New York Lifestyles Magazine - June 2024 - Summer In NYC

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

LET’S HAVE A PAWSOME SUMMER!

Summer is upon us…and what an incredible time of year it is in New York City! And in 2024, there are more activities than ever for pet and pet parent alike in our fair city. From cafes that specialize in two and four legged patrons to dog socials in the parks to specialty events across the city, hosted by various rescues and advocacy groups. In other words, it’s an amazing time to be a pet in New York City.

However, with this beautiful time of year comes another stark reality…it is puppy and kitten season. Local shelters and rescues in the tri-state area are overflowing with beautiful, loving furrever friends that are looking for their new home. Please consider visiting the adoptables at both Animal Care Centers of NYC (www.nycacc.org) and Best Friends Animal Society (www.BestFriends.org) to see the latest puppies, kittens, dogs, cats and rabbits up for adoption today! Remember: Adopt. Foster. Donate. Volunteer.

And, of course, as it is the Summer, this issue is PACKED with fun content just for you and your furrever one! From tips and tricks to train your dog for those weekend getaways, to new gadgets to make your pet parent journey more fun and productive; to fun snack ideas for your pet; this issue will certainly help you have a pawesome summer with your pet!

Remember summer this year in particular is going to be complicated for you and your pet. Between record pollen counts and the impending cicada infestation, please be mindful of your pet’s behavior. If anything strange or concerning starts to happen, contact your vet right away. Stay pawesome!

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman Editor-in-Chief & Co-Publisher, Pet Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 10 #6 | June 2024

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Co-Publisher/Managing Editor SEAN-PATRICK M. HILLMAN

Editor-in-Chief

Patricia Canole

Theater

Bonnie Comley

Health & Wellness

Anne Akers

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Entertainment

Jenny Peters

Special Projects

Norah Bradford

Chief Photographer NEIL J TANDY

Contributors

Mindie Barnett, Natasha Bazika, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly, Irvina Lew, Darren Paltrowitz, Meryl Pearlstein, Anne Raso, Pippa Roberts, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Annie Watt, Pamela Smythe Woods, Stacey Zable

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development

Don Fetherman - Director of Travel

Jamie Babbit - Sales Manager

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office  (646) 259-2651

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

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All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without written permission of this publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles is published 10 times a year. ©2024 New York Lifestyles Magazine.

Coney Island Sand Festival

Photography by Scott Cuollo

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

NEW YORK CITY HEATS UP!

Summer in the city is finally upon us! The sun is shining, the parks are blooming, and there’s an electric energy filling the streets of New York. This is the season to get out and experience all the magic our fantastic city offers. Get ready for a summer filled with exciting adventures and unforgettable memories.

Our editorial team has curated a guide embodying summer’s spirit. We bring you the best of summer in the Big Apple. Incredible festivals, fireworks, and lots of food choices await us this year in the city that never sleeps. Check out our cover story and mark your calendars for months of enjoyment—and get your sunscreen.

Of course, an occasional break from fun in the city is always something to consider. From pastoral countryside retreats to beach retreats exploring hidden gems, these must-see destinations and outdoor adventures will inspire you to embrace nature.

This special summer issue would not be complete without sharing tips to beat the heat in style. Turn to our “Sun, Sand & Style” for some great looks from head to toe. Everything from straw hats to fashionable styles will make you want to reserve your place in the sun.

Finally, we present the perfect gift guide to help you celebrate the dads and grads in your life. From personalized accessories to unique experience gifts, these will surely put a smile on their faces. We know each one will be well received and appreciated.

However you choose to spend your summer days, make sure you get out and soak up some sun! This is the most fantastic city on Earth when the temperatures heat up. We wish you all a fabulous start to the season.

See you next issue!

-Bill Mason Publisher

SUMMER IN THE CITY

NYC SIZZLES WITH FUN IN 2024

By Patricia Canole

The summer is shaping up for the record books, with an incredible lineup of festivals, concerts, sporting events, and more taking over all five boroughs. Whether you’re a local looking to soak up all the action or a visitor wanting to experience the best of the Big Apple, here are the can’t-miss NYC summer highlights to add to your calendar.

MUSIC & CONCERTS

Governors Ball Music Festival  For music lovers, summer in NYC is a musical dream. The annual Governors Ball Music Festival (June 9-11 on Randall’s Island) kicks things off with a bang, featuring a stellar lineup of rock, hip-hop, and electronic acts performing on multiple stages. Acts announced so far include Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, Odesza, Lil Nas X, and many more.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival This festival takes place at Prospect Park Bandshell and offers a series of free performances. It celebrates Brooklyn’s rich cultural diversity with music, dance, and spoken word performances. Expect acts from various genres, including Afrobeat, hip-hop, and indie rock.

SummerStage  Central Park’s SummerStage is a staple of NYC’s summer entertainment, featuring a lineup of complimentary and benefit concerts spanning various genres. From indie rock to classical music, this festival brings renowned artists and emerging talents to the heart of Manhattan now through October. The 2024 lineup includes headliners like Florence + The Machine, The Roots, and Alicia Keys, making it a must-visit for music lovers.

THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS

Tribeca Film Festival The annual June event celebrates film and music, transforming Tribeca into a hub for glamorous red carpets and gala affairs. The festival screens over one hundred films worldwide.

Broadway in Bryant Park  Broadway fans can catch snippets of their favorite shows for free during the Broadway in Bryant Park series. Every Thursday afternoon from July to August, the park hosts performances from current Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, offering a taste of NYC’s theater scene in an outdoor setting.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors  Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors festival provides diverse free performances, including music, dance, and spoken word. The 2024 program highlights include a tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington, contemporary dance performances, and global music nights, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

CULTURAL FESTIVALS

New York City Pride  Pride Month in June culminates in the NYC Pride March, one of the world’s largest and most famous Pride events. The 2024 theme is “Embrace Equity,” focusing on inclusivity and equality. Beyond the march are numerous events, including PrideFest, a street fair with vendors and entertainment, and Pride Island, a massive dance party.

Juneteenth New York Festival

To commemorate the historic day when slavery was officially declared over, neighborhoods in Brooklyn and around the city gather for a three-day festival. The grand finale is a concert, parade, food trucks, and fashion show.

Harlem Week Harlem Week, running from July 28 to August 24, celebrates the rich cultural, economic, and political history of Harlem. The festival includes music concerts, dance performances, fashion shows, and the Harlem Day parade. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the heritage of one of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Feast of San Gennaro  Held in Little Italy, the Feast of San Gennaro is an 11-day event starts September 12 celebrating Italian culture and cuisine. This street fair features parades, live music, Italian food vendors, and cooking competitions, making it a feast for all senses.

Art Out of the Box Art fans should look at the city’s abundance of art fairs, innovative exhibits, and cultural celebrations this summer. Long Island City’s Sculpture Center showcases immersive installations and innovative sculptures from emerging artists (exhibits rotate frequently). Art fans can also look forward to the anticipated Basquiat: King Pleasure exhibit opening at the MET in July, highlighting the Brooklyn-born artist’s iconic works.

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS

NYC Restaurant Week NYC Restaurant Week, from July 22 to August 16, offers a chance to dine at some of the city’s best restaurants at a fraction of the price. With prix-fixe menus at hundreds of eateries, it’s a fantastic way to explore the culinary landscape of New York City.

Smorgasburg Every weekend, Smorgasburg brings many food vendors to Williamsburg and Prospect Park. Known as America’s largest open-air food market, it’s a food lover’s paradise offering everything from gourmet donuts to artisanal ramen.

New York City Wine & Food Festival  This annual event begins in late Summer. It consists of various tasting events, cooking classes, and dinners hosted by celebrity chefs, offering an early taste of the culinary delights.

MLB Food Fest  New York’s food scene needs no introduction, and summertime provides a chance to sample the city’s culinary delights. The mouthwatering MLB FoodFest from June 7 to 18 takes over the parking lots outside Citi Field in Queens, featuring a menu of ballpark fare from major league teams across the country.

Queen’s Night Market The Market heats up in June (it runs through October) with even more vendors. Take a tour of global cuisines: everything from Korean BBQ to Greek pastries, Brazilian churrasco, Japanese ramen, Jamaican jerk chicken, Polish pierogies, Mexican mole poblano, and lots more. It is near the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Tasty bites are capped at $6, which means there is a lot of sampling.

Blues BBQ Festival One of New York’s favorite summer festivals in August is the Blues BBQ Festival at Pier 76 in Hudson River Park. What could be better than listening to live blues while eating delicious BBQ from the best BBQ spots in the city?

SPORTS & OUTDOOR FUN

US Open Tennis Championships From August 26 to September 8, the US Open takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. It’s one of the most noteworthy events in tennis, drawing top players worldwide and offering fans an exciting, high-energy atmosphere.

NYC Triathlon This July 21 athletes will swim, bike, and run through the streets and waterways of New York during the NYC Triathlon. This challenging event starts with a swim in the Hudson River, followed by a bike ride along the West Side Highway, and finishes with a run in Central Park.

Outdoor Movie Nights  When the sun goes down, the show goes on at several outdoor movie experiences across the city. Bryant Park’s Summer Movie Nights (Mondays through August 21) draw crowds onto the grass to watch beloved flicks from the last few decades, like  Ghostbusters, The Princess Bride, and Dirty Dancing

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts a slew of waterfront movie shindigs, including Syfy Movies with a View (Thursdays), Family Friendly Flicks (Saturdays), and even a Comedy Movie Series. Those looking for a more curated experience can hit the effortlessly cool Rooftop Cinema Club, screening new indie hits and cult classics on rooftops in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

For other locations, check out venues including Green-Wood Cemetery, Fort Greene Park, and Industry City, among others; the five-borough  Movies Under the Stars, the no-carnecessary-though-fine-if-you-have-one  Skyline Drive-In, and Lincoln Center’s  Summer for the City Outdoor Cinema, which is hip-hop centric this season. Another popular venue is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum where visitors can enjoy classic and contemporary films on the flight deck under the stars.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Celebrate Independence with the most dazzling pyrotechnics display lighting up the skyline. Take it all in from prime viewing locations along the Hudson River.

Coney Island Fun  A visit to Coney Island is a quintessential New York summer experience. From riding the Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park to enjoying Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Contest on July 4 or watching the Mermaid Parade on June 22, there’s always fun for the entire family. Check out the New York Aquarium, which offers educational and entertaining exhibits for more fun. Summer 2024 will feature extraordinary events like “Summer Nights,” where visitors can enjoy the aquarium and its marine life under the evening sky.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Nearly 200 dragon boat teams converge on Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s Meadow Lake to compete in one of the largest dragon boat festivals. Then, enjoy various international music, martial arts, crafts, dance, and cuisine.

UNIQUE NYC EXPERIENCES

The High Line An elevated park built on a former rail line, the High Line offers beautiful gardens, public art installations, and panoramic city views. Summer programming includes stargazing events, guided tours, and art performances.

Kayaking on the Hudson River The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking sessions on the Hudson River, providing a unique way to see the city from the water. It’s a refreshing activity that combines sightseeing with physical exercise.

Rooftop Bars and Outdoor Dining Summer in NYC means enjoying the skyline from one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants. Venues like 230 Fifth, Le Bain, and The Roof at PUBLIC offer stunning views, delicious cocktails, and a chic atmosphere. Many restaurants also set up outdoor seating, turning sidewalks into bustling dining spots.

New York City in the Summer of 2024 is set to be a season filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a music fan, a food enthusiast, a theater lover, or someone looking to explore the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. As the city comes alive with many events and activities, take advantage of all the opportunities to experience the vibrant culture and energy that only NYC can offer.

For more information on Summer Events in New York City, visit NYCTourism.com

THROUGH THE LENS

Photography By Annie Watt.com

AM DELEGATION OF SAVOY ORDERS

Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia

Ann Van Ness, Carole Bellidora Westfall, Prince Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Chev. David M Hayes

Group Shot

Roberta Houghton, Marc Rosen, Susan Gutfreund, Arthur Houghton

Comm. Rev. Michael Lankford-Stokes,Comm. Rev. Richard A Mullin, Dama di Comm. Camille Kelleher, Comm. Avv. Rory Kelleher

Cav. Dott. Stephen Somkuti, Dama Eniko Mara-Somkuti, Mrs. Janice Pecora, Comm. Thomas A. Pecora, Frank Craparo, Dama Kimberley A. Tambascia, Michael Pecnik

Cav. Gr. Cr. Marco Grassi, Dama Gr. Cr. Vivian Cardia, Dama Gr. Cr. Cristina Grassi

Mrs. Barbara Desiderio, Comm. Avv.Frank. J. Desiderio

Sotheby’s auctioneer Phyllis Kao

Kip Forbes, Joan Kahn

Alexandra Moore, Ellis Fenwick, Kay Unger

Alison Dichter, Thomas E. Moore III, Frances Lindemann

Asia Chavous, Eric Chavous

Brian Odour, Jamila Willis

Candace Bushnell, Gamze Ates, Lee Mindel

Darren Star and Guests

Douglas Kahn, Joan Kahn, Darren Star

Isabella Rupa De Conti-Mikkilineni, Meredith Dichter, Sarah Pallack

Judith Hernstadt, Will Roseman

Julia Elmaleh-Sachs, Max Markham

Michel Witmer, Naoma Tate

Teddy Kahn, Molly Lockwood

Thomas E. Moore III, Ernest Lyles, Will Griffith, Alex Donner, Princess V. Lyles, JP Prugnaud

Thomas Schlesser, Peggy Leboeuf, Dorothée Charles, Mohammed Bouabdallah

104th President Richard James Porter, Sir Jim Walker Steven Bell, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Evelyn Tweed MSP

Angus Robertson MSP, Sir Jim Walker, Ian Smith

John Lamont MP, Deputy British Consul General Charlotte North, Ian Houston

Josephine Campbell Dobkin, Aleida Gonzalez, Zaida McLoughlin Richard James Porter, Jeanne Porter, Deacon James D. Noble, Mary Noble

Carrie Loval Burt, Lord Charles Bruce, Mark Rifkin, Thomas Burt

Viscount William Stormont and Gary Maclean

150 Camila Almeida, Berra Mertcan, Zuhre Beytas, Erencan Taslicukur

Mary Lee Whitaker, Zuhre Beytas, Tim Whitaker

Debbie Peterson, Zuhre Beytas, Alicia Espinasse

Tim Whitaker, Don Whitaker

Diana Davis, Tanya Pergament

Kyle Lucks, Gillian Dunn, Adam Gold

Sylvia Rice Mesaric, Biba St. Croix, Guest, Ivana Mesaric

Elisha Singh-Kramer, Katie Campbell, Chehrazad Mamri

Chuck Royce, Carly Callahan, Deborah Royce

Audrey Foster, Jim Foster

Audrey Moore, George Moore, Catherine Moore

James Stifel, Maureen Stifel, Ann Petersen, Hollis Petersen

Linda Martine, Layng Martine Jr

Michael Kovner , Jean Doyen de Montaillou

Philip Norfleet, Carol Norfleet, Robert McCormack, Mary McCormack

Victor Orsinger, Mary Joe Orsinger

LORI KEESEY

FINDING HER PATH TO RESILIENCE

By Pippa Roberts

Lori Keesey is an accomplished writer and entrepreneur who is dedicated to cultivating resilience and helping others. Beginning her career as a newspaper reporter, she later worked in NASA’s media relations department. After the tragic loss of her son, Lori turned to writing to find meaning and healing.

