Vol. 7 #1 | January 2021
WINTER TRAVEL GETAWAYS
MIRROR LAKE INN RESORT AND SPA A LUXURIOUS ADIRONDACK EXPERIENCE
STYLE
THE HOME EDITION
FOOD & DRINK
FROM THE GRAPEVINE: ITALIAN WINES
ENTERTAINMENT
STREAMING BROADWAY CLASSICS
NEW YORK, NY
BROADCASTER & AUTHOR MICHAEL RIEDEL
,
TIMELESS FRENCH CHATEAU SADDLE RIVER, NJ
4,995,000 2000’s built French Chateau on 2.33 gated and fenced acres. High ceilings and large 1st floor master bedroom. Lower level (with outside entry) theater and wine cellar. Tennis/sport court and lagoon pool with waterfalls. 4-car garage. Ready to move in!
5+ ACRES CELEBRITY STUNNER
DECORATOR’S SHOWPLACE FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ
$1,950,000
SADDLE RIVER, NJ
$5,995,000
Elegantly appointed 6-bedroom colonial with high ceilings and great flow for entertaining. Finished lower level, recreation room, gym & billiard rm. Multi-level deck, pool & spa w/paver patio, 3-car garage. Landscaped setting overlooks pond.
Notable actress, comedian and philanthropist offers this enchanting English Country Estate completely renovated/expanded. 6 bedrooms, first floor theater, guesthouse, lagoon pool with waterfalls, elevator and 3-car garage + artist’s studio!
IDYLLIC COUNTRY RETREAT
HIDDEN TREASURE
SADDLE RIVER, NJ
$1,639,000
Enlarged & renovated in the 2000's by designer Philip La Bossiere, with updates by the current owners, this beautiful residence is in a class by itself. Outdoor amenities incl. outdoor kitchen, koi pond & patio. Ability to have 2 home offices.
SADDLE RIVER, NJ
VICKI GAILY REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® • FOUNDER OFFICE 201 934-7111 • CELL 201 390 -5880
•
MARKETING DIRECTOR
VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM W W W. SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM
158 WEST SADDLE RIVER ROAD • SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458 Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.
$3,695,000
Colonial brick manor, Over 8,000 sf completed in 2010, elegant woodworking throughout, 5 fpls, new inground pool, 4-car gar. 1 or 2 office/libraries for great work space. Majestic 2 acres at the end of cul-de-sac! Chestnut Ridge area.
,
,
43+ ACRE Family Compound
Within 40 minutes of NYC! vicki gaily , realtor-associate Mahwah, NJ • $18,900,000
marketing director founder Secluded family compound approx. 40 minutes from NYC.
office 201 934-7111 • cell 201 390 -5880 English-style country estate on the Ramapo River is impecvgaily @ specialproperties.com cably designed. Indoor and outdoor pools, turf sports field, 158 west saddle river road basketball court, home theater, English pub, wine cellar, saddle river www.specialproperties.com sports lounges, equestrian facilities and much more!
R E A LT O R
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Special Properties, Div. Brook Hollow Group, Inc • All information deemed reliable but subject to change, errors & omissions.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK @SPECIALPROPERTIESNJ R E A LT O R
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
195 S. Highland Ave., S. Nyack, NY | Miles Away From Ordinary...
4 Bedrooms/4.1 Baths
Only 20 minutes north of the GWB in the beautiful lower Hudson River Valley you will find this peaceful, private retreat with sweeping river views that will transport you to a different place in time. Since the 1920s, this gracious estate has been a zen-like haven to celebrities, heiresses and luminaries from around the world. This was the original home built in the legendary Clarkstown Country Club, the first Ashram in America created by America’s first yogi, Pierre Bernard-The Great Oom. Over an acre of manicured grounds with perennial gardens, multiple outdoor entertainment areas including a riverview terrace, great lawn and a heated blackbottom pool reminiscent of a pond in the woods. Inside is a work of art with every room offering a view of the river or nature. Enjoy the rivertown lifestyle with great shops, cool restaurants and an abundance of recreational activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and boating all just minutes away. Whether you are looking for a year-round home or a weekend get-away that is still close to NYC, you owe it to yourself to see this iconic home. Call 845-641-8613 for more information. Price - $1,575,000.
Donna Cox
Associate Broker Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
46 S. Broadway, Nyack, NY, 10960 845-641-8613 (cell)
...Minutes to Manhattan | 531 N. Broadway #B-1, Upper Nyack, NY
2 Bedroom/2 Bath
A home and a lifestyle equally perfect for a weekend getaway, summer home or year-round residence. One of only 7 residences in the River House, a converted Mansion situated on 4 acres on the banks of the Hudson River. This exceptional riverview condo has been renovated with the highest aesthetic judgement. From the extraordinary kitchen with its picture window breakfast bar overlooking the river and top-tier appliances to the two fireplaces, built-ins and five-star luxury baths, this home is truly turnkey. If you crave peace and quiet, you can sit on your riverside terrace and just zen out listening to the sounds of the river and nature. If you are the active type, you will relish the abundance of recreational activities right outside your door. Launch your kayak or canoe from your private beach, walk to Nyack Beach State Park with 61 riverfront acres and picnic, hike, bike or cross-county ski. Walk or bike across the Mario Cuomo bridge on the new 7-mile shared use path. Stroll through the 4-acre River Hook estate just across the street. Or join a local boat club and sail the Hudson. All this and so very much more and only minutes to midtown. Call now. Call 845-641-8613 for more information. Price - $695,000.
www.DonnaCox.com
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All nights must be consecutive. Offer cannot be combined with other packages, promotions, Homes of Distinction or group rates, and cannot be
applied to must existing reservations. Offer is subject availability and maypackages, only apply to certain accommodation types. Credits will be and applied at time All nights All nights must be consecutive. be consecutive. Offer Offer cannot cannot be combined be to combined withwith other other packages, promotions, promotions, Homes Homes of Distinction of Distinction or group or group rates, rates, and cannot cannot be be of check-out toward applicable charges. can not beand used towards room fees and corresponding taxes. Unused of time the applied applied to existing to existing reservations. reservations. Offer Offer is subject is Credits subject to availability to availability and may may onlyonly apply apply torate, certain to resort certain accommodation accommodation types. types. Credits Credits will be willapplied beportions applied at time at credit will be forfeited and not reimbursed in cash. Resort fees and room taxes additional. This rate is non-commissionable. of check-out of check-out toward toward applicable applicable charges. charges. Credits Credits can can not not be used be used towards towards room room rate,rate, resort resort feesfees and and corresponding corresponding taxes. taxes. Unused Unused portions portions of the of the credit credit will be willforfeited be forfeited and and not not reimbursed reimbursed in cash. in cash. Resort Resort feesfees and and room room taxes taxes additional. additional. ThisThis raterate is non-commissionable. is non-commissionable.
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Contents
15
FEATURES
12 From The Publisher 15 Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa: Luxury & Peace
STYLE
20
20 Life & Style: The Home Edition 22 Lisa Rinna: From Her Lips To Yours 24 The Mane Event: Hair Care Products For Lustrous Locks
TRAVEL 27 4 Fabulous Hotels To Visit (Safely) 30 Bucket List 2021: 4 Thrilling Destinations 32 The Makings Of Greatness: Upstate New York’s Surprise Of The Year
27
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 34 36 38 40 42
Around Town: Lavish Living On The Upper East Side Turtle Pond Farm: Living Large in Rumson, NJ Renaissance Properties: Restoring New York To Its Original Beauty New Yorkers See A New Horizon Real Estate Investing: Learning From The Best
6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
36
WELCOME TO
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World Class Turks and Caicos Luxury Hotels, Spas, and Restaurants await, as do our famous stretches of uncrowded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. On land or below the water, you’ll relax in the unique serenity, hospitality, and beauty of our islands. World Class Turks and Caicos Luxury Hotels, Spas, and Restaurants await, as do our famous stretches of uncrowded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. On land or below the water, you’ll relax in the unique serenity, hospitality, and beauty of our islands.
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Contents
46
48
HEALTH & WELLNESS 44 Say Hello To 2021: The Only Resolution You’ll Ever Need 46 The New Home Gym: Creative Ways To Stay Fit
FOOD & DRINK 48 49 50 51
La Goulue: Better Than Ever Great Bites: Brussels Sprouts Salad A Taste Of Campania: Discovering Italian Wine Varietals TBar Steak & Lounge: Steak House Redefined
52
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 52 54 56 58
On Stage: Ring In The New Year With BroadwayHD On The Small Screen Jasmina Danowski: In Her Own Words Get To Know: Artist Gabriela Gil
PET SPOTLIGHT 60 Serious Snooze Decisions: Best Beds for Fido and Fifi 63 The Fight to Protect Greyhounds Reaches The National Stage
63
NEW YORK, NY 66 68 70 72
Entrepreneur’s Corner: Emily Demarchelier My New York Story: Randy Zelin The Ground: Kicking Off The New Year Time Out With...Michael Riedel
8 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
68
NEW ENGLAND’S PREMIERE DESTINATION TO NEW HAMPSHIRE’S WHITE MOUNTAINS
OWL’S NEST RESORT
EVERYTHING BUILT INTO THE FINEST DESTINATION IMAGINABLE … Your stay at Owl’s Nest Resort has only one rule: Make it your own. Come to relax, or come to be active. It’s your vacation, your way. Enjoy the privacy of your own, fully-furnished rental home, just steps from New Hampshire’s only Nicklaus Design golf course {seasonally}. Bring your family, friends, or even dog to experience the mountains, charming local towns, and the Lakes Region. Outdoor activities are abundant… Whether you stay for a day, a week, or month… you’ll remember it for a lifetime, and will look forward to your next Escapes to Owl’s Nest Resort for years forthcoming.
Brad McCoil
GM Owl’s Nest Resort
For all online promotions + exclusive offers, idyllic accommodations, unparalleled outdoor activities, scenery, exclusivity, and everything that is Owl’s Nest Resort – your next unforgettable destination is awaiting … call or book online.
Scenic New England drive Outdoor activities Family getaways Romantic rendezvous Luxurious, spacious accommodations Seasonal packages, exclusive offers
40 Clubhouse Lane, Thornton, NH 03285 2 603-726-3076 2 www.owlsnestresort.com
ISSN 2474-770X
OUR CONTRIBUTORS DR. LEE GABAY Lee was born and bred in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He still resides there with his wife and daughter. He is a proud 21-year New York City public school educator who teaches at a Transfer High School English in Spanish Harlem. Lee is a Doctor of Urban Education whose research on Juvenile Detention Education is documented in his book: I Hope I Don’t See You Tomorrow (2016). His published works about education, incarceration, basketball, and sneaker culture can be found in Slam Magazine, Bleacher Report, and many other publications. In 2016 the New York Times named him A New Yorker of The Year. Lee is a NYC sports historian as well as a Knicks, Jets, Rangers, and Yankees fan. GRIFFIN MILLER Griffin is a New York journalist and editor. Her editorial work has also appeared in The New York Times, Promenade, For the Bride, Corporate & Incentive Travel, Hotels, and others. Her articles for New York MetroParents earned her five Parenting Media Association Editorial Gold Awards. Other professional writing includes promotional materials for The Metropolitan Opera, Guggenheim Museum, American Ballet Theatre and the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. A member of the New York Travel Writers Association and the Lewis Carroll Society of North America, Griffin is an award-winning collage artist, actress, and playwright. She lives in Forest Hills, New York with her husband, Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, and their cats, Reggie and Cosmo. JENNY PETERS Jenny has covered the entertainment, lifestyle and travel worlds as a freelance journalist for many years. Her credits include writing on film, celebrities, and lifestyle for USA Today, AARP. com, Variety, New York Magazine, to name a few. She is the former editorin-chief of Brentwood/Distinctive Living magazines and held the same post for Scene magazine. She is a founding and voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January honoring the previous year’s finest in cinematic achievement. Her favorite places to be: sipping wine in the middle of a vineyard or simply strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world’s great cities. 10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Vol. 7 #1 | January 2021 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole
Art Director Eric Duncan
Editor-at-Large Jeremy Murphy
Features Ruth J. Katz
Entertainment Jenny Peters, Lori Zelenko
Lifestyle Griffin Miller
Op-Ed Columnist Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
Special Projects Natasha Bazika, Norah Bradford
Chief Photographer Annie Watt Contributing Writers Diana Anderson, Bailey Beckett, Harry Brads, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Sharon Fahy, Lee Gabay, Sharon Holand Gelfant Anne Grenier, Chris Halstead, Dr. Peter Kalellis, Lillian Langtry, Irvina Lew Lisa Maysonet, Ellis Nassour, Darren Paltrowitz, Meryl Pearlstein, Anne Raso Esther Reizes-Lowenbein, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Sara Weisenfeld, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development John Miller - Sales Manager Robert Petris - Sales Manager Michael Stulmaker - Sales Manager Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim
Advertising BLUE VISTA 725
Internet Presence Scott Cuollo
Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group
New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651
Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888
For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. ©2021 New York Lifestyles Magazine.
Cover Photography by Joseph Rector
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Casual, Comfortable Elegance For You And Your Family. Central NY’s most “logxurious” retreat… Chef and in-lodge massages available Seneca Lodge…7000 sq feet, private elevator. 5 suites, sleeps 12 guests. The home was handcrafted in British Columbia, disassembled, trucked to Cooperstown and reassembled using a massive crane to lower a 10,000 pound/42 foot tall maple tree through the open roof. Three floors of luxuriously designed and decorated spaces are centered on the wide open atrium. Radiant heated floors provide for toasty warm feet. 3 fireplaces are set and ready to light by guests. For the kids…a bunk room featuring 2 pairs of handcrafted log bunks complete with a hidden, elevated fort with clear plexiglass emergency escape slide:) A game room with foosball and electronic arcades as well as a pool table provide non-stop fun. This home is ideal for multi- generational families looking to spend time together, a couples getaway, executive retreat or several families ready to have some fun away from the city. Additional, smaller but similarly designed homes nearby for even more friends and family.
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Perfect Winter Weekend Getaway
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Check us out on the web!
“The Greatest Times Are Ahead” his pandemic truly tested each of us to depths we probably couldn’t even imagine during the last ten months. But I wanted to take the time and reassure all of us that this, too, will pass like everything else that happened in history. The greatest times are still ahead of us, where bright new days and memories await us. We will look all around us with a sweet sigh of relief, knowing no matter how tough it has been that we could endure, adapt, pivot, and ultimately forge forward. Some will call it the new normal. I will look at it as a new bright future. Even though the world was turned upside down physically, mentally. and financially, we now have a chance to get it right this time. Let’s take this opportunity and not put so much weight into old vs. new, but instead making the future better, happier, and a lot more comfortable in the way we live our lives.
Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:
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With that said, I would like to share with you some photographs that are close to me and remind me of things we can look forward to in a 2021 post-pandemic world when we all come out the other side of this very crazy unrestful reality.
-Bill Mason
Publisher
s Indoor Sporting Event
Father Daughter Dances
Family Summer Vacation
Meet and Greets
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outdoor Com petive Sports
Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Dorming at College
Outdoor Concerts in Central Park
Collegian Sports
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Together.
There’s not a better place to be than together. Whether there’s work, or work from home; school, or virtual learning, there’s always a need for family fun and getting together. Woodloch means family fun and space to play. Consistently ranked as one of America’s best family resorts, right in your own backyard. Skiing, snowshoeing, winter olympics, ice skating, world-class entertainment, games, campfires, warm embrace, memories to last a lifetime. Woodloch. This winter.
