the wines are opened, tasted, and if still good, re-corked ‘to sleep’ for 20 to 40 more years in the same position, according to Jaimon. The collection of burgundy wines is one of the oldest and largest worldwide. I borrowed her coat since the wine bottles covered with mold and dust are kept at 14 degrees C, (51.2F). Surprisingly, she advised against decanting the burgundy.
“The wines are too old so not balanced on the table.” In keeping with the wine theme, we visited the Cistercian Monastery at Clos de Vougeot, one of the largest vineyards in Burgundy. It houses a 13th century limestone wine press where the monks made wine for their religious ceremonies. They were known for their Chablis. We drove the winding roads of the appropriately named Rue de Bouze to wine country, stopping to survey in awe the Grand Cru vineyard producing the most expensive wine that could actually be drunk today, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in the village of Vosne Romanee. Prices for the Pinot Noir start in excess of $1,000 a bottle. Their 1978 Montrachet Grand Cru was hammered down at Sotheby’s in New York in 2001 for almost $24,000 per bottle. It’s all about the amount of limestone and fossil in the soil and the hard-working deep roots that produce the best wine. Now the vintners, like many of us, are worried about climate change affecting the wine. For an idyllic vacation experience in Southern Burgundy, especially if you’re a foodie, enjoy superb wine and culturally sophisticated companions, go barging! If You Go: European Waterways season April through November. Rates: 6-night cruise aboard hotel barge L’Impressionniste are from $5,090 per person in a double cabin, including all meals, wines, open bar, excursions and local transfers. Gratuities extra. Charters available. Call: 1-877-879-8808, or visit: www.gobarging.com t AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53
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A Hall of Famer with Feet Planted Firmly on the Ground By Bob Nesoff
e has interviewed such luminaries as John F. Kennedy and such less than sparkling human beings in the person of Yasser Arafat. In between there are perhaps some 30,000 people who have faced PIX11-TV’s Marvin Scott, some with humor and others in a perhaps more confrontational meeting. Scott is comfortable speaking with a youngster who has a positive human interest story to tell as well as a head of state with critical information that would fulfill the public’s right to know.
Marvin Scott has been serving the people of New York for more than 50 years with 35 of them at PIX11. He’s a member of the New York State Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame and the recipient of eleven Emmy Awards for Journalistic Achievement. He’s seen it all and he’s done it all. As the Senior Correspondent and anchor/host of PIX11’s weekly issue oriented program, PIX11 News Close Up, Marvin may not be running around as much, but he is still on the journalistic front lines.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55
“Many of the interviews I’ve conducted over the course of my career were interesting in one way or another,” he said. “Some were extraordinary and memorable: Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, Ford and Bush. There were also Arafat, Sophia Loren and Walter Cronkite.” He won an Emmy (Outstanding Entertainment Programming) for his interview with Jerry Lewis, but considers one of his most memorable interviews to have been with Dr. Martin Luther King. “It was during a break in a march he was leading through Mississippi and we were sitting on a dirt mound alongside a highway,” Scott remembered. “We were just sitting and chatting and I asked him why he would put his life on the line the way he did.” “He smiled, looked me in the eye,” he continued, “and said: ‘For the children. For the children.’ I was impressed by the way he 56 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
articulated his message, the way he dealt with people. He was truly a visionary.” Meeting with such figures was tempered with his interview of a Holocaust denier. “I’ve had a good share of interviews you could classify as amongst my least favorite. When the Holocaust Museum opened in Washington, I focused a program on that terrible period in history. I invited the denier to appear on a segment of the broadcast apart from a survivor. He offered no plausible answers for his denial of history.” “I asked him about Auschwitz being a death camp and he responded: ‘Of course it was because people died there.’ But he blamed the deaths on a disastrous outbreak of typhus. It was a difficult interview indeed.”
Scott attributes his amazing longevity in a business not known for longevity to his honesty as a story teller. “I am a story teller who has told thousands of stories objectively without injecting my own feelings. The love and passion I have for what I do, I believe comes across in my reporting. Even after all these years I am still energized by what I do. Each assignment is a new challenge and no two days are alike.” Scott smiles and says that amongst his most rewarding experiences have been the five trips to be with soldiers from New York stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan at Christmas time. “I bring them a taste of New York with bagels, hot dogs and cheesecake and then I put them on live TV to speak with their families half a world away. Bringing a smile to the face of a soldier and hearing them say ‘thank you. You’ve made a difference for my
Christmas,’ are moments I will always treasure.” Marvin Scott has earned and held the respect of his peers. Rich Graziano, PIX11 president and general manager, said: “Marvin has earned his reputation for being honest, passionate and able to get to the essence of a story.” Amy Waldron, PIX11’s news director commented: “Marvin has had a strong presence on the streets of New York for half a century. Name a story and he’s covered it, from the Beatles first visit to the United States to every local, state and national political election, Marvin Scott was there, front and centerdoing what he does best. He’s a staple in New York television and an asset to the PIX11 news team.” The station’s former news director, Mark Effron lauded Scott: “In a city of icons Marvin stands at the top of the pack. He knows AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57
everybody, has covered everything and approaches every story with tenacity, energy, a sense of competitiveness and above all, heart.” With it all Marvin Scott is a devoted family man. He gushes about daughter, Jill Urban, who has chosen to follow in his career path and is a reporter for New York 1. He thoroughly enjoyed it when both he and Jill ended up covering the same story and jointly interviewing a soldier who had just returned from Iraq. “I was so proud I just stood there with the microphone and let her ask all the questions.” Son Steven Scott has chosen a different path. He’s opted for the 58 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
spotlight as a comedian and is currently working on a television pilot. Marvin gives special kudos to his wife. Lorri. “I am energized by Lorri’s support to have a wife who is my chief critic and cheerleader. I am uplifted encouragement and understanding, particularly when a news assignment interrupts social or family plans or when I am suddenly off to a war zone during the holidays.” Marvin is one of only three people to have been presented with the Terry Anderson Award for Professionalism in Journalism. The award was named for the Associated Press correspondent who was held captive by militants in Lebanon for eight years.