Through her debut novel,  Always Think of Me, Lori explores themes of overcoming adversity and finding purpose in life’s challenges. Her work inspires readers to seek beauty in life’s struggles and pursue their dreams without fear.

We sat down with Lori to learn more about her path to resilience.

Before we begin, tell us who is Lori Keesey?

I’m a writer professionally. Personally,  I’m a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I started my career as a newspaper reporter and freelance writer and then switched gears to become a communication consultant for NASA.

A few years ago, my career took different trajectory after the unexpected loss of our son in an accident. Devastated, I needed to figure out why he had died at just 33 years old while in the prime of his life. I needed to figure out how to use his death to help others. I started writing  Always Think of Me and launched The Accidental Blogger blog. Both explore overcoming adversity and putting meaning to the hard things in life.

Your transition from journalist and NASA media relations professional to author is significant. What prompted your shift?

We all have jobs to do, and if it hadn’t been for a publicist, how would I have known about a new product?

An interesting person? That shift in attitude opened my mind to other possibilities—especially those where I could work from home and do my thing, all while learning something new every day. Working for NASA— perhaps one of the most exciting jobs I have ever had—offered that and more.

The hardest job? Writing a novel. Hands-down. Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to write a novel, but it wasn’t easy for me. The words came, but the story didn’t.

Your debut novel—Always Think of Me— explores themes of resilience in the face of adversity. Explain why you chose that undertone.

The story came after our son’s death. That’s when I started looking outside myself, and my eyes opened to a simple truth: no one escapes adversity. It happens to all of us. I know this isn’t profound, but I’d never really looked at how people deal with adversity because, up to that point, I hadn’t experienced anything that wrenching.

I prayed and discovered that the difference lies in dealing with adversity. We can blame God or someone else for our troubles, but that doesn’t bring peace. Often, it brings bitterness. You know, those “why me” questions, and I didn’t want to live my life like that, looking at others and wondering why their hearts weren’t broken like mine.

A friend once told me, “There is beauty in the ugly.” We must find meaning and purpose in the suffering and repurpose our lives to do something positive. I hope Always Think of Me, and its themes resonate with many and make them think about their purpose.

You state that you hope your debut novel offers readers something much more profound than a story. How do you envision your book contributing to self-care and mental health conversations?

The world is a broken place. Drug abuse. Alcoholism. Physical and mental abuse. The list goes on. People do get involved in toxic relationships. They do lose loved ones.

The novel addresses these realities, mainly through the character Ginny. She has lost her way, and the protagonist, TC, who grapples with his insecurities, must show her the truth, and stop her from doing the unthinkable. Always Think of Me is an uncommon love story that shows the importance of friendship and do-overs.

What would you say to someone who is considering whether they are going to pursue their dream?

The only guy I know who’s ridden a bike to the Arctic Circle and climbed a good portion of Mount Everest—twice—has this to say about fulfilling your hopes and dreams: “If you want to do it, do it.” Good advice. If you let fear stop you, you’ll never know what could have been. There is nothing worse than living a life of regrets.

For more information on Lori Keesey, visit lorikeesey.com

LIFE & STYLE

GIFTS FOR DADS & GRADS

By Melanie Carden

It’s June, which means it’s time to celebrate Dads and grads. It’s generally a month of wonderful graduation parties, grilling out, and getting in that extra family time before everyone heads off for the summer. In a nutshell, it gets busy, so don’t let the gift-giving sneak up on you. Here’s a curated collection of ideas—for our beloved Dads and grads.

BUZZ OFF!

As Summer is often wrought with mosquitos and cicadas, why not give Dad the unique gift of insect protection. Whether he’s having a backyard gathering or hanging by the pool with the kids, mosquitoes and other nasties can ruin these outdoor moments. Thermacell’s best-selling and portable Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller keeps mosquitoes away by creating a 20-foot zone of protection. No need for chemical sprays or lotions as its heatactivated technology repels mosquitoes in the air, not on your skin. Info: thermacell.com

BIG STUFF

Newton’s First, the first Big & Tall men’s athleisure brand, is perfect for busy dads because they can go from work to play. Made from high-quality, moisture wicking, breathable, durable, and lightweight fabrics, dads are sure to stay cool and comfortable even when running after the kids or coaching Little League on a hot summer day!

Info: newtonsfirstclothing.com

HEAVENLY SPIRITS

Give dad the gift of one of the best bourbons on the market, Heaven’s Door Exploration Series I. The Exploration Series is all about pushing the boundaries of whiskey craftmanship. The series’ debut is deeply rooted in French influence, with carefully incorporated elements of product, wood, and technique. Its foundation is comprised of Heaven’s Door’s award-winning Tennessee Straight Bourbon whiskey finished inside freshly dumped Calvados Brandy casks. We then introduce an additional layer of complexity through medium-heavy toasted French oak staves. Info: heavensdoor.com

GOLF GADGETS, OF COURSE

Sure, golf gifts are popular for Father’s Day, but the Tally Tumbler delivers on both form and function. Move over Stanley tumbler, this gift is a golfer’s delight—just rotate the tumbler’s rings to keep score and track stats like greens hit in regulation.

Info: tallytumbler.com

NEW JOB, FABULOUS TOTE

When all the hoopla of the parties passes, graduates are focused on new opportunities and putting their best foot forward. This Overland Santa Fe bison leather tote—with a secret compartment—blends form and function. Plus, the brand carefully selects farmers that prioritize ideal care and climate for their herds.

Info: overland.com

GIFT-WORTHY ALBUM

Customize the foil debossed monogramming with, “College Years,” and this Mark & Graham photo album is a stunning gift. Italian leather, 100-pages, and plenty of self-adhesive mounting corners. Add a few images to get it started and give the recipient a gift card to finally print their social media photos.

Info: markandgraham.com

LET ‘EM FLY

Give the gift of heartwarming memories with this DIY radio-controlled plane bundle from POWERUP. Make Dad’s favorite meal and get the family together to build and fly airplanes. The kit includes everything you need, including a paper airplane book.

Info: poweruptoys.com

GLITZ FOR THE GRAD

The Haverhill Grand Birthstone Ring adds a touch of sparkle to the big day, and it’s the kind of gift that will be treasured for years to come. If you’ve got someone special graduating, gift this darling piece of jewelry. Info: Haverhill.com

IN THE KITCHEN WITH DAD

AN OUTDOOR SHIELD

He’s always the first one in the car, ready to head to the beach for the weekend. So, Outer’s Bug Shield Outdoor Throw Blanket is the unexpected gift he’ll use nine months out of the year. Info: liveouter.com

More and more Dads are taking over the kitchen these days. And what better gift for the budding Chef than a stunning cookware collection that will not only help Dad continue delivering flavorful fare but will have him doing it in style! The Original OrGreenic Hammered Collection is beautiful and makes a statement. Turn any kitchen into a culinary masterpiece. Always nonstick, lightweight, scratch resistant and dishwasher safe! The Chef-recommended coatings are ultra-durable, scratchproof and metal utensil safe. These non-stick coated pans deliver effortless food release to let you prepare a wide variety of food without the use of oil or butter for healthier cooking, making cleanups easy. The Hammered Rose Gold 22 Piece Cookware and Bakeware Set (also available in other colors like Sapphire Blue and Pearl White). Info: originalorgreenic.com

FRESH FERRAGAMO

Ferragamo’s newest scent offers a bit of citrus paired with leather, sandalwood, and earthy, smoky notes. A classic gift for a man of distinction, in other words—any lovable Dad who appreciates fine scent.

Info: ferragagamo.com

DREAM MACHINE

Whether the dad in your life grew up with an original Atari gaming system or just loves old school gaming, this is a dream machine. The Atari 50th Anniversary Deluxe is loaded with classics like Centipede and Asteroids, for a total of over 60 gaming options—for the cool dads. Info: arcade1up.com

AN ELEVATED CLASSIC

Give Dad a modern riff on perennial classic—this laid-back western shirt with pearl snap buttons from Snaps Clothing Co. Buttoned with loafers or unbuttoned with a faded rock & roll tee—this will be his new go-to look. Info: snapsclothing.com

STAY SHARP

Is Dad a beast in the kitchen? If so, then he needs the right equipment to continue making those delicious meals! The Original OrGreenic Hammered Knives have superior sharpness, crafted from high carbon steel, heat treated to 5457 HRC for unmatched sharpness, ensuring your cuts are precise and effortless. Your Dad will experience the perfect balance and durability with these knives, fearlessly conquering any culinary challenge without succumbing to wear or tear, for long-lasting kitchen performance. The exceptional sharpness of OrGREENiC knives is designed to provide a glossy finish to vegetables, preserving their flavor and preventing bruising, for meals that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Info: originalorgreenic.com

GRADUATION WHIMSY

It’s a special feeling, graduation day, filled with heartfelt moments and that feeling of accomplishment. There will be plenty of sentimental gifts, so add something a little lighthearted into the mix with a Life is Good Dr, Suess-themed graduation tee. Info: lifeisgood.com

FOR THE GRAD

It’s time to strike out on their own. Help them get set up in their new apartment with this refined desk from Nathan James—perfect for work from home scenarios or as a handsome addition to any living space. Info: nathanjames.com

COZY UP

How about matching slippers and a quiet night in? Bear Paw has an extensive collection of incredibly cozy slippers, so grab matching his and hers styles, and cue up Dad’s all-time favorite movies. Info: bearpaw.com

SUN, SAND & STYLE

FASHIONABLE FINDS FOR SUMMER

By Patricia Canole

Summer has arrived, and even the thoughts of packing a suitcase for a long weekend give us wonderful thoughts of lazy hours by the pool or soaking up the rays on the beach. But preparing for a summer getaway doesn’t end with finding the right swimsuit (or two). We know beach bags, sandals, and sunglasses are just as important. Summer is a fun time to explore new patterns and bolder colors. Make it yours.

SOPRATE LUXMOTION SANDAL

As Summer is often wrought with mosquitos and cicadas, why Soprate is a lightweight, luxury leather slide sandal that’s also water-repellent and stain resistant. The sandal from  Cougar has an ultra-cushy and comfortable footbed that makes feet feel fabulous, along with iconic puff detailing. Info: cougarshoes.com

EYELET COTTON KAFTAN

Pretty up your pool days in this airy cotton eyelet coverup from luxury swimwear brand Melissa Odabash

The Ashley Eyelet Cotton Kaftan is made from 100 percent cotton, which is an incredibly breathable option. Available in seven flattering colors. Info: melissaodabash.com

WIDE BRIM ECUADOR HAT

Handcrafted by artisans in their homes, they use heritage techniques recognized by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A modern interpretation of the classic silhouette, this hat makes a strong statement from Cuyana while providing ample shade with an extended full brim. Info: cuyana.com

ZESTY WEDGE SANDAL

Few shoe styles scream summer more than the wedge. This pair from  Marc Fisher is especially resort-appropriate, with its woven heel and strappy, gladiator-like design. Wear them to the pool or dress them up for a breezy night out.

Info: DSW.com

THE WATERMILL BAG

Altuzarra’s The Watermill Silhouette bag is not your run-of-the-mill beach tote. Crafted from natural palm leaf and hand-stitched leather detailing, it is large enough for your beach towel, SPFs, sunglasses, and a summer read but works perfectly for non-beach days.  Info: shophop.com

ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT

Bestselling  Tempt Me is noted for its fashionable shapes and designs. This one-piece features such details as ruching across the front, mesh cutout, high neckline, and plunging back—all of which work together to provide a nice amount of coverage while still looking sexy.  Info: amazon.com

HAWAIIAN PLUMERIA FLOWER CLIPS

The perfect solution to keep hair in place! Make your hair even more alluring with the  Hawaiian Plumeria Flower Clips from Calcifer. Available in six shades—so you arrive beachside coordinated. Info: amazon.com

MARFA RECTANGULAR SUNGLASSES

The Attico is synonymous with spirited style, and the Marfa rectangular sunglasses, designed in collaboration with  Linda Farrow, are no exception. They’re made in Japan from electric blue acetate and have tonal lenses. Info: mytheresa.com

ISLAND TIME CUFF BRACELET

The Island Time Cuff is the perfect accessory for the beach-pool season. Sequin NYC’s adjustable Island Time Cuff Bracelet features gold-dipped Braff, peridot briollete, and crystals. It is a souvenir of a holiday under the sun. Handcrafted in the USA. Info: sequin-nyc.com

BLUE JADE HERO STRETCH BRACELET

The Blue Jade Hero Stretch Bracelet from Chico’s has simple sophistication. This bracelet is designed with soft blue jade beads and features a gold-tone hero accent. Great for stacking, this accessory is an easy addition to day or evening looks. Info: chicos.com

BOAT & TOTE

Here’s the classic beach tote from  L.L. Bean. Leave it plain, or get it embroidered with a monogram for a personalized touch. It never goes out of style. Pack everything from sunscreen to a beach blanket, water bottles, and a change of clothes. The long handles make it easy to carry as well.  Info: llbean.com

KIRA ONE PIECE

Discover the epitome of luxury beachwear with the Kira One Piece from  Baobab International in Sunset. This stunning swimsuit features hardware detail and Lycra figure-holding fabric that blends style and fashion. Other colors available. Info: baobabswim.com

ARTUR KIRSH

A HAIR STYLIST WHO MAKES YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL

By Mindie Barnett

Hair stylists are famous for making us look and feel beautiful. The salon environment provides many positive and safe spaces for people to converse freely as they enjoy a sense of belonging and community. With current statistics showing that more people are feeling lonely, it’s no wonder that while stylists wash, color, and comb, they also provide comfort.