W O O D L O C H . C O M | 8 0 0 .W O O D L O C H | IN THE NORTHERN POCONO MOUNTAINS
FEATURES
©Joseph Rector
MIRROR LAKE INN RESORT AND SPA
LUXURY & PEACE IN THE ADIRONDACKS By Patricia Canole
ith unlimited outdoor recreation, a quintessential Main Street, and a unique mix of places to eat, Lake Placid is the perfect location for a winter adventure or a relaxing escape. From tree-lined trails and snow-capped mountain views to tasty meals, we have your trip planned! One special year-round resort to stay at is Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, the AAA Four Diamond property where for the past 36 years families and couples have enjoyed a welcome break from everyday life. The Inn is well-suited to anyone looking for an authentic place to unwind in an upscale, lodge-like environment and enjoy the vast outdoors. JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15
A LOOK BACK It all started as a seasonal resort, attracting wealthy guests from around the state and eventually became a year-round destination. In 1924, Climena Alford, a native of Lake Placid, married William Rufus Wikoff of Massachusetts. Mr. Wikoff had achieved financial success with his concept of the “Fuller Brush Man,” and soon after retired. The couple moved to Lake Placid, where Mr. Wikoff purchased an old estate and turned it into the Mir-a-Lac Inn; it quickly became known as a high-quality resort, attracting very wealthy clientele from all over— and especially New York City.
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
The Mir-a-lac Inn survived the Depression years. Then in 1932, the Inn was winterized for the Winter Olympics, and where the Norwegian Team rented the entire property. A year later, the Inn’s name changed to the Mirror Lake Inn. The Mirror Lake Inn has always been known for sports-related innovations. After alpine skiing was introduced to the area, the Inn set up the first rope tow powered by electricity on Dream Hill. In the late 1940s, the first snowmaking machine ever seen in this area was purchased by the Inn to ensure proper ski conditions on Dream Hill.
©Joseph Rector
The Mirror Lake Inn was the first in Lake Placid to have a skating camp, housing many future world figure skating champions, such as Dick Button, Toller Cranston, Tab Hunter, Dorothy Ann Nelson, Pieter Kollen, and many others. Over the decades, Mirror Lake Inn has evolved with the addition of more cottages. In fact, the main section of the resort was rebuilt after an unfortunate fire in 1988. In 1976, a New Jersey business executive, an avid skier enamored with the Lake PlacidAdirondack region and its hearty and healthy lifestyle, scrapped his corporate life, and moved to the community. He was charged with managing the Inn, and if Mrs. Wikoff approved of his capabilities, Ed Weibrecht would become the new owner of the resort. The transition occurred a year later, and the rest, as they say is history.
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
LOCATION IS EVERYTHING Mirror Lake Inn welcomes guests with its recognizable cheerful white and dark green cottage exterior overlooking the lake that bears its name near downtown Lake Placid. Personal touches define the resort with a family vibe which attracts repeat guests and many locals. All 130 rooms and suites are nestled in three buildings and offer guests peaceful views of the lake with the background of the majestic Adirondack Mountains. The Inn is within steps of Lake Placid’s Main Street with its myriad coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. This area, of course, known for hosting two Winter Olympics, has continued to thrive as visitors enjoy excellent skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and hockey (summer months are just as good with plenty of swimming and hiking adventures). Mirror Lake Inn is near the Olympic venues and other prime areas. Adirondack Park, the largest in the lower 48 states, has 3,000 lakes and miles of hiking trails to explore. For those who don’t want to wander too far, a well-kept path around Mirror Lake offers a brisk 2.7-mile walk or jog which can be accessed from the entrance in front.
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
ONCE YOU ARRIVE Enter the lobby with gleaming dark wood floors, chandeliers, and wellkept antique furnishings. There are fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies at the front desk where awards are proudly displayed of the owner’s son, Andrew Weibrecht, who won two Olympic medals in Super G ski category. The extended lobby and library contain various nooks to explore. In the wintertime, roaring fireplaces provide ambiance for reading and playing chess. And since cell phones are prohibited in common areas, guests can count on a relaxed atmosphere, which is why many of them return year after year.
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
STAY & DINE The luxurious accommodations have an Adirondack-feel featuring amenities that include mini-fridges, bathrobes, and CD players. Rooms include Classic, Family, Junior Suites, and Suites featuring beautiful views from balconies or large windows—all comfortably furnished.
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
The Mirror Lake Inn has always been known for having the finest upscale menu in town. The Wikoffs had their own vegetable garden and often bought only from local farmers, setting up special arrangements to ensure long harvest periods and freshly picked vegetables. Even today, in keeping with this tradition of freshness, Mirror Lake Inn harvests fresh herbs from its own garden and maintains relationships with local farmers. The farm-to-table concept here dates back many years. But one item, Adirondack Flapjacks served with hot maple syrup, is served year-round and helps guests fuel the start of their day. JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17
The View Restaurant, AAA Four Diamond-rated the past 12 years, is Lake Placid’s ultimate experience. Here you’ll find fine dining at its best. For more casual, Lake Placid’s quintessential après ski spot is the hip and friendly Cottage Cafe, where the only thing better than the drinks are the ski stories that can’t be verified. Recently, when Whiteface Mountain replaced its gondola cabins with a brandnew fleet, the Olympic mountain announced that the originals would be available for sale. That’s when Mirror Lake Inn purchased two such units and placed them at the Cottage Cafe. With these heated cabins now in play, diners will enjoy a unique experience in a socially distanced manner on the deck of the establishment. The cabins are perfect for families and parties of up to eight guests who can dine in 72-degree indoor comfort. On the opposite side of the restaurant, a new heated tent offers guests comfortable outdoor dining with full views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack high peaks.
The View Restaurant
SPECIAL FEATURES Standout features include the personal service from the family members and staff. For some relaxation time, book a 45-minute Salt Therapy. Although traditional massages and facials at The Spa are on hold due to COVID-19, this experience is sure to please. Guests enjoy the experience as they sit back, breathe deeply, and unwind. Micro-particles of pharmaceutical grade salt are dispersed into the air which will detoxify lungs, sinus passages, and skin. At The Salon, a menu of beauty essentials, including hair styling and nail care are always available. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa treats the needs of each guest as unique and accommodates in personalized ways. You’ll find that the staff will never say no. This attitude, along with gracious service and attention to detail, is at the Inn’s heart, making a stay here an unforgettable experience.
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
SAFETY IS THE NEW LUXURY Mirror Lake Inn has always been known for its attention to cleanliness. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, its mantra has become Safety is The New Luxury. The resort led the way within the local lodging industry by integrating hospital-grade Ultraviolet C (UV-C) light disinfection and cleaning equipment, along with state-of-the-art electrostatic sprayers into their already extensive cleaning protocols. The Inn’s $500,000 investment investment to keep everyone safe also includes ceiling fans that emit UVC light to kill viruses. Going a step further, the Inn also launched a new app allowing for remote check-in and check-out capabilities, upgraded their door locks to RFID technology allowing for keyless entry via smartphone, installed touchless hand sanitizers around the property and at all points of entry. ©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
©Mirror Lake Inn Resort And Spa
“We are fortunate that we are enjoying strong business and doing it while keeping our guests and staff safe and healthy,” remarked Ed Weibrecht. “One of the reasons is that people perceive the Adirondacks as a safe place to visit, and in that, people are perceiving that the Mirror Lake Inn is the place to be. “We have incredible protocols in place which I would say are second to none, and we can come as close as possible to guaranteeing a secure environment for our staff and our guests.” This has been just the beginning. And as Weibrecht confirmed, “At the end of the day after all, it is our responsibility to keep our guests and staff protected as best as is practically possible.” For more information on Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, visit mirrorlakeinn.com. •
SKI WITH THE PROS Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid has debuted Ski with Andrew, an exclusive opportunity for hotel guests to cruise the trails of nearby Whiteface Mountain with Andrew Weibrecht, Olympic Silver and Bronze medalist and son of the resort owners. Andrew was inducted last spring into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum. “After I retired, it was great to be able to ski with our guests and their families,” he said. “This season, we’ll do it again on Whiteface Mountain and I’m looking forward to showing our skiers the trails and all the history that occurred on the 1980 Olympic mountain.” There’s more, however. After the Ski with Andrew launch, the Inn has expanded its offering to crosscountry skiers with its Ski With Andrea opportunity. Cross-country skiers will stride local trails with Andrea Henkel Burke, champion of four Olympic medals in biathlon (two gold, one silver, one bronze) as well as eight World Championship titles. The sport of biathlon combines 22-calibre shooting with crosscountry skiing. “I am very excited to meet with the cross-country ski fans from the Mirror Lake Inn,” said Henkel Burke. “Cross-country skiing is such a fun, healthy sport for all levels. I am excited to meet guests, who have never been on skis before, as well as athletes!”
Ski with Andrew
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19
STYLE
LIFE & STYLE THE HOME EDITION By Griffin Miller
n this month of chilly-to-freezing weather, nightfall at 5 pm, and Covid-19, home is not just where the heart is; it’s pretty much where everyone is. So, as we usher in what hopefully will be a sparkling New Year from our couches and recliners, I suggest tossing a few extra creature comforts into the mix. We’ve earned them big time. Hopefully, my curated selections for January will serve as a much-needed seasonal pick me up! COLD COMFORT GROWTH SPURTS During allergy season (for some of us, a year-round event), boutique tissue boxes are apt to show up in every room. With home life becoming increasingly linked to real life, my mantra has turned into Upgrade Now! Fortunately, I discovered Graf Lantz’s Spanish Suede Tissue Box Covers, impeccably designed to conceal ho-hum cardboard crassness with handsome, waterproof panache. Info: graf-lantz.com.
REST EASY Indoor living has made me reevaluate my cozy home needs— from a to-die-for banana bread recipe to a new mattress. After a dedicated search for the latter, I found Sleepenvie, a company dedicated to customization that gets bonus points for comfort and free delivery. Arriving in a compact box that, once opened, allowed my Logan mattress to expand into full-blown queen-size glory. And yes, I have reclaimed sleep nirvana! Info: sleepenvie.com.
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Subscription boxes may be the rage, but when it comes to originality, Succulent Studios is king, shipping real deal Southern California succulents in biodegradable pots to recipients—you pick the number of months and shipment date. Inside each box are two different baby succulent plants, plus instructions on nurturing them on their way to adulthood. FYI, my little guys are thriving. Info: succulent.studio.
LIGHT FORCE My love affair with the OttLite Purify Desk Lamp goes beyond its rep as the sole desk lamp with SpectraClean’s technological wherewithal to assassinate harmful bacteria and mold. This LED home office must-have is not only a disinfecting phenom; it duplicates the sun’s natural daylight spectrum, cuts down on eyestrain and glare, has three brightness settings, and (drumroll) offers wireless charging. It had me at less eyestrain (two thumbs up)! Info: ottlite.com.
FACE TO FACE
MIX & MATCHLESS
Even the most insular among us must venture outside occasionally, so it’s nice to know there’s a super-sanitizing weapon in our arsenal. A.I.R. Solo is a disinfecting mask that allows us to sanitize our facemasks while we wear them. Originally designed for travel, A.I.R. Solo is worn beneath any cloth mask and, via short-wave ultraviolet LED light, zaps pathogens, germs, live viruses, etc. In short, it’s a literal lifesaver and my home away from home. CVS minus angst. Info: theairdevice.com.
A tabletop that gives leftovers epicurean cachet is what Haand dinnerware is about. With perfect heft and porcelain good looks, the handcrafted five-piece Hestia Nesting Set goes from a 2.5 oz. ramekin to an 80 oz. fruit bowl. There are multiple colors to choose from, but my eye settled on “Piedmont,” one of two sets that showcase a different color per bowl—think a stunning way to spice up a buffet. Info: haand.us.
ANYTHING GOES
JUST MY STUFF
I want to go on record as saying that the name Teema Towels is deceptive. Are they towels? Flat-woven from 100 percent Turkish cotton in myriad designs. They make generic beach towels blush with envy and give bath sheets a run for their absorbency. Yet Teema’s innate versatility puts them in another stratosphere, allowing them to morph into stylish scarves, throws, shawls, or even tablecloths for outdoor dining. As for mine, at the moment, it’s a wrap! Info: teema.co.
Typically, multi-generational homes and dorms are catchalls for the offlimits property, be it laptops or bathrobes. Of these hijacked items, many are bathroom-centric: shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc. My new favorite thing, Shower Caddy Locker by Shlocker®, melds a portable medicine cabinet with a safe (3-digit code). Mega-suction cups let you affix it wherever. My point: when it comes to hygiene, sharing is way overrated. Info: schlocker.com.
DOWN TO A FINE ART Every so often, a piece of art reaches out and seduces—no doubt a regular occurrence at Upton Design Studio where a toffee canvas screen print “Caudor” won my heart. Upton’s minimalist works are bound to strike many an aesthetic chord, whether you’re drawn to prints or sculptures. According to company founder artist/designer Michael Upton, “Everyone should have the means to live with beauty every day!” Info: whatsupton.com. •
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21
STYLE
FROM HER LIPS TO YOURS
RED CARPET FAVORITE LISA RINNA LAUNCHES HER FIRST BEAUTY LINE By Bailey Beckett
er pout has been topic of conversation for years,” hailed WWD, the daily fashion bible, when Lisa Rinna announced she had created a lipstick kit as the first product to come from her new cosmetic line, Rinna Beauty. “My Lips have had a career of their own,” she laughs. And now, yours can, too. Well, kind of. No one is better known for the pout than Rinna, the actress who shot to fame on Days of our Lives and Melrose Place, charmed audiences as a talk show host, and is now setting the blogosphere on fire as one of the Real Wives of Beverly Hills. But it’s her new line that is bringing the most joy. “Rinna Beauty is me,” says the actress. “It’s taking everything that I’ve ever known and learned in my life, whether I’ve been on camera or off. What’s great about Rinna Beauty is nothing is holding me back from creating what I love and what works for me. And then, of course, the sky is the limit. I see Rinna Beauty as a true lifestyle brand.” The collection, steeped in the quality and style of houses like Chanel, Tom Ford, and MAC, launched last fall with Rinna’s LipIcon kit, featuring lipstick, gloss, and liner. The brand introduces three iconic nude shade kits—Birthday Suit, Legends Only, No Apologies, that include Lisa signature shades. “I’m starting with a lip kit because I am the lip pioneer,” she says with a wink and a nod. “I get asked a lot what lip color I’m wearing and where people can find it. And I thought, ‘Why am I not doing this on my own?” 22 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
New York Lifestyles sat down for the actress’s scoop just before another duty as a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. Who is the Rinna Beauty customer? I envision it to be the most inclusive beauty line ever. And I’m talking across the board; every single human on the planet could use Rinna Beauty. How about that? What was your inspiration in starting Rinna Beauty? It started with people asking me what lip color I was wearing and where I could get it. And I thought, well, why am I not making my own. You started the full lip trend before anyone else— Angelina, Scarlett, et al. Did you know you would be a trendsetter when you began your career in the early 90s? I did. And I say that with a wink and a nod when I say that I’m the lip pioneer. But when I was 24 years old, I went with my girlfriend, and we had our lips done, and it was crazy—nobody was doing it. You’re intimately involved in creating Rinna Beauty and all its products instead of some other celebrities who lend their names. Was that a condition in starting the line? Absolutely. I’ve never been one who just easily puts my name on something. I think long and hard about it. When I created my clothing line, even though it was for QVC and had some strict guidelines you must follow, I still made sure that I made it authentically to myself. I would never want to create a product line if I didn’t have a lot to do with it. You can’t just put your name on something unless it’s fabulous! You’ve done a clothing line, opened a store, written books, hosted shows besides being a successful actress. Where did you get this entrepreneurial streak? My parents were middle class. Mom always made me work for things. So, I never could get anything unless I worked for it. I learned that at a young age. I think my first job was selling lemonade on the golf course at 11. And then I worked at Lerner’s, a clothing store when I was 14 because I wanted to buy clothes and my mom wouldn’t give me any money. And then, once I got into this business and became an actress, I saw what Suzanne Somers was doing. And I thought, you know what; I think that that’s what I need to morph into because I knew that as an actor, by the time you’re 40, it’s kind of over. She made 100 million dollars by selling products. Suzanne Somers has been my role model. How do you feel about women following your look? It’s such an honor. You never think that would have ever happened. But I think it’s fun and people have a lot of fun with it, which I think is great. What are your criteria for Rinna Beauty? We’re launched with a lipstick line, and that starts with what I like, what I want in a lipstick, a pencil, lip gloss. I’m extremely specific about what I like. I know exactly the lip gloss and the consistency and texture. So, we had to go through a few iterations. And I will say that when you want something, and you know what you want, the more specific you are, the better. It wasn’t the easiest because we were doing all this right in the middle of COVID. And we finally got there! Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n R i n n a B e a u t y , visit rinnabeauty. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23
STYLE
THE MANE EVENT
HAIR CARE PRODUCTS FOR LUSTROUS LOCKS By Patricia Canole
verwashing, chemical treatments, heat from styling tools are some of the most common causes of damaged hair. While hair bleaching involves harsh chemicals that erode hair cuticles (the outer layer of each strand that seals in moisture), blow dryers and flatirons can result in parched hair fibers (which live deep within each hair cuticle), leaving locks dull and brittle. The result: hair is dry, which leads to split ends, breakage, and frizz. So how to avoid these disasters? Look at our list of products to use regularly for a healthy head of hair. OVERWASHING Less is more: It’s always a good idea to give your hair a break—especially if you’re trying to achieve healthy hair. Cleansing hair every other day with nutrient-rich formulas like Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Matcha + Apple Replenish Superfood Shampoo and Conditioner. The result? A well-balanced scalp plus smooth, fortified hair that gleams with health. Info: briogeohair.com.