His list of honors is simply too long to list in detail. Among the honors, the Bronx native was installed in the Bronx Walk of Fame and has a street in his name on the Grand Concourse. He is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for Distinguished Americans and in 2001 was inducted into the Silver Circle of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Marvin covered the end of the Cold War, the JFK assassination, Iranian hostage crisis, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and the infamous attacks on 9/11. He received honors for his coverage of the crash of TWA Flight 800. Then Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer declared a
“Marvin Scott Day� in Manhattan to commemorate his 50th year in broadcasting. “That was quite an honor for a kid from The Bronx, who at the age of 14, chased fire engines and celebrities with a camera and then sold pictures to local newspapers and magazines.� It would take a book to list all of the stories Marvin Scott has covered and the accolades heaped on him by an admiring and appreciative public. But the greatest honor he has is the knowledge that he is doing his job in a way that has earned him the respect of both public and QSPGFTTJPOBM QFFST t AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59
10. LOOM OVER THE CITY LIKE A COLOSSUS. 11. TWO WORDS: CHURN BUTTER. 12. GET YOUR ART SERVED ON A TROLLEY. 13. RENT ONE OF THOSE WACKY HUMAN-POWERED SURREYS. 14. LAND AN OLLIE AT OWL’S HEAD PARK. 15. GO MEDIEVAL ON THE MET. 16. VISIT THE SETTLERS’ VERSION OF A DELI. 17. SAY “HEY, GOAT” AT THE QUEENS ZOO’S FARM. 18. LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BACHATA AND BOOGALOO. 19. DEEP-FRY ANYTHING. 20. EXPLORE LAND LIKE A SAILOR. 21. ROCK OUT AT A PALACE. 22. TAKE A SELFIE WITH THE CHARGING BULL. FIND EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO BEYOND YOUR BLOCK AT
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Off-Market Real Estate By Daniel J. Bollinger here is an increasingly popular niche in the real estate market today called “Off-Market Real Estate”. Simply put, an off-market real estate property is one that is not publicly advertised in any media or on any MLS feed. There are many reasons why buyers, sellers, and real estate agents prefer off-market real estate transactions. This article will cover the “why’s” for all parties involved in the transaction and give a better understanding of the process involved in completing an off-market real estate transaction. I specialize in off-market commercial transactions so this article will deal with the commercial real estate market. Most of the information covered herein can also be applied to residential off-market real estate transaction, as well. The Seller There are many reasons why a seller would want to list his property as an off-market property. To begin with, the seller may not want his tenants to know that he is selling his building. Tenants (both apartment renters and commercial tenants) can be disturbed about the potential sale of a building they are renting for fear that the new owner will want to raise rents, evict the current tenants, change the amenities the current owner offers, etc. A tenants’ current way of life can be disrupted when the building one is currently occupying changes ownership hands. Many people are averse to change. A seller may also choose to put his building up for sale in the off-market because he doesn’t want the additional headache that often accompanies a real estate transaction, including additional calls from every real estate broker on the planet trying to convince him to sign an exclusive contract with such said broker; brokers calling tenants in an attempt to try and gain inside knowledge about the building’s condition; and also the myriad of peripheral 62 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
businesses (i.e.: mortgage brokers, media sales, etc.) cold-calling the owner, attempting to garner services from the seller in such said transaction. Usually the seller just wants to keep his business semi-private. A seller usually prefers to work with a credible broker in an off-market transaction to make his sale as quickly, quietly, and efficiently as possible. The Buyer Buyers also have reasons to seek out off-market transactions. There are many websites that advertise traditional real estate listings including MLS, Trulia, Zillow, Craigslist, Loopnet, and the list goes on and on. Everyone has access to these listings and websites. There is nothing “new” or “exciting” on these feeds. You can enter a search for a particular type of real estate in a particular range and you will get a multitude of listings. The offmarket, however, is where many “one-of-a-kind” opportunities exist. Try to find a Class A Trophy property in New York City on any website mentioned above … you can’t. The big deals and the most exclusive opportunities that exist are done many times in the off-market. This is why buyers are interested in off-market opportunities – they know that this is where they will find that unique opportunity. Another reason why buyers prefer off-market opportunities is they do not have to compete with the open market. This means less of a bidding war and a better chance at getting a property at a fair market offer. The Broker Many real estate brokers specialize in off-market real estate deals.
The reasons are simple: there is more money to be made from an off-market deal because I am putting the buyer and seller together and there is no other “buyer broker” or “seller broker” involved in the transaction with whom I must share my commission. Another reason is properties are usually higher in value in the off-market even though some off-market properties start in the million dollar range. While I do have off-market properties at all price points, the bulk of my off-market properties are in the ultrahigh-end market. I prefer the off-market niche because I cultivate solid relationships with my clients. My sellers know I am able to garner mostly full price offers and they know my buyers are truly interested and possess the ability to complete the transaction (usually all-cash transactions). My buyers also know that I can show them properties that few buyers and brokers are even aware of and they appreciate the exclusivity of these properties. The Transaction The off-market real estate transaction is slightly different than the common on-market real estate transaction. I will give you the typical steps in the process using one of my current off-market listings. Most often there is no exclusive right-to-sell contract involved in an off-market listing. To protect the seller and broker in this transaction, I begin with what is known in the industry as a “teaser”. A “teaser” is a description of the property which includes relevant information, i.e. a short paragraph explaining what the opportunity entails; the location (East Village, Central Harlem, etc.); number of units; the cap rate; NOI (net operating income); lot size; building size; zoning details; a photo of the property; as well as some property highlights explaining the benefits of the transaction. My teasers do not include exact addresses of properties. I divulge the exact address of a property only after securing a non-disclosure non-circumvention agreement from my buyer. I will share with you a teaser of a Class A Trophy property I currently have for sale in Midtown Manhattan. This example does not include the typical teaser details only because this is such a rare opportunity and at such a high price point that I need to qualify to any interested party that (1) it is something that they
would be interested in, and (2) the potential buyer is even able to afford this rare opportunity. My teaser reads, “One Class A Trophy Office Building with over (______) square feet with a prime retail component located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This will be a trophy acquisition as opposed to a secondary market “yield” play. The cap rate is about 3 percent, but the rents are very undermarket and there will be a large upside in 6 - 7 years. The listing price for this Class A Trophy Midtown Manhattan property is ($______ ).” For an acquisition such as this, a potential buyer can make a decision whether this is an opportunity that they are willing and able to invest in. If they are interested in learning the full details of the subject property, the next step would be to secure an NCND (non-disclosure non-circumvention agreement) from the buyer and then release all relevant details of the property. Once a credible buyer has signed an NCND with me, and sometimes a commission agreement as well, as many cases of NOT on market properties, SELLERS would not like to be obligated to paying commission only then will I release the exact property address and all relevant information concerning the property. From this point on most of the transaction is just like an on market transaction. An offer is made, and once the seller accepts an offer, we go into contract, and then to closing. Sometimes the off-market has more able investors with the ability to close a transaction in as little as 20 days but that’s not always the case. The main reason for the off-market is privacy – sellers don’t want their business advertised all over the world. If you have any questions or comments or are interested in selling or investing in real estate in New York City please feel free to contact me. Now you should have a better understanding of the off-market real estate industry. Look for more of my articles to keep you up to date with the latest tips and trends in real estate. You can also learn more by going to my website: www.AzadPropertyGroup.com t Editor’s Note: Daniel Bollinger is a Senior Associate with the Azad Property Group. He may be reached at (212) 646-9376. Photo by Sam Valadi
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63
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Can I Afford to Retire? By Morton Greenspan
ow am I going to afford retirement?” It’s a question practically all of us ask at one point or another, though a lot of us don’t do very much about it. According to a Bankrate.com study, 36 percent of Americans are not saving for retirement, and of those who are saving, 52 percent say they haven’t saved enough, according to another recent study. But if you think it’s too late to build up your finances, you’re
wrong, says Ric Edelman, founder and CEO of Edelman Financial Services and The New York Times best-selling author of The Truth About Money.