The role stylists play in loose-tie relationships sets the stage for their clientele to come to them with trials and tribulations, and that’s a good thing! Relationships and conversations with acquaintances help us feel supported and give us a sense of connectedness. For many, the stylist’s chair is a place for clients to be seen and heard.

IN THE BEGINNING

Kirsh began his journey into the world of styling at the age of sixteen, and since then has achieved the stature of one of the nation’s premier stylists. The demand for him is not just fueled by his expert technique in the realm of cut and color, but also by the unique vision he brings to addressing each client’s needs.

Known for his unique vision and expert technique in the realm of cut and color, Kirsh has achieved the stature of one of the Nation’s premier professionals, earning a reputation as the preferred stylist among women of influence and taste including media personalities, celebrities, and fashion models. Kirsh specializes in coloring and a style called “dry cutting,” and is well known in the fashion circle. He is the go-to stylist for models and local celebrities.

Today, Kirsh is not only known for the best hands in the business, but the best ears. He has offered comfort and care to the clientele he’s served and continues to do so. In his debut book Ask, 1000 Questions Behind the Chair, he shares laughter and even some tears from his many days cutting, primping, and listening. No doubt, those who get up from his coveted chair not only get a new look but a new lease on life.

We met up with Artur Kirsh at The Pierre Hotel to find out more about the Stylist to the Stars.

© Chris Ruetten Photography

What prompted you to create a book showcasing the many questions clients have asked you over the years?

I wanted to inspire and motivate people to laugh. When you laugh, you live longer. I wanted to create a book that you don’t have to read from cover to cover. You can open any page to start a conversation of your own or read it to inspire you to get through the day.

What are the most outlandish questions you’ve ever been asked?

I am a hairdresser. I am already outrageous, but you must read the book to learn more.

Are there any topics you won’t discuss with a client?

No, my clients are perfect. Sometimes, you don’t need to discuss—you need to listen.

Tell us more about how you collected the Questions for the book.

I did not ask the questions—my client did. I did not use any names. I asked my clients to write questions without their names and put them in the closed box. I wanted to answer the questions without knowing who asked them. They could ask me anything they wished. All of the questions are memorable, touching, helpful, and even sexy.

Have any of your Q&A caused a rupture in your client/stylist relationship?

No, I hope not. I wrote this book and answered the questions with a sense of humor.

Why are clients so open and inclined to dish with a stylist as they would a therapist?

The only thing that a stylist and the therapist do not have in common is the therapist does not have hairspray, and the stylist cannot prescribe a prescription—unless it’s a complete makeover.

Do you feel you ever encounter compassion fatigue because of your Q&A sessions?

I do encounter compassion fatigue at times. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of helping clients feel confident and happy with their appearance makes it all worthwhile.

Would you agree that being a stylist also contains the second role as a confidant?

We become a safe place where they can open up and share their stories.

For more information on Artur Kirsh, visit arturkirsh.com

SCOTLAND

TIME TO CHECK-IN AT THE FLOATING PALACE

Article & Images by Natasha Bazika

The sunshine, spilling through the porthole, tickled my eyelids awake. I stretched, feeling the yacht bob gently beneath me. The air is alive with the cries of gulls circling the working harbor where cranes hover above large ships. But it’s away from here, where Fingal, is tucked into a sliver of peace in her own berth, 10 minutes from the city center of Edinburgh.

Fingal, once a Northern Lighthouse Board tender, has been reborn under the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust as Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel. Tucked into a quiet corner of the Port of Leith, she’s a five-minute walk from charming, cobbled streets lined with cafes, boutiques, bakeries, and even a Michelin-starred haven, The Kitchin, where Scottish produce takes center stage in a cozy setting.

Nearby rests Fingal’s regal sister, The Royal Yacht Britannia, a perfectly preserved museum highlighting life aboard Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace. But here, on Fingal, you get to experience your own slice of royal luxury.

SWEET SUITES

Fingal’s 22 cabins are a world away from the cramped cabins we associate with yachts. There are five options to choose from, starting with a classic cabin and ending with the luxury penthouse Skerryvore Suite. For a middle ground, request a luxury duplex. These suites feature handcarved staircases that separate the living area from the bedroom, and a showstopping bathroom, with a free-standing grey tub set against a shimmery sea-green wall that will make you feel like you’re submerged in the ocean itself. Brass accents gleam like polished treasure and the toiletries whisper of Scotland with a hint of peaty whisky.

Some cabins have private access to the teak walkways, allowing you to greet the day with sunshine on your face (a rare treat in Scotland, some might say, but all the more delightful for it). But for me, the best days begin and end in the restaurant.

DINING LIKE A ROYAL

In the morning, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is a casual affair, where plates of royale eggs and a robust Scottish breakfast are served with glittering harbor views. Come nightfall, the space shimmers with a touch of glam. Soft jazz sets the mood as you peruse an extensive wine list, all leading up to the true star – simple, seasonal Scottish produce elevated to a culinary art form. Don’t be fooled by the lack of Michelin stars; the restaurant boasts a prestigious 2 AA Rosette award, a testament to the explosion of flavors that await your taste buds. While a Michelin experience might be a stone’s throw away, here, at Fingal, you’ll find an atmosphere unlike any other—a taste of true luxury that’s as unique as having your own private yacht (well almost).

For more information on Scotland’s Fingal, visit fingal.co.uk

Call it spring or call it spa season. Either way, it’s time to visit New York’s Sullivan Catskills. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and our charming small towns are springing to life. Get outdoors on two feet or two wheels; we have dozens of trails. Indulge in our spas or exercise studios. Dine on our Catskill-icious food and sip on our craft beverages. Stay in a full-service resort, intimate inn, glamping dome, or a luxury treehouse.

TRAVEL SARATOGA SPRINGS

ALWAYS A GOOD BET

By Melanie Carden

Saratoga Springs is a unique village in Upstate New York, just three hours north of New York City. Most notably it’s famous for being the home of America’s oldest and most popular thoroughbred racecourse, which attracts large crowds during the summer season. Local attractions include naturally carbonated mineral spas, harness racing, polo, fifteen golf courses around the county, ten historical museums, and an award-winning downtown for dining, shopping, and nightlife.

STAY

Saratoga Arms is a gilded treasure box of an inn, spilling over with antiquarian eye candy—from its ornate ceiling medallions to its vintage horse racing collections. The brick structure—a gorgeous example of Second Empire architecture—was built in 1870 and boasts a magnificent wrap-around porch. Inn seekers relish its ensuite baths and seamless use of historic preservation with modernday flourishes.

Each nook of the 31-room inn tells a story. The front dining room’s chandelier dates to a 1923 remodeling of the space, and guests will find curated mini collections throughout, including nods to the area’s horse racing heritage. Many of the original clawfoot tubs remain, and in the original building, each shower is adorned with a hand-painted tile featuring Saratoga trivia and quotes. Between all this and the grand staircases, it’s quite unexpected that one of the most exquisite details are hinges. The entry doors and parlor windows boast Cloisonné hinges and hardware. When the door leading to the wrap-around porch opens, it unveils the most dazzling Lapis blue hinges—a reminder that the property is full of little surprises.

In addition to the local art, daily newspapers, and Beekman 1802 amenities, the Complimentary Guest Pantry infuses each stay with quiet luxury. Far from a few cookies and bagged nuts, it’s readily stocked with nearly two dozen items, including sweets, snacks, beverages, and gluten-free goodies. It’s as functional as it is whimsical.

Gorgeous rooms with comfortable bedding, and not only the expected inn breakfast, but the warm weather allows guests to dine on the porch. The property also offers beer, wine, small plates such as Prosciutto and Melon, charcuterie-style cheese and fruit, and Heirloom Tomato and Burrata.

EAT

Broadway’s shops and restaurants are at your feet when you leave the inn. From Forno Bistro’s Pappardelle Osso buco to Boca Bistro’s incredible Spanish tapas menu, this buzzy stretch adds flavor to the Main Street USA ambiance. And it’s easy to walk off a delightfully indulgent meal because perusing the shops could take the better part of the day. Some showstoppers include Saratoga Tea & Honey, consisting of a honeytasting room that smells heavenly with its endless rows of fresh tea. Keeping with the gourmet theme, The Savory Pantry is another fan favorite. And you can’t go wrong diving into the fabulous rabbit hole of Northshire Bookstore.

PLAY

A visit to Saratoga Springs always includes the area’s deep equestrian heritage since it’s home to Saratoga Race Course, the oldest horse racing track in the country. The roots of racing culture took hold in 1847, and in 1864, the larger modern-day track was created. Spend a day at the races or stop by for a tour, which includes a visit to the stables. Wherever you go in town, you’ll find elements of horse racing—from luxury jewelry to quaint equestrian tchotchke and antiques.

Though sometimes overshadowed by the pomp and circumstance of horse racing, the area is named Saratoga Springs for a reason. Visitors can embark on a self-guided driving tour of the twenty natural mineral springs, which spring up from the ground, are mineral-rich, and naturally carbonated with carbon dioxide. It’s worth the time to make an appointment at Roosevelt Baths & Spa, one of the last historical bathhouses from the 1930s. Named for President Franklin Roosevelt, who played a crucial role in preserving the area’s mineral gifts, guests can experience a mineral bath in the well-preserved rooms of the spa, which also offers massages, facials, and wellness treatments.

Those looking for something unique can book an outing with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. Book a ticket for the Moonlight Moonshine Express for a beautiful night of old-time train glamour, live music, and moonbeam-dappled memories. The experience begins in the parking lot before boarding. Folks arrive early for tailgating before being whisked off in a perfectly restored train. After a short ride, the train arrives at a beautiful house in the woods—twinkling lights, bonfires, and live music await. Fossil Stone Vineyards is on hand with moonshine, wine, and beer.

Trade the stars for a sunny walk in the woods but add goats! Just down the road, in Grove, NY, Into the Woods Farm hosts wilderness walks with their many goats. It’s a leisurely walk, but you’ll smile so big that your cheeks tingle. You’ve likely heard of the benefits of “forest bathing,” a calming, Zen-like walk or hike. Well, this provides similar benefits, delivered through the silliness and splendor of goats trotting with excitement, munching on leaves, and bleating loudly in delight.

WELCOME BELMONT STAKES

It’s an exciting time at Saratoga Race Course as they prepare to host the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Due to ongoing construction, the famed race event, held at Elmont’s Belmont Park, will be hosted in Saratoga Springs in 2024 and 2025. The 2024 festival is set for June 4-9th, with racing beginning on the 6th, including 24 stakes races with record-setting purses of 10.25 million. The 156th Belmont Stakes—the third leg of the Triple Crown—is set for Saturday the 8th at a 1.25-mile distance, an exception to the 1.5-mile standard.

The race is legendary for its strenuous test of meddle—for both the horse and jockey. This American Grade 1 stakes race is called the Test of the Champions. The endurance-taxing 1.5-mile distance is the critical differentiator, yielding iconic performances from history’s most beloved racehorses, such as American Pharoah and Secretariat, whose 1973 record remains at 2:24-flat. The 31 lengths win also remains the most significant victory in the history of the race.

One of the highlights of the festivities is Belmont on Broadway festival, created in conjunction with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Network with artists, buy memorabilia and procure original works from some of the country’s top thoroughbred racing artists. Not all festival artists work on canvas or print; country music star HARDY performs at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 7th.

TAKE ME AWAY TO TAOS!

NEW MEXICO’S GEM

By Jenny Peters

It’s not simple to get to Taos, but that’s part of the beauty of this special place in the heart of America’s West. Finding yourself in Taos isn’t usually something that happens by chance, as it is in New Mexico’s high desert, 100-plus miles north of Albuquerque and even farther from any other large city.

Road-tripping across the desert north from Albuquerque and past Santa Fe to discover Taos nestled near the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a leisurely couple of hours to drive, wending along that famous river and taking in the scenery along the way. Rolling into town on US-64/Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, the pueblo origins are apparent, as much of the architecture of Taos is still made of brownish-pink adobe, with buildings dating back over 400 years (and newer structures which maintain that unique style).

A GATHERING PLACE

Taos has always been a place where people gather. It was first settled by the Taos Pueblo Indians more than 1000 years ago in a well-protected home that remains the center of tribal life today. Their famed Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in North America, and a fascinating, must-see place for any visitor to Taos.

That ancient community is about three miles north of town, so plan to settle in first and enjoy the picturesque city center. Check in to The Historic Taos Inn, a rambling hotel made of connected adobe buildings from the 1800s and a fixture since the 1930s. Rooms have fireplaces and antique furniture, and the inn’s  Adobe Bar combines nightly live music and different margaritas for every taste.

If libations are your first order of business while on holiday, head across the street to the  Rolling Still Distillery Lounge, where Nicole Barady and Liza Barrett are serving up their smooth, flavorful vodkas, locally made using nearby mountain water to create unique tastes. Stop in for a nip of green chili vodka neat, or perhaps taste a signature cocktail made with their lavender or pecan vodkas. Don’t be surprised if you’re immediately hooked on the unique flavors and the convivial lounge.

AN ART HAVEN

It’s easy as well to be hooked by the art galleries that dot the Paseo and the little side streets nearby, for Taos has drawn talented artists, weavers, sculptors, and artisans toward its natural beauty since the first Taos Indians began painting hides and pottery designs 1000 years ago. The Spanish conquerors brought religious iconography and carved wooden saints (Santos) into the mix. By the early 1900s, the first wave of Anglo artists came to the rich landscape and, by 1915, had formed the first Taos Society of Artists.

Today, it’s simple to wander into Native American galleries like Tres Estrellas (for woven textiles) and Buffalo Dancer (for silver jewelry), as well as other artists’ works in over 70 galleries that range from quaint to elegant, modern to Western traditional. The galleries are almost all in the old town’s center; walk to the north on the Paseo to discover the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House.

That museum showcases Russian artist Nicolai Fechin, who lived and created art in the adobe house in the early 1930s, including incredible built-in wood carvings, paintings, and much more. Today, it’s a tribute to his creativity, with rotating exhibits that highlight the numerous artists who have drawn creative energy from the world around Taos.

