New York Lifestyles Magazine - January 2016

Vol. 2 #1 | January 2016

New Year...

New You! DEBORAH NORVILLE

“The Power of Possiblity”

Dr. Miki’s

2016 Resolutions Makeover

David Dinkins New York City Now and Then

Sunny St. Barts Come Live Your Dream...

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Table of Contents Feature 6 11 49 75

Editor’s Letter Deborah Norville: The Power Of Possibility David Dinkins! New York Now And Then Lorraine Toussaint: Prison Tough To Everyday Lovely

15 19 23 27 31 34 36 38 40

De-stress From Holiday Madness Cruising Italy & The Dalmation Coast Kauai: Not Your Garden - Variety Island Baden Baden, Hub of Culture in Germany A Perfect Way To Embrace Winter Mexican Haciendas, Dude Ranches South Lovin’ Lafayette & Cajun Country!

It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again: Groundhog Day New York Ski Resorts Still The Best Option

Travel

FOLLOW THE

Sun.

Real Estate

45 St. Barts Properties’ Live Your Dream 54 Luxury Unit At Mandarin Oriental Up For Grabs 56 AKA Sutton Place Jet Setting & Investing

Spas & Health

58 Dr. Doris Day: Winter Skin Savers 61 Dr. Miki Makrillos: Resolution Time Is Here

Dining

66 BBQ, The Growing Southern Taste Taking Over New York 70 Dining In Portugal... Across The Hudson 72 Umberto’s: Clams And Great Italian Food

Theater & Arts

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80 Jim Kierstead: Profit Or Not For Profit - That Is The Question 84 Bergen Performing Arts Center

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86 Eventi Hotel Elevates Guest Experience

Business & Finance 90 Financial New Year’s Resolutions For 2016 93 New Rolls Royce Is On The Market 94 Save Time & Money By Taxi Sharing

V a c a t i o n s

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2016 A New Year First things first-the staff at New York Lifestyles Magazine would like to wish all of our readers a happy and healthy New Year. You also have our appreciation for making this magazine a part of your lives and the Big Apple lifestyle.

Our cover this month goes to famed television newswoman Deborah Norville. Deborah has anchored TV’s Inside Edition since 1995, making her the longest running female anchor on television. Deborah’s editorial looks at promises for the New Year and the power of thinking possible.

PURSUE

perfection.

In this issue we are happy to bring you a feature article on former Mayor David Dinkins.

Mayor Dinkins, now, at 88, is passing along his knowledge and wisdom to students at Columbia University.

Mayor Dinkins was instrumental in making New York the center of the tennis world with the creation of the Arthur Ashe tennis stadium that hosts the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows.

We also take you inside one of the most famous Italian eateries in the United States, Umberto’s in Little Italy. Umberto’s has been a staple in that neighborhood for close to half a century and is still owned and operated by the Ianniello family with Robert, the third member, currently owner and host.

We have a new editor that started this month. Dr. Miki Makrillos will be writing about health issues relating to the times.

Sports fanatics, especially skiers, are always looking for ways to participate in their games of choice. This year has been somewhat difficult for skiers and snowboarders with the historically warm weather. Some of the New York ski resorts have been able to make snow to substitute for the lack of cooperation from Mother Nature. Check out our article on several Empire State ski areas, most within an easy drive for a day on the slopes.

For those who don’t mind traveling a bit further, we present one of the more familyfriendly resorts, Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont. That’s not exactly a day trip, but the accommodations there are above par and the slopes have something for everyone of every ability.

If your thoughts turn to warmer climates, we have articles on St. Barts island in the Caribbean, Scottsdale, Arizona, Kauai in Hawaii and the upscale Windstar cruises. There’s more in our magnificent travel section, but you’ll have to leaf through it yourself.

Dr. Doris Day, our resident dermatologist, admits that winter isn’t her favorite season, but she’s learned to live with it. She passes along some vital information on how to make the best of a cold weather (should we ever get any) situation.

Going to the airport-any airport-is a chore no one ever truly enjoys. Check out the article on the new ride service in conjunction with Jet Blue that will make life a bit easier and far less expensive. This one shows the importance of critical thinking in the business world.

We have articles on real estate and some pretty expensive properties. But it’s nice to dream. There’s even a article by Gerry Barker on a Rolls Royce.

Championship golf. Barns and riding trails. They epitomize the idyllic country life. Here among the rolling 1,200 acres at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in central Florida, you’ll discover the Golden Life in stately, elegant surroundings.

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Welcome to 2016. May it be a wonderful year for you and yours.

-Bob Nesoff

Executive Editor

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Webmasters Scott Cuollo, Richard Austin Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Ellen Marra - Director of Sales - Real Estate John Miller - Director of Sales - Travel Michael Stulmaker - Senior Sales Manager New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651

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RoyalShellRealEstate.com 239.689.7653 Florida: Bonita Springs/Estero, Cape Coral, Captiva Island, Fort Myers, Naples/Marco Island, Ocala and Sanibel Island North Carolina: Cashiers, Franklin, Highlands, Lake Glenville, Lake Toxaway, and Sapphire Valley

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Resident

The Power of Possibility ©

By Deborah Norville

his will be the year that…” How many times does a New Year begin with a variation of that promise? We’ve all got goals, dreams of accomplishments as yet unfulfilled. Too often the months roll by and before you know it, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Halloween have all passed and you are staring at December realizing that – once again – you didn’t do it. Whatever ‘it’ was that we had promised ourselves. ‘What if…?’ we ask ourselves?

‘What if?’ is often the most melancholy of questions.

It’s usually asked as one is glancing in the rear view mirror of life, a lament of actions not taken. But asked with an eye toward the future, it’s one of the most exciting queries you’ll ever confront. What if? Why not? Let’s go!

Why not make 2016 the year some of those New Year’s Resolutions actually become New Year’s Realities? It can happen, if you THINK POSSIBLE. That’s the name of the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book I recently coauthored which looks at the power of possibility. Working on the book and studying the 101 stories of people who used a positive attitude to improve their life has helped me zero in on what I think are SIX TIPS TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 11

1

DECIDE …And write it down. A vague sense of “I think I’d like to …” is not going to cut it. If you’ve got a goal, articulate it, study it, and then decide you are going to accomplish it. Research shows just the act of specifically deciding can enhance one’s chances of reaching one’s goal.

2

SET DEADLINES Deadlines keep you honest. Let’s face it. We all clean our homes more thoroughly when we are expecting guests. Figure out benchmarks toward your goal and mark specific dates on that fresh new calendar you just got to make sure you’re making the progress you should.

3

EXTEND YOURSELF FOR OTHERS It seems counterintuitive, but if you want to achieve for yourself, do something nice for someone else. Psychologists have found the positive emotions generated by making others feel special enhance one’s own cognitive abilities. In other words, it makes you smarter.

Send a thoughtful letter, volunteer at the local soup kitchen, visit an elderly shut-in. It will make YOU feel good – when you feel good, you perform better.

4

STUDY ACHIEVERS We all need role models. Pick people who’ve achieved in the area you aspire to and study how they got there. Your own path will be unique, but being reminded that it was possible for others will encourage you to truly believe it can be probable for you.

12 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

5

CHART YOUR PROGRESS We’ve all heard Lao Tzu’s expression: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In the same spirit with which you’ve set deadlines to reach your goal, allow yourself to celebrate the progress you’ve made. Note those accomplishments by writing them down. If you learned a skill, write it down. If you made an important contact, write it down. If a source of investment capital came through, put that on the list. The list can be a big boost during moments when the breaks aren’t going your way.

6

LET GRATITUDE FUEL YOU Like cars, we all need a little gas in our tank to get anywhere. The practice of gratitude can be an effective way of revving up your own engine. In an earlier book of mine, Thank You Power, I shared the science of why something as simple as jotting down each day three things for which you are grateful can be so powerful. Research has found people who engage in this practice are healthier, more energetic, and achieve more of their goals than those who don’t. Other research shows grateful people are more resilient. So not only will keeping a gratitude journal help propel you toward your goal, it will help you stay on track when you confront obstacles.

Deborah Norville and Karl Wellner ( her husband of 28 years)

None of this is rocket science, but for some people, following through on these tips can be harder than piloting a spaceship to the moon. These steps are designed to help make you more deliberate about pursing your goal – to keep you focused, to keep you honest about what you are trying to achieve. The written record you’re creating will serve as a tangible reminder of both what you’re aiming for and the progress you’ve made toward achieving it.

I’ve seen it happen in my own life. Most people know me from my many years in television and I have been blessed to have such a lengthy career. My TV career along with every other accomplishment I’ve had all started with an idea, usually a question I asked myself, “I wonder if‌?â€? That usually led to an idea being jotted on a list and that list eventually spurring me into action. Knitting and crochet has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl – making things gives me the confidence to be bold as a journalist. I always dreamed of finding a way to share that passion which led to my line of craft yarns. What started as a hope is now the Deborah Norville Collection, available in major craft stores in the US and Canada and online. Same story with my books. Each began as a little idea on a list. It can happen for you too.

Let 2016 be your year of possibilities. Dare to dream - and then act on that dream. After all, BNB[JOH UIJOHT IBQQFO XIFO ZPV AUIJOL QPTTJCMF t

Deborah Norville is the EmmyÂŽ Award winning anchor of Inside Edition and best-selling author of a number of books including Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You. As a businesswoman, she is the person behind the Deborah Norville Collection of yarns and knit and crochet tools as well as the face of the skin care line DermExclusive.

Married and the mother of three, Deborah can be reached via her website: www.DeborahNorville.com (If you want a link to Think Possible book use: tinyurl.com/CSSTPSS)

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 13

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De-stress from Holiday Madness in the Phoenix-Scottsdale Area

By Jodie Jacobs Photos courtesy of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau fter all the hustle and hassle of holiday shopping and keeping everyone else happy during December, you deserve a stressless vacation.

Stress in Arizona, if you can call it that, is about trying to fit in all the area’s terrific sights, from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and a fabulous botanic garden, to a museum of exceptional American Indian art and artifacts and really fine art galleries.

But topping the list is choosing a place to unpack the bags and wind down that will turn the trip into a real vacation instead of a mere escape.

There are enough good options to confuse even veteran travelers, but here are two great resorts that may be off your radar, one in Scottsdale, the other just outside Phoenix. They are the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale’s Paradise Valley and Wild Horse Pass Resort on Indian land south of the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15

Montelucia Kick back in spacious rooms, have a glass of wine on your patio while looking out at Camelback Mountain, sign up for a wonderful treatment at Joya, the hotel’s spa, and know that the resort is an easy drive over to Wright’s Taliesin West.

Two elegant, historic properties nearby are also worth a stop: the Wrigley Mansion (tour reservations usually necessary) and the Wright inspired Arizona Biltmore.

Back at Montelucia after a day sightseeing, a soak in your sunken tub or a strong shower from the dual shower heads in your oversized bath space, revives the body for an evening on site or out.

share on social media the life-sized bronze sculptures outside the art galleries and the Chihuly and nature made sculptures at the botanic garden.

Just remember, this is a vacation, so be sure to fit in some spa time at Joya. Considered as one of the best spas in the area, Joya is on the Montelucia property. But everyone else knows its reputation so you might want to book before you go or as soon as you arrive and then fit the sightseeing around it.

Relax with a drink and tapas in the MBar before dinner in Prado, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. The area also has a wide culinary choice of good steak, seafood and Mexican restaurants.

Don’t try to squeeze the spa time in between things. Think of it as integral to the getaway from cold and snow so worth half a day. Pamper yourself with time in the steam room, Jacuzzi and a massage, but be sure to have a pedicure in the spa’s zero gravity pedicure chair. You won’t want to get out of it. Then treat yourself to a gourmet lunch on the Joya Terrace. The menu notations make it easy to watch the carbs or calories.

Next day, repeat. Add into the schedule these must-dos: browse the art gallery scene in Old Scottsdale, visit the exceptional Native American exhibits at the Heard Museum downtown Phoenix and stroll the Phoenix’s famed Desert Botanic Garden. Each attraction warrants at least half a day. Tip: build in time to capture and

Being good at lunch means you can indulge at breakfast. Prado does a wonderful French toast. However, if you like to choose your breakfast ingredients, do the “you build-it” omelet. If looking for something small or quick, stop at the resort’s Crave Café for coffee and pastry. The Café also does wine tastings in the afternoon.

Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 (480) 627-3200 omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia

16 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa Or treat yourself to a unique, upscale Native American experience at Wild Horse Pass outside Phoenix.

Sitting low into the sandy landscape of the Gila River Indian Reservation, next to the South Mountains, is the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. . It has one of Arizona’s best restaurants, amazing art, the fabulous Chandler Spa and a cultural concierge who will be delighted to take you on a tour of the hotel’s American Indian treasures.

You know you have arrived somewhere special when walking into the lobby you hear and see the words “Skek Thash.” That’s Pima for Good Day. Then you spy a huge circle of Native American murals covering the ceiling of what turns out to be a two-story lobby. U.S. atlas maps identify the area as a reservation, but the people here explain you are in the Gila River Indian Community of the Pima Tribe known for its basketry and the Maricopa Tribe known for its pottery. The Sheraton hotel chain built and operates the resort and its spa with guidance from the tribal elders. A portion of the profits goes to the tribes.

You see more murals behind the reception desk but also walk over to rocks in the lobby. They are etched with symbols copied from drawings on boulders in the nearby mountains.

Native American art, symbols and cultural artifacts decorate walls and cases throughout the resort. Indeed, make an appointment for a resort art and architecture (window design and placement is deliberate) tour with Ginger Sunbird Martin, Wild Horse Pass’s cultural concierge.

A stunning pool with an island refreshment oasis beckons outside, but you might want to book golf reservations before settling into a deck chair. The resort’s Whirlwind Golf Club features Devil’s Claw and Cattail, two courses developed by Gary Panks and managed by Troon Golf. The PGA Nationwide Insurance Tour’s Gila River Golf Classic is held at Whirlwind every October. Tee times should be arranged ahead. The Golf Club also has the Bird Golf Academy to learn or improve the game.

If you want to explore the area on horseback check trail ride times at Koli Equestrian Center. BTW, there really are wild horses in the area. Also, check at the reception desk for hours of Rawhide, a “Wild West” style park that also has Native American memorabilia.

You can walk or take a complimentary (no reservations necessary) boat ride to Rawhide.

Sign up for a treatment, salon service or personal trainer at Aji, the resort’s spa. It also has its own café and relaxing pool.

Then reserve a table in Kai (Pima for seed), the resort’s and Arizona’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant. Dress code is nice resort wear, not jeans or shorts. The resort’s casual Ko’Sin (Pima for kitchen) Restaurant is excellent. However dine at the multi-award winning Kai at least once for an extraordinary experience that is Chef de Cuisine, Ryan Swanson’s tribute to Native cuisine and local ingredients. The presentations are so good you will want to photograph and tweet them.

Remember to watch the sunset over the South Mountains before dinner. You will want to capture and tweet that, too. Walk off dinner exploring the resort’s trails next to the golf courses.

You may not want to leave the property, but assuming you rented a car at the airport to get here, you can also drive over to the famed Phoenix Botanic Garden, the Heard Museum, also in Phoenix or go over to Old Scottsdale and the Wright complex.

But when you leave Wild Horse Pass, you will want to say “Move Sape” (Pima for Thank You).

Tip: don’t confuse the Sheraton property with the taller Wild Horse Casino-Hotel property that you would pass on the way to the resort.

Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler, AZ 85226 800-325-3535 www.wildhorsepassresort.com t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17

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Cruising Italy & The Dalmatian Coast With Windstar’s Star Pride

By Nava and Michael Raviv he bus moves slowly along the winding road, carefully climbing the volcanic slopes of Sicily’s Mt. Etna. Fertile terraces laden with manicured vineyards stretch far into the horizon. Villages with white washed homes and red roofs bask in the sun, shaded by leafy chestnut, almond and hazelnut trees.

We were invited to lunch at the Gambino Winery, a sprawling mountainside estate nestled at about 2400 ft. above sea level. The scenery is reminiscent of the Godfather movie, which was filmed in the area, and as we sample our first wine, musicians play the movie’s signature tunes.

This is a private event, Taste of Sicily, a complimentary experience that Windstar Cruises offers its passengers.

We are cruising with the MV Star Pride on a nine-day sail, Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast, from Venice to Rome with stops in Rovinj, Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Kotor in Montenegro, and Messina and Capri, in Italy.

Windstar Cruises, well known for its luxurious sailing ships, has expanded its fleet by adding three motor yachts, offering new experiences and destinations. The MV Star Pride, previously the Seaborn Pride, was recently refurbished and is now one of the new additions to the fleet.

The ship has 108 outside suites and carries only 212 passengers and 140 crew. Our oversized suite has floor-to-ceiling French doors and is decorated with soothing colors and blonde woods. It features a sitting area with a sofa and two chaises and a sleeping area with a king size bed. A spacious walk-in closet and a large bathroom with a double vanity and soaking tub complete the suite. Amenities include Egyptian cotton linens, overstuffed down pillows, flat screen TVs, Bose SoundDock speakers, robes, slippers and fine L’Occitane toiletries.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19

LIFE ON BOARD

Life aboard moves at an easy tempo, a quiet routine punctuated by stops in ports of call.