“Don’t lament the past, it’s irrelevant and unhelpful,” Edelman says. “If you’re in your 50’s you still have 10 to 20 years of work potentially where you can save significant amounts of money and can make a huge difference.” Even if you’re older, it’s not too late for you. Edelman shared his top advice, much of which may be a new perspective for you to traditional retirement views. AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 65
1. Get started. Immediately. “You can provide every excuse you wish today, but It won’t help you when you are not willing or able to work,â€? Edelman says. “Surveys show that most retirees retire earlier than expected due to aging out, firings, their own health or a spouse’s.â€? Figure out as soon as you can how much you need to save on a monthly basis. Make a list of all your expenses and what expenses you might expect once you retire. Consider your life expectancy and keep in mind that you’ll need to take inflation into account. A good online resource: the Ballpark Estimate Calculator from the educational group Choose to Save. If you need more help, talk to a certified financial planner “You do have the ability to save no matter what your financial situation,â€? says Edelman. “It’s the same as losing weight—you just have to do what it takes.â€? Â
the pain from losing money when the market fell,â€? he says. “But low-return investments like bonds are not going to produce enough profit. As much as you might fear or dislike the stock market, you need to embrace it,â€? he says. The best things to do are get educated about retirement and talk to a financial planner about the right level of risk for you and how to best allocate your assets.Â
A few sources of savings to consider that you might not have thought of: t *OTVSBODF UIBU ZPV EPO U OFFE SJHIU OPX PS DBO QBSF CBDL PO (Example: Are your kids grown but you’re still paying for term life insurance that isn’t really necessary?) t *G ZPV IBWF JOWFTUNFOUT JT JU UIF SJHIU NJY PG BHHSFTTJWF BOE conservative? t "SF UIFSF MJUUMF TBDSJĕDFT ZPV DBO NBLF FWFSZ EBZ UP JODSFBTF ZPVS savings? t *G ZPVS FNQMPZFS PČFST B , BSF ZPV FBSOJOH UIF GVMM NBUDI
3. Reconsider your mortgage. “Most Americans are handling their NPSUHBHF JODPSSFDUMZ w BDDPSEJOH UP &EFMNBO ićFZ QBZ JU PČ BOE enter retirement with no mortgage, which is misguided.� Though conventional wisdom goes in the opposite direction and favors UBLJOH B TIPSUFS NPSUHBHF BOE QBZJOH JU PČ BT RVJDLMZ BT QPTTJCMF Edelman’s view is this: “Every extra dollar you send to the bank to QBZ PČ ZPVS NPSUHBHF JT B EPMMBS ZPV EJEO U JOWFTU w )F CFMJFWFT JO IBWJOH B ZFBS NPSUHBHF SBUIFS UIBO B ZFBS NPSUHBHF XIJDI means lower payments and the ability to have more flexibility with ZPVS NPOFZ )F BMTP DJUFT UIF JNQPSUBODF PG IBWJOH B NPSUHBHF to earn tax deductions. “The fact you can live in a home is what counts, not whether or not you have a mortgage,� he says. “Your mortgage is a tool that helps you generate increased capital.�
.BYJNJ[F ZPVS , ‍ڀ‏i:PV OFFE UP CF QBSUJDJQBUJOH JO XIBUFWFS , QMBO ZPVS DPNQBOZ PÄŒFST BOE DPOUSJCVUJOH UIF NBYJNVN permitted,â€? says Edelman. The average person saves only 6 percent PG IJT IFS JODPNF JO UIFJS , )JT BEWJDF TBWF CFUXFFO BOE 15 percent of your paychecks. “The contribution is tax deductible TP JG ZPV SF TBWJOH QFSDFOU JU NJHIU DPTU ZPV POMZ QFSDFOU w he says, “and if there’s a corporate match and your boss puts in 3 to 5 percent, you are getting free money.â€? Also delay using your retirement money for as long as you can. “Your needs right now pale in comparison to future needs, so do not use your retirement savings to pay debts or college for grandchildren or home improvement projects.â€? A word about investments: According to Edelman, the most common mistake people make with investments is that they invest too conservatively. “People are afraid of losing money or remember 66 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
8BJU UP UBLF 4PDJBM 4FDVSJUZ ‍( ڀ‏FOFSBMMZ TQFBLJOH QFPQMF BSF eligible to take Social Security at age 62. “If you’re still working, don’t take the income because you’ll pay taxes on that income up
to 85 percent,� says Edelman. Also, at age 62, you’ll only receive 80 percent of your full benefit. If you wait until your full retirement age of 66 you can get 100 percent of your benefit. “But, if you can delay to age 70 or older, you’ll get 120 percent of your benefit,� says Edelman. “The longer you wait, the more your monthly check will be.� There are also other things to consider like the spousal benefit if you’re married, and who earned more while you both were working. To get more information on Social Security, visit: www.ssa.gov 5. Don’t over-give to the grandkids. “Lots of new grandparents make a common mistake—they get so excited when the first baby shows up, they can’t wait to show their love and affection and set up a college savings plan,� says Edelman. The problem: They may put $5,000 or $10,000 into the account, which is okay until their other grandchildren are born and they have to do the same. “While they can be generous with the first, they might not be able to be equally generous with baby five or six,� says Edelman. Before giving your grandchildren (or grown children) money, think about how much money in total you can give. “Is the grandbaby going to need money when going to college? It may be free in 20 years or they might not go at all,� says Edelman. Is the money you’re giving away money you’ll need for retirement? Edelman’s advice, “it’s better to leave the money in your name and at age 18, if everything is what you want it to be and the grandchild needs money for DPMMFHF XSJUF B DIFDL BU UIBU UJNF w t
Natasha Laurent | CIPS Sales Associate/Rental Specialist RE/MAX Cell: 721 524 0640
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67
Top 10 Annoying Airline Fees To Dodge By Ed Curtis
ir travel to a large segment of the public is far from a leisure activity. The legions of men and women who must fly for business, a fact that keeps them in the air more often than they are on the ground, is far from the rosy picture friends and family often think it may be. Not all that many years ago flights were reasonably priced. You could check a bag and avoid the hassle of dragging it down a long and narrow aisle. You could relax with a drink, have a snack or a meal and not have the feeling that the airline had just snipped the bottom of your pocket and was grabbing up all of the money falling out. With the advent of fees for virtually everything except air to breathe, the carriers have sapped the budgets of many corporations while they regularly post ever-growing profits. Some gouge the public more than the oil companies ever did. The fact of the matter is that they found a fountain of cash and they have no intention of turning the spigot off. David Letterman had his famous “Top 10” list. Here is a Hall of Shame list of the worst airline fees ever invented. To help you navigate the complex tangle of costs that now go
68 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
hand-in-hand with air travel, check out this list of the 10 worst airline fees. 10. Non-Internet Booking Fees Although it makes sense to charge for changing or canceling tickets, the fees actually start right at the initial booking phase. Most airlines charge extra to customers who prefer to book over the phone or in person rather than online. Charges for the vast majority of major airlines are $25 for phone bookings and $35 for in-person bookings; but, Allegiant deserves a special mention for charging $10 per segment for all methods - on top of a $15 “convenience” fee. 9. Overweight Baggage Fees What airlines consider overweight or oversize baggage varies greatly with each company. This makes it increasingly important to pore over online FAQs before even starting to pack. American, United and Delta lead the way by charging a whopping $100 for bags between 50 and 70 pounds and $200 for bags between 71 to 100 pounds. There is also a $200 fee for bags larger than 62 inches. Allegiant and Spirit are also noteworthy for considering bags over just 41 pounds to be overweight. Their fees are smaller, coming in at $50-75 and $25-100 respectively. All fliers would be wise to weigh their bags before departure.
8. Carry-on Bag Fees Most airlines don’t charge for carry-on bags (yet). The three that do are: Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit. Frontier’s fees aren’t too bad at $25-50, depending on booking method. Allegiant isn’t too far behind at $10-35 online and $35-75 elsewhere. But it’s Spirit that stands out (of course) with fees up to $100 for one carry-on bag for non-members. We’d tell you to check your bag instead, but even that can cost up to $100. Yikes!
4. Ticket Change Fees Sometimes changing the day of your flight or canceling it altogether is simply unavoidable. Keep in mind that some serious charges may apply, depending on the airline and the change or cancellation date. Many airlines charge a reasonable $25-75 for same-day changes. Other changes and cancellations may incur some serious fees, particularly when it comes to Delta (up to $450), US Airways (up to $750), and United (up to $1,000).
7. Unaccompanied-Minor Fees Having a young child escorted through the airport and seated near the cabin crew is certainly a good idea for their parents’ peace of mind, but it comes at a hefty price of $75-125 for most airlines. Southwest’s unaccompanied minor fees are set at a reasonable $50. If the child is flying American, United, or US Airways, get ready to shell out an additional $150. And that goes double for round trips, of course ... and some airlines don’t allow unattended minors at all. Do your research before booking!
3. WiFi Fees Let’s face it, most airplanes’ in-flight entertainment systems are mediocre enough to make your miss your phone’s Internet connectivity dearly, especially on long transoceanic flights. If you absolutely need WiFi onboard to get some work done or to entertain yourself, you’ll have to factor it into your ticket price: Airlines charge up to $19.95 for mobile devices and up to $49 for computers per leg of your trip. The exception is low-cost carrier JetBlue, whose basic Fly-Fi service is free.