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS

Taos gives off another, more natural energy, with the natural landscape drawing skiers in winter, hikers, bird watchers, fishing fans in summer, and wellness fans all year round at Ojo Caliente Resort & Spa. There, the natural sulfur-free hot springs and numerous soaking pools helped make it the first health spa in the country back in 1868, and it remains a beautiful oasis today, about an hour northwest of Taos across the Rio Grande Gorge, another nearby natural wonder.

Saving a fair day for the spa—and another to visit the Taos Pueblo—isn’t difficult, as Taos generally has 300 sunny days a year. To see the Adobe Pueblo, pay the entry fee and join a 20 to 30-minute guided tour led by a tribe member. And then imagine what it was like when the tribe first settled in this place, which was so perfect they had never left.

Don’t leave Taos without stopping into some of the delicious and diverse restaurants, from the chic  Martyrs Steakhouse to the very laid-back  Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe, with its colorful vibe and chili-infused fare. The Bent Street Grille is an excellent spot for hearty breakfast and lunch, and The Gorge Bar and Grill has the best green chili stew in town (the dish just about everyone offers) and a great patio overlooking Taos Plaza, the epicenter of the city itself.

And when you leave Taos, don’t be surprised if all its charms seem to remain in your heart, for it’s a place that calls you to return soon.

For more information about Taos, visit taos.org; for Taos Pueblo, visit taospueblo.com

© Jenny Peters

THE RITZ-CARLTON, PHILADELPHIA

STEEPED IN HISTORY & PLENTY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

By Stacey Zable

Start your stay in historic Philadelphia in a hotel with an interesting past. The building that today houses, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, is the former home of The Girard Trust Company, which dates to 1908. The property retains many of the bank’s original architectural features. In addition, the hotel’s location along Avenue of the Arts and right across from City Hall makes it an ideal base for exploring all that makes Philadelphia great. It is within walking distance of many of the city’s key attractions and has significant shopping and dining choices.

GLORIOUS ARCHITECTURE

The Ritz-Carlton’s history as a bank began with its original construction as a reproduction of the Pantheon. It still retains that majestic exterior entry with its grand pillars. Once inside, the lobby boasts soaring ceilings, some nine thousand tons of Georgia marble, and the original architecture of an imposing 101-foot dome. Don’t miss also checking out the original Oculus, which was once used to pull the money through the center from the vault directly below.

Today, it is covered by a glass wall and surrounded by a high-top bar. Beyond the bar, the lobby offers small, comfortable seating areas, making it ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink while you enjoy the beautiful architecture. For those who want to jumpstart their epicurean exploration of Philadelphia at The Ritz-Carlton, hotel restaurant  Aqimero  is located to the side of the lobby and serves Latin-American cuisine crafted by Chef Richard Sandoval.

© Michael Kleinberg Photography

A CLUB LEVEL EXPERIENCE

Upgrade to the Club Level at The Ritz-Carlton to get more out of your stay with exceptional amenities and services. The most important of these extras is access to the beautiful Club Lounge on the 30th floor, boasting incredible city views. From here, you can see City Hall in its glory and even the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. The space, once the bank’s board room, features the original wood paneling made of French walnut with high ceilings, comfortable seating for dining and simply relaxing, and oversized windows to take in the views.

When not exploring the city, this will be your home away from home with food and beverage presentations throughout the day and anytime grab-and-go snacks and drinks. Start your day off with the indulgent breakfast featuring an omelet station with a chef ready to create your personalized meal before tasting the other offered treats. Skip dessert at whatever restaurant you dine in and return for the evening dessert and chocolate offerings paired with a nightcap. The concierges at the Club Lounge warmly welcome you and provide superior service. They can help with whatever you need during your stay.

Those impressive views can also be seen in many of The Ritz-Carlton’s rooms and suites. The comfortable rooms and suites feature large windows, and marble bathrooms with separate tubs, stall showers, and doored commodes. If you seek more space and amenities, the selection of luxury suites provides residential-style amenities.

SPA & FITNESS

Escape for true “me time” at the on-site holistic Richel D’ambra Spa + Salon. Choose from various treatments, including massage, body scrub, body wrap, facials, and more. Try one of the spa’s energy works treatments, such as Chakra Balancing. You will also find a salon for hair and makeup if you plan a big night out enjoying the city. The complimentary fitness center is open 24 hours a day/seven days a week, to get in a workout on its assortment of cardiovascular and strength equipment.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, visit ritzcarlton.com/Philadelphia.

SOME BROTHERLY LOVE

Head off on foot or in a quick ride share to discover some of Philadelphia’s top sights, conveniently located close to The Ritz-Carlton. A must-see is visiting Liberty Bell Center to view the famed symbol of freedom. Steps from it is UNESCO World Heritage Site Independence Hall, where in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed, and later, the United States Constitution was signed in 1787.

Take a photo next to the Rocky statue before creating your iconic movie moment by running up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Then, take a few more steps right in the museum’s door to explore some of its 240,000 works, including an outdoor sculpture garden and paintings by Renoir, van Gogh, and Picasso. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street is the indoor and outdoor mosaic work of artist Isaiah Zagar. Reading Terminal Market offers quick bites. Plan a night enjoying music, dance, or theater at the stunning Kimmel Center for The Performing Arts. Info: visitphilly.com

© Don Riddle

© Don Riddle

DOMESTIC BLISS

4 ESCAPES TO DISCOVER AND DELIGHT

By Patricia Canole

While the Big Apple offers many experiences, the most unforgettable adventures sometimes lie in nearaby locales. Whether you seek tranquil nature escapes or culturally rich towns, the areas surrounding NYC are brimming with excitement. Why is venturing to nearby destinations a delight for New Yorkers? Let us count the ways.

So, whether seeking tranquility, culture, or adventures, the surrounding regions beckon with endless possibilities waiting to be explored and cherished. So, pack your bags, embark on a journey, and let the nearby wonders captivate your soul.

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS

For more than half a century, the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York were the premier vacation spot for families from New York City. Lavish resorts, including Grossinger’s and The Concord, offered allinclusive luxury vacations.  Think Dirty Dancing and the more recent Netflix hit  The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Once air travel became popular, the Catskills fell out of favor as families vacationed elsewhere. Many original, iconic resorts fell into disrepair, but plenty of family-friendly resorts remain in the region for a relaxing getaway.

How To Enjoy It  The unspoiled natural beauty of the mountains offers a serene place to camp, hike, or relax. Plenty of lakes and streams are prime spots for fly fishing. A stop at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a fun experience. The preserve offers over 24,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, dense forests, serene lakes, and dramatic cliffs. Be sure to spend time at Howe Caverns for outstanding underground adventure. Exploring the caverns provides a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable geological formations that have been millions of years in the making.

Where To Unwind The  Emerson Resort & Spa is ideally suited for families. The resort offers two types of accommodation: Rooms at the Inn are designed to bring the outside in with oversized windows and private decks that highlight the peaceful views and natural beauty of Mount Tremper and Esopus Creek. Nestled amidst tall pines and shading maples, the mountain-inspired Lodge has a cozy, rustic design that features detailed wood carvings and animal figures. Most rooms include flat-screen televisions, Keurig coffee makers, and other luxury amenities. Take guided nature walks and explore the area on various hiking trails or take to the trails on a mountain biking trip.

Info: emersonresort.com. For more information on The Catskills, visit visitthecatskills.com

POCONO MOUNTAINS

This corner of Pennsylvania has been catering to lovers of natural surroundings for decades. Things heated up in the 1960s after heart-shaped tubs appeared in Life Magazine. Today, the area continues to attract thousands of couples and families each year.

How To Enjoy It  You are in the mountains, so prepare to inhale fresh air. During the summer season, raft the Delaware or Lehigh Rivers. Also, explore the region’s charming village (Hawley and Jim Thorpe). They are filled with antique stores, flea markets, art galleries, and plenty of restaurants to satisfy any appetite.

Where To Unwind The Lodge at Woodloch Resort is the award-winning resort that has satisfied family and friends since the 60’s Woodloch Resort is like a cruise on land—their all-inclusive packages provide three delicious meals daily and endless family-oriented activities and entertainment. With a championship golf course, luxury destination spa, and a variety of rooms ranging from traditional standard to waterfront suites, you may not want to leave! Summers are enjoyable when families can splash around in their outdoor pool, go boating on Lake Teedyuskung, or hike and view wildlife and nature in the surrounding areas.

Info: thelodgeatwoodloch.com.

For more information on the Pocono Mountains,  visit poconomountains.com

THE HUDSON VALLEY

From its days as a haven for George Washington to the Gilded Age, when barons built majestic mansions along its banks, the Hudson River Valley is steeped in history. From Tarrytown, Cold Spring to Boscobel and Hyde Park and beyond. It’s a virtual history book about discovering early America.

How To Enjoy It In Hyde Park, make time for the FDR National Historic Site, where you can find Springwood, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s former home, and the Presidential Library and Museum, which houses 44,000 books and the President’s White House desk. FDR and First Lady Eleanor’s gravesites are in the Rose Garden. You can also visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, a 50-room Beaux-Arts house built in 1895 for Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt. After your history lesson, shop for Americana (quilts, lanterns, folk art) in nearby antique shops.

Where To Unwind  About 10 miles from Hyde Park is Rhinebeck, where you will check in for the night at The Beekman Arms-Delamater Inn, which can genuinely claim that George Washington slept here. This historic inn, with its wide-plank floors, beamed ceilings, and massive fireplace, has been a Hudson Valley hub since it opened in 1766. Guest rooms are housed in several buildings, with those in the main building boasting Americana quilts, locally crafted furniture, and folk art.

Info: beekmandelamaterinn.com

For more information on the Hudson Valley, visit travelhudsonvalley.com

ATLANTIC CITY

Atlantic City is an exciting mosaic of entertainment, culture, and history. Renowned for its iconic Boardwalk, bustling casinos, and stunning beaches, this seaside resort city offers diverse experiences for all who visit.

Atlantic City’s story is steeped in history, dating back to the late 19th century when it emerged as a popular seaside retreat for vacationers seeking respite from city life. Its golden era began with the construction of the world-famous Boardwalk in 1870, making it the first Boardwalk in the United States.

How To Enjoy It Stretching for six miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic City Boardwalk remains the city’s heartbeat. Lined with shops, restaurants, amusement piers, and casinos, it offers endless opportunities for strolls and people-watching.

Synonymous with gambling and entertainment, Atlantic City boasts a vibrant casino scene that rivals Las Vegas. From iconic establishments like Caesars and Borgata to newer additions such as Hard Rock and Ocean Casino Resort, there’s no shortage of gaming excitement and world-class entertainment options. Beyond the casinos, visitors can catch headline acts, Broadway productions, and comedy shows at venues like the Boardwalk Hall and the Borgata Event Center.

Outdoor enthusiasts can try their hand at parasailing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding, while fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines off the historic Steel Pier or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing excursions.

Where To Unwind Atlantic City offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return again and again. The Borgata Casino & Spa has raised the bar in Atlantic City. Floor-to-ceiling windows and tasteful furnishings grace the spacious standard rooms, where even the shower has room for two. Suites have entertainment centers, wet bars, and bathrooms with deep tubs and his-and-her vanity sets. The spa here is the biggest in Atlantic City at 54,000 square feet, and the restaurants include  Bobby Flay Steak, Wolfgang Puck American Grille, and an outpost of New York City’s Old Homestead Steak House

Info: borgata.mgmresorts.com. For more information on Atlantic City, visit doac.com

HILLARY COHEN

ELEVATING SPACES THROUGH TIMELESS DESIGN

By Patricia Canole

In the world of interior design, where creativity converges with functionality, Hillary Cohen has an intuitive grasp of space and a keen eye for detail. Cohen has carved her niche as a soughtafter interior designer known for transforming spaces into captivating reflections of her clients’ personalities and aspirations.

Born with an innate passion for aesthetics and a keen eye for detail, Cohen’s journey has been a natural progression of her lifelong fascination with the interplay of form and function. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors, fostering a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in her craft.

Upon graduating from George Washington University with a degree in interior design, Cohen embarked on her professional odyssey working alongside elite design firms and eventually establishing her synonymous design firm. Hilary’s extensive pedigree and experience armed her with a blend of classical training and avant-garde sensibility that guides her designs.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Central to Cohen’s design philosophy is the belief that spaces should be visually stunning and tailored to enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. Whether it’s a chic urban loft or a sprawling suburban estate, she approaches each project with a deep reverence for the client’s vision, weaving their narrative into the fabric of the design.

Her innate ability to strike a delicate balance between tradition and practicality sets Cohen apart. She seamlessly blends timeless elegance with a functional contemporary flair. Cohen’s signature style is characterized by clean lines, sophisticated palettes, and unexpected juxtapositions, resulting in interiors with a sense of effortless refinement. Each project reveres the building’s architectural heritage while infusing it with a fresh and tailored perspective.

But beyond her impeccable taste and design insight, Cohen keenly understands the importance of collaboration and communication. Leaning on her experience working with high-caliber celebrity clients, Cohen collaborates closely with each client to listen to their unique visions and ensure that they are brought to life with a level of precision they couldn’t imagine.

As she continues to expand her firm, HCO Interiors, within the tri-state area, Cohen reminds us of the profound impact that exceptional design can have on our lives.

Have you always known you wanted to be involved in interior design?

When I was younger, I didn’t understand that interior design was a viable career option. I just knew that I loved to be creative, and I was constantly trying to rearrange the furniture in my room, decorate my walls, or create an innovative way to make my space feel exciting and different. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized maybe I could pursue this. I gravitated toward the design classes; they sounded like something I wouldn’t get bored with and excited me to go to school. That was my turning point, and I’ve never looked back.

Do you need to possess an innate flair for color, spatial arrangements, architecture, and textiles, or can you learn it?

The only thing that is genuinely innate is a passion for design. The skills needed can absolutely be learned if you love what you are doing. I’ve come across some amazing creative people who have a raw, innate talent, and the skills come more easily to them, but I think anyone can become an expert if they have the passion and motivation to do so.

In your own thoughts, how much of a people person do you need to be to work as an interior designer?

I find an outstanding balance in my career between interaction with others and quiet moments. I love collaborating with others and seeing how clients live, but I also spend a lot of time designing by myself. Being able to handle different personalities, though, is a must, particularly when managing clients. Understanding what motivates clients, what their concerns are, and how to reassure them is a major part of the business.

© Andrew Frasz

What types of projects have you worked on? Name a few favorites.