CHEMICAL CULPRITS
STYLING TIPS
Hitting pause on any color or texture treatment is the first step in mending overprocessed hair. This is the time to use an at-home treatment like Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, which rebuilds hair from within. Use the reparative formula on dry hair once a week, leaving it overnight to penetrate strands. Wash out the next morning to see and feel a difference. Info: olaplex.com.
Conditioning hair is essential in creating the best styles. Moisturizing products to look chic and polished include Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Oil. Apply along ends to lock in moisture and give the appearance of freshly cut hair. Info: moroccanoil.com.
TOOL TIME Let’s face it: Heat means dry, damaged hair. But thankfully, there are tools out there that are crafted to dry and style hair without using excessive heat efficiently. Opt for products like Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, which is engineered to protect hair from extreme heat damage. Innovative fastest drying+ and controlled styling help increase smoothness, increase shine, and decrease frizz and flyaways. Info: dyson.com.
THERMAL ABUSE Aside from air-drying strands, hair towels and heat protectants are your best defense against thermal damage. A good way to achieve the best results is to blot wet hair with Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Towel gently. Not only does it help dry fine/damaged hair faster without friction, but it’s also super soft to the touch. Info: aquis.com.
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DULL NO MORE Have you ever noticed how some hair seems to have a silky sparkle? Their locks almost seem vibrant. Mixed Chicks Hair Silk will solve this problem. Add a few drops to your palms and apply to hair leaving it radiant and soft. Best of all, it works on both curly and straight looks and the perfect must-have for a finishing touch to styling hair. Info: mixedchicks.net. •
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King with Jacuzzi Bath & Mountain Views Windham Mountain Hotel
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TRAVEL
4 FABULOUS HOTELS TO VISIT (SAFELY) By Diana Anderson
lmost everyone would like to erase 2020—and the good news is that 2021 is right around the corner. Although none of us know what’s in store, chances are this new year will be better than the previous. (It can’t be worse, can it?) So, why not kick it off in style? Here are a few of our favorite places that are open and eager to welcome you, happily and safely, with proper COVID-19 protocols in place. THE RED LION INN Stockbridge, MA In the heart of Norman Rockwell country in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, the revered Red Lion Inn is famous for its fabulous front porch and side piazza. Both will be enclosed for the winter months, which means there’s a rocking chair with your name on it where you can relax with a drink and dinner. There’s reduced seating on the front porch; masks are required indoors throughout public gathering areas. Hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, are placed at key guest and employee entrances and contact areas. JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27
The Red Lion is surrounded by picturesque forests and hundreds of walking paths, foot trails, and steep climbs. The grounds of Naumkeag, a storied country estate of the Gilded Age, are open for strolling and exploring. Neighboring Mount Greylock is home to the highest peak in southern New England with sweeping vistas of five states. The Appalachian Trail cuts directly through the Berkshires with numerous trail entrances throughout the area.
Red Lion Inn
But for colder days, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, home to the world’s largest collection of Rockwell’s work. The Red Lion Inn’s Norman Rockwell Museum experience includes a $50 dining credit per room per night that you can use toward food and drink purchases at any Red Lion Inn restaurant, as well as two tickets to the Rockwell Museum per night. Info: redlioninn.com.
TOPPING ROSE HOUSE Bridgehampton, NY About 100 miles from Manhattan on the East End of Long Island sits a magnificent wedding cake of a house. Called Topping Rose, it’s smack dab in the middle of Bridgehampton’s cafes, art galleries, and shops. The hotel is one of the Hamptons’ first fullservice luxury hotels, with 22 gorgeous rooms in the House, Studio, and Cottages, along with a gym, outdoor pool, a spa, and shuttle to the beaches and area attractions. And oh, yes—there’s a Jean-Georges restaurant onsite, using ingredients from the property’s one-acre farm. It’s open year-round, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Topping House Rose
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Built in 1842 for Judge Abraham Topping Rose and his family, the main house, with its flat roof, cupola, pilasters, and frieze band, was designed in a local version of the Greek Revival-style which was immensely popular throughout the country at the time. Behind the house and to the east is its barn, a two-story wood structure with a peaked-gable roof with a cupola in the center. Info: toppingrosehouse.com.
INNS OF AURORA Aurora, NY Most people know tiny Aurora, NY, on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, in the Finger Lakes region, as the home of Wells College. What they may not know is alumna Pleasant T. Rowland—she’s the founder of American Girl dolls—has helped restore more than ten historic properties in the town. Five—Aurora Inn, E.B. Morgan House, Rowland House, Wallcourt Hall, and Zabriskie House comprise the Inns of Aurora.
Zabriskie House
Many of the guestrooms feature fireplaces and balconies overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake. Each day begins with organic, fair-trade coffee and fresh, homemade granola bars, necessary fuel for taking a kayak out to explore the lake. Afternoons are best spent at one of the nearby wineries and breweries. You can dine at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, which serves farm-to-table American cuisine and craft cocktails at night. Inside, the dining room features two fireplaces where fires blaze during cooler months. The new cocktail lounge offers 12 bar seats and several intimate conversation tables that serve as a welcoming area for happy hours, predinner drinks, or a relaxing nightcap. For a more relaxed atmosphere, check out Fargo Bar & Grill, directly across from the Aurora Inn. Guests interested in an outdoor adventure are welcome to check out a pair of hunter boots for an afternoon of exploration or an educational visit at the local organic garlic farm. In colder weather, snowshoes and sleds are available. After an active day outdoors, be sure to drop by the 21,000-square-foot spa and healing center (scheduled to open early 2021), with hydrotherapy pools, meditation spaces, and eleven treatment rooms complete with warming fireplaces. Info: innsofaurora.com. White Elephant Palm Beach
Inns of Aurora E.B. Morgan House
WHITE ELEPHANT Palm Beach, FL In November, Nantucket’s famed White Elephant opened the 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach. Housed in the former Bradley Park Hotel, it was originally constructed in 1924 as one of the first resorts on Palm Beach’s Main Street. The hotel stands one street north of Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach’s original Main Street, less than two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and one block from the Intracoastal Waterway. Guestrooms and suites range up to 3,000-square feet, along with two penthouse suites (with living rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and terraces). They offer complimentary use of Priority Bicycles and Radio Flyer Wagons and exclusive access to Barton & Gray yachts for excursions. If you’d prefer to ride, you can be chauffeured into town in a 7 Series BMW, or you can sign one out for a few hours and drive yourself. (A shuttle will whisk you to the beach.) For meals, there’s Lola 41—a Nantucket staple—that serves its globally-inspired dishes and local seafood specialties. Info: whiteelephantpalmbeach.com. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29
TRAVEL
BUCKET LIST 2021
4 THRILLING DESTINATIONS By A.P. Connolly
hile the worldwide pause in travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to keep the journey closer to home, it hasn’t dampened our adventurous spirits one bit. It means we have more time to dream and plan to make it a reality once the world opens in 2021. Some may already have the perfect adventure in your sights, but to those who are still undecided, we got you. Use this bucket list to serve as inspiration for your next adventure. New York Lifestyles will feature in future issues top destinations to consider for future travel. So, let’s get into it.
COSTA RICA This vibrant Central American nation offers the attractions of most seaside countries + more. Relax in a rushing river as a steamy volcano lights up the night sky with red hot radiance. Hike through misty forests, where a verdant world is swathed in wisps of fog. Listen as howler monkeys serenade you from across the canopy or gaze in awe as blazing macaws glide through the sky and sloths hang lazily from the treetops. And that’s just the view from the balcony. In Costa Rica, natural beauty comes with plenty of human friendliness and more than a little indulgence. Jungle lodges dish up gourmet cuisine. So, enjoy life and make nature your backdrop. Info: visitcostarica.com. 30 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
GREECE Since the dawn of history, Greece has been known as a sensuous land of intense light, deep blue sky, whitewashed houses, and air perfumed with the scent of honey, wild licorice, sage, and thyme. It’s a land that is ancient and yet very young. Athens may have the awesome centuriesold Acropolis, but it’s also a modern city abuzz with fine restaurants and clubs. Yet even Greeks agree that to see the real Greece, you must visit the islands. Here the sun is even more dazzling and the sea even more sublimely blue. Visit cypress-cloaked Corfu said to have been the birthplace of Aphrodite. Santorini is thought to be all that remains of the lost continent of Atlantis. Or continue your trip on Mykonos. There are scores of other islands to explore. Greece is about the love of life, simple and spontaneous. It’s as unforgettable as sitting together under a string of colored lights on the patio of a seaside taverna, enjoying perfectly grilled fish and a bottle of wine. Info: visitgreece.gr.
AFRICA What could be more perfect than an African safari? Luxury tented camps pitched in the tender cradle of Mother Africa, creatures of all shapes and sizes, Champagne by a crackling fire at sunset and a sheltering mosaic of stars come evening. Tanzania’s rugged Serengeti makes for the ideal classic safari, with its upscale yet understated tented camps and graceful Masai residents. Kenya’s Great Rift Valley offers camel rides, picnics in the bush, and private guarded swimming holes where travelers can soak under tranquil waters for a notch up on the luxury ladder. South Africa’s safari lodges are renowned for their upscale pampering. True explorers should be sure to visit Botswana’s elegant landscapes, where the desert meets water in the startling wonderland of the Okavango delta. Here you’ll witness wildlife you never knew existed. And just remember when your trip draws to a close, that you may leave Africa, but Africa will never leave you. Info: southafrica. net; magicalkenya.com; botswanatourism.co.bw.
IRELAND How abundant the gifts that Ireland has given to the world: poetry and prose, including Yeats and Joyce; a treasure trove of music—and what would we ever do without Jameson’s whiskey and cool pints of Guinness? But the best way to savor Ireland’s many gifts is to head straight to the source for a trip that’s a veritable feast for the senses. Begin your stay in fair Dublin, the friendliest capital in the world, and branch out to explore the north’s rugged hills and lakes or the rolling pastures of County Waterford in the south. Revel in the great outdoors along Kerry’s scenic ring, home to hiking, horseback riding, biking, and golf. Marvel at the epic rock formations that make up the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim. And wherever your travels take you, be sure to pop into a pub or two (or three) to learn why Ireland’s residents are the most charming storytellers on the planet. Just imagine the wonderful tales you must share when you return. Info: tourismireland.com. •
Ireland’s countryside
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31
TRAVEL
THE MAKINGS OF GREATNESS UPSTATE NEW YORK’S SURPRISE OF THE YEAR By Bailey Beckett
udson Valley is a picturesque destination for New Yorkers, filled with cozy restaurants, charming antique shops, and friendly locals. Add in a top-notch hotel that can rival the most luxurious Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, or Peninsula. It’s the find of the year: The Maker, an 11-room property sweeping over three historical buildings that redefine curation and ambiance. Expertly choreographed with an exquisite eye toward aesthetics, the hotel’s design blends such influences as 19th-century industrial, La Belle Époque, and Art Deco effortlessly. It’s a feast for your senses. “During my travels, I always felt there was an opportunity to expand the hospitality experience,” said co-proprietor Lev Glazman, who previously founded the global beauty brand Fresh with his partner Alina Roytberg. “We knew we could execute The Maker concept in Hudson Valley because the area was so rich with artisans, history, and design, and it was the perfect location. Moving away from standardized design, The Maker fuses different periods, and builds a home where this eclectic design can exist harmoniously.” 32 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
The King Loft
A CURATED SANCTUARY Glazman and Roytberg partnered with hospitality expert Damien Janowicz in developing The Maker, which they describe as “a curated sanctuary with bohemian sensibilities.” Working with a global group of artisans, artists, craftsmen, and builders, they preserved many elements of the 14,000-squarefoot property, including ornate fireplaces in guest rooms, wood floorings, decorative stained glass, foyer mosaic tiles, and hand-painted ceilings to create an otherworldly experience—one that bends time from past to present. Sixth generation furniture restorer Gary Keegan rebuilt original fireplace mantles, antiques, and furniture. Simultaneously, artist Michael Allen painted an ethereal mural inspired by the Hudson Valley landscape on burlap in The Maker Restaurant. The Maker even enlisted Lighting designer Steven McKay to create custom light fixtures throughout the property. But seventy percent of the hotel is vintage, including one-of-a-kind antique pieces, restored relics, extensive art from Glazman’s personal collection, and new pieces built from various salvaged elements. The result is surprising: a global ethos shaped by decades of travel.
The Conservatory
RETAIL THERAPY
The Lounge
Six of the eleven guest rooms can best be described as “signature suites,” expertly curated to reflect varying time periods. Guests can buy many of the custom pieces found in the hotel, including custom beds designed by Glazman and architect Kipp Edick that reflect a modern interpretation of antique French Louis XV style beds, Italian linen robes by Society Limonata, lightly scented boiled cashmere throws by private0204; light fixtures created by Glazman in collaboration with Early Electric; and Fresh beauty products. Th e Maker Shop also offers exclusive personal items for sales, including the limited-edition The Maker Hudson Eau de Parfum. This gender-neutral, woody, spicy fragrance captures the vibrant essence of the Hudson Valley.