6. Seat Selection Fees Seat selection is an increasingly popular way to nickel and dime passengers by letting them pay a premium for more comfortable seats. These upgraded seats are often located in exit rows or near the bulkhead which offers more legroom and storage space. Depending on the airline, passengers can pay anywhere from $4 to $100 for the luxury of a preferred seat. But beware: The extra legroom sometimes comes at the cost of seat width, seatback entertainment, the ability to recline, or even warmth in the case of exit row seats.
2. Snacks and Drinks Nowadays you’re increasingly likely to be paying for every pretzel you eat. Most airlines except Spirit and Allegiant still offer water and soft drinks for free, but the same can’t be said for food. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $12 for snacks, unless you’re flying with AirTran, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest or United, who all still offer complimentary snacks.
5. Pet Fees Most pet owners would feel safer with their pooch or kitty sitting with them in the cabin rather than in the dark, cold cargo section reserved for pets. Air Canada charges only $50 for the privilege, but most others will tack on a $100-125 fee to your ticket. Delta’s fee is particularly high at $200 and Hawaiian tops the list with a fee of $225 for having your pet in the cabin during one of their longer flights to or from the continental US. Some airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin, so once again, do your research before booking.
And to finish off our list, the number one most obnoxious fee is: 1. Checked Bag Fees With airlines constantly trying to maximize profits, even one checked bag is enough to incur a fee in the vast majority of cases. The standard fee found on most airlines is $25, but some, including Frontier, Hawaiian, and Spirit, charge more or less depending on frequent-flyer membership and booking method. Be careful with Spirit in particular: If you don’t book your flight online, you’ll pay up to $100 for your first checked bag. Meanwhile, Southwest bucks the trend by not charging for checked bags (or carry-on bags, for that matter). JetBlue who was long the industry favorite for its free-checked-bag policy is going the way of the older airlines this year by adding some new fees. t
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69
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White Light Festival By Lawrence Chandler Smith
hrenkranz Artistic Director Jane Moss has announced the schedule for Lincoln Center’s sixth White Light Festival, running from October 14 through November 22. The multidisciplinary Festival, which takes its name from a quotation by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, is focused on the remarkable power of art to reveal the many dimensions of our interior lives. Spanning numerous musical traditions, genres, and disciplines, the Festival will offer 26 performances and events, featuring one world and five U.S. premieres and debuts by artists and companies from the United States, the U.K., Croatia, Belgium, France and Ireland. Other Festival components include pre- and post-performance artist discussions, a panel discussion, film and the popular post-performance White Light Lounges, where performers and audience members can gather. Said Moss, “This year’s White Light Festival explores the myriad shades and light of the human condition, starting with language and the universal impulse to communicate through speech, story and song. From the important song cycles of Franz Schubert
and new interpretations of prose works by Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett to our first jazz presentation and cutting-edge choreographers and dancers, the Festival promises to challenge and inspire through music, words, and movement.” The White Light Festival opens with a three-concert survey of the complete song cycles of Franz Schubert, sung by tenor Mark Padmore with pianist Paul Lewis, on October 14, 15, and 17 at Alice Tully Hall. The Festival closes on November 22 with the final performance of Thomas Adès: Concentric Paths—Movements in Music, an evening of four dance works set to the music of Thomas Adès, choreographed by Wayne McGregor, Karole Armitage, Alexander Whitley, and Crystal Pite, conducted and accompanied by Adès at the piano, with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Calder Quartet, soprano Anna Dennis, and violinist Thomas Gould. Thomas Adès: Concentric Paths—Movements in Music is a production of Sadler’s Wells London. Tickets for the 2015 White Light Festival are available online at WhiteLightFestival.org, by calling CenterCharge at 212.721.6500, or at the Avery Fisher or Alice Tully Hall box offices (Broadway and 65th Street). Ticket packages will be available for purchase while single tickets will be available September 1. t AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71
Summer on Broadway By Jim Kierstead
t’s summer in the city, folks! And that means it’s summer on Broadway, as well! It’s great to meet you all. I’m a New York theatre producer and theatre is my passion. I assume if you’re reading this article then you most likely at least have a general interest in theatre… so welcome! In my column, I’d like to tell you something about the background of theatre production and also fill you in on something exciting going on in the New York theatre scene. So here we go! As you may or may not know, the Tony Awards, which this year took place on Sunday, June 7th at Radio City Music Hall, mark the end of the theatre season. Did you watch them this year? If so, you saw hosts Alan Cumming and Kristen Chenoweth light up the stage along with a whole host of celebrity presenters. You also got to see some amazing performances from the nominees for “Best Musical,” as well as from some of the other musicals running on 72 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
Broadway this past season. At the end of the evening, after all of the various awards were given out, you also finally saw FUN HOME receive the coveted award for “Best Musical.” Broadway is very interesting because, some years, the big glitzy musicals win “Best Musical” (like KINKY BOOTS did in 2013) and, some years, smaller more artistic shows win. This was one of those years. I personally love seeing that there is room on Broadway for all types of shows and how the Tony voters recognize each type when warranted. On one hand, it might have been easy for the voters to vote for a show like AN AMERICAN IN PARIS or SOMETHING ROTTEN due to the fact that these are highly commercial properties and they will tour incredibly well across the U.S. and all over the world. FUN HOME, on the other hand, is a small artistic musical that began down at The Public Theatre, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, that could technically have been considered to be a rougher sell by touring companies. This, however, did not dissuade the voters from crowning FUN HOME with this top honor.
After the Tony Awards were over, the new 2015-16 theatre season officially began. It’s common that a number of shows will close right after The Tonys. This is due to the fact that shows that have been struggling financially, but yet have received Tony nominations, will many times attempt to stay open until the awards in the hopes that they will win, which may serve to draw more attention to their show. However, if this does not end up working out (either because they did not win the awards they were hoping for or the financial situation of the show did not change as a result), the show will have no choice but to announce their closing. The way Broadway works is that we tend to see a big influx of new shows in the Fall (usually starting in September) and then again in the Spring (usually beginning in March). So what, you ask, happens when shows close right after the summer? All of a sudden the theatre owners find that they have vacancies in their expensive theatre real estate. So even though, traditionally, the Fall and Spring tend to be the times of year for new shows to begin, shows also can open in the summer when these vacancies comes available. This year is no exception! So, while summer tends to be a time to catch up on shows that opened during the previous season or to see hits that have been perhaps running for years, it’s also a time to see a few new shows that pop up to fill the vacancies left as a result of these closings. The following is a list of some new summer shows for you to check out: t AMAZING GRACE (The Nederlander Theatre, began June 25th): This new musical tells the story of the creation of the spiritual song by the same name. It chronicles one man’s coming of age from being an international slave trader like his father to embracing the more compassionate views of his childhood sweetheart. t HAMILTON (The Richard Rodgers Theatre, began July 13th): Even though HAMILTON begins its Broadway run this summer, you probably won’t get to see it this summer if you don’t already have your tickets! After a record-breaking run at The Public Theatre, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ground-breaking musical about one of our nation’s most unlikely founding fathers comes to Broadway with
a huge advance that promises to be sold out for a long time. But check it out when you can! It’s quite stunning. And some new OFF-BROADWAY shows this summer that you might want to check out: t SHOWS FOR DAYS (The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center, began June 6th): Patti LuPone and Michael Urie star in this tribute to Douglas Carter Beane’s grass roots theatre past. t COLIN QUINN THE NEW YORK STORY (Cherry Lane Theatre, began July 9th): Comedian Colin Quinn returns to OffBroadway with his third one man show directed by Jerry Seinfeld. This satirical look at the history of the Big Apple is sure to have you rolling in the aisles. t RUTHLESS – THE MUSICAL (St. Luke’s Theatre, began June 25th): A revival of the beloved tale telling of frighteningly ambitious child stars and their even more frightening parents! These are just a few of the new events of the summer. Whether you check out something new or something not-so-new, Broadway (or Off-Broadway) has a show for you! Until next time… break a leg! t
Editor’s Note: We’d like to welcome Jim Kierstead as a regular Broadway Insider columnist for New York Lifestyles Magazine. Jim has been involved in numerous productions in New York as both a producer and investor and has won two Tony Awards. If anyone knows the ins and outs of the Broadway scene, It’s Jim.