I have worked on vastly different styles of projects—my favorites are always the result of a fantastic client who trusts in my abilities and in the process. We recently completed a modern home where the client started from scratch in terms of furniture and was really open to different directions. It was fun to have a blank palette with which to be creative.

I also love any project where we are working on both construction and decorative items. In our Upper East Side project, we completely redesigned the layout of the living and kitchen areas. The design becomes very cohesive when the architecture and design work together, and the result is very satisfying—it is a true reflection of your vision as a designer.

What are some everyday problems you face as an interior designer?

Time management is consistently my most significant issue! When I’m designing, I can often get carried away, and the next thing I know, I’ve spent hours on intricate details. I’m learning to set more deadlines for myself to be more efficient.

The other challenge we experience is difficulty navigating vendor delays or mistakes that are sometimes out of our control. We always try to manage client expectations and be as communicative as possible when working through any unexpected issues (especially with construction!).

How often do clients change their minds during the design process, and how does that affect your work?

Typically, I don’t see clients changing their minds that often, but what can happen is that they lose confidence in the decisions they are making and want to second-guess them. When I first started, I proposed lots of options, but as I’ve grown in my business, I find less is more. The more detailed and thorough the initial design presentation, the less likely the client is to second-guess or try to change direction. They also have less time to reconsider everything. There are exceptions to this, so I try to remind them why they hired me and give them insight into why we are making certain choices. Helping clients be confident in their choices is one of the most essential elements to a successful result.

© Rebecca McAlpin

How do you keep up to date on current design trends?

Staying connected with current design trends is an enjoyable part of the job for me. I try to read unique design magazines, spend a lot of time in local stores, and spend hours perusing Instagram. I also meet with vendors to see new products and design events. I love to see different trends. However, I’m very selective about when I use them in my projects because I want to strike that balance of having the design feel new and exciting but not crossover to be too trendy and of a specific time.

If you could go back, would you have done anything differently?

When I first started, I took on every aspect of my business myself and very rarely asked for help. Looking back, I think I would have invested in help for certain aspects sooner—particularly in accounting and bookkeeping! It takes a lot of pressure off as a business owner, and it also gives you the benefit of having other opinions and advice on how to succeed.

What advice do you have for those wanting to pursue a career in interior design?

I started my career with a series of internships at hugely different types of firms—it was a fantastic opportunity. I learned incredibly and saw how different industry niches and offices operated. It gave me an insight into why I wanted to be a residential designer, and I loved working in boutique design offices. I would encourage anyone interested in the field to find a local designer to learn from, and the hands-on experience is invaluable.

For more information on Hillary Cohen and HCO Interiors, visit hcointeriors.com

© Rebecca McAlpin

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOME GUIDE

A CHECKLIST OF WHAT NOT TO FORGET

By Patricia Canole

Summer is here, and it’s time to escape to our favorite summer retreats! Whether it’s a cozy home tucked away in the woods or a beach house with an ocean view, planning and ensuring you have everything you need for a stress-free vacation is essential. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to get ready for relaxing days at your summer home.

CREATE A CHECKLIST Start by creating a checklist of everything you’ll need for your summer home vacation. This will help ensure you don’t forget anything essential and simplify your packing process. Make sure you have all the essentials like clothes, toiletries, kitchen appliances, medication, and any special items for your summer home activities, like fishing gear, beach toys, and other sporting equipment.

INVESTIGATE If you have the opportunity beforehand, take some time to check out your summer home thoroughly. Look for any damage or wear and tear that may have developed during the offseason. Ensure essential utilities, including water, electricity, and fuel, function.

STOCK UP Nothing dampens the exhilaration of a holiday like realizing you’ve run out of essential substances upon arrival. Stock up on groceries, household objects, and pantry staples before you depart for your summer-season home. A good rule of thumb is to pre-order cumbersome items like bottled water and non-perishable groceries and have them delivered directly to your doorstep upon arrival.

OUTDOOR SPACE If your summer home has an outdoor space, whether a patio, deck, or garden, try to spruce it up before your excursion. Simple outdoor furnishings, such as grills or fire pits, make vacationing more enjoyable and encourage relaxation and enjoyment of the natural environment.

PLAN ACTIVITIES One of the highlights of visiting your summertime home is indulging in favored activities and pastimes. If you enjoy trekking, swimming, boating, or lounging by the pool, plan out your sports earlier. Research neighborhood sights, trekking trails, or nearby beaches to explore during your stay. Having an itinerary ensures you make the maximum of your time away and create lasting memories.

SMART When packing for your trip, balance between practicality and casual dressy. Be sure your bags are packed with flexible clothing appropriate for diverse activities and weather conditions. Be mindful of essentials like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for adults and children—and remember to take any favorite toys, too. If pets are in the picture, don’t forget their food, bowls and toys, too.

DON’T FORGET When leaving your permanent residence, lock all doorways and windows, set a timer on lights, and arrange to have your mail held at the local post office. If possible, have a family member or trusted neighbor check to see if all is well.

UNPLUG & RELAX Once you’ve arrived at your summer home, think about unplugging from emails and social media and immerse yourself in the splendor of this pristine environment. Embody the easy pleasure as you’ve arrive at your summer home. Spend excellent time with cherished ones, delight in the easy pleasures of summer season dwelling.

Finally, preparing for a vacation at your summer home is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning and organization. By following these tips, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable getaway that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a journey to your summer sanctuary.

PACK

Courtesy Vrbo

Courtesy Airbnb

601 BALTIC

JUST LIKE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN

By AP Connolly

Located in Boerum Hill, at the meeting of Park Slope and Gowanus, 601 Baltic is a 21-unit boutique building developed by Grid Group. With 21 spectacular condominium residences, 601 Baltic features two bedrooms, three bedrooms, and a penthouse with high-quality natural finishes and expertly designed floorplans. Corcoran New Development manages marketing and Nicole Hechter and Masayo Hashimoto of Corcoran’s Hechter Bar-Lev Team serve as the exclusive sales agents for the building.

Grid Group deployed their meticulous design, development, and construction in-house resulting in the company’s signature flawless quality at 601 Baltic.

“Beginning with its unique Ironstone Brick exterior, the building leaves a lasting impression,” says Yiannes Einhorn, Managing Principal of Grid Group. “With the success of our previous projects, we have proven that the craftsmanship we infuse into our buildings resonates with buyers.”

THE RESIDENCE

The building is ten stories with an Ironstone Brick façade accented by metal fins carefully set in different planes to add texture and depth to the exterior. Kitchens feature customized fluted wood cabinetry and white quartz countertops, with integrated appliances by Fisher & Paykel and Miele. The primary and secondary baths feature Blanco Sivec and Thassos white-honed marble surfaces, glass-enclosed showers or Duravit tubs, along with Hansgrohe, Moen, and Artos fixtures. Six-inch white oak floors add brightness to each room and oversized casement windows bring abundant light into the open layouts.

THE AMENITIES

Amenities at 601 Baltic include an attended lobby, a fitness center, private residential storage, and inresidence washers and dryers. A rooftop terrace with cabanas features incredible open views of Brooklyn. Select residences also have private outdoor space.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

At the heart of Boerum Hill lies Atlantic Avenue, a bustling thoroughfare lined with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. From trendy boutiques to long-standing family-owned businesses, this vibrant street offers a glimpse into the neighborhood’s diverse offerings.

Boerum Hill boasts a strong sense of community. Local events like the annual Atlantic Antic Street Festival and seasonal Farmer’s Market bring residents together, fostering a tight-knit neighborhood vibe. One of the highlights of Boerum Hill is its architectural heritage. Rows of beautiful brownstone and brick townhouses, many dating back to the 19th century, line the tree-lined streets, creating a charming and quintessential Brooklyn atmosphere. These meticulously maintained homes are a testament to the area’s enduring appeal and the pride residents take in preserving the neighborhood’s historic charm. Info: Two -bedroom residence, price starts at $1,465,000; for three-bedrooms, price starts at $2,075,000.

For more information on 601 Baltic, visit 601baltic.com

SPA LIFE

A VISIT TO TWO DESERT RESORTS

By Meryl Pearlstein

Warm weather is the perfect time for a wellness tune-up. After the recent ups and downs, earthquakes, eclipses and other all-involving stressors, an escape with a focus on oneself is the prescription, a chance for personal spring-summer cleaning.

I feel the cleansing spirit best when I’m in a desert-like setting. There’s something magical about open spaces --healthful living with a dose of spirituality mixed with physical activity -- that makes everything seem all right.

Here are two of my favorite spa and wellness escapes. They let me step back, reflect, and re-center, just what I need to face the world.

MARVELOUS MIRAVAL

I operate at hyper-speed when I’m in my Manhattan space, but when I hit the desert, my RPMs cycle down to something more akin to a snake, albeit a snake that likes to dance, turn upside down in aerial yoga, or do a circuit in a well-equipped gym. An easy drive from Tucson and Phoenix airports,  Miraval in Tucson is the ideal desert escape. Set in the Santa Catalina Mountains and Sonoran Desert, the wellness resort promotes mindfulness and self-reflection. For more than 25 years, Miraval has encouraged “life in balance,” teaching guests to “consciously explore the connection between body, mind and spirit” as a way of life.

Before your visit, a Miraval consultant calls you to review the workshop and lecture schedule for the week and help you select spa treatments and classes to meet your self-care goals. A session with a dietician can be arranged to refine your nutrition program. If you prefer private consultations, tennis lessons, or time on the pickleball court, those can be booked ahead of time, too. All is planned with an eye on having a mindful and personalized stay and setting achievable intentions.

To further effect a state of mindfulness without distractions, almost everything is included in the price of your Miraval stay from accommodations to meals, gratuities, and activities. A resort credit encourages you to reach beyond your comfort zone and select self-improvement treatments. I took the spa therapists’ advice and booked Näga, an exclusive Miraval mix of dynamic stretching using suspended silks, Thai massage, and yoga-like moves. Another Miraval specialty, Tula incorporates Gua-sha techniques to relieve tension and open energy channels. Both were perfect codas to days of activity.

The only extras are specialized programs like “healthy gut, healthy you” or “past life regression,” one-on-one appointments, and alcoholic beverages at dinner (yes, they do serve them!). If Miraval’s famous Equine Experience is offered during your visit, that’s extra, too, but a very worthwhile extra to teach you about caring and communion.

Challenge leads me to a place of self-discovery and wellness. I learned that I loved cardio drumming, an aerobics and rhythm program that’s as much about coordination as it is about focus. The “abs and glutes” classes literally kicked my butt and I started to feel healthier as each day passed. In between, Miraval’s aquatic center offered BOGA Fit balance training or simple downtime to read a book among the beautiful desert flowers. Two owls provided endless entertainment for those of us sitting by the spa pool.

Attractive casita and villa accommodations motivate relaxation and energy renewal. Some are adjacent to the labyrinth and hiking trails, affording spiritual and physical immersion in the desert environment. Other hikes trek deeper in the mountains and require a drive off-property. Are you afraid of snakes or cacti? Are your knees sensitive to inclines and rocky terrain? Knowledgeable guides will assist you in selecting hikes most suitable to your fitness level and challenge tolerance.

Meals are a nutritious (and delicious) mix of plant-based and non-vegetarian choices. Miraval’s servers advised me about dishes best aligned with healthy eating and my particular dietary concerns. I sampled black sesame somen noodles, a vegan and dairy-free dish, and an unusual lox tostada done up Southwestern style with avocado spread and Pico de Gallo. Nutritious and energy-restoring snacks like kombucha, hummus and guacamole were available throughout the day. You can also book the in-kitchen “Just Cook for Me” dinner for an additional price and watch while the chef prepares your bespoke meal. If cooking is your passion, there are culinary classes designed to help improve your eating habits.

HOME ON THE RANCH

Family-owned  Rancho la Puerta has just entered its 85th year under the guidance of 102-year-old founder Deborah Szekely. With an unwavering motto of “siempre mejor,”  Szekely and her team inspire “wellness in mind, body and spirit.” Located in the Baja California, Mexico town of Tecate, “The Ranch,” as Rancho la Puerta is affectionately called, is a popular spot for returning guests, many of whom have visited an astonishing thirty or more times.

No cars are needed, and shuttles leave early in the morning from San Diego to travel to Mexico. Many guests arrive in California a day or two before heading to the desert and mountains to adjust to the time difference. I started my visit with a brief stay at the  Hotel Del Coronado, a historic resort on the Pacific Ocean. Inhaling the positive ions from beach yoga and oceanside walks put me in a sloweddown frame of mind, ready to approach my wellness experience South of the Border.

Meals at Rancho are vegetarian but not vegan. Dietary restrictions are noted, and you’re given an identifying stanchion to put on your tray or table. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; if something you’d like isn’t on the day’s menu, you can request it. My favorites were plates of sliced Mexican avocados and Rancho’s special peanut butter. Dinner is served at your table with two entrée choices. Can’t decide between vegetarian and seafood? Choose both, as I generally did, having shrimp with ajillo sauce plated with a chile relleno, for example. The Ranch’s culinary center, La Cocina Que Canta, offers hands-on classes with guest chefs to fine-tune eating and cooking habits.

Rancho pushed me beyond my comfort zone in many ways, in a good way. I can’t say that I’m the most spiritual person, although I’m a dedicated yogini. But the spirituality component at the Ranch is a significant one. I joined in a singing circle, a mindfulness-oriented classical music presentation, and a Feldenkrais session, each moving me a little further towards acceptance and relaxation. WATSU, a water-based therapy, was a perfect prelude to the massages offered at the spa. For even more challenge, you can brave being fully submerged as you’re moved gracefully through the water to effect physiological and psychological benefits. Nose clips are provided.

The Alpha Dog in me had a range of physical challenges as well. Daily hikes got me up and about well before sunrise, one hike finishing with a fabulous breakfast at the Ranch’s farm where a presentation of organic ingredients was as much part of the experience as dining in the middle of the gardens. I also tested my endurance limits on a private guided hike, which took me to Alex’s Oak, a memorial to the owners’ son with a dramatic view of the US-Mexico border.

Tecate is one of Mexico’s designated  pueblo mágicos, and there’s a feeling of magic in the air that extends to Rancho la Puerta. Like Miraval, Rancho is a place to retrench, reset, and absorb the magic of wellness. The blend of woodlands and desert motivates personal reflection. And, like Miraval, there are no televisions to distract or disturb in guests’ well-appointed casitas.