WINE & DINE Adding to the experience are three dining options, including The Maker Café, inspired by cafes in Paris and Vienna; The Maker Lounge, an intimate hideaway, cocktail bar and patio in the converted Carriage House with soaring ceilings and a Belgian 1878 Neoclassical fireplace with an ornately carved fireplace mantle, and the floor-to-ceiling mirror is restored from the 18th century; and The Maker Restaurant, housed in a glass-ceiling conservatory enveloped in layers of greenery and textural details. Executive chef Michael works with local farms and purveyors to offer seasonal contemporary American fare. In short, The Maker has the makings of an extraordinary hotel, easily one of America’s best boutique experiences. Open Thursday through Monday; for more information on The Maker, visit themaker.com. •
The Writer Suite
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
AROUND TOWN
LAVISH LIVING ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE By Lisa Maysonet
onsidering a move to the Upper East Side? You’ll definitely be in good company. BACK THEN
In the 1920s, The New York Times described the East Side as “a string of pearls: Each pearl is a double block of millionaires, and Madison Avenue is the string.” Like everything else in New York, the Upper East Side has been altered by time. But there are few places where memory is as intact as on the blocks bounded by the East River, Fifth Avenue, and East 59th and East 96th Streets. Until the close of the Civil War, this was the part of New York where the fashionable gathered to escape city summers—the counterpart of today’s Hamptons. Mansions in parklike settings followed the shore of the East River all the way to Harlem. The Boston Post Road (now Third Avenue) made access to the city below Canal Street convenient, and summer residents with lots of leisure time-traveled downtown on steamboats. By the late 1860s, with Central Park now opened, the summer houses were converted to year-round use for pioneering commuters. A few years later, the coming of elevated railroads opened the area to working-class people.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD High-end shops and galleries line the streets of the Upper East Side. And for those who need a break, there are great restaurants on nearly every corner. But more than anything, the Upper East Side is noted for their museums showcasing some of the world’s most important works. Better known as Museum Mile along 5th Avenue it’s worth a day just exploring the beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Guggenheim offers art collections that span the years. If shopping is your thing, then the Upper East Side is the place to be! Bloomingdales is just a block away, as well as Louis Vuitton and Hermès, to name a few, you’ll be in retail heaven! Dining out is always an adventure. At Restaurant Daniel by Daniel Boulud their prix-fixe meal is one of the best dining experiences you will ever have. In case you want a special meal that’s a smidge more relaxed than what happens in the main dining room, you can order a la carte in the lounge. Another staple in the neighborhood is Avra Madison Estiatorio, known for its seafood which magically transports you to the Greek isles.
Society had its heyday on the East Side between 1895 and the outbreak of World War 1. The state of American architecture was superb at the WHERE TO CALL HOME time, and the super-rich had the financial resources to buy the best. Years Believe it or not, there are great price points for everyone on have passed, of course, with many changes to these East Side streets. the Upper East Side. Here is one choice offering we feature Nevertheless, an air of privileged—often luxurious—lifestyle still prevails. this month. 65 East 76th Street #3DE Living Room
65 East 76th Street Apartment #3DE is the kind of lavish apartment that makes the phrase Upper East Side synonymous with sophisticated luxury. Every inch is newlyrenovated to epitomize modern glamour. Spaces flow generously. A stunning foyer reveals two large great rooms and a separate dining room, each overlooking a tree-lined block through grand, south-facing windows. Four bedrooms (enhanced by a sumptuous designer closet/dressing room), four full baths, a library/family room, separate home office, and laundry room form a spacious, grand home for family living, simultaneously warm and sophisticated. T he hands ome b out ique bu i l d ing harkens back to the gilded age of New York. In a two-story limestone entrance, uniformed door attendants welcome you when you arrive. And a lobby-level bike/ stroller room and ample personal storage facilities make New York living even more comfortable. Elegant, culturally-rich, architecturally stunning, it is Upper East Side living at its best. Asking price: $4.195 million. For more information on Lisa Maysonet, visit Group Maysonet at Sotheby’s International Realty, sothebyshomes. com/nyc/agents/lisa.maysonet. •
34 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
“ P i n e s L a k e” Wa y n e , N J 978 Pines Lake Drive West
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Carole “Lynn” Brescia
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
TURTLE POND FARM LIVING LARGE IN RUMSON, NJ By AP Connolly
elcome to Turtle Pond Farm, an 8-acre estate located in Rumson, New Jersey, providing coveted privacy and tranquil green space. This offering is truly the best of all worlds- as it is located just 38 minutes to New York City via a high speed commuter ferry and 5 minutes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Unique properties such as this rarely come to the market, especially with this quality and size. This idyllic estate is steeped in American history, having hosted American Presidents while also offering every modern amenity. Access this family compound through private gates and follow a tree-lined drive to reach Turtle Pond Farm. As you view the lush acres, you will be delighted to discover a historic main residence, a luxurious pool house with saltwater pool, and a six-stall equestrian center with five paddocks and a riding ring. 36 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
THE RESIDENCE First Floor The magnificent sixbedroom/seven-bath main house features five fireplaces, slate roof, copper gutters, and new cedar siding; it also boasts views of the stunning grounds from every window. On the first floor, lightfilled spacious rooms allow for comfort and ease of entertaining. Highlights include a grand foyer, a beautiful banquet-sized dining room connected to a custom butler’s pantry and gourmet kitchen with modern, top-of-the-line appliances, a formal living room, and a library. The spacious family room, with French doors, lead to a bluestone patio overlooking the pastoral property. There you will find a built-in bar and radiantheated floors. Two exquisite powder rooms, a mudroom, and a den complete this stunning first floor. Second & Third Floors Ascend the grand staircase to the next level. Here you will find a grand owner’s suite, adorned with a sitting room and his and her baths with walk-in closets and a private balcony. There are three additional spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets, three full bathrooms, a laundry room, and an office. On the third floor, there are 2 bedrooms, a full bath, and additional bonus space to be imagined however you choose. The Pool House Located just outside the main house is the pool house considered a luxury escape of its own. Representing the ultimate in relaxation, it features a custom kitchen, bar, entertainment room, full bathroom, full-sized laundry room & fitness center. Enjoy the resort-like saltwater pool and spa or sit by the outdoor fireplace and enjoy the serenity of Turtle Pond and its expansive grounds. The Equestrian Center The farm would not be complete without its six-stall equestrian center, featuring a tack and feed room, full laundry facilities, hayloft, and wash stall. The barn area also includes a fully equipped one bedroom, one bath apartment. Now it’s time to make your dreams a reality. Asking price: $6.625 million. For more information on Turtle Pond Farm contact Chris Fry at Elegran Real Estate at cfry@elegran.com. Listing can be found at elegran.com/nj/rumson/52-buena-vista-ave and the video can be found at youtube.com/ watch?v=eECHMwp1Hsw. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
RENAISSANCE PROPERTIES RESTORING NEW YORK TO ITS ORIGINAL BEAUTY By Peter Elston
ith an eye towards distressed assets, Renaissance Properties specializes in value-add investments with a focus on pre-war prime assets. From commercial and retail building ownership, to leasing, management and construction, the firm has built its reputation on the superior capabilities and efficiency of its people, its most important resource. Founded in 1959, its emphasis has always been on quality and attention to detail, Renaissance brings a high level of comfort and modern technology, including the most elegant build-outs and the fastest services to its treasured tenants. Lead by the father and son team of Kenneth and Bradley Fishel, Renaissance Properties looks to bring workforces back to New York in the post-COVID era with their renovated commercial properties. New York Lifestyles sat down with the father and son duo to discuss the history of Renaissance Properties and the future of commercial real estate in New York. With Renaissance being a family business, did you always aspire to be in real estate? KF: I grew up in the real estate business and always loved it. It has always been a passion of mine to restore historic buildings to their original beauty. BF: The mathematics and tangibility of real estate is what initially attracted me to the asset class. What has kept me in real estate is the endless knowledge to be acquired in the fields of engineering, law, finance, design, marketing, and construction. Beyond the insights that each of those fields provide, it is the timely coordination between them that is the key to success in creating aesthetically pleasing functional spaces. Perfecting this process is my aspiration in real estate. 38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Kenneth Fishel ŠMatteo Prandoni BFA.com
What have been some of the challenges you have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic? KF: Our tenants have been severely impacted by the economic fallout from the virus. As a result, we have done everything we can do to support our tenants and keep them in business. BF: Running this business during the pandemic is like going to war. We are attacking the enemy on multiple fronts: Maintaining tenancy, which entails renegotiating each lease—if they are still in business. Attracting new tenants, which entails new marketing offerings like a COVID Clause in the case of another statemandated shutdown, or additional amenities like new lobbies or communal roof decks and bike rooms. To take it a step further we are offering our architectural services free of charge to any prospective tenant that needs a floorplan made up quickly with the goal of making it very easy for them to say yes to our spaces before anyone else’s. By being proactive in our approach, we have been getting ahead of the competition, especially since we were the first to drop our asking rents and are now providing a few fully furnished spaces.
632 Broadway Office
Bradley Fishel ©Renaissance Properties
What changes have you made to your properties to accommodate people returning to the workplace? KF: We adhere to all NYS guidelines and beyond. Moreover, our buildings are historic in nature and feature large operable windows which allow for natural cross ventilation. BF: Aside from the additional amenities mentioned above, we put together an entire COVID playbook that’s available on the homepage of our website which includes new cleaning schedules/protocols, installed Merv-13 filters to all AC units, temperature checks, UV lights, etc. What do you think will happen to commercial real estate in Manhattan the next few years? KF: New York City will come back! And New York City real estate will come back too. BF: A COVID discount will be in effect for at least the next two years, which should be reflected by a 20 to 30 percent drop in rents. Combine that with rising taxes and insurance and you will see a lot of defaults in 2021. The bigger REITs and funds will survive only to scoop up what the smaller highly levered companies, have left behind. For us, we will have to be cutthroat in our pursuit of survival and eventual growth once we’re on the other side of COVID, when there’s more opportunity. Their efforts have borne success in leasing in a challenging environment. Their flagship property at 632 Broadway has signed leases with Tumblr, Serengeti Asset Management, and HealthQuarters (in collaboration with Mount Sinai Hospital). At 264 West 40th Street leases have been signed with Asian Media Rights, CNM LLP, Pierce Mattie Public Relations, Kokolakis Contracting, Capital Signs and Darius Rose. Their newest historic tower at 62 West 45 Street has undergone a full renovation, and leasing activity has been dynamic. Leases have been signed with financial firms EA Markets and Axio Financial, each of which have leased full floors. For more information on Renaissance Prop er ties, visit renaissancepropertiesny.com. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
NEW YORKERS SEE A NEW HORIZON By Sharon Fahy and Chris Halstead
hile budgets, wish lists, and neighborhoods have been reprioritized with a new lifestyle, school, and work scenarios, there is a tidal shift of people deciding to reinforce their commitment to New York City following months of indecision. In fact, some of the most eager buyers in today’s market are those in transitional phases of life where it would be easy to call it quits and move out of the City. For some insight into these changing times. Here, three trends we are seeing with buyers in the market.
A NEW SENSE OF URGENCY A variety of buyers have been sitting tight through the pandemic but are now ready to move ahead from their hiatus with a renewed sense of urgency to recommit to city living. This includes those with children where the school year remains somewhat uncertain, empty nesters, and individuals with second homes outside of the city. While many are cautious not to overpay for the current market, they are prepared to go out, make offers, and sign on the dotted line. The months of pause have given them time to reflect on where they want to be, and they are ready to jump in.
CHANGING PRIORITIES New needs and priorities have been revealed in the past few months, and wish lists are being readjusted to fit those in various forms. For those who have decided to commit to New York for the long haul, they are looking at what a new normal means to them and how an evolving living perspective fits in, whether that means a new neighborhood where their budget goes further or puts them closer to a child’s school. While some have honed in on the necessity of that extra bedroom that can be flex space and willing to raise their budget, others think the current market is the perfect time to lower their budget and still get a comparable space without changing their must-haves. However, it’s worth noting that while very minimal transactions took place over $2 million over the summer, now a significant amount of activity is around the $4 to $4.5 million price range.
THE SECOND HOME FOR NEW REASONS Another trend that has been pushed to the forefront is the number of New Yorkers securing properties in the city, whether purchasing or renting. Many find a second space necessary to serve as auxiliary space for work, learning, and visitors. There is also the movement of people realizing they can maintain a more modest home in the city and a second home outside of it. Owning two homes is no longer an exclusive luxury; it’s a way to commit to all the amenities and culture found in New York City and have that escape when needed. Despite the period of uncertainty, we have recently seen, we see a positive message that New York will persist, and people will adjust to stay because this is where they want to be. •
40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
SHARON FAHY Clients and agents alike consider Sharon Fahy a knowledgeable and collaborative broker who strives to ensure a smooth transaction and exceed all expectations. Clients benefit from her business acumen and discretion. Her genuine interest in the revival of many historic neighborhoods complements her ability to help them make the transition and investment. Whether a grand prewar apartment on the UES/UWS, a post-war pied-a-terre on the Village Gold Coast, she has their goals top of mind.
CHRIS HALSTEAD Whether you are a buyer or a seller, top producing agent Chris Halstead is adamant about providing the time and attention you require and desire. He prides himself on a reputation that places customer service above all else. His personal approach and that of his team is to listen intently, offer straightforward guidance, and respond accordingly in a timely and efficient manner. His vast network of relationships and expert negotiation skills enable Chris to be a true partner in the process.
RENAISSANCE ESTATES Renaissance Estates is a community of 14 custom townhomes coming to 3320 South 2th Street, in beautiful Packer Park nestled within the Reserve, Villas ans Regency in Philadelphia.