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73
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A Morality Play? By George Spelvin
harlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed 76 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. With court rulings regarding same sex marriage and the public acceptance of people for whom they are as individuals, Kinky Boots becomes more relevant today. We have a straight-laced young man who is befriended by a drag queen and a cast of gay performers. Even though the outcome is predictable, the journey is both entertaining and educational, especially to those who may still
harbor prejudices. Inspired by a true story and based on the Miramax motion picture written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by Fierstein and a richly diverse musical score from Ms. Lauper in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell has crafted a production that moves, inspires and sets the audience’s feet dancing. “Children are smarter than any of us,” said Bill Hicks, the late comedian and satirist. “Know how I know that? I don’t know one child with a full time job and children.” But seriously, kids are often wiser than we give them credit for. And sometimes they can find true inspiration in places that may not seem initially obvious. Take the Broadway hit show Kinky Boots which is now touring throughout the United States. In the Tony Award-winning musical, the owner of an old school shoe factory has to find a fabulously creative way to keep his family’s business from going under so he takes some untraditional steps to save the company. But more than that, as the show’s lyrics tell us, the musical is about how to “celebrate yourself triumphantly” and “accept yourself and you’ll accept others too.” Some people may not automatically think Kinky Boots is a great family show, but don’t be thrown by the title. Daryl Roth, a Kinky Boots producer with Hal Luftig, was asked why the show is wonderful for families. What lessons can children learn from the show that they can bring with them into adulthood? At the end of the day, Kinky Boots is about acceptance – accepting yourself and accepting other people for who they are: the importance of kindness, understanding, and friendship. What better lesson would you want to teach your child? It also addresses bullying and that’s sadly an issue so many kids face now. There’s lots of costumes with glitter. The great music makes you want to dance in the aisles and I think kids love that too! Kinky Boots won six 2013 Tony® Awards, the most of any show in its opening season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Actor (Billy Porter), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus), and Best Sound Design (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other accolades. Tickets for Kinky Boots ($87 - $157) are available for purchase in person at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office (Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm and Sunday, 12pm – 6 pm), via online purchase at telecharge.com, or by calling Telecharge at 800-432-7250 or 212-239-6200. For information on group sales, contact Group Sales Box Office/Broadway.com at groups@broadway.com or 1-800-BROADWAY, ext 2. The standard performance schedule for Kinky Boots is as follows: Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday at 2pm and 8pm, Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm. There is a general ticket lottery each day. Lottery entries are accepted outside the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office (302 West 45th Street) beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance, and names are drawn at random for a limited number of $37 tickets. See KinkyBootsTheMusical.com for details and restrictions. t
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77
Favorite Haunt of the Famous in NYC By Phillipe Mignon
wifty’s has earned its place as one of New York’s landmark restaurants, thanks in part to its commitment to classic cuisine as well as its esteemed owners, Robert Caravaggi and Chef Stephen Attoe. The Upper East Side institution also offers the same high level of fine dining but at private affairs, courtesy of Swifty’s Events. Guests can select from a wide range of tantalizing bite-size hors d’oeuvres options including Tarragon-Flavored Lobster in a Cucumber Cup, Spiced Crab Cakes with Papaya Chutney, Tartlets of Saffron Risotto with Peas, Crispy Snapper Tacos with Avocado and Fruit Salsa, White Truffle Chicken Hash in a Parmesan Shell, Deviled Quail Eggs as well as Swifty’s famous Millionaires Bacon. For the ultimate afternoon luncheon, Swifty’s has curated a selection of mouthwatering menus including seasonal soups, Cheese Soufflé, and a salad of mache and baby artichokes to start followed by Lemon-Scented Roasted Breast of Capon, Ginger Red Snapper Fillet, or Lump Meat Crab Cakes for a main course. Homemade Sorbets or Ice Creams are the delightful conclusion to the meal. Dinner menus—including popular seasonal plans that include grills, seafood, cold summer soups and salads, and fresh fruit desserts—are also available. Look for delectable highlights such as seafood starter selections like Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Striped
78 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
Bass, Sea Bass, Halibut or Snapper or vegetarian options including Artichokes, Wild Mushrooms and Asparagus with Caviar Sauce. For a main course, heartier seasonal offerings include Rack of Lamb, Classic Fillet of Beef or Roasted Loin of Veal. Hosts can round out their guests’ dining experience with a salad and cheese course as well as a decadent dessert like full-flavored puddings made of chocolate, mocha or ginger, fruit cobblers, frothy vanilla meringue cake or soufflés. Whether entertaining at a primary residence or at a vacation home, Swifty’s Events catering service is available in NYC, Upstate, Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Rates are dependent upon the number of guests and menu selections, but include food, staffing, rental equipment and transportation charges. For more information, please visit: www.swiftysnyc.com About Swifty’s Restaurant: Swifty’s has been a favorite Upper East Side haunt for over 15 years, despite an ever-changing dining scene. A sophisticated yet low-key restaurant, Swifty’s attracts a devoted clientele. Owners Stephen Attoe and Robert Caravaggi, former chef and maître d’ respectively of legendary Upper East Side boîte Mortimer’s, combine classic and straight-forward American and European cuisine with friendly and impeccable service. The ambient dining room, reminiscent of a well-appointed English country house, was created by famed decorators Mario Buatta and Anne Eisenhower.