A daily schedule of classes and hikes incorporates fitness, meditation, healthful dining, and learning. The lineup included dance, Pilates or yoga, weight training, and focused physical training, such as shoulder release and flexibility. Paths and trails wind throughout the preserve past fitness buildings, dining areas, a geodesic spirituality dome, spas, and even a coffee bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine—a good thing because alcoholic beverages are not served at meals. Spa treatments urge you to unwind in often unconventional ways. An early-week pressure-point massage was intuitive and somewhat uncomfortable but designed to set your wellness program in motion.

MINDIE’S MUSINGS

FAMILY DIFFERENCES

By Mindie Barnett

Wellness coach, author, and speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, and steering you down a more straight forward path. We welcome your questions and invite you to contact Mindie at: mindiesmusings1@gmail.com

Mindie is available for in-person and virtual wellness therapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett wellness coaching practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session visit mbexecutivehealth.com

Dear Mindie,

As we just wrapped up Mother’s Day and are now headed into the Father’s Day holiday weekend, I can’t help but feel a little saddened. My relationship with my brother, my only sibling, is strained at best, and as our parents continue to age, I can’t help but feel concerned about what the future may look like when they are no longer here. While I have children, I am single, and my brother is my only real adult family outside my parents. I have a few close cousins, but we don’t see each other often and rarely spend holidays together.

I have tried talking with my brother, expressing my desire to become closer and my sadness because we are not. He doesn’t view our relationship as distant and always seems preoccupied with his immediate family (wife and children) and all the siblings he acquired from his wife’s large family. I can’t force someone to want a meaningful relationship with me, but I desperately wish I had a loving brother I could call and count on! What to do? Is this relationship a lost cause? Any insight you can share would be appreciated.

Sincerely,  Sad

Dear Sad,

That is a tricky situation! I hear you saying that you are saddened by your distant relationship with your brother, which is exacerbated by the fact that your parents are aging, and you are also single. It sounds like your brother doesn’t share the same vision and has an entirely different perspective of what your relationship is and should be. That may change in time, especially when your parents are no longer living, and you are his only blood relative left. But you can’t count on that, and my advice to you would be to look beyond your family circle and start to develop familial relationships with those you “choose.”

Friends can and do fill in so many gaps for those who do not have close-knit relationships with family members. In some cases, friends who are more like family can be healthier for us, as well, especially with family connections that are associated with childhood trauma or other negative aspects of our lives, which can be triggered when we are with them.

I recommend you start creating new traditions with a few good core friends, allow yourself to be vulnerable with them, and focus on those relationships instead of ruminating about your strained relationship with your brother. You should not abandon your brother nor give up on the hope that that relationship can change, but I would like you to prepare for the future with some safeguards in place. Until your brother can show you that he is equally invested in your relationship, you cannot count on him to support you in the future. Therefore, leaning into your friends for such support will provide you with a solid foundation now, and if your brother comes around and shows up for you, you will have an added layer of connectivity.

Enjoy your parents now, as well. It is best that we remain present, focusing on the here and now and not dwelling too much on the future. Tomorrow is never promised to any of us, and thinking too far ahead will only diminish the stockpile of happy memories you can acquire with them.

I wish you the best of luck and know you’re not alone. Love,

Mindie xo

© Chris Ruetten

PARK AVE KITCHEN BY DAVID BURKE

A CULINARY OASIS

By Patricia Canole

Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke is akin to entering a chic yet cozy haven. The decor is modern yet inviting, with soft lighting and tasteful accents creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings and intimate dinners. The spacious Brasserie ensures diners can enjoy their meals without feeling crowded during peak hours. But if you want a meal on the go, David Burke’s ingenious Café is steps away. This is Chef Burke’s first foray into the fast-casual arena. He explains the popular two-concept model is due to the vibrant Midtown location in one of the most prestigious office buildings.

What sets Chef David Burke apart is his boundless creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional cooking. Whether it’s his signature Angry Lobster dish or his famous Clothesline Bacon, Burke’s creations are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

PRESENTATION & DETAIL

One of the highlights of dining at Park Ave Kitchen (PAK) is the attention to detail, evident in every aspect of the meal, from the presentation of each dish to the impeccable flavor pairings. Additionally, the restaurant is committed to sustainability. At the heart of Burke’s culinary philosophy lies a deep respect for ingredients and a commitment to innovation. He is known for his playful approach to food, often incorporating unexpected elements and whimsical presentations that delight the senses and challenge the palate.

David Burke is a dyed-in-the-wool Jersey boy. He still chooses life in New Jersey even though three of his restaurants—including the renowned  David Burke Tavern, which has appeared on Top Chef—are in NYC and Long Island. The remaining US restaurants are in New Jersey, Upstate New York and Norh Carolina.

CULINARY GENIUS

The menu at PAK is a testament to culinary innovation, offering a diverse selection of dishes that celebrate local and international flavors. The Brasserie features David Burke signatures such as Clothesline Bacon, black pepper maple glaze, pickle, lemon, Pretzel Crabcake, tomato-orange jam, and chipotle aioli. These are contrasted with dishes representing new culinary territory for a Burke menu, like Rack of Lamb, olives, tomato couscous, merguez sausage, mint, preserved lemon, and Moroccan glaze.

Other menu highlights include Tomato Soup Au Gratin, garlicky croutons, and alphabet noodles; Smoked Salmon Flatbread, horseradish, ricotta, pickled onions, and capers; Lobster Dumplings, tomato-miso dressing, chili oil preserved lemon; and Rock Shrimp Ceviche, avocado, shaved onions, herbs, heirloom tomato, citrus, and coconut leche de tigre among the appetizers.

At the same time, entrée standouts are the likes of Sea Scallops with Butternut Ravioli, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, leeks, and pomegranate; Bison Short Ribs, Jack cheese polenta, crispy squash rings, barbecue essence; and Black Sea Bass Tiki Masala, coconut rice, turmeric, chickpeas, zucchini chips; and Pork Chop with Garlicky Clams and Chorizo, mini macaroni, lemon, herb broth. There will also be what Burke calls “the classics,” such as Steak Frites and Bolognese. And, in keeping with PAK’s two personalities, there are two dishes for two: Dry-Aged “Swinging” Tomahawk Steak, hanging from a hook and hay-smoked at the table, and a Porterhouse.

Dessert? Of course! Luscious menu selections include the Tiny Dancer Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, Cake Pops, and Not So Humble Key Lime Pie. Selecting wine at PAK is more like shopping at a liquor store. The restaurant offers a total of 250 wines—along with fun cocktails, too.

THE CAFÉ

In contrast, the Grab-n-Go Café is a symphony of white, black, and gray hues characterized by their intricate interchange on the floor. Large gray and white woven bistro chairs tempt patrons to sit at round white marble tables with occasional black and gray streaks.

The two spaces are separated by the marble-topped bar and fluted translucent panels on the brasserie side, the stainless-steel grabgo cases on the café’s side, and another of Burke’s artworks in between, a colorful steampunk console.

In the Café, the house-made packaged offerings in the cases, including a seasonally rotating roster of at least twelve salads and the same number of sandwiches, are complemented by madeto-order hot items from the open kitchen. They include the PAK Burger, sauce, pickles, sesame seed bun; Pizzas; and, for the first time, individual slabs of the Clothesline Bacon, which also grace the Clothesline Bacon BLT. Then, there is the crispy chicken sandwich called The Road Runner.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, the Café’s extensive selection of baked goods—breakfast pastries, cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, and the bread for the grab-n-go sandwiches-hail from Dixie Lee Bakery by David Burke, a 90-year NJ institution, which Burke (who studied pastry at France’s famed École D’Arts Culinaires Lenôtre purchased two years ago.

Park Ave Kitchen is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of NYC. With its impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and inviting ambiance, it’s no wonder this establishment has quickly become a favorite among discerning food enthusiasts.

For more information on Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke, visit parkavekitchenbydb.com

FRENA

ENJOY ELEVATED MIDDLE EASTERN EATS

By Anne Raso

Frena is a cutting-edge Middle Eastern restaurant in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen that is quite the foodie hotspot of the moment. This restaurant is set in a renovated all-glass storefront that gives a light and airy feeling- and is perfect for people-watching while you dine. Keeping your eyes off the gorgeous, authentic cuisine that includes some hard-to-find Israeli and Moroccan dishes will be hard. (Executive Chef Efi Naon is a native Israeli who brings some of these favorites to the Frena menu, much to his fans’ delight).

Frena rose from the ashes of Naon’s previous Hell’s Kitchen eatery, Taboon, which was sadly lost in a fire three years ago. His regular customers were devastated; they now comprise many of  Frena’s clientele. The excitement of Naon’s return resulted in lines around the block when  Frena opened in March. This dedicated chef is a 1995 graduate of the Tadmor Institute in Tel Aviv and staffed the kitchen not only at Taboon but at Oceana at the Club Hotel Loutraki in Greece and at Barbounia and Bustan in NYC.

Says Naon, “The excitement of our return has been incredibly heartwarming. I have been touched to see many familiar faces who loved dining at  Taboon quickly becoming Frena regulars. This has truly been a homecoming experience. While a new concept with a completely different feel,  Frena maintains the heart of  Taboon with a menu inspired by previous favorites, coming from the same oven seasoned from years of feeding hungry New Yorkers.”

Frena  takes pride in being well-priced and offering modern updates on the best Middle Eastern fare, including amazing fresh-out-of-the-oven bread served on beautiful handmade wood cutting boards and dips (including what is the city’s best  Tzatziki). Just for the record, a traditional Middle Eastern oven is called a taboon (resulting in the name of Naon’s last eatery).

MIDDLE EASTERN INFLUENCES

Explains Naon, “Our modern dishes draw inspirations from across the Middle Eastern region, with strong influences coming from my Jewish-Moroccan upbringing. My French culinary training further adds to the modernization of the dishes. The seasonings and focus on fresh ingredients will be familiar to anyone who regularly enjoys Middle Eastern cooking, while its application often features a more contemporary twist.”

Speaking of fresh ingredients, one of the ways Frena achieves culinary greatness is via the executive chef’s firsthand approach to selecting ingredients from local farms. He tells  New York Lifestyles Magazine, “I do all the sourcing, and most items are from local farms, but there are big vendors I have been working with for many years, and they source for me.”

When we visited Frena, we were thrilled to taste the fantastic goldencrusted puffy bread from the clay “taboon” oven. The most popular was the  Frena Bread (made with wild dry za-atar, Maldon salt, and olive oil).

MIX & MATCH MIDDLE EASTERN DIPS

Dips are served in sets of three and five; choices include Matbucha (tomato, garlic, and olive oil), Labne (strained yogurt nigella seeds and sweet pepper chutney), and Cauliflower Hummus (tahini, Aleppo peppers, and sunflower seeds). Most guests utilize the Frena Bread with dips as appetizers (the bread is large enough to serve four guests), but there are many small plates to share. We tried the fantastic golden Moroccan Cigars (made with Wagyu, Ras-el-Hanour, and tahini) and the very filling and fresh Chatzil Frena (Frena-roasted eggplant, tomato, and Stracciatella).

Several lovely, farm-fresh salads are offered to fill out your meal, including a Roasted Beet Salad (made with Frena roasted beets, saffron skordalia, and black currants) and a Baby Gem Salad (made with root vegetables, Jerusalem stone yogurt, and champagne vinaigrette).

BIG & BOLD

Our delightful and generous large plates included the Prime NY Strip (braised and topped with gratin potatoes and a huge bone filled with marrow) and Latke Crusted Sea Bass (served with Swiss chard sabzi and rice bean). The steak weighed over twelve ounces, and the sea bass dish included two filets.

Frena has a list of exotic desserts that you can’t go without trying, including Knaffe (Kadayif, sweet cheese, glazed orange syrup, and honey-lavender gelato) and Sutlac Chou (Turkish rice pudding, seasonal berry salad, and passionfruit crème anglaise)! We shared the Sticky Date Toffee Cake (made with Medjool dates, dark rum caramel, and tiramisu Chantilly cream) and slowly savored every sweet bite!

CHEF FAVORITES

What is Chef Naon’s favorite item on the menu, and what are the most popular with the guests? He remarks, “It’s impossible to say you’ve been to  Frena if you are not enjoying the dips. If the meal doesn’t start with Hummus, Matbucha, or Spicy Feta, you have not had the true experience. Guests love the Lamb Terra Cotta because of its unique presentation under a covering of Frena Bread and for its spicy flavoring. This and our Grilled Spanish Octopus, Moroccan Cigars, Falafel, Shish Barak, and Braised Oxtail Tortellini are among the most popular dishes and personal favorites. My favorites are the Crab ‘Schwarma’ Toast, Fresh Squid Hamachi, Wagyu Beef Cheeks, and Latke Crusted Sea Bass ”

We naturally had to get Chef Naon’s summer “specials” menu. He remarked, “We’re excited to announce the start of our brunch service and outdoor dining this summer. The brunch will include an entire  Shakshuka  (eggs poached in a tomato sauce) menu, among other twists on regional classics.”

For more information on Frena, visit frena.nyc

GREAT BITES

SUMMER FOOD TRENDS & RECIPES

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Summer is one of the most amazing times of year when it comes to food and beverage. Dark, heavy dishes with warm flavors give way to lighter fare with citrus notes and bright flavors. It is also the time of year when creativity counts the most as it relates to trying new things to ensure those dishes and cocktails are lighter, but still deliver on flavor and experience. After all, who wants a heavy meal on a 95-degree day at 100% humidity?

Summer meals can be incredible in so many ways. Same with cocktails. But they can also fall flat on their face. As an example, if the cook or chef is chasing trends and not paying attention to the flavor, that dish you’ve been looking forward to will likely taste no better than cardboard. And for cocktails, chasing trends can be even more dangerous for your palate due to inferior ingredients being used in certain products. This month, I wanted to give our readers updates on trends, a few product recommendations, and some insatiable recipes to get you ready for summer!

TRENDS & PRODUCTS

Food trends are extremely subjective. And those trends are often dictated by people with an agenda like selling you products. Well, you know the only agenda I have is delivering killer dishes to my guests and helping our readers enjoy a flavor adventure. So, here are our trends to watch for the summer.