Starting at $
Starting at $990,000
Construction is almost complete — There is still time to choose colors, finishes, kitchen cabinets, flooring, interior doors, hardware and more! Standard luxury features included in starting price: - 3200 + sq. ft of luxury living - Full 10 year tax abatement - A lower level (a few select lots will have full lower level) - 2 car garage with interior entrance into home - 5 stop elevator (lower level to 4th floor), 4 person capacity** - Sub Zero Wolf appliances, (Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf six burner range (or four burner griddle), dishwasher, hood, microwave)** - Kohler faucets & fixtures - mirrored and lighted bathroom cabinets**
, 4 person capacity **
- Porcelanosa European kitchen cabinets, hardwood flooring and tile throughout** - Dual zone HVAC, (two separate units) - Large Andersen 400 series windows - Interior sprinkler system (hideaway heads) - Ample sound and weather insulation
- Large fiberglass roof deck, plus deck off kitchen (2nd floor) plus, deck off master level (4th floor) - Solid core interior doors** - Booster water pump for added water pressure - Generous allowance to Closet Works in order to customize large closets** - Smart living technology for light, security cameras, WI-FI and cable ready** Plus, deck off Master level (4th fl) ** - 68+ hi-hats throughout
- 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths plus, lower level can be 4th bedroom because of the large window
MODEL OCTOBER 2020 FIRST MOVE IN'S NOV. 2020
Barbara Capozzi Esq. office 215-551-5100 cell 267-973-0848 bcapozzi@KW.com PackerParkNewHomes.com
**Buyer selects
Call today for a private tour! 215-551-5100
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Visit our onsite showroom to see all options/selections. 3320 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
REAL ESTATE INVESTING LEARNING FROM THE BEST By Esther Reizes-Lowenbein
was thrilled to interview two extraordinarily successful Commercial Real Estate (CRE) investors recently. Both Kenneth Wolfe and Vinney Chopra share the burning desire to reach their goals, have a solid plan to execute, and take prompt action. Their experience taught them to stay on target, be persistent, and rebound from all failures. KENNETH WOLFE
Kenneth is a straight out-of-college entrepreneur with a family business in oil and gas. With the money earned from oil and gas stocks in 2008 and advice to attend a two-day investing course, he eventually jumped into the real estate market in 2010. He attributes better returns than the stock market, the tax benefits, and multi-family investing’s scalability. Kenneth entered commercial real estate as a passive investor for his first two investments. It quickly advanced to 26-unit syndication and upwards to thousands of units under his name, besides his one thousand + investors. He started with existing multi-family in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Ohio. Three years ago, he started buying commercial stores, many dollar stores, anything with stable assets. He branched out into redevelopment and hard money lending to diversify his investments and present more investors options. He has an outstanding team of six people in the office, from asset management to a good CPA to manage and oversee all his diversified assets. In fact, he is acquiring a second management company. When asked about his favorite class asset, Kenneth responded that he likes history. So much so The Rockefeller Building (in Cleveland, Ohio) is exciting to him. Completed in 1905 by John D. Rockefeller, its 17th floor holds 36 of its original safes. Kenneth enjoys traveling with his family and is a cross-fit champ. Kenneth feels fortunate to be involved in a job he loves. He stands by the principles of integrity, transparency, alignment, enrichment, leadership, and communication. These principals attract investors with ease to attain financial freedom and investment goals. Vinney Chopra
Kenneth Wolfe
VINNEY CHOPRA
Another inspiration in the CRE space is Vinney Chopra. Vinney invests in multifamily assets, and ground-up assisted senior living and memory care facilities. Vinney immigrated from New Delhi, India, 44 years ago with just $7 in his pockets as an engineer. He now self manages close to half a billion dollars of investments. Vinney’s entrepreneur spirit began when he went door to door selling encyclopedias while attending George Washington University, getting his MBA. Moneil is the name of his company started six years ago together with his wife and partner, named with his two children in mind—Monica and Neil. He aims to offer his investors a glorious return on their investments. Syndication opened his world with total transparency and a precise business plan. He seeks to treat his team and investors with the utmost care and respect. Vinney acclaims his success to his positive thinking. He finds the silver lining in every dark cloud, is goal and solution-oriented, and applies all he learns to his daily activities. He is famous for his infectious smile, positive attitude, and constant work on self-improvement. He lights up every room he enters with his persona and faith. He even wrote a book, Positivity Brings Profitability, inspired by his wife. Vinney can be found on social media as well as his own YouTube channel, and podcast. Vinney enjoys music, dancing, traveling, oil painting, and wine tasting. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and possibility with others. He gives back by building orphanages, gives money to local food banks, and wants has become involved in combatting human trafficking. •
42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS SKI LODGE ON THE HUDSON RIVER WARRENSBURG, NEW YORK
1525 River Road
Log Cabin Family Ski Lodge on the Hudson River just minutes from Gore Ski Mountain. Features plenty of room for family and friends - setup to sleep 20. Enjoy nearby outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking. Property includes a finished entertaining barn, under construction artist/office studio building, outdoor yoga platform, seasonal guest cottage and 2.1 acres on the Hudson River. A total of 3 separate lots are being sold together. The compound can rent for over $1,200 per night based on it's solid rental history. Ideal to use as a family compound or getaway. Offered at $925,000.
Esther Reizes-Lowenbein
718.249.5141 EstyReizes@gmail.com RocklandRE.com Residential Realtor in Rockland County Commercial Realtor Investment Manager
John Gollhofer Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Cell: 518 586-2578 jpgollhofer@gmail.com McDonald Real Estate Professionals Inc 4956 Lake Shore Drive Bolton Landing, NY 12814
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SAY HELLO TO 2021
THE ONLY RESOLUTION YOU’LL EVER NEED By Sharon Holand Gelfand, CN, FDN-P
appy New Year! Did you make your New Year’s resolution yet? Is it the same as last year? And the year before? And the year before that? Let’s face it, people still make New Year’s resolutions and hope that maybe just this time, their resolutions will stick. The question is, why are we making them at all, and is there something you can do about it? The ancient Babylonians are thought to have been the first to make resolutions some 4,000 years ago. They made promises to the gods, and if they kept their word, they would be favored and saved. Ancient Rome had a similar practice, as did other religions. Today instead of making promises to the gods, people are making promises to themselves, and dieting has become an all-time favorite resolution to make. Unfortunately, research from The University of Scranton suggests that only 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions.
THE BIG QUESTION…WHY? We have been so conditioned by advertising and society to believe what we read and hear. We look externally for answers. When we don’t feel well, we go to Dr. Google for an answer. We watch TV and see an ad describing symptoms that we’re experiencing, and we wonder if we need that drug. We start to doubt our health, and we seek answers. Typically, ads with uplifting music make us feel better sharing how a particular medication has solved their condition. Oh, and don’t pay attention to the voice rattling a mile a minute of all the side effects, including death. Really? 2021 is the year to disrupt past patterns and create new habits so that we can once and for all resolve not to make another New Year’s resolution of going on a diet. After all, we know diets don’t work. We’ve been on them forever. If they did work, there wouldn’t be a multi-million dollar industry selling the next best solution to get six-pack abs or lose 10 pounds in one week. As Glinda, the good witch from the Wizard of Oz, said to Dorothy: You’ve always had the power. Now is the time to take care of you so that you can create the lifestyle you want. But how? There’s so much information, and we don’t know who to believe or where to turn, or how to begin. 44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Sharon Holand Gelfand
ENTER THE G.U.T. METHOD®
THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD
Health is multi-faceted and begins in your gut. In fact, the gut microbiome’s development is determined in the first 2 to 3 years of life. Add in antibiotics, processed food, stress, pesticides, skincare products, cleaning products, and other chemicals, and our guts have short-circuited, and we end up with IBS or worse.
The first place to start is within you. Connect to your body by taking stock of what your body says to you in the form of symptoms. • Do you have the sniffles? • Does your throat hurt? • Do you have gas? • Anxiety?
I never understood this until my son was diagnosed with Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, and Ileitis. Until his diagnosis, I thought I was healthy, despite my own compartmentalized issues—migraines, strep throat, eczema, hypoglycemia, IBS, anemia—after all, isn’t it normal for your body to fall apart when you get older? The answer is no! It is common, but not normal. I developed The G.U.T. Method® to help get back to basics and tune in first to your body.
These are just some of the questions you can ask yourself. Try this in the morning, after meals, and throughout the day and listen. It helps to keep a journal so you can see what your patterns are. For example, let’s say you develop gas or bloating after a meal. Write down what you ate and pay attention to how often that happens if you eat a particular food. Once you understand that connection, you can then decide what it means to you and your body. Does that food serve you, or are you eating it as an emotional response? When you understand, become aware, and pay attention to the patterns, you can act. You have the choice of whether you want to continue to feel the way you feel when eating that food. You may decide that occasionally it’s OK, but not every day. And you can do so with grace and compassion. You can do so without judgment or deprivation but with care and shifting your perspective that if you choose to have whatever the food is, that it’s ok to indulge.
Does that food serve you, or are you eating it as an emotional response? When you understand, become aware, and pay attention to the patterns, you can act.” TAKE ACTION Once you get connected and understand, you can pick one item below to get started. • Swap out the food that bothers you with another option. • Drink sparkling water infused with fruit instead of soda. • Chew your food: 20-30 times per bite. • Instead of cereal, try overnight oats. • Try a new vegetable. • The list goes on. Pick one item. Practice it for a few days, a week or two. Create a new habit, and then continue adding as you progress. It’s not about deprivation or dieting. Rome wasn’t built in a day. By taking baby steps and having compassion for yourself, you can shift your perspective and enjoy the journey. For more information on Sharon Holand Gelfand and her new book The G.U.T. Method ®: Secrets Beyond Your Plate For A Healthier, More Energetic Life, visit sharonholand.com. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45
HEALTH & WELLNESS
THE NEW HOME GYM CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY FIT By Melanie Carden
ome-based fitness isn’t just having its moment in the sun; it’s here to stay. Resilient as ever, Americans adjusted their fitness routines nearly overnight. As gyms across the country shut down, people scrambled to create a seamless transition to at-home fitness. In a review of eBay purchases in 2019-2020, E-Commerce Times reports sales skyrocketed on fitness equipment from jump ropes to bikes during the pandemic life. Industry experts predict that we’ll eventually return to our beloved gyms when it’s safe, but that we’ll also continue to prioritize at-home fitness. They expect a balance between gym-based activities and our newfound passion for the convenience and versatility of home-based fitness, prerecorded workouts, and live online classes. Whether you’re looking to build an all-inclusive home gym or stock up on fundamentals, there are plenty of options.
Peloton
THE ULTIMATE GYM Price Large equipment such as cycling bikes, rowers, and treadmills come with an average price tag of $1,500—especially those with smart-capabilities. Features such as screen size help drive cost. Annual membership and access to brand-specific classes are usually an additional expense. And always read the fine print to check for shipping, delivery, and assembly costs. Fitness Goals Carefully consider your fitness goals and habits. If you buy a bike and annual membership, will you be continually inspired and engaged by only cycling? Do you feel the need for more variety? Many annual memberships associated with fitness equipment offer various classes (cycling, yoga, strength, etc.). Still, it’s essential to review the course offerings in advance to ensure it works for your goals and fitness preferences.
NordicTrack
Space Grab a $6 roll of blue painter’s tape and mark off the area for your home-fitness set-up. Measure and label where each piece of equipment will go. Is it realistic? Don’t forget that a treadmill might need higher ceiling clearance; check the dimensions to see how tall it is when fully inclined for steeper workouts. If space is limited, it’s still doable—be strategic. Many of the leading rowers—even the more affordable options on Amazon—fold in half to store upright when not in use. Understand Return Policies At a certain point in our lives, we come to terms with the fact that sometimes reality doesn’t match our expectations. Make a note of the return policy and warranty for any fitness equipment you purchase. 46 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Echelon Reflect
FITNESS LEADERS NordicTrack A veteran in the fitness industry, NordicTrack offers bikes ($999+), treadmills ($1,800+), elliptical machines ($1,300+), and rowers ($800+). Incorporating the industry-trending option of smart-mirror workouts, their Vault strength training equipment ($1,999+) is another option. Smart-mirror technology allows for state-of-the-art reflective training that combines your reflection with real-time “form” correction for safer, more effective workouts. NordicTrack usually includes a one-year membership. Peloton The industry benchmark for at-home fitness, Peloton bikes ($1,800+) offer streaming, on-demand classes in cycling, yoga, meditation, and more. Treadmills are also available. Contenders Echelon Bikes, rowers, treadmills, smart mirrors Bowflex Bikes, treadmills, tread climbers, strength training Hydrow Immersive rowing experience Ergatta Sleek “living room-ready” water-based rower
ProForm
SEEING DOUBLE Tonal and Tempo Both offer a slim wall-mounted weight system with impressive real-time interactive mirror display. Mirror and Echelon Reflect Each requires only a small wall footprint for its mirror and provides various classes and live feedback.
HONORABLE MENTIONS Budget Rower The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Rower is a well-rated magnetic resistance rower with 14 tension settings under $300. Unique Core Workout Stealth combines a plank board with a reactive phone-based video game; users hold a plank position while shifting their weight to control their video game character. Design-Forward Dumbbells The gorgeous Walnut Dumbbells from Kenko are works of art that can be left in the living room. Bowflex
New Generation of Jump Ropes The Smartrope displays your workout data mid-air, in real-time, using 23 LED lights.
INSPIRATION & CONNECTION Whether you create a dedicated space in your home or add a few space-saving fitness options, there’s a nearendless supply of online inspiration and classes. Selfcare comes in many forms—from meditation to highintensity workouts—each with its benefits. Explore the many resources available and keep your favorites in rotation to fend off workout monotony. A quick YouTube search will yield results on any niche fitness interest—free workouts and pre-recorded classes. Most fitness apps—even those associated with the earlier mentioned smart equipment—offer a free trial period. Sign up and check them out; many, like iFit, offer classes across multiple interests. Class-based apps such as ClassPass can help connect you with local fitness classes that provide live zoom classes as well. And finally, workout music. For most of us, music plays a crucial role in our workouts. You can keep it simple with that iPod Shuffle you’ve had forever or switch it up to an app like RockMyRun, which changes the tempo of your running music based on your footfalls or heart rate!
Kenko Dumbbells
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47
FOOD & DRINK
LA GOULUE BETTER THAN EVER By Patricia Canole
ere’s our problem with La Goulue: We wanted to eat everything on the menu at this legendary Upper East Side French restaurant. Every dish was a temptation beckoning to our taste buds at this long-time quintessential city bistro, which recently re-opened and has been warmly welcomed at a new location after a decade long hiatus. This little slice of Parisian heaven, long a favorite dining boite for socialites, business movers and shakers, and even food critics, continues to serve up such classics as French onion soup, escargot, coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and other dishes, along with an extensive French-oriented wine list. First opened in 1972 by Jean Denoyer, its first location with its frosted glass and menu of bonafide classics, looked for all the world like it belonged on a Montparnasse street corner, garnering a Michelin star during its quarter century stay there. A rent dispute with its landlord shut it down in 2009, leaving scores of devoted patrons devastated. Denoyer pledged he would re-open soon, wisely putting all the original fixtures into storage. It took a decade for the re-imagined La Goulue to reopen, on East 61st Street, just east of Madison Avenue. Much to everyone’s delight, it looks today precisely the way it did before, complete with butter-yellow facade and elegant interior, from its soft lighting to antique scones and fine lace curtains. Guests will find a new installation, an additional skylit room in the back, which serves as the perfect spot to host private events. 48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE And, of course, the unchanged service, beginning with a grand welcome at the door by the exuberant Maitre d’Hotel Daoud, to the young professional staff, handling every request with aplomb. Most importantly, executive chef and operating partner Antoine Camin, who earned the original restaurant its Michelin star, is back in a newly designed kitchen, producing the same fine French dishes and as the restaurant puts it, “some smart contemporary riffs on the classics.” With so many of the tempting dishes coming out of the French-born chef ’s kitchen, our problem was wanting to sample everything. Thankfully, with a dining companion we managed to share a few dishes, starting with appetizers. We doubt you’ll find a more authentic Escargots de Bourgogne au Beuree D’ail with garlic parsley butter, or the Terrine de Foie Gras Mi-Cuit with home baked brioche and cherry chutney. For entrees, we recommend the Steak au Poivre, a 12-ounce New York strip steak enriched with a creamy reduction flecked with green peppercorns and done to perfection. The accompanying Truffle & Parmesan fries can be addictive. Other temping options include Coq au Vin with red wine sauce, carrots, onions, bacon and spaetzle, as well as Steak Tartare, which can be ordered as an appetizer. The night we dined, the featured special was Dover Sole with Yukon potatoes. La perfection!
SWEET TEMPTATIONS For dessert, the classics endure: Tarte Tatin, Profiteroles Croquantes dripping with warm chocolate sauce, and the light-as-air Ile Flottante (merinque poached in vanilla custard and topped with caramel sauce and toasted almonds, all bobbing in crème anglaise. The restaurant’s name, by the way, refers to Moulin Rouge can-can dancer Louise Weber, who was immortalized on canvas by Toulouse-Lautrec. She garnered her nickname “La Goulue” (The Glutton) for her habit of belting down patrons’ drinks. Once called the Queen of Montmartre, she came to a sad and bloated end. But her colorful friendliness lives on at the New York bistro named in her honor. And so, most famously, does its reputation for excellent French dining. For more infor mation on L a G ou lu e , v i sit l a g ou lu ere st ar u r ant .c om. • At press time, it was determined by New York State to ban indoor dining. Restaurants, however, will continue outdoor dining, take-out, and delivery. We ask our readers to support their local restaurants and advise them to check websites for the latest updated information on their favorite dining establishments.
