Vol. 5 #1 | February 2019
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Contents
15
FEATURES 12 15 44 51 54 56
From The Publisher Valerie Smaldone: From The Heart Through The Lens With Annie Watt Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Bits & Bailey: The Who, What & Wow Of NYC’s Luxury Scene Tech Talk: CES 2019
STYLE
22
20 Valentine’s Day Beauty 22 Julia Corso: A Teen Dream 24 Ted Hoffman: Men’s Grooming Takes Flight
TRAVEL 26 28 30 32 35 38 40 42
Royal Caribbean Cruises: A Perfect Family Getaway With Teens Pocono Manor Resort & Spa Phoenix: A Southwest Gem Emerald Waterways: Rolling On The Rhine River Kenya’s Maasai Mara A Visit To Scotland Oh, Canada: All Aboard On The Rocky Mountaineer Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
35
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 61 64 67 70
AVORA: Luxury Living On The Hudson River Gold Coast Around Town: Hudson Yards Spotlight: Michael Buono Design: MDRN’s Warren Kay
6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
61
ALBANY CONDO | BAHAMAS
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PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS 42 Ocean Club Estates. Beautiful residence offers 151 feet of white sand beach, 6 BR, 6/3 Baths, 10,550 sf. Fully furnished, Guest Cottage, 3-car garage. Dock slip available. Gated. WEB: 32323 US$11,495,000.
HARBOUR ISLAND, BAHAMAS Estate at the Dunmore Beach Club. Located on Harbour Island’s famous Pink Sand Beach. Idyllic tropical retreat offers 5 BR, 7 baths. WEB: 80731 PRICE UPON REQUEST.
OLD FORT BAY, BAHAMAS KeyWest style 4 BR 4.5 Bath canalfront home with guest cottage. 3,720 sf under air and 1,479 sf covered space. Dock with boat lift, pool and 2 cabanas. WEB: 35810 US$3,000,000.
LYFORD CAY, BAHAMAS Contemporary coastal design with turnkey luxury. Immaculate. 3 BR, 3 Baths, 2,700 sf, Swimming Pool and Guest Cottage. Prime location. WEB: 77521 US$1,995,000.
OLD FORT BAY, BAHAMAS Expansive 8,260 sf 4 BR 4.5 Bath estate featuring more than 250 feet of canal frontage on a total lot size of 32,760 sf. Main house and guest apt. WEB: 34567 US$3,250,000.
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S I R B A H A M A S .CO M
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Contents
74
76
HEALTH & WELLNESS 72 What Is Love? 74 The Anti-Aging Process
FOOD & DRINK 76 78 80 82 85 86 87
The Regency Bar & Grill: The Power Breakfast—And More BarBacon: A Sizzlin’ Good Time Sherry B Dessert Studio: A Sweet Work Of Art Macchu Pisco: Peru’s Finest Morimoto Maui: A Recipe For Magic & Romance Add Some Sparkle To Valentine’s Day Shaken & Stirred: Fun Cocktails
78
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 88 90 92 94 95
On Stage On The Big Screen On The Small Screen CMX: CineBistro: Dine-In Movie Theater With Luxe Museum Happenings: The Dutch Golden Age Shines At The MET
90
NEW YORK, NY 98 100 102 104
Paws Down…Tails Up Entrepreneur’s Corner: Jennifer Ruff My New York Story: Misha Dichter Time Out With…Chef Salvatore Marcello
8 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
98
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4545 N Ocean Blvd 5-D Boca Raton, Florida $829,000 | 2 BR | 2.5 BTH | 1892sf Impressive, recently renovated showplace in an oceanside, boutique building. Spacious, lightfilled great room, high-end finishes throughout. Amazing, spa-like master bathroom. 3 balconies with ocean, Intracoastal and marina views. Motivated owner!
44 Cocoanut Row 220-B Palm Beach, Florida $1,610,000 | 3 BR | 2.5 BTH | 1789sf Direct Intracoastal corner residence with spectacular wide water views from every room. Marble and wood floors throughout. Resort-style, full service building with unmatched amenities. Desirable in-town location. Best waterfront buy in Palm Beach Towers.
340 S US Highway 1 #202 Jupiter, Florida $975,000 | 3 BR + Den | 3.5 BTH | 2608sf Bright, expansive condo with floor to ceiling glass sliders, panoramic Intracoastal and preserve views. Spacious master and guest suites open to 525+sf of covered balcony. On-site marina, restaurants and shops. Prime location- Walk to Harbourside, minutes to the best beaches.
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS JENNY PETERS Jenny has covered the entertainment, lifestyle and travel worlds as a freelance journalist for many years. Her credits include writing on film, celebrities, and lifestyle for USA Today, AARP.com, Variety, New York Magazine, to name a few. She is the former editor-in-chief of Brentwood/Distinctive Living magazines and held the same post for Scene magazine. She is a founding and voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January honoring the previous year’s finest in cinematic achievement. Her favorite places to be: sipping wine in the middle of a vineyard or simply strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world’s great cities. GERRIE SUMMERS Currently working on a novel, Gerrie admits that she enjoys creating worlds, but traveling the world is even better! As a travel writer, she has been to five continents (Australia and Antartica get ready) and too many countries to count and has written for Foxnews.com, Luxury Living, For The Bride, Everett Potter’s Travel Report, About.com Luxury Travel, Trip Savvy and others. She currently writes the lifestyle and travel blogs Summers Retreat and The Tranquil Traveler. Gerrie has covered a wide range of beats. She was the founding editor of Word Up! magazine, beauty editor and travel columnist for Today’s Black Woman and About’s Multicultural Beauty Expert. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including Real Health, Essence, Billboard, and the NY Daily News. Gerrie aka YogiGer is a yoga, meditation and qigong enthusiast who now combines her love for travel with health, specializing in wellness, spas and retreats. PATTI PIETSCHMANN Patti is a globetrotting freelance writer based in Los Angeles who specializes in luxury travel, cruises, spas and beauty. She and her husband and fellow journalist, Richard developed a passion for cruising at a young age and have since been on hundreds of voyages and counting. Her articles have appeared in worldwide and in national magazines and city publications, as well as Cruisecritic.com, Cruiseable. com, Examiner.com and guide books such as ACCESS Cruise, ACCESS LA and more.
ISSN 2474-770X
Vol. 5 #1 | February 2019 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole
Art Director Eric Duncan
Entertainment Jenny Peters, Lori Zelenko
Style Gerrie Summers
Features Clint Brownfield, Ruth J. Katz
Special Projects Norah Bradford
Lifestyle Griffin Miller
Chief Photographer Annie Watt
Contributing Writers Shana Ackerman, Maxine Albert, Natasha Bazika Bailey Beckett, Isa Freeling, Lee Gabay Jenna Guarneri, TJ Johnson, Dr. Peter Kalellis, Gretchen Kelly Kelley Mason, Tina & TJ Mulqueen, Jeremy Murphy, Ellis Nassour Robert Offley, Darren Paltrowitz, Patti Pietschmann, Anne Raso, Will Reed Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Laurie Bain Wilson, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Brett Caldwell - Director of Integrated Sales and Marketing John Miller - Director of Sales - Travel Michael Stulmaker - Director of Sales - Real Estate Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim
Advertising BLUE VISTA 725
Internet Presence Scott Cuollo, Richard Austin
Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group
New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651
Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888
For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. ©2019 New York Lifestyles Magazine
Cover Photo Credit: 10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
AnnieWatt.com
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FROM THE PUBLISHER ith bone-chilling cold weather almost becoming a memory, it’s about time New Yorkers start shifting to warmer thoughts. For starters, I have always believed the month of February is a true passing of the torch for all real New York sports fanatics. As we end the long and punishing football season for all our true tailgating Giants and Jets fans this year, let’s cheer for anyone to beat the New England Patriots this Super Bowl Sunday on February 3rd. On the other hand, it’s also the beginning of baseball’s spring training when the Bronx Bombers and Amazing Mets fly away to start their first exhibition game on February 23rd. If you close your eyes, you can almost remember the smell of peanuts and Cracker Jacks with opening day just 30 days away.
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And let’s not forget February’s most traditional holiday we all love celebrating— Valentine’s Day. This is when you automatically think of chocolates, flowers, and Hallmark cards sealed with a kiss. If you’re like me and would like to add a little fun to a romantic evening, then I highly recommend you add bacon! Did I say bacon? Yes, Bar Bacon, NYC’s best-kept secret. I had a chance to indulge myself in their mouthwatering Kentucky Fried Bacon Bites, Lamb Bacon Reuben all the way to a Bacon Ice Cream Sundae infused with Bacon Whipped Cream and everything in between. It’s truly “a must go,” and if you’re on a first date, you’ll be sure to have another. Don’t miss our tasty editorial in this issue. Finally, those who prefer a romantic weekend getaway or just a relaxing time away from the hubbub of the city, travel about 90 minutes northwest to the Pocono Mountains. Here you’ll find the comforts and activities of the Pocono Manor Resort and Spa. This is a place where you will venture off to enjoy nearby skiing, horseback riding even snowmobiling or merely stay in by the fireplace and read a bestseller while sipping a cocktail. Their dining room has some of the most spectacular views. Some say you can see where all of the neighboring states meet; it’s that beautiful. Don’t miss reading our travel feature on this gem—and remember to book early as they fill up quickly! I look forward to hearing from you with comments, suggestions, and what you would like to see on the pages of New York Lifestyles and Pet Lifestyles magazines. I wish everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day! See you next issue… P.S Don’t forget to send chocolate covered pretzels (I love them!).
-Bill Mason
Publisher
12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com
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FEATURES
By Griffin Miller
SETTING: Le Pain Quotidien, Second Avenue, Midtown. TIME: Just after noon on a cold January day. CHARACTERS: Five-time Billboard Magazine Award winner (#1 on-air position in the New York radio market), media personality, celebrity interviewer, host, producer, voice-over artist, Voice of God announcer, actress, teacher, coach, foodie, footwear connoisseur, cancer thriver, writer, Valerie Smaldone; Me. ENTER: Valerie Smaldone, the picture of New York savvy from her long dark hair to her fringed suede booties. She spots me in the back and, with minimal prologue, we’ve launched into a dialogue, recorded by my battered iPhone—a humble substitute for the audio equipment Smaldone has been accustomed to working with since college. The following tracks our meeting. I would mention that Smaldone thinks she’s “…a terrible interviewee” because she’s “so interested in being an interviewer.” She is wrong! While she may be on the outskirts of her comfort zone, she’s magnetic on the other side of the mic. ©Christian Webb
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15
I knew I wanted to be in entertainment. I really wanted to be in theater.
©AnnieWatt.com
16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
THE EARLY YEARS
Most people—especially New Yorkers—seem to identify you through your radio work. How did this aspect of your career come about? “When I was 17, I went to Fordham University in the Bronx— they had a student-run 50 thousand-watt radio station at the time (now it’s a Public Radio affiliate) and I just walked in and I asked how does this work?” she told us. “What do I do? How do I become a part of this? So, I auditioned for what was known as the Announcer’s Workshop and they said, okay, you’re in. I was taught by other students and went on the radio. It was on-the-job training.” Did you always know radio was what you wanted to do? “I knew I wanted to be in entertainment. I really wanted to be in theater. Since I was at Fordham, I immediately joined their theater organization, The Mimes and Mummers. My freshman year,” Smaldone remembered, “I was cast in a starring role in Play It Again Sam. As a Gemini, I’ve had these two tracks: Theater-Radio. Plus, I was a journalism major.” On radio, on television, and in live settings you’ve interviewed everyone from Paul McCartney and Elton John to Eartha Kitt and Mariah Carey—hundreds of celebrities. Out of all of them, do you have a favorite? “Greg Louganis [the Olympic diver] for a private event. During the interview he was charming and open and at the end I asked him, ‘Greg, knowing who you are today what would you say to yourself at 14?’ He goes into his pocket and takes out a letter he actually did write to himself that he carries around and read it to the audience. It was so perfect I couldn’t have scripted it. Everybody was crying. When you end an interview on that emotional level, it’s a very satisfying thing.”
VALERIE’S VALENTINE MEMORY Valerie admits to being a sucker for what she calls the cheesy holidays: Halloween, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. “The pink rose, the romance—I love the whole thing,” she says, pointing out that her name is a derivation of the word Valentine. “I always say Happy Valerie-entine’s Day,” she admits, going on to recall the Valentine’s Day that came with a surprise reveal. And it had nothing to do with Tiffany or Godiva or Jimmy Choo. “Some years ago, Rick, my partner of 20 years (I call him my husband), drives us to this somewhat deserted neighborhood and onto a rickety street downtown,” Smaldone says. “He opens the door to this restaurant located there, and it’s this fabulous place, Il Buco—all rough-hewn wood and really interesting hand-made chandeliers and the food was phenomenal. I loved it! Mostly because I had such a warm feeling because he found it and surprised me. Now, of course, that neighborhood is the coolest part of town! I guess he knew.”
Valerie and her first cat, Rusty ©Artone Photography/Anthony Smaldone
FAMILY “Everything I wanted to do was performance-based. My father, who was a photographer and loved opera, was a big influence on my life. But he wanted me to stay away from theater—he didn’t think it would pay off. He did gear me towards radio because he was a radio fan. I remember,” she said thoughtfully, “he took me to this Italian restaurant in Queens, the Broadcasters Inn. It was this restaurant with a radio station in the round in the middle of it, with this poor shnook spinning records, while everybody else was eating pasta and staring at him! My father thought I should do that. And I thought okay, it’s entertainment, I guess…Who knew what it would lead to? “My mother was a French teacher, and back when I was a kid, one of the only mothers I knew in my class who was a working mom. She was responsible for providing us with the sense that we could do anything we wanted to do, as long as we worked for it. When I refused to go to kindergarten, my mother allowed me to sit out that year, but she taught me how to read at a very young age. I believe my ability to pick up copy easily and read it cold is because of my early reading skills. Both parents made sure to expose us to the arts, and I credit them for my love of theater because of that.” Is your family close? “Yes. My sister is a Yale-educated oncologist who went into pharma research, and is now involved with medically-based businesses. So, when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer she was my first call. Eventually I was told I had to have a certain chemotherapy, which I didn’t want. My sister, a senior VP of Medical Affairs at Bristol Meyers at the time, told me the drug I was slated to take was one she worked on and defended in front of the FDA. She also reassured me that I would be fine.” Recruited as a spokesperson for early detection, Valerie “came out of the closet” as a cancer patient on national TV—on 9/11. “That put my cancer diagnosis in great perspective, knowing that I had a chance, unlike the victims of 9/11. And that really became the hallmark of my speeches when I continued to talk about my experience—about living your life, no matter what.” FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17
VALERIE TODAY Moving on to Valerie’s current ventures—staggering to most, but to a woman used to taking control of her multi-faceted career, clearly not so much. Having walked away from her regular New York radio stint in 2008 (“I knew there was much more for me to do in the world”), she has upped the ante on her acting career, appearing in the TV series The Following, Blue Bloods, and Manifest, and narrating the episodic true-crime series, Fatal Encounters, on Investigation Discovery. She is also a frequent host on PBS programs, and can be seen as guest reporter on ABC for the Columbus Citizens Foundation’s Columbus Day Parade. She also founded Valerie Smaldone Media Worldwide, LLC. “There are three elements to my company,” she says. “One-third is talent based: my voiceovers, live event hosting, Voice of God live announcing and acting. The second is coaching and teaching voiceover, presentation, interviewing and media skills. The third part is strategic consulting, where I work with brands and individuals on their media penetration and help them get their brand, product or service noticed in front of a wider audience.” (Currently Valerie works with the German-based international hospitality brand, Healing Hotels of the World, and will be hosting their annual HEALING SUMMIT in Portugal this Spring.) Valerie is also an adjunct instructor at the prestigious School of Visual Arts, where she teaches courses in voiceover acting and the art of interviewing, and (fun fact) is the voice on their phone system. There’s more, of course, since Smaldone’s many hats could fill a millinery boutique, but her current labor of love springs from her new (less than a yearold) radio show that embraces her two greatest passions of theater and food: Bagels and Broadway (Saturdays, 9 to 10 am on AM970, online, and also available on Alexa and podcast). It’s Smaldone’s return to a regular host/producer position in the New York radio market for the first time in ten years. Valerie and Pierce Brosnan at Chemotherapy Foundation Gala ©Joseph Sinnott
THE VALERIE SMALDONE BUCKET LIST • Voice an animated character • Take hip-hop dance classes • Learn how to sing and have a big “coming out” party where I do a nightclub act • Improve and properly learn Italian, as well as German and Spanish • Get to use my French more often • Travel to Argentina, Greece, and Sicily • Do a Voice of God* gig for a major awards ceremony (“I do a lot of Voice of God work, which I truly enjoy, but have not done anything like the Oscars—yet!) *Voice of God refers to any unseen voice at a live event venue, generally used for speaker introductions.
Tell us more about Bagels and Broadway. “The show primarily focuses on theater and food, but sometimes we talk about other lifestyle topics like travel and music. In theater interviews, rather than concentrating on celebrities, I like to talk to the people behind the scenes, from producers to creators. All the uniqueness that is coming up now is very exciting,” she quickly said, “so I try to focus on new and innovative theatrical content. And I also weave in something I call Broadway Bulletin, a little feature or news brief about what’s happening in the theater around town.” At the moment, are there any shows you’re especially drawn to? “I’ve found this season to be spectacular for non-musicals—beyond amazing. Network was fabulous, I really enjoyed the multi-media aspects. I also love Come From Away and its message. And, of course, Wicked. In fact, in December on Bagels and Broadway, I produced a one-hour special celebrating their 15th anniversary on Broadway. That was a feat because I had to weave 11 interviews into one hour, but I loved doing it. When you love what you do and you have that satisfaction at the end of the day… it’s priceless, right?” Moving on to the “Bagel” aspect of Bagels and Broadway… “In the food portion of the show, I talk about where I eat, any new thing that I enjoyed. My latest meal or glass of wine. And like Broadway Bulletin, I produce Food Bytes that covers things like closings, openings, new pop-up bars, unusual food establishments, and so on.” Do you have any favorite New York restaurants? Smaldone thought a moment, then told us: “I have this thing about going to restaurants. I really expect to have a great experience when I walk in the door and I’m usually disappointed. But I have two go-to places. Etcetera Etcetera on West 44th is one. It’s like Cheers! where you know everybody. A lot of the theater community frequents the restaurant— but it’s not about celebrity. It’s about people being embraced by the staff and the owner, the charming Daniele. And the food is great. Everything about it is right. The second is Tony’s Di Napoli on the Upper East Side and in Times Square, where my portrait hangs on the wall—so I love going there. And again, the food and staff are excellent and the place is lively with super positive vibes.” Other not-to-be-missed favorites include Morso on 59th for its super attractive outdoor dining in warmer weather, Il Falco in Long Island City, Enzo’s of Williamsbridge, and Pasta, Pasta in the Bronx because “it was the go-to place for my parents.”
18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
VALERIE’S STYLE While Bagels and Broadway homes in on two passions, I would suggest she might want to amend the title at some point to include her third passion: shoes. Glam heels and boots of all shapes and sizes, to be exact. In fact, when asked to describe herself she said: “A kid from the Bronx who had some really great opportunities and is still looking to find the perfect pair of shoes.” I’m thinking Bagels, Broadway & Booties. What was the pair that got away? “Ah! It was in a secondhand shop in Cologne, Germany that carries really beautiful, quality items. They were blue Manolo Blahniks—I love blue shoes—and had this sexy appeal, but even at a thrift shop, very expensive. And I just couldn’t pull the trigger… I couldn’t do it. Stop the madness. But I dream of them to this day.”
Valerie and her friend, actress Brenda Vaccaro ©Matt Madonna
THE BOOM GOES ON Spending time with Valerie, you understand how her personality, intelligence and openness comes across to the people she interviews and why she is able to get great interviews, even from the most reticent individuals. It’s a gift she has cultivated and shared, even with the knowledge that her chosen field is one that can, as she puts it, “…chew you up and spit you out, and it happens in a nanosecond. The funny thing is, about five years ago, I said I want to be on the cover of a magazine. And at the time I envisioned publications like Fast Company or Inc. or Entrepreneur… as a business person. But this is even better because it’s New York Lifestyles in the city I love and live in. I mean, who would have thought that that kid from the Bronx, with no help, no contacts, would be doing everything she dreamed of. But it happened. Working in the Broadway community. Boom. Trying out new restaurants and cuisines. Boom. Working in TV, radio, acting…” The boom goes on. •
WITH SPECIAL THANKS
©AnnieWatt.com
Etcetera Etcetera Restaurant, 352 West 44th Street, NYC “Fermare II Traffico”shoes by Vincent Tropepe Fashions Hair and Makeup by Maira Ortiz Heart-shaped bagels from The Bagel Nook, Freehold, NJ
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19
STYLE
VALENTINE’S DAY BEAUTY By Gerrie Summers
oses are red, chocolate is oh so good! Here, our top Valentine’s Day beauty essentials that are rosy, red, and chocolatey for you! These products will have you looking and feeling great for that special day—and night. EMINENCE HERBAL DYNAMICS BEAUTY Sweet Red Rose Collection Start Valentine’s Day with a revitalized face. Sweet Red Rose Cleanser (especially great for sensitive skin and those with rosacea) has sweet red rose extract to replenish skin’s moisture barrier (so needed this time of the year). Sweet Red Rose Treatment is a skin regenerating treatment for normal, dry and sensitive skin. It has a combination of sweet red rose petals, honey and other ingredients to improve skin’s complexion and appearance. Info: Cleanser, $36; Treatment, $58; buynaturalskincare.com.
Clean & Calm Foaming Face Cleanser/Rose Water Calming Face Toner A lovely face starts with a good cleanser. Clean & Calm Foaming Face Cleanser helps balance skin’s natural pH while gently cleansing away impurities. It contains rosehip seed oil for smoother, more elastic skin. Follow with Rose Water Calming Face Toner, which soothes the skin with rose, green tea, chamomile and witch hazel plus aloe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. Apply before your serum and moisturizer. Info: Cleanser, $22; Toner, $12; herbaldynamicsbeauty.com.
FRANK BODY
PACIFICA BEAUTY
TRILOGY
Cacao Coffee Scrub This fabulously scented Cacao Coffee Scrub features two of my favorite things— chocolate and coffee, without the calories and the jitters! Coffee grounds are great for exfoliation, stimulating circulation and promoting collagen production. Organic cacao extract hydrates skin. Along with nourishing cold pressed macadamia oil and sweet almond oil (helps fade discolorations) you’ll be left with soft, smooth, touchable skin and you’ll also smell amazing. Info: $18.95; frankbody.com.
Crystal Glow Power Shimmer Body Lotion Shine bright like a diamond…or crystal. Crystal Glow Power Shimmer Body Lotion will have you looking like you’re glowing from within. Rose crystal extracts are blended with aloe and sunflower oil for moisturized skin with an energized glow. Rose quartz is known as the romance stone, used to attract love and is a healing crystal for the heart. Info: $15; pacificabeauty.com.
Rose Hand Cream/Everything Balm If you were tempted to soak in a hot bath (instead of tepid), you probably feel relaxed and wonderful, but hot water strips your skin of much needed moisture, especially in cold weather months. Here’s help to get your hands and body soft and smooth, great to touch and be touched! Everything Balm is a multi-purpose balm that can be used on the lips, heels, knees, hands, face and body where skin needs a soothing salve for nourishment and healing. Rose Hand Cream hydrates hands, soothes cuticles as well as strengthens nails. Both contain certified organic rosehip oil and have a sweet rose scent. Info: Rose Hand Cream, $28; Everything Balm, $22; trilogyproducts.com.
20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil/Wild Rose Smoothie Brightening Priming Moisturiser Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil is quick absorbing and infused with real rose petals and a powerful form of Vitamin C for glowing, radiant skin. You can also add a drop or two into your foundation sponge and brush before applying makeup, for a flawless finish. Or use the Wild Rose Smoothie Brightening Priming Moisturiser, a silicone-free priming moisturizer also infused with Vitamin C, as well as wild rose oil and turmeric extract as an all-in-one makeup primer, moisturizer and skin brightener. Info: Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil, $54; Smoothie Brightening Priming Moisturiser, $45; korresusa.com.
FACE ATELIER
JILL STUART
Lipstick What’s perfect for your Valentine’s Day look? Why, beautiful red lips of course! Try Kona (orange-red matte), Strawberry (yellow-red matte) or Red Fuchsia (blue-red matte) for soft, kissable lips. All are vegan, long-lasting and hydrating with organic seed oil and natural waxes. Info: $24; faceatelier.com.
Lip Blossom Velvet For lips that are soft and lush as velvet, try Lip Blossom Velvet in 01 Romantic Camellia, a deep romantic red. It is a long-lasting semimatte, with a velvety texture and infused with the Crystal Floral Bouquet scent. The lipstick case is designed to look like a bouquet, with a white opal Swarovski crystal and a relief of four flowers on top opens to reveal a secret mirror. It’s pretty enough to present as a gift along with a box of chocolates. Info: $24; jillstuartbeautyusa.com.