Barbecue: The standard accessory for any backyard summer is a barbecue grill. Then comes the age-old argument of gas vs charcoal vs electric (especially given the popularity of air fryers). I am a barbecue purist, so for me I will always be a charcoal fan. In my opinion, it delivers better flavor, quality and who doesn’t love smelling like a smokestack after slaving over a hot grill? When it comes to entertaining though, there is always room for a flattop in the backyard grilling wars. You have a much larger surface to work with, and it is easier to make large quantities of food than a traditional charcoal grill. Then there is the pellet grill category, and who could forget the recent popularity of having a backyard smoker? Normally I don’t recommend anything other than charcoal, but Weber (whose brand of charcoal grills I have always bought) just released a new beast in the BBQ arena, the Searwood 600 Pellet Grill for $899.00. This innovation combines the best of a smoker and a pellet grill. Info: weber.com

Salads: The majority of salads are consumed between May and October. It is an undeniable fact. However, not all salads are created equally. Summer salads tend to be much lighter, often using chicken or fish as a protein, rarely using beef. Also, remember that salad dressing is usually the majority of calories in our green, leafy dishes, so you want to err on the side of caution when purchasing those yummy, flavored dressings at the grocery store. Pro Tip: If you are watching your waistline, natural citrus and herbs can load a salad with incredible flavor, adding minimal calories to your dish.

Canned Cocktails: In terms of trends, canned cocktails are the pet rock of the 2020’s. For the most part, these chemical-tasting, acid-reflux inducing annoying cans and bags for the mixology impaired are a no-go for me. However, there is one exception to this sentiment, Superbird Tequila’s line of Paloma and Tequila Sunrise cans. It’s all about quality. Using an incredible tequila as their base, Superbird delivers on amazing flavor with no heartburn. And the packaging is stunning! Try the Tequila Sunrise version which starts at $10.99. For any others, you are going to need to get some Pepto Bismol. Info: drinksuperbird.com

Nostalgia: Look for nostalgic-oriented dishes and cocktails to show up everywhere this summer. Whenever you have a recession, high inflation or a time of uncertainty, consumers tend to go back to comfort foods, flavor profiles from their childhood, etc. It reminds them of a simpler time, or a better time in their minds. We are already seeing flavors like candy from the 70’s and 80’s trending in cocktails and desserts. And who could possibly forget some of those nostalgic staples from our childhood like Chipwich? After disappearing in 2011, the brand was acquired by Crave Better Foods in 2017 and made a triumphant return to freezers across the country in 2018. Crave Better Foods also spent a lot of time restoring the Chipwich to its former glory, bringing back high-quality ingredients. Today, the iconic frozen novelty is made of premium vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two sweet, chewy chocolate chunk cookies and then rolled in crunchy, real chocolate chips—the signature detail that makes a Chipwich a Chipwich. The brand is available in Original Vanilla Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, and Girl Scout Thin Mints. A 3-pack of any of the aforementioned retails for about $5 at most grocers and food retailers. Info: chipwich.com

Sugar: Moderation is key in any desire, be it sugar, alcohol or whatever vice you enjoy. Recently though, manufacturers have been replacing sugar on their ingredient labels for something far more sinister, sweeteners like xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol and maltitol. They are sometimes referred to as sugar alcohols and come with their own health issues. While overloading on sugar causes weight gain, heart damage and more, the sweetener alternatives that are being put into our foods are far more dangerous. Once in your intestinal tract, sugar alcohol is fermented by colonic bacteria. That releases gas, which leads to bloating, cramps, pain, and diarrhea. And one common sugar alcohol, erythritol, has been linked to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. So please check labels of packaged foods and sauces to make sure you know what you are eating!

Summer Mixology: Now you may think I am crazy, but while I love a good vodka or gin drink in the summer, I can never ignore my go-to, bourbon. And what better bourbon whiskey than the stuff legends are made of…yes, I am knocking on Heaven’s Door for this one. My friends at the Bob Dylan-founded brand came through in-style with the recipe on the next page, Kentucky Buck. While bourbon, for many, tends to be a more winter or cooler temperature spirit, it can also make an incredible summer drink. After all, there is a reason why the Mint Julep is the unofficial drink of the south! This recipe, the Kentucky Buck, uses lemon juice, ginger syrup and muddled strawberries to lighten the cocktail and deliver those incredible summer flavors we all clamor for at the bar! Bearing in mind, that muddling is not what most people think it is. When you muddle the strawberries, or mint for a mojito, do not shred the berries or the leaves. You want to use the muddler to gently press the juices out of the ingredient to release the flavor.

RECIPES

Kentucky Buck

Ingredients

2 oz Heaven’s Door Ascension

.75 oz Lemon Juice

.75 oz Ginger Syrup

2 diced strawberries

Soda to top

Method Muddle the strawberries in a shaker.

· Add Heaven’s Door Ascension, lemon juice, and ginger syrup and shake until slightly chilled.

· Pour into a Collins glass over large format ice, top with soda.

· Garnish with a thin slice of strawberry and candied ginger in a Collins glass.

Summer is amazing for locally grown fruits and vegetables, especially in Hudson Valley. When I was a little boy, my favorite cake was a Strawberry Shortcake. My Grammie used to make it for me every June 28th (my birthday). Since then, I have made some changes to the traditional recipe, including using an added, secret ingredient, basil!

Sean-Patrick’s Strawberry Basil Shortcakes

Shortcakes

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface

6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 cup heavy cream

1 large egg, beaten

Strawberries

1½ pound fresh strawberries, hulled, quartered, divided

4 tablespoons sugar, divided

2 sprigs basil

2 cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons crème fraiche

Method/Shortcakes

· Preheat oven to 400°. Whisk sugar, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups flour in a large bowl. Using your fingers, work in butter until there are a few pea-size pieces of butter remaining. Add cream. Mix until dough just comes together.

· Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 12x4” rectangle about ¾” thick. You will need to cut out rounds with a 2½” biscuit cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed to make 8 rounds.

· Whisk egg with 1 Tbsp. water in a small bowl. Transfer rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash. Bake until tops are golden brown and shortcakes are cooked through, 15–20 minutes.

Method/Berries and Assembly

· You want to make a berry compote. Chop 2 cups strawberries (use any bruised or less perfect ones) and cook with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until berries are softened and mixture is slightly thickened, (about 5 minutes). Let compote cool.

· Toss together basil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and remaining 1 cup strawberries in a medium bowl and let sit until fruit begins to release juices (about 10 mins). Discard basil.

· Using an electric mixer or hand mixer, beat cream, crème fraîche, and remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar to soft peaks (about 4 minutes).

· Split shortcakes and fill with berry compote, whipped cream mixture, and macerated strawberries.Serve and enjoy!

While summer is one of the most flavorful times of year, it is also that time of year when we tend to enjoy those flavors a little too much. Remember that moderation will help across the board, especially with alcohol consumption, so that you can continue to enjoy those Chipwich novelties, Superbird cans, Heaven’s Door cocktails and Strawberry Basil Shortcakes! Bon appetit!

TONY PARKER

A FROM THE BASKETBALL COURT TO THE VINEYARD

By Darren Paltrowitz | Photos courtesy of Chateau La Mascaroone

four-time NBA Champion and six-time All-Star, few professional basketball players have succeeded on the court comparable to Tony Parker. However, professional basketball is only one of the areas in which this Belgian-born athlete has excelled. He has owned sports organizations (including stakes in French basketball clubs LDLC ASVEL and ASVEL Féminin and the National Women’s Soccer League’s OL Reign), been part of notable film and television projects (e.g. Netflix’s Call My Agent, the documentary Tony Parker: The Final Shot), recorded charting music (the 2007 album TP), served on executive and advisory boards (including leadership of the sports, artists and entertainment division of NorthRock Partners), and worked extensively as a philanthropist.

Tony Parker has found a new industry to conquer—wine. Parker has partnered with Michel Reybier, an entrepreneur and visionary, for the past 40 years. Founder of Aoste—which many consider to be the first fine European charcuterie—Reybier is the founder and owner of La Réserve hotels in Paris, Geneva, Zurich and Ramatuelle, as well as Domaines Reybier, which includes the Cos d’Estournel, Domaine Impérial Tokaj-Hétszölö, Champagne Michel Reybier, Champagne Jeeper, Château La Mascaronne, and La Lauzade wineries in Provence.

FROM THE GRAPEVINE

Parker is now directly involved with Reybier’s wineries in Champagne and Château La Mascaronne, an iconic estate in Le Luc in Provence. Convinced by the potential, Reybier purchased Château La Mascaronne in 2020. With terroir and conditions ideal for producing an outstanding rosé wine, Château La Mascaronne is known to craft expressive and balanced wines solely from the estate’s grapes. Certified Agriculture Biologique since 2016, the estate’s 60-hectare vineyard is a single, continuous plot of land surrounded by oak and olive trees.

In an interview with  New York Lifestyles Magazine, Parker mentioned that he and Reybier had first connected via a similar interest within the sports world. “We met through mutual friends. In the early 2000s, he used to own the basketball team that I own now,” began Parker. “He knew that I wanted to invest in wine. After talking for a year, we just agreed to become partners together. Then I became the ambassador for La Mascaron and Jeeper.”

So, was Tony Parker, a renowned athlete who maintained intense conditioning throughout his teens, 20s, and 30s, always a fan of wine? “I’m French; it’s in my culture. I was lucky enough to play for a coach who loved wine. Coach Gregg Popovich is a big wine lover with a huge collection.”

PLAYING THE KNICKS

Parker has fond memories of New York. Having played for the San Antonio Spurs most of his basketball career, he and his teammates sometimes head straight to the airport after playing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “We always enjoyed dinners,” he said. “We were famous for our dinners, the Spurs. We were the frontrunners to have wine in the NBA.” New York sports fans, of course, could be harsh on game days. “They’re tough, for sure, because they know their basketball.”

Nowadays, Parker feels it is common for professional athletes to be public with their appreciation for wine. “When I arrived in ’01, it was more hard alcohol. Maybe when the NBA changed the dress code, and we had to dress up and be classy, people were drinking more wine. Now you see it all over the NBA with Dwyane Wade, Steph Curry, Carmelo Anthony—everybody’s got their vineyards, or you can see LeBron posting a great vintage that he drank from one of the great castles of wine.” And which is Parker’s favorite wine to enjoy these days? “I love all three colors and dessert wines, too.”

For more information on Tony Parker and his wines, visit chateau-lamascaronne.com; Instagram.com/tonyparker09

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

LATEST FLICKS FROM OSCAR FAVORITES

THE BIKERIDERS

R

Previous Academy Award acting nominees Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Michael Shannon join Emmy a Jodie Comer in this rough tale of a real Midwestern motorcycle gang formed in 1965. Tough guys abound, as does some romance, as the gang escalates from being just “bikeriders” into violence, drug dealing, and lots more criminal activities. Butler’s the latest in a long line of hunks on bikes—think Marlon Brando in 1953’s The Wild One and you’ve got the idea.

INSIDE OUT 2

Not yet rated

HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA—CHAPTER ONE

R

It’s been over 30 years since Kevin Costner won Oscars for directing and producing Dances with Wolves; in fact, he has only directed three films in his long career. Now, after his modern Western TV hit Yellowstone, he’s taken a big leap to go back to starring, writing, and directing a Wild West trilogy of films known as Horizon: An American Saga. This first chapter begins the saga of the pre- and post-Civil War story that explores the colonization of America’s west. Chapter Two arrives in August, with a third to come in 2025. Oscar nominees Thomas Haden Church and Kathleen Quinlan join a star-studded cast for Costner’s epic saga.

Every child and adult who loved the Oscar-winning 2015 animated film Inside Out will rejoice with this sequel to the story of Riley, who’s now a teenager. Amy Poehler returns as her voice, as do Lewis Black as Anger and Phyllis Smith as Sadness. Tony Hale joins as Fear, as does Ayo Edebiri as Envy, just some of the emotions that pop out as Riley negotiates those fraught teenage years. Disney/Pixar are at it again in another must-see full-length cartoon for all ages.

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

Not yet rated

KINDS OF KINDNESS

Not yet rated

Will this be the movie that gives five-time Oscar nominee Yorgos Lanthimos a golden statue? As the auteur director/producer of Poor Things and The Favourite, he’s certainly making movies unlike any other (and that we just adore), filled with Oscar-winning performances. Emma Stone, who won Best Actress for Poor Things, again stars in his heady visions, along with four-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe. Plus, fellow acting nominees Jesse Plemons and Hong Chau are along to realize Lanthimos’ weird and slightly wacky cinematic vision in this comedy-drama, so what’s not to like?

Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o and two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou join forces to silently bring the terrifying origin story of A Quiet Place to the big screen in this summer horror flick. Creator John Krasinski returns as screenwriter, but his wife Emily Blunt isn’t a part of this one, as the setting is before the original movie. This one is in NYC, as the sound-loving aliens descend on the city that never sleeps. Alex Wolff and Joseph Quinn costar in this film that is sure to make you make way too much noise as it unfolds.

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

BIOPICS ABOUT VERY DIFFERENT MEN

BECOMING KARL LAGERFELD

Hulu

You know Daniel Bruhl from movies like Rush, Inglourious Basterds, and Captain designer Karl Lagerfeld as he came to fame in the 1970s. This miniseries is filled with passion, fashion, and the gay aesthete of those wild times in France and beyond. With reallife characters like Yves Saint-Laurent, Andy Warhol, and Paloma Picasso, this look at that combustible time is sure to fascinate fashionistas of today.

PRESUMED INNOCENT

Apple TV+

CLIPPED

FX/Hulu

This messy biopic tale follows the life of billionaire attorney Donald Sterling, who bought the L.A. Clippers NBA basketball team in 1981 and lost it in disgrace in 2014, when his racist feelings became public knowledge via one of his mistresses. Three-time Emmy winner Ed O’Neill takes on the role of the now-90-year-old Sterling, while twotime Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver plays his wife Shelly; Laurence Fishburne, also an Oscar nominee, plays Black American Doc Rivers, who was the Clippers coach at the time. It is a sordid story, well told.

CRIMINAL TYPES

David E. Kelley’s newest series based on the Scott Turow novel stars Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal as a Chicago prosecutor accused of the murder of a female colleague (played by Renee Reinsve). As a complex web of lies and betrayal unfolds, it is hard to guess who really dunit. Costarring Ruth Negga, another Oscar nominee, as well as Peter Sarsgaard (Jake’s real-life brother-inlaw), this one is a real crime thriller, the thing Kelley does best.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON SEASON TWO

HBO

TRIGGER WARNING Netflix

Jessica Alba stars in her first film in five years, a Netflix original all about a US Special Forces expert who returns home to find all hell breaking loose around her father’s bar. She has got the military fighting chops to defend her family in this action thriller to her Dark Angel roots.