GREAT BITES
BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
After a delectable holiday season of gorging on sweets, meats and alcohol, the New Year brings new promises of diets and attempts at trimming waistlines. Rather than relying on crash or “fad” diets, try a balanced approach. One example is a personal favorite of mine, the legendary Brussels Sprouts dish at Cleo Restaurant in Hollywood. Here is my version of Brussels Sprouts Salad. Ingredients 12 Brussels Sprouts 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground pepper ⅛ teaspoon chile flakes 2 tablespoons drained (oil-packed) capers 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds, more if desired 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley Preparation You can either use an air fryer or a medium, heavy-bottomed pot. If you use a pot, add enough vegetable oil (about 2 to 3 inches). Heat the oil thermometer reaches 370 degrees. In the meantime, separate the leaves from the Brussels Sprouts. While the oil is heating (if using a pot), make the vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. You want to be sure that the vinaigrette is tart to the taste. Season with salt and pepper. Take the almond slices and place them into a frying pan. Set the stovetop to high and cook for roughly four minutes, or until the almonds are browned. Place the leaves in a bowl and toss with the vegetable oil. If using an air fryer, put your leaves into the basket ensuring that they are loosely placed. Heat the leaves at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway between. Once finished, place leaves on a baking sheet or pan and press gently with paper towels to remove excess oil. If using a pot, deep-fry the leaves a small handful at a time for about 30 seconds, or until the leaves begin to crisp around the edges. Remove the leaves immediately and drain on a baking sheet or pan with paper towels, pressing the leaves with paper towels to remove excess oil. Continue frying the leaves, in small batches. If you fry too many at once, they will burn. To assemble, place the leaves in a large bowl, add one-half of the vinaigrette, along with the chile flakes, capers, almonds, and parsley. Toss carefully and adjust the seasonings and dressing as desired. Serve immediately. Bon Appetit! •
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49
FOOD & DRINK
A TASTE OF CAMPANIA DISCOVERING ITALIAN WINE VARIETALS By Jenny Peters
hen you reach for Italian wine to serve or sip, what comes to mind? Tuscany, we’ll bet, especially those famed Super Tuscans (Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Tignanello) often made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah; or perhaps the Piedmont, where Barolo, Moscato or Barbera de Asti and sparkling red “friizzante” wines like Brachetto de Aqui and Fresia have also gained fame. But we’ll bet that wines from Campania, the region with 15 DOCs and four DOCGs (think AVA designations in America or AOCs in France, with DOCG being the highest Italian level a region can attain) doesn’t leap to mind. Campania encompasses Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Vesuvius, Pompeii, and, moving inland, numerous wineproducing areas.
Wines of Tenuta credit Jenny Peters
TENUTA DEL MERIGGIO WINERY
This winery lies east of Naples, in the hilly area between Avellino and Irpinia, right in Campania’s heart. Their palate-pleasing wines with perhaps some unfamiliar names reflect the best of this lesser-known Italian wine region, where the Bruno Pizza family grows and bottles grape varietals on their estate. White wine lovers, have you ever tasted a Fiano or a Greco? How about a big red Taurasi made from the Aglianico grape? If not, you’re in for a treat, and if so, these wines are elegant, drinkable reflections of these grapes, many of which have been part of Italian winemaking since ancient days. Taking a tasting flight with Tenuta del Meriggio gives a Campania wine novice a delightful journey into those grapes and the resulting wines. Their 2019 Fiano di Avellino DOCG is exquisite, an awardwinning dry white wine made in stainless-steel tanks. An easy-drinking wine with beautiful structure, crisp minerality, and notes of peach, tropical fruits, and almonds is a perfect example of Fiano di Avellino, which many believe to be the best white wine created in Italy. The winery’s Greco di Tufo DOCG white wine gives the Fiano a run for its money, for that wine designation also vies for the “best in Italy” opinion. Another crisp, wonderful dry wine with a hint of fruity sweetness—pears and a touch of lemon—and the backbone of the minerality and balanced acidity characterize Campania’s wines.
IMPROVE WITH AGE Both Fiano and Greco di Tufo are white wines that improve with aging while being eminently drinkable, especially when paired with Mediterranean-style seafood, especially shellfish. As these wines age, they are robust enough to be quaffed with risottos, roasts, and even, as the winemaker suggests, “wild boar and porcini mushrooms.” Those robust dishes can also be paired with Tenuta del Meriggio’s crowning glory, the Taurasi DOCG. Made with the Aglianico red grapes grown in the volcanic soil of the estate’s hillsides in the region’s Apennine Mountains amid the Taurasi DOCG, the wine by law must spend at least a year in the barrel. Their 100 percent Aglianico version spends closer to three years in the barrel, then another in the bottle. The result is one of Italy’s finest reds, with flavors of cherry, plum, and pepper. It is a wine that can stand up to red meat, hearty portions of pasta, and that Naples (and American) staple, pizza; and with a price that’s under $30, it’s a real steal. The pandemic has slowed the planned importation of Tenuta del Meriggio into New York wine shops, but all the wines mentioned here can be purchased at Tannico.com, with prices quoted that include customs and import taxes. Shipping is free for orders over $189, so we suggest you mix up a case of this fine winery’s offerings and spend the coming winter months tasting the best of Campania. For more information on Tenuta del Meriggio Winery, visit tenutadelmeriggio.it/en/. • 50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
FOOD & DRINK
TBAR STEAK & LOUNGE STEAK HOUSE REDEFINED By Patricia Canole
Bar Steak & Lounge on the Upper East Side is the place where New Yorkers enjoy a delicious menu of fine food— to the hilt. You’ll find it includes everything from burgers with an equal number of steaks and chops, appetizers, salads, pasta, and a good pizza Margherita to share.
Porterhouse
TBar’s smart-looking dining room with banquettes, soft overhead lighting, and crisp tablecloths is easily one of the most elegant restaurants in a neighborhood—serving everything from burgers with an equal number of steaks and chops, appetizers, salads, pasta, and a good pizza Margherita for the table to share. The menu, under its first and only chef, Ben Zwicker, can easily be characterized as Modern American/Contemporary. Located in the 70s, it draws a crowd looking for something unique from the slew of cookie-cutter restaurants in the nabe otherwise in the mood for the slim pickings in the area. Zwicker, who spent time in notable kitchens including Four Seasons and Aureole provides consistency to a clientele that expects their favorite items on the menu to be the same every time they order them.
A SOLID MENU
Clearly, the restaurant’s popularity has as much to do with its affable owner, Tony Fortuna, as its solid menu. He is old school in his demeanor and professionalism, while on the other hand, he is sensitive to changing tastes and times without ever becoming trendy. The solid menu at TBar wins points for innovation, while it still follows the proven formula of any NYC steakhouse. Top-quality beef is perfectly done and presented. Porterhouse is always exquisitely juicy. The ribeye is even juicier, and no doubt, you’ll probably take a good deal of it home for a midnight raid on the fridge.
Tuna Tartare
If impeccable seafood should define a sushi restaurant, so should TBar serving outstanding Crispy Sushi, with top marks for quality and preparation. While not being a huge sushi fan, I could have easily ordered more. With other options including oysters, octopus, and shrimp, its Yellowfin Tartare with soy, ginger, and sesame seeds is a standout. Tony Fortuna
For entrees, my companion went with the Crispy Long Island Duck with Sweet Potato and Orange Glaze. TBar’s version may remind you how wonderful roast duck with orange sauce can be. The sauce was not too sweet, the meat perfectly juicy. I opted for The Irish Salmon, just as amazing, with melt-in-your-mouth cooked perfection and served with Zucchini and Honey Mustard Sauce. Freshly cut fries were terrific, as were the nicely seared and roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. The desserts at TBar are sweet wonders, not least a Strawberry Sundae with shortcake, meringue, brandy, and cream. Or perhaps for a gooey sensation, opt for the Flourless Chocolate Sundae with brownie, cream, and plenty of chocolate sauce. Tony Fortuna must be happy for having a satisfied clientele, but he’s happier still when a new face comes to TBar to be indulged and well-fed in a room where people can enjoy each other’s company. For more information on TBar Steak & Lounge, visit tbarnyc.com. • At press time, it was determined by New York State to ban indoor dining. Restaurants, however, will continue outdoor dining, take-out, and delivery. We ask our readers to support their local restaurants and advise them to check websites for the latest updated information on their favorite dining establishments.
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON STAGE
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH BROADWAYHD By Sara Wiesenfeld
020 is over (good riddance!), and while theater may still be on a pause in 2021, BroadwayHD is here with your favorite Broadway classics to keep you and your family entertained! Here’s your chance to catch the bright lights of Broadway at home. Sign up for a 7-day free trial at broadwayhd.com. Watch anytime, anywhere, and as many times as you like!
CATS Jellicle cats join for a ball where they rejoice with their leader, Old Deuteronomy. One cat will be chosen to go to the Heavyside Layer and be reborn. One of the longest-running hits in Broadway and the West End’s history, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats captures all the music and movement of the original stage production with uncommon intimacy and depth. Starring Elaine Paige. Cats
Funny Girl
FUNNY GIRL Funny Girl is based on Broadway star, film actress, comedienne Fanny Brice and her tempestuous relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. This classic musical and critically acclaimed production features Sheridan Smith in “an unforgettable star turn” (The Times) and a host of iconic musical numbers including “People,” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade.” Following its record-breaking, sell-out run at Menier Chocolate Factory and London’s West End, Funny Girl was captured at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
SHOWBOAT A true classic of American musical theater, this tale of life on the Mississippi from the 1880s to the 1920s is both a poignant love story and a powerful reminder of racism’s bitter legacy. Director Francesca Zambello’s grand-scale production is “a triumph-a stylish, fast-paced and colorful show that had the capacity audience on its feet, cheering loud and long” (Chicago Classical Review). Showboat
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INTO THE WOODS Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods weaves together many famous fairy tales in an allegorical story of family, love, growing up, and the hazy areas between right and wrong. This critically acclaimed production was captured live at London’s Regent’s Park open-air theater and was directed by Timothy Sheader. It won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and features Hannah Waddingham as the Witch and Jenna Russell as the Baker’s Wife, among many other standout performances.
Into the Woods
THE GERSHWIN’S PORGY & BESS
FAME THE MUSICAL
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess debuted at San Francisco Opera with bass-baritone Eric Owens as Porgy and soprano Laquita Mitchell as Bess. Both singers made their role debuts in this production, which tells the turbulent story of a disabled man, the headstrong woman he loves, and the rural African-American community in coastal South Carolina that sustains them both.
Based on the 1980 pop culture phenomenon, Fame The Musical is the smash-hit following students’ lives at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows of romances, and the heartbreaks, and the ultimate elation of life.
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
Fame The Musical
CAROUSEL
OKLAHOMA!
Kelli O’Hara and Nathan Gunn lead the New York Philharmonic’s glorious concert staging of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved musical. Time Magazine hailed this classic as “the best musical of the 20th Century.” The musical includes such highlights as “If I Loved You,” “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
It’s the quintessential American musical. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is set against the backdrop of the founding of a new state. In a production by National Theatre, London, this revival catches the original’s spirit uniquely and stars an upand-coming Hugh Jackman. • Oklahoma
Carousel
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE SMALL SCREEN By Jenny Peters
JUST FOR LAUGHS CALL ME KAT Fox After spending ten years starring in The Big Bang Theory, Mayim Bialik is back on network TV with her own sitcom. Chronicling the adventures of Kat, a single 39-year-old woman with a love of felines that leads to her opening a cat café, Bialik also executive produces, along with her TBBT pal Jim Parsons and showrunner Darlene Hunt. Swoosie Kurtz adds her motherly style to the mix, along with Leslie Jordan, Cheyenne Jackson, and Kyla Pratt. CALL YOUR MOTHER ABC If you loved The New Adventures of Old Christine, then be sure to tune into Kari Lizer’s newest comedy, Call Your Mother. This time, she’s got Kyra Sedgwick in the lead, as the mom who decides she needs to move closer to her grown kids, which leads to some unseen complications. Rachel Sennott and Joey Bragg co-star as her not-sothrilled-to-have-her-so-close children. HISTORY OF SWEAR WORDS Netflix Think Funny or Die Meets Masterpiece Theater, and you’ll be on the right track for this six-part comedy-history series hosted by Nicolas Cage. Every episode takes a deep dive into a single swear word, and since this is a Netflix original, those words will fly without censor. Expect lots of fun facts about “dirty” words that have been around forever—as well as segments from entertainers, pop-culture icons, and historians. Keep the kids out of the room! MR. MAYOR NBC Te d D a n s o n t a k e s o n t h e titular role in this new comedy from 30 Rock producer-writer collaborators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. He’s a rich businessman who decides to run for the job of mayor of Los Angeles. As the show’s title suggests, he wins, only to discover there’s a lot more to running a wild, wacky city than he thinks. Oscar-winner Holly Hunter co-stars as the thorn in his side. 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
SUPERHEROES AND ALIENS RESIDENT ALIEN SyFy This comedy-adventure-drama stars two of our favorite actors—Alan Tudyk (Santa Clarita Diet) and Corey Reynolds (The Closer)—in the tale of an alien who arrives on earth with a nefarious plan that does not bode well for humanity. The problem is, he finds out he has an affinity for our race, is good at solving the mysteries that happen around him and may not want to go through with his mission. Or go back home! WANDAVISION Disney+ Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen costar in this Marvel Universe series that melds sci-fi, old-fashioned black-andwhite TV shows, and modern suburbia into a weird and wacky mélange. Sound strange? It is, yet all the while rooted on the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), so who knows what superhero might turn up? THE WATCH BBC America If Terry Pratchett’s Discworld book series is a favorite, then you’re going to want to tune in to The Watch, for this British series takes flight from his novels. The City Watch protects the world from evil in this wild tale filled with wizards, werewolves, trolls, and—naturally—a giant dragon. Watch for Richard Dormer, Lara Rossi, Adam Hugill, and Wendell Pierce in leading roles.