EO ESSENTIAL OILS
PIXI BY PETRA
SLIP
Love & Flowers Aromatherapy Perfume Oil & Spray The Beloved Rose scent is a soft, sensuous fragrance with notes of Damascus rose, Sandalwood and Himalayan cedar wood essential oils, which will leave you unforgettable. Info: $95; eoproducts.com.
Rose Glow Mist For a natural glow, spray your face and neck with Rose Glow Mist. It’s infused with seven types of rose flower extracts, as well as avocado and argan oils. You can also use it after applying makeup for a natural, dewy finish or when you need a hydrating boost. Info: $15; target.com.
Pure Silk Pillowcase Perfect for pillow talk is this pillowcase of gentle silk fabric—and is not damaging to your hair. Avoid sleep facial wrinkles and creases... and have yourself pleasant dreams! Info: Pure Silk Pillowcase, $85; slipsilkpillowcase.com. •
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21
STYLE
JULIA CORSO A TEEN DREAM By Bailey Beckett
indy Crawford started when she 16. Naomi Campbell at 15, and Christie Turlington was just 14. For years, the modeling industry has engaged the most promising talent in their early teens, propelling them to fame and fortune before they can even get a learner’s permit. It’s in those (platform) heels Westchester-native Julia Corso hopes to follow. The 15-year-old, who is currently a sophomore in Pelham, has already strutted the runway for a handful of designers during New York Fashion Week, including up-and-comers like Marnita Miller, Layana Aguilar, Corey Woods, and Renuka Malhi. Her delicate features, statuesque physique and girl-next-door appeal also have marketers circling. Corso, whose mother Cherie is a noted national media personality, took a break during a photo shoot on the Upper East Side to talk to New York Lifestyles about her new reality. How did you become interested in modeling? My mom has always encouraged me to express myself creatively through art and fashion. She used to take me to New York Fashion Week every season, and I loved seeing the designers, clothes and all the beautiful models on the runway. It was all very glamorous. I was even interviewed by the New York Post, which ran a photo of my mom and me at the shows. I enjoyed the whole experience and being in front of the camera. Can you balance high school and a modeling career? I prioritize school, then modeling. I love to play tennis and basketball, so that keeps me in shape. I’m so lucky to have amazing friends that support me. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful people in my life. What is your personal style? I love Lululemon activewear for school, big fitted sweaters, Boho chic. I adore wearing designer clothes, especially when I know the designer personally and modeled for them or their brand. Any butterflies before a runway show? I use my nerves to fuel me as I do in sports before I play a tennis match. How did you learn to walk the runway? I had a modeling coach, Cyrene Renee, who not only taught me how to model but explained the business. She was also in the U.S. Air Force and was able to show the discipline and focus it takes. It works! ©Maurice Pinzon
©Richard D. Holmes
Who are your inspirations? Audrey Hepburn! I did a report on her for school and even dressed as her for biography day. She was always glamorous, humble and talented. I loved how she worked for the United Nations and gave so much of herself to help kids. Describe your health and fitness routine? I love sports, play tennis and eat everything I want in moderation. I also genuinely like fruits and vegetables and eat a lot of pasta. I believe in and enjoy the Mediterranean diet. What is your life motto? Think Chanel and act like it. Turn negatives into positives and just keep going. Do you feel pressure to maintain a certain size? The modeling world has room for all shapes and sizes, as long as you’re healthy and show the clothes well there is no pressure. What would be the ultimate booking? Sports Illustrated. My friend, Samantha Hoops, has appeared in the magazine many times. She is beautiful, healthy and living the dream. Chanel is also a dream. And I like sportswear, so I would love to model for Lacoste and Lacoste Supreme. •
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STYLE
TED HOFFMAN
MEN’S GROOMING TAKES FLIGHT By Bailey Beckett
am by nature a risk taker,” says Ted Hoffman. Is he ever! A veteran of Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo, where he managed institutional trading desks for more than a decade, Hoffmanleft a cushy life in New York and moved to Dallas to launch a $75 million equity-based hedge fund but wound up the proprietor of a mobile barbershop.
Ted Hoffman
And now, using the financial acumen that made him a star on Wall Street, Hoffman has launched a line of men’s grooming products inspired by his shop called FLY. From hair pomade to shaving cream and even a candle, the brand harkens the spirit of a rugged Steve McQueen with the masculine elegance of stars like Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Gossling, and Jake Gyllenhaal. The products are currently available in top grooming salons across the country as well as online. New York Lifestyles met up with Ted Hoffman to find out a little more about his new venture. What inspired you to create FLY? I have had one heck of a career and journey thus far. Since graduating from Syracuse University in the 1990s, my resume has been so diverse, from boxing instructor in New York to institutional sales/trading on Wall Street, and then being a partner in a Hedge Fund in Dallas. FLY was a fun passion project for a former girlfriend and me. The idea came during our first trip together to Santa Fe where we visited a gallery with great vintage Life magazine photos from the 1970s. At the time, barbering was trying to make a comeback, and we felt the Dallas market needed an authentic, cool barbershop. We also thought having it mobile was a great twist. What is unique about the product? We started with the basics: What works? What do guys need and want? And how can we make it better? I have an amazing talented chemist, formerly of Kiehl’s, who is as passionate about creating great products as I am. The formulation process is challenging; matching the portfolio to market needs and market opportunities is harder than you think. Sourcing is so essential—you want the best ingredients from the best makers—something that is effective, safe and will help accentuate the hair and skin. And we tweaked it a little. Users will know and feel the difference with FLY. Our fragrance has also become a key trademark/buzz creator. It instantaneously evokes so many emotions and memories. And that was important for us to distinguish the FLY brand. Because we are looking to create more than just products but an attitude and way of life. Our candle has a unique scent. It almost has a taste. And it’s disarming and unexpected. Why did you call it FLY? It was really important to us to create a barbershop experience that was cool, and we felt the best inspirational icon was Steve McQueen. Since our Airstream was vintage, we wanted our name to be vintage cool. Once we launched products, our name played an even bigger part of our ethos. Also, to me flying says freedom. You are going in any direction you want, you’re in control, and you are limitless. Who is your audience? We like to think FLY will appeal to everyone because we are building a big tent. Our ingredients are time-tested and effective, our price points are super reasonable and accessible, our packaging is classic without being pretentious, and our message and brand are inclusive. I’m always interested to see who is buying. The most significant new category are moms buying for the younger sons age 10 to 16. We always send thank you emails to our customers once purchased. We are also excited that 90 percent of our customers online reorder again. Who is that man you envisioned when creating FLY? Hands down, McQueen. He was the arbiter of cool and the most versatile of men. He was a guy’s guy but cared about how he looked. He was rugged, but it wasn’t spontaneous. He put some effort into it. And that’s cool. Even at that time, men wanted to look their best. And it’s not exclusive or unattainable. You don’t have to be a celebrity to look like that. A clean cut, close shave or well-trimmed beard and well fit clothing is a look anyone can achieve. It’s a state of mind. A level of confidence you carry with you. For more information on FLY, visit f lybarbershop.com. • 24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
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
TRAVEL
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES A PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY WITH TEENS By Stacey Zable
oyal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is an ideal fit for families with teens with plenty to keep the young guests busy! Plus, with the ship home porting 12 months of the year out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J., local families not only have the convenience of sailing out of their own backyard but get to save by not having to purchase airfare. The ship also offers comfortable balcony staterooms that fit a family of four, with teens sharing a sofa bed. Despite being a large ship with 4,900-plus guests, Anthem of the Seas is easy to navigate and discover multiple areas of family-focused fun. Here is all that your teen will find fabulous aboard Anthem of the Seas.
ACTION-PACKED FUN “The largest indoor active space at sea,” according to Royal Caribbean, SeaPlex is a sporting and entertainment complex that is constantly transforming to offer guests a myriad of actionpacked activities. SeaPlex’s design features large windows to bring in natural sunlight, making it a bright and interactive space. The main expansive area alternates as a site for bumper cars, flying trapeze, roller skating, full-size regulation basketball court, and team sports including soccer, depending on the time and day. Teen times are set aside for dedicated team sports so that kids are playing against others their age. The mezzanine features SeaPod Activity Rooms where you can play table tennis, air hockey, foosball (my family’s favorite) and other interactive games. There is also a live gaming suite with Xbox. The SeaPlex Dog House serving up hot dogs and more is set inside for those who get hungry while challenging each other in sports. Outside and adjacent to SeaPlex is the Rock Climbing Wall for additional teen and family thrills. 26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
JUST FOR TEENS Teens are divided into two age groups: 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. They have a dedicated space called The Living Room located right next to the Windjammer Marketplace buffet on Deck 14. It’s a comfortable room with such nice touches as double lounges with individual televisions, a foosball table, and other clustered seating. Programmed activities include sports tournaments, parties, scavenger hunts, movie nights, and games. There is a 1 am curfew for cruisers under 18 (except for those participating in the teen programming).
FLYING HIGH The entire family will enjoy the innovative and complimentary RipCord by iFLY sky-diving experience that literally has you “flying” like a super hero in the controlled, simulated environment of a 23-foot tall glass flight chamber with an instructor next to you at all times. The adventure begins with a training session that includes an overview video where you are taught correct flight positions and hand signals. You then don flight gear, including a jumpsuit, goggles and helmet before heading for your individual turn in the flight chamber. Make sure to dedicate one member of the family as the official photographer to catch the moments in flight in still photos and video. Another way to “fly” on the ship is the complimentary North Star glass observation capsule. It rises 300 feet in the air and rotates upwards and over the sides of the ship offering 360-degree views and plenty of photo opportunities for the up to 14 guests inside.
SURF THE WAVES First time and experienced surfers will want to try out the complimentary 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator for both traditional surfing and/or boogie boarding. The instructor will stay by your side if you want, slowly guiding you on the do’s and don’ts of the experience. This is the way to go as the water comes in at a high speed. There are special session times for teens and adults. iFly
POOLS With two outdoor pools and two indoor pools plus four whirlpools, Anthem of the Seas offers plenty of fun in the water beyond FlowRider. The Solarium is a dedicated indoor pool area for those 16 and over that will make older teens feel very grown-up.
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU Whether in the Music Hall, on the pool deck, or in one of the ship’s lounges, the band The Royal Swedes was among the entertainment that rocked the house with audience members of all ages singing along and dancing to their classic tunes. Among the productions onboard, the rock musical We Will Rock You features a score with many of Queen’s legendary top hits including, of course, the show’s namesake. For those teens who are music lovers, the daily Music Trivia is a great activity for the whole family.
DINING PLEASURES Whether teens decide to branch off and meet new friends or spend time with mom and dad, dinner is the one time each day the entire family can come together. Anthem of the Seas certainly offers an abundance of choices for all tastes. It has four complimentary main dining rooms, plus a fifth for suite guests, as well as the expansive Windjammer Marketplace buffet. Complimentary casual options include The Café @Two70 for hot-pressed sandwiches, salads, soups and more; the Solarium Bistro; and Sorrento’s Pizzeria open until 3 am. The ship boasts six specialty dining restaurants plus three snack places for an additional fee.
HIGH TECH Teens would be at a loss without their phones, and with Anthem of the Seas’ VOOM connectivity they can post every exciting element of the ship on Instagram and Snapchat. It also helps parents to be able to use WhatsApp, Viber or Facebook Messenger to communicate with their teens. For more information on Royal Caribbean Cruises, visit royalcaribbean.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27
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POCONO MANOR RESORT AND SPA By Jeff and Stephanie Sylva
he Pocono Mountains in northeast Pennsylvania has seen resorts come and go for more than a century. One resort that has endured the test of time and continues to provide guests a multitude of year-round activities is the Pocono Manor Resort and Spa. This long history and a determined commitment to offering unlimited outdoor adventure in a spectacular natural setting are what set Pocono Manor Resort and Spa apart from other Pocono resorts. It all began in January of 1902 in Philadelphia when a group of Quakers, envisioning a spot where they could relax from the routine of city life, purchased a tract of land on Little Pocono Mountain. Ideally this retreat would be in a beautiful natural setting, one conducive to the Quaker Spirit of Peacefulness. Construction of the Inn began in April and in August the first guests arrived. It wasn’t until six years later that in another newly constructed building, even more guests arrived—and thus began the Manor’s history as a year-round resort. In September of 1966 the Inn was sold to Samuel Ireland, founder and owner of Ireland Coffee and Tea. Immediately Mr. Ireland began a refurbishment program, which the Ireland family continued over the next 38 years. The inn was then sold to a partnership led by a real estate company in 2005. In an effort to highlight the numerous recreational offerings, the current owners have re-branded the Inn as The Pocono Manor Resort & Spa. The resort, long known as “the Grand Lady of the Mountains,” is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a Registered Historic Landmark. 28 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
FAMILY FUN Your chance to enjoy 3,000 acres of beautiful mountain terrain begins at Manor Sports, located next to the golf course club house. With so many activities to choose from, your family can be busy all day. Mountain and recreational biking; fly, pond, and ice fishing; trapshooting; BB gun ranges; hiking trails; dog sledding; UTV tours; archery; snowmobiling and lots of other winters sport choices. The Ranch at Pocono Manor offers horseback trail rides and lessons, hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and winter sleigh rides Other recreational activities include indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade and game room, a family play room with billiard table and large-screen TV for movie nights. There is a fitness room with cardio and weight training equipment. For anyone looking for a more serious workout, resort guests have complimentary privileges at the Pocono Mountain Fitness Center, located one mile from the Inn. During warmer months, golfers can enjoy the East course with rolling fairways and breathtaking views as well as challenging water hazards. The Pocono Manor Golf Club has a pro shop, practice greens, a driving range, the 19th Hole Restaurant and Bar and a Golf School led by a PGA instructor.
Pocono Manor Guestroom Executive Corner King
RELAX & UNWIND The Manor has 240 rooms and suites, all decorated in keeping with the period style of this century-old hotel, yet with modern amenities. All rooms boast historic charm and a number of them have beautiful mountain views. Dining at Pocono Manor means superb views at the Mountain View Dining Room. Serving full buffet breakfasts every morning and themed dinners on weekends during the year (every night from Memorial Day to Labor Day), the Dining room features upscale modern American Cuisine. Friday’s theme is the Bountiful Seafood Buffet and Saturday’s is the Prime Rib Feast. During the summer you will experience a different theme each night of the week.
Snowmobling
For more casual dining The Lamplighter offers a light pub fare menu and a selection of craft beers on tap. A burger and a beer sound good? Try the Fireside Burger, outfitted with crisp fried onions, cheddar cheese, bacon, and sweet barbecue sauce and the house beer, the Grand Lady Amber Lager. Also, be sure to try one of the Signature Mac & Cheese selections. Of course, a visit to Pocono Manor Resort & Spa is not complete without a soothing, relaxing treatment at the Laurel Spa. The spa is a tranquil sanctuary featuring floors and walls of granite and limestone highlighted by soothing color schemes. The nine therapy rooms offer a full line of therapy services. A special feature is the Spa’s Salt Cave, comprised of hundreds of pounds of Himalayan pink salt offering the benefits of Halotherapy. Salt’s natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties are beneficial for overall health and wellness particularly for respiratory and skin ailments. Pocono Manor Resort and Spa’s acres of scenic natural beauty offering lots of fun and adventure are just 90 miles from New York City. A wide variety of seasonal packages are available. Some of the more popular packages include Ski & Stay, Spiritual Wellness, Just the Two of Us and the Himalayan Spa Retreat. The resort is also within easy access of The Jack Frost Big Boulder, Camelback, and Shawnee ski areas as well as Pocono Raceway, Pocono Whitewater, Pocono Paintball Skirmish, and the Mount Airy Casino. For more information on Pocono Manor Resort and Spa, visit poconomanor.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29
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PHOENIX
A SOUTHWEST GEM By Clint Brownfield
ere’s the perfect getaway escape for Spring: Greater Phoenix. In addition to this desert city, neighboring Mesa and Scottsdale also offer plenty to do in February and March. Add in spectacular blooming deserts, Major League Baseball spring training, warm sunny weather and you have one of America’s best travel destinations. The weather this time of year can’t be beat—with average highs in the mid-70s and low humidity. The average elevations in the area are about 2,000 feet so you won’t have to adjust to high altitudes. Phoenix enjoys around 295 sunny days each year. In fact, many visitors arrive here this time of the year simply to play golf on any number of the area’s famed courses. Here, some definite must-do’s to add to your list.
SEE & DO Natural Wonder During this time of year the surrounding Sonoran Desert is in full bloom. A short drive outside the city is one of the most memorable sightseeing forays you will ever encounter—a definite bucket list item. To further expand your knowledge of what grows in an around Greater Phoenix, a trip to the city’s 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden is a great place to do this. Be sure to check out their trails, tours, and other activities. Info: dbg.org. Batter Up The 2019 MLB season officially gets underway March 20th. However, for fans that can’t wait, a trip to Phoenix and environs will definitely provide a respite after a long winter of watching highlights on TV. Each spring, 15 MLB teams choose Greater Phoenix to get out the kinks during spring training. Tickets are affordable and attending an afternoon game is a great way to grab a hot dog or some Cracker Jacks. Being able to attend these games, in addition to Arizona Diamondbacks games during the regular season (in a domed stadium), just may be one of the reasons why Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Info: cactusleague.com. 30 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Botanical Garden Sunset
Cultural Pursuits A quick Internet search will immediately yield around 30 museums in the Greater Phoenix area. From the Heard Museum which specializes in exhibits illustrating Native cultures to, the Phoenix Art Museum offering works of fine art from around the nation and world, to the Musical Instrument Museum—there is something for everyone. These will especially come in handy on the off chance that a rainy day pops up. One area must-see in particular is Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter headquarters in Scottsdale. Visitors can take tours of this complex, a National Historic Landmark, and learn all about America’s most famous 20th century architect. Info: franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west/.
Camelback Mountain
The performing arts are also well represented in the Valley of the Sun. Ballet, symphony and shows on their way to and from Broadway give visitors plenty to savor in February and March. The Orpheum Theater will be hosting Silent Sundays, a classic silent film accompanied live on the Orpheum Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, and the American Theater Guild’s performance of Evita. Arizona Opera will perform the Pulitzer-Prize winning Silent Night. The Phoenix Symphony will be playing everything from Star Wars to Stravinsky and performing a Tom Petty tribute. Arizona Theater Company will perform August Wilson’s Two Trains Running. Of special note, Ballet Arizona will be performing the world premiere of The Firebird Feb 14-17, with music by Stravinsky and choreography by Ib Andersen. Phoenix Public Market Cafe
TASTY BITES Just about anything grows in and around Phoenix these days, making it a must-visit foodie paradise. Whether you’re fine dining or want to rustle up something delish in your home away from home, your taste buds will not be disappointed. Phoenix takes advantage of its fresh produce and local culinary offerings with great Farmer’s Markets. You’ll find them dotting the city during this glorious time of the year. You can get as healthy as you want with the local produce or maybe tuck into something a little more decadent at a local bakery or chocolatier. Sip wine and enjoy a crepe while shopping at a market overseen by a James Beard Award-winning chef at Vincent’s Saturday Market, get new ideas for your fresh local purchases during the weekly cooking demonstrations at the Phoenix Public Market, and avoid prep work but still get local fresh veggies by using the Veggie Valet at the Uptown Farmer’s Market. If you don’t want to cook, but still want to support local endeavors check out, Fellow Osteria, Barrio Cafe, and the newly re-launched Christopher Collins restaurants The Mackintosh and The Collins. For true foodies, you might want to time your visit around Devour Week (February 17th – 24th) and the main weekend event, the Devour Culinary Classic, named Best Southwestern Culinary Festival by The New York Times.
DESERT HAVENS Needless to say, Greater Phoenix has an almost endless variety of places to stay, including some of the most spectacular resorts in the world, historic hotels and inns, and various ways to set up housekeeping during your stay. New hotels are popping up in Downtown Phoenix, including the recent openings of the AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore and the Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown. Phoenix is famous for its destination resorts, and the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Mountain Shadows Resort, Arizona Grand Resorts, and Royal Palms Resort and Spa have all been recently renovated. If you want to stay in one of the best hotels in the US, Conde Nast Traveler readers recently tapped The Hermosa Inn as one of the top 10, making special note of the famous Lon’s restaurant. With a trip in February or March, you can be one of the first to experience the Spa CIVANA in Carefree which opened late last year.
Mountain Shadows Resort
Getting to Phoenix has never been easier. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country—connecting to a multitude of gateway cities. Its record for on time departures and arrivals is one of the highest in the country. So, what are you waiting for? Head on out to Greater Phoenix to get a muchdeserved head start on spring 2019. For more information on Greater Phoenix and more, go to visitphoenix.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31
TRAVEL
EMERALD WATERWAYS ROLLING ON THE RHINE RIVER By Ruth J. Katz
ith Wave Season (see sidebar) in full swing, it’s an ideal time to book a cruise for the coming year. One relative newcomer to the world of river cruising is Emerald Waterways. It’s the perfect way to rest and relax and where I spent a blissful week plying the Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam. On the first night out on the Sun, the crew sang birthday greetings to a guest, as they paraded in a long conga line and then presented a cake to the celebrant. The celebration was the perfect icebreaker for the 180 guests on board. SCENIC WONDERS My journey would take me from Basel to Breisach (think Black Forest cake when in the latter city); Strasbourg (known for its imposing cathedral and gastronomic treats at every turn, with hints of German flavor); Mannheim/Heidelberg (home to the eponymous university, founded in 1851); Koblenz (a 2,000-yearold town, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle rivers); Cologne (the fourth most populous city in Germany and the birthplace of the celebrated 4711 fragrance); and, finally, Amsterdam (home to tulips, Anne Frank, the notorious red-light district, and herring, among many other bountiful offerings). On the Sun, our group was catered to by an attentive staff of nearly 50, hailing from well over a dozen countries. Our cruise director, Gaenina Corendea, was easily the best cruise director I’ve ever experienced. Fluent in a half-dozen languages, she was conscientious, thorough, detailed, organized—and did I say charming and kind? As the Sun (some 440 feet long) waltzed on the snaking river for over 500 miles, we navigated through 12 locks. The guests hailed from mostly English-speaking home bases, including the UK (the largest group), the U.S. (second most numerous group), Australia, and Canada—with smatterings of folks from ports afar like Chile. 32 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Strasbourg
EXHILARATING & EDUCATIONAL If you wished to participate in activities on board, there were trivia games, a galley tour, daily briefings about ports, and the like, but mostly, given the glorious weather, in the afternoons, after a full morning of touring, people gravitated to the upper deck with its Astro-Turf cloak, and languorously settled into a chaise longue, watching the magnificent scenery glide by. Outside Koblenz, in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, we sailed through about 40 miles of the Rhine Gorge, flanked by some several dozen castles, forts, and ruins—both exhilarating and educational. This area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002, so it presents a perfect backdrop for remaining topside with binoculars and a camera. One of the joys of the Sun, which you will not find on many rivercruising ships, is the swimming pool! Measuring approximately 20 x 13 feet, and just under five feet deep, the pool was an oasis for the few teenagers on our ship and assorted guests like me, who needed a dip periodically to exercise weary legs. At night, the pool is covered over and the room becomes a movie theater! With comfy loungers and popcorn, this was a first for me on a river cruise. I cannot ignore the wonders of the journey: I found Strasbourg every bit as charming as I’d expected. Shops boasted vitrines filled with macarons, colossal meringue cookies, paté, seafood, and even—wait for it—bagels! Heidelburg University surprised me in that there did not seem to be a central campus, but rather dozens and dozens of individual buildings, dotting the city, but it was the city’s castle that drew me in, particularly the German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apotheken Museum) on the fortress’ grounds. It is intriguing, with more than 20,000 objects on display. (One aside: Bayer Aspirin was created in Germany.) Emerald offers 20 diverse river-cruising adventures, and most likely, there is one that will suit your needs. And if you plan that journey around your birthday, expect to be serenaded by a group of the restaurant and kitchen staffs, as they sashay toward your table bearing a toothsome cake and birthday goodies! For further information emeraldwaterways.com. •
on
Emerald Waterways,
visit
A NEW SEASON Wave Season, typically January to March each year, is like the Black Friday of the cruise industry. This is the time when cruise lines tend to make the most reservations for future bookings— and offer the best deals. Why? Well, for one reason, the mayhem and madness of the holidays are over and people are focusing on the future. Hence, the cruise lines tend to roll out their best deals this time of year and most of these highly reduced offerings are good for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. You may find that with a Wave Season booking, you can snag free Wi-Fi, a beverage package, or onboard credit for the spa or shopping. It is in the cruise lines’ best interest to fill as many cabins as possible for any cruise—the ship is sailing regardless, so why have an empty cabin? So, now is the time to start hunting for that deal—a July sojourn in the Adriatic or an August get-away in the Baltic. Wave hello to a dream vacation! –RJK
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33
Global Travel + Tours & EXCURSIONS “Where Luxury Meets Passion”
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TRAVEL
KENYA’S MAASAI MARA THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE ON THE PLANET By Maxine Albert
had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills. We often talked on the farm of the safaris that we had been on. Camping places fix themselves in your mind... like the features of a friend,” mused Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen in the gloriously romantic film Out of Africa. Watching the movie, the lyrical, breathtaking beauty of the golden savannah, I fell hopelessly in love with Africa. You can imagine my excitement when my inflight host Simon Penfold said, “See over there, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, that’s the site of Karen Blixen’s farm.” Here I was in Kenya in the very spot that captured my heart so many years ago. Looking out the window of the stylish Cessna Grand Caravan on my flying safari I saw a paradise of volcanic mountains, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, gazelles, African fish eagles and pink flamingos swirling on a lake. The pilot drops to about 30 feet above the ground creating an exhilarating magic carpet ride sensation.