If you are an early riser start your day with a light breakfast or just a croissant and a frothy cappuccino at the Yacht Club, a glass enclosed lounge at the front of the ship. On sunny days you can unwind on a plush chair on the sun deck, soak in the whirlpools or cool down in the refreshing seawater pool.

During calm seas, the back of the ship opens into a marina and you can partake in complimentary sports such as water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing.You can also indulge at the spa, work out in the fitness center, catch up with the outside world in the computer room, or pick up a book at the library.

At dusk, join your fellow guests at the Star Bar, on the upper deck, and toast fiery sunsets while listening to the lively tunes of the resident band. The Show Lounge is the hub of several events such as the captain’s welcome party, port talks, cooking demonstrations and shows by local performers.

At night the action moves to the Compass Rose, where you can try your luck at the small casino or dance into the wee hours.

This cruise, typical of Windstar, caters to younger, active passengers, some parents with teenage kids and multi-generational families. The atmosphere on board is friendly and yacht-like with a relaxed, casual-elegant dress code. The staff, mostly from Malaysia and Indonesia, is welcoming and accommodating, always smiling and ready to serve.

20 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

DINING

Dining is a major component of every cruising experience and the Star Pride delivers quality and many choices. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style in the Veranda, the indoor and outdoor restaurant. At night, the Veranda becomes a specialty restaurant, Candles, offering romantic dinning under the stars (reservations required). Dinner is served a la carte, open seating style, in AmphorA, the ship’s elegant dining room. The cuisine is international and eclectic with multiple selections of creative and beautifully presented dishes. You can always order standard staples such as grilled salmon and steaks.

All alcoholic drinks and wines on board are not part of the fare and are paid separately.

The food is prepared daily from scratch, including baked breads, croissants and pastries, as well as fresh fish and seafood and other items picked up by the chefs in local markets along the way. Other ingredients are sourced from top purveyors from all over the world including certified Angus beef from the U.S., lamb chops from New Zealand, and lobster from Canada.

If you wish to dine in your suite, room service is always available, and during dinner time, you can order from the dining room menu.

One of the dining highlights is barbecue night when the decks are transformed into a white tablecloth, open-air restaurant. The generous spread features salads, side dishes, paella, hot entrés, as well as charcoal grilled steaks, baby back ribs and lobster in the shell.

The ports visited are: ROVINJ

Rovinj, Croatia, is a medieval city clinging to a hillside that rises from the Adriatic Sea. The town’s narrow and winding alleys climb to the Cathedral of St. Euphemia, an impressive edifice that dominates the skyline. The cathedral houses the tomb of Rovinj‘s saint protector, Euphemia, an early-Christian girl martyred by the Romans.

SPLIT

Split is the second largest city in Croatia, the heart of the Dalmatian coast. The town’s highlight is the Diocletian’s palace, a walled Roman compound inside the medieval part of Split. The remains of the once prominent fortress are now home to quaint boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik is Croatia’s “Adriatic pearl,” a popular port of call, famous for its fortified wall that encircles the medieval city. Visitors can walk atop the wall and take in the sweeping views of the sea and the red-roof houses in the city below. The marble-paved narrow alleys are lined with stores, eclectic boutiques and restaurants.

KOTOR

MESSINA

Messina is the gateway port to Sicily. The day is dedicated to the cruiseline special event, lunch at the Gambino Winery. The lunch features typical Italian fare of cold cuts, cheeses and pasta, complemented by the winery’s selected vintages. Messina is also the access point to Taormina, an enchanting town perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. Taormina is also home to a Roman theater, built during the first and third centuries AD, and hosting performances to this day.

CAPRI

Capri, an island off Italy’s coast, is home to the legendary Blue Grotto, the magical cave famous for its mesmerizing deep-blue waters. Capri has three main centers, the Marina area, the town of Capri mid-mountain, and AnaCapri, a small town perched high up and accessible via a hairpin road with breathtaking views of the sea, Mt. Vesuvius, Sorrento and mainland Italy. Capri and the Marina area feature eclectic stores ranging from top international designers to small independent boutiques.

The cruise ends in the port of Civitavecchia located about an hour from Rome. www.windstarcruises.com t

Kotor, in Montenegro, is located on a picturesque, fiord-like long bay enclosed by soaring limestone cliffs. It is considered by many as Europe’s best preserved Medieval and Renaissance eras city.

Its massive protective walls climb high into the mountainside rewarding those who take the arduous uphill trek with panoramic views of the bay and the enclosed town.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21

Kauai: Not Your Garden-Variety Island

By Richard C. Murray and Laurie Heifetz

urple-orchid leis, Polynesian dancers and bird-of-paradise flowers—we were finally in Kauai, Hawaii, after eleven hours in the air, landing at the island’s quaint airport, Lihue that was featured in the Harrison Ford movie, “Six Days Seven Nights.”

Known as “The Garden Isle” Kauai is geologically the oldest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. Its area of 562 square miles makes it the fourth largest in the archipelago.

After checking into the Sheraton Kauai Resort, we scoped out the striking grounds. The kaleidoscopic shoreline has a sandy, swimming beach; a surfing area; and rocks of various colors accented with palm trees. We observed a wedding in progress and honeymooners walking about the glowing sunset. After dusk, it is worthwhile to experience one of six fire pits in the Ocean Courtyard bedecked with Tiki torches.

Chef de Cuisine Raymond Nicasio of RumFire Poipu Beach—the resort’s signature restaurant—presents mouthwatering infusions of Hawaiian and international fare. We sampled many appetizers amid the 180° ocean views. The Kauai Shrimp, on brick-oven flatbreads with sautéed onions, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil pesto dressing was our favorite.

The flora and terrain of Kauai are among the most beautiful in the world, and the Allerton Garden Estate Tour shows why this is so.

The flowers and plants in this National Tropical Botanical Garden call to mind the array of colors in a box of Crayola Crayons. Pinkpurple sacks of the Aristolochia Gigantea (Giant Dutchman’s Pipe) and bright, orange-red pods of the Theobrama Cacao Tree surround gorgeous waterfalls.

We saw the three Moreton Bay Fig Trees—stars of the Steven Spielberg film, “Jurassic Park.” In one eerie scene, Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) finds dinosaur eggs between the sprawling roots of the 200-foot tall trees.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23

The following day, we rode the Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana Plantation. The journey begins at an authentic Hawaiian train depot aboard the 1939 Whitcomb diesel engine. After a short ride through the “jungly” estate, we came upon a welcoming committee of gregarious goats, pigs and sheep. They know the routine by now and will eagerly eat out of your hands.

Next, it was time to choose our walking sticks—natural tree branches—and venture into the dense terrain. The walking tour was headed by an amiable guide who pointed out all kinds of flowers, trees and fruits.

The orange-red, African tulip flowers; purple, papaya passion fruit flowers; and pink-green, Kaimana lychee fruit (unripe) were highlights. The harpsichord-like vines of the Indian banyan tree were enthralling—everyone stopped for photos.

We tasted freshly-picked oranges, pineapples and sugar cane.

Caution—do not eat cashew seeds off the tree. They contain urushiol, which is also present in poison ivy and sumac. Ironically, wild animals such as deer, birds, goats and horses are immune to it, but you are not.

The Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa was our home for the next two nights. The condominium unit was spacious and 24 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

complemented with two terraces overlooking the property and ocean.

We took a plunge into the meandering swimming pool, accentuated with cascading waterfalls and rode down the flume water slides.

An outdoor grill and the Oasis on the Beach restaurant top off the two-acre aquatic playground.

One evening, we dined at Hukilau Lanai restaurant in the Kauai Coast Resort. We relished in an array of palatable, pupu platters— standard fare in the islands.

The following morning, we had breakfast baskets delivered to our condos by Marie Cassel of Sweet Marie’s Hawaii. Ms. Cassel’s motto, “When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme,” is taken from the Disney character Jiminy Cricket. From gluten-free to Dr. Atkins diets, she meticulously checks each ingredient.

After breakfast on our terrace, Polynesian Adventure Tours escorted us to three of the most visited island sites—Waimea Canyon, Fern Grotto and Spouting Horn.

The grandeur of Waimea Canyon attracts droves of tourists on an hourly basis. “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” glows with red, green and brown hues. Waimea translates to “reddish water” in the

Hawaiian language.

A riverboat cruise—enriched with Hawaiian music and dance— brought us to the Wailua River State Park, home of the Fern Grotto. Speckled with bright-green ferns, the lava-rock cave is a sight to behold. The base of Mauna Kapu Summit forms a natural amphitheater where many traditional-music concerts are held.

The force of the crashing waves against narrow openings in the lava rocks results in a 50-foot high water spray at Spouting Horn Park. The sight is reminiscent of Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

The most pleasant surprise of the trip was Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. We had the great pleasure of meeting resident monk Sannyasin Senthilnathaswami. He took us on an incisive tour of temples, exotic flora and Ganesha statues—one can say he does this religiously.

One of the most beautiful sights on the island is the monastery’s Nani Kaua Waterfall. The north fork of the Wailua River teams with assorted watersheds to cascade down Mount Waialeale into a cavernous pond.

Framed by the majestic Namolokama Mountain range, Hanalei

Bay’s two-mile beach is accented with sparkling-blue waters, sailboats and stand-up paddle boarders. Beneath the Bali Hai Mountain peak—highlighted in the classic film, “South Pacific”— we navigated the splendor in Trevor Cabell’s hand-built, Hawaiian sailing canoe.

One afternoon, we dined in the garden cafe at Common Ground Kauai. Most of our lunch was organically grown in their gardens.

We were fortunate to meet Executive Chef Rodman Machado and sample some of his homemade “Uncommon Hot Sauce.”

For the final leg of the trip, we checked into a Polynesian-style condo at Hanalei Colony Resort. The sweeping ocean views offered by the prodigious picture windows are stunning. Before dinner, we walked along the beach to catch a Hawaiian sunset.

Husband-wife owners, Imad and Yarrow Beydoun, run the resort’s award-winning restaurant, Mediterranean Gourmet. Chef Imad’s interpretations of Middle Eastern, Greek and local cuisines are delectable.

Kauai is a unique place in the world overflowing with natural beauty, history, attractions and culinary diversity. Aloha, until we NFFU BHBJO t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 25

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Baden Baden, Hub of Culture In Germany

By Hans Zuberzee

here are two countries in Europe that have, for some reason, had the aura of being unfriendly; France and Germany.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Are there people in those two countries who are not forthcoming with guests? Absolutely. But walk down Fifth Avenue and there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll find people who will go out of their way to be helpful and a handful who won’t even look up if you ask for directions.

Basically, what we’re saying is that no matter where in the world you may go, you’ll find a warm welcome and the odd individual who seems to drink vinegar instead of coffee in the morning.

Munich, Berlin and a few other urban areas are big cities much like big cities anywhere in the world. But once you get out into the countryside or smaller cities, you’ll find that the warmth exuded by the local population is as welcoming as could be.

Traveling by train, car or bus you’ll pass through quaint villages with homes decorated with murals on their exterior walls. Some have a winter’s worth of wood stacked up and ready to use. And while they are quite the same, at the same time they are each unique and different.

Baden Baden, sitting at the edge of the Black Forest, is a beautiful mix of the old and almost new. It’s “Old Town” is densely packed with quaint alleys and narrow streets. The Baroque-influenced architecture and many small jewelry and antique shops, galleries and cafes are a highlight of an easy walking tour.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27

One of the biggest attractions here is the annual rally and gathering of vintage automobiles. Cars that were luxurious a century ago are seen rolling down the narrow streets of the city. Jay Gatsby would feel right at home.

While some car owners prefer to slowly ride up and down the local streets to the admiring eyes of passers by, others can be seen tinkering under the hood (“Bonnet” over here) to make sure the ancient parts are still functioning.

There is the Gothic Stiftskirche that houses the tomb of Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm, who was known as Turkenlouis.

He died in Baden Baden in 1707 and his tomb features a sandstone crucifix dating to 1467.

While many people come to Baden Baden for its famed spa, they stay for the flavor of the rest of the town. The city has been a destination for those seeking curative thermal spring waters since ancient Roman times. The city features a Museum of Ancient Bathing Culture.

The Roman baths have been here for more than 2,000 years, attesting the long-held belief in their prowess for healing. The springs bubble up from a depth that matches their age, coming to the surface from about 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). You can take a 28 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

guided tour of the museum or simply take an audio-guide on your own, thus affording you the opportunity to view the ruins at your own pace.

Baden Baden is not only famous for its Roman baths, one of the most beautiful casinos in Europe is there to entertain and either separate guests from their money or send them home richer. The alabaster-white Kurhaus is a landmark for visitors and gamblers alike.

The casino dates back more than 250 years and has been fashioned along the lines of French royal palaces. It has been known as a “Temple to the alluring games of chance.” What was once in the not too distant past a social rendezvous for the rich, famous and nobles of Europe, today opens its doors to all of the city’s guests who would like to wager or just pass through and marvel at the beauty of the building.

Art here takes a back seat to no other locale. The city hosts the Frieder Burder Museum in Lichtentaler Allee that opened in 2004. It is considered one of the best collections of modern art in the world. The permanent collection includes works by Pablo Picasso amongst other masters.

FabergĂŠ, the famed Russian jewelry designer whose elegant eggs grace some of the better collections throughout the world, is represented here with the Rothschild Egg, made in 1902 and having an estimated worth of more than â‚Ź11 million (more than $12 million).

The museum also possesses the very last FabergĂŠ Egg ever produced and the 1917 Karelian Birch Egg. The Karelian is unique because it is made of birch wood and gold and is encrusted with diamonds.

Johannes Brahms, the famed composer, spent his summers in Baden Baden from 1865 through 1874 in what is known today as Brahms House. The Blue Room in the house has been left precisely as it would have been while the legendary composer was living there. He wrote many of his compositions in the Blue Room.

Visitors should also check out the Kurpark Gardens, the spa’s Trinkhalle (or Pump Room) and the Greek-Romanian Chapel built between 1863-1866 and containing tombs of local notables.

The lesson to be learned here is that visitors to Baden Baden-and any other destination, for that matter-should get up and leave their comfort zone. Wander around, talk to the locals and you’ll see how warm and welcoming they can be.

Stop in a local bierhaus (pub) and enjoy a mug of beer. You’ll see IPX RVJDLMZ ZPV CFDPNF QBSU PG UIF MPDBM DSPXE t

The adjacent Black Forest was named a national park just two years ago this month. It is the first and only one of its kind in the German state of Baden WĂźttemburg. The city is a gateway to the park and is a perfect starting point for visitors looking for nature.

The Kurgarten (Spa Garden) is trendy and pretty much the hub of cultural life here. It’s surrounded by many of Baden Baden’s best cultural attractions. There are boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Pop festivals also draw the crowds.

The famed Kurhaus, Baden Baden’s oldest and best known resort, built between 1821-1824 in the style of a French chateau, draws guests today as it did more than two centuries ago.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29

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A Perfect Way To Embrace Winter

By Stephanie and Jeff Sylva t’s winter in the Big Apple, and you don’t care what Billy Joel may have said about “a New York state of mind.” But instead of vegging out on a beach somewhere, why not ignite or rekindle your love for the mountains?

Vermont and its Green Mountains are a perfect destination to experience all the beauty and enjoyment that winter in the Northeast can offer. We think a perfect way to embrace winter’s beauty is to enjoy a great winter vacation at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont, Ski Magazine’s #1 Overall Resort in the Eastern U.S and #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the East.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort has long been recognized for its family vacations. Actually, for 15 years Smuggs has been rated #1 for its family programs by Ski Magazine. But with an average snowfall of 300 inches and 78 trails over three interconnected mountains - from gentle cruisers for beginners to the East’s only triple black-diamond, “The Black Hole” - Smuggs also has a reputation as one of the top ski destinations in the East. Acres of glades and Smuggs’ six terrain parks invite skiers and riders to explore and challenge themselves.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31

Not just a ski school – but a university We have skied at Smugglers’ Notch a few times in the past and loved the variety of trails. As a matter of fact, we first learned to ski here (many years ago) and can attest to the quality of Smugglers’ ski school – Snow Sports University. Our daughter Jen, at the age of six, was introduced to skiing here; and the Smuggs’ instructors had her ripping the trails on Morse Mountain by the second day.

Smuggs’ Snow Sports University has six age-specific programs for kids, beginning with “Little Rascals on the Snow,” a program for kids 2 ½ to 3 years old, and ending with the “Mountain Explorers” for ages 16-20.

adult entertainment, the Monday Family Social & Bonfire, the daily bonfire with hot chocolate, the Thursday afternoon Winter Carnival and Thursday evening Torchlight Parade & Fireworks.

Vacation packages for a total experience If you’re looking for a winter vacation experience that includes more than skiing and riding, then Smugglers’ Notch has some great choices. With four Club Smugglers’ Packages, you will have no trouble finding the right mix of skiing and riding, accommodations, instruction, amenities, and activities.

Great flexibility of choices One thing that makes Smuggs’ Winter Experience Program, or any of their ski or ride programs for that matter, so attractive is how flexible the programs are. For instance if some members of your group want to ski or ride and some don’t, you can select individual packages that will work for each person’s interest.

But what if you or some members of your family don’t ski or snowboard? Then one of Smuggs’ packages, the Winter Experience Program, is perfect for you. With a wide variety of outdoor winter adventures, together with a slew of indoor activities, Smuggs’ Winter Experience Program offers guests a unique opportunity to truly enjoy all that winter offers in the pristine Vermont countryside of Smugglers’ Notch. During our last visit we chose not to ski at all.