FUN STUFF GEO GR APH ICAL DIGEST WI N E EDUCATION SER IES NatGeo/SOMMJournal For something completely different, grab a bottle of wine and join National Geographic Books and The SOMM Journal as they take a global wine tasting journey across the world and invite you to join. Expand your wine knowledge with the January Exploration of Renowned Single Vineyards, like Cakebread, Delicato, and Ancient Peaks. View them live or later, on-demand and free, via GeoDigestClub.com SommJournal.com. PAINTING WITH JOHN HBO Tap into your creative side with John Lurie, your guru-guide, as he paints watercolors and contemplates the world around him. Lurie is a musician-composer (Lounge Lizards, Get Shorty), actor (Oz), and popular painter, whose works are shown worldwide. In this part of performance art, part wry observation of life, part ironic comedy, Lurie reminds us that creativity and fun should be a part of our daily existence. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Field Trip
JASMINA DANOWSKI IN HER OWN WORDS By Patricia Canole
asmina Danowski’s luminous artworks are simply beautiful. So much so that they have garnered the artist a huge and appreciative audience near and far. Her vibrant abstract compositions are created in oil and alkyd on panel and in ink and gesso on paper. Danowski’s paintings remind one of nature and still life, often evoking the feeling of moving through flowers and landscapes. Danowski’s creative process follows a middle ground between the abstract and pictorial. Her breathtaking creations unite an Impressionist delight in nature with the expansiveness of Abstract Expressionism. They evoke recognizable yet undefinable experiences. We met with Danowski in her Brooklyn studio, where she described her career as always evolving and forever satisfying. Tell us about your childhood in Germany. I was born in Stuttgart, Baden Wuerttemberg, and raised in a town called Boeblingen. It was an industrialized area where most of the inhabitants worked either for the Daimler Benz car factory, IBM, or Hewlett Packard. Education was key in everyone’s mind to defining the future. I especially remember reading a lot of Molière and Sartre as a teenager and Goethe and Shakespeare. I loved good dialogues and drama and have always been interested in some of the underlying philosophical questions posed. I went on to study pedagogy at the Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen, where I reconnected with my interest in the arts in a program led by Professor Martin Schmid. What were your earliest memories as a child and your exposure to the arts? I grew up with books of European Old Masters and loved it whenever they painted a breaking sky with dramatic light coming through. But I think the first time I really felt some breathless surrender to art was when I saw a reproduction of Caspar David Friedrich’s Chalk Cliffs of Ruegen. I begged to go there, lay on edge, look down onto the water and the white cliffs across. It was a whole-body experience triggered through color, contrasts, and depiction of dramatic scenery that shook me deeply. This painting went to the core of human existence for me. When I saw it nothing else existed. A true knockout!! 56 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Jasmina Danowski
After Germany, you came to New York. What were your first impressions when you arrived? I remember well when my taxi from JFK started trailing an ambulance with howling sirens. I wondered if it was immoral or pragmatic and concluded that my driver didn’t hurt anyone and that this might be the perfect introduction to NYC! While working in an art supply store during the day, I spent many years working in the studio in the evenings and on my free days. Yet. everyday life was never boring to me. New York was always full and rich with new experiences and challenges. What was the New York City art scene like? In the early nineties, the artistic climate was post-modern and minimal. Color field painting, geometric abstraction, and monochromatic art were dominant in the galleries I visited in Soho. Was there one person who influenced you the most? There were many painters along the way, but I think the more interesting and challenging dialogue was the exposure to monochromatic painting. I followed the careers of various artists who represented that vein of painting, people like Marcia Haffif, Winston Roeth, Phil Sims, and many others. I also loved Robert Ryman’s work and early Brice Marden. That time marked a crucial point in my development as an artist. I had had my first one-person exhibition in a commercial NYC gallery and had just received a grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation. I felt I had caught up with history by embarking on a large group of monochromatic paintings. I loved and still do love the purity, intensity, and radicalism of monochromatic painting.
Salt Peanuts 40 x 40 inches, 2018 Ink, gesso on paper
Today, artists are going down other avenues to showcase their works and include hotels, restaurants, and other venues. Have you ever considered this? Artists need to show their work whenever they can. In 2004, after many years of chipping away, not getting any attention for my paintings, I quit my day job without knowing where to go and what to do next. It was extremely stressful. I was 44, and on the verge of being considered a “crazy lady.” I did what I should have done much earlier: I created a website and got my work out to other platforms. It was sheer luck that a young woman found me over the Internet. Her boss, a private dealer/art consultant, sold three large paintings to an upstate company for their new headquarters. I almost tripled my income with those sales. Then, in 2006, I exhibited in group exhibitions (with artists like Betty Parsons, Charlotte Park, Frank Bowling), and also had several successful solo shows with Spanierman Modern in Midtown. But I have also taken on some off-the-beaten-track projects, including two installations in the Pierre Hotel’s Two E Lounge in the last three years and one in the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 90th Street in Manhattan in 2009. I am more than open to other projects outside of conventional gallery environments. Now to your philanthropic work: Describe how you became involved with the Food Bank of NY and donated your artwork. I donated fifty percent of the sales of select works to the Food Bank. Everything becomes so meaningless when the world is unjust and uneven as it revealed itself to everyone through the pandemic.
The Seven Trumpets 60 x 40 inches, 2017 Ink, gesso on paper
As an artist, you always work under a kind of lockdown to focus, but I did not feel like working on paintings, isolated in a studio. When the pandemic hit, I was looking to find a way to connect and be of practical help. I didn’t qualify to volunteer, and when I started hearing calls from the Food Bank, I decided to try to do a fundraiser. I had never done a fundraiser before. My neighbors in Dumbo, the graphic design firm Henk van Assen and his team, generously helped me to design and upload my campaign at no cost. I then sent it to my contact list and used Instagram and LinkedIn to promote it. I did not know whether it would get any responses, but I did. It was a great feeling when I was able to make my first donation, and I followed up with two additional campaigns offering more paintings. The first campaign started last May and the last ended at the end of August. It helped to supply 96,750 meals thanks to some multiplying matching donations that the Food Bank had in place at the time. My loyal supporters deserve the credit for jumping in to help the Food Bank— and me—by buying paintings. For more information on Jasmina Danowski, visit jasminadanowski.com. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
GET TO KNOW ARTIST GABRIELA GIL By Ann Grenier
orn in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Gabriela Gil has moved throughout South and North America her entire life. The constant migration has shaped her multicultural perspective and nurtured her interest in art to transcribe her personal experience using a unique visual language. Her first creative expressions were in ballet and modern dance at age 5 and later evolved to other mediums, including photography, sculpture, and painting. As a result, her work often references her multidisciplinary experience, particularly related to activating the entire body while staining a canvas; or carrying a gestural mark across a large surface. As an autodidact, Gabriela Gil independently seeks professional courses, mentorships, residencies, and experiences based on her evolving needs. She finds her practice shapes more dynamically and authentically this way, especially when complemented with her academic experience in economics and nearly a decade working within the innovative and entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley tech start-ups.
SPARK A CONNECTION Gabriela believes living in the present moment is the key to living in harmony with ourselves and our surroundings. For that reason, she is interested in creating paintings and sitespecific installations that spark a connection with the immediate present. Gil does this by using organic shapes, flow, and vibrant colors that replicate nature and the Latin American soul. Gabriela Gil just finished her first New York solo exhibition this past December. The NYC-based artist showed the first volume of her Time and Space series, displayed in-person and virtually. Gabriela explains, “Timing is important in this project because I purposely took advantage of the COVID-19 lockdowns to present this body of work in creative ways.” “I’ve been working on this series for two years,” Gil says. “My previous work was more figurative. This new series breaks away from the figure completely making way to abstract work that explores line, color, and rhythm.”
Gabriela Gil
Gabriela Gil
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In volume one of the series, Gil showed roughly 20 highly detailed miniature sets, inspired by the handmade nativity scenes she saw as a child in Latin America, each with small paintings. The miniatures were displayed alongside largescale paintings from the series. Despite having worked on the project for years, Gil says that the COVID-19 pandemic recontextualized her vision. She says that she leaned into the fact that people have been exposed to high digital content levels during the pandemic lockdown—the time during which she created the second half of the series. “We are all consuming content on this tiny screen,” she says. “So, the idea was to create a play on perception. A lot of my paintings in this series are big. I wanted the virtual exhibition itself to become an artwork. “I thought if we can’t actually go somewhere physically, what is a way we can travel to a different place without really going?” she says. “And if I can only show the content virtually, on the tiny screen, then why not flip it on its head, go all the way and do something that would be harder to do in real life at a physical showing.” Gil explains, “I wouldn’t say this series encompassed my whole Latin American experience. Maybe another way to put it is that I am exploring my roots or going back to my roots with Time and Space, to build from there.” For more information on Gabriela Gil, visit gabrielagil.com. •
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PET SPOTLIGHT
SERIOUS SNOOZE DECISIONS BEST BEDS FOR FIDO AND FIFI By Melanie Carden
hopping for pet beds is more than choosing a color that matches your décor. You need to consider size, sleeping style, age, and health needs of your pet. Do they “mushroom cap” into a small ball when they sleep or are they spread out like they’re trying to win a game of Twister? Knowing that, and then measuring your feline or canine, will go a long way in helping you to choose just the right size. Do you have one furry friend—or will there be a fluffy pile of pups and cats sharing sleeping quarters? You may want a stately wood-frame for home and, perhaps, a soft-sided one for travel. These are all weighty decisions, but we’ve done most of the work for you! COZY CAVE TUCKED AWAY FOR A PUPPY STAY Dogs and cats alike often love to cozy-up in their own little quiet nook. The Frisco igloo-style bed is the perfect match for the furry friend that likes a cozy hiding spot. No early morning sunshine in the eyes in this snuggle hut! Info: Chewy
Editors are often very efficient, so it’s no surprise we love this murphy bed-style sleeper! This sleek design is perfect for apartments and smaller living spaces. It’s also the perfect gift for family members who may puppy-sit for long weekends—functional but ready for the grand-pup to visit at the drop of a milk bone. Info: Pet Pro Supply Company
AHHH—MEMORY FOAM
POUF!
Older dogs who are prone to fatigue or arthritis will find sweet relief in this supportive memory foam bed from P.L.A.Y. With its water-resistant liner, it’s ready for any accidents along the way. And, trust us, dogs of all ages are likely to be leaping for joy when it’s nap time in this super-comfy beauty. With filling made from 100% post-consumer certified-safe recycled plastic bottles, whether you choose grey, brown, or black…you’ll be GREEN! Info: P.L.A.Y.
Obviously, your floof needs a pouf! Designed for both cats and dogs, the pouf is a win for besties looking to sink in and cuddle up. It’s like a fuzzy hug for your pup. It adds a soft, demur décor element to any space—with the added bonus of spoiling the napneeds of your little prince or princess. Info: Chewy
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NATIONAL PARK POOCHES
ORTHOPEDIC HUG
For the four-legged best friend who loves to adventure in our nation’s national parks—or just chases squirrels on the town green, Pendleton offers this line of Kuddlers. Each print is an homage to a national park—“Acadia”is our favorite, shown here in striking black. These beds feature a non-pill polar fleece, overstuffed with recycled, high-loft MemoryFiber™ polyester fill. It offers bolster sides with a zippered, removable cover and it is machine washable. Info: Pendleton
This K & H Brand orthopedic bolster bed is offered in a velvety fabric featuring a cute, subtle paw print pattern. Its elbow-noodle bolstered shape is just purr-fect for cats…and dogs who need a little extra support. Available in soft green as well as eggplant, it’s a big win in the affordable dog bed category. Info: Chewy
SELF-WARMING SNUGS
IN OR OUT: NO DOUBT!
Snug as a bug in a self-warming rug—Scruff ’s Thermal Dog Bed is self-warming! This thermal “champion of cozy” features a foam layer backed with reflective foil that’s sandwiched between quilted polyester fibers and the bed’s main fill. This layer actually reflects body heat back to your furry friend, while quilted hollow fiber beneath the bed’s fleece cover further insulates by holding the warm air. How great is that?! Info: Chewy
The Reddy Olive Indoor/Outdoor Dog Bed is an ideal hangout for your pup built to withstand the elements so the two of you can watch a movie or enjoy the great outdoors together. Whether you’re chillin’ on your balcony or bonding at a campsite, this bed doubles as both an ultra-comfy sanctuary and durable on-the-go snooze zone. Info: Petco
SLUMBER PARTY! Maybe you’ve got more than one dog (lucky you!) or maybe your dog likes to host slumber parties. New Age has got the cool-factor covered with this extraordinary bunk bed. Cats and dogs don’t mind sharing here—but they gotta have enough spunk to call dibs on the top bunk. Info: Pet Pro Supply Company •
JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61
PET SPOTLIGHT
FIGHT TO PROTECT GREYHOUNDS REACHES THE NATIONAL STAGE
HISTORIC BILL FILED TO STOP US DOG RACING By Christine A. Dorchak, President and General Counsel, GREY2K USA Worldwide
ollowing the release of a heartbreaking expose on the practice of live lure t ra i n i n g on greyhound b reed ing farms, GREY2K USA has just announced the first federal bill to prohibit dog racing. Pet Lifestyles Magazine has endorsed this historic legislation. Public records show that greyhounds used for commercial racing suffer serious injuries including broken backs, broken necks, head trauma, paralysis, seizures and electrocution. While adoption efforts have improved, many dogs simply do not survive their racing career. And now, yet another cruel aspect of this terrible industry has been revealed.
West Virginia racing kennel (inside)
In the spring of 2020, investigators documented a multi-state conspiracy of cruelty involving the torture and killing of innocent rabbits to “blood greyhounds.� In live lure training, small animals are used to excite and enhance a chase instinct in young dogs. Typically, screaming animals are dangled before starving greyhounds, dragged in front of them on ropes, or simply let loose to be attacked. They suffer cruel and miserable deaths. In March, June and July, undercover investigators caught greyhound breeders torturing and sacrificing rabbits in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63
On breeding farms across the country, female greyhounds are artificially inseminated and made to pump out litter after litter until they can produce no more. Their little puppies are taken away and kept in outdoor pens. There are no beds for them, no toys and no play. At the age of eighteen months, young dogs are sent out to race, where they face death at every turn. According to state records, thousands of dogs have died or been destroyed post-race at American tracks – all so that someone could place a $2 bet on them. In addition to live lure training, state records also show that adult greyhounds are drugged “grey2kusa.org/about/ drugs.php”with cocaine and other narcotics in a misguided attempt to fix races. The individuals involved in these cruel activities represent a veritable “Who’s Who” of the racing world and nothing short of a nationwide ban will stop their gruesome activities. The Greyhound Protection Act of 2020 has been introduced by Representatives Tony Cardenas of California and Steve Cohen of Tennessee, and has co-sponsors from both major parties. H.R. 7826 makes it a federal crime to engage in live lure training and commercial greyhound racing. Learn more and take action at grey2kusa.org/ stopusdogracing.