BIG GAME ADVENTURE Simon, a native Kenyan with Scenic Air Safaris, comes from an aviation family, himself. His father flew Charles Lindbergh around Kenya and Simon escorted astronaut John Glenn. After a scenic 45-minute flight from Nairobi, the Cessna touched down on the dirt landing strip at Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition luxe safari lodge in southern Kenya. It’s located within the renowned Maasai Mara Reserve that boasts the highest density of lions in the country. Here the Maasai people live side by side with animals in the untamed bush. It’s hard not to be captivated by the utter majesty of the setting, the natural splendor of the vast honey-colored grasslands and exquisite isolation. Twelve spacious luxury tents, more like standalone cabins, feature African chic décor and blend harmoniously with the environment. Perched on a ridge overlooking the plains where animals roam, with generous seating areas, en suite bathrooms containing standalone tubs that call out for soaks, supremely comfortable king-size beds and plush linens, complimentary mini-bar plus huge decks that include loungers and binoculars for taking in the spectacular panorama—they make cozy love nests. I fell asleep listening to the sounds of the bush and awoke to the sight of elephants basking in the orange light of dawn. All from the sanctuary of my own bed. I think it’s the most romantic place on the planet.
Simon Penfold
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35
A TIME TO RELAX One of the many things that sets this intimate lodge apart is the stupendous animal viewing. Mahali Mzuri is situated within the private wildliferich Olare Motorogi Conservancy and with only a dozen tents you are guaranteed a front row seat for prime animal sightings year round. Notably, it’s right in the path of the annual Great Migration (May through late October). Whether you’re on a game drive, dining al fresco or lolling on your private deck, you have endless opportunities to marvel at these gorgeous creatures with your special someone. In between morning and afternoon drives, you can swim in the 39-foot heated outdoor pool and kick back on cushy sun loungers, while taking in the staggering views. For ultimate pampering, the Nasaro Spa offers an impressive selection of treatments such as The Devotion Journey. This love ritual for couples with rose quartz crystals and massage while facing your partner, aligns your hearts and deepens the relationship.
Giraffe In Front Of Camp
DINE UNDER THE STARS Early evening, just before the golden sun begins its descent across the magentahued horizon, guests gather around the fire pit at the main lodge to cocktail and exchange safari tales. It’s not unusual to see an array of wildlife taking their nocturnal stroll in the valley below. Pretty soon the stars are the only illumination and everyone moves to nearby tables for dining under the moonlit sky. Our chef served up tasty dishes such as Moroccan Tagine, Hoisin-Glazed Salmon, Lamb with Honey Mint Sauce, King Prawns plus a superb barbecue at an atmospheric fire-lit dinner on perfectly set tables in the bush. Everything at Mahali Mzuri has been done with such attention to detail and regard for each guest’s pleasure and preference it’s not surprising that many say this is the best experience they’ve had on the African Continent.
Luxury Tent
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I was always amazed at Simon’s wonder and joy upon seeing any creature, from the smallest bird to a big game lion. He would dash for his camera as if it was his first-ever sighting, with no less enthusiasm for daily sunsets. I asked the handsome gentleman who grew up in Kenya—on what was Karen Blixen’s farm—and saw these countless times the reason for his rapture. Smiling, he replied, “Each time is different. I never see the same thing twice.” That’s the magic of Africa.
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Anyone who has been on safari knows the importance of a good guide and mine, Betty Maitai, a member of the Maasai tribe and one of the few female guides in Kenya, was outstanding. A consummate professional, Betty is as warm and personable as she is knowledgeable and also gave me a window into the Maasai culture with her anecdotes. The fabulous Ms. Maitai knew everything about the animals including their personalities, families, mating habits and how to track them. I saw a giraffe nibbling an acacia tree, a lion pursuing his girlfriend, spotted hyenas following a gazelle, hippos drinking water from the river, adorable young elephants frolicking, a cheetah family on the prowl for food, jackals scampering by, graceful impalas prancing as if in a bush ballet and weeks-old cubs suckling mama lioness. Watching these fantastical creatures in their own habitat with someone you hold dear is an unforgettable experience.
Traditional Dance
One afternoon, the lodge arranged a visit to a local Maasai community where the villagers performed a rousing dance, children sang and I learned about their traditions. Afterwards, I hopped into Betty’s vehicle to ogle more wildlife followed by sundowners as I basked in the gorgeous African sunset. Retiring for my last night in the ravishing bush, the words of Ernest Hemingway came to mind. “All I wanted to do now was get back to Africa. We had not left it yet, but when I would wake in the night, I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.” He fell deeply in love in Kenya. You will too. For more information on Mahali Mzuri, visit virginlimitededition.com. • Nasaro Spa
UP AND AWAY From US: Kenya Airways recently launched nonstop service between New York and Nairobi with state of the art Boeing 787 Dreamliners. I flew Business Class, which makes a difference on longer flights. It was seamless: spacious seats turned into comfortable lie flat beds, food was excellent and the service exceptional. Info: kenyaairways.com. From Nairobi to Mahali Mzuri: Scenic Air Safaris whisks you away on private planes and provides guided aerial viewing of the stunning landscape and wildlife with low altitude flights en route to safari destinations in Kenya and throughout Africa. You set your own timetable and spend more time doing activities you want instead of driving hours on bumpy, unpaved roads or dealing with long waiting times and delays associated with commercial carriers. The company also offers exclusive tailor-made itineraries so you can create your own fantasy dream trip. Info: scenicairsafaris.com. -MA
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37
TRAVEL
A VISIT TO SCOTLAND WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN By Clint Brownfield
f you think things always remain the same in Scotland—think again. Here we take a look at some new must-sees in the Land of the Thistle. You don’t need a car to tour Scotland’s major cities. Our small group relied on ScotRail which would journey from Edinburgh to Dundee. Via ScotRail, you will discover, or rediscover, as in most of Europe, the main train stations are located in the middle of all major cities and in the towns along the way. The trains are quite spiffy, and in no time at all, you can be in another corner of Scotland.
DISCOVERING SCOTLAND Edinburgh A visit to Scotland’s capital is a must. We stayed at the relatively new Scotsman Hotel conveniently located above the central train station. The classic building is the former headquarters of The Scotsman newspaper, which recently moved to new headquarters. The locally owned hotel is well run and has sweeping views of Edinburgh and is within easy walking distance to the main attractions— Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish National Gallery. Local transportation is inexpensive and so easy to catch a glimpse of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is now one of the most visited attractions in the UK. Dundee After three days in Edinburgh we headed to Dundee, Scotland’s fourth largest city where we would attend the preview and opening of the new V&A Dundee, the first-ever branch of the venerable Victoria and Albert Museum in London (commonly called the V&A)—which houses the world’s largest design collection. As we crossed the bridge over the River Tay, we first glimpsed the museum, the focal point of the enormous project to revitalize the city’s waterfront. We would spend the next three days touring this spectacular new museum and its contents as well as the city of Dundee. 38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh
Dundee, historically, was known for the three J’s—jute, jam, and journalism. The jute business hit the skids a while back; jam isn’t what it used to be, and journalism moved to the Internet. This all left Dundee with some major economic woes. Enter Dundee’s ambitious revitalization project with the V&A Dundee as its centerpiece. The hope is that this will do for Dundee what the Guggenheim Museum did for the economy and profile of Bilbao, Spain. The fantastic new structure was designed by noted Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, and houses a permanent collection of Scottish design including the interior of a tearoom created by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland’s most famous architect and designer. The museum’s first special exhibit Ocean Liners: Speed and Style was well received. All is very fitting, since in 2015, UNESCO designated Dundee Scotland’s first design city. In an interview with Mr. Kuma, we learned that his inspiration for the new museum was the sea cliffs he saw as a child in Japan and that the building would start a conversation between Dundee’s waterfront and the land behind it. And that it does. Discussions about the V&A will take place for centuries among locals and visitors alike. The city’s center is charming and harkens back to its former heyday. It’s still possible to walk around this area and have the sense you’re in an earlier century. Within easy walking distance are vibrant cultural institutions that are must-sees during your visit: Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee Rep Theatre and the venerable McManus Museum making downtown Dundee a true art mecca.
McManus Art Gallery and Museum
THERE’S MORE TO DUNDEE Dundee is surrounded by some of the most famous golf courses in the world. In 1457 people began smacking around a little leather orb stuffed with feathers at St. Andrews, about 30 minutes away. Nearly 600 years later, they still do. Another nearby golfing mecca is Gleneagles. After an ongoing renovation, this classic resort is ready to host the Solheim Cup in September 2019, the world’s most prominent women’s golf event. Another Dundee design treasure is Hotel Indigo another recycled structure which opened just in time for the arrival of the new V&A. In what was formerly a textile plant, the hotel has preserved many of the distinctive elements of its former life while installing rooms, suites, an excellent new restaurant and bar using the most modern designs imaginable. Diners in and around Dundee will hit the culinary jackpot savoring local lamb, beef, produce and some of the best seafood in the world. And, of course, there is salmon and haggis—you might want to look up the recipe for that before tucking in. The new place to dine in Dundee is The Tayberry where chefowner Adam Newth is bringing the area into the culinary forefront—great food and views of where the River Tay meets the North Sea. And, whatever you do, seek out the wares of Arbroath Smokies—where you’ll find delicious haddock individually smoked to absolute perfection. Even people who aren’t fish lovers immediately fall in love with these little gems. A Scotland getaway is a must for 2019. Whether to brush up on the Highland Fling or simply discover new wonders, it won’t disappoint. Dessert at The Tayberry
For more information on Scotland, visit visitscotland.com. •
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39
TRAVEL
OH, CANADA!
©Rocky Mountaineer
ALL ABOARD ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER By Jenny Peters
s the snow slowly melts away, thoughts of escaping on a Spring adventure begins to fill our minds. And while there are plenty of places to choose across the Northern Hemisphere to enjoy those long days of summer vacation, there’s one special Canadian trip that is certain to satisfy. It’s an incredible journey into Canada’s spectacular mountain country that happens both on and off the legendary Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train, which runs trips from April to October every year into the Western Rockies. It’s hard to explain how absolutely stunning the landscapes are in this part of the world; you really do need to get out and see them for yourself.
FIRST-CLASS LUXURY The trains are luxurious, built with huge glass domes that allow travelers to look not only through the large side windows but also straight up into the sky, where the massive Rocky Mountains loom above. We chose the First Passage to the West, going from Vancouver to Jasper via Banff and Lake Louise. There are a variety of itineraries to choose from, including ones up to Whistler and to Calgary. Begin the journey in Vancouver, that lush, lovely city on the West Coast of Canada and stay for a few nights. The Rocky Mountaineer trip planners set us up at the lovely Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, located right in the heart of the city. From there, visit Stanley Park and its cool First Nations totem poles, as well as the neighborhoods of Gastown and Granville Island. Boarding the train is a party in itself, as the early morning start draws bagpipers, coffee servers and a huge crowd. As you make your way to your designated train car, those crowds disperse and you become part of a little club, as the people in your car find their assigned seats (you’ll be in this spot for the duration of your train trip) and settle in. When you ride the Rocky Mountaineer, it’s a full day on the train, with planned gourmet meals, cocktails and snack services throughout the day and a constantly changing landscape going by. Dedicated hosts in each car share lots of stories about the places you see, from historical sagas to tales of the marvels of construction that allow the train to traverse the massive mountains rolling past the windows— and much more. 40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
MAJESTIC VIEWS The first day features visions of Black Canyon, where the train enters a tunnel carved right out of the shale rock, and the Hoodoos, those rock pillar formations surrounded by superstitions. Our journey stopped in Kamloops the first day, a small mountain town, then we were back on the train again for a second full day, enjoying more of the Rocky Mountaineer’s unique style of pampering and travel while heading toward Lake Louise and Banff. This was the day we really learned what it means to be in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, with all the majesty and beauty those massive peaks reveal. There’s Craigellachie, where the eastern and western Canadian railways met in 1885, Kicking Horse Pass and the incredible Spiral Tunnels, a 1909 marvel of engineering modeled after the Swiss system of moving trains up steep mountainsides that’s a mind-boggling ride to experience. Equally mind blowing is the view of Lake Louise from the venerable Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, which is nestled within Alberta’s Banff National Park and marks the end of the Rocky Mountaineer train journey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is Fairmont Lake Louise breathtaking. Book a room that faces the ©Jenny Peters lovely lake and be certain to wake up to watch the sunrise out your window. The lake and surrounding mountains morph THERE’S MORE… and change colors as the sun comes up, a While the train journey ends here, there’s much more to see in the Canadian Rockies, so please truly splendid sight. don’t go home quite yet. Add in the Rocky Mountaineer Icefields Parkway tour via luxury motor coach to ride along what is justifiably described as “one of the world’s most scenic parkways.” Along here you’ll experience far-reaching vistas of mountains, lakes, waterfalls ©Rocky Mountaineer and other natural sights, including the Athabasca Glacier. There you’ll roll out in huge “Ice Explorer” vehicles to wander on that massive glacier firsthand. More stops along the way, at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Falls bring home just how uniquely gorgeous this part of the world truly is, as Banff National Park gives way to Jasper National Park. Watch for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, wild goats, bears and other critters along the way; once you arrive in Jasper, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see at least some of those wild animals. Spending a few nights at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a necessary part of this once-ina-lifetime trip, for with its rustic yet elegant design, gorgeous lake and the chance to see the Northern Lights just outside your cabin, the lodge is a wonderful place to call home. Once you’ve taken in all the sights around Jasper and done some adventurous outings – canoe, fish, rock climb, hike or horseback ride – consider heading to Edmonton to catch a flight home. Alberta’s capital, this city on the plains east of the Rockies is one of Canada’s fastestgrowing metropolises. Continue your Fairmont Hotels’ sublime experiences with a stay at The Macdonald, the classic hotel built in 1915. The Chateau on the River is an incredibly elegant, now modern, hotel perched on the edge of the Saskatchewan River with a breathtaking garden and plenty of amenities. Stroll to see the many wall murals that dot this burgeoning city built on oil and visit one of the excellent restaurants in town. Try Wild Tangerine, Culina or Butternut Tree for a sublime meal; and if shopping is your idea of fun, hit the West Edmonton Mall. It’s the largest mall in North America with an indoor amusement park, a massive indoor water park and even an underground aquarium. For more information on the Rocky Mountaineer, visit rockymoutaineer.com; for information on Canadian Tourism, visit canada.travel. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41
TRAVEL
MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA RESORT & SPA UPBEAT AMBIANCE AND EXCEPTIONAL VALUE TRANSLATE INTO ENDLESS FIESTA By Robert Offley
t’s shiny, it’s glamourous, it’s Beverly Hills with a fiesta spirit. This is Puerto Vallarta, a Mexican jewel with a cachet all its own. Whitewashed homes, smothered in purple and scarlet bougainvillea, tumble down the steep hillsides to a ribbon beach. Sleek yachts and fun-loving cruise ships anchor in the cobalt-blue waters of the Bahia de Banderas, where pirates once found their treasure. Located in the northeastern section of Baja, Mexico—a magnificent thousand mile-long peninsula that extends from the California border to the equator— Puerto Vallarta is an ideal location for those who want the flavor of a foreign country, but the friendliness and familiarity of a ”home away from home.” It wasn’t so long ago, Puerto Vallarta was a sleepy fishing village with a modest population. Today, its population has grown to include permanent and part-time residents, a sizable contingent of them U.S. citizens. And unlike other Pacific Coast resorts, Puerto Vallarta remains quaint, with its narrow, cobblestone streets. One of Puerto Vallarta’s most appealing attractions is the fabulous weather, which remains consistently warm year-round and seldom fluctuates more than ten degrees. Situated at the head of 28-mile-wide Bahia de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is on the same latitude as Hawaii and enjoys a similar climate. Chic shops abound along the malecon (boardwalk) and Avenida Juarez, with native clothing and crafts at the Plaza Malecon or on Isla Cuale (if you don’t find the exact bit of resort wear you desire, chances are the proprietor can have it made by the next day!). 42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
A WORLD-CLASS RESORT The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa’s enviable location gives it an edge over other Puerto Vallarta area resorts because of its peaceful atmosphere and pristine beach. And with a recent completion of an extensive $18 million renovation, it’s even more spectacular than before. All 433 guest rooms celebrate the natural elements that embrace Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Tranquil colors of warm, neutral sand tones contrast with accents of the silvery blue color of the ocean. Each room boasts a streamlined yet modern aesthetic featuring sleek furniture and remodeled bathrooms with rainforest showers, granite vanity countertops with chrome fixtures, and enhanced lighting all throughout. Along with the refurbished accommodations, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa makes each welcome a special one. A full renovation of the lobby entrance boasts an open-air layout, and brightly colored contemporary décor. Dining at the resort may just have you canceling those reservations in town. Las Casitas, Mikado, La Estancia and Champions Sports Bar will satisfy every palate. Plus, the new Ceviche & Tequila Bar offers an authentic menu of local and international flavors. Don’t miss the Deli Los Mangos to enjoy a quick morning jolt of caffeine and local snacks. Spending the day at the pool? Then head to Coco Bar which serves up chilled coconut water as well as cocktails. The resort offers special culinary experiences for guests as well. The Jalisco at Your Table is an explosion of flavors curated by chefs on property. The seven-course menu is inspired by meals from their childhood and time spent in their mothers’ kitchen. Some of the courses will include Tamale with Atole (a warm, creamy coconut drink) and accompanied by a Tamale. This is soon followed with a Del Tuito Salad (lettuce from the garden, fresh cheese of El Tuito, Jalisco, roasted organic nopal, red onions, and roasted corn on a crispy tortilla) topped with a Vinaigrette. Creating an out-of-the-box approach, the chefs constructed a Sorbet Jalisco as a palate cleanser (made with shaved ice and prepared with guava and syrup from the region). Info: Dinner is available by request. Another intriguing dining experience is the Fresh Catch, which involves guests selecting their fresh catch of the day and how it will be prepared for dinner that evening: Grilled, fried, blackened, BODY & SOUL sushi, or even teppanyaki. Each week is a different catch; however If you’re looking to hit the links, a stay at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta guest can always find a variety of options to include Mahi-Mahi, puts you less than half a mile from Marina Vallarta Golf Club and Red Snapper, and Lobster. less than 7 miles from the Vista Vallarta Golf Club. However, you may want to stay on the resort’s grounds to take full advantage of its multiple pools and whirlpool or relax with a massage or a yoga class at the Ohtli Spa and Fitness Center. The size alone impresses. At 22,000 square feet, the spa is the largest in Puerto Vallarta, and where a thorough plunge pool experience is followed by relaxing treatments like the popular Thai massage or hydrotherapy “rebirth” sessions. So, whether you’ve spent the day lounging on the grounds or putting on the greens, a return to your heavenly haven affords your own luxurious private escape. And, remember because this is Marriott be sure to use your Marriott Rewards points here for extra well-deserved perks. The special Discover Puerto Vallarta package offers the best of both worlds and includes accommodations in a newly renovated room (with private balcony!), daily breakfast for two, one city tour for two adults, and one 30-minute Agave Syrup Sea Salt scrub per person, among other perks. For more information on Marriott Puerto Vallarta & Spa, visit puertovallartamarriott.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43
FEATURES
THROUGH THE LENS Photography By AnnieWatt.com
BILL AND ANN VAN NESS HOST CHAMPAGNE AND EGG NOG
DOODLE FOR HUNGER CELEBRITY ART AUCTION
Ken Fishel, Maria Fishel, Chris Lord, Meira Ghandi, Pamala Wright
Bill Van Ness, Will Van Ness
Carol Siracusano, Lynn and Dan Nigro, Alyse and Tony Lo Bianco, Joe Sano, Kimberly Nicolich, Ernie Anastos, Gianni Russo, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Father Francis Gasparik
Marcia Roma, Judy Gates, Lizagrace Vachon-Coco Tony Lo Bianco, Daniel Nigro, Father Francis Gasparik, John Catsimatidis, Margo Catsimatidis, Joseph Sano
Candace Gonzalez, Genevieve Pituro
Judy McLaren, Gilbert Holmes
Thomas Shiah, Barbara Tober
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Joseph Sano, Judy Gilbert, Rod Gilbert, Angelo LoBue
LENOX HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE’S ANNUAL FALL ASSOCIATES COMMITTEE BENEFIT
Seth Raphaeli, Ellie Rizel, Rudy Saunders, Harry Heissmann, Brian Gemino, Chris Spitzmiller
Chele Farley, Richard Farley, Liz Munson, Warren Scharf Greg Gallo, Debby Gallo
Sana Sabbagh, Odile De SchietereLongchampt, Ruth Berman, Victoria Wyman
Lindsey Harper, Dr. Douglas Steinbrech Joseph Sano, Father Francis Gasparik, Daniel Nigro, Tony Lo Bianco
Rebecca Regan, Virginia Wilbanks, Jean Bohm, Lacary Sharpe
Joseph Sano, Andrew Rotondi, Mary Rotondi, Father Francis Gasparik
Harry Heissmann, Diana Quasha
Emily Leonard, Richard Farley
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45
NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY DINNER DANCE
SAINT ANDREW’S SOCIETY’S 262ND ANNUAL BANQUET
Jean Doyen De Montaillou, Guy Robinson, Elizabeth Stribling, Michael Kovner
Lord John Thurso, Donald S. Whamond Jr., President of the Saint Andrew’s Society
Jennifer Mitchell, Benedict Gedaminski
Jeremy Webb, Mary Latimer-Chung, Robert Chan, Leslie Middlebrook Moore, Rev. Canon Andrew J.W. Mullins, Cathy West Mullins
Carol Lynch, Michael Lynch
Jay Sherwood, Anna Bulkot, Anne Hall Elser, Cornelia Greenspan, Tom Hills, Arnold Neis
Michael LaCivita, Vicki Downey, Colleen Hills, Tom Hills
Stephen Dombroski, Jay Sherwood, Michael Severin
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Jeremy Coleman, Jane Coleman, Jake Coleman, Jack Coleman, Jonathan Coleman
Kevin J Rooney, Antony Phillipson, Lord John Thurso, Donald S. Whamond Jr., Rory Hedderly, Rev. George W. Rutler, Philip Warner OBE
STEWART LANE AND BONNIE COMLEY AT 2019 BROADWAYCON
Doreen Wray Roth, MD. Thomas Halket, Melissa McIntosh, Robert Munro, Larry Cole, Michaela J. Murphy
Kate Gordon-Carr, Patrick Carr
Dominic Porter, Jeanne Porter, Richard Porter
Stewart Lane, Bonnie Comley
Leah Lane
Bonnie Comley
Ellie Heyman
Stewart Lane
Max Vernon FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47
STREETSQUASH’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
THE FUND FOR PARK AVENUE GATHERED FOR A BOOK SIGNING OF ‘TIS THE SEASON NEW YORK
George Polsky
Streetsquash Harlem
Barbara McLaughlin, Podie Lynch, Elizabeth Peabody Green family
Queen Strayhorn, Dr. Sandy Johnson, George Polsky, Taralyn Gonzalez StreetSquash cake and sparklers
Divine Wing, George Polsky, Stephen L. Green
Patricia Burnham Brock, William Brock
Julie Menin, James Willstrop, Muffie Potter Aston
Taralyn Gonzalez
Ladonis Gaillard, Raheem Logan, D.S. Andino, Fatou Thiam
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Emma Snowden-Jones, Thor Thors, Melissa Thors
THE ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM’S ANNUAL CHARITY GALA
Karen Klopp, Jack Lynch
Dames Judith Gates, Niva Donohue, Ann Van Ness, Diana Frankel, Barbara KemperGross, Evelyn Berry, Barbara Ostrom, Joyce Frank
Elizabeth Stribling, Patricia Shiah, Guy Robinson, Thomas Shiah
Francine LeFrak, Rick Friedberg, Linda Silverman
Chevalier William Van Ness, Bunny Grossinger, Dame Ann Van Ness
Honorable Congressman Charles Rangel, Alma Rangel
Tatiana Perkin, Melanie Holland, Karen Glover, Emily Leonard
Gregory Holmes, Pamala Wright, Gilbert Holmes, Evan Etter
Live auction bidding
Whether it is a charitable cause, a magazine cover, or a special occasion, the photographers with Annie Watt.com make an occasion more memorable. Annie and her associates embody the essence of professionalism, seamlessly moving through any assignment with finesse and an innate ability to capture the moment at its heart. Book a photographer/videographer, contact annie@anniewatt.com. FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49
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FEATURES
VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE By Ruth J. Katz
es, yes, yes. Flowers, chocolates, and bubbly are still favored, time-honored standards for Valentine’s Day. But, given the nod to politically correct gift giving, it is both loving and egalitarian for couples to share in all the bounty associated with the special day. Blossoms for him? You betcha’. Here, some time-honored classics, some twists on traditional themes, and some novel, new ideas to make your beloved smile on Valentine’s Day.