Features: Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Private lunches and dinners up to 44 guests. Cocktail parties up to 65 guests. Description: Renowned restauranteurs Chef Stephen Attoe and Robert Caravaggi, former chef and maître d’ respectively of legendary Upper East Side boîte, Mortimer’s, created Swifty’s in 1999. Swifty’s combines classic, straight-forward American and European cuisine with impeccable service and warm ambiance. Revolving fine art exhibits in both rooms add to this American bistro’s festive atmosphere. The glamour and sophistication of Swifty’s also emanates from the distinctive clientele who have graced its tables since the day it was born. Swifty’s is the rare kind of classy establishment where all are welcome to enjoy the fun and cultured atmosphere. Décor: Decorated by famed decorators Mario Buatta and Anne Eisenhower – the décor at Swifty’s is reminiscent of a well-appointed English country house – the wooden paneling, patterned wallpaper, leather banquettes and mirrored walls are shown off to most romantic effect by dimly-lit lamps in the evening. The intimate dining room, with rustic wooden floors and enhanced with seasonal flowers, presents the perfect place for a catch up with friends or a romantic dinner. The adjoining dining room at the back of the restaurant, holds up to 44 guests for a private lunch or dinner. Cocktail parties are welcome for up to 65 guests. Popular Menu items: Corn fritters with Alaskan Salmon roe Jumbo lump crabmeat served with tomato aspic Gruyere cheese soufflé Blackened Cod fish taco, dipping Sauce, chopped salad Curried chicken salad, with banana, avocado, almonds, mango chutney Black Angus NY strip steak, French fries, Béarnaise sauce Roasted loin of venison, potatoes gratin Grass fed grilled twin burgers, Swifty’s Slaw, French fries Peconic Bay scallops meunière, creamed spinach Sashimi grade tuna carpaccio, ginger, green onions Popular Housemade Desserts: Chocolate and grand marnier soufflés Ginger pudding Vanilla meringue cake Catering Service: Swifty’s Event Catering is used at many of New York’s social functions. From events at the Frick Collection, to the Sloan Kettering Benefit at the International Fine Arts and Antiques Show, as well as private lunches and dinners at home, Swifty’s Events Catering always reflects the personality and style of every host. Celebrity clients: Celebrity clientele through the years and recently include: Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tory Burch, Ricky Gervais, Valentino Garavani, Sopranos creator David Chase, Christine Baranski, Tony Bennett, Roger Waters, Jude Law, Anjelica Huston, Jane Fonda, Fernando Botero and more. Society names include Blaine Trump, Jamee Gregory, Reinaldo and Carolina Herrera, Laura Bush, Debbie Bancroft, Wendy Vanderbilt, Emelia Fanjul, Serena Boardman, Jeb Bush, Mark Gilbertson, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, Dan Lufkin, Emelia St Amand, and Aerin Lauder. Hours of Operation: Open daily for lunch and dinner Lunch: Monday-Friday 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 11:30 AM- 4:00 PM Dinner: Monday- Saturday: 5:30 PM- 11:00 PM Sunday Dinner: 5:30 PM- 10:30 PM Located at: 1007 Lexington Avenue | Btwn E 72nd & E 73rd New York, NY 10021 Telephone: 212.535.6000 t AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79
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A Taste of the Old Country By Jerry Price he New Jersey shore has a tremendous attraction for New Yorkers, especially family gatherings and vacations. The “getaway” is an easy drive from Manhattan and the clean, white sand and rippling waters set a tone that calls out to those seeking to decompress. The sand and beach have their own pull on visitors, but that alone isn’t enough. You can feed the soul but at some point in time you have to feed the body. Little Italy Restaurant stands ready to do that. One of the more popular eateries “Down the Shore,” Little Italy offers an authentic Italian look combined with true Italian cuisine. Giovanni Sanzone has made it a personal mission to remain true to the food he knew and grew up with. “I learned to prepare food from my mother and grandmother,” Giovanni says. “I began as a child watching them cook. I never took formal lessons but I learned from experts who planned meals with love and care because they were serving the family.” Giovanni was born in Switzerland, but raised in Sicily. Like many Italians, his family migrated to the United States looking for a better life. In 1985 the Sanzone family made the exodus and opened a pizza restaurant. Giovanni worked there for 11 years before venturing off on his own, opening Little Italy in the Wildwoods, an area growing in popularity at the time. “We’ve had good fortune this year,” he said. “The weather has been nice…a lot warmer than it was last year. People have come to the restaurant from New York City, Philadelphia, even Canada. We seat 250 diners and turn over three times. That’s more than 700 people a night.” Giovanni smiled as he talked about how patrons line up in the street waiting for the opportunity to be seated and dig into his authentic cuisine. “I don’t know, maybe I would have liked to go to school,” he mused. “Maybe it would have made things easier but I was always working. I was never able to go to one of the culinary schools but I have an excellent and rounded background. I’ve been doing this for 30 years.” Giovanni notes that his raw bar and clams on the half shell are amongst the most popular items on the menu. “People also look for our oysters, Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail,” he said. “The Alaskan crab is a pretty popular item as well.”
One of the offerings, the “Tour of Italy,” has gained tremendous popularity. It features gnocchi, meatballs, ravioli, sausage meatballs and stuffed shells. It’s the closest thing to sitting down in Rome for a well-rounded meal. Giovanni and his wife, Sandy, oversee every part of the operation. It’s the hands-on approach and personal touch that ensures the quality of the food they serve. Michael Schulz, best friend and dining room manager has elegantly run the dining area for many years. Guests return week after week and year after year with Giovanni able to welcome them by name and as family. The focal point of any Italian family is food and the dining room table. Little Italy has become an extension of that homey tradition. Giovanni experiments with food in order to create new and exciting dishes. In addition to bruschetta and antipasto, he has created Penne alla Giovanni, a white creamy sauce with broccoli, red pepper, garlic, sun dried tomato and grilled chicken over penne. If the food prepared at Little Italy is authentic Italian, desserts are even more so. Virtually all of Giovanni’s desserts are imported from Italy, more specifically, Milan. His tiramisu is on the rather large size and will satisfy most of the people around the table. Giovanni imagined a restaurant that would give his guests the feeling of being in Italy. He wanted to provide his Wildwood friends and neighbors with the tastes and senses of traditional Italian cooking; a family oriented restaurant that would be welcoming to adults and children alike. Little Italy 5401 Atlantic Avenue Wildwood Crest, NJ 609.523.0999 www.LittleItalyWildwood.com t
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127 Years & Still Fresh By Sandy Nesoff
sale, but let’s debunk that here and now.
omehow the name “Iceland’s Deli” never had the same cache as “Katz’s.” But 127 years ago the New York landmark was born with that name.
Katz’s is considering erecting a building above the current restaurant, but no move is planned, considered, entertained or will happen.
If the Iceland brothers knew that what they opened in 1888 on Ludlow Street would outlive generations, they probably would never have invited Willy Katz into the business in 1903. Only a few years later Willie’s cousin, Benny, moved to the United States and moved into the deli with Willie. Soon thereafter the Iceland brothers moved out and the establishment officially became known as Katz’s Deli.
The influx of European immigrants, primarily Jews, heading out before being caught in pogroms or just simply looking for a better life, brought teeming masses to the Lower East Side. And, while Katz’s was not and still is not kosher, no one except for the Orthodox seemed to mind.
The construction of a subway line forced a move to Houston (say it like a New Yawker-How-ston) Street where it has remained to this day. There have been recent rumors that the building was up for
While uptown eateries such as the now defunct Stage and the still thriving Carnegie Deli catered to more of an upscale crowd that included hordes of celebrities, Katz’s did well on its own. The Yiddish theater was thriving and stars such as Fanny Brice were as big then as Barbara Streisand is today. AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85
The Broadway actors made their way to the Stage and Carnegie while the Yiddish theater crowd headed for Katz’s. As the Yiddish theater diminished, Katz’s reputation seemed to flourish. It became a “must stop” for politicians running for office or just looking to make points with New York’s large Jewish community. Picture Nelson Rockefeller standing on Houston Street in front of the entrance, a bevy of news photographers pointing their cameras at him as he chomped down on a savory hot dog. Rockefeller, more comfortable at an uptown, upscale restaurant such as the Jockey Club, knew the benefit of being seen eating a hot dog on Houston Street in front of Katz’s. That picture made all of the newspapers and most television news reports. He wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last. The deli is still a prime campaign stop for politico wannabees. As mentioned, the deli is not kosher, but rather “kosher style.” You won’t see the long black frock coats of the Orthodox Jews sitting at a table, but you will see African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Europeans and people from virtually every state in the Union there on any given day of the week. A few years ago the Food Channel ran a contest to see who had 86 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
the best pastrami in New York. It ultimately came down to three restaurants: Carnegie, Second Avenue Deli (in its original location) and, of course, Katz’s. When the smoke cleared there was only one standing… Katz’s. This isn’t meant to knock any other establishment, but very little in this world can compare to the thick, juicy, fatty hand carved slices of Pastrami at Katz’s. Tradition here is that no matter what you order, the counterman will give you a slice or a schmear (make that a “taste”) of the meat. Patrons ordering for a table have been known to order sandwiches one at a time so as to score extra slices of pastrami. And the size of the sandwich... tourists from Dubuque would make a family meal from one. New Yorkers scarf them down without any outside help. Hanging in the middle of the restaurant is a disc over one of the tables. It reads: “Where Harry Met Sally. Hope You’re Having What She Had.” In the movie, When Harry Met Sally with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the table under that sign was the famed faux organism scene with Ryan writhing and squirming in her chair. A woman at the next table tells the waiter: “I’ll have what she had.”
But that was not the only movie to find a home there. Johnny Depp’s character in “Donnie Brasco” had a meeting with an FBI agent there. Patrick Dempsey was there for the filming of “Enchanted.” It was also in “We Own The Night,” Across The Universe,” and a number of other films seeking a location that would immediately identify it as being in New York. Television shows such as the never-ending series, “Law and Order,” filmed in front of the deli.