We wanted to experience Vermont’s great outdoors with the many winter adventures that Smuggs’ offers.

We even met a group of young people who skied hard on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and then immersed themselves in the Winter Experience Program on Tuesday and Thursday. This allowed them to fully experience all that the Resort has to offer. When booking your Smuggs’ vacation be sure to speak with one of their vacation planners, as they will be able to set you up in the just the right kind of accommodations and activity package(s) that will be optimal for your family or group.

Wide array of winter adventures The Winter Experience Program includes a litany of activities such as daily group snowshoe lessons and guided treks, daily crosscountry skiing group lessons (equipment included for both), use of snowshoe and cross-country trails, daily guided winter walks, evening snow tubing, skating on a natural outdoor rink (skates included), and airboarding, which involves a fast and fun ride on something similar to an inflatable sled or boogie board.

We experienced one of the daily morning winter walks and a few of the snowshoe treks (YakTrax-studded stretch soles to grip ice and snow- or snowshoes are provided). One of the guided treks we enjoyed was the Soup & Snowshoes Trek, which is a mid-day trek to a cozy cabin, Zeke’s Place, for some hot chocolate and fresh, hearty soup by a warming fire. A number of other guided snowshoe treks, many of which are family-oriented, are offered.

Some of the indoor activities included in the winter program are use of the indoor heated pool & hot tubs, use of two Teen Centers, the FunZone Family Entertainment Center, nightly family &

32 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

A number of unique and interesting classes are also included. The Smuggs Mug Snowman Painting Class gave us a chance to hone our artistic skills (or not); and we also enjoyed two workshops under the expert guidance of Kelley Robie of Horsetail Herbs, where we put together some very interesting concoctions of herbs, spices, cocoa, and spirits. Many of these same amenities and activities are included in all of the Club Smugglers’ Packages.

Longer stays – more choices There is so much to choose from that your days are packed with indoor and outdoor adventure, all included in the package price.

Additionally, each person participating 2-4 days in the Winter Experience Program may choose one “select” complimentary activity, or those participating five or more days, may choose two of these activities from an impressive list of choices.

How about a night-time snowmobile tour of the Notch? We did this and loved cruising the dark woods at night through the serpentine trails at Smugglers’ Notch, stopping at the Notch to learn some of its interesting history from our guides. A very popular activity (it books up very quickly) is the Snowshoe Adventure Dinner.

It begins with a ride up the Sterling ski lift to the cozy, candle-lit Top of the Notch cabin. After a brief orientation, snowshoes are donned for an invigorating 30-minute trek through the woods to Sterling Pond. This is followed by a delicious, four-course candlelight dinner (it’s BYOB) prepared by the Hearth & Candle Restaurant. The dinner is worked off with a trek down the Rumrunner trail to the awaiting shuttle for the trip back to The Village.

Other “select choices” for extended-stay packages include an Evening Specialty Snowshoe Trek; the ArborTrek Zip Line Canopy Tour, which includes eight zip lines, two bridges, two rappels, and is fully-guided; and the Cat Trax Express Trip, a trip on the 12-passenger snowcat during the early evening, or a “cat’s-eye” view of the fireworks display on Thursday evening. Intermediate and expert skiers will be stoked with the Cat Trax Upper Mountain Fresh tracks tour – bring your equipment to make an early morning, fresh tracks run down.

The “select choices” don’t end there – choose from a 50-minute Swedish massage; the Children’s FunFeast; Mini-snowmobile Track Ride; a Kids’ Night Out; a Family Photo Session; or, if you get the bug to learn to ski or ride, a One-day Learn to Ski or Snowboard Package.

Lodging options for every preference From studios to five-bedroom townhouses, from slope-side to wooded seclusion, the choices of accommodations are endless. Each condominium is a short-walk or in-resort shuttle ride to everything the Resort has to offer. All accommodations have fullyequipped kitchens, cable TV, patios, outdoor barbeque grills (for warmer weather), and plenty of family gathering spots.

Having the fully-equipped kitchen is great; but you will also have some great choices for dining - from casual, like Morse Mountain Grille & Pub and Riga-Bello’s Pizzeria, to the more gourmet-inspired Hearth & Candle – great for quiet, romantic dinners as well as family gatherings.

Call 1.800.451.8752 to speak with a Smugglers’ Notch vacation planner or visit smuggs.com for all the details, and begin to embrace winter.

All photos courtesy of Smugglers’ Notch Resort. t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33

Mexican Haciendas, Dude Ranches South

By Jon Haggins Photos By Laurel Van Horn

exico is known for its Haciendas. Many years ago Mexican cowboys (Yes, in Mexico they are also called “cowboys�) raised cattle and farmed provisions for consumption on these palatial ranches.

Today many of the old haciendas are opening their gates to NorteAmericacos, much the same as dude ranches in the United States. Cowboys South of the Border wear very wide-brimmed “sombreros� as opposed to the famous Stetson familiar in so many movies.

The saddle used in Mexico is also a bit different than those who ride “Up North� may be familiar with. The pommel-or saddle horn-is considerably larger and flatter on top. Mexican cowboys will frequently wear conchos-silver disks- on the side seam of their pants as opposed to the Levis worn here.

The hospitality shown to guests at Mexican haciendas is unparalleled.

Haciendas usually include hundreds of acres of savanna extending to the horizon. During the 19th century there were more rich men in the Yucatan than in all of Latin America. They were so rich that the Yucatan wanted to be independent from Mexico. Mexico had other ideas and the two remain united.

The Haciendas of the Yucatan were founded and developed during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This was done as a land distribution for the families of the Spanish conquistadors.

Haciendas began as cattle ranches and also grew corn, tobacco, cotton and different types of fruits and vegetables.

As more land was acquired by the encomenderos, the haciendas became larger. At this time, during the 1800’s, they began planting sisal plants (Mexican agave with large leaves, cultivated for making ropes or matting) and sisal became the king of the crops and made many men very, very rich.

34 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Yaxcopoil (yash-coh-poh-eel) Hacienda was one the largest producers of sisal. A spreading machine was invented by the mid 1800’s for sisal export from the Yucatan. The haciendas were enlarged, remodeled, and became very beautiful with strong European influences. Flooring from France in the hacienda Yaxcopoil dates back to the seventeenth century.

Unfortunately, the demand for sisal waned and they went out of business. Mexico still has a collection of Haciendas that have been converted into small deluxe hotels or guesthouses as alternative accommodations. They allow for a personal touch, as if one is visiting family.

Hacienda Santa Rosa was also built during the sisal industry boom. It has been restored and converted into a historic hotel. Its furnishings reflect a period of the kings of the sisal industry. It’s one of the five Luxury Collection properties of the Starwood Hotels.

On the property, one of the old sisal factories has been converted into a lush pool with several chaises.

Hacienda Lol Ha is a ranch that offers an opportunity to ride a horse. They also raise hairless pigs. Hacienda Tekit de Regil is a two-bedroom hacienda with a pool that extends from one of the bedrooms out into the garden. An array of murals featuring fowl and fruit line the patio walls. The main building is approximately an avenue wide to allow the cool air to filter through. Hacienda San Jose Cholul has lovely room accommodations, an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a chapel.

Hacienda Temozon is another historic hacienda that has been restored to its past glory. Hacienda Uayamon has been restored to accommodate special occasions. Hacienda Uayamon is washed in yellow color and has lovely open gardens with large trees that shade breakfast tables. A smoke stack and ruins from the sisal industry stand as reminders of its past.

I’ve listed a few of the many haciendas throughout the Yucatan. It is vital, alive and rich with Mexican history. It’s well worth a visit to UIJT HSFBU MBOE PG EJTDPWFSZ t

Lovin’ Lafayette & Cajun Country!

By Mona L. Hayden

7-9pm each night and 11am-1pm on weekends.

ou can almost feel the energy shift as you drive into Lafayette, the heart of Acadiana where its French heritage overlaps the innovative sophistication of this city set along the Vermilion River. Recently tagged as the “Happiest City in America’ by the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.com, the unique fusion of delectable food and Cajun and Zydeco music are enough to make anyone happy!

At Randol’s Restaurant & Cajun Dancehall, the dance floor is almost as popular as the food! Guests can dine on blue point crab cakes with all lump crabmeat (no fillers), BBQ shrimp or one of the many seafood platters while the fiddler plays. Between courses or after a fine Cajun meal, diners can make their way around the dance floor to the sounds of Cajun and zydeco musicians, keeping their cultures alive. Randol’s opens at 5pm. every evening with music starting at 6:30pm.

At first glance, one great Cajun restaurant after another beckons – Prejean’s, Randol’s, Poupart’s – all renowned for their cultural menu offerings. And all celebrating the vibrant history of Lafayette.

For 35 years, award-winning Prejean’s has satisfied the appetites of those nearby and visitors worldwide with authentic Cajun fair.

They now boast the record for the most culinary medals awarded in the south. With entrees like Cochon Du Lait Pie, a slow roasted pork with cheddar mashed potatoes, and my favorite, Catfish Grand Chenier, a catfish rolled around Prejean’s seafood stuffing, deep fried and topped with crawfish etouffee. Ridiculously good!

The restaurant serves three meals a day with live Cajun music from 36 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Poupart’s Bakery & Bistro, an authentic French bakery that opened in 1967, is reminiscent of the old world countryside. Enjoy homemade soups, salads, quiche and crepes for lunch or fine pastries and a selection of almost 20 different breads, hot beignets and other delicacies. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday and breakfast on Sunday from 7-10am. You’ll definitely want to take some for later.

And then there’s Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro. The fine dining experience here is enhanced by the 35 canvases by internationally acclaimed Blue Dog artist George Rodrigue. This elegant restaurant offers an

extensive menu using local and seasonal ingredients, where guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and happy hour daily (closed Mondays). Start off with a spicy cup of gumbo served with potato salad on the side, or maybe a cup of turtle soup before settling on Gulf coast crab cakes, roasted oysters, or a beautiful cheese board. The menu is ever-changing to accommodate the freshest cuisine.

Bread & Circus Provisions, touts “Seriously playful food” (and sometimes playfully serious food) prepared by Sicilian chef Manny Augello. This unique business sells homemade condiments both in the shop and at the Farmer’s Market at the Horse Farm on Saturday mornings. Also a charcuterie company, brunch, lunch and dinner are in high demand with fare such as rabbit porchetta, lemongrass shellfish stew, and plates of brisket on toast with watermelon pepper jelly, slaw and blue cheese dressing. It’s worth a stop just to witness the Italian banter in the kitchen, but the food will have you planning your next meal at Bread & Circus Provisions.

Less than ten miles out of Lafayette is the charming little town of Breaux Bridge, home of the infamous Café des Amis serving modern Cajun fare. Located in historic downtown, the quaint restaurant features live Zydeco bands each Saturday morning. The menu is pretty impressive with crawfish cornbread topped with

crawfish etouffee and lump crab cakes with a Vidalia onion sauce.

And those are just the appetizers! Café des Amis is recognized for promoting local art and music but the delicious food will keep you coming back.

About 20 miles in another direction takes you to New Iberia where their Main Street is legendary. To get a feel of the local culture, be sure to stop in at Legnon’s Boucherie, where owner Ted Legnon and his wife Sue, sell about 1,200 lbs. of boudin each day! Since 1980, they have been producing on-site fresh pork and crawfish boudin, cracklins, smoked tasso, hog head cheese and all cuts of beef and pork.

The Legnon’s even market their own Cajun seasoning.

While you’re in the area, see the mystical Rip Van Winkle Gardens – a twenty-five acre paradise of semi-tropical plants with beautiful hardscaping and wildlife that includes spectacular peacocks throughout the property. Located on a prehistoric salt dome on Jefferson Island, the property is home to an 1870’s mansion that’s available for touring.

Lafayette is just 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and offers adventures of a lifetime. So whether you stay a day, a weekend, or a lifetime, the unofficial capital of Cajun Country promises to feed ZPV XFMM BOE JOUSPEVDF ZPV UP TPNF HSFBU QFPQMF t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37

It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again - Groundhog Day

By Dale Reynolds roundhog Day is coming up on February 2 and for actor Bill Murray and a small Illinois town it will happen again and again. Arguably the most famous groundhog in the world is Punxatawny Phil, the prognosticating rodent who, if he sees his shadow, will retreat to his den forecasting six more weeks of winter. This year he could be forgiven for hiding out, what with the record low temperatures and all.

In 1993 comedian Bill Murray, playing Pennsylvania weatherman (aptly named) Phil, who has designs on greater glory, is assigned to cover the possible emergence of the rodent.

On camera Phil is quite a nice guy, but off camera he is a commitment-phobe and not quite so nice.

His girlfriend is long suffering, but hangs in for a while. Phil is suddenly condemned to live the day over and over again until he gets it right. Disaster after disaster strikes, but each morning, it is Groundhog Day all over again.

Now, if you were to film a movie about Punxatawny Phil and a Pennsylvania weatherman, where would you do it? In Illinois, of course.

Movie directors and producers have always had a penchant for changing history and historical locales. The famed “Longest Day,” 38 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Darry F. Zanuck’s depiction of the Normandy Invasion, was filmed in other locations along the French coast because Zanuck didn’t think the actual beaches looked right.

Since 1887 Punxatawny Phil has held court in... Punxatawny, PA. That wasn’t good enough for the producers of the flick, Groundhog Day. They decided that Punxatawny, PA just didn’t look right.

The film’s producers weren’t satisfied with local scenery and so discovered the rural charm of Woodstock, Illinois. And since that day Woodstock has made more than a cottage industry out of the fact that the film was shot in the town and Bill Murray and other actors trod the local streets.

There are plaques throughout the town commemorating spots where Murray stepped in a puddle at 108 Cass Street; the Woodstock Moose lodge at 406 Clay Street, Gobbler’s Knob in Woodstock Square Park where the movie Phil lived and about a dozen other locales. That, however, is not even called “Gobbler’s Knob.”

That’s in the real Punxatawny.

At the far end of the square is the Woodstock Opera House built in 1889 as a venue for the fire department, library, council chambers and auditorium. Today it hosts performances by major artists and has featured names such as country singer Lee Greenwood.

Step out of the Opera House and down concrete steps to the street and you might just find an oversized Punxatawny Phil waiting to greet you. Courtesy of the local Chamber of Commerce a grown man in a fuzzy brown costume and something on his head with buck teeth, is there to make sure you know that the groundhog is somewhat akin to a national treasure here.

The town is Groundhog Day every day, all the time. But it is fun for both residents and visitors.

Lest you think Woodstock is some sort of Rube town, guess again.

It may be the quintessential country town, but it is no slouch when it comes to amenities.

Take for example La Petite Creperie, a quaint little French cafĂŠ serving great dishes. In warm weather it is a fantastic spot to have a cappuccino, a bite to eat and to simply people watch in Woodstock Square... and who knows, you might even get to see a giant groundhog wandering by. www.woodstockil.gov

but one activity stands out above all others-the zip line. There are zip lines and then there are zip lines. This one ranks at the head of the class.

The platform is some six-stories above ground and you walk up step, by step. That gives your adrenaline an opportunity to start pumping.

Then you stand and watch as the people ahead of you are strapped into their safety harnesses and then, much like D-Day paratroopers, step off into thin air more than 60 feet above ground.

Yes, people do freeze and perhaps some even decline the honor. But they are missing out on one heck of a ride. The harness is secure, the ride is safe and the thrills are terrific. www.richardsonadventurefarm.com Visitors to this end of the country have discovered that Illinois gave VT NPSF UIBO KVTU "CF -JODPMO t

After taking in the sights of Woodstock head out for the drive to Spring Grove and the Richardson Adventure Farm and Corn Maze, which lays claim to being the biggest in the world.

While such mazes proliferate throughout the country-perhaps as an outgrowth of the infamous Crop Circles, this one is unique and different. It is designed with a different set of blind alleys and traps each year by a computer programmer who comes in and directs the planting.

No one has been lost yet and Jack Nicholson hasn’t suddenly popped up saying “Heeerze Johnny,� but the maze is a fun challenge for the entire family.

There are animals and rides at Richardson’s Oversized Punxatawny Phil, Courtesy of the local Chamber of Commerce

“The town is Groundhog Day every day, all the time.�

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39

New York Ski Resorts Still The Best Option

By Bob Nesoff

and an extended stay as well as seasonal rentals.

hill winds may bode evil for some, but for skiers they are the welcoming announcement that flakes have already been falling and will soon cover the green that has bedecked trails at ski resorts.

Agents can help set you up with locals who rent part of their homes.

There are some skiers who want a season rental and a real estate agent in the desired area is a must. Some want even more.

Skiers out West believe that those in the East are fantastic on the slopes because of “the garbage” there is to ski on.

New York State has more ski areas than both Utah and Colorado.

Across the state, from north to south, there are more than 50 ski resorts that cater to day trippers, weekends and extended stays.

They accommodate downhill skiers, snowboarders and Nordic aficionados.

Let’s not tell them the truth or they might be liable to head here and crowd the trails.

While it is true that resorts such as the fabulous Park City/ Deer Valley/The Canyons get an extraordinary amount of snowsometimes up to 800 inches a year-and the Eastern resorts may top 100 inches; they have powder to ski on regularly while in the East snow is often packed and frequently icy. Who cares as long as you are on skis?