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51
ELLA GAFTER
JUNG LEE
Wear your heart on your sleeve, or at least on your cuff, your finger, or around your neck. This stunning “Long Island” flacon is the Designer Ella Gafter can swathe you in rubies and diamonds, with any one of her glittery perfect vessel for your favorite fragrance. offerings, which will bedazzle both of you! Info: ellgafter.com. Info: Ella Gafter on 1stdibs.com. The gleaming colored glass will accent any boudoir. Info: junglee.com.
VERA BRADLEY
THE ART OF SHAVING MOET & CHANDON
SMYTHSON
Cover your whole body with hearts—a comfy robe, available in a wide range of sizes, it’s suitable for all. Soft and plush from Vera Bradley, the mistress of prints. Info: verabradley.com.
Kissable! A soft, well-shaven face might just invite a smooch or three. The Art of Shaving has all manner of razors, creams, potions, and powders. Info: theartofshaving.com.
When Hallmark sentiments just won’t do. Turn to venerable Smythson, the company that has, for over 130 years, been the purveyor to the likes of European royalty, Indian maharajas, Winston Churchill, and even Sigmund Freud. Info: smythson.com.
If you are opening up a bottle of sparkling, then make those bubbles a rosy pink… guaranteed to put a glow in your heart and a gleam in your eyes. Info: us.moet.com.
SWISS ARMY
LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT
FOREO
Turn any Romeo or Juliet into an instant MacGyver, with Victorinox’s “magic” credit card-style SwissCard Classic. Thin as a credit card, it’s packed with the genius of the Swiss Army knife. Info: swissarmy.com.
For a flavorful and fantastic Valentine’s Day, chocolates are a favorite to savor. Here, the luscious flavors of La Maison du Chocolat— in an individual-size cache or a ballotin-style box. Info: lamaisonduchocolat.us.
Get rid of winter’s paltry layer of frost—and bring the blush of spring to rosy cheeks— with Foreo’s sonic, facial-cleansing brush. Available in many sizes, styles, and colors. Info: foreo.com.
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TALKING GLOVES
FLEUR’D PIN
MONT BLANC
With your heart in your hand, you can say “I love you” in countless woolen ways, all handmade by Talking Gloves. Info: etsy.com.
Designer Andrew H. Wener wanted to create an “evergreen” kind of flower to wear himself—not quite a boutonnière, but more a fashion statement. The result is his fab collection of fleurs, fabricated in python, lambskin, sequins, burlap, suede, and exotic skins. Info: fleurdpin.com.
The Write Red Stuff. Montblanc’s stylish red fountain pen will ignite fires in your epistles d’amour. Cyrano de Bergerac, move over. Info: montblanc.com.
SWEET WHISPERS
CHATEAU DE CHAUSSE
At a time of year when chocolate whatnots in heart-shaped boxes dominate the scene, here’s something a bit different. Sweet Whispers are pops of fruit, enclosed in meringue. Available in many flavors including Passion Fruit—sure to be a February sellout. Info: sweetwhispers.store.
Chateau de Chausse’s Côtes de Provence AOC 2016, is the perfect wine for Valentine’s Day. The highly popular rosé boasts enticing aromas of white-fleshed fruits in a salmon-pink colored texture. A toast to love. Info: chateaudechausse.com.
VT FASHIONS
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE BAKED CRAVINGS
The Every Voice Counts leather bracelet from Vincent Tropepe Fashions is a thoughtful gift and features a strip engraved with the soundwave of media personality Valerie Smaldone, stating, “Every voice counts.” Too often, those who are bullied feel as if they are without a voice. Twenty-five percent of the sale of each bracelet goes to the Tyler Clementi Foundation to empower individuals to stand up to bullying. Info: vtfashions.com.
Count on the Fur Salon at Saks to showcase the most stunning and elegant vermillion furs—whether a knitted sable headband, a cozy chinchilla infinity scarf, or a cuddly sable jacket. Info: saks.com/thefursalon.
Sure Valentine’s Day is all about love and romance, but how about a little something sweet too. We discovered the much-talked-about Red Velvet Cake with Real Strawberry Icing in a Jar at Baked Cravings. Your taste buds will thank you. Info: bakedcravings.com. •
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53
FEATURES
BITS & BAILEY THE WHO, WHAT, AND WOW OF NYC’S LUXURY SCENE By Bailey Beckett
heers, dears! 2019 is upon us, and what better time to put on that Fendi chinchilla coat, your beloved Chanel Après ski boots, and Karl-centric Caussee leather gloves and see what this month’s hubbub is all about. It might be cold outside, but this month’s Bits & Bailey is scorching hot with Valentine’s Day fever. Love has never been chicer. PACK! Flowers are so 2018. Up your ante with a surprise trip across the pond, where the legendary Mandarin Oriental hotel off Hyde Park re-opened its doors after last year’s grueling fire left it closed for much of 2018. It’s one of the UK’s most luxurious love nests, filled with romantic restaurants, bars, and lounges for canoodles galore. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have a long association with the hotel (it’s where she learned to dance), and theirs is the love story of a generation. Combining town and country at one address, the grand dame recently invited guests back to its public spaces, and come they did! London was abuzz with excitement over Bar Boulud, the brasserie by celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud, who has passed the knife to new executive chef John Barber. The gourmand, who helped open the restaurant in 2010, is infusing its menu with British twists on French classics (think Moules a la Crème, with steamed Cornish mussels, white wine, parsley, and crème Fraiche). But fear not, foodies: the sacred BB Burger is still top of the menu. Its gastronomically-ingenious combination of beef, wine braised short ribs, foie gras, horseradish mayo, confit tomato on a black onion seed bun is the stuff of legend. Kate Moss famously said, “Nothing tastes better than skinny.” To date, she has never had a BB Burger, but we’d be happy to oblige. Info: mandarinoriental.com/london/hyde-park/luxury-hotel.
PAMPER! Closer to home, prepare for your champagne and roses night with the hottest spa treatment stateside: The Caviar Oxygen Reparative Quech, a 90-minute facial at the Cornelia Spa in The Surrey providing nourishment and oxygen that will restore firm, beautiful skin. Creating a protective shield, the caviar masque traps moisture within the cellular layers of the skin, maximizing hydration while providing a natural lifting effect. The facial is done in several stages. First, a Seaweed & Sea Mud exfoliation provides a powerful enzymatic deep pore cleansing. Then, an ultra-nutritive Caviar Masque is peeled back to reveal newly fed skin while your neck and décolleté are indulged with a deeply hydrating masque of revitalizing ocean botanicals. Next up, a double dose of patented Liquid Oxygen and an Oxygen Enrichment Masque treats skin to a rich infusion of “fresh, breathable air.” Finally, custom stem cell serum is applied, revealing a refreshed face that is wonderfully dewy, taught and velvety. The genius behind this treatment is Cornelia owner Ellen Sackoff, who lured legendary aesthetician Viorica Dragoi back to the spa to perform the famous ritual. Info: thesurrey.com/spa. 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
PERFECT! Once you’ve perfected the skin, continue your beauty onthe-go preparation and head over to Saks Fifth Avenue for Blink Brow Bar, a walk-in destination for all your eyebrow needs. Founded by Vanita Parti, the UK-brand made famous the ancient technique of threading; an art passed down through generations known for its speed, precision, cleanliness, and durability. Celeb devotees include Emma Watson, Jessica Alba, Rosamund Pike, and even Lady Gaga, though Bailey has the best brows of them all, and is awaiting his invitation. Parti opened the first ever Blink Brow Bar in 2004 and has since grown it into a global brand with a full line of products that are carefully sourced and inspired from India. Among its most popular are its Brow Oil, the first to use natural oil with Rosemary, its Rose Gel serum, Kabuki brush, concealer, and styling gels. Blink Brow Bar also offers a menu of signature shades, including sandalwood, chai, cinnamon, India chocolate, saffron, clove, and cinnamon. What are you waiting for? Info: blinkbrowbar.com.
PERFORM! Looking beautiful is one thing, but you need to feel it as well. Enter Stephanie Garland, a finance genius and single mother of two who has created a whole new life and career as an in-demand Pilates instructor. “The inventor of this technique, Joseph Pilates, used to say it was about ‘purifying the blood,’” says Garland. “In essence, supplying the bloodstream with oxygen to stimulate muscles. Pilates to me is engaging every muscle in your body. And it is one of the few exercises that can do this.” Garland has gained buzz and a following by offering highly customized treatments and investing in her clients emotionally, physically and spiritually, and with a healthy dose of humor. She’s known to check in by email and text, and offer sage advice on and off the mat. Having worked on Wall Street and as an entrepreneur, there is not much that fazes her. A life-long athlete, Garland discovered the practice after years of doing yoga. “Through Pilates, I have learned so much more about my body,” she says. “I don’t get a chance to ‘zone’ out as much because you are constantly thinking about the movement and your alignment, but that is the whole purpose of Pilates – it’s about moving the breath through the body. It can feel just as healing as yoga.” Info: stephgarland@gmail.com.
PLEASURE! You’re finally ready for your night. And there’s no better way to spend it than with a romantic dinner at Upper East Side’s buzzy Lowell Hotel, which is the most intimate, discreet meeting place for discerning New Yorkers. Its signature restaurant Majorelle comes from celebrated restaurateur Charles Masson and Chef Richard Brower, who has crafted a menu of French Classics with Mediterranean influences from the Riviera to Morocco. Whatever your selection, your taste buds will be aflutter along with your heart. Then end the night with a classic cocktail a Jacques, the hotel’s timeless lounge. Opened in 2017 as part of its million-dollar renovation, the bar is a throwback to a more sophisticated era. Jacques has the air of an established neighborhood haunt; a place where hotel guests, visitors, and locals can gather and sip Moroccan-inspired cocktails or the classics and indulge with caviar and blinis, or perhaps hamburgers and fries. With its geometric-patterned marble floors, embossed leatherpaneled walls, and low leather chairs—plus an intimate, velvet banquettelined alcove off the bar accented with Grecian urns and a vintage-style mirrored ceiling—Jacques is the best-kept secret on the Upper East Side. I’d share more, but I’d rather not wait for a table. Info: lowellhotel.com.
PORTRAY! You can make Valentines even more special with an illustration by Jamel Saliba, whose drawings have earned her a worldwide following and 100,000 Instagram followers. Her company Melsys Illustrations creates girly, chic and whimsical designs perfect for invitations, shirts and even mugs. The young artist recently debuted her first stand-alone shop in Bryant Park over the holidays, where she sold illustrations to hundreds of visitors and tourists looking for something frilly and fun. Info: melsysillustrations.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55
FEATURES
TECH TALK CES 2019 By Will Read
he annual Consumer Electronics Show(CES) held in Las Vegas every January is the global showcase for emerging technologies which creators know, or think will change our daily lives. With some 4,400 exhibitors on display, and 180,000+ visitors it sets the trends for each year. My own analysis of the themes which sum up this year’s Festival of Tech includes keys that may well change your life and digital assistants responding to voice commands is the hot trend. When shopping for a new home appliance this year, keep in mind if it has Wi-Fi and does it react to speech (i.e.: Alexa, Google Home, etc.). While you might think this is low priority, just wait until you meet the neighbor who gets an alert on their phone to let them know their washing machine cycle is complete, or perhaps a command from the sofa, “Alexa, turn on the dishwater.” The first time you witness this will have you reaching for the credit card.
LG SIGNATURE
NUBIA
OLED TV R Television technology has in recent years increased nearly exponentially. First there was High Definition (HD), then Ultra-High Definition (UHD or 4K). Now 8K displays are the talk of the tech community despite content for 4K televisions being sporadic at present. An 8K display contains four times the detail of a 4K display. Experience the TV reimagined through OLED display. Maximize your living space with infinite possibilities. LG Signature OLED TV R elevates your space into a luxury home cinema. Display that rolls out and rises on your demand. A whole new cinematic world right before your eyes. Infused colors in Perfect Black and breathtaking Dolby Vision now meets the a9 Gen 2 Intelligent Processor and deep learning AI algorithm to deliver another level of realistic imagery like never before. The display disappears without a trace, only leaving behind a true piece of art. Info: lg.com.
Red Magic Mars The competition in gaming phones is heating up, and here’s one that’s not from a big player like Asus or Razer. Like the ROG Phone, the Red Magic Mars has two touch buttons on the shoulders, which adds a nice physical component to gameplay. A big battery plus a liquid-andair cooling system complete the package. Packing an optimized Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 835 chipset with 8GB of RAM and dual-lane 128GB UFS 2.1 storage, the Red Magic flies through intensive games and apps. But for an extra jolt of power, try Game Boost. Propel yourself ahead of the competition with higher frame rates and faster loading times—all at the flick of a switch. Info: redmagic.gg.
KITCHEN AID
Cook Processor Welcome to creative, one-touch cooking. Boasting enough multi-functionality to process entire dishes, the KitchenAid Cook Processor is an intelligent and versatile all-in-one appliance set to revolutionize your kitchen. Open up a world of instant culinary creativity with an all-in-one appliance that can boil, fry, steam, stew, knead, chop, mince, puree, mix, emulsify, whip and stir, all at the touch of a button. Info: kitchenaid.com
56 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
LENOVO
Smart Clock Purposely-made for your bedroom, the Lenovo Smart Clock helps you unwind in the evening, kick start your day, control your smart home and listen to your favorite music with multi-room audio grouping. As a convenient smart home device, the Smart Clock supports voice and touch controls on an unobtrusive 4-inch IPS screen to perform tasks that are regularly carried out before and after sleep. With its compact size built for sitting on nightstands, the Smart Clock blends into your bedroom decor, with a full fabric soft-touch cover and a touch screen. Info: lenovo.com.
ROYOLE
TRIFO
Flexible QWERTY Keyboard The Flexible QWERTY Keyboard is basically a thin, transparent layer of a sheet that features full-fledged QWERTY keys. You just have to lay it out on a flat surface and connect to your device wirelessly via Bluetooth. After use, just push the button on the keyboard twice and it neatly rolls up into a compact form factor. Info: royole.com.
Ironpie TIRVS (Trifo Intelligent Robotics Vision System) is a combination of proprietary innovative algorithms, highly optimized software and scalable reliable hardware. TIRVS provides both high performance and cost efficiency on sensing, perception, and decision, three core pillars of a robotics system. It uses sensors to track its position, but it remembers where it’s been so it doesn’t try to clean the same spots. Info: trifo.com.
GOSUN Fusion Solar Cooker Day is done? Gone the sun? That’s no problem for this solar cooker, which the company says can feed a family of five in the dark and stormy weather. It works by using parabolic reflectors to focus sunlight into a vacuum tube, converting almost 80 percent of it into heat up to 550 degrees. The Fusion Solar Cooker is five times more efficient than a normal oven and cooks meals with only the energy needed to power a lightbulb. Portable and rugged, GoSun lets you cook in more scenarios than ever before without a drop of fuel. That tube keeps the food hot as well. Info: gosun.com.
BOSE®
NUHEARA
New Smart Sunglasses More than just everyday sunglasses, they are enhanced with Bose technology to play music. Play music or take a call from two classic styles, Bose Frame Alto or Bose Frame Rondo. A small microphone is embedded in the frames, enabling voice control through Siri or Google Assistant and enabling the user to hold phone conversations. There is also a multi-function button near the right temple. Info: bose.com.
IQbuds Max Nuheara touts the IQbuds Max as the first “intelligent earbuds” to feature active noise cancellation. What does that mean? Nuheara suggests that its proprietary EarID system works “like an audiologist in a box” and will calibrate sound and cancellation to your ears. Wonderful. The big difference between IQbuds and the likes of Apple’s AirPods, however, is that they are designed to manipulate the sounds coming in with their Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation—helping those who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss. Info: nuheara.com.
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57
THE DISTINCTIVE LIFE Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® RAND REALTY offers the service and market experience you expect from a brand whose legacy was built upon a passion for the home. Let us help you find or sell yours, visit: RANDREALTY.COM
luxury living in NYACK, NEW YORK A place to call home, to live and love, yesterday, today and tomorrow! The Rivertown’s, the Nyacks. A welcoming community filled with history and perfect for today’s family and active lifestyle. This home located in South Nyack is a quintessential example of a Queen Anne Victorian of that period and style. Built in 1894 by notable architects Marshall and Henry Emery for Charles and Harriet McElroy and his family. Charles McElroy was a respected builder and Mayor of S. Nyack in the early 1900’s. His portrait can be seen in a family treasured lithograph that hangs in the home today and will remain in the home and to be handed down to its new owners. Many people have admired Nyack and its’ very distinctive “look”. No other Rivertown has quite the same swagger, quite the same panache. ©2019 Independently Owned and Operated by the Rand Family.
Greeting you is the wide gracious wrap around porch with mahogany flooring welcoming you to partake in the feeling of “the love and warmth of family, experienced yesterday and today by the current owners’ active family lifestyle”. Open the heirloom front door and enter the Grande Foyer, admiring the period woodwork throughout and the sweeping oak staircase with rare curved stained glass windows soaring to the second floor. Unlike many other homes of the period, the wood on the first floor did not require renovation. The current owners are just the third family to live in the home. They have lovingly restored this Grande Lady to its’ vintage Emery style, while still making this a home that meets today’s family needs. The current owners purchased this home in the summer of 2011, and have spent countless hours removing layers of paint, uncovering the original brick wall in the kitchen, restoring the home’s doorknobs and hinges throughout and restored all the double hung window chains and weights, having them expertly reinstalled. Using craftsman familiar with period homes as resources, bit by bit they uncovered the past, like the original William Morris wallpaper from 1895 in a second floor bedroom. The public rooms, living room, dining room and former parlor feature nine foot arched ceilings and eight foot fully functional solid oak pocket
doors and inlaid oak floor in the dining room. The home’s design cleverly includes oversize windows wrapping the structure from East to West capturing every ray of natural lighting from dawn until dusk. High end modern appliances seamlessly blend into the hearth, brick and warm woods of the classic style Kitchen even including such “Upstairs Downstairs” touches as a pass-through and back staircase! The fully fenced rear yard contains another unique feature: the Sears and Roebuck garage with barn doors, one of the few remaining Sears structures in the county. So what makes this the perfect place to live you ask? It’s all about location! Sitting on one of the prettiest streets in Nyack and is just steps away from the majestic Hudson River, nature and walking trails, parks and town. South Nyack offers an urban lifestyle in a picturesque suburban setting, filled with shops, multi-cultural restaurants, community activities and cultural events enough to meet anyone’s interest. Easy commute to NYC, just minutes to major highways and public transportation.
$875,000 MLS# 4856351 | Nyack, 845.358.7310 Barbara Carroll, Real Estate Salesperson Georgine Addeo, Real Estate Salesperson ©2019 Independently Owned and Operated by the Rand Family.
SCARSDALE, NY Gorgeous five bedroom Custom Colonial; end of cul-de-sac, overlooks almost one acre of park-like property. Sun-filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, with loft-like open flow. Extensive gallery-like walls set off by black oak floors. Recently updated with state-of-the art LED lighting, electronic blinds upstairs with three renovated bathrooms. Chef’s kitchen features Calcutta gold countertops, four ovens, built-in espresso machine, Sub Zero fridge and Viking range. Guest suite with full bath connects to the home via a dramatic glass-enclosed staircase and could be a pool house. The basement’s perfect for a playroom, fitness studio, or home theater. Three decks, central vac, custom closets, seven zones, Nest thermostats, generator, electric vehicle charging station, and smart home security system. $2,899,000 MLS# 4855033 | Dobbs Ferry, 914.693.2224 Esther Berkowitz, Real Estate Associate Broker
FORT LEE, NJ This five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath penthouse is the largest in all of Bergen County. Entertain atop The Plaza in grand style both indoors or outdoors on the wraparound terrace overlooking the Hudson River, complete with unobstructed views of the George Washington Bridge and New York City skyline. State-of-the-art kitchen with premium finishes. Master suite includes dressing room, walk-in closet, and full dual en-suites. Features living room, dining room, sitting area, family room, parlor, and more. Amenities include outdoor pool, tennis court, gym, and 24-hour doorman. $2,688,888 MLS# 1833032 | Closter, 201.660.8800 | Wayne, 973.694.6500 Victor Polce, Real Estate Broker/Salesperson Joseph Goetchius, Real Estate Broker/Salesperson Stephanie Grosso, Real Estate Salesperson
NYACK, NY Unique Colonial has impressive Hudson River views and invites you into an open floor plan where each room flows into the next. Five bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms. Kitchen is perfect for family gatherings. The quality workmanship is evident throughout. Hardwood floors, 12-foot ceilings, top-tier appliances, mudroom, and spacious closets are just some of the many upgrades added from when this home was built. The master bedroom is complete with a sitting room, walk-in closets, spa bath, and panoramic views of the river. Other features include a walkout basement, sunroom, deck, fenced backyard, and a three-car garage. $1,285,000 MLS# 4844858 | Nyack, 845.358.7310 Nancy Blaker Weber, Real Estate Associate Broker
OLD TAPPAN, NJ This pristine Center Hall Colonial welcomes you with warmth and modern updates throughout. Over-sized gourmet kitchen features stainless steel, high end appliances, radiant heat, center island, granite counters and cathedral ceilings with skylights that let in tons of natural light. Sliding glass door to patio with outdoor kitchen, pool and cabana. Inviting resort like backyard, offering hours of outdoor entertaining. Home office on first level with private entrance. Six zone heating and three zone central air conditioning. Second floor offers large master Suite with custom walk in closet, dressing room and newer bath, en- suite with full updated bath and custom closets, two additional bedrooms and bath. Hardwood flooring throughout. $1,079,000 MLS# 4844858 | Closter, 201.660.8800 Attilio Adamo, Real Estate Associate Broker ©2019 Independently Owned and Operated by the Rand Family.
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
AVORA
LUXURIOUS LIVING ON THE HUDSON RIVER GOLD COAST By Patricia Canole
ombining an iconic location along the Weehawken, NJ waterfront facing midtown Manhattan with modern design unparalleled in the area, the brand new Avora at Port Imperial sets a new benchmark for Gold Coast luxury living. Developed by Landsea Homes, the eleven story, 184-home condominium building with hotel-inspired amenities is situated on a prime waterfront s ett i ng f a c ing mi dtow n Manhattan, where residents enjoy stunning Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views. “Avora has ushered in a new era of modern architectural design, superior amenities and services, and stylish living spaces that are fulfilling our vision of transforming one of the most scenic stretches of waterfront into hand-crafted, thoughtfully designed homes,” said Jill Preschel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the New York Metro Division. “We recently welcomed our first wave of homeowners to the Designed by Lita Dirks Photographed by Travis Mark building.” FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61
THE HOMEBUYER IS ALWAYS FIRST Avora reflects Landsea Homes’ focus on developing projects that embody cutting-edge design, forward-thinking amenities; other developments include locations in Northern and Southern California, Boston, and New York. Creating inspired places that reflect modern living. First-rate living in suburban, single-family detached and attached homes, mid- and high-rise properties, and masterplanned communities is paramount in this ever-changing world and satisfying the expectations of today’s homebuyer. Avora’s unique design is by the innovative and world-renowned architects of IBI Group who took full advantage of its waterfront location with a multi-tiered, stepped-back scheme that maximizes views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Residents have access to a full suite of private lifestyle amenities highlighted by a resort-inspired outdoor plaza featuring a heated pool, barbecue, and outdoor dining area, viewing park and waterfront Fireside Lounge—all set against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. There’s also a magnificent lobby with elevated ceilings, grand salon, theater, media room, golf simulation, and gaming room, the Avora Lounge, state-of-the-art strength and cardio fitness center, and on-site pet grooming facilities.
Staged by Quadra Photographed by Travis Mark
ROOMS WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW A collection of one- two- and three-bedroom homes – as well as a limited offering of duplex Penthouses— designed with a contemporary aesthetic of sleek lines and modern style priced from $675,000 to over $4 million. The homes feature dramatic finishes and appointments including chef ’s kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and designer spa bathrooms many with waterfall, soaking baths. Many residences offer balconies and terraces with unlimited views. Located in the heart of the two billion dollar masterplanned Port Imperial community that stretches along two miles of waterfront across three municipalities, Avora is ideally situated for commuters. The building is within walking distance of the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal, which offers ferry service to both midtown and downtown—providing for one of the easiest commutes. Also nearby are the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service to neighboring Hoboken, Jersey City, the PATH system as well as NJ Transit’s Hoboken Terminal. Port Imperial also features a waterfront walkway system and numerous parks just outside residents’ front door, and the nearby Shops at Riverwalk offers a vibrant riverfront destination with numerous dining and shopping options. Avora is a definite must for luxury living in a superb, harmonious setting. For more information on Avora, visit avoraliving.com. • 62 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Staged by Quadra Photographed by Travis Mark
EQUESTRIAN ESTATE
Mahwah, NJ 46 Acre Equestrian/Sports Estate $29,500,000 46 acres along the panoramic Ramapo River. 20-stall barn with
Franklin Lakes, NJ English Country Grandeur $8,900,000 Secluded 5.4 acre gated setting. Approximately 14,000 square feet
Saddle River, NJ
Stunning showplace on 2.7 acres with numerous updates & renovations. Raised ceilings, new kitchen/skylights. Newly finished lower level w/bar, gym, rec. room.