Everyone gets a ticket, including children. As a purchase is made, the counterman punches in the price. It’s tallied up at the exit and paid for in cash. Here’s a secret. At the door only cash is accepted. If you go to the far end of the counter, they will accept a credit card. The receipt is then handed to the cashier at the exit door. Lose a ticket and you’ll be some $50 poorer.
One of the most memorable catch-lines ever concocted came about during World War II when Katz’s encouraged parents to “Send a salami to your boy in the army.” The sign still hangs in the deli.
Katz’s sells with regularity each week - 10,000 pounds of pastrami, 5,000 pounds of corned beef, 2,000 pounds of salami and 12,000 hot dogs.
The phrase became so popular that anti-war singer Tom Lehrer warbled “Remember mommy, I’m off to get a commie, so send me a salami...”
If there is a down side to Katz’s, it is the parking in the area. Parking ranges from difficult to non-existent. True fans and devotees will circle the block until something opens up. Some even walk from uptown, just to sample the atmosphere and bite into one of those famous pastrami sandwiches. t
Katz’s takes its support of American military very seriously and to this day has arrangements for special international shipping to U.S. Military addresses and has been the source of gift packages to Iraq and Afghanistan. The deli has had a unique method of payment for its long list of foods. As each customer enters the deli he/she is handed a ticket.
Katz’s Deli 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 212.254.2246 www.katzsdelicatessen.com
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Schlesinger’s Steak House By Jason Gehlert
ew York’s Hudson Valley offers many satisfying indulgences from hiking, visiting historic cities, riverfront entertainment to eating at excellent restaurants. I’ve always sought quality steakhouses just off the beaten path. The chain restaurants rarely satisfy my palate. I came across Schlesinger’s Steak House about twenty years ago and the experience was outstanding. My wife and I decided to have our sixteenth wedding anniversary at Schlesinger’s this past June. The family owned restaurant has remained intact for the past four decades. The restaurant opens at 4pm daily and remains open to 9pm weekdays and to 10pm on weekends. A friendly atmosphere welcomed our arrival with prompt service and professionalism. I called Amanda, the owner to reserve a table for a Saturday night. Although not necessary, I highly recommend it as the tables fill up shortly after the five-thirty dinner rush. The comfortable seating arrangement inside the historic Brewster House allows the freedom for guests to chat among themselves, enjoy a great dining experience, and possibly even relax with a cigar in the lavish cigar room. There’s also a smoke free E-bar and a unique nightclub with a 40” television.
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The menus were placed on our table with a jar of their signature dill pickles. It had a rustic feel as the menu was printed on a paper lunch bag. As we enjoyed our pickles, we studied the menu and its many options. The entrees were a nice balance between steaks, burgers, chicken, pasta and seafood. The back of the menu offered the many steaks the house is known for. Prime Rib, Rib Eye and T-Bone were among the higher end cuts and while expensive, they were well worth the price. My wife and I decided on a NY Strip Sirloin cooked medium with mashed potatoes. Our entrees came with a salad and multiple salad dressing choices. As the room filled up, I noticed the service to be prompt and the overall atmosphere remained relaxed. My wife and I were never pressured during our meal by the waitress and we were able to appreciate the meal and our conversation. The staff exhibited respect and knew exactly when service was needed, they were prompt at refilling our drinks and clearing our table when we completed our meal. On the other side of the restaurant, the bar was bristling with business. Patrons enjoyed their drinks and conversations in the quieter setting. The short walk to the cigar room allowed the guests flexibility for a relaxing time with friends or family. One can enjoy their stay at either venue and not feel uncomfortable during the night.
Schlesinger’s offers a unique dining experience for many New York City residents looking for fine food and drink and is accessible to the Metro-North train station. Local live bands bring a sense of excitement and connectivity to the surrounding community, as Schlesinger’s embraces the different voices of its customers. The Brewster house is an historic landmark that threads back to the Revolutionary era as a simple fieldstone house of Samuel Brewster. Brewster’s family traces back to Long Island, where his great grandfather was a minister. After Brewster’s move to New Windsor, his passion became entrenched in the local area, acting as one of the first proprietors of the township. His ownership of a saw-mill, forge and anchor shop proved vital in defense of the area from British ships. His shop assisted in forging
the chain that stretched across the Hudson River to limit British travel. All of this rich culture still exists in New Windsor and her surrounding areas and offers another reason to sample the food and area. Affordable food, a relaxing atmosphere and rich history make a short ride from New York City a fun excursion. Come explore and FNCSBDF POF PG /FX :PSL T CFTU TUFBLIPVTFT t Schlesinger’s Steak House 475 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553 845.561.1762 schlesingerssteakhouse.com
AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 91
8501 Atlantic Ave (by Diamond Beach) Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 l Coronado Resort is a beachfront full-ser vice condominium hotel located in the heart of Wildwood Crest just minutes from fine restaurants, nightlife, the world famous Wildwood Boardwalk and a short drive to Cape May and Atlantic City. With a variety of accommodations, from single guest rooms to spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom suites, El Coronado can meet even the most discerning traveler’s vacation needs! Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from your balcony or relax on our beachfront sundeck. El Coronado offers free poolside barbeques and live entertainment* in season for your enjoyment along
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On the beach, all of El Coronado’s oceanview & oceanfront accommodations have private bath, microwaves, DVD players, coffee makers and refrigerators. El Coronado is smoke-free & rooms have private balconies. Other onsite amenities include in-house Café with patio dining serving a 4-Star breakfast & lunch; free poolside movies & hot dog cookout (twice weekly*), oceanfront Sundeck with heated Swimming Pool & Kiddie Pool, Game Room, Gift Shop, Exercise Room, Internet Lounge, on-site car parking & FREE in-unit WIFI. El Coronado also provides an Activities Director* for the kiddies
Take a virtual tour of El Coronado on our website at elcoronado.com, check area attractions & activity calendars or simply call us tollfree at 800-227-5302 to book your preferred dates. Whether a romantic rendezvous for two, a family reunion or an extended group getaway, we’ve got the comfortable accommodations to suit your needs & look forward to hosting your next vacation at Wildwood Crest’s premier beachfront family resort... see you at the beach! *In-Season July/August
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Get More From Your Game By Ben Snead
round 25 million Americans play golf. Retired men and women who enjoy a game several times a week account for around half of all rounds played. For many of them age has slowed them down a bit and they look for every (legal) advantage they can get to keep their spirits high and scores low. Northcroft Golf, a leading British golf gadget manufacturer has launched two new products which are ideal for senior golfers who have a passion for the game but may not find bending down for the tee and ball as easy as it once was. The Tee-Up is specifically designed to cut out the need to bend and allows stable placement and removal of the tee and ball. The BAMP picks up the ball, allows the golfer to mark the ball and lift the marker - all without having to bend. Both products are endorsed by golfing legend, Sam Torrance OBE. John Bennett, managing director of Northcroft Golf says: “Golf is going through a difficult time and our research with older players shows our products provide one simple solution that can enable golfers to keep playing longer. Unfortunately, many members just give up the game because of physical impairment without realizing that there is an option available to them.” “Golf clubs today have an increased proportion of older members with players in their eighties expected to triple over the next five years. For the health of the players and the clubs, older golfers need to be supported in playing for as long as practical.” Bennett said. Golf is not just walking and swinging the upper body, it involves a lot of bending or squatting – to place balls on tees, place and pick up markers or balls and collect the ball from the cup at the end of each hole. So, there comes a time when back, hips and knees become less flexible, hands become less steady and golfers consider retiring from golfing. Players with trembling hands can find it difficult to place the ball and players recovering from a hip or knee