The greater majorities of Eastern skiers are day-trippers and are fortunate enough to have a score of slopes within easy range of, say Times Square. Some are better than others, but that holds true at any geographical area.

Some ski areas, as mentioned below, have little in the way of overnight accommodations, thus limiting skiers to day trips. But a little investigation on your part can bring major dividends.

There isn’t a locale that does not have real estate agents or a local Chamber of Commerce that can direct you to a good real estate agent.

Those are the first places to stop when looking for accommodations 40 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

As an example, and you’ll note below the lack of good accommodations near Belleayre, there are properties that can be purchased for a reasonable sum that can be made into a ski chalet and a summer retreat. In Roxbury, NY, for example, Vega Mountain has a commanding view of the countryside, mountain peaks and even Plattekill Ski Resort.

Vega Mountain is dotted with homesteads and although there is only one narrow road in and out, it is cleared fairly quickly when it snows.

Homeowners are responsible for plowing their own access roads.

One of the advantages of the Roxbury/Margaretville region is the proximity of Belleayre and Plattekill (the closest) and a short drive to both Hunter and Windham. Four ski areas within a half hour drive.

Both Margaretville and Roxbury are quaint little villages ina terrific comfort zone.

The closest in area is Campgaw Mountain in Northern Bergen County, NJ, less than 45 minutes from the George Washington Bridge and straight north on Rt. 17. Calling it a “mountain” is a bit of an imaginative reach. Frankly, it’s more like a hill with a gland condition.

Because it is so far south it often freezes, melts and freezes again providing more of a skating rink than a downhill ski slope. But they have a decent snowmaking capability and use it constantly through the season.

Campgaw is a terrific place for a couple of quick runs and the ski school there offers a great after school program. Because of its proximity students can get there and back from most any spot in the Metro area before dinner. But most skiers prefer a bit more of a “real

mountain� if they are going to spend time getting there. Campgaw is good for kids and for other skiers who want to get their legs in shape before heading north.

A bit further north off Rt. 17 is Sterling Forest, a Campgaw clone.

The slopes are glorified moguls but again they offer ski school lessons to tempt the kids to later expand their skills. There are several more minor areas.

The main slopes for day-trippers are all about a half hour off the Thomas E. Dewey Thruway at exits, 19,20,21 for Belleayre, Hunter and Windham. The fourth area, Plattekill, is a bit off the beaten track past Margareteville, but still great for a day trip.

Belleayre is owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). It was formerly under the Department of Environmental Protection and became somewhat of an illegitimate child with funding cuts and little support.

Somehow, even with a lack of support from the state, Belleayre managed to maintain its allure for skiers and never failed to provide

excellent skiing. Groomers hit the slopes nightly and by morning the corduroy was waiting for first tracks.

Despite efforts by various state administrations to cut its funding the resort has managed to attract thousands of loyal followers. The Cuomo Administration last year killed the senior skiers program that permitted skiers over the age of 70 to ski free and now charges a discounted rate. Killing that program did little to enhance the bottom line and reduced the number of skiers who did come and spend money at the resort.

Despite the lack of amenities in the surrounding area, Belleayre has hot and cold meal options in both upper and lower lodges at reasonable prices. For the hardy skier, there are open decks at both lodges and, except in extreme cold, they are usually filled with those on lunch break.

Belleayre has one of the better ski schools and easy green trails for students and beginners. They give the novice skier a feeling for what it will be like to take on a more challenging trail on the blue slopes without scaring the tar out of them.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41

The main drawback to Belleayre is the lack of accommodations for those who want to make a weekend out of it. There are some in nearby Margaretville, but they are hardly 4-star…or even 2-star. Some of the B&Bs are pretty decent but the neighborhood is in desperate need of upgraded rooms. That can be avoided by acquiring your own rental or vacation property.

Locals have vigorously fought an effort to build a resort in the area and, as a result, it has become much more of a day-trip destination.

However, at the base of the entry road is the Alpine Osteria, a B&B with a feeling of being at your own home. Guests are treated to a hearty and tasty breakfast and in the evening they relax in a living room setting.

About a half hour from Exit 19, Belleayre is easily reached taking Rt. 28 West directly to the entrance in Highmount. The mountain is divided into two sections, Upper Mountain and Lower Mountain.

The upper section has greens but is mostly blues and blacks while the lower is virtually all greens with a tiny blue section.

There is a high speed quad, the Super Chief that is about midmountain and whisks riders to the summit. Although there have been holidays where Belleayre has stopped selling lift tickets because they’ve reached a reasonable capacity, lift lines normally move along at a rapid pace affording more slope time as opposed to standing around time.

If you head a bit past Belleayre and turn right into Margaretville, then turn right at the only traffic light in town, you can wend your way to Plattekill. Directional signs are pretty clear. This is arguably

42 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

the least visited of the region’s ski resorts. That’s not because of any failing on its part, but rather the others are simply more convenient and well-known.

Hunter Mountain is the most popular with high school and college skiers and riders and, as with the others, is about a half hour west of the Thruway off Exit 20. Weekends here can be a bit of a chore with the number of skiers and riders waiting to board the lifts, but the slopes are wide open and well-groomed.

Hunter offers a goodly variety of slopes for all abilities and has a program for adaptive skiers. Snowmaking covers the slopes and there is rarely a time that the covering does not offer a quality experience. Hunter’s slopes are somewhat more challenging than Belleayre and it has become a haven for snowboarders.

Adding to the fun at Hunter is the new zip line and adventure trail complex. Hunter’s zips are well worth the time for the chills and excitement. The adventure trail challenges balance and agility to climb poles and rope bridges.

The drive to Hunter is arguably the most scenic of the area ski resorts and the road offers some twists and turns that are best taken slowly to avoid black ice and a ruined outing.

Possibly the most upscale of the resorts is Windham west of Exit 21. Signs should be carefully watched as it’s been not uncommon for visitors to miss taking the left side of a fork in the road and end up miles out of the way. As Yogi Berra said: “When you come to the fork in the road, take it.”

The lodge offers trippers a huge cafeteria on the main level and an excellent restaurant and bar upstairs where imbibers can spend their break watching football games.

Lift lines here can get a bit crowded but they usually move along fairly quickly. Windham has plenty of accommodations for those looking to extend the trip ranging from Windham Arms to smaller, nearby resorts.

Continuing up the Thruway to the second Albany exit, you take the Adirondack Northway to Lake George. This is a terrific village to use as a central point for skiing at Gore Mountain and West Mountain. Accommodations here range from motels to the historic Sagamore Hotel.

Obviously this isn’t a day trip because of the drive time from New York City, but the two mountains are well worth the trip. Of the two, Gore is probably more well-known, but that does not mean West is any less of a great destination. And for the non-skiers or the après skiers, Lake George has a huge amount of outlet stores.

Bring an extra suitcase.

One of our favorite places for dinner is the Barnsider, right on the main drag. It just completed some renovations about a month ago.

The Barnsider has some of the best BBQ brisket outside of Texas.

If the weather isn’t too cold they set heaters up on the outside deck and that makes for a terrific dining experience. Trip Advisor readers, for the most part, have rated it quite highly.

There’s a goodly population of downstaters who have obtained getaway homes through local real estate agents and make their trips extended weekends and then ski the nearby mountains. The homes along the lakefront are for heavy-duty pocketbooks, but surrounding the village or in the nearby towns there are many affordable properties.

If you feel like traveling a distance from The City, you might give Whiteface Mountain a try. Here’s where ORDA got its start with Whiteface and Lake Placid as an outgrowth of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Some refer to the mountain as “Ice Face� because of a tendency for it to ice up, but don’t let that deter you. If ORDA has learned anything, it’s how to groom a ski slope and provide downhillers with a quality experience.

Those who enjoy the ambiance of Lake Placid and want to spend time here would do well to consult local real estate agents for available properties. This, much more so than Lake George, requires an extended stay and there is nothing like doing that in your own home.

As with Lake George, Lake Placid is kind of a neat village that offers nice boutiques and eateries. It is a “walking� village that encourages visitors to wander through its streets.

The season is here. Wax the boards, stretch those muscles and get HPJOH t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43

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St. Barts Properties’ Live Your Dream

By Reginald Brisbane or many years in the early days Florida was the destination of choice for winter vacation or a second home. Look around, particularly on the East Coast and you can see the proliferation of exquisite old mansions. Many of the upscale resort hotels built in the early part of the last century are still preferred destinations for those who can afford them.

With the advent of convenient air travel, many people began looking at many of the Caribbean islands for their snowbird getaway trips. Some rented vacation villas while others made second home purchases.

Virtually every island in the Caribbean has a modern airport and those that do not, have quick and easy ferry service.

A perfect example is the island of St. Croix. Visitors flying in from the States land at Harry Truman Airport on St. Thomas and

transfer by smaller plane to St. Croix. Others heading for the much more bucolic island of St. John will take the water ferry from Red Hook for the short trip across the water.

St. Kitts and Nevis, the sister islands, have much the same situation with the major airport on St. Kitts and a water ferry or small aircraft transfer to Nevis.

St. Barts (or St. Barths), short for St. Barthelmey, is located about 150 miles from Puerto Rico, has always had an upscale reputation and has been known as the playground for the rich and famous.

While that aura remains, there’s been a recent building boom on the island that is catering to an upscale clientele. The island is only about 25 square miles in area and has a population of about 9,000.

Because of its desirability for such clientele, the islanders have always enjoyed a high standard of living. Those familiar with other small islands would notice the difference immediately.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45

The “Beautiful People” have taken to congregating on the island around New Year’s Eve when numerous yachts, some in excess of 500-foot in length, moor in the island’s harbor. The wealthy have made the island such a destination that a beachfront mansion could cost upwards of $90 million. That’s a lot of sea shells.

comfortable quarters away from major tourist accommodations.

St. Barts has numerous villas that meet that requirement.

It doesn’t sound as bad when you use the island’s official currency of the Euro and it tops out at about €61.2 million.

A luxurious 3-bedroom villa set back on one of the terraced avenues at the top of the harbor in Gustavia, guests love its proximity to town and the ease with which one can access the restaurants, bars and boutiques. Villa Infinity combines a plantation house feel with contemporary design and decor - a palm-shaded rear yard leads to a lovely, long veranda while the covered terrace showcases a panorama of the sea and neighboring islands, all with stunning views of the sea and offers ample space for al-fresco dining and watching the fiery Caribbean sunsets. An extra-long infinity pool is the focus of a lower level terrace that includes additional living space, a guest bath and a gazebo containing a kitchenette. Prices start at $16,070* per week.

Sweden had a presence on the island for a brief period in history and then France came along adding to its imprint in the Caribbean.

St. Barts’ residents hold French citizenship and even have a representative in the French parliament.

The small, regional airport on the island, named for Swedish king, Gustaf III, handles aircraft bringing in much of the food supplies the arid island needs to sustain itself and its visitors. Travelers to St. Barts will normally land on the Dutch side of St. Martin and transfer to the regional airline for the short hop over the water.

Island guests often first come and try the rental villas that’ll accommodate family groups or more than one family looking for 46 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Here are three villas that are bound to excite:

Villa Infinity

Villa Sagittaire

This beautiful 4-bedroom villa is located on St. Jean’s Bay, in close proximity to the village shops and restaurants, small airport

runway and beach. An extra-long infinity pool faces the bay, while the expansive sunny deck provides delightful outdoor living and dining spaces. Inside, an open floor plan incorporates a chic, comfortable living room, dining area and kitchen with island seating.

On one side it opens up to the pool deck, on the other to a rear deck with a BBQ. All bedrooms have 4-poster draped beds and en-suite baths with indoor and outdoor showers. Prices start at $8,570* per week.

Villa Joy

A sumptuous 6-bedroom villa (including one for staff!) situated with a stunning view of Marigot Bay, the contemporary architecture and decor are complemented with an homage to mid-century movie stars. A deck that runs the length of the house features an extra-long and heated infinity pool, a focal point of the outdoor living space that includes a portico sheltering a conversation area and a dining table with seating for fourteen.

The villa features a private nine-seat, tiered-view theater, a gym with sauna, designer kitchen featuring a black lava stone island with

seating, bedrooms with walk-in closets and en-suite baths and an elevator. Villa Joy is in St. Barth Properties’ Grand Cru collection, representing the island’s most distinctive villas and includes bonus services such as a breakfast of fresh fruit and French pastries delivered each morning, soft drinks replenished daily, evening turndown services and daily maid service inclusive of Sundays and holidays. Prices start at $28,000* per week. *Prices quoted above are based on 1-2 guests reserving 1 bedroom during the low season. Check the web site below for current rates.

If you are thinking of planning a trip to the island in March, St Barth Properties has also been named The Preferred Villa & Hotel Rental Partner for the annual St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta, taking place March 17-20, 2016.

St. Barth Properties also organizes a weekly cocktail party for guests throughout the high season, a great intro if you are going to be on the island anytime now through April 15, 2016.

Their full portfolio of properties may be accessed at: www.stbarth.com t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47

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David Dinkins!

New York Now and Then

By Bob Nesoff e served only one term as mayor of New York. It was one of the most contentious four-year periods in the Big Apple’s history, but whatever came his way, David Dinkins never lost his cool.

“I enjoyed being mayor,” Dinkins told NYLM. “If you like public service, you have to like people, especially children. This job is better than being mayor of any other city in the world. The only better job is (President) Obama’s.”

Today, at 88-years-old, Dinkins has taken on the role of an elder statesman, holding the respect of those he worked with and even some sitting across the aisle. In October his former employee and the current holder of the city’s top executive position, Bill deBlasio honored his former boss by naming the towering city Municipal Building the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building.

There’s a world of difference between the 1980s and the 21st Century. David Dinkins has managed to bridge that chasm with his wit and the wisdom that he accrued along the way through his public service.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49

In 1989 Dinkins, the then Manhattan Borough president, swept past Ed Koch who had held the post for three terms and then went on to take a close election from Rudy Giuliani. Four years later the situation was reversed and Giuliani took the post away from Dinkins.

the respect of even those who opposed him while he served in a variety of offices, beginning in 1966 as a member of the New York Assembly. He was president of the New York Board of Elections, City Clerk and then Manhattan Borough President before assuming the mantle of Mayor.

But while he no longer held public office, many of his accomplishments are present to this day. He was devoted to the cultural life of New York City and was responsible for the on-going Fashion Week that has put New York in a position to challenge Paris as the fashion capital of the world.

“We have in New York 8.4 million people,” Dinkins said. “When I went to school in Harlem we were taught that New York is a melting pot. I said it was a gorgeous mosaic. We speak as many languages as at the U.N. In Queens alone, more than 100 languages are commonly spoken. Of course we have our problems and we are wrestling with them. I think Bill deBlasio has found his sea legs and is learning to tackle the problems.”

He also helped institute Restaurant Week that today draws thousands of people to New York to sample the great variety of eateries here. During Restaurant Week the participating restaurants offer dishes at discounted prices to entice diners with the idea that they will become regular guests.

Broadway on Broadway, another Dinkins innovation presents free entertainment with entertainers from many of the shows currently appearing on The Great White Way giving performances for the public at large for free.

Dinkins receives little credit for initiating the Safe Streets, Safe City: Cops and Kids programs designed to give people a feeling of security. It was a comprehensive criminal justice program for reducing crime and expanding opportunities for the children of New York.

While he is a man of the past, David Dinkins still has both feet firmly planted in the present and is stepping out into the future.

“I had the good fortune to land a job at Columbia University,” he said. “I teach at the school of International Public Affairs. The grad students are so bright that I often learn more from them than they do from me.”

“I have guest lecturers who cover many subject areas such as race, health, immigration and fiscal policy. I encourage them to think in terms of public service; not only in terms of government and politics, which, if properly done, is public service. I tell them to do something for other people.”

His administration initiated the revitalization of Times Square, the center of the world, cleaning it up from the less than desirable businesses that populated the area.

“All over the world people are sitting in seats such as these at Columbia. My students come from all over the world and they are truly tomorrow’s students. We old folks owe them the ability to achieve their full potential.”

Following his departure from public office Dinkins has earned

Calling on his personal contacts to pass their experience and

50 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

wisdom along to his students, Dinkins has a vast reservoir to choose from. Among the speakers he has brought in to pass along wisdom were Hillary Clinton and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

As mayor one of his favorite duties was performing marriage ceremonies.

“I enjoyed doing that immensely. Normally after a mayor leaves office he is no longer authorized to marry people. I was able to do so as City Clerk and as mayor. I went to (Assembly Speaker) Shelly Silver and (Assemblyman) Denny Farrell and told them that I had never asked anything of them before. They amended the law so that former mayors could perform wedding ceremonies. I’ve done many, including several celebrities.”

Dinkins was reluctant to name any of them, but with a bit of prodding he performed a ceremony for the wedding of famed singer Harry Belafonte.

“Harry was not only a great performer, but he was an activist as well. He went to Mississippi when we were trying to get permission for black people to vote down there. Many activists were locked up and Harry Belafonte brought bail money to get them out of jail.”

“Harry persuaded Sidney Poitier to help out. They arrived in the dark of the night and the KKK was out intimidating people. Harry served as master of ceremonies at my inauguration.”

“There were great and grand moments,” Dinkins remembered. “I remember receiving Nelson Mandela who came to New York after he was released from 27 years of imprisonment in South Africa’s Robben Island. He stayed with us at Gracie Mansion.”