Picture Perfect
Saddle River, NJ
Designer Fritz Krieger & Builder James Nigro created this romantic masterpiece. 1st floor MBR suite, stone veranda w/iron railings, wood shake roof & generator.
Country French Chateau
$3,595,000
Ridgewood, NJ
A Rare Opportunity
Saddle River, NJ
Brand New Construction
$5,750,000
huge indoor riding arena. Indoor and outdoor pools, sports lounges, wine room, theater. English pub, outdoor soccer, basketball, elevator and much more!
on the first 2 floors plus lower level, wine cellar. Theater, billiard room/fireplace and master bedroom suite on the first floor. Lagoon pool, cabana & 7-car garage.
$1,695,000
$1,550,000
This residence has been completely updated by the current owner. Pool, lilypond and waterfall, outdoor kitchen, brick patios and more! Elegant woodworking and wainscoting throughout, upgrade to kitchen/baths, 4-car garage.
All brick grand manor on 2.4 acres situated in sought after Chestnut Ridge area of town. Great floorplan and incredible finishings. Elevator, stadium theater, spa, 4-car garage & more! Premier builder Joseph Di Staulo.
Every Home is Special to Us. OFFICE
VICKI GAILY REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
•
FOUNDER
•
MARKETING DIRECTOR
201 934-7111 • CELL 201 390-5880 • VGAILY@SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM • SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: @SPECIALPROPERTIESNJ Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
AROUND TOWN HUDSON YARDS By TJ Johnson
hen the observation deck at 30 Hudson Yards in New York opens later this year, it will be the highest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere—so high that you may feel closer to the clouds. The deck is just part of the magnificent Hudson Yards project, the most significant private real estate project in American history. Conveniently located on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan, once complete it will include a mix of skyscrapers, public space and other amenities along with major companies housing their headquarters in office buildings, residential areas to rent or to own, a large retail complex and a performing arts center.
CITY WITHIN A CITY With a major rezoning, the extended No. 7 subway, and residential properties starting at above $3,000 a square foot, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Hudson Yards. A few key facts about the area: “It is the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States and the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center. The site will include more than 18 million square feet of commercial and residential space, state-of-the-art office towers, more than 100 shops, and a collection of restaurants headed by renowned chefs. The urban development will include approximately 4,000 residences; The Shed, a new center for the artistic invention; 14 acres of public open space; a 750-seat public school; and an Equinox Hotel® with more than 200 rooms—all offering unparalleled amenities for residents, employees, and guests.” Hudson Yards is a city within a city, and if you want to be a part of the movement, it is best to act now and lock down your dream apartment. With that being said, let’s discuss a couple of the residential buildings in Hudson Yards. 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Hudson Yards Living Room
LUXURY LIVING & DINING Let’s start with 1 Hudson Yards, with views of the world-renowned monument Vessel, staring down at the beautiful High Line, and views of stunning sunsets over the Hudson River. One Hudson Yards is a bold piece of architecture. Taking luxury to another level, residents can sit back and enjoy all the breathtaking furnishings, and innovative architecture, topped with an unmatched personalized 24-hour concierge service. You will also receive residents-only membership access to various high-profile Hudson Yards experiences. This property is the perfect fit for those with refined tastes. Over at 15 Hudson Yards, it’s known as the Distinguished Address. This 88 story, 910 foot-tall building with panoramic views of NYC soars into the air from Hudson Yards adding to the New York City skyline while showing off its state-of-the-art architecture. Located in the center of Hudson Yards, it is surrounded by 14 acres of parks, shops, and vast open spaces. 15 Hudson Yards will contain five distinct residence types, ranging from one-bedroom homes overlooking the High Line to duplex penthouses with breathtaking city views. With a screening room and one of the best rooftops in the city, this tower would be a great place to call home in NYC. Moving away from the residential side of Hudson Yards, let’s discuss the team of renowned restaurateurs from around the globe that include chef-restauranteur Thomas Keller of Per Se and Bouchon Bakery fame. I am excited about all the new restaurants coming to Hudson Yards and I’m anxious to try Mercado Little Spain food hall by chef Jose Andres. Not only is he renowned for his innovative Spanish-themed small plates, his philanthropy work and feeding hurricane victims and government workers is remarkable.
Hudson Yards Skyline
Another bold and exciting chef that will bring a delicious menu will be David Chang. His inspired Asian fusion is world famous and if you’ve never been to a Momofuku Restaurant, you’re missing out! Many more restaurants that will be showcased throughout Hudson Yards and on the rooftops of buildings. Watch for co-founder and CEO Anya Fernald and her Belcampo Meat Co. as well as Costas Spiliadis, a master of Greek cuisine serving the most exceptional seafood! This was just a small glimpse inside Hudson Yards. There is so much to see in this city inside the city. If you would like to take a tour, I will be happy to take you on a tour and answer all questions you may have.
The Shops and Restaurants Looking East From The Plaza Courtesy Relaed Oxford
Thelonious “TJ” Johnson is a licensed broker with Brown Harris Stevens, has teamed up with Ogden Starr, and enjoys sharing his tips on his favorite city. If you are looking for a residence in the Flatiron District—or anywhere else throughout Manhattan— contact him for any of your buying or selling needs. Info: bhusa.com/real-estate-agent/ thelonious-tj-johnson. •
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 65
Luxurious Real Estate in Boca Raton, FL
Offered at $1,295,000
Mizners Preserve Situated on oversized lakefront private cul-de-sac lot with breathtaking views. Located on approx. 1/3 acre.Windows covered with hurricane protections.Imported 18� Turkish Marble & Real Oak Floors. Crown Moldings,French Doors,Wood/Gas Fireplace. Oversized courtyard with pool and spa. Gourmet kitchen with dark wood and granite counters, gas cooking. Oversized 3 car garage and so much more.
Offered at $1,299,000
Seasons of Boca Raton Totally renovated contemporary home with 5 bedrooms, Office, and large loft area. Finest quality finishes., 1st floor features dramatic living room with high ceilings and a stone biofuel fireplace. Master bedroom suite, formal dining room, and fabulous gourmet chefs kitchen with gorgeous Quartz countertops, large center island, Subzero & Wolf appliances. All Impact windows and doors. Relax in your tropical backyard paradise with fabulous pool. Seasons of Boca Raton Beautiful renovated 1 story,4 bedrooms lakefront home on
Offered at $969,000
Offered at $1,595,000
lushly landscaped cul-de-sac lot. Over $300,000 in upgrades. Saturnia marble flooring in living areas. Quality wood floors. Gourmet kitchen with center island & newer Stainless Steel appliances. Formal dining room,extensive moldings,dramatic fireplace in living room.Sparkling heated saltwater Pebble Tec finished pool & spa. Summer kitchen with retractable awnings overlooking the serene lake. Travertine marble driveway and patio. Impact glass & accordion shutters, LED lighting, gas run generator and water filtration system.
Toscana Elegant and charm filled this exquisite condo with breathtaking intracoastal or Ocean views from every room. Relax in total privacy in this spectacular luxury condo with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Magnificent features include volume ceilings,double door entry, marble floors in the foyer, family room, beautiful custom closet design, security system and more. Hurricane impact windows, This exquisite home is perfect for family entertaining intimate gatherings and parties. Totally Turn Key. Seasons of Boca Raton Beautiful 5 bedroom 2 story Seasons home with all impact
Offered at $1,050,000
windows and doors set on a very large private park-like lot. Dramatic staircase, high ceilings, light, bright with contemporary feel. Many upgrades including plantation shutters, high end wood flooring & Mexican tile, moldings, built-in closets, newer roof (2007), 3 newer air conditioners, brand new water heater, newer washer, dryer and dishwasher, large wine closet. Updated bathrooms and updated kitchen with center island & high quality wood cabinetry. South facing pool with child fence, brick pavered patio & cabana bath complete the amazing outdoor space. Seasons is centrally located with 24 hour manned guard gate, community pool & spa, 8 tennis courts, fitness center, playground & basketball. Excellent schools.
Shelley Poss, REALTORÂŽ Luxury Partners Realty 16950 Jog Road Suite 102 Delray Beach, FL 33446
O: 561-819-5600 C: 561-703-5603 shelleyposs@gmail.com www.shelleyposs.com
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
SPOTLIGHT
MICHAEL BUONO, MULBERRY DEVELOPMENT LLC By Patricia Canole
eet Michael Buono who serves as Chief Executive O fficer of Mulberr y Development LLC, a full-service construction management and real estate development firm. A seasoned developer who draws from deep expertise garnered during his tenure within the international financial sector, Buono expertly manages the economic and operational intricacies of the firm’s vast portfolio of projects. His proven ability to create efficiencies of scale without compromise of quality is exemplified across the luxury hospitality, retail, commercial, residential and comm u n i t y infrast ruc ture sectors. Among his many credits is the development, design, and construction of luxurious private residences and awardwinning hospitality destinations including NoMad New York, ACE Hotel and Michelin star Breslin Bar & Dining Room, AKA Central Park, The Freehand Hotel, The Plaza Hotel and Residences, The Playboy Club, and the newly imagined Sound View Hotel in Greenport, Long Island. He is also responsible for the development and creation of retail locations for leading brands including Bally, Yves Saint Laurent, DITA, Bottega Veneta, and Tory Burch. Born in the U.S. and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Buono received a BA in Finance and Economics and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University where he is both an active alumnus and member of the university’s Executive Scholar’s Mentoring Program. He continued his education through the study of Structural Negotiations at Harvard Law School. He has been honored by the National Business Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Michael Buono CEO Mulberry Development
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67
New York Lifestyles recently met with Michael Buono to find out more about this dynamic real estate entrepreneur and what he’s planning for the future. What inspired you to form Mulberry Construction and Development? I began my career as an analyst within the international finance sector at KPMG and Booz Allen & Hamilton. I was introduced to real estate just over ten years ago while working with the Sydell Group on the transformation of the turn-of-the-century Breslin Hotel from an SRO to the trendsetting Ace Hotel that we know today. Armed with financial models and fine-tuned formulas, I had a firm grasp of the financial intricacies of the project, and suddenly found myself fully immersed in the reality of development. The project touched on all aspects, from preservation and restoration to hospitality programming and creation of the guest experience. I still remember standing on site and teaching myself how to read blueprints, it was the epitome of baptism by fire—and I never looked back. While I still rely heavily on my financial background and systematic approach, through the Ace, I discovered profound respect for the creativity of the development and construction process. I was inspired by knowing that I was part of the team that brought a pro forma to life. Do you have partners you’ve teamed up with to form this business? The Ace was massive in both scale and scope, and there were several general contractors awarded projects within the project. Robert Lavecchia was among them—he began as a custom home builder in New Jersey and had made a name for himself as a skilled general contractor completing luxury residential, hospitality, and retail projects across New York City. Working together, we immediately identified a common work ethic and dedication and recognized how complementary our different skill sets were. A partnership was the natural step, and we formalized our relationship shortly after the Ace’s completion. Tell us about the very first project you handled. The Ace was not only a first-of-a-kind project for me, it was a first-of-a-kind for Manhattan as well. The concept and flawless execution jumpstarted and set the standard for hotels as lifestyle brands. A typical property may have four to six different room types—the Ace has over 50. And rather than just a restaurant or two, the Ace offers award-winning chef April Bloomfield’s The Breslin Bar and Dining Room, The John Dory, The Lobby Bar, and Stumptown attracting hotel guests and locals alike. The eclectic design, high-quality materials, and high-touch details broke the mold and were a complete deviation from the expected. Things like guitars and custom art in the guest rooms and community tables and cozy nooks create moments that are reminiscent of a stay in a home and ensure a memorable experience.
AKA Hotel
Bally Exterior Madison Ave
68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Playboy Bar
Which of these projects are you most proud and why? Robert and I are very hands-on in our approach—we often walk the project before an acquisition, lead planning meetings, source materials, and are onsite from demo through completion. As a result of that involvement, there is a sense of pride in each project we complete. One in particular though that stands out for me is the work that we are doing in Mendoza, Argentina; a beautiful area that reminds me of Napa Valley. Beginning with raw land, we are creating the complete infrastructure for what will become a resort-like private community of 400 homes. True to our guiding principles, our design aesthetic will exemplify respect for local culture, and we will incorporate only the finest materials and handcrafted elements throughout each of the homes. I am originally from the U.S. but spent some years of my childhood growing up in Argentina; the lots range from $50,000 to $100,000, and I am both honored and excited to lead the project and introduce this exceptional market to U.S. purchasers. Tell us more about your company. What type of model have you based your company on? Our model is somewhat unique, and our growth has been organic, adding in-house professionals that represent different project disciplines over time. We started with the demo we automatically undertake when we begin a project; then added in carpentry, which gave us control from a scheduling perspective. From there, we added millworkers and highly specialized trades, allowing us to deliver beautiful custom elements and enhanced value. Today, we employ more than 50 artisans, carpenters, painters, and tile mechanics; and because we can do so much ourselves, we’re able to build below market and deliver faster than most. As we look to the future, our goal is to procure and develop our own projects. This will allow us to achieve total harmony between development and construction— resulting in increased value for the project and investors. Have you learned anything from developing retail projects that you’ve interpreted to hospitality projects and vice versa? Whether we are working on retail, hospitality or residential project, it is the littlest detail that makes the most significant difference in creating the ultimate experience. We have found that success is achieved by balancing luxury with durability to ensure the project looks as good on day one thousand as it did on day one. Luxurious finishes and touchable textures, re-purposed sustainable materials, and high-end lighting systems that adjust throughout the day and season are just a few of the elements that we implement across sectors. What markets are you focused at present? We remain focused on the luxury market. Whether hospitality, residential or retail, there are such similarities and a level of expectation that we can confidentiality deliver. If you could work with any hotelier—past or present—who would that be? I would love to be able to work with Ian Schrager. Time and again, he has successfully tapped into a property’s history and the energy of the community to create a hospitality destination. No matter where you are in the world, walking into an Edition Hotel, you are always guaranteed a unique experience with luxury at its core. I met him in passing while working on the Ace. I was so new to the business. If I could go back in time, I would have taken better advantage of the opportunity. For more information on Michael Buono and Mulberry Development LLC, visit mulberrydev.com. •
Soundview
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
MDRN’S WARREN KAY AN INTELLIGENT APPROACH TO LIVING IN THE CITY By Harry Brad
ew York City living poses many challenges. Apartments in newly constructed buildings are typically smaller than more established locations. Rents are always a stretch, and furniture can gobble up any resident living the urban life. The average studio apartment in Manhattan is approximately 550 square feet with a typical rental cost of $2,300 per month (Source: Naked Apartments). New York shares one thing in common with West Coast’s San Francisco: They have the smallest apartment sizes in the country.
MODULAR GOES MODERN The luxury design firm MDRN, located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, has come to the rescue with design solutions that suit any home, no matter the size. Established by the notable interior designer and futurist, Warren Kay, MDRN has realized these challenges for some time. Kay’s achievement in designing a range of high-end furniture which can transform from one use into another with minimal interaction, called Intelligent Living, is unparalleled. Incredibly this saves vital space in a small apartment and at the same time offers high-quality design and craftsmanship to enjoy. The Intelligent Living collection creates a transformable, modular system which can be configured for both use and taste. The range is push-button controlled, so no heavy lifting is required to turn that sofa into a bed. Combined with desk, wardrobe and seating options, the power to be free from small living spaces is transformative and refreshing. Kay is that particular kind of human who can see ahead, thereby imagining and bringing to life things that we may not have thought of now, but will most certainly need in the future. “I’d been unhappy with the way current apartment living is impacting people’s lives, particularly younger people and their lifestyles,” says Kay. “There are few jobs out there for people, and living situations have become even more compact. This is why I created a line of furniture that at least tackled the troubles of small space living.”
Futurist & Interior Designer Warren Kay ©Bruno Aponte
STYLISH SOLUTIONS
Intelligent Living Studio Office Day
A perfect example for the remote worker: Intelligent Living’s Home Office enables the bed to transform into a work table, which can be rotated 90 degrees to become a larger workspace or workbench. “I have become somewhat obsessed with the idea of robotics technology and the overall merging of technology with design,” says Kay. “We live in an age where with the sound of our voices or the touch of a remote, we can turn lights on and off. I wanted to offer the same in furniture design without ever having to sacrifice the very best in design and quality. All of our products are made in Italy by the very best craftsmen in design.” The Intelligent Living collections can also be customized with a range of Italian sourced and designed leathers and fabrics, wood finishes and even backdrop art panels in an array of colors and textures. MDRN’s approach to furnishings is also in tune with thinking about environmental impact. All the products in the Intelligent Living Collection range have safe, nontoxic, anti-microbial surfaces and are made from materials that are 100 percent of Italian origin. The wood panels are certified, and no new trees have been used to facilitate their manufacturing. The factory which constructs Intelligent Living furniture generates 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources making for products which are thoughtfully designed and built to help put the ‘living’ back into city living in small spaces.
Intelligent Living Studio Office Night
70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
For more information on Intelligent Living, visit inteligentliving.com. •
“Pines Lake” Wayne, NJ
I Proudly Suppor Friends of Laurelwood A
This Lakefront Beauty has stunning views of Pines Lake from huge windows throughout. The 2 story foyer is a lovely intro to the beautiful Great Room with a wall of windows to frame the stunning views and gorgeous sunsets. The flow to the kitchen and the dining room make this easy entertaining space. The doors from the kitchen and the great room access the screened in porch that overlooks the lake and yard. The second floor Master suite has an incredible view. The spacious room with a tray ceiling has his and hers shared walk in closet, a spa bath PLUS a private deck. There are 3 additional spacious bedrooms on the second floor, one features an ensuite bath, and another has a private deck. 2nd floor laundry. The grade level game room with a wet bar has access to the rear patio, lakefront and hot tub. 2nd Laundry hook up. There is a 5th bedroom and full bath, that is an ideal guest suite. 3 car garage with 1 tandem bay allows for 4 cars. Waterfront dock with electric. COME SEE! Offered at $1,399,000
I Proudly Support the “Lynn Carole Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum International Presid Top 1% World Carole “Lynn” CallBrescia Direct: 201.8 International President’s Premier www.lynnbresc Top 1% Worldwide
II Proudly Support Proudly Support the the Friends of of Laurelwood Arboretum Friends Laurelwood Arboretum
Call Direct: 201.848.3202
www.lynnbrescia.com Call today and come see!
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
International President’s Premier Top 1% Worldwide International President’s Premier Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com Top 1% Worldwide
More photos at lynnbrescia.com
Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com
50 years of What works.
Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates has a long, reliable history in providing quality services to Outer Banks homeowners in the Vacation Rental market. Our skillful team of professionals promote your property with a responsive design website, competitive marketing strategies and high quality PM software. We provide flexible strategies to ensure that each rental property is performing at the top of the market and consistently stay ahead of trends. Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is the perfect choice for your investment because we know what works.
Vacation Rentals Real Estate Sales Property Management Contact us today to join in on the OBX tradition and learn more about our services. joelambjr.com • 800-552-6257
WHAT IS LOVE? By Dr. Peter M. Kalellis
ebruary is the month that most of us tend to be inspired and inspiring, loving and lovable. We reach and touch our intimate others, our mates or spouses, our children, close relatives and friends with cards, flowers, presents, and special dinners. When we do something out of a heartfelt expression of love, we experience lasting joy. When we raise the question, “What is love?” our finite minds cannot easily define love. All descriptions of love by poets, wise teachers, and sages which most of us admire, eventually tend to be inadequate, for love is the essence of life and life itself is a mystery.
IT’S NATURAL What is love? Initially, it starts in the eyes, abides in mind for a while and anchors in the heart and takes roots. It is nature’s cunning way of maintaining procreation. Initially, it could be but an emotional attraction. But genuine love transcends sensuality when two individuals surrender to a sacred union known as marriage, whose purpose is to encourage, support each other’s growth and fulfill their potential as mates. Love can be the source of great joy when there are no strings attached to the loving process. It’s when people show respect for one another’s personality, share responsibilities, and are interested in each other’s wellness. Spontaneous love comes from within and lasts for a long time. The most natural experience of love is observing a mother nursing her baby. Unconditionally she gives of herself to her child, day and night according to the infant’s needs. Besides the nine months of gestation, gently and affectionately she holds her baby on her breast, admiring, singing, talking, feeding and protecting the fruit of her love. The child has an amazing ability to perceive and respond intuitively to the mother’s love. It is within this unit of parent and child where love originates and develops. Without this love, the child’s life suffers.
THE HEART OF THE MATTER Love concerns the heart, not the physical organ which pumps blood through the body, but rather the center of human emotions, desires, and affections. With the mind, we become informed. With the heart we become involved. And when we talk about love, it means getting emotionally involved. Love, as creative energy, sustains and propagates life. A great beginning to loving a person is friendship, appreciating and caring for another person’s presence in your life. The Greek word for friendship is philia which means wanting and feeling good to be with a person who accepts you without judgment or criticism, who also feels the same about you. Philia requires that we accept the person we wish to be with, in his or her totality and provide for that person the feeling of joy and acceptance that we would like to experience ourselves. When philia love is present in a marriage, God has bestowed upon those spouses the ultimate bliss. The qualities of love are eloquently described in the Bible: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. In other words, love never fails. • 72 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
By
PETER M. KALELLIS LIVING IN DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS
Practical advice for spouses or those in a committed relationship that clarifies the potential within each person to make their marriage or relationship better. 978-0-8091-4764-9 $16.95 PB
PATHS TO INNER PEACE Living with Less Stress
Outlines the various causes of stress and how, through our relationship with God, we can discover the call and value of simplicity. 978-0-8091-5357-2 $18.95 PB
LETTING GO OF BAGGAGE A Journey through Life’s Challenges
Recounts the personal journey of this popular author, which he uses as a backdrop to outline the numerous lessons he has learned throughout the course of his life. 978-0-8091-4494-5 $16.95 PB
FINDING GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR LIFE Faith, Prayer, and Action
Invites us to meet God in person and to sense his presence. It offers the opportunity to look into our hearts and to verify our intimacy with Jesus Christ. 978-0-8091-4976-6 $16.95 PB
Available at bookstores or from Paulist Press
1-800-218-1903 • fax 1-800-836-3161 www.paulistpress.com
SPECIALIZING IN: • Breast Lift • Breast Reduction • Breast Augmentation • Breast Cancer Reconstruction • Facial Rejuvenation • Mommy Makeover • Tummy Tuck Get Your 3D • Body Contouring Consultation! • Liposuction See your before and
• CoolSculpting • Vaginal Rejuvenation • Laser Treatments • Botox & Fillers • Facials
after surgery in 3D!