Florida volunteer at yes on 13 outreach table
Gina (Rescued from Derby Lane and now in Massachusetts)
Formed in February of 2001, GREY2K U S A Wo r l d w i d e i s t h e l a r g e s t greyhound protection organization in the United States with more than 250,000 supporters. As a nonprofit organization, the group promotes the adoption of ex-racers and works to pass laws to end the cruelty of dog racing around the world. With the passage of GREY2K’s ballot question in Florida and their recent closure of China’ only legal dog track, the group is determined to end dog racing everywhere. For more information, go to GREY2KUSA.org or visit GREY2K USA on Facebook or Twitter. •
DID YOU KNOW? The first recognized commercial greyhound racetrack in the world was built in Emeryville, California in 1919 by Owen Patrick Smith and the Blue Star Amusement Company. The track was oval in design and featured Smith’s new invention, the mechanical lure, thought to offer a more humane alternative to the live lures used in traditional greyhound field coursing. By 1930, sixty-seven dog tracks had opened across the United States — none legal. Florida became the first state to legalize commercial pari-mutuel wagering in 1931, triggering a chain reaction across the globe. In 2018, our coalition passed Florida’s Amendment 13 to phase out dog racing in its biggest state. The measure was approved on the ballot by a margin of 69% - 31% and dog racing is now illegal in 41 states. We are delighted to see the fight for greyhounds move to the national stage. 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Catherine Blake and rescued greyhound Pache
NEW YORK, NY
Demarchelier at The Menhaden Hotel ©Demarchelier
ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER EMILY DEMARCHELIER, RESTAURATEUR By Lillian Langtry
he well-known Demarchelier name has always been associated with creative endeavors. Take French-born Eric, the well-known painter and the onetime owner of the eponymous Upper East Side restaurant. His artistic style encompasses figurative, geometric abstraction and expressionism, and landscape and portrait work. But the talent doesn’t stop there. Brother Patrick is a world-renown photographer whose images have graced the pages of international fashion magazines. However, it was a sad day when Eric decided to shut the Demarchelier restaurant. New Yorkers were saddened they lost a favorite French bistro. Fast forward one year, the family owns and operates two locations in Greenport, Long Island. There’s the Demarchelier Restaurant at Menhaden Hotel and the more recent Demarchelier Bistro with a more casual setting. At the helm is Eric’s daughter Emily Demarchelier who provides a perfect way for diners to dream of their next trip to Paris. New York Lifestyles recently met (virtually, of course) with Emily to discuss the Demarchelier family history, her role in the family industry, and the New York restaurant industry’s future. Tell us more about growing up in New York. I grew up between Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Shelter Island. I attended the Fleming School, followed by Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut. As soon as school was out, we moved to Shelter Island, Long Island, where I learned to sail, water ski, and play golf. 66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Emily Demarchelier, Eric Demarchelier, Catherine Demarchelier ©Rob Rich Society Allure
Growing up in the restaurant business, did you want to be a part of it? What was your first job at the restaurant? I was in love with fashion and fashion photography. After Skidmore College, I started working at LVMH, followed by Christian Lacroix, David Yurman, Elie Tahari, and produced photo shoots. Somehow, I always knew I would go back to restaurants. I loved my experience in fashion, but I am so much happier going back to my roots. When I came home for a holiday from Choate, I would work at Demarchelier on 86th Street bussing tables. What words of advice did your father pass on to you regarding what’s essential to being a restaurateur? My father taught me that hiring people you trust is essential. Being present for your customers, but also being able to take time for yourself. Why did you move Demarchelier to Greenport, Long Island? Growing up in Shelter Island, I’ve seen the evolution of Greenport. Also, the very seasonal nature of Shelter Island. When we learned our landlord decided to redevelop the corner where Demarchelier was located, I knew it was time to make a move. My father retired, So I looked at several Upper East Side spaces. Rents were outrageous. Shelter Island is where my heart is, where my happiness is, so I knew Greenport was where I wanted to be. Plus, it would keep me closer to my love of surfing.
Demarchelier Bistro ©Demarchelier
Emily Demarchelier sitting ©Demarchelier
Tells us a little about the two locations. How do you source your products? The two locations are vastly different. My bistro is a warm, cozy room with dark woods and colorful art around the room, while our restaurant at the Menhaden offers diners a modern setting, which is very much branded to the hotel. The food at both locations is very much Demarchelier: Classic French dishes, healthy portions, and fresh ingredients. We try to source our products from local vendors as much as possible. All our fish comes from the Southold fish market and Peeko oysters from new Suffolk and produce from Jamesport Farmstead. With the unprecedented nature of the past year, what do you see for New York restaurants? I hope restaurants come back to NYC. Restaurants were disappearing before the pandemic to make way for new buildings or corporate-backed restaurants. Unless rents lower significantly, it may not happen. As for the rest of New York, where rents are normal, restaurants will thrive. We already saw it when restaurants could have seated dining. People want and need to go out, be social, and eat excellent food. COVID-19 holds many people back for now, but I know they will be back and back in full force. I can’t wait! For more information on Demarchelier restaurants, visit demarchelierrestaurant.com. •
I hope restaurants come back to NYC. Restaurants were disappearing before the pandemic to make way for new buildings or corporate-backed restaurants. JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67
NEW YORK, NY
MY NEW YORK STORY RANDY ZELIN, LEADING TRIAL LAWYER By Harry Brads
e’s a trial attorney with a concentration in white-collar criminal defense as well as complex civil litigation matters. Meet Randy Zelin who has been named a New York Super Lawyer (2011 through 2020) and has over 30 years of experience defending individual and corporate clients in both State and Federal Courts in the U.S. Zelin was recently appointed head of Wilk Auslander’s Criminal Law Practice. The noted attorney started his career as a prosecutor, has represented many types of business organizations, boards of directors, special committees, professionals, and individuals in all aspects of criminal, regulatory, self-regulatory, and civil matters, including frauds related to securities, banking, tax, customs, bankruptcy and insurance to name a few. In other words, Zelin is a true trial lawyer, having built his career trying complex fraud and business crime cases. 68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
Randy Zelin, Akbar Rogers, Stephen LaMagna ©Raychel Brightman
A highly sought-after legal commentator for the media, Zelin regularly appears on Fox News, Fox Business Channel, CNN, CBSN, CNN Headline News, Bloomberg i24 News, AP News, Law and Crime, Yahoo Finance, and local network television. He has contributed to the New York Law Journal, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, where he offers his expertise on a wide range of legal issues and cases. Zelin is known throughout the United States as having successfully acquired 345-month downward variance for a celebrity client in a federal securities fraud case. However, his greatest achievements are those that never come to light—where the problem is solved before there even is a problem, where the high-profile client’s problems get no publicity, and where the client never sees the inside of a courtroom. We caught up with Zelin to learn a bit more about this dynamic attorney, his career, and some of his high-profile cases. What was your inspiration to become an attorney? I grew up in Merrick on Long Island. I went to Hofstra and Touro Law School. Being an attorney is a natural extension of my personality. I can’t explain it. Since I was a little kid, I wanted to be an attorney—and certainly after I looked at the photos in Gray’s Anatomy. Like a professional athlete where the game seems to slow down, the same thing happens to me in a courtroom. Advocacy, problem-solving, being in a thick of a crisis, the pressure-cooker, the incredible stakes—none of it has ever been work for me. I’ve never worked a day in my life. You have handled many high-profile cases over your career. What are some of the most challenging cases you have won? Every case is challenging. Every case is the most important case in the world to my client. It doesn’t matter whether the case is newsworthy or not to the client. Whether the media cares, the stakes can’t get higher when someone’s liberty is on the line. I’ve also been lucky enough to be media trained due to the time I’ve spent as a legal analyst on cable and network news. So much of the challenge in terms of being in the glare of the spotlight has become second-nature to me. Akbar Rogers ©Ronnie Reyes
Randy Zelin ©Patrick McMullan
How has the justice system changed over the years since you started your practice? Technology for sure. These days? I don’t remember life before COVID-19. The world is a different place. The justice system has been turned upside down. My court appearances are by Skype or Microsoft Teams. My meetings are by teleconference or by Zoom. I’m happy to be back in the office. How has the rise of social justice affected your practice, and what future changes do you see in the justice system? (Editor’s Note: Zelin is presently representing Akbar Rogers in the highprofile police brutality case in Freeport, New York.) My representation of Akbar Rogers has had a sea-change impact on me. It has opened my eyes and my heart to the rampant, systemic racism and threatens us all. It has drawn me into seeing that people of color are treated differently—that they are seen first by their skin color. And that is horrifying. I understand the importance of doing all that I can to get us to a place where we all demand that justice be delivered. And that should certainly include being colorblind. For more information on Randy Zelin, visit wilkauslander.com. •
My representation of Akbar Rogers has had a sea-change impact on me. It has opened my eyes and my heart to the rampant, systemic racism and threatens us all. JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69
NEW YORK, NY
THE GROUND
KICKING OFF THE NEW YEAR By Dr. L.A. Gabay
hen Paul Sierros invited his friends down to watch the English Premier League at his Lower East Side bar, Forgtmenot, he never imagined that his hospitality would morph into a three-level, multipurpose event space—with two soccer pitches—under the Manhattan Bridge. The volume of friends and soccer fans showing up at Forgtmenot overflowed to such a degree that the restaurant could no longer contain patrons’ enormous interest and enthusiasm gathering outside onto Division Street. Wanting to serve the people’s need to watch the world’s most popular game in a festive and communal environment, Sierros has come up with a solution in his new sports/dining/drinking mecca, The Ground. It’s located in Chinatown’s back streets and is home to the first indoor soccer pitch in Manhattan. Sierros, in partnership with fellow soccer aficionado and Forgtmenot regular Jeremy Bolger, found and purchased an unlikely, yet ideal, spot on 130 Madison Street. In the 1990s, the unique, low-rise building was home to the after-hours club called Fun. Post-Fun, the space lay dormant for years before eventually retiring into a storage facility. Sierros and Bolger saw the unrealized potential of the property. They created an oasis on a compact Madison Street that highlights the open alleys on either side and offers a distinct restorative quality of fresh air and sunlight. 70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JANUARY 2021
©Lee Gabay
A GLOBAL GAMUT Sierros and Bolger recruited two other Forgtmenot regulars, Marius Bugge and Miri Gotz, and they have turned their labor of love into a fully-immersive soccer experience. Their burgeoning patronage runs the geographical and generational gamut. It takes advantage of expansive kids programing (after-school and Saturdays), adult leagues, private parties, corporate events, birthdays, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and the like. Most evenings, groups of Europeans, South Americans, and local New Yorkers with various soccer skill levels show up for “open play.” The Ground’s open rooftop and airy indoor pitch invite a quick, fun, and fast soccer style. Like kids freely playing in the streets overseas or pickup basketball in New York City, the 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 is exhilarating to play and electric to witness. The practical logistics to play traditional 11 v 11 in soccer in Manhattan is difficult to achieve. “To get six to eight people together to play a game makes competitive sense in terms of fun, exercise, and the camaraderie of being on the pitch,” effuses Sierros. While providing a healthy and safe outlet to wellness and movement during the colder winter months, the venue is taking every available COVID-19 precaution, including temperature checks at the door, waivers to be signed, sanitizing stations throughout the venue, regular deep cleanings of the pitch, and open windows for flowing ventilation.
©Mii Gotz
A SAFE PLACE For those who prefer to sit rather than sweat, The Grounds’ 1,700 square foot patio with picnic benches feels like an upscale family reunion at a park with heat lamps and plenty of room for social distancing. People are spaced safely apart but are close enough to cheer, boo, and booze. Lovers of the sport can safely eat, drink, play, watch, and cheer for (or complain about) teams in several leagues worldwide. The 55-inch TV is ideal for collective viewing but, conversely, just the right size as not to bombard everyone’s dining experience with the screen. Adding to the authentic NYC ambiance is the B, D, N, or Q trains’ frequent sonorous sounds passing over the bridge above. The Ground offers full menu items from Forgtmenot as well as from Kiki’s, the Division Street restaurant, which Sierros also owns. Featuring traditional Greek and fusion Mexican-Mediterranean dishes, such as Kiki’s signature oven-roasted chicken with oregano-sprinkled, hand-cut fries, and Forgtmenot’s unforgettable breakfast burrito, customers place orders through a kiosk system. Within minutes, porters arrive with generously-portioned plates of high-end gastronomy. To add further artfulness to the beautiful game, The Ground commissioned NYC street artist BX FOXX to paint one of her signature photorealistic murals. This stunning curbside Mt. Rushmore of soccer greats has become a destination unto itself. Passersby (often wearing soccer jerseys) enjoy getting their pictures taken next to the murals to pose with the likes of Diego Maradona, George Best, Sir Alex Ferguson, and legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi. The Ground’s aesthetic transcends its soccer event space and forms a stunning landscape that even the non-fanatic can enjoy. However, nobody is more passionate than a soccer fan, and The Ground team is driven to purvey the sport and its surrounding culture. Sierros offers, “This is a place to teach and embrace the world’s most popular game in one of the more diverse parts of the city.” Sierros’ crew want to share their joy of the game and ensure that all generations of soccer devotees in New York City feel at home. This has always been their goal. ©Daniel Rice
For more information on The Ground, visit groundnyc.com. • JANUARY 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71
NEW YORK, NY
TIME OUT WITH… MICHAEL RIEDEL By Ellis Nassour
he rabid theater critic/arts reporter Michael Riedel has segued to radio, joining Len Berman, WNBC-TV’s former longtime sports anchor on Len Berman and Michael Riedel in The Morning. Rise and shine at 6am weekdays on WOR710 radio for their freewheeling four-hour marathon about anything and everything. Be prepared for quite a bit of mutual razzing. Both are from quite different backgrounds: Berman, a walking/talking sports encyclopedia; and Riedel, the brazenly caustic New York Post theater columnist. Yet, they have great chemistry even during these months of pandemic while broadcasting from their homes. Riedel is author of the 2015 New York Times best-seller Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway, a no-holds-barred account of larger-than-life theater impresarios who transformed the Great White Way from the seedy, unsafe 70s crossroads into a Disneyesque billion-dollar tourist magnet. You’d never use the word shy to describe Riedel. He loves to boast of his stature in theatrical settings and being the go-to guy for hot scoops. Now with his theater column currently on, as he put it, “hiatus,” he’s made quite a comfortable fit at WOR. Riedel, who resides in the West Village says, “I’ve only been to the office once since March 14th. Len doesn’t seem to have any intention of coming back. I’ve seen the Berman home in Sands Point [on Nassau County’s North Shore]. If I had it, I wouldn’t want to leave either.”
THE BACK STORY
Michael Riedel. Credit - Annie Wermiel.
Growing up in Geneseo, he became a fan of fire and brimstone political commentator John McLaughlin. He graduated Columbia University with a BA in history with plans to get into politics but ended up being drawn to media. He went from leg man collecting tidbits and breaking news from over the city to become managing editor of a now-defunct theater magazine. It was there he honed his pit bull persona, but he was further influenced by veteran colleagues when he became theater columnist in 1993 at the New York Daily News. “I was surrounded by these crusty guys who’d covered wars and politics. They’d been around the block a few times and didn’t give a hoot offending anyone. They just wanted the facts.” That stint transitioned to theater columnist at the New York Post in 1998, where his critical drubbing of shows in trouble and scathing criticism of select actors got him tagged “the enfant terrible of the New York press,” a badge he wore proudly. He not only asked tough questions but had a bevy of secret sources to uncover facts producers and directors wanted to be kept quiet. When he was denied access to shows, he stepped up to the box office, purchased a ticket, and got the lowdown.
TAKING THE AIR WAVES His radio career began gradually in 2011 when invited on Imus in the Morning to talk about Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. “Don liked my sense of humor,” he explains, “which led to weekly segments about Broadway for seven years with broadcaster/author Imogen Lloyd Webber [yes, the composer’s daughter]. There were also weekly stints with shock jock Howard Stern on Sirius XM Satellite Radio show. He also was co-host with Susan Haskins on CUNY public TV’s Theater Talk. Four years ago, WOR broadcaster Mark Simone was set for a week’s vacation. Station chief Tom Cuddy picked Riedel to sub on his two-hour program. “I didn’t know I was auditioning like Cassie in A Chorus Line. On Mark’s return, Tom asked if I’d be interested in co-hosting with Len Berman. “I’d never met Len but knew him from TV. We certainly came from two different worlds, and I wasn’t so sure about co-hosting a four-hour morning show.”
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Riedel rarely said no to an opportunity, “and this was big-time radio with a handsome salary to boot. My buddy Harvey Firestein gave me the best advice: ‘Always say yes and see what happens.’ So, I did. The next week, I was with Len for a trial run.” They got on like gangbusters. Riedel wasn’t sure he had another book in him, but he’d been wanting to go beyond column items and juicy gossip. The result is Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway (Simon and Schuster) where he sought out the producers and stars, some once enemies, for the behind-closeddoors stories of Broadway’s transformative 90s— its triumphs and disasters—not to mention a few massive egos that led to bankruptcies and intense rivalries among top-drawer stars. But Riedel’s not planning to give up being live in the moment. Or the opportunity to drum up sales for his book. Tune in as he drives Berman crazy mentioning Singular Sensation ad nauseam. But sit tight. Berman is always ready to bounce back with those ego-busting stingers. •
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