“I remember saying to my wife that I thought the bed might not be long enough because he was so tall. The South African legend was reputed to have been 6’4” tall. Two years later during the Democratic National Convention in New York, Bill Clinton and Al Gore and I looked at pictures and saw that Clinton was just a tad taller than Mandela.”

A New Jersey native, born in Trenton, Dinkins served in the Marines. He was awarded the Congressional Gold medal.

“I didn’t feel as though I had done anything to deserve it. I called Roscoe Brown, a fighter pilot in the war who was the first to shoot down a German jet fighter. He said there was nothing wrong in my accepting the medal. A three-star general placed it around my neck.”

Dinkins remembers, not with any fondness, the fact that at the time American blacks were fighting with our armed forces against the Axis, German and Italian POWs were “…treated better than black Americans in the military down south.”

“Blacks could not shop or go to the movies down there,” he said with not much fondness.

When he ran for mayor against Rudy Giuliani, he was the target of what many people considered an unwarranted racial slur by comedian Jackie Mason. Mason frequently made comments many considered ill-advised and offensive. In this case, Mason, who was working on the Giuliani campaign, called Dinkins: “A fancy schvartza (black) with a bow tie.”

Condemnation was swift and almost universal. As a result, Mason was forced to be distanced from the Giuliani campaign.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51

“We’ve never spoken,” he says about Mason. “I’m familiar with him. People like that are unfortunate, but they do exist. Most people, I believe, are good and fair-minded. We Americans are pretty damned good and I have great hopes for the future.”

The former mayor has been married to “my bride,” Joyce, for 62 years. The couple has two children, David, 61, and Donna, 58.

“They are pretty good people and I give my bride credit for that.”

One of his proudest and most enduring achievements is the creation of the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, which is home to the U.S. Open and many major tournaments.

That’s hardly surprising as David Dinkins could be described as a “tennis fanatic.” One of his greatest dismays today is that he no longer can physically endure the strenuous game he loves so much, giving up the game two years ago.

didn’t have his money.”

“But we’ve come a long way,” he says. “Katrina Adams is the youngest person to head the U.S. Tennis Association. She was a professional player and things are so different today.”

The former mayor notes that in the early days blacks were not permitted to play at any of the white clubs. That also included such great athletes as Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe.

“We’ve certainly come a long way from those days to now where a black woman is the head of the USTA.” His greatest joy is working for children.

“I am a member of several non-profit groups dealing with young people, such as the Children’s Health Fund and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. This is my joy and it is important.”

“The situation is where I expend energy and get winded too quickly. The doctors can’t figure out why.”

While he has stepped back from partisan politics, he still has strong views on the state of things today.

Mayor Dinkins had a triple bypass several years ago.

“I think we are going to have our first woman president in Hillary Clinton and I am looking forward to it.”

“When I heard that Bill Clinton had a quadruple bypass, I sent him a note saying that I would have done the same, but that I 52 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

He smiles when asked about Donald Trump.

“I always assumed Donald was selling his brand and he was probably as surprised as anyone that he’s gotten the reception that he has.�

And those who have followed him: “Rudy and I frequently do not see eye-to-eye. He made a campaign issue of the efforts to build the tennis stadium. He fought against the 99-year lease to the USTA. It was not built with city money and in the two weeks that the U.S. Open is played there more money is brought into the city, $70 million, than is brought in by the Yankees, Mets, Knicks and Rangers combined.�

Today the two warriors have no contact with each other. “I rarely see him and our paths do not cross.�

Conversely he has high praise for both Michael Bloomberg and Bill deBlasio. “Bill was in my administration and his wife wrote speeches for me. They met while working at City Hall. It’s a difficult job but he’ll do just fine.�

Of Bloomberg he says: “He’s a friend. People tend to forget that he was a great philanthropist before he became mayor. He got

involved in many things and much of what he did was anonymous.

He didn’t look for credit. We are better off because he was here.�

Dinkins still has family back in the New Jersey capital. “I was born there in the covered wagon days,� he says with a smile. “We often go back for Thanksgiving and on Christmas day. The family also joins us in New York and we’ll have perhaps 30 people for dinner at the Water Club for some holidays.�

Today, aside from his educational duties at Columbia, David Dinkins serves on numerous boards and organizations.

At 88-years-old he still has the “get up and go� that is the envy of men far younger and although he won’t be back on the tennis court any time soon, he’ll keep on working for the foreseeable future.

And, while there was controversy during his tenure, the one thing he was able to take away from his time in City Hall is the fact that there was never a hint or taint of scandal of any sort that would impugn his honesty and integrity.

In a business where so many people at the top have fallen prey to BWBSJDF %BWJE %JOLJOT OFWFS GFBST BOZPOF IF NJHIU GBDF t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53

Luxury Unit At Mandarin Oriental Up For Grabs At $12.818 Million

By Jerome Fieldstone olumbus Circle has run the gamut from popular exhibition hall, The New York Coliseum that hosted such mythic figures as Jim Thorpe, one of the world’s greatest athletes to a huge communication center.

It has also become a prime location for luxury living, perched at the edge of Central Park at 59th Street.

Many business entrepeneurs, entertainers, sports figures and others in the higher-income brackets prefer to live in New York where they are at the center of things. Some, such as Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia prefer mansions just over the river into New Jersey. It’s not uncommon to see the likes of his former teammate, Derek Jeter, entering or exiting luxury buildings where they live at the heart of all the action.

54 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

The very upscale Mandarin Oriental Hotel has become a haven for the wealthy and prominent looking for living quarters befitting their station in life that also provides immediate and easy access to Midtown theaters, eateries and business centers.

Columbus Circle also offers an easy exit from Manhattan to New Jersey, Newark and LaGuardia Airports, Connecticut and almost wherever the necessities of life, business and leisure may take you.

Needless to say, the cost of living in this prime locale is not for the faint of pocketbook.

Unit 65A at the Mandarin Oriental is currently owned by Angelo Medina, the well-known international music manager, producer and promoter. Medina has represented such artists as Ricky Martin, has decided it is time for him to move on.

Medina has signed an exclusive listing with Manhattan real estate brokerage Charles Rutenberg, LLC. It is being marketed by Rutenberg agent Maria Ellis. Ms Ellis is an associate broker with a Harvard Business School MBA degree.

The unit is 1,686-square-feet and boast an Armani decorated twobedroom, 2.5 bathroom ambiance. That comes out to just under $8,000 per square-foot. But you get a big bang for the buck.

Aside from the fact that the location is in one of the most exclusive luxury buildings in Manhattan, there is a killer view of Central Park, the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge.

Looking south the new resident will have another beautiful view reaching across the magnificent New York skyline to the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center. There is an aerial view of Central Park.

The residence features floor-to-ceiling windows to better enjoy the view.

There is a large kitchen and an openspaced living area brightened by the large windows, permitting the sun in.

Residents of the building, at 80 Columbus Circle, have full access to all of the five-star amenities at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. There is white-gloved 24-hour concierge service along with a valet and doorman. Residents have use of a private elevator.

For those so inclined, there is a 40,000 square-foot fitness facility with an enclosed swimming pool. Owners may also use the Mandarin Spa with its steam room.

There is a parking garage, courtyard, hotel-style services,

housekeeping, playroom, lounge, rooftop deck, common storage area and a business center.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is centrally located near the heart of Manhattan and towers over the Shops at Columbus Circle, offering a wide variety of upscale goods to choose from.

Hungry? Residents need only walk a few steps to enjoy such famed top-notch restaurants as JeanGeorges, Masa, Per Se, Marea and Asiate. There are more if you’ll only look around.

Charles Rutenberg, LLC, was cofounded in 2007 by Wall Street IPO expert Richie Friedman. The company is a premier provider of residential real estate services.

Rutenberg claims an innovative business model that it says provides agents with maximum earnings, work flexibility, continued industry education and entrepreneurial support.

The firm says agents retain 100% of their earned commissions while paying a small fee for active agent status with full access to Rutenberg’s resources and tools. There is also a closing transaction fee.

Rutenberg claims a lean operation with flexible work stations, a supportive atmosphere that empowers and coaches agents on how to close deals. The firm is run by Stefani Markowitz, Friedman’s granddaughter. She was named president of the firm in 2014. For more information on Rutenberg, check out: www.rutenbergnyc.com t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55

AKA Sutton Place Jet Setting & Investing

By Daniel J Bollinger his month I toured 330 East 56th St., aka (pun intended), AKA Sutton Place Condominium Residences. These condos are designed for the “Jet Setter Investor�.

Whether you are jet setting to Beverly Hills, London, Washington DC, Philadelphia or NYC... AKA has you covered with residences in all of these cities. And it doesn’t matter if whilst in NYC you wish to be downtown on Wall Street, uptown on Central Park, midtown in Times Square, on the Upper East Side or near the United Nations, AKA still has you covered with five locations in NYC. The “one thing� that really stunned me was AKA’s business model.

With condominium ownership you can take part in AKA’s Rental Program. This allows owners to rent their condos when they are jet setting to all other corners of the world. So not only can you stay in one of the highest quality and well designed buildings in the city, but you can earn income off of your investment when not in town.

Brilliant, simply, brilliant.

The second “one thing� that really sets AKA Sutton Place and Korman Communities apart from the crowd is that they ‘fullyappointed’ (aka pun intended) fully furnished all of their condos.

56 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

They furnished each apartment with everything one needs... from the living room to the kitchen to the bathroom... couches, linens, towels, TV’s (with Direct TV), forks, knives, etc... even the artwork throughout the building and in each unit, has been curated.

All one needs is a change of clothes and a toothbrush and one is ready to start living the jet setter lifestyle in Manhattan and beyond. And I’m sure the concierge will be able to get a toothbrush delivered, so just make sure you have some clothes packed and you can start enjoying the ultimate jet setter lifestyle today if you decide to pick up one of these condos. I could write at length about all of the design, amenities, and furniture and fixtures that make AKA Sutton Place a true luxury residence, but I recommend you take a tour yourself.

I will say if you read my articles you know I have an affinity for top notch design details such as custom shower niches. AKA Sutton Place has custom shower niches in all of their bathrooms (a sign of elegance and quality). If AKA Sutton Place was a new bond issuance, I would rate it a “triple A buy�. Not only was I thoroughly impressed with everything that AKA Sutton Place has built for its residences but the fact that they worked out an income stream on top of a luxury lifestyle truly puts AKA/Korman Communities in a DMBTT CZ JUTFMG t

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Winter Skin Savers

By Doris Day MD

I admit I much prefer warmer sunnier weather over the cold winter months but I try to find the bright side of the season and keep in mind that spring is waiting just on the other side. The winter season with the cold, crisp air, can be beautiful and invigorating in many ways. It can also be very stressful on your skin, especially when transitioning from warmer summer and autumn months to cold, windy and drier winter air.

These changes make your skin look and feel dry, dull and older than its years, and it can also spur flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. One of the biggest mistakes many people make with the change of seasons is to neglect to adjust their skin care routine. The good news is that there are simple changes you can make to prevent the stress of cold weather from affecting your skin.

Decreased temperatures mean a drop in humidity levels, taking moisture not only out of the air, but also pulling it out of your skin. While staples like a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are crucial for healthy skin, making a few skincare changes and adopting a handful of new habits can help manage the discomfort of the Dry Skin Season and keep your skin feeling silky smooth and soft year round. Here’s my quick hit list: 1. Don’t crank up the heat. Turning up the heat indoors seems 58 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

like a natural response to chilly winter weather, but raising the thermostat indoors dries the air and skin out even more. The result is dry, flaky skin that is itchy and uncomfortable.

2. Get a humidifier. To remedy a dry home, bring in a humidifier and set humidity level between 45% and 55% to infuse the air with enough moisture for you skin to reap the benefits.

3. Take quick warm (not hot!) showers. A long hot shower may feel heavenly on cold mornings, but it strips out the water and natural oils in your skin, thus drying it out. Limit showers to 15-minutes or less, using warm water, rather than hot water.

4. Don’t use harsh soap. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are especially harsh on your skin, compromising your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Instead, opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers that contain moisturizers within them.

5. Use a rich creamy moisturizer. After showering, blot or pat excess water off your body, instead of roughly rubbing your skin with a towel. Next, apply a body moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Use a formula that gently sloughs off dry, dead skin cells, while also locking in moisture. Look for a cream over a lotion in the winter and also check for ceramides on the ingredient list. They are naturally found in the skin’s outer layer, and using shea butter to help to retain moisture, can help to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.

6. Give your hands extra TLC. We’re told to wash our hands all the time to avoid the flu, but over-washing is one of the worst culprits of hand dermatitis and actually increases your risk of infection because broken skin is not healthy skin and bacteria and germs are better able to penetrate and cause problems. Dry hands can also feel very itchy and look unsightly. Be sure to moisturize your hands every time after washing. Also, trade in traditional hand sanitizer for a combination sanitizer that contains moisturizer or lotion.

7. Soften your soles. Your regular body lotion or cream may not be enough for your feet. Look for a thicker richer cream or ointment to penetrate rough, dry skin on feet. Soak your feet in lukewarm water and three tablespoons of honey, for about 10 minutes, pat dry then add a thick moisturizer or ointment and then wrap in plastic wrap and wear white socks over it overnight to wake up to soft smooth hydrated feet.

8. Ease up on facial exfoliating. Reduce the frequency of facial peels and masks to avoid irritating your skin. If your skin stings or burns when you apply moisturizer after exfoliating, or a peel, that’s a sign that it’s too dry and it means you need to space out the treatments and also use a richer moisturizer.

9. Wear sunscreen. This is important every day all year round.

Studies show that those who wore sun screen every day instead of only on warm sunny days, had a significantly lower risk of both skin cancer and also of signs of aging in the skin, such as dark spots and wrinkles.

10. Wear layers. Avoid putting on abrasive or irritating fabrics like wool or polyester directly against your skin, especially the neck.

Stick to soft fabrics, such as cotton, especially if they are in direct contact with your skin.

If stubborn dry skin is causing extreme discomfort, seek out professional advice. Your dermatologist can analyze your skin type and create a customized skin care routine just for you. In certain cases, extremely dry skin can be an indicator of a larger medical issue, such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid. Your doctor can evaluate and help guide you to beautiful soft skin this winter and all year round.

Dr. Day, a dermatologist, is affiliated with NYU Langone Hospital. t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59

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Happy New Year 2016!

Pop, Fizz, Cheers.....

Resolution Time Is Here!

By Dr. Miki Makrillos

any people use the New Year as an opportunity to start afresh and turn over a new leaf.

Self-improvement is why so many of us make New Year’s resolutions. But for all the good intentions only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s goals.

Caroline Arnold, Wall Street tech leader and author of Small Move, Big Change, talks about the frustration of not achieving her New Year’s resolutions! Why do most people have such a hard time sticking to their New Year’s 62 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

resolution? Most resolutions stem from our internal negativity and unresolved insecurities. They also tend to be unrealistic, and are bound to fail! Arnold suggests ma k ing “microres olut i ons” instead of setting over-ambitious, unrealistic goals. Making deep, incremental behavioral changes and working within the “vital margin” of our willpower helps us build good habits.

Setting simple, specific short-term goals allow us to avoid setting ourselves up for failure, and the self-loathing that comes with it! Succeeding in these small goals will give us a lasting sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Having a more optimistic view of self-

improvement and an acceptance of who we are, as individuals, will allow us to make gradual and meaningful change within ourselves and our lives. Setting goals that are unique to ourselves is the key to success!

Take a moment to reflect and look inside yourself...decide what change truly matters to YOU! Set realistic goals, make a simple plan that will be easy for you to follow, and cut yourself some slack.

Don’t focus on negativity and failure, but rather on your successes, big and small!

Follow these easy steps for your resolution make-over: t .BLF UJNF GPS ZPVSTFMG )BWJOH ZPVS own “me� time will help you focus and prioritize your goals more clearly. t 'JOE ZPVS DPNGPSU TQBDF 0VS environment can affect how we feel and think in that moment. Create your unique Feng Shui to help motivate your creative “inner� self-thoughts. t 3FĘFDU ćJOL CBDL PO ZPVS QBTU year, embracing both the positive and negative events that occurred. Be kind and generous to yourself for handling it all !! Try not to hold on to the negative thoughts and emotions but rather focus on your strengths and personal growth

through lessons learned. t .BLF B MJTU PG BMM ZPVS QPTJUJWF BUUSJCVUFT BOE TUSFOHUIT Acknowledging who we are ,is at times very difficult since we judge ourselves the harshest. Ask yourself the question of “what do you like about yourself and your life? t 4FU ZPVS HPBMT 4FUUJOH QPTJUJWF SFBMJTUJD HPBMT UIBU XJMM JNQSPWF your quality of life ,will tend to have a more positive outcome, rather than setting goals that focus on negative emotions and unrealistic expectations. Small, gradual goals will lead to long term, more meaningful change. t 'PMMPX VQ *U T JNQPSUBOU UP DIFDL JO XJUI yourself as you work on your goals. Set realistic time frames and expectations to keep you motivated, and reward yourself by acknowledging your growth and metamorphosis along the journey toward change, self- improvement and a happier year ahead.