B. Aviva Preminger, M.D., FACS
FACELIFT
Call for your Personal Consultation BEFORE
AFTER
212.706.1900
969 Park Avenue, #1E New York, New York 10028 www.premingermd.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
THE ANTI-AGING PROCESS A NATURAL GLOW AT ANY AGE! By Shana Ackerman
any women say that signs of aging seem to appear overnight. As we age, our bodies change and so do our expectations about how we look. If you feel like you have lost your natural glow or your body does not look as young as you feel, you are not alone, and you can do something about it! In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures have seen an 180 percent increase from 2000 to 2016. We spoke with nationally recognized, New Yorkbased Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger about the procedures and products she has incorporated into her practice to help combat the signs of aging to look and feel their best at any age. “There is a desire for all women, regardless of age, to minimize the signs of aging,” says Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, “and today, it is not just fine lines and wrinkles I am treating. Women are asking me to improve their skin/ complexion, remove fat deposits, and tighten their skin with the least invasive process possible. With the advances in technology and products, there are many things I can offer women to combat the aging process and help them look and feel great at any age.” Here, Dr. Preminger discusses some of her favorite noninvasive/minimally invasive procedures she administers for anti-aging. What can be done to reduce the lines and wrinkles under my eyes? Wrinkles around the eyes can make you look tired, sad and years older. Smoking, sun exposure and excess alcohol intake can rapidly speed up the appearance and severity of wrinkles. But hope is not lost. My top two most requested under eye treatments are chemical peels and Botox to remove superficial wrinkles and fillers to plump up hollow tear troughs. *Chemical Peels and Lasers I recommend a series of chemical peels for my patients who want to gently and gradually eliminate superficial wrinkles under their eyes. Chemical peels are noninvasive, require no anesthesia and have minimal, if any, downtime. Most of my patients have made chemical peels a routine. I recommend four peels per year, in addition to a proper skin care routine. Another great option for resurfacing the lower eyelid skin is erbium laser resurfacing. This can provide a more dramatic and faster result. The more aggressive the laser resurfacing, however, the greater the result, but the greater the downtime. *Botox and Fillers Botox and Dysport are the best non-surgical options for crow’s feet lines around the corner of your eyes. However, dermal fillers, such as Restylane, are the better option for the hollow circles underneath the eyes. Dermal fillers will fill out hollowed tear troughs, dark circles and under-eye wrinkles. My patients see dramatic improvements in the appearance of their eyes and the results last six to nine months, with no down time and very little discomfort during the procedure. How can I get the fullness back in my lips and turn the corners of my mouth back up? I look like I am always frowning! The best way to improve thinning lips and drooping corners of the mouth is with dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm. The filling of the lips can give a subtle and natural fullness and when placed in the corners of the mouth, it can effectively give a lift. For an added touch, small amounts of Botox or Dysport to the muscles that pull at the corners of the mouth are also quite helpful. The results of dermal filler are immediately seen, and can last six to nine months, with no down time and little, if any discomfort. Microneedling is also a great way to soften vertical lip lines that often result from a history of smoking. All of these can be done in combination to maximize results! I have wrinkles, scars, uneven tone, and spots on my face, hands and décolletage. Besides surgery, Botox or a filler, what can I do to get my smooth, youthful appearance back? The face, neck, décolletage and hands are areas where the aging process truly shows. While the face and neck get a significant amount of attention in the anti-aging process, the hands are often ignored. Hands, many times neglected for years, can age at an alarming rate. Many patients say they wake up and notice wrinkles, age spots and crepe-like skin on their hands, almost overnight. 74 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
When I successfully treat and improve these areas, my patients’ entire face, neck and hands can transform. As the wrinkles, fine lines, and imperfections gradually lighten they find themselves looking years younger—not only improving appearance, but also doing wonders for their self-esteem. *Forma—Fractional Thermal Contraction Forma is a great option because it is suitable for most skin types and for those seeking skin tightening without surgery. I like to think of Forma as the facial workout. It helps lift, tone, and tighten. Forma is a noninvasive procedure that uses radio frequency to target several layers of skin to improve elasticity and build collagen. *Fractora Another excellent tool to rejuvenate and repair the surface of your face, neck and décolletage. Fractora can make your skin look tighter, and as a result, it will minimize the number of visible wrinkles on your face, neck and chest. Many of my patients refer to Fractora as a non-surgical facelift. While Fractora will make skin appear tighter and reduce wrinkles, it also has the ability to resurface the skin and slow the appearance of aging, giving skin a more youthful appearance. *IPL – Intense Pulsed Light This is a laser light treatment that targets pigment issues, like sun damage, red spots, brown spots and Rosacea. IPL is also an effective treatment for spider veins or broken veins. It’s also a great option to even out skin tone and give my patients a youthful glow to their skin. IPL is noninvasive, has no downtime, and there is little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Before & After CO2 Laser
*CO2 Laser—Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser This laser resurfacing procedure removes age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, helps reduce skin laxity, removes textural irregularities, eliminates dullness in the skin, and helps restore collagen in the face, neck and décolletage. CO2 is the best treatment to get the greatest antiaging results in one treatment. CO2 is a minimally invasive procedure. There is some discomfort during the procedure and I usually numb my patients prior to performing CO2 laser. Additionally, some recovery time is required. Most patients report that it feels like they have a very bad sunburn for 12 hours up to three days. I have a small pocket of fat under my chin. I eat right and exercise but it won’t go away. What can I do to get my jawline back? In recent years, I have found that Kybella is like surgery in a bottle, with permanent removal of fat—a great alternative to liposuction! It is easy to customize the Kybella treatments to match the exact goals, needs and anatomy of my patients. Kybella can take multiple treatments, but I usually get to or close to final results after only two treatments. Kybella is minimally invasive, with little to no downtime. It is a great option for women looking to eliminate stubborn fat in small pockets without having surgery.
Before & After Kybella
Wrinkles around the eyes can make you look tired, sad and years older.
I have always wanted to remove the fat around my bra roll and over my stomach, but I am nervous about surgery. What other options do I have? CoolSculpting is the ideal option for non-surgical fat reduction. It is what we call our lunchtime procedure, meaning it can be done in as little as an hour and requires no downtime. CoolSculpting is completely non-invasive, non-surgical and is very affordable. While the effects are not as drastic as traditional liposuction, CoolSculpting can be performed multiple times for optimal results. CoolSculpting will freeze fat from your bra rolls and over your stomach, resulting in a gradual reduction and elimination of fat. You can have the process repeated every six to eight weeks, until your ideal results are obtained. Your skin will continue to age as time goes on. To maintain your results, I always recommend a healthy skincare routine including cosmeceutical products, medical grade facials, and maintenance procedures. For more information on B. Aviva Preminger, M.D., F.A.C.S. (969 Park Avenue, Suite 1E; 212-206-1900), visit premingermd.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75
FOOD & DRINK
THE REGENCY BAR & GRILL THE HOME OF THE POWER BREAKFAST—AND MORE! By Anne Raso
he Loew’s Regency Hotel on Park Avenue and 61st Street has over 50 years of glamour behind it—including being the main Manhattan hotel for movie press junkets for 20 years and having guests like Judy Garland and Dorothy Kilgallen (who spent her last night alive in November 1965 having cocktails with a date in the bar area). Since 1975, the Regency has been best known for its Power Breakfast (that has now extended to serving remarkable farm to table Modern American cuisine for lunch and dinner). The reason for The Regency Bar & Grill’s current success is not only its sophisticated renovation that includes velvet banquets and framed black and white photography on the walls but the hiring of Executive Chef Serge Devesa (who excels at numerous kinds of cuisines and keeps his fingers on international food trends). One of the first things Regency Bar & Grill guests notice on the menu is the list of farms that provide meat and produce. Chef Devesa told us, “Working with local farms and purveyors is very important to me and what the restaurant stands for. It is essential to work closely with our purveyors to ensure that we are sourcing and delivering the best quality food available to our guests.” 76 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
Chef Serge Devesa
A RETURN TO NYC Chef Devesa—whose career includes successful stints at NYC’s Intercontinental Barclay and Washington, DC’s Willard Intercontinental Hotel—was born in Marseille, France and began the early part of his career in France. “In 1992, I moved to the Caribbean and consistently traveled throughout the world cooking in hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. Because of these travel experiences, my cooking is now reflective of all the different countries I have worked in. When you move to a different place, it is more than just a new location--it is understanding a new culture, the people and their food. For example, when I was in the Middle East, I worked with other talented chefs and cooks that didn’t speak English. I had to learn to work with them and show them how I cook through my hands, in some cases you don’t even need to speak.” However, after his most recent stint in San Antonio, the chef longed to be back in New York City. “Throughout my career, I developed a friendship with Olivier Gaupin who is now the Corporate Chef for Loews Hotels. It was then, we discussed the role of Executive Chef at Loews Regency New York Hotel, and I was excited about the challenge and joining the Loews Hotels family.”
THE STORY BEHIND THE POWER BREAKFAST We were curious to know how Regency Bar & Grill garnered the reputation as being New York’s top Power Breakfast spot and what Chef Devesa includes on the menu to make it a truly special experience. He explained, “The infamous New York Power Breakfast concept was informally introduced at the Loews Regency New York Hotel in 1975 during the New York City financial crisis, when Loews Corporation Co-Chairman and Co-CEO Bob Tisch began inviting leaders from the public and private sectors to the restaurant to discuss ways to help the city recover.” The Power Breakfast forever changed how business was done, ending the era of the three-martini lunch in favor of morning meetings that could take place before the official workday began. The first known regulars of the power breakfast included Marvin Traub, Bill Rudin, and David Dinkins. Over the years, the Power Breakfast has become a signature of Loews Regency, and it still stands as one of the most iconic dining experiences in Manhattan, offering local New Yorkers and hotel guests the perfect opportunity for people watching and to dine with some of the most influential professionals in New York City. Chef Devesa also explained, “Our breakfast menu is extensive and offers a variety of signature breakfast items. Our most popular item is the Egg Benedict.”
A DIVERSIFIED CLIENTELE So who is truly the Regency Bar & Grill’s clientele? Upper East Side foodies? Hotel guests? Celebrities? Devesa gave us his thoughts on the movers and shakers who turn up in his dining room: “The Regency Bar & Grill attracts all types of guests. For breakfast, in particular, we cater to locals who work in the area for a business meeting before they start their day and, of course, hotel guests. In the evening, our bar scene is filled with Upper East Side locals who are enjoying themselves with friends and colleagues. We host a lot of regulars of the Power Breakfast including Katie Couric, Larry King, Joe Lhota, and Reverend Al Sharpton, in addition to a host of movers and shakers.” With spring right around the corner, we wondered what would be on the menu. “I want to prepare perfectly cooked food keeping it uncomplicated but making sure it is seasoned correctly. I want to create light and refreshing dishes with ingredients that are fresh and in season. I think Asian cuisine reflects this type of cooking so I might look to that culture for inspiration,” Devesa said enthusiastically. Poached Salmon with Quinoa Pilaf
The Regency Room
FUTURE TRENDS How does this affable and talented French-trained executive chef foresee the restaurant growing and evolving in the future? “I think the restaurant will grow as the menu evolves. Short term, I am looking forward to creating more sharable items for guests to enjoy at the bar or for dinner in our grill room. I also look forward to bringing the vibrancy and energy of breakfast to our lunch and dinner service.” We look forward to checking back in with Chef Devesa and actually checking out the legendary Power Breakfast for ourselves. If the diversified dinner that we recently had is any indicator, the breakfast will be a knockout! Strong recommendations include Porcini Truffle Pizza, Diavola Pizza, New York Strip served with Heart of the Woods Mushrooms, Olive Oil Fingerling Potatoes, and RGB Steak Sauce, Tea Poached Salmon with Quinoa Pilaf, Crispy Brussels Sprouts (grown nearby) and their most popular dessert, Pumpkin Cheesecake. For more information on The Regency Bar & Grill, visit loewshotels.com/ regency-hotel/dining/restaurant. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77
FOOD & DRINK
BARBACON
A SIZZLIN’ GOOD TIME By Kelley Mason
f you’re tempted to roll your eyes at the thought of a restaurant with bacon as its main theme— think again! This bacon bonanza has become New York’s best-kept secret. Now with two Manhattan locations, BarBacon is the brainchild of chef Peter Sherman. After many years of working in the kitchens of such luminaries including Joel Robuchon, David Bouley, and April Bloomfield, it was time to break out on his own to focus on opening the first BarBacon in Hell’s Kitchen. Not satisfied with just one restaurant and bar, Sherman opened the second outpost in Union Square last year. Both are enjoying welldeserved popularity with New Yorkers and visitors alike. “For some ten years in the kitchens of predominantly French chefs,” Sherman told us, “they always insisted how great French cuisine was. However, they always conceded that it was the USA which perfected bacon.” That was the genesis of what became his mission to elevate bacon and make it the focus of every menu choice. “Everyone I know loves bacon, but no one was giving it the rightful respect and celebrating it as an artisanal product.”
BB Beer Bacon Flight
78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
IT’S BETTER WITH BACON We recently stopped into the Union Square location where everything—and we mean everything on the menu from appetizers to dessert elevates bacon to stardom. Its inviting rustic ambiance makes you want to stay a while and sample bacon at its best. The inventive menu is a complete collaboration with Sherman’s executive chef, Nicolas Karoly. Start with one of Sherman’s originals, the Kentucky Fried Bacon Bites (KFB), which are tasty bite-sized crispy pieces of battered thick-cut bacon served like chicken nuggets. The chunks are dusted in flour, dipped in egg and covered with panko crumbs. After deep frying, they are smothered with Thai chili honey and served with house pickles.
Peter Sherman
Another specialty is the Flight of Four Flavored Bacons alone or paired with a sampling of craft beers. The flight starts with a mildly flavored slice—such as Pecan Wood-Smoked—and ends with some kick. This dish typically includes a Black PepperedEncrusted variety as well as a Jalapeno-infused Bacon. Sherman works with purveyors sampling bacon to decide which varieties to feature on the menu. “We source bacon from all over the country. Pecan, Wood-Smoked, Cracked Black Pepper, Maple, Apple Cider as well as making a few of our own varieties,” he told us. Other appetizers include Brussel Sprouts with Vietnamese Glaze, and the very popular Chicharron Nachos topped with bacon, cheddar, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo. Bacon Bloody Mary
THE MAIN EVENT & MORE Tempting larger plates are also available. A winner is the BarBacon Grilled Cheese stuffed with a generous portion of fontina and gruyere cheeses and served with roasted tomato and eggplant soup. Another must is the All Day Sausage, Bacon, Egg and Cheese which looks more like a gigantic burger. And, of course, it goes without saying the menu offers delicious BLT’s, Burgers, and Pulled Pork Sandwiches plus a fish lover’s dream, the Bacon Loves Lobster Roll. There are also Tacos, Salads, and house-made Bacon Sausages to sample as well. Be sure to leave room for the piece de resistance—namely dessert! Try the chocolate-coated bacon dusted with pink peppercorn and a side of house-made bacon-infused whipped cream. Incredibly delicious. Or perhaps your tastes lean more toward ice cream. If so, the BarBacon Ice Cream Sundae will satisfy. Dive into the bacon chocolate chip ice cream topped with bourbon dulce de leche, bacon-glazed pecans, brandied cherries, and extra crispy bacon crumbles all topped with bacon whipped cream. Amazing! Of course, we mentioned everything is “bacon-ized” here including cocktails. Try their Midnight N’ Molasses with bacon-infused bourbon, St. Germain, ginger-lime syrup, molasses, bacon, and Champagne. Or perhaps the Hogstorm which blends bacon-infused Goslings, ginger liqueur, ginger beer, and bacon to perfection. With the success of two BarBacon restaurants, we wondered if there might be more on the horizon. “I will always be opportunity driven,” Sherman said. “I’m certainly open to anything the future might have for me. My out of town customers always beg me to open a BarBacon in their hometowns. It would be nice to one day answer them with an okay!” For more information on BarBacon, visit barbacon.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79
FOOD & DRINK
SHERRY B DESSERT STUDIO A SWEET WORK OF ART By Patricia Canole
rue, plenty of us are health conscious and addicted to counting calories on computer apps. But, let’s face it, there’s always room in our diet for a delicious, high-quality dessert. Perhaps this is the key reason why sherry b dessert studio has seen such success and is thriving on Hudson Street. Since Executive Pastry Chef and Owner Sherry Blockinger opened sherry b dessert studio, she’s been raising the bar. After a successful career in marketing and communications, Sherry left the corporate world to pursue the pastry field and received a Grand Diplome in Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institute in New York. After graduating from pastry school, her focus was on specialty and celebration cakes and she scored a coveted internship with master cake designer Ron Ben-Israel. Two weeks before her training was to begin, she broke both her wrists in a snowboarding accident. Sadly, she had to decline participation in the program. Initially crushed, this period of rehab and being at home with her young daughter proved crucial to her path. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen and found a love for recipe development, often working on perfecting American classics using her French pastry training. It was during this time that her vision for sherry b dessert studio was born. 80 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
SWEETS FROM SCRATCH Combining her love for French technique and American desserts, Sherry launched her first business in 2012, the delicious and artful sherry b dessert studio in Chappaqua, NY. Success ensued, but Sherry wanted more. Her decision: Move to Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. And we’re so happy she did! Sweets from scratch are featured at the cafe on 643 Hudson Street and include her signature house-made Ice Cream Cake Sandwiches in unique combinations. Some of her best-sellers include Purple Velvet, cream cheese ice cream sandwiched between purple velvet cake; Blackout, dark chocolate ice cream with layers of fudge on a chocolate cake; Fluffernutter, peanut butter and marshmallow ice cream on sliced banana bread; and Coffee Break, counter culture coffee ice cream sandwiched between New York-style crumb cake. Can’t make up your mind? Guests often opt for a sandwich flight of six flavors. Sherry’s house-made ice creams are also whipped into shakes, “shimmies,” and decadent treats, and are offered by the scoop and by the pint. Sherry’s other classics are wildly popular with her loyal customers. Take her Stuffed Brownies featuring Salted Caramel, Café Mocha, and Chocolate Peanut Butter fillings; or her decadent cookies such as Chocolate Chunk, Snickerdoodle and Butterscotch Oatmeal. At the sb cookie We recently met with Sherry in her Hudson Street kitchen to see her in bar, guests may choose any two cookies and a filling— action—and find out about how this creative force whips up such fantastic vanilla cream, Nutella, raspberry jam, and peanut butter desserts. fluff, for example—and sandwich them together. How long before did you realize you were destined for this sweet career?As I challenged myself to cook my way through my cookbooks—The Joy of Cooking, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and Craig Claiborne’s New York Times Cookbook—I quickly realized I was inherently a baker. I’ve always loved eating desserts and sweets, so the ability to bake and develop my recipes was both intriguing and exciting. Pursuing it as a career came a little later. What’s a typical work day for you?If only I could answer this question. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of what I do is that there is no routine, no such thing as a typical day. Overall, I try to balance my responsibilities and spend time with my team in the kitchen, monitor operations, mingle with guests, and tend to business matters. Also, I personally sign cards for every package we ship and steal a few minutes each day to write. Remembering to take time for myself proves to be the greatest challenge of all. Do you have favorite ingredients you prefer? One of the things that I love most about baking is how ingredients affect and interact with one another. I appreciate the way simple ingredients like sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and flour work together. I especially enjoy eating and working with chocolate and remain fascinated by the science of manipulating it. In the past few years, I have been interested in discovering and experimenting with spices. A good example is a pink peppercorn which has become one of my ingredient obsessions. I’ve made pink peppercorns the star ingredient in my favorite salt/pepper/sugar blend. What ingredients would you just as soon not work with if you could get away with it? While it is hard to admit, vanilla is one of those ingredients. Though it is a staple in baking and one of my personal favorites, it has become so expensive and at times challenging to procure. However, baking gives me the freedom to be creative. Often I find myself experimenting with new ingredients and testing alternatives. Currently, I’m experimenting with bourbon. Sherry Blockinger is the Wonder Woman of sweet sensations. She likes to think of desserts as a guilt-free luxury with every bite. In other words, if it makes you happy, make room for it in your busy day—it’s all about balance. For more information on sherry b dessert studio, visit sherryb.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81
FOOD & DRINK
MACCHU PISCO PERU’S FINEST By Elizabeth Darwen
he Peruvian-born philanthropist and entrepreneur Lizzie da Trindade-Asher is inspired by the strong women in her life who have influenced her involvement in some of the most venerable causes. In fact, at the 65th Anniversary of Harvard Law School admitting women students, alumna Lizzie delivered an impassioned speech to women graduates about the illusory idea of work/life balance. Her general philosophy has been that “trying to find a sense of balance will always throw you off-balance.” As a result, Lizzie throws herself into her philanthropic commitments, business endeavors, and family time. Since arriving in America at the age of 12, Lizzie and her family have held firmly to their Peruvian roots and culture. Namely, together with her sister, Melanie da Trindade-Asher, they have founded Macchu Pisco and introduced to the world Peru’s evident grape spirit. Cleverly named after Peru’s gem recognized as one of the Wonders of the World, Macchu Picchu, the company produces its award-winning gems of super premium, naturally distilled Piscos: Macchu Pisco, La Diablada, and Ñusta. Together the two sisters had crafted an entirely new experience for discerning drinkers. And while this duo indeed cast a reverent eye at centuries-old Pisco producing traditions, Macchu Pisco’s brands are singular in their modern purity and complexity. They’ve been regarded as nothing less than revelatory by mixologists and the tasting panels such as the American Beverage Institute which awarded La Diablada, the highest point award of any pisco in the U.S. market. 82 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY Both sisters will tell you that first and foremost it’s a labor of love built around family. Over 100 years ago, Amelia Rodriguez, the matriarch of the family, was born. Growing up she helped her mother sell Pisco at their local bodega in Lima, Peru. Now a century later, her two granddaughters Melanie and Lizzie created arguably one of the world’s best Pisco companies in her honor, and their La Diablada Pisco, a blend of four grape varietals has been produced with her in mind. Pisco is the pride of the Peruvians much the same way tequila is to Mexicans. Its story harkens back to the 1500s during the Spanish colonization of Peru. The Europeans brought with them grape vines for their own consumption and wine production. Peru’s wine industry flourished and became so competitive that the King of Spain, Felipe II, banned all imports. Jesuit priests saved the day when they brought distilling techniques to Peru, thus transforming the wine into what we now know as Pisco.
Macchu Pisco Cocktail
A LOVE FOR WHAT’S NATURAL “We’re passionate about the creation,” Lizzie says. “When we started Macchu Pisco 13 years ago, no one in America knew what it was. We embarked on the path to make the most natural Pisco on earth and to bring prosperity to the people in our area of Peru.” “Our work begins in the fields, the faraway pristine corners of Peru where we travel to select the purest grapes that have not been sprayed by chemicals,” says Melanie. And we encourage growers to be their best selves. Experience is everything. Macchu Pisco is all about the highs without the lows. When you compromise, you taste that compromise, and we never compromise.” A graduate of Harvard Business School, Melanie set her sights on Pisco with the aim to create the world’s most significant expression of the spirit, and a dream to give back to one’s country. And while that may sound lofty, Melanie is nothing if not down to earth. She’s fond of sharing with you her adventures in the fields along-side the co-op of women grape pickers with whom the company works. Inspired by their arduous work, Macchu Pisco has now embarked upon introducing innovative farming techniques to eradicate the use of the pesticides and herbicides with the aim to ensure the health of the field workers and distill the most hyper-natural spirits in the world. Macchu Pisco’s message of “drink right and do right” has been warmly embraced. Macchu Pisco has quickly ascended to become a must-have on cocktail menus across the globe—whether in classics or modern inventions or molecular mixology. Acclaimed restaurateurs like Nobu Matsuhisa, Jose Andres, Daniel Humm, and Eric Ripert have embraced Macchu Pisco and La Diablada. Daniel Boulud, no less, even included La Diablada in His and Her cocktail book. For more information about Macchu Pisco, visit macchupisco.com • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 83
TM
GYRO WORLD Featuring Authentic Greek Cuisine Using Fresh Ingredients 194-21 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11358 (718) 428-3800
36-02 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103 (718) 278-4976
www.gyroworldnyc.com
66-57 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood, NY 11385 (718) 366-4976
@gyroworld
Look for restaurant directories featuring a variety of different cuisines ranging from Steak & Seafood, Italian, French, Chinese... in our upcoming issues. For advertising opportunities, contact
Bill Mason 646-259-2651
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FOOD & DRINK
MORIMOTO MAUI A RECIPE FOR MAGIC & ROMANCE By Patti Pietschmann
f your travels take you to the shores of Maui this Valentine’s Day for a quick romantic escape, there’s a place on this Hawaiian isle to make it complete. Morimoto Maui provides the perfect aphrodisiacal cuisine and setting for lovers. Definitely an epicurean paradise where every dish delights the senses—thanks to Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. I have dined at Morimoto Maui with my most recent visit even made more magical: Seated on the patio as the magnificent ruby orange sun was making its daily dip into the blue Pacific. To enhance the pleasure, my husband Richard sipped a perfect martini while I consumed a buttery chardonnay. We were feeling almost giddy with anticipation of the feast mastered by Chef Nicko who impressively interprets Chef Morimoto’s menus. He recommended omakase (tasting menu), a delightful mix of Asian-fusion flavors.
HEAVENLY FOOD & VIEWS Even the Amuse Bouche of Mango and Honey excited the palate. He outdid himself and made us very happy. Morimoto Maui sits by the sea on prime property in Wailea that is also inhabited by the Andaz Maui. With awesome 180-degree views of the ocean and setting sun, we continued the chef ’s delights starting with Risotto with Parmesan Mousse and Sweet Corn. This was followed with a local fish called Monchong with Succotash and Miso Puree over Chanterelles. Incredibly delicious. We got a kick out of Nicko’s next course, the Surf and Turf which consists of A5 Wagyu Beef, Pork Belly, and Chicken. The next course, Nicko insisted we do sushi for which Morimoto is famous, and sent over a huge bowl of it. The grand finale was a light and airy mousse with so much taste we scraped the bottom of the bowl (which held nuts and chocolate). For sushi lovers, there’s a special counter with an amazing creamcolored white oak wood and green granite where you sit on oak stools under a brushed stainless steel ceiling. Naturally, it’s staffed by master chefs who know their way around sushi, sashimi, and spring rolls. There is also an attractive bar for your favorite cocktails. Adding to Morimoto’s Japanese-inspired ambiance is the illusion of terraces adjacent to the restaurant that seems to float in the resort’s lagoon pool. I did say it’s a magical spot.
Chef Morimoto
If you prefer to order off the menu, there are many choices. My recommendation is to start with an assortment of sushi, select and share a few appetizers and go for the fresh fish of the day or whole sizzling, crispy fish. You also can’t go wrong with any steak, duck or pork dish. Be sure to save room for desserts such as White Chocolate Rocks Chocolate! with Caramelized Ganache and Cuban Red Bananas. Another must are doughnuts like you’ve never tasted before. Flavors such as Lilikoi, Waialua Chocolate, Sake Caramel, and Apple Banana Cheesecake will have you swooning. There is a well-curated wine list with some decent prices and of course cocktails, lots of sake, and beer. Iron Chef Morimoto has other eponymous restaurants around the world. He opened Maui in 2013 and his Honolulu outpost in 2018. Can’t make it to Hawaii? New Yorkers will find his Momosan Ramen & Sake restaurant just as tantalizing where he showcases his take on ramen dishes. For more information on Morimoto Maui, visit morimoto.com. Reservations are recommended. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85
FOOD & DRINK
ADD SOME SPARKLE TO VALENTINE’S DAY By Jenny Peters
e’ve got a revolutionary idea for celebrating Valentine’s Day with the one you adore this year—stay home! Instead of paying those inflated prices for a fancy dinner, why not simply choose a gorgeous Champagne or another sparkling wine and have a night to remember in your warm, cozy living room? We’ve chosen some unique wines for you to consider sipping (and we’ve even thrown a full-bodied red or two if those bubbles are not to your liking) that fit every budget, some so reasonably priced you might end up trying two!