operation who still want to play have to observe caution. A recent survey of their customers by Northcroft conclusively demonstrated that their Tee-Up can extend a golfer’s playing life by several years. The problem is not just putting the ball on the tee, but making sure it is not knocked off the tee as the placing device is removed. The Tee-Up has a patented stabilizing spigot that rests on the ground behind the ball on its tee to compensate for hand tremors. It is lightweight, robust (comes with a lifetime guarantee) and stows easily in a golf bag or on its specially designed bag attachment. Using the Tee-Up, the golfer loads the ball and tee into the jaws and while still standing upright is then is able to place the ball and tee onto the teeing ground. Then after playing the shot he picks up the tee. Northcroft recently signed Sam Torrance, the 62 year-old vicecaptain of last year’s Europe Ryder Cup team as an ambassador for the Northcroft Tee-Up. “The Tee-Up eliminates bending and even compensates for trembling hands. It works and is high quality. I believe it will help players to play the game we all love.” says Torrance. Golf is worth around $68.8 billion a year to the US economy according to the World Golf Foundation, but the game is under pressure as it has started to decline in popularity. It is attracting fewer new players and is losing both casual players and older players. Golf is appearing in the 2016 Olympics for the first time since 1904, with hope that it will provide a new stimulus. There is also much talk of shorter fairways, shorter courses and even bigger holes being introduced to the game to attract newer timechallenged younger players. However, it’s still the senior players that are the mainstay for the Golf clubs. t For further information about Northcroft Golf and the Tee-Up visit: www.northcroftgolf.com
Photo by Baker County Tourism AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93
Ex-Yankee Randy Johnson Among Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees By Ed Curtis he little village of Cooperstown always has a busy summer with tourists from around the world streaming in to visit the Farmer’s Museum. Back in Leather Stocking history, the main attraction has always been the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The legends of the national pastime are enshrined here along with memorabilia of their careers and exciting moments. Babe Ruth’s bat, Lou Gehrig’s uniform, baseballs, gloves and many other artifacts. But without doubt, the top event of the year is the induction of the current class of those elected to the Hall of Fame. Their names are enshrined with heroes of the past and plaques with their faces, names and stats go on permanent display. This year those enshrined a week ago were: Randy Johnson, the rocket throwing pitcher who split time between Arizona and a brief stint with the Yankees, Craig Biggio, John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez of the hated Red Sox. 94 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
The flame throwing Johnson, whose pitches frequently registered sub-sonic speeds on the radar gun, commented that as a child he practiced throwing against his garage door. When asked how often his father had to replace door panels he responded: “I broke a lot of them and he wasn’t too happy. He made me do the repairs.” There were laughs as a Hall representative attempted to put a Hall of Fame cap on the six foot-ten inch Johnson and had to climb on a chair to do so. The July 26 Induction Ceremony took place on the grounds outside of the Clark Sports Center, which is located on lower Susquehanna Avenue, just one mile south of the Hall of Fame. The Ceremony is held rain or shine, unless severe weather forces the cancellation of the event. The Induction Ceremony historically lasts two-tothree hours. Lawn seating for the event was unlimited and free of charge. A blanket or lawn chair was recommended for comfortable viewing.
Awards Presentation The Hall of Fame Awards Presentation was held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Doubleday Field and featured the presentation of the Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting excellence to Dick Enberg and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing to Tom Gage. The Hall also honored the legacy of former Reds, Cardinals and Senators outfielder Curt Flood, whose test of the reserve clause via the United States Supreme Court in 1970 laid the groundwork for the advent of free agency several years later as well as major league players who served in the armed forces during World War II. The Awards Presentation was followed by the Parade of Legends, as Hall of Fame members rode down Main Street in trucks provided by Ford Motor Company at 6 p.m., concluding with a red carpet arrival on the Museum steps as Hall of Fame members made their way to the Museum for a private reception. PLAY Ball With Ozzie Smith A dream team that could only come together in Cooperstown, with Ozzie Smith and Hall of Famer guests Andre Dawson and Greg Maddux hosted a morning experience in a fundraiser for the
Hall of Fame’s educational programs. For the 14th year, PLAY Ball returned as Players, Legends and You with an interactive meet and greet, starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 24th during Hall of Fame Weekend 2015. PLAY Ball featured over two hours of non-stop interaction, including personalized instruction and the chance to turn double plays. Each participant received time on the field with these baseball legends, as well as a personalized photo and special mementos of the occasion. Prior to the on-field activity, participants and Hall of Famers shared a special breakfast in the Hall of Fame’s Plaque Gallery. This event was open to fans of all ages. Legends Of The Game Roundtable The Hall of Fame’s newest members participated in a Legends of the Game Roundtable event. This event was for museum members only. Throughout the Weekend, the Hall of Fame hosted a series of educational programs and fan-friendly experiences designed to connect generations of all ages in activities and events featuring baseball luminaries in the timeless and pastoral village of $PPQFSTUPXO t AUGUST 2015 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 95
Photo by brklyn is over
Random Thoughts By Bob Nesoff
ew York Lifestyles Magazine focuses heavily on travel because so many of our readers are often on the road for business and pleasure. While we have an upscale audience, no one likes to spend any more than is absolutely necessary. That’s not cheap, that’s appropriate. Some interesting items that could severely affect airline travel have made news in recent weeks. Well, saying “made news� might be an overstatement. If you looked closely while watching television you might have caught a glimpse of one of the stories. If you read a newspaper (and many people still do) articles were more than likely buried under some innocuous event.
subway cars would reverse some seats at the end of the run before heading back? Aisle and window seats would face forward while middle seats would be rear-facing.
There must be a department in the airlines of “Absurd Ideas to Make More Money While Discomfiting Passengers.� You can always write to newspapers and magazines (including NYLM) decrying these plots. Drop a note to bobn@newyorklifestylesmagazine. com. We’ll not only print the letters, but will make sure they are forwarded. There’s an interesting battle going on between two of the most powerful political egos in New York and the real losers here will be residents of New York City.
Here’s the scoop. Some of the major airlines, not content with charging Robber Baron fees for luggage (some even charge for carry-on-such as Spirit(less) airlines), others have been kind enough to permit free carry-on. Perhaps not for that much longer.
In the military commanders have always been taught never to go into a skirmish unless they have both the high ground and the ammunition to wage a successful battle. Bill DeBlasio should take a history lesson.
But a fee for carry-on pales in comparison to the latest airline scheme. Some are considering reducing the size of permitted carry-on luggage. They say it’s to load and unload aircraft faster. The last person who believed that put down a bid on the Brooklyn Bridge.
He recently opened up on Andy Cuomo with a broadside and virtually did everything but question the Governor’s legitimate birth. He accused Andy of being vindictive, not giving The City its due and a number of other charges.
The only entities this will benefit will be the luggage manufacturers and the airlines themselves. Passengers will need to purchase new bags or face hefty fees for stowing luggage. The benevolence expressed by the airlines has gone over our heads. The second, and more insidious scheme, has only cropped up a few weeks ago. Anyone who has flown Southwest Airlines knows what it is to sit facing other passengers, knees intertwined while making a furious attempt to avoid a molestation charge while trying to be more comfortable. It seems that some airlines are floating the idea of staggering seats in cattle class (Oops. Make that “Coach�) contending it will permit greater seating capacity. Anyone remember the bad old days when 96 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015
The sad part is that DeBlasio is right. And he is especially right about Andy being vindictive. The core group that will suffer from DeBlasio’s tirade will not only be The Mayor, but the people he was elected to represent. Cuomo is positioning himself for a future presidential run and he isn’t going to let a blustery DeBlasio derail that effort. There will be retaliation, but it will be subtle and very painful. While New Jersey’s Chris Christie is a boor and a blowhard, Cuomo is subtle and smooth. Until one or the other leaves office it might be best not to be TUBOEJOH OFYU UP #JMM %F#MBTJP JO B MJHIUFOJOH TUPSN t -30-
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