May your resolution make-over be a TVDDFTT t Editor’s note: Dr. Mi k i Ma k r i l los is a cl i n i c a l psychot herapist and fou nd e r of wond er womanta l k s.c om JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63

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BBQ, The Growing Southern Taste Taking Over New York ew York has, arguably, the widest variety of restaurants of any city in the world. You could go out for dinner for weeks on end and never eat the same style twice. One of the fastest growing tastes is Bar-B-Que, the down home Southern and Texas mouth-watering dish.

Never say “grilled,” because a true BBQ devotee will give you a withering look. Grilling is what you do in the back yard over

charcoal. BBQ is a slow process that normally takes 12 or more hours over a low, wood fire in an enclosed smoker. Wood chips add flavor, the smoke permeates the meat and creates a “bark,” the dark crust on the outside. It becomes true BBQ when you add the sauce, often a secret recipe that can only be had at individual restaurants.

Here we present some of the highly rated BBQ joints in New York.

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque 103 2nd Avenue www.mightyquinnsbbq.com Hugh Mangum’s beefy brick-and-mortar aspirations have become the stuff of barbecue dreams. The proof comes sliced and piled into brioche buns in the form of brisket with a squirt of sweet-sour “Texalina” sauce.

A hulking beef rib vies for the top spot with exemplary pulled pork. Both meats sport aggressive bark, with an interior that’s tender as can be. Throw in a solid list of craft beers available by the cup or growler, plus thoughtful sides like edamame with goat cheese, and you’ve got yourself a contender for the title. Mighty Quinn’s claims to be the most well-rounded barbecue experience in the city.

66 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Blue Smoke 116 East 27 St. www.bluesmoke.com Always high on the list of BBQ lovers, Blue Smoke was one of the pioneers of Que in New York. For more than a decade its succulent ribs, brisket and chicken have always resonated with diners. The pulled pork is a terrific mixture of smoked meat and sauce that’ll wake your taste buds up. At dinner time it is piled onto a slab of white bread, soaking up the wonderful juices.

They may have started in Buffalo, but wings have become a staple in BBQ eateries and Blue Smoke’s wings have a memorable crispness and a bit of a bite that is tempered by a coating of blue cheese. You might also want to give the mac and cheese a try. It has a soufflé-like crust that has just the right crunch.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que 700 West 125 St. Manhattan 604 Union St., Park Slope www.dinosaurbarbque.com Talk like a regular and call it “Dino.” Opened more than a quarter century ago and has earned a loyal following of true Que Lovers. The first Dino was opened Upstate and since moved to the Harlem and park Slope locations.

While brisket and ribs are popular items-they come with just the right thickness of bark with a juicy and tender interior, their wings look as though they come from some genetically developed bird…they are huge. Just as important, they are delicious with a crisp and crackly skin that adds to the experience.

As with most BBQ restaurants, Dinosaur BBQ is decorated in a rough-hewn style, but it truly enhances the atmosphere.

Passersby on the West Side Highway can almost smell the aroma from the cooking que as it drifts skyward. Hone in on the Fairway Market (you can’t miss it on the highway) and it’ll bring you to the almost adjacent Dino location.

There is no dedicated parking for Dinosaur, but on-street parking is not at all difficult to find. The neighborhood is busy and it’s a friendly area. How could anyone not be friendly with that mouth-watering BBQ waiting to be eaten?

Hill Country 30 West 26 St. www.hillcountryny.com Food and entertainment, with both pulled off with panache. Hill Country aims for what its name implies…a Texas hill country honky tonk, and it hits the mark. Most Texas BBQ restaurants are designed with that downscale atmosphere. There’s nothing fancy, but the food is damn good.

In case you missed the Texas connection, there’s a large silver star suspended over the bar. The tables are rough-cut and covered with paper towels. “Eatin’ tools” are jammed into a pickle jar. Food is portion controlled with the meat weighed on a scale before delivery to the salivating diners.

While various parts of pig are prepared and served, the real Texas BBQ is brisket. Thick, juicy slabs of brisket. The meat is done in true Texas-style with the wood actually brought in by truck from Lockhart, Texas to give it that authentic taste.

BBQ joints in Texas rarely have table cloths and serve food on paper plates. Hill Country goes upscale and covers the tables with butcher paper. Half way through the meal you could skate on it as it becomes greasy from the juices. But, man-oh-man, that’s part of the joy.

The basement features a band that you’d find in a small, Texas club, and the music goes on until the wee hours.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67

Virgil’s 152 West 44 St. www.virgilsbbq.com This is basic American barbecue next to Times Square. Virgil’s features Memphis style pork ribs and the Carolina pulled pork, with cole slaw, baked beans, and cornbread as sides. Pulled brisket is one of the staples here. One of the more popular orders at Virgil’s is the pulled brisket on what would normally pass for a hamburger bun. It’s messy, it’s sloppy with sauce dripping, but it is absolutely delicious.

Partly because of its location to the theater district and Times Square, Virgil’s has become one of the more popular BBQ joints in New York. That is not to mean anything should be taken away from the quality of the food. Virgil’s is one of the more reliable stops for delicious BBQ in a city that is rapidly becoming more and more conscious of the formerly “Southern-Style” of cuisine that is now taking over the North.

Food is brought out piping hot with a waitstaff that knows its business and never seems to slow down.

You know that this is real BBQ when you come through the entrance and see the cords of wood stacked up. They fuel two huge smokers that have a capacity for BBQing about 1,400 pounds of meat, poultry and fish in one shot.

68 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

House of Que 340 Frank Sinatra Dr. Hoboken, NJ www.houseofque.com

A real Texan, Chef Mike Rodriguez has his work cut out for him bringing the full, legendary flavor of a Texas BBQ pit to New Jersey. Considering his history in the world of barbeque, it’s not going to be too hard for him.

Opened just over a month ago, House of Que has already developed a loyal following…and not just from New Jersey. It’s location right on the Hoboken waterfront and the water taxi sevice from Manhattan dropping passengers off almost at the front door, have made it a night out for Manhattanites.

House of ‘Que features four of the most popular barbeque dishes in Texas, including brisket, chicken, pork ribs, and spicy Texasstyle sausage. As you’d expect from a real Texan pitmaster, the meats will be dry-rubbed with a housemade rub and gently smoked over Oak wood. Each offering comes with the option of two different barbeque sauces, and one of them will definitely add a spicy kick to an already memorable meal.

The sprawling roadhouse style space was designed by Josh Held, drawn from his own experience growing up in Texas and love for barbecue to create an authentic yet modern Texas barbecue hall. Raw concrete floors, blackened steel, and recycled wood, along with a bar top made from live edge planks of old growth oak complement details such as barbed wire sconces, giant industrial steel cage fans and a custom J & R smoker made in Texas to transport patrons to the heart of Austin, TX.

Butcher Bar 37-08 30th Ave. Queens www.butcherbar.com They tout the “ethically raised� meat at this butcher shop that has reinvented itself as a BBQ restaurant.

One of the highlights of a true BBQ restaurant is the ability to turn out perfectly “qued� burnt ends. Brisket is served with melted cheese and grilled onions. Sausages, made in-house, are also sold for the takeaway crowd who can’t get enough at the restaurant and a doggie bag isn’t sufficient for the next day. The sausages are ground to a coarse consistency and then stuffed into natural casings that nearly burst their way out of the skin, crackled from the process.

Hog Pit BBQ 37 West 26 St. Bet. Broadway and 6th Ave. www.hogpit.com One of the more inexpensive BBQ restaurants in New York, the Hog Pit opened in 1995 in the Meatpacking District in NYC. In 2008 the restaurant moved to its current location. Hog Pit specializes in Southern food, such as, Pulled pork and Catfish. They claim to have the best wings in NYC with a choice of over 28 sauces. A step away from BBQ, they offer soft tortilla tacos in beef, chicken and fish, Fried pickles, etc. Bored waiting for food or a lull in the conversation? Hog Pit has a chalkboard bar where anyone can doodle a drawing while hanging out watching a sporting event on 6 large screen tv’s!

Hog Pit is a neighborhood stop. That means diners are frequently from the area, but an outsider will not feel out of place.

This BBQ house is decidedly more Mid-West than Texas style, with few beef dishes on the menu. The exceptions are beef ribs and chicken fried steak, a Texas staple that they are amongst the few Northern restaurants to get right. Unusual dishes for a BBQ eatery include: fried pickles, fried frogs legs and catfish strips. Tex-Mex offerings are plentiful with tacos and nachos.

Dallas 10 locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & The Bronx www.dallasbbq.com OK, so Dallas is a restaurant chain and that usually doesn’t bode well for taste even though there’s quality control. In this case Dallas breaks the mold. One of its specialties is the beef ribs that come out looking somewhat akin to what Fred Flintstone might be served. They are huge. More importantly, they are tender and tasty.

There’s an extensive menu featuring wings, black beans and Dallas’ signature pulled pork burger.

Dallas tries to hurry along those waiting on line without rushing diners. There is never a push to get anyone out to open up seating.

They have modernized the operation by equipping staff with radio communication so that as soon as a table opens up, the person at UIF QPEJVN DBO CFHJO UP TFBU UIF OFYU PO MJOF t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69

Dining In Portugal…

Across The Hudson

By Jon Haggins Photos by Bo Zaunders thnic food is a delight, especially when it is enjoyed in an atmosphere the reeks of the particular country. Chinese food in Manhattan’s Chinatown tastes better than somewhere in Midtown. What can compare with Italian food in, well, Little Italy?

One of the biggest Portuguese communities lies, literally just a few minutes west of Manhattan, across the Hudson River in Newark. The Portuguese populate an interesting section called “The Ironbound that is just east of the city’s Penn Station.

still is home to more great Portuguese restaurants than you could count. Some are off the beaten path and little known outside the community. But those that draw “outsiders” to dine, never fail to impress with both ambiance and terrific ethnic food.

The Ironbound is so named because the rail tracks that serve Penn Station circle the area creating a section that is “ironbound.” Newark is on the upswing with a beautiful entertainment complex in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and many theatergoers find their way the short distance to the Ironbound. This area also happens to be arguably the safest section in Newark.

So, where to find great Portuguese food?

The gangster comedy movie “Wise Guys,” starring Joe Piscopo and Danny DeVito, as a pair of would-be Mafioso, was filmed there. The throw-back look of the Ironbound was a perfect setting for the movie.

Adega Grill serves the best Portuguese Cuisine on the other side of the Hudson.

The Path Train stops at Newark’s Penn Station and a simple five-block walk down Ferry Street brings you to Adega Grill. It’s an amazing restaurant in the Ironbound Section.

Today the area has not changed much physically and the Ironbound

A bit more history here-Ferry Street once led to a ferry that crossed

70 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

the Hudson to Manhattan. The ferry is long since gone, but the name hangs on.

Adega extends into two buildings and is comprised of four divisions; a popular bar, two beautiful dining areas and a large music filled lounge where everyone gathers. The accommodating staff is universal, from South America and Portugal.

Marcos Aliveira, the manager told me, “Adega means wine cellar, a room where carefully selected grapes are transformed into the magic that is wine. In Portugal the Adega is about tradition and hospitality, it’s a place where family and friends gather to experience the pleasure of the wine and share tales of life. We, at the Adega Grill, are here to share with you the experience of tradition, hospitality and the magic of Portugal.”

The colorful mixed salad was filled with field greens, nuts, dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, sliced apples and seared tuna with a house dressing ($12.00). Let’s not forget the grilled red snapper filet that is served with scallops, shrimp and fresh vegetables ($25.75).

The sliced calamari was lightly battered and served with a red tomato sauce ($14.25). The octopus dish was tender and melted in my mouth. Our dinner was complimented with a bottle of a very nice Syra/Cabernet 2014 wine.

We shared three traditional desserts, flan, turtle cheesecake, and Portuguese Marie cookies dipped in espresso and a heavy crème. What could be more wonderful than that to top off a fantastic dining experience? Adgea is where you come for the best Portuguese Cuisine on that side of the Hudson.

The restaurant is most notable for fresh seafood such as the seafood festival, a large platter of whole lobster, two lobster tails of four ounces each, king crab legs, mussels, clams, shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, seafood sauce on the side and sautéed broccoli-rabe.

Chef Leys Filipe Silva really has a handle on his preparation. This is my fourth visit and each time I discover the wonders of his kitchen.

The best thing about the food is its quality.

We started with several terrific dishes such as: a plate of shrimp sautéed with garlic and olive oil ($14.75), The Spanish sausage was thinly sliced with shrimp and mushrooms in a brown sauce, sautéed with garlic ($15.50).

The restaurant also serves several meat selections, such as the best New Zealand lamb chops on the western side of the Hudson.

They are seasoned in a marinade and gently grilled, then served with oven roasted potatoes and steamed arugula. That lamb chops melted in my mouth and left me begging for more, more, and more ($29.95). The broiled 10 oz. filet mignon that’s finished in a brandy flambé with mushrooms, was served with crisp Spanish style potatoes and sautéed vegetables ($33.95).

Adega Grill 130-132 Ferry Street Newark, NJ 07105 (973) 589-8830 adegagrill.com t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71

Umberto’s: Clams & Great Italian Food

S

By Ross Warren

ome restaurants are famous for a signature dish, while others cater to a celebrity crowd. Umberto’s Clam House is famous for other reasons.

“We have a loyal base of customers who have been coming to our various locations for many years,” commented Robert Ianniello, the third of his family to run the famed eatery. He’s been at the helm since 1972.

In a business where restaurants come and go, Umberto’s has staked out a reputation for outlasting many of its competitors and serving delicious meals. And while the majority of its regular customers are people known primarily to their friends and families, it still draws the glitterati.

Located today at 132 Mulberry Street, between Grand and Hester, the restaurant is in its third incarnation. In one location the family owned the building and then sold it, necessitating a move.

Another location proved too small for the growing cadre of regular customers, again dictating a move to the current location.

Its tables are often occupied by the likes of Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Bette Midler, Elizabeth Hurley and a bunch of very tall people who play for the New York Knicks basketball team.

“We’ve always been in the same general area. If you move, you don’t want to go too far so that your customers can find you without too much difficulty. Our regulars have always been faithful.”

The hallmark of Umberto’s is that movie star or athlete, famous or not-so-famous, everyone sitting down for a meal is treated the same and given the same top drawer service.

The restaurant was opened 47 years ago by Robert’s father, Umberto.

His brother, Matthew, headed operations for several years until Robert took the helm. Today it is thriving as never before.

72 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Arguably the most well-known restaurant in New York’s iconic Little Italy section, the restaurant is a prominent stop for tour buses hauling tourists through the city’s points of interest and ethnic neighborhoods.

Asked to name the most popular dish at Umberto’s, Robert is hardpressed for an answer.

“We have a number of dishes that diners ask for. Obviously baked clams would be one of them. Our pasta dishes are always in demand as well.”

Some reviewers have recommended little neck clams, top necks, and cherrystones on the half shell. Over the years Umberto’s has earned a reputation for calamari, scungilli and mussels.

Pasta sauces can be either main dishes or accompaniments. There is red, white, spicy and sweet with biscuits accompanying many of the dishes. The biscuits are also accompanied by olive oil and raw garlic.

Keeping with the sea food and maritime aura, the restaurant is decorated with fishermen’s accoutrements. There are decorative boat oars, life preservers, netting, sea-faring prints and mounted fish hung on the walls. Although the bricks are exposed, there is still a somewhat upscale atmosphere to Umberto’s.

In New York sports are often king. To accommodate that, the restaurant has wall-mounted televisions for patrons to watch the game of the day, be it the Giants or Jets, Yankees or Mets. Some even ask for the Rangers.

Over the years little Italy has grown as immigrants coming to this country looked for a familiar place to put down roots. While many spread out through the county (Boston, New Jersey and more) scores came to what would be called Little Italy.

Here they were able to socialize with people who spoke the same language, enjoyed the same foods, shared a religion and customs.

They dressed similarly and no one looked twice at them.

Across Canal Street a similar enclave began to spring up that became known as Chinatown. Here Asians were, as well, able to associate within familiar surroundings. But over the years Chinatown began to expand, creeping across Canal Street and into the confines of Little Italy.

For the most part the two ethnic groups peacefully coexisted. Most of the Chinese restaurants remained south of Canal Street while the Italian eateries were on the north side.

“That’s changing again,” Robert noted. “For a number of years now the Chinese are moving back across Canal.”

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated event in Little Italy is the annual San Gennaro Festival in September. Literally millions of visitors from throughout the United States and from around the world, converge on Little Italy.

The festival keeps alive the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants with religious observances, entertainment and parades.

The crowds become so heavy that walking is sometimes difficult.

But no one seems to mind. The crowds are fun-loving and joyful.

While seating is always open, Robert highly recommends reservations during such times as San Gennaro, the end of December and during summertime when the neighborhood becomes rather packed with tourists.

For reservations and information, check out: info@umbertosclamhouse.com Or call: (212) 431-7545 t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73

Lorraine Toussaint: Prison Tough To Everyday Lovely

By Bob Nesoff

orraine Toussaint spent her time in prison and has made a clean break. The “Orange Is The New Black” star has transitioned from the penitentiary to the matriarch of a new family in Fox’s “Rosewood.”

The tough talking momma in ONB is, in real life, a pleasant, soft-spoken woman who is enjoying life and working on new projects that reflect her persona.

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75

NYLM: We understand that you have a new project. A web site called “Every Day Lovely.” What’s that all about?

NYLM: How do you feel about leaving Orange is the New Black?

The show is popular and should be around for a long time.