CHAMPAGNE
ITALIAN SPARKLING WINE
French Champagne is the big daddy of bubbly, with a price tag to match. It is also the only sparkling wine in the world that can legally be called Champagne and must originate from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. Usually made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, it is famous for its tiny bubbles and fresh white fruit (think peach) and citrus flavors, with an undertone of vanilla and baked bread.
Prosecco Superiore is Italy’s premier version of sparkling wine, grown in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region in the Treviso province north of Venice. Here they grow Glera grapes on steep hillsides, allowing them to create world-class bubbles. Look for Bortolotti Prosecco Brut ($25) with its floral yet acidic flavors, the dry, green-apple-and-citrus-filled Cavit Prosecco ($14) or take a taste of Mionetto’s Prestige Prosecco Brut ($14) for white peach and honey notes. Each one of those is a steal at the price and a lovely For an extraordinary night, choose Champagne Taittinger Brut way to say, “I love you” without killing your budget. La Francaise NV ($60), from the family-owned company that has been making Champagne since 1734. With its lovely, bright taste, And beyond Prosecco, Italians also make other fabulous bubbly this bubbly is perfect for simply savoring or—even better—pairing wines. We adore Brachetto d’Aqui, the red sparkling (“spumante” in with some sturgeon caviar from Calvisius, the sustainable Italian Italian) quaff only made in the Piedmont area of Acqua Terme. They caviar producer. Other top-tasting Champagnes include Dom are delicately delicious wines pressed from the Brachetto grape, Perignon ($160) or Louis Roederer Brut Cristal ($260). slightly sweet with flavors of roses, raspberries, and strawberries with a luscious mouth feel. Look for Rosa Regale ($20), the bestknown Brachetto d’Acqui sold in America or Braida ($20); both are perfect examples of this lesser-known wine. To get a taste of what the Italians do to make Chardonnay sparkle, we suggest a bottle of Ferrari Trento Brut ($25). It’s the wine that began the history of this famous Italian wine producer in 1902 and remains one of Italy’s best. In fact, it’s been the official wine of the Emmy Awards for the last four years, so you’ll be drinking just like the stars if you celebrate being in love with this one. Don’t be surprised when you taste those French qualities of baked bread and vanilla here.
CALIFORNIA BUBBLES (AND MORE) Napa and Sonoma are hotbeds of sparkling wine production, too, with many Old World wine companies establishing outposts in those fertile valleys decades ago. So consider a bottle of Domaine Carneros by Taittinger Brut Cuvee ($30), a cellar-aged blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir or perhaps test out the newest sparkling to come out of California, also a blend of those grapes. That’s the Sonoma-Cutrer’s first-ever Grand Cuvee ($40), a welcome addition to that renowned winery’s list. It’s got an excellent balance of toast, and a bit of nutty flavor melded with a tart fruit minerality, but it is a limited release, so grab a bottle if you can. If bubbles are not your palate’s idea of a love match, stick with California’s best and seek out Shafer Vineyards 2016 TD-9 ($60). Named for their trusty tractor, this red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, this spicy, slightly tannic red fruit bomb is a welcome addition to that winery’s legendary, award-winning Stags Leap District offerings. If you’ve decided to make steaks for your stay-at-home Valentine adventure, jump into a bottle of their 2015 One Point Five ($95) as well. That big, beautiful, smooth, mostly Cabernet wine will make anyone fall in love, we guarantee it. • 86 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
FOOD & DRINK
SHAKEN & STIRRED By Bailey Beckett
ew York may be the cocktail capital of the country, but even the most discriminating aficionado won’t mind traveling south for a taste of something truly spectacular. The St. Regis, Washington D.C., the capital’s most exclusive address, is an unabashed celebration of the gilded age, yet nestled within its lobby is a more discreet enclave paying homage to a different era: prohibition. The St. Regis Bar, a destination for D.C.’s have and have-mores, turns back the clock to treat its guests to recipes and cocktails long lost since the period ended. Leading the charge is head mixologist Andrew Cassedy, a 10-year veteran of the hotel who first came along with Alain Ducasse when he opened his Adour restaurant. Cassedy worked with the celebrated chef and stayed when the hotel transitioned the space to its own restaurant and lounge. His classic, cool pours mix tradition with creativity, making The St Regis Bar the coolest classroom in the capital. Cassedy is particularly interested in time forgotten ingredients, like bitters. Many recipes and the companies that made them did not survive past prohibition, leaving their elements to the dustbin of history. Bartenders like Cassedy are now mining those lost years for new spins on cocktails.
Andrew Cassedy
That history is just one swig guests will savor when they sample Cassedy’s cocktail class, a 3-drink crash course in creations, libations and sensations. It begins with the 100-Year-Old Cigar, a bombastic combination of rum, bitter, aromatic and herbal liqueurs, scotch whiskey and absinthe. The secret is the mix, a delicate, expert balance of flavors that bring the drink to life. Cassedy measures each precisely and creates with the deft hand of the most seasoned practitioner. Next is Alhambra, a potent union of Carpano Antica vermouth, dry sherry, two dashes of OJ bitters and orange zest garnish. Adding that extra zing is what gives Cassedy’s drinks a unique flavor. The curation of the ingredients, he says, is vitally important. Finding those bitters, spices, fruits, and garnishes, and adding a twist of inventiveness, is what makes a drink truly signature. Witness our last: Love Potion #923. Perfectly timed for February, it’s smooth, punctuated with Rock Candy Syrup and Champagne. Finish off with Berries, and it’s the perfect cocktail to toast love. Created by Cassedy, the drink is exclusive to the St. Regis.
100-YEAR-OLD CIGAR
ALHAMBRA COCKTAIL
LOVE POTION #923
1 ¾ ounces Ron Zacapa Rum ½ ounce Cynar ½ ounce Benedictine ¼ ounce Laphroaig 1 dash Angostura bitters ¼ ounce Absinthe Chill a cocktail coupe. Add rum, Cynar, Benedictine, Laphroaig, and bitters to a mixing glass, then fill with ice. Stir until well chilled. Rinse chilled cocktail coupe with Absinthe, discarding excess. Strain cocktail into rinsed glass and serve immediately.
1 ½ ounces Carpano Antica vermouth 1 ½ ounces dry sherry 2 dashes of OJ bitters Orange zest garnish Chill a cocktail coupe. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Stir and strain into a coupe. Garnish with orange zest.
2 ounces Berry Infused Ketel One Vodka ½ ounce Ruinart Rosé Champagne 1 ounce Ginger Rock Candy Syrup ½ ounce Fresh Lemon Juice Mixed Berries to garnish Perfect for Valentine’s Day, this love potion vodka cocktail is easy to make and fun to drink. Combine Vodka, Ginger Rock Candy Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice with some ice in a shaker. Cover and shake well. Add Champagne and pour into a cocktail coupe. Garnish with Mixed Berries. •
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON STAGE
NEW YORK CITY CENTER By Lori Zelenko
nown as “the people’s theater,” New York’s City Center remains 75 years later a place where dance, theater, opera, and music can all be enjoyed under one roof. Over the decades, Leonard Bernstein, Barbara Cook, José Ferrer, Helen Hayes, Marcel Marceau, Paul Robeson, Beverly Sills, and Orson Welles all performed on the City Center stage. George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein famously established New York City Ballet, Laszlo Halasz founded New York City Opera, the Joffrey Ballet began a thirtyyear residency, and the list of celebrated talent who’ve crossed the City Center stage continues.
CALL ME MADAM City Center Encores
In 1923, the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (The Shriners) built what we now know as City Center as a meeting hall called Mecca Temple. Its neo-Moorish architecture makes the theater distinctive today, but it was nearly demolished: Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and City Council President Newbold Morris saved it from the wrecking ball. It reopened in 1943 as Manhattan’s first performing arts center with the civic mission to present the best in the performing arts for all audiences. So what’s in store for us this Winter season at City Center? Time to kick up your heels and get in the spirit of favorite musicals from the Golden Age of Broadway. Musicals were integral to City Center’s success in the early years, Carousel, Oklahoma!, and Show Boat all graced the stage. But the galvanizing moment came with the first season of the Tony-honored Encores! series in 1994. Going strong decades later, Encores! brings us fresh takes on old favorites.
CALL ME MADAM February 6th – 20th You could say the show is a precursor to TV’s Madame Secretary— add music and humor and leave the politics to broad strokes and fabulous dance numbers. Ethel Merman starred originally on Broadway (1950); bold and brassy in this satirical look at American politics and foreign policy, a spoof of America’s penchant for lending billions of dollars to needy countries. Tony nominees Carmen Cusack takes on the role in the Encores! production as the “hostess with the mostess,” and ambassador to the fictional country of Lichtenburg. She plays Sally Adams, a socialite widow who may be good-hearted but is not quite up to speed on political maneuverings and pokes fun at a far more polite and benign political world than the one we live in today. Comedian Randy Rainbow joins the cast, known for his viral musical parody videos, he sends up some of our more theatrical political figures, giving us a modern perspective to look forward to with this version of Call Me Madam.
Carmen Cusack in CALL ME MADAM
88 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
The memorable songs, deemed “fresh, light and beguiling,” by The New York Times when the show originally opened, return. “It’s a Lovely Day Today” and “Something to Dance About,” along with Berlin’s most famous counterpoint duet, “You’re Just in Love,” will bring smiles and recollections if you saw it way back when or enjoyed the original Encores! revival twenty-odd years ago.
I MARRIED AN ANGEL March 20th – 24th Here’s some interesting trivia: “I Married An Angel,” was Jack and Jackie Kennedy’s wedding song; their storybook romance got off to an enchanting start with the Rodgers and Hart tune. The show was Rodgers and Hart’s third major collaboration with choreographer George Balanchine; dating from the 1930s, it was an early step in the transition from the vaudeville-inspired productions of the Jazz Age to musicals as we know them today. A more sophisticated and innately theatrical production than audiences were accustomed to at the time; it remains whimsically charming. Blending drawing room comedy with glorious dance sequences, the plot revolves around an unhappy, and a rather unscrupulous banker who marries an angel who’s come down from heaven to save him from his sins.
I MARRIED AN ANGEL City Center Encores
Originally, Balanchine cast his then-wife, Vera Zorina, as the Angel, showing her off her talent with some extraordinary dance intervals. With history delightfully repeating itself, the Encores! production will be directed and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse for his soon-to-be wife, New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns.
Sara Mearns in I MARRIED AN ANGEL
FOR BROADWAY BUFFS If you’re a Broadway buff looking for extra insights, take advantage of the Museum of The City of New York’s partnership with Encores! Several unique evenings will explore the storied history of each Encores! selection, featuring rarely seen objects from the Museum’s Theater Collection, live performances, and conversations with experts and shows’ creators. • Behind the Curtain—I Married an Angel Discusses how does collaboration fundamentally drive Broadway’s most beloved shows? February 25th at 7 pm. • Behind the Curtain—High Button Shoes Gives us an insider’s view on the triumphs and trials of setting the scene. April 15th at 7 pm. For more information on the Behind the Curtain series, visit mcny.org/encores.
HIGH BUTTON SHOES May 6th – 12th High Button Shoes isn’t performed often so there’s no reason not to reserve your tickets now. Look forward to the Jule Styne-Sammy Cahn score and the Jerome Robbins’ Mack Sennett-style ballet, set to the song “On a Sunday by the Sea. ” These ten minutes of total mayhem has bathing beauties, Keystone Kops, mustachioed crooks, and, for no particular reason, a dancing gorilla chasing one another around the stage is a guaranteed laugh. Such wackiness and more—even the Rutgers football team turns up—makes for a joyful time watching the theatrical adaptation of the semi-autobiographical 1946 novel The Sisters Liked Them Handsome by Hollywood writer Stephen Longstreet. The story concerns the comic entanglements of the Longstreet family with two con men in what was then small town New Jersey, Atlantic City. The Styne and Cahn score produced two big hits from its day, “Papa, Won’t You Dance with Me” and “I Still Get Jealous.” The New York Times (in 1947 when it first opened) called this rollicking caper “immensely likable, swift and insane” so indeed, High Button Shoes is something fun to look forward to as Encores! closes for the season. Taken together, the three shows constitute a love letter to the building City Center calls home, each has a special connection to this stage. HIGH BUTTON SHOES City Center Encores
For more information on the Encores! series, visit nycitycenter.org/About/ourprograms/encores/ • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 89
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE BIG SCREEN By Jenny Peters
ANIMATED WONDERS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD Rated: PG Continuing the much-loved saga of Hiccup and Toothless, his Night Fury dragon, this third installment of How to Train Your Dragon also continues the simply gorgeous animation that the franchise is known for. And naturally, there are lots of different dragons and other slightly scary elements to this action-packed film that posits the idea of a dragon utopia where those fire-breathing critters live in harmony with humans. Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, and Kit Harrington return for the fun, along with writer-director Dean DeBlois. THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART Rated: PG This sequel to 2014’s gigantic hit will have kids and adults alike singing “Everything is awesome” once again, as the citizens of Legoland face an attack from invaders from outer space—who happen to be made of Legos, too. Alison Brie and Chris Pratt return as the voices of Unikitty and Emmet, who help to make sure that the bad guys both from the stars and right on earth get their comeuppance. It helps that Batman (Will Arnett), Superman (Channing Tatum) and Green Lantern (Jonah Hill) are around to help in this flick designed to delight everyone who loves Legos (and Warner Bros.).
FEMALE POWER ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Not yet rated Japanese manga fans, rejoice! The long-awaited collaboration between director Robert Rodriguez and screenwriter-producer James Cameron is finally coming to the big screen, as Alita: Battle Angel storms into theaters this month. After gestating for nearly thirty years (since the Yukito Kishiro manga comics introduced the cyborg character), Alita is a futuristic action flick about a female with unique fighting powers that brings all of Cameron’s technological advancements and Rodriguez’s storytelling skills together into a wild ride. Rosa Salazar stars, along with Oscar winners Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, and Mahershala Ali. EVERYBODY KNOWS Rated: R Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz stars as a desperate woman on a mission to unpeel the secrets of her extended family in this intense mystery drama. Written and directed by Asghar Farhadi, the Iranian filmmaker whose The Salesman won the 2017 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, Everybody Knows follows a twisted tale set in small-town Spain, as a wedding is about to take place. There’s intrigue, kidnapping, desperation and betrayal in this film-festival favorite that is shot in Spanish and presented with English subtitles. Cruz’s real-life husband (and fellow Oscar winner) Javier Bardem co-stars. 90 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
MISS BALA Rated: PG-13 Gina Rodriguez, she the comedic star of the Jane the Virgin TV show fame, gets her name above the title in this tough action thriller set between Mexico and the U.S.A. When she’s thrust into a violent world because of a chance encounter, she discovers that her ability to survive in insane situations is both empowering and frightening. As she transforms into a kick-ass tough chick, she finds empowerment with the guns and the bullet (“bala” in Spanish) that give her a new nickname. Don’t mess with Miss Bala!
FEMALE LAUGHTER FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY Rated: PG-13 Florence Pugh is busting out of being serious on screen with this rowdy comedy all about a family of British wrestlers whose dream is to get into the ring as part of America’s World Wrestling Entertainment spectacle. She’s got the moves and the looks, and so does her brother, so when they encounter Duane “The Rock” Johnson (who plays himself in the movie), they jump on the chance to hit the big time. Lots of laughs and a bit of pathos make this one a family-friendly charmer as Pugh takes all the hits the American lady wrestlers can dish out. ISN’T IT ROMANTIC Rated: PG-13 Rebel Wilson cracks us up with this romantic comedy with a goofy twist, starring as a cynical New York (by way of Australia) career woman who gets bonked on the head, which thrusts her into a whole new life. That life thrusts her into the center of a typical cinematic romantic comedy, a place she loves and hates at the same time. But when Liam Hemsworth turns up as her knight in shining limousine, she’s hoping that it actually isn’t all a dream. WHAT MEN WANT Not yet rated Women in movies this month are all getting cracked in the head one way or another, it seems. In What Men Want, Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson tackles a reimagining of What Women Want, the Mel Gibson hit film from way back in 2000. This time, Henson is a sports agent who smacks her head hard, with the result that she can hear what all the men around her are thinking. Naturally, that creates a lot of wacky situations, especially during a comical high-stakes poker game populated by everyone from Shaquille O’Neal to Mark Cuban. We’re pretty sure we can hear Henson’s thoughts right about now, too—she’s thinking it would be amazing to have as big a worldwide hit as Gibson did with his! • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 91
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE SMALL SCREEN By Jenny Peters
SPIES AMONG US THE ENEMY WITHIN NBC In a fictional story that (these days) might just mirror reality, one of America’s top CIA agents has turned traitor. Caught in her lies, she ends up in a U.S. prison, where she expects to spend the rest of her life. Enter an FBI agent who needs her help tracking down a criminal she has personal knowledge of, opening up an opportunity for redemption. Starring Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter) and Morris Chestnut (Rosewood), The Enemy Within explores just how far our government will bend to catch a criminal. WHISKEY CAVALIER ABC In the world of television, sometimes ideas emerge at the exact same time. That explains how two different networks each have a series debuting about a female CIA agent and a male FBI agent working together. In this ABC show, Scott Foley is with the FBI, Lauren Cohan with the CIA and as a duo the pair goes after anyone who threatens the safety and security of America’s way of life. That means they get to roam the world in this spy drama that’s also got its share of comedy woven in. That’s how you can tell the difference between the two shows!
TIME FOR SOME LAUGHS MIRACLE WORKERS TBS You may not recognize Steve Buscemi in his new TV series, for with his long hair and a paunchy body, he’s taken on a whole new persona. That’s God, actually, in this goofy comedy that also stars Daniel Radcliffe and Geraldine Viswanathan as angels trying to protect the earth from his wrath. For God is bored and ready to move on from watching over the planet. Based on Simon Rich’s book What in God’s Name, this is the first arc of what’s planned to be an anthology series. PEN15 Hulu Suspend your disbelief and laugh along with Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle in the teen-angst comedy set in 2000, the year these two funny women were actually 13 and suffering through middle school. Just because they are both grown up now doesn’t mean they can’t remember and reenact all those ignominious moments that made them into not only the stars of the show, but also the writers and producers. 92 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
RUSSIAN DOLL Netflix In this wild and wacky eight-episode series, Natasha Lyonne stars as a woman whose one night at a party in New York City takes all eight episodes to unfold. The bash is being held in her honor; only problem is, she doesn’t want to be there for even one minute. With Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland (Bachelorette) joining Lyonne as co-creators and writers of this modern comedy, there’s bound to be some funny moments as this tale perfect for a Netflix binge unfolds.
DISTURBING DRAMAS O.G. and IT’S A HARD TRUTH AIN’T IT HBO In a companion event, HBO is releasing two films together, one a fictional movie and the other a documentary. O.G. stars Jeffrey Wright as a convict reaching the end of his 24-year prison sentence, a hardcore gang leader who is taking stock of his life as he prepares to return to the real world. The drama was shot at Indiana’s Pendleton Correctional Facility, where at the same time the companion documentary It’s a Hard Truth Ain’t It was being made by director Madeleine Sackler. Both take a tough look at the state of America’s current prison system in different, yet equally compelling, ways. PROVEN INNOCENT Fox Fighting for justice is a way of life for attorney Madeleine Scott (Rachelle Lefevre), who has devoted her practice to helping wrongly accused and convicted defendants fight for their innocence. She knows firsthand how that feels, having been convicted as a teenager of a murder she did not commit. This emotion-fraught premise interweaves courtroom cases with her personal search for the real killer in her own case. Co-starring Kelsey Grammer, Riley Smith and Vincent Kartheiser and created by Danny Strong of Empire fame, this one may just make you rethink the meaning of the word “justice.” THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY Netflix When a global apocalypse threatens earth, whom are you going to turn to? The Umbrella Academy, that’s who. That’s a group of oddly related superheroes who realize that they are uniquely qualified to save the planet, yet have no idea how or why they have received life—or their powers. Based on the graphic novels of Gerard Way, this dramatic sci-fi series with a mystery at its core stars Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CMX CINÉBISTRO
DINE-IN MOVIE THEATER WITH LUXE By Lillian Langtry
brand new theatrical experience has arrived in New York City’s Upper East Side with the opening of the CMX CinéBistro 62nd Street. Boasting six screens, a full menu and two fullservice bars, the theater is the first New York outpost of CMX Cinemas. With a total of 37 theaters across the U.S., CMX Cinemas’ new location continues its signature VIP movie-going experience to include world-class in-theater dining complete with luxurious reclining love seats— all within a distinctively sophisticated setting. “It is a great pleasure that we opened our first theater in New York City, a location that is poised to become a literal icon and flagship for CMX Cinemas with its city-inspired sophistication,” said Jose Leonardo Marti, CEO of CMX Cinemas. “New York’s newest onestop destination for entertainment, CMX CinéBistro’s intimate environment affords moviegoers the exclusive feeling of being in their very own screening room,” he continued, “complete with the luxurious comforts of top-notch service and superior cuisine and cocktails.” Featuring a vertical layout with 45,500 square feet of theater space, each level contains two auditoriums. Individual theaters range in size from 46 to 64 seats and feature the latest in projection technology, including a Dolby 7.1 sound system, and lush oversized reclining love seats with leather accents and footrests, complete with a swivel table. Each chair also includes a dim LED light and storage compartment for safekeeping of personal items.
LET THEM EAT The menu was created by Isaac Stewart, C M X C i n e m a s’ Vi c e P re s i d e nt of Culinary Development, who oversees menu development and culinar y operations for all CMX locations. Stewart has put an artistic, innovative spin on some of New York City’s most celebrated cuisines and cooking styles and includes Lobster Cannoli, Moroccan Lamb Lollies, BBQ Spiced CAB Cowboy Ribeye, and Strawberry-Mezcal Tres Leches. Patrons at the CMX CinéBistro are invited to obtain their reserved seats—all of which are comfortable recliners—30 minutes ahead of time. During the pre-show, servers come around to take their orders and deliver food; after the previews have started, those who wish to order more food or beverages can do so at one of the venue’s two bars, where they’ll be given a pager to alert them as to when their order is ready to be picked up. The opening of CMX’S first New York City location marks the company’s continuation in its robust expansion with sites in New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia. CMX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cinemax. For more information about CMX CineBistro, visit cmxcinemas.com. • 94 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUSEUM HAPPENINGS
THE DUTCH GOLDEN AGE SHINES AT THE MET By Isa Freeling
walked through the endless galleries of unyielding time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art into the Netherlands 400 years ago. I found myself beckoned by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Steen, Dou, Joordaens, Hals and Haverman among the august masters who occupy the sacred chambers of the museums lower levels. As I roamed, I slipped away from my mundane world in 2019 and became absorbed in 17th century Holland, sans the bustier and bonnet. I was immediately in wonder of In Praise of Painting a beautifully executed exhibition by Adam Eaker, the Assistant Curator of European Paintings for The Met. The intimate feel of this show is so well displayed, I felt the ghosts jump off the canvass and come to life as if our lives both latent and manifest had somehow collided. S e i z i n g on 1 7 t h c e ntu r y Netherlands Golden Age, In Praise of Painting is acutely alive and about as thorough a picture of the Netherlands as I have ever seen, notwithstanding what hangs from the walls of Dutch museums. It reflects the Netherlands moment of victory and prosperity, its invented land, its changing religious point of view, its modernism, opulence, expansive personality and aspirations of becoming a recognized cultural force.
Apollo and Aurora by Gerard de Lairesse
A NEW DUTCH COLONY In 1614 Hendrick Christiaensen set up the first Dutch fur trading post in presentday Albany, where the beaver trade flourished. Native Americans emerged from the forest in Albany, then known as Fort Orange, (subsequently Beverwyck) to trade for pelts. In Kingston, New York (then called Wiltwyck) they were growing abundant amounts of wheat and in New Amsterdam Petrus Stuyvesant was creating a thriving infrastructure for the new Dutch colony. Individuals were traveling back and forth between the Netherlands and New Netherland doing business in spite of rough seas and month-long voyages. It was the Dutch West India Company known as the VOC which created the first corporation giving people from everywhere the chance to invest in commerce, thus helping blow a strong wind on the sails of the golden age.
During the 1600s, the Dutch were well known in Europe for being far ahead of other countries as remarkable cartographers, mariners, scientists, artists, and business people. In 1609 The Dutch East India Company, an amalgamation of Dutch concerns, hired British explorer Henry Hudson to find a northern route to the Orient and came upon New York, quite by accident, quickly claiming it for the Dutch kingdom.