Toussaint: Oh, wow. You’re the first person to ask me about that.

We haven’t made an announcement. I’ve been thinking about this for years. It’s an idea I’ve been living with for most of my life - or at least the past 25 years. Maybe longer.

Toussaint: I have lots of feeling about that. I’ll miss the women.

I got to be very close with them and that bond is very real. For a handful of them it will be a lifelong friendship. I miss seeing them every day and have an odd feeling in my belly about that. That being said, I’m not sure how I would have maintained that level of feeling for a year. It was challenging to sustain and there was a feeling of exhaustion to carry that much density.

It’s a web site that encourages people. Life is short and precious and deserves to be lived in a lovely way. Every Day Lovely speaks to finding the loveliness in every single day. It shows that you don’t have to be extravagant or have expensive things. There’s a shift of perceptions and looking out to life as lovely.

We find what we look for and I have been a committed searcher for lovely most of my life. At the site I’ll talk candidly, openly and transparently. I’ll talk about my particular journey - the lovely and not so lovely things that happen: parenting, dining, interruptions, the capacity for each of us to interrupt our busy days and difficult times; to have lovely things uninterrupted so that we don’t keep on going in a stressful or angry way that does not serve mind or spirit.

The crack in the ceiling allows the light to come in. When things crack, that’s when the light shines through. This will be an honest blog and I think will help people find that light.

It goes online January 11 and can be found at: EverydaylovelybyLorraine.com 76 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Being back in New York was fun and challenging. But now I’m Donna Rosewood, matriarch of the Rosewood family. It’s an interesting procedural drama, it straddles family. My son (in the show), Mark Chestnut, who plays the title role, is a pathologist. He takes on unusual cases. He has a host of compromising physical issues with some that are life-threatening. He is a man who is juggling these challenges.

NYLM: How do you feel about the new role?

Toussaint: We are all products of our circumstances and breeding.

It’s lovely to be actually playing a more normal mother. Vee (her character in “Orange”) and Donna share many qualities; sort of two sides of the same coin. But I must say that it is a bit of a vacation; a respite psychologically and spiritually easier for me to embody this character.

One reason I took this role is that I’ve never played a just a mom where the focus is on her children. She’s a retired school principal at a cross-road in her life. She’s gotten divorced and is now a woman in mid-life who is devoted to her children, especially one who has been critically ill most of his life.

When I look at a character like Vee, who is mean in many ways, that level of hubris is Greek tragedy. You are internally playing Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon, the leader in the Trojan War. Clytemnestra, the Trojan women, Lady Macbeth are the kind of roles that build internal stamina.

I’m in my mid-50s and trying to reinvent myself. This is a scary place for many women and because of that I have a kinship for Donna Rosewood.

Life is not TV-sized. This is not what you call “scratch and sniff ” acting. One reason I went to Japan is because I wanted to study their forms of acting. Reality is overrated. There’s real and then there’s real.

That level of classical training allows me a level of internal girth and expansion. Then you taper it to the medium in which you are playing.

NYLM: You are classically trained and studied at Julliard. You’ve done Shakespeare. That’s quite a leap from The Bard to Orange is the New Black.

Toussaint: Shakespeare to prison? Add 25 years between the roles. I was classically trained to within an inch of my life. I have been studying since I was 12 years old. I went to the High School of Performing Arts and then went to Japan to study avant garde Japanese theater. I studied the traditional Japanese dance style of kabuki there.

The thing that all of that classical training continues to do for me is help me to approach roles allegorically. Part of that is at the core of us as human beings. As Shakespeare would say: “We hold the mirror up to the light of nature.”

I enjoy the core, the essential self. How do I identify what that is?

NYLM: Is it true that you could be called “The Hollywood Imelda Marcos?”

Toussaint: Oh my, yes. I love shoes. I’m unapologetic about that. But I still don’t have the right pair of black shoes, the right pumps. I have 20 pair but they still aren’t the right ones.

What woman doesn’t feel that way? I have a shoe gene that must be honored. I got rid of half of them and still need a room in my home for those that are left. Life is short so travel heavy. I have more than 70 pair of shoes in Los Angeles. I have no idea how many there are in New York.

NYLM: With the career that you’ve had, can you point to one role that is your favorite?

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77

Toussaint: The show “Any Day Now,� long before cable television was mainstream, I did that for the Lifetime Network. Annie Potts was in the show with me and I loved it because the form and content was a coming together of so many elements. It was fulfilling and enriching, relevant and fun at the same time.

It dealt with race in America and was provocative and challenging in a way broadcast television has never dared to do. I discovered creative courage while doing that show. It began to touch upon real, authentic transparency and dared to be unattractive and didn’t sacrifice truth and beauty or vanity.

Very few producers are brave enough to do that. There are very few visionaries in our business. Racism is a result of benign ignorance and neglect. Most of the white males who run this business are just lazy thinkers; they don’t challenge their own brains. Most are unconscious and sleepwalk pretending they are awake.

If you were awake you’d look around and see the world we live in is not a small, exclusive community. The very brave producersand I’ve met many of them - are willing to step outside of their own privilege and accept the responsibility they’ve been handed.

We have the power to change how people think. That is the power 78 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

that Hollywood has.

America is still a Mecca; we define how the world sees us and itself and how we perceive each other. There are producers taking up the mantle and taking responsibility for what we put out and not just perpetuating the status quo.

I’m doing a film: “Sophie and the Rising Sun,� that will be going to Sundance. The lead is a Japanese man in 1941. I play a woman who comes back to a tiny Southern town and is destitute. She goes to the town matriarch for a job and they take in the Japanese man who was found beaten at a bus stop.

NYLM: Do you feel you were passed over for an Emmy?

Toussaint: I think I was and I attribute it to my name beginning with a “T.� Some 75 percent of the nominee’s last names were in the first part of the alphabet. When I went to vote for myself, I scrolled down the list and it was quite a way down. I think people just voted for names that were easy to find.

I keep doing the work not for the rewards, but for the work’s sake. ćBU JT NZ TBMWBUJPO t

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Profit Or Not For Profit:

By Jim Kierstead hen we talk about theater, I suspect many people think about the glamorous musicals, plays, and events out there that win the hearts of the public and critics and end up running for years and making tons of money for the people who believed in them.

Theater is expensive and it takes a great deal of money to put a show on Broadway, or even Off-Broadway. It’s a risky business, but, luckily, people are still excited by the prospect of creating something new and exciting on stage at each and every performance.

So what is this concept of “not-for-profit” theater? What is the fun in not making a profit on shows that become successful on Broadway? Well, they actually can be fun.

When people speak of professional theater, they usually think of “Broadway” and then all of the rest. However, it is this distinction between professional commercial theater and professional not-forprofit theater that is most relevant and interesting.

Although this may not be obvious to the casual observer, about 25% of all new Broadway shows have started out in the not-forprofit arena. In fact, out of the forty Broadway theaters, five are owned and/or operated by not-for-profit theater organizations. You will find it interesting to note that, with the exception of Broadway, touring productions and some of the theaters in Las Vegas, almost every theater in the United States is not-for-profit.

Despite the fact that commercial theater accounts for such a small percentage of productions in the U.S., we tend to make the mistake of gauging the success and popularity by professional theater standards, especially Broadway. Although commercial theater is perhaps most in the public eye due to the press it gets, as well as the expense and grand scale of the productions, not-for-profit theater is actually considered the heart of the American theater. This is due to the fact that not-for-profit theater, because of how widespread it is, is most likely the main theater experience that most individuals will enjoy.

Commercial theater is usually formed as a partnership or company created to produce one particular show. It is its own company (usually an LLC) set up to take investments and operates in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. Operating agreements and subscription documents are created and distributed in order 80 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

to accept investments and, most important, to note, “investors” (as opposed to “donors,” in a not-for-profit environment) have the potential to make a profit on these investments.

Not-for-profit theaters, on the other hand usually have a “not-forprofit” designation of 501(c)3, so any contributions/donations, are considered tax deductible. In most cases, it would go against the regulations for contributors to receive any type of profit as a result of the proceedings of the company.

Also, not-for-profit theaters usually plan a “season” in advance. This is a preplanned set of shows that the theater decides to produce and this is advertised up front. The reason for the advance promotion (even when many times the details of the productions have not been yet determined) is so the theaters may sell “subscriptions” ahead of time. This allows supporters of the theater to purchase tickets to some or all of the shows in advance, which allows the theater to use the proceeds for the upcoming productions.

This is the opposite of a commercial theater where, instead, money to produce the show is raised in the form of “investments” (rather than donations or season subscriptions). When a show is successful in a commercial theater, the investors are paid back their money and continue to earn profits (once the original investment has been repaid) until the show finally closes. In the case of a long-running hit show like Phantom Of The Opera or Wicked, the investors can make quite a large profit. In a “not-for-profit,” however, a show runs for a predetermined period of time and then closes so the next show in the season can begin performances. Sometimes they are able to extend a show, if they have scheduled carefully. However, the proceeds go to the theater company itself (rather than to investors) which enables them to use the money for future shows and even capital expenditures such as renovations to the theater (if one is owned) or even development of new shows to come. Many notfor-profit theaters also have outreach and educational programs, so proceeds from shows they do (in excess of the running costs) can also be used to fund such endeavors.

Interestingly, not-for-profit theaters only receive about 40 to 60 percent of their operating expenses from the box office ticket sales. Most of these theater companies receive donations and endowments from companies and individual benefactors in exchange for a tax deduction.

In New York City, there are many wonderful theater companies that you may or may not be aware of because, to the casual observer, the

That Is The Question theaters are in the Broadway district and look like all of the others.

The Roundabout Theatre Company is one of the most popular not-for-profit theater companies in New York City. They actually have two Broadway theaters where they put their productions (in addition to several other non-Broadway spaces). The American Airlines Theater is on 42nd Street, right in the middle of the action and is a great theater for musicals and plays alike. It is also one of the most newly renovated theaters and boasts new seating and a beautiful lobby. The Roundabout also owns Studio 54 (on 54th Street…duh). I love the story of how they acquired this theater. Back in the late 90s, when The Roundabout was presenting its wonderful Tony Award-winning production of Cabaret (the first time), it was in a space they called “The Kit Kat Club.” Unfortunately, bricks began falling off of the building and were conking passersby on the head. As a result, the production needed to be closed right in the middle of its heyday. After some quick thinking, The Roundabout Theatre Company acquired Studio 54, fixed it up to hold Cabaret, reopened it there, and the rest is history. Since then, Studio 54 was purchased by The Roundabout and it is the home to some of its productions each season. All of the history that it holds makes it serve as the perfect place for theater pieces new and old, traditional and edgy, musicals and plays.

One other not-for-profit theater company that owns a Broadway theater is The Manhattan Theatre Club. The Friedman Theatre on 47th Street (formerly “The Biltmore”) is owned by them and also has been renovated for comfort.

One cannot forget that Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre is the Broadway sanctioned theater which has presented such Tony-winning shows as South Pacific, War Horse, and the current The King and I. Fun fact… if you want to be a subscriber of Lincoln Center, there is usually a waiting list backed up for several years.

While most other theater companies are spending incredible amounts of money in outreach and development, leave it to Lincoln Center to always present wonderful, top-notch artistic shows and have all of the support they could ever want. If you want to be on their waiting list, just visit their website and you can sign up (www. lincolncenter.org)!

What’s really important to take away from this article is that there are many wonderful not-for-profit theaters that do incredible work around the city. Many times shows that begin there end up transferring for a run on Broadway by commercial producers (allowing the not-for-profit to take in royalties from the commercial

run even though the run becomes a traditional commercial one where investors can make profits).

The most recent success story is Hamilton, which began at The Public Theatre downtown this past year. We also have amazing theaters in the city like Second Stage, Primary Stages, Playwrights Horizons, and the two theaters of which I’m on the Board of Directors, The York Theatre Company and The New York Theatre Barn. The York is where I presented two shows (Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story and Yank! – A World War II Love Story) and it’s incredibly special to me as they have been around for decades and specialize in only new musicals. They have a wonderful outreach program and educational programs, as well. Check them out at www.yorktheatre.org. And the NYTB (“The Barn,” as we like to call it) gives new writers a place to have their work seen and heard.

Please be sure to check them out also at www.nytheatrebarn.org.

I hope this article gave you a little bit more insight into some of the workings of theater. I highly suggest that you check in with some of these local theater groups and see how you can help! That can include anything from volunteering your time, making a donation, supporting their fundraising efforts, or buying a subscription to their season! Whatever you do, I think it will be extremely appreciated as they work super hard (sometimes without financial reward at all) in order to bring theater to our communities.

Please join me in wishing them, along with yourselves, a hearty “Break a leg!”

Jim Kierstead Kierstead Productions, Inc. Producer kiersteadprod@gmail.com Kinky Boots On Broadway at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre, on tour, in London, and in Toronto Winner of 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical Past projects: Pippin, You Can’t Take It With You, The Visit, Side Show, It Shoulda Been You, Rocky, The Glass Menagerie; Notable investments: Something Rotten, Matilda t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81

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In The Burbs

bergenPAC, Minutes From Broadway

By Bob & Sandy Nesoff here’s little dispute about the fact that New York, and Manhattan in particular, are the center of the world when it comes to dining and entertainment. But it’s far from the whole enchilada.

The outer boroughs and the suburbs, in recent years, have grown tremendously in fine dining and entertainment that’s still within easy reach of Times Square.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood is a 10-minute drive from the George Washington Bridge and easily reachable by bus and train. The run over the GWB is a direct line on State Route 4 to the Grand Avenue exit and then three or four minutes north.

And parking is no problem. How’s that for an enticement? You need more? OK. How about recent shows featuring Three Dog Night, Satisfaction and So Good For The Soul?

Still not enough? Then what do you think about the likes of Jay Leno 84 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

and Kenny Rogers?

OK, so those shows have already played. Is there anything of interest upcoming that’ll make me want to leave the comfy confines of The Big Apple?

There certainly is. The hysterical comedy troupe originally formed by congressional staffers to mock the political process, The Capitol Steps will be here on February 6. Joan Baez comes in on March 3, Howie Mandel arrives March 12, Celtic Fire on March 17 and Tracy Morgan on April 2. There’s a lot more in between, but you’ll have to see for yourself.

The building housing bergenPAC first opened in 1926 as a movie theater, the Englewood Plaza Theater. It was purchased by United Artists in 1967 and was an active theater until it closed in 1973.

A group led by John Harms brought it back to life in 1976 with a performance by Russian pianist Lazar Berman. The theater was later named for Harms, an organist and teacher, who died in 1981.

Harms was a one-man army keeping the cultural bastion alive, booking performers, renting the space, writing press releases and on occasion, helping to clean the theater. Harms’ dream of a concert hall came into being in the early 1990s. Two major renovations turned the former movie theater into a modern concert hall and media facility.

Our Broadway columnist, Jim Kierstead, in a recent column, talked about the various types of theater, from profit to non-profit. He detailed some of the trials and tribulations faced by non-profits. As with most any non-profit cultural organization, financial problems continued to plague the operation. It closed once again. Until, that is, 2004 when a group led by Frank Huttle III, later to become the city’s mayor, got it back on its feet with the goal of bringing in some of the world’s finest performing artists. bergenPAC was founded with the intent of providing theatergoers with a varied experience that included comedians, singers, concerts and cultural events.

A public/private partnership was formed that could bring together patrons of the performing arts and donors-big and small. The institution was awarded a 501(c)3 designation by the IRS, allowing donors to make tax deductible contributions. As with most nonprofit cultural groups, the donations normally outdid the sale of tickets to the various shows.

Branching out, bergenPAC became a home for recognized home recordings through a partnership with Bennett Studios, a state-ofthe-art facility with whom the theater was fiber-optically linked.

This vintage acoustic hall became home to a media production system that was unique and unparalleled, one of the best in the Northeast. The former Bennett Studio, at One Depot Square, across the street from bergenPAC, now hosts its performing arts school

that provides students with hands-on arts training by industry professionals, permitting them to gain real world experience while, at the same time, enhancing their academic achievement.

Since its inception, bergenPAC has become the busiest not-forprofit performing arts center in Northern New Jersey. It is home to literally hundreds of world class performances at affordable prices and reached an annual audience of more than 250,000. bergenPAC embraces the spectrum of arts from rock to classical to dance to comedy. There are nearly 150 events each year representing all of those genres.

The Performing Arts School is a major effort of the theater. Its programs are open to all school districts and those with special needs. Programs are geared to all ages, literally from infant to adult, providing an arts education to students from the age of three months to 21 years old. The PAS receives a major portion of its annual budget from donations by concerned supporters of the arts.

For those coming in from New York, there is the opportunity to make a full evening out of it. There are many restaurants on Palisades Avenue, a walk of only a minute or two. There are, as well, fine eateries on Van Brunt Street, such as the Station Café across from the theater. Parking is available for hundreds of cars and, believe it or not, at no charge.

For information on upcoming shows, to purchase tickets or consider a donation, check out bergenPAC.org or call (201) 2271030. bergenPAC 380 North Van Brunt St. &OHMFXPPE /+ t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85

Eventi Hotel Elevates Guest Experience

By Geoff Gideon venti Hotel, the luxury hospitality leader in Chelsea, recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, unveiling a new façade, “living room” lobby design and upgraded dining options led by world renowned Laurent Tourondel and Michelin-starred George Mendes, who both occupy restaurants adjacent to the hotel.