A Woman Playing the Theorbo-Lute and a Cavalier by Gerard ter Borch
While the economy was booming, the church was also going through a tumultuous change from Catholicism to a majority of the citizenry becoming Protestant, and so the very foundation of Holland’s core values was transforming into something both religiously and socially revolutionary. Modern Holland began to progress from the dust of hardship and war. FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 95
LEADING THE WAY
Peter Stuyvestant
Chronicling this moment is an array of superb painters who make their historical mark on the world. Leading the way is Rembrandt, the most significant and pivotal painter of the age, he commands the starting point for In Praise of Painting. In the first of nine thematically depicted exhibits are 67 Dutch works from The Met’s own collection, some of which have been stowed away in storage for an age. Rembrandt’s Aristotle with a Bust of Homer, ca 1653 is the entry point for this examination; a beautifully rich work which is viscerally received through the pores; its magnificent deep tones, light, and shadows which speak to Rembrandt’s singular ability to sculpt an image from paint on the canvas. The great painter’s brush ignites a tactile awareness of humanity illustrated in his masterpiece. As the Netherlands became more affluent and the nouveau riche more cognizant of worldly things, they wanted to acquire flawless and refined paintings extolling their prosperity; more like the French, (consequently Rembrandt’s work became less popular later on), thus giving way to painters like Johannes Vermeer, Gerrit Dou, Peter Wtewael, Meyndert Hobbema and Abraham van Beyeren.
CELEBRATED PAINTINGS For me, the most poignant work from the entire cadre of precious treasures was Rembrandt’s celebrated painting of a 25-year-old Gerard de Lairesse whose appearance was ravaged by congenital syphilis. Ironically this painting stood out to me for its subject was an artist and art critic who panned Rembrandt, disparaging his work by comparing it to “liquid mud on the canvas.” Rembrandt paints de Lairesse’s ravaged façade while maintaining his inner spirit, capturing his extraordinary poise and elegance. He arrests the dilemma of a refined person trapped in a souring and putrefying body. De Lairesse’s work Apollo and Aurora, ca 1671 is also on exhibit, which I found grandiose and fantastical, juxtaposed to Rembrandt’s intimate exquisite rendering of the subject sitting before him. It should not be taken for granted, that the disfigured de Lairesse esteemed idyllic beauty in the art which he did not possess as a person. I gazed into jubilant eyes of women who were loud, independent and spirited in pinched corsets with bulbous bosoms that looked like flotation devices. Seen as independent and bawdy joke tellers by distant visitors, like the French, who found Dutch women shockingly liberated and forthcoming. A good example, Jan Steen known for his amusing scenes of household chaos presents Dissolute Household, ca. 1663 in the comic section of this survey capturing everyday Dutch life. In a domestic setting with things strewn all about the dining room, the family cat is after the ham laying on the stone floor, while the family happily ignorant of all the mayhem around them (from enjoying too much wine) is either falling asleep or about to fall into slumber. The extensive collection of Johannes Vermeer’s works should not be missed with some of his most famous works including Young Woman with a Water Pitcher, ca. 1662 and A Maid Asleep, ca 1656-1657 as well as a single rare painting by a woman, Margarita Haverman’s Vase of Flowers, ca 1716 an unreservedly breathtaking work in brilliant deep hues of grey-blue, green, burnished orange, soft whites, and red. This is an extensive show and if you want to be taken into a retro-reverie then be prepared to spend time studying these works, and they will reveal all sort of secrets to you. The industrious Dutch forward-thinking story speaks to the culture of New York, so it is only fitting that we should have such a show at the Met. Our not so distant cousins progressive and assertive style is still felt today. If it strikes your fancy you can find more on Dutch New York in a multitude of settings throughout the state, including: The Albany and New York State Museums, as well as the Senate House in Kingston and our very own New York City and Brooklyn historical societies and the Museum of the city of New York. A Vase of Flowers by Margareta Haveerman
For more information on In Praise of Painting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, visit metmuseum.org. •
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AN INTERVIEW WITH DOLF HOGEWONING The Dutch Consul General in New York weighs in on thoughts of The Met’s In Praise of Paintings.
Dolf Hogewoning
Have there been points about Dutch history in New York you learned for the first time? Indeed! After reading Russell Shorto’s book Island at the Center of the World, I realized that New Amsterdam with its diversity, pragmatic tolerance and entrepreneurship laid the foundations of what was to become modern New York. The wealth of information and historic sites left behind by my Dutch ancestors is abundant and very exciting. But even more stirring is this notion of shared rights and values which was incorporated in the city rights of New Amsterdam, which were respected by the British when they took over in 1664. It’s wonderful to investigate this, and there is so much here. I am always finding out some new marvelous thing. After seeing In Praise of Painting, how did it feel to look at Dutch faces from 400 years ago? Excellent, although Rembrandt is relentless in the way he depicts people—so realistic! He is my favorite painter of the period. You feel like you can peel away the canvas and the person is sitting there before you. A Musician and His Daughter by Thomas de Keyser
Is there a favorite painting of Rembrandt’s you feel a special affinity for? I liked the one of Aristotle laying his hand on the head of Homer. The golden chain Aristotle wears is so incredibly tangible; you can feel the weight of it. How does it make you feel to see the sites in Albany, Kingston and New York City that were established by your ancestors? It gives me an extraordinary sense of bonding. Of course, their names were Beverwijck, Wildwijck, and Nieuw-Amsterdam in the 1600s and you can still see their footprint here. Thanks to the work of the New Netherland Institute and the historian Charles Gehring in Albany, thousands of documents dating from those first years in the early 1600s have been saved and translated into English so that you can read about the everyday life of the first settlers (newnetherlandinstitute.org). How far back can you trace your family history in Holland? I believe somewhere around 1575. People living in a high house or tavern in a village in the province of South-Holland started calling themselves Hogewoning (meaning: high house). Do you think New York City would have been different if it had remained as New Amsterdam? It would probably have had more canals! I do however think there is a lot of continuity from New Amsterdam to New York. The changing of the name didn’t change the essence of the city. A lot of people spoke Dutch for quite some time after the British took over. The progressive feel, humor, and tolerance have sustained itself through time. —IF
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 97
NEW YORK, NY
PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP
FLIRTY FASHIONS FOR YOUR PET…AND MORE! By Lori Zelenko with Kathryn Harrison
hether you’re single or in a relationship, chances are your #1 Valentine is your pet. Their sweet faces are filled with so much love, you know no one else can even compete as the perfect Valentine. Shhh! Don’t tell your significant other. We know you want to be the perfect pet parent, so we’re here to help you find the cutest take on practical things for Fido or Fifi. In these winter months, there’s an added bonus when you find something to keep your fur baby warm—and fashionably chic too! Celebrate the love you share and over a biscuit for them and a glass of bubbly for you, say Happy Valentine’s Day to your #1 Valentine! PUPPY LOVE PRETTY IN PINK Knit your fur baby something warm and cozy this winter. How about a Come Valentine’s Day, there’s not a pup on Sutton Place that’s bandanna in a vibrant shade of red? Pick your pattern, pick your shade, not going to want to look pretty in pink. Annabelle models a get knitting for your furry BFF. Info: woodandthegang.com. gorgeous cable knit from Reme’s Oggi Pets. Bet she’s going to break some hearts this holiday. Her first love is our Pekingese, Bikini. Info: remesoggipets.com.
PAW PRINTS ON YOUR HEART
EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES
Love these pretty gold hearts on this soft pink collar and matching From Petco’s Oh Joy! Collection, pretty floral rope dog toy friendship bracelet. Pretty, charming and what better way to say to Fido (there’s a matching collar too!) for your bundle of joy. Lots of or Fifi, “you’re my one and only.” For dogs or cats. Info: chewy.com. different textures, great for games, sweet sign of Spring. Info: petco.com.
98 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
ROSES ARE RED
LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART
No blue violets here, just blossoming red roses on a comfy collar Sweethearts now and forever, pretty patterned collar lets you say, “Be for your fur baby. From Petco’s Oh Joy! Collection perfect for your Mine Valentine!” Fun and fashionable from Up Country, home of little bundle of joy. Velvety and plush, soft, and easy. Info: Petco.com. many of our favorite looks for dogs or cats. Info: upcountryinc.com.
SNUGGLE A LITTLE CLOSER, BABY
SO HAPPY TOGETHER
Scarf and coat for your pampered (little) pooch and for you, too. Mommy or Daddy and me looks from Ruffina NYC shown here in rosy pink. FYI these washable Polartec fleece ensembles have harness access and are custom styled for a girl or a boy dog. Info: ruffina.nyc.
Love to hike with your dog? Or even just want to be prepared if you are strolling down city streets with everything you ever think you’d need for Fido? Well our friend Megan O’Brien knows a pet parent has to be prepared so she invented DogiPack. Pretty in pink or perfect in red, a must for the modern dog mom (or dad). Info: dogipack.com.
MY LOVE, MY LIGHT Let your pet lead the way with this glowing collar. We picked pink for Valentine’s Day but there’s a rainbow of colors available to light up the night with the one you love best. Protects your dog or cat by making them easy for all to see in the dark and with each purchase money goes to help pets in need. Info: halodog.com.
HEARTS AND FLOWERS Cherry red hearts and pretty white daisies pop on the black background of this Up Country ribbon harness (collar options too). Matching lead for the city chic or country casual look. Step in style makes this harness easy on pet parents. All made by hand and machine washable so maintenance is a breeze long after Valentine’s Day is over. Info: upcountryinc.com. •
FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 99
NEW YORK, NY
ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER JENNIFER FISHERMAN-RUFF By Bailey Beckett
t’s noon on a blustery New York Monday and things are bustling at the Upper East Side hotspot Le Bilboquet. The French brasserie is a virtual who’s who of Manhattan’s elite, where status translates to seating. And front and center is Jennifer Fisherman-Ruff, the city’s most prominent beauty, health and wellness publicist. A longtime staple at the restaurant, Ruff (or Jenny, as her friends and colleagues know her) sits comfortably at her prime table, casually observing the revolving door of patrons with a warm smile and genuine waves. She seems to know everyone there, and they know her. “She looks like a walking ad for the most coveted designers,” says Gwen Flamberg, beauty director for US Weekly. “She’s dripping in jewelry, her hair is always perfect, but she is truly the most authentic person I know. And she’s super connected—she always knows who the next beauty star will be.” Probably because she had a hand in making them.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF With nearly 25 years of experience under her Saint Laurent belt, her firm, Ruff Communications, represents many of the most prestigious cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, nutritionists and skin and beauty brands. Her contacts run long and deep, as does her reputation. And her mantra: kill them with kindness. “You should be nice to everyone,” she says, “and most of the time people are nice back. And if they’re not, you keep going. I’m lucky I happen to like all the people I work with and consider them personal friends.”
Jenny Ruff and her family
Ruff earned her Hermès the good old-fashioned way— hard work and persistence. After graduating from Syracuse University, she got her start in fashion, once being paid in free clothes by a fashion designer. She then segued into health and wellness after working with Equinox, where she filled in for a PR executive who went on vacation. The boss was so impressed upon her return she hired her to promote several of the brand’s special features, like its spa, as well as handle celebrity relations. They also let her start her business out of the company as long as she didn’t work with its competitors (Ruff is often credited with helping grow Equinox from one Upper West Side location into a global brand).
GLITZ & GLAMOUR
The arrangement helped launch her eponymous firm, and it was about to get bigger. A previous collaboration with Evelyn Lauder’s Breast Cancer Research Foundation put her on the radar with one of its top executives, who was also dazzled with her smarts and know-how. Having just purchased MAC Cosmetics, the Estee Lauder Company was looking for someone to better integrate its products into the world of celebrity glamour. They had the perfect person in mind. “What they had me do [which you can’t do anymore] was befriend all the sittings editors at the top magazines who were in charge of the photo shoots,” says Ruff. “They would tell me which celebrities were being shot, and I’d create a huge bag of product and send it to the set as a gift from MAC. After that, we were able to say which celebrities liked and used their products. That was the beginning of the celebrity endorsement trend.” Ruff then turned her attention to people working within the fashion community, offering full makeovers with top stylists, providing they only used MAC products. Within a few months she’d gotten the brand backstage at many of the biggest shows during Fashion Week, including Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Those two accounts soon put her on the map, and she soon became the go-to publicist for all the top beauty and lifestyle clients. Her youthful spirit and stylish wardrobe (Rag & Bone jeans, Belstaff jacket, Givenchy handbag, Prada shoes, and wonder woman-sized Hermès bracelet for each wrist) belie her years of hard-won experience. She’s seen and done it all and knows the fundamental principles of public relations still hold true. “I still believe in getting on the phone. I don’t take no for an answer,” she says. “If you can’t reach someone by email, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with picking up the phone. That’s what I’ve taught my assistants over the years.” She also says you have to immerse yourself in what you are selling, and like it. “You really have to live the life of the clients you are working with to truly understand it,” Ruff says, who is also a regular presence at Fred’s, the 9th floor restaurant at Barneys on Madison Avenue. “I would never take a client who has nothing to do with my lifestyle. You need to love it and be passionate about it.” 100 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
A GREAT STORYTELLER “Jenny is the publicist who gets her clients pieces in the New York Times—massive important profiles,” says Flamberg. “It’s not just about pushing product, she’s a great storyteller.” She is just as well known for being a great lunch date. “She is so much fun,” beams 360bespoke founder, Jeremy Murphy, who worked with Ruff when he was a top editor at CBS. “A lunch at Le Bilboquet can go for a couple of hours, and then you leave with so much to write about. She’s talked about her clients, but in a very smart way. She hears what you are looking for and fills in the blanks.” Echoes Kristin Perrotta, an expert in beauty editorial and former top editor at Allure. “I’ve been working with Jenny for close to 25 years and have always valued her perspective on how her clients are really bringing something new and different to the table,” says Perrotta. “She has a history of working with quality people.”
Jenny Ruff and US Weekly’s Gwen Flamberg
Her repertoire today includes Luminess Cosmetics and SETZ, skincare brand OMI Skin Nutrition, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, cannabis holistic practitioner Brooke Alpert and new Body Kitchen collagen powders, among several others. In SETTING A STANDARD addition to her expertise in beauty and wellness, Ruff has also developed a rare expertise in working with doctors in Ruff is known for giving sage, straightforward advice, sometimes to her own detriment. “I’ve been called way to honest,” Ruff says, noting that if a client’s promoting more aggressive treatments. products don’t meet a certain standard, or her ability to promote them, she “That’s what sets us apart,” says Ruff, who is eager to credit will pass. For example, a cosmetic surgeon must have patients willing to pose her colleague Carrieanne Reichardt in managing her online, in print and on video. “If you don’t have people willing to be used in company. “We understand the medical side of beauty— media for the before and after, you are going to lose a lot of stories,” she says, working with the surgeons and dermatologists” who are noting she once arranged Allure magazine to shoot a young woman who had equally effusive with praise. “Jenny is one of the absolute rhinoplasty surgery throughout the three-month process, from consultation best in the business for media exposure,” says Engelman, to day of surgery, on through recovery. Ruff arranged the whole package, one of the top dermatologists in the US. “Having worked which resulted in a multi-page feature for her client. in the beauty PR realm for over 20 years, she knows the Among other no-no’s? Beauty brands with not-so-beautiful packaging. “The industry inside and out.” products have to be photographed, and if a magazine art director doesn’t think it can be shot well, they’re not going to shoot at all,” she says. And for skin care lines, the ingredients should be evaluated and endorsed by third-parties like the Environmental Working Group, which is a non-profit that rates products based on ingredients. “They don’t have to be natural or organic, but you do want them free of paraben (preservatives used to prolong shelf-life) and sulfates,” Ruff advises. Easy to follow rules, but not everyone plays ball. “In that case, I’m happy to refer them to someone else,” Ruff says. “I would rather let a client go than take their money and know that it’s not going to work out.” But it usually does.
THE NEXT GENERATION Nipping at her heels, ironically, is her own son David, who is an influencer himself, with 110,000 followers on Instagram (@davidevanruff). He posts about his favorite designers, products, looks and gives a bird’s-eye-view to the fabulous life he’s created at just 16. “He’s even better friends with a lot of the younger editors than I am!” says the proud mother, who has raised him and his twin brother Harrison on the Upper East Side with her husband Michael. “I get my work ethic from my mother,” says David, who balances school and studying with a burgeoning life on the front row. “Ever since starting my blog, I have learned her tricks and tips on networking with potential clients. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see how she’s become the hardworking and successful woman she is today, but she’s always taught me you should be nice about everything. Her priority in life is to be a kind person and to set that example for my brother and me.” He’s learned a bit more, too. “She still can’t get over the time I called Fred’s and asked to speak to the manager and told them that I was her son in order to get a last-minute brunch table while she was in Turks and Caicos.” Like mother, like son. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 101
NEW YORK, NY
MY NEW YORK STORY MISHA DICHTER By Bailey Beckett
isha Dichter is that rare musician who’d rather play in his head than perform on stage. “It almost feels like an intrusion,” says the celebrated pianist, who has called New York home for over 50 years. “I’m constantly asking questions. ‘Why did the composer do this?’ ‘How do I make his intentions sound clearer?’ ‘How can I make it easier?’ As soon as the concert is over, I have to find a more interesting way of performing.” That’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy it. “I love the idea of letting people hear everything I’ve found to be wonderful pieces,” he says, “but it’s such a pleasure for me to be spending time with these great composers every day.” It’s certainly paid off. The musician, who made a much-lauded return to the stage at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall last year after recovering from a debilitating disease of the hands, has enjoyed a storied career since he won the Silver Medal at the 1966 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. At the time he was still a student at the Juilliard School. Since then Dichter has performed and recorded with many of the world’s most esteemed conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, Valery Gergiev, Bernard Haitink, Mariss Jansons, Kiril Kondrashin, Erich Leinsdorf, Neville Marriner, Riccardo Muti, Eugene Ormandy, Gerard Schwarz, Michael Tilson Thomas, and David Zinman, among many others. 102 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
AN INCREDIBLE TALENT With his wife, Cipa, who is also a noted pianist, Dichter has toured the world, presenting both masterworks and neglected scores of the two-piano and piano-four-hand repertoires. A three-CD set of Mozart’s complete piano works they recorded together in 2005 was called “an unmitigated delight” by the American Record Guide, as well as being named Music Web International’s Record of the Year. His incredible talent has distinguished him on the world stage, but Dichter credits both intense curiosity and rigid discipline for his success. Just consider an average day. A resident of the San Remo since 1975 (“We moved in the same week President Ford told the city to drop dead,” he laughs), the musician is awakened at 6 am by his much-loved springer spaniel, Baxter, whom he walks in Central Park before his daily five-hour practice. “I’m such a creature of habit,” he says. As is Baxter, who recognizes the last notes of Schubert’s trio as a sign it’s time for a longer go around the lake. Afterward, Dichter reads, writes (he has contributed to the New York Times), jogs and even sketches—a talent he discovered by accident. “I don’t claim to have talent in music, I have to work very hard at the piano, but I do think I have an instinctive ability to draw,” he says. “I’ve never been schooled in it, and I don’t want to be, I don’t want to become aware of the details as I am a classically trained musician. Put a pen in my hand, and I start to draw.” He released an e-book in 2012 of his original drawings called A Pianist’s World in Drawings which was published by Rosetta Books and still available on Amazon.com. Family is one of his proudest accomplishments. Dichter and Cipa have two sons and five grandchildren and enjoy spending time in the city as well as their country home in Upstate New York which he says is his favorite place in the world, with panoramic views and even a tennis court.
TRULY GRATEFUL It sounds like a charmed life, for sure. But it almost changed forever in 2007 when he learned he had developed Dupuytren’s Disease, a hereditary deformity of the hands. “My father had two botched hand surgeries—he was mangled to the end of the life,” he says. Surgery on Dichter’s right hand forced him from the stage for a considerable period. It happened again in his left hand in 2016, still posing a serious threat to his career. The experience had a profound effect on his life, one he feels to this day. “You don’t take things for granted anymore,” he says. “It made me a very grateful person.” Nearly losing the use of both hands also changed the way he thinks about and performs music. My hands were different after surgery. It made me think maybe this is a way to find a more exciting way of looking at the piece.” He counts Dr. Scott Wolfe of the Hospital for Special Surgery for his recovery. So much so, “there’s nothing I love more than seeing him near the front of the audience cheering and smiling as I finish a piece. It would not have been possible without him. He and his wife have become two of my best friends.”
SAVORS THE CITY The gratitude he feels extends to his hometown New York, which he calls “better than ever.” He and his wife enjoy savoring the city which includes dining out at their favorite haunts Pizzeria Sirenetta and the Mermaid Inn. “The idea of going to a restaurant and having a two-hour meal is something I look forward to,” he says. Dichter’s impeccable taste extends to cigars, a true passion for the musician. “I can be a terrible cigar snob, especially with people who say they’ll only smoke Havanas,” he laughs. For the record, he prefers the Honduran Sancho Panza Glorioso, which he even gave out during a trip to Cuba (he is fond of the Cuban Monte Cristo #1 as well).
Cipa & Misha Dichter ©Christian Steeiner
Though he has no plans to slow down, Dichter is not shy opining about the next generation of musicians. Through his teaching of master classes (he has done so with the Aspen, Curtis, Eastman, Harvard, Juilliard, Yale and Holland’s Conservatorium van Amsterdam) he’s noticed students are increasingly just focusing on having a successful career, and less on the actual music. “It’s your love of art, not pursuit of a career, that is going to make you happy,” he says. “Now that I’m in my 70s I have the luxury of saying so.” For more information on Misha and Cipa Dichter, visit mishadichter.com. • FEBRUARY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 103
NEW YORK, NY
TIME OUT WITH… CHEF SALVATORE MARCELLO By Peter Elston
ince his arrival in New York, Executive Chef Salvatore Marcello has brought his culinary expertise to celebrity favorite MAMO Restaurant. Originally from Naples, Italy, Salvatore was born into a family of cooks and bakers, igniting his passion for food from an early age. At age 13 he left home to attend the Scuola Alberghiera in Formia, Lazio which helped foster an illustrious career in some of Europe’s foremost kitchens. “It was more of a calling than a realization. I grew up in Naples, Italy to a family of cooks and bakers, so you could say it was in my blood,” he said laughing.
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS Then his journey began: First at the Quisisana in Capri, as a summer job, and then to St. Moritz in Switzerland for another summer. After graduating from the Scuola Alberghiera, Salvatore returned to the Quisisana for the summer, and went further north in Italy, to work with Chef Massimo Spigaroli. This experience inspired Salvatore to step away from his comfort zone, and he began working for Rocco Forte hotels, first as a Chef de Partie in Frankfurt, then in Berlin. Less than 18 months Chef Salvatore Marcello later, he was promoted to Sous Chef at The Richemond Hotel in Geneva, where he would make his home for several years. His HERE COMES THE BIG APPLE dedication has paid off well. “To be a successful chef you need to But bigger things were on the horizon for this talented chef. In August be passionate, hard-working, committed, and prepared to miss 2015, Salvatore visited New York on holiday and discovered an affinity out on a lot of holidays.” for the city and its food culture. He realized then that the time had come to follow in his younger self ’s footsteps, and step out of his But it was during his time at The Richemond, Salvatore met comfort zone, yet again. He soon realized that New York City was the Michelin-starred Chef Fulvio Pierangelini of the world- place to be—and moved here in October 2016. renowned Gambero Rosso. Pierangelini was seeking a righthand man and was confident that Salvatore was the right man When Salvatore brought his culinary genius to NYC, people took for the job. He took Salvatore under his wing, and the two notice, and he began cooking private dinners and learning from traveled throughout Europe working through hotel openings, New York’s best-known restauranteurs while looking for his perfect food and beverage transitions, and menu redesigns. After almost fit. It was upon meeting Mike Mammoliti and the MAMO team that three years with Pierangelini, Salvatore soon realized he missed he realized he had found his New York home, and a place to grow having “his” kitchen, and so he returned to Geneva to open il further and shine. It was at this point Salvatore felt he was home. “It Vero at the Grand Hotel Kempinski, as its Executive Chef. was exciting when I signed my contract at MAMO; it took some time to find the perfect restaurant and I’m lucky I did,” said Salvatore. Rigatoni alla Carbonara ©MAMO
Night after night, diners enjoy the best any season has to offer with an incredible menu created by Salvatore. Here he offers dishes prepared with the best ingredients that are traditional to southern Italian cuisine in an intimate yet elegant setting. The bi-level restaurant includes a casual dining room on the ground floor and a more formal dining space upstairs. Of course, with non-stop planning, cooking, and creating behind the scenes, we wondered if one of New York’s top chefs ever gets to enjoy some downtime. “We all know there is no such thing as a typical day, so I make sure to keep some things consistent. Every day starts with an espresso at home—no matter what!—and ends with a hot shower. The time between, of course, is unpredictable, which makes it even more important that I bring my positivity and passion to whatever the day throws at me” he told us. When he does break away from the kitchen, Salvatore loves to discover New York City. He told us Union Square is tops on his list (because of the market, of course), The Highline, because “I had a life-changing walk along it.” And Central Park where he sometimes frequents to clear his head. For more information on Chef Salvatore Marcello and MAMO Restaurant, visit mamonyc.com. •
104 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2019
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