The hotel boasts 292 apartment-style luxury suites and guestrooms. Since opening in 2010, Eventi has helped the neighborhood develop into a more energizing destination populated by new eating and shopping options.

“When we purchased the property 10 years ago, our vision for the area was based on the strength of the Chelsea neighborhood. We believed that Chelsea’s northerly migration would one day get to 29th Street,” said Andy Rifkin, Managing Partner of DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners and owner of the Hotel.

Brooklyn based design firm, Crème, brought the transformation to life with a new sleek black steel façade running the entirety of Sixth Avenue between 29th and 30th streets. The hotel lobby was conceptualized as a central hub, providing an expansive seating 86 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

area that connects guests to The Vine lounge by Laurent Tourondel, the distinctive hotel rooms, and extensive event spaces above.

The structure and furnishings of this space were custom-designed and tailored to emphasize a connection to New York’s contemporary culture and history. Finishes include a 20th century inspired canopy, a stacked felt reception desk, fabric wrapped panels, and custom brass light fixtures. Blackened steel and textured glass screens create semi‐transparent partitions between the lobby, bar and restaurant.

A dynamic collection of contemporary art, curated by Art Consultant Kyle DeWoody, along with We Came in Peace, feature artists such as Kwangho Lee, Dustin Yellin, Alex Prager and Alex Katz, that fill the spaces of The Vine and flow throughout the hotel lobby. All of the elements brought by these talented designers, curators and artists have created the ultimate urban oasis.

“As far as the restaurant concepts, our vision was totally focused on providing the local neighborhood with high quality, approachable food in an environment that was comfortable for everyone. In working with Laurent Tourondel on L’Amico and The Vine lounge and George Mendes on Lupulo there is something delicious to eat and drink for everyone,” said Rifkin.

Chef Laurent Tourondel debuted L’Amico, located adjacent to the hotel, just after Labor Day. Translating to “friend” in Italian, L’Amico features an American menu with Italian influences drawing from Tourondel’s long-time favorite dishes. With twin copper-clad, wood-burning ovens exposed through the restaurant’s open kitchen, L’Amico’s interior is reminiscent of a modern farmhouse, with rustic Windsor chairs and seasonally sourced floral arrangements. During the warmer months, L’Amico opens its floor-toceiling windows to blur the lines between the restaurant and the bustling Chelsea neighborhood outside. The beverage program, designed by Yana Volfson and Katie Stipe, and overseen

by Tourondel, combines a playful mix of American and Italian flavor profiles.

The restaurant seats up to 90 guests for dinner, lunch, weekend brunch and private events, and up to nine at the bar.

The Vine, which occupies 2,500 square feet and seats 85, is comprised of three areas including a bar, lounge and elevated library, each with distinct design elements.

The Vine features a menu of timeless classic cocktails, craft beers and wines curated by beverage consultants Yana Volfson and Katie Stipe. Its distinctive menu from Chef Tourondel, striking multifaceted space, and layout all come together to create the perfect recipe for the ultimate New York destination.

Lupulo, the Portuguese word for “hops,” is inspired by the famed cervejarias, or breweries, of Lisbon. Chef Mendes draws inspiration from his heritage and travels to serve a menu of rustic Portuguese fare, which includes a raw bar, charcuterie station, shareable small bites and wood-grilled specialties. Crème’s design pays homage to traditional Portuguese taverns with handcrafted blue and white tiles and rustic wood accents; while objects collected throughout Mendes’ travels in Portugal decorate shelves and windows. Tables topped with hand-made Portuguese tiles and accented with black iron surround Lupulo’s focal point, the lively, 35-seat, blackened steel-topped bar.

“Like the hotel, our guests have evolved since we opened,” stated Julian Miller, General Manager. We are now attracting a more diverse group of discerning travelers and locals who appreciate and take advantage of signature Kimpton values and offerings – such as our complimentary Business Bar, elevated nightly wine hour and partnership with blo Blow Dry Bar. We love the buzz that Eventi and newcomers L’Amico, The Vine and Lupulo are generating and look forward to even more energy coming to the neighborhood.”

With the property additions completed, Eventi is shaping the neighborhood’s new identity. These new developments represent a turning point for the hotel and its surroundings. “So far, so good” said Rifkin.

Eventi Hotel is the first luxurious hotel in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, residing on the entire block of the Avenue of the Americas between 29th and 30th Streets just steps away from some of New York’s most popular landmarks including Macy’s, Herald Square, The High Line and Madison Square Garden. The new first floor design by Crème is both sophisticated and comfortable, creating a stylish guest experience that embraces the hotel’s vibrant neighborhood and cosmopolitan lifestyle experience for business and leisure travelers alike. The 292 room hotel is home to innovative technology-focused amenities like the Big Screen Plaza, a 30 x 16 feet high-definition LED screen broadcasting an eclectic mix of programming and a complimentary Business Bar, allowing guests to borrow a mix of technology amenities throughout their stay. Eventi also offers guests more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and creative events space and a 530-car parking garage with valet service. Eventi is operated by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

For more information visit: www.eventihotel.com www.facebook.com/EventiHotel t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87

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Financial New Year’s Resolutions For 2016 E

By Patricia Seaman

very year at this time we tell ourselves little white lies. We don’t think of them as untruths because we really intend to fulfill those promises.

Lose weight, quit smoking, find a new job and get out of debt.

Sound familiar? Each January, we hope to improve our lives by making New Year’s resolutions. Keeping the promises is the hard part. But by some careful planning the job can not only be made easier, but it can set a course for us that will better our lives.

A survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education finds six in 10 people will set goals to improve their finances in the New Year. But will they stick? Because our resolutions oftentimes are lofty and unrealistic, many of us will give up on our goals before January even comes to an end.

If your goal is to get your personal finances in better shape in 2016, here are some basic tips to help you be more financially fit in the coming year.

Question: Where do you start in your efforts to get financially fit in 2016?

90 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Answer: The first step is to get an accurate snapshot of your income versus expenditures every month. Beyond paychecks, include tax refunds, bonuses, overtime and gifts. Beyond monthly expenses, include sporadic bills such as car insurance and holiday gifts.

Take a look at the big picture, including how much you owe on credit cards and loans and their repayment amounts. Also, you will want to identify what your big expenses will be in 2016. Our survey finds that people anticipate expenses related to the home, transportation, retirement and medical expenses to be among their biggest challenges. We also found that three in 10 Americans say that their finances are in worse shape than they expect them to be, and just 16 percent say that they are in better shape financially than they expect.

Question: Once I have figured out income to debt each month, how do I create a strategy for setting realistic goals for the year ahead?

Answer: First, assess higher-cost items that you will have this year, such as replacing your air conditioner, repairing your leaky roof, repairing your car, paying tuition for your son’s school, etc. Then look at what your wants are in 2016, like taking that vacation to Europe, buying new furniture for the living room, etc. Once you assess this it will help you shape your goals. You have to ensure that you can afford the things you need. After that preparation is done, then you can start to think about how to obtain the things that you want.

Question:Â How to I prepare for unexpected expenses?

Answer: Unexpected expenses are inevitable. It’s not if you’ll have them, it’s when. Among the most dreaded are related to transportation issues, housing repairs, increased out-of-pocket expenses for health care and our inability to keep up with debt and falling behind on payments. Unexpected expenses can destroy a budget. I suggest setting aside money regularly in a savings account.

Automate your transfers to coincide with receiving your paycheck and start with a small, manageable amount. Once you reach your initial goal, it’s time to increase the amount you set aside.

Question:Â How much should I have in my savings account?

Answer: There are numerous opinions about how much money you should have set aside for unexpected expenses. Some say you want six to nine months in an accessible emergency account. While that is the goal, even a small amount—as little as $500—can make a big difference. If you haven’t started a reserve, start one now. If you have a reserve fund, commit to adding more to it—every little bit helps.

Question:Â How can I make my money work harder for me this year?

Answer: It’s a good habit to regularly look for better value in the services you use. Take some time to review your utility providers— and insurance carriers—and shop around to see if there are better offers. Even a few dollars in savings each month across your utilities can make a difference.

Question:Â After I have set my financial goals for the year, how can I ensure I stick to them?

Answer: It’s a good idea to find a financial buddy. This is someone

who understands your goals and can help hold you accountable.

Your buddy might be a family member or trusted friend. Be sure it is someone who understands your goals and will be the voice of reason if you start to stray. Also, give yourself weekly finance check-in quizzes. Are you on your way to reaching the goals that you’ve set? If not, what is derailing you and how can you get back on track? A surefire way to keep finances in control is to think twice before buying something on impulse. Six in 10 Americans admit to buying on impulse and 80 percent of those people regret the purchase afterwards. When you face the temptation to buy on impulse, walk away from the item for at least 30 minutes and see if you still want it.

Question:Â Where can I find more information and tips on setting goals and sticking to my plan of keeping my finances in shape?

Answer: SmartAboutMoney.org has many tips to better manage your money and will help you navigate financially through life events like getting married, buying a first home, welcoming a baby, financing your child’s education, and preparing for retirement.

Patricia (Pat) Seaman, senior director with SmartAboutMoney.org Seaman is a senior director for SmartAboutMoney.org, a nonprofit dedicated to helping all Americans acquire the information and gain the skills necessary to take control of their personal finances.

She is a life-long student of personal finance and is conversant in a wide variety of financial education topics and research. Prior to joining smartaboutmoney.org, Seaman was executive director of communications for the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. She also has worked in education programs for the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF) and the 3BEJP 5FMFWJTJPO /FXT %JSFDUPST "TTPDJBUJPO 35/%" t JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 91

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Buy Your Lottery Ticket Now: New Rolls Royce Is On The Market

By Gerry Barker

irst there was Phantom. Then the Ghost, followed by the Wraith. And now comes the Dawn, already being touted as sexiest of them all in the Rolls-Royce family of cars.

With a long tradition of excellence, Dawn, a soft top convertible, made its debut on November 23 at a party hosted by Braman BMW, the parent company of Rolls. Under bright spotlights, invited guests got an up close and personal look at a gleaming white Dawn in all its hand-made glory.

Pamela Scheel, Rolls Royce marketing specialist, was on hand to provide more details. “The three leading markets for Rolls are California, New York and Florida,� Ms. Scheel said.

To say each car is hand-crafted to exacting detail at the Goodwood, England plant is an understatement. For example, Ms. Scheel said the wood used for each vehicle (they only produce 5,000 a year) is cataloged and retained in a controlled environment, should an owner ever need to replace the original. Entry to the room is only in a hazmat suit.

The Dawn’s 600 horsepower will get you anywhere you want to go in ultimate luxury. And they have thought of everything. The driver side door boasts a button that, when pressed, releases an umbrella housed in a special drainage unit to prevent mildew.

James Bond, eat your heart out.

Many years ago a relative commented that if he could afford one, he’d buy a Rolls Royce. His reasoning was that you would never have to buy another car and if you amortized the price over the years you’d own it, it would be less expensive than a production model every day car.

Rolls has been one of the most consistent companies for quality and reliability. Over the years British military aircraft used engines manufactured by Rolls Royce. The same holds true for modern commercial passenger jet aircraft.

If you are in a passenger vehicle cruising along at 36,000-feet, you want to make sure that every nut and bolt was secured and that every part of the engine was functioning as it should.

Known for its ultra-quiet and smooth ride, the Dawn’s top can be raised and lowered at speeds up to 22 MPH, and up or down, passengers can bask in the quiet environment for which Rolls is known.

And what does all that luxury cost? The final price is yet to be determined, but expect it to range in the high 300’s, as in thousands.

Even so, the 2016 model year is already sold out, and 2017 is filling up fast.

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The Dawn takes center stage at BMW’s Coming Out party JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93

Save Time & Money

By Taxi Sharing

By Jerry Brothers side from waiting in line at any airport to go through security, the second least favorite pastime is planting your feet in one of those long, long lines waiting for a taxi and then spending the equivalent of dinner and a night at the theater for taxi fare into Manhattan. If you are going to a more distant point, check with your local banker for a second mortgage to pay the taxi.

You can always drive to the airport, but parking fees that support the Port Authority’s activities that range well beyond what the agency was originally created for. That doesn’t take into consideration the skyrocketing tolls on bridges and tunnels.

Mass transit is an alternative; but not a happy one, especially in the summer when you become sandwiched between several other large, sweating passengers.

What to do? There is an alternative that seems to speed your journey, save some money and work for the environment at the same time.

Bandwagon, a Brooklyn based, smart taxi sharing technology and logistics startup for airports, convention centers, and large events, 94 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

has begun facilitating taxi sharing at JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Terminal 4, during peak travel periods.

Currently operational at LaGuardia Airport during peak travel periods, Bandwagon has partnered with JetBlue to reduce traveler line wait times, improve customer service, and reduce the carbon footprint for the taxi lines at JFK. The partnership will allow JetBlue customers traveling via taxi during peak periods to find others going in the same direction and jump to a taxi share priority line, saving time, money and CO2 emissions, while offering an affordable alternative. For every ten matches made at JetBlue’s T5 with the Bandwagon app, JetBlue will offset one metric ton of CO2 with Carbonfund, a nonprofit that provides certified, permanent, and audited greenhouse emission offsets; Bandwagon, for its part, will track CO2 emissions savings from all JFK taxi shares, and offset the difference, to ensure carbon neutrality.

“Our LGA customers kept telling us to expand our smart taxi sharing to JFK and reduce line wait times,” said Bandwagon Founder & CEO, David Mahfouda. “So we’re thrilled to team up with JetBlue to help their JFK travelers save time, money and CO2 with smart taxi sharing.

Bandwagon is also excited to partner with a company as committed to lowering CO2 emissions at airports and for travelers, and to innovative customer service solutions as JetBlue.” “At JetBlue we are always looking for ways to both improve the customer experience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Sophia Mendelsohn, head of sustainability, JetBlue.

“Facilitating customers’ ability to share yellow taxis with carbon neutral rides and save time in the taxi line is a great example of a win win solution. For airlines, the biggest environmental impact comes when planes fly and we are seeking to address that in different ways. Partnering with Bandwagon is a great way to address emissions on the ground while we also look to reduce emissions in the sky through fuel use reduction.”

Taxi sharing technology and priority ridesharing lines at JFK’s Terminal 5 and later at Terminal 4 will seamlessly allow New Yorkers and visitors alike to get to the office, meetings, hotels or home faster, and save up to 40% on the fare. Bandwagon’s smart taxi sharing services will be available at JFK’s Terminal 5, as well as later at Terminal 4, every Thursday, Friday and Sunday evening, and weekday mornings for Red Eye travelers.

Bandwagon works within the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission rules as an affordable, efficient and environmental curbside mobility alternative for airports, convention centers, large event venues and corporate partners. Bandwagon’s smart taxi sharing technology alleviates congestion in long taxi lines and optimizes the existing taxi supply by finding passengers going in the same direction, matching them, placing passengers in priority taxis, and facilitating fare splitting.

How it Works While standing in the taxi queue, Bandwagon customers register their destination with a Bandwagon agent, or enter their destinations directly in the Bandwagon app; Bandwagon’s proprietary Ridebatch

Server analyzes input data for complementary itineraries. Matching itineraries have a 20% cap on route diversion, so passengers are guaranteed not to go far out of their way when sharing a ride.

Matches receive a text to jump to a taxi share priority line where they meet their taxi share, and pay a $6 Bandwagon fee per party via credit card. Taxi share partners grab the next available cab, and request two stops in the app’s recommended order.

Bandwagon facilitates seamless fare splitting via cash, credit card and PayPal, and tracks gasoline saved per gallon and avoided CO2 emissions, as well as net time and money saved for riders.

About Bandwagon An industry leader in the growing field of real-time taxi sharing and dynamic route coordination, Bandwagon has developed a solution for matching passengers on long taxi lines at airports, transportation hubs, conventions and other large events, reducing passenger wait times and costs. In addition to select terminals at JFK, Bandwagon is operational at LaGuardia Airport during peak travel periods, and major event venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, the Javits Center and, soon, more crowded hubs across the country.

SuperShuttle, and Creative Mobile Technologies (CMT).

Bandwagon is a tenant of NYU ACRE’s Urban Future Lab (UFL) in downtown Brooklyn, New York City’s hub for smart cities, smart grid and clean energy. Bandwagon is available for iOS and Android at get.bandwagon.io About JETBLUE JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 92 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 900 daily flights. For more information please visit JetBlue.com t

JANUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 95

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INVEST WITH US AND EARN HIGH DIVIDENDS Retail Opportunity We believe the current real estate equity and debt markets are creating a window of opportunity for buyers of retail real estate. The lack of liquidity combined with an increased stress in the global economy have resulted in distress in the real estate markets and reduced property prices. We anticipate that NNN properties, bought at the right prices, should provide strong current yields, and the potential for growth in asset value.

Azad has decades of experience in acquisition, development and management in retail properties around the nation.

The principals at Azad have been a powerful force in real estate for years. We’ve achieved success by adhering to a core group of principles: diversifying holdings to weather fickle financial trends and climates; keeping debt low in order to ensure capital is always working for us and our clients; and providing extensive expertise to manage and operate our own properties.

These qualities combine to ensure Azad’s success.

In an age of ever-more questionable decisions and rapid-fire investment deals, it's encouraging to find a real estate company whose success is a direct result of rock-solid core principles and proven management philosophies. This is stability.

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