DRAGONS RETURN!

So, we normally only do new shows in this space, but after waiting almost two years for the Game of Thrones prequel to return, we just had to make sure everyone knows it is finally back. House of the Dragon returns with a vengeance, as the Targaryen dynasty brings all its fascinating dysfunction, fabulous blonde hair, and those fantastic fire-breathing dragons (and their riders) leading the story of the incredible world created by George R.R. Martin. We know exactly where we will be on June 16. How about you?

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS

IT’S PRIME STREAMING SEASON

By Patricia Canole

As the summer movie season heats up in 2024, streaming platforms are serving up their blockbuster films set to make a big splash. The competition between major platforms is heating up, with each staking their claim as a destination for theatrical-quality event viewing from the comfort of your couch. With superheroes, spies, toys gone wild, and visionary sci-fi worlds in the mix, the only impossible mission will be deciding what to watch first! So, get the chips and popcorn ready and settle in for these must-see streaming hits.

JUNE

ULTRAMAN: RISING

Netflix/June 14th

Ultraman: Rising is an adaptation of the wildly popular Japanese Ultraman franchise. Ultraman: Rising will introduce a new generation of American audiences to the familiar animated characters. The film follows Ken Sato, a famous but egotistical baseball player living a secret life as the giant superhero Ultraman. Ken is forced to balance his career and hero duties, which gets increasingly complicated when he reluctantly adopts a baby kaiju after defeating her mother.

THE ELECTRIC STATE

Apple TV+/June 23rd

BREAD & ROSES

Apple TV+/June 21st

From producer Jennifer Lawrence,  Bread & Roses offers a powerful window into the seismic impact that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021 had on women’s rights and livelihoods. The documentary follows three women in real-time as they fight to recover their autonomy. Director Sahra Mani (who also made the documentary  A Thousand Girls Like Me) captures the spirit and resilience of Afghan women through a raw depiction of their harrowing plight. The film is said to be both a harrowing inside revelation of the Taliban takeover and an inspiring and universal portrait of womanhood and individuality.

From the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame) comes this postapocalyptic road movie based on the artwork of Simon Stålenhag. Millie Bobby Brown stars as a teenager traversing the American West with a unique robotic companion voiced by Chris Evans. With its striking visual palette and thought-provoking exploration of human connection in a ravaged future,  The Electric State  could be this summer’s cerebral sci-fi streaming gem.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Netflix/June 28th

People have been waiting for A Family Affair, which was held up because of the actor’s strike last year. Director Richard LaGravenese (Beautiful Creatures, P.S., I Love You) returns with a bright rom-com that dives deep into cringe. The movie chronicles the ramifications of Joey King’s character after she walks in on her boss (played by Zac Efron) making love with her mother (Nicole Kidman). Believe it or not, Kidman and Efron also played a romantic pair in  The Paperboy. This time, things are much brighter and funnier in a movie that includes Liza Koshy and Kathy Bates.

JULY

BEVERLY HILL COPS: AXEL F

Netflix/July 3rd

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is the fourth film in the franchise and was released 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III—and Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley. The film revolves around Axel Foley’s return to Beverly Hills after his daughter Jane’s (Taylour Paige) life is threatened. She and Axel team up with her ex-boyfriend, Detective Bobby Abbot (Joseph GordonLevitt), who is Axel’s new partner. Axel also teams up with his old pals John Taggart (John Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.

SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY

Netflix/July 19th

DESCENDANTS: THE RISE OF RED

Disney+/July 12th

Descendants: The Rise of Red is the fourth entry in the popular Disney Channel Original film franchise, five years after the third film focused on the children of Disney villains. This fourth movie follows a new cast of characters in the form of Red (the daughter  Alice in Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts) and Chloe Charming (the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming from Cinderella). Brandy reprises her role of Cinderella from the 1997 television film Disney made, making Descendants: The Rise of Red a sequel to the Descendants films and the 1997 Cinderella film.

The hype for this documentary at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival was as sky-high as its subjects. Jeff Zimbalist’s ‘Skywalkers showcases the love story of two lawbreaking, death-defying Russian stuntpeople who sneak to the tallest skyscrapers and traverse the tippy tops, sharing photos of their escapades. The film follows rooftopping influencers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus as they traverse harrowing heights and share their story with the world, featuring stunning footage likely to induce vertigo even on the small screen streaming on Netflix.

AUGUST

DAUGHTERS

Netflix/August 14th

THE INSTIGATORS

Apple TV+/August 9th

The Instigators is a heist comedy about dysfunctional thieves who drag their therapist into their crimes. It seems like the perfect fit for director Brian Liman, who excels at action comedies such as  Go, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Edge of Tomorrow, Locked Down, and  American Made.  The Instigators has a phenomenal cast led by Matt Damon and co-writer Casey Affleck, alongside Hong Chau, Paul Walter Hauser, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jack Harlow, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, and Ron Perlman.

A moving portrait of empathy and forgiveness, Daughters  traces an eight-year documentary journey by filmmaker Natalie Rae and social change advocate Angela Patton. The film intimately follows Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana as they prepare for a momentous Father-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers. Speaking openly about their aspirations, dreams, and the emotional toll of their father’s absence, compounded by the constraints of virtual visits, these girls reveal profound wisdom and resilience beyond their years. As they navigate heartbreak, anger, and uncertainty, they seize a precious opportunity to forge connections.

THE UNION

Netflix/August 16th

The Union is an action-comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, J.K. Simmons, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Alice Lee, Jessica De Gouw, and Jackie Earl Haley. The plot revolves around a construction worker roped into the espionage world by his former high school girlfriend. The film is directed by Julian Farino, best known for his work directing the HBO series Entourage.

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

SUMMER BEACH READS

By Patricia Canole

Supposedly, a beach read is a book you happen to be reading when your toes are in the sand and you’re soaking up some vitamin D from the source. But some qualities set it apart from  your average, everyday excellent book. Despite their reputation as light fare, beach reads must hold the reader in their grip. Below, find vastly different stories that will keep you entertained and moved to Labor Day.

THE WOMEN

By Kristin Hannah St. Martin’s Press

This book will pull on your heartstrings. Opening in the mid-1960s, during the Vietnam War, and spanning two decades, it follows Frankie McGrath, who joins the Army Nurse Corps.  Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in Southern California’s sun-drenched, idyllic world and sheltered by conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But 1965 the world was changing, and she suddenly dared to imagine a different future. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.

As inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life, death, hope, and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered instantly. In war, she meets and becomes one of the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women  is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country have too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism,  The Women  is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will define an era. It’s an emotional book that you won’t be able to put down. It’s also a story that will stay with you long after reading.

LEAVING

By Roxana Robinson W. W. Norton & Company

Former college flames Warren and Sarah meet at the opera after years (and marriages) have gone by.

Sarah and Warren’s college love story ended in a single moment. Decades later, when a chance meeting brings them together, a passion ignites— threatening the foundations of their lives. Since they parted in college, each has married, raised a family, and made a career. When they meet again, Sarah is divorced and living outside New York, while Warren is still married and living in Boston.

Seeing Warren sparks an awakening in Sarah, who feels emotionally alive for the first time in decades. Still, she hesitates to reclaim a chance at love after her painful divorce and years of framing her life around her children and her work. Warren has no reservations: he wants to leave his marriage but fears how his wife and daughter will react. As their affair intensifies, Sarah and Warren must confront the moral responsibilities of their love for their families and each other.

It is an engaging exploration of the vows we make to one another, the tensile relationships between parents and their children, and what we owe to others and ourselves.

Leaving delves beautifully into what families are to each other and what’s owed to them, love in our later years, and how to balance passion and morality.

ONE OF US KNOWS

By Alyssa Cole

William Morrow

From the critically acclaimed bestselling author of When No One Is Watching comes a riveting thriller about the new caretaker of a historic estate who finds herself trapped on an island with a murderer—and the ghosts of her past.

Years after a breakdown and a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder derailed her historical preservationist career, Kenetria Nash and her alters have been given a second chance they can’t refuse: a position as resident caretaker of a historic home. Having been dormant for years, Ken has no idea what led them to this isolated Hudson River Island, but she’s determined not to ruin their opportunity.

Then, a surprise visit from the home’s conservation trust just as a Nor’easter bears down on the island disrupts her newfound life, leaving Ken trapped with possibly dangerous strangers— including the man who brought her life tumbling down years earlier. When he turns up dead, Ken is the prime suspect.

Caught in a web of secrets and in a race against time, Ken and her alters must band together to prove their innocence and discover the truth of Kavanaugh Island—and their own past—or they risk losing not only their future but also their lives.

One of Us Knows will keep your heart beating while relaxing by the shore.

ANARCHY AT ALMACKS

ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST

By Xochitl Gonzalex Flatiron Books

If you couldn’t look away from the relationship dynamics explored in Anatomy of a Fall, you’ll want to read Xochitl Gonzalez’s Anita de Monte Laughs Last.

It’s 1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998, Anita’s name had been all but forgotten certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student, was preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. Like her, students of color are the minority there, and the pressure to work twice as hard for the same opportunities is no secret.

But when Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she unexpectedly rises to the social ranks. As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, raising questions about the dynamics of her relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist.

Moving back and forth through time and told from the perspectives of both women, Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite.

Well-paced and entertaining, this story about tragic power dynamics and dueling careers is heavy but flies by.

A Story Of Love At First Sight

By Nola Saint James Nemeton Press

It’s love at first sight across Almack’s crowded ballroom for Lord Maximillian Browning and breathtaking, red-haired Miss Rowan Higbee. There’s only one problem: they can’t seem to get introduced to one another!

Admiralty spy Lord Maximillian Francis Browning, Max to his friends, is looking at the newest crop of young ladies coming out at Almacks Assembly Rooms when he is stunned by the entrance of three stunning, red-haired women. Max is irresistibly drawn to a young woman with dark red hair. Max knows right then that Miss Rowan Higbee, eldest daughter of the fabulously wealthy Baron Edanmore, is destined to be his wife. He begins to move across the room to seek an introduction.

A riot breaks out at Almacks before they can meet. Succeeding attempts to get Max and Rowan together also meet with failure. The course of true love—Rowan and Max’s story of love at first sight—plays out against the background of the 1804 London Season. Before they can find their happy ending, they must contend with an eccentric French modiste, a Venetian Breakfast gone awry, a hot-headed brother, an abduction, and unlikely villains. Max doesn’t know it, but Rowan’s past may present the biggest obstacle.

When writing a Regency-era romance, Nola Saint James (Rabbi Dr. Jo David›s literary persona) considered how her characters were influenced by some aspects of the 10 Commandments. The giving of the 10 Commandments, celebrated by Jews on the holiday of Shavuot, is one of Judaism›s most important cultural contributions to the development of European society, according to Rabbi David. They are a covenant—a contract—for maintaining a civil society. During the Regency era, those societal norms and covenants began to be challenged in many ways.

SOLID GOLD CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

ICONIC BRAND CELEBRATES HEALTH & WELLNESS IN THEIR GOLDEN YEAR

BySean-Patrick M. Hillman

Have you ever walked down either the cat or dog food aisle at a pet store? Did you notice how many different brands, types, and flavors there are? Today, we want to talk about America’s first holistic pet food brand, Solid Gold. 2024 marks their 50th anniversary of innovating within the pet food category with dry foods, wet foods, treats, toppers and supplements that support your pet’s health and vitality.

Founded 50 years ago by Sissy McGill with the philosophy that every pet deserves to be happy and healthy, Solid Gold made an indelible mark on the pet food space. A mark that is still seen, and felt, on the shelves of pet stores across the country. From its early days as America’s first holistic pet food brand, Solid Gold has spent half a century innovating and evolving their products to adapt to the everchanging needs of our furrever friends.

So, what inspired the start of the brand that literally created a six-billion-dollar industry in natural and holistic pet food? “I never thought I was a trailblazer. It’s something that had to be done - about time someone did it!” said Sissy McGill. To understand this mindset, we need to first understand the founder, Sissy McGill, and her story.

A child of the Great Depression McGill learned at a young age that a good, strong work ethic was vital. Her mother, one of the only female teachers in the university system at the time, and her father, both preached the philosophy of “those that don’t work, don’t eat.” A hard lesson for a child to learn, but one that served McGill well throughout her life, even in the development of the Solid Gold brand.

TIME MARCHES ON

Years later, Sissy McGill began her professional career as a dancer and teacher in New York. Through her father, Sissy met a bartender from Bayonne, NJ. That bartender was Jackie Gleason. As time marched on, and Gleason’s meteoric rise to fame happened, Gleason asked McGill to join the cast of The Jackie Gleason Show as a “Solid Gold Dancer.” It was a time in McGill’s life that profoundly impacted her destiny. Hence her nod to Gleason, and her time at the show, literally naming her iconic brand after her former moniker.

Sissy eventually married, and divorced, and moved across the country, and began breeding and showing Great Danes at competitions, traveling to Germany with some frequency to learn more about the breed and how best to care for them. Unfortunately, two of her dogs, which were like her children, eventually passed away from bloat which drove Sissy to seek out a better option, and she was determined to come up with something to help keep her dogs healthy. Sissy went back to Germany to discover HundeFlocken (translates to dog food flakes). Knowing how much better the ingredients were in this product, Sissy began using this formula to feed her charges. Realizing how much better her dogs were responding to this formula, McGill began developing different formulations, using superfoods, out of her own garage. As she was still breeding, showing, and competing, McGill handed out free samples of the food she was making.

After a few years, word began to spread about McGill’s food product leading to, in 1974, the launch of Solid Gold pet food. The first product? Another homage to her past, “Hund-N-Flocken” which is still a best-seller 50 years later.

Ever since that fateful first product captivated the market, Sissy McGill had continued to innovate the brand through formulas, wholesome ingredients that are better for pets and more. McGill, considered by many to be the reason why natural and holistic pet food became such a popular pet food category, has won countless accreditation and accolades by the pet community and trade audiences for her tireless work in providing healthier fare to furrever friends across the globe.

MORE FORMULAS & RECIPES

Over the last few decades, the brand has developed even more innovative formulas and recipes, now powered by their nutrientboost™ proprietary blend, still paying homage to the way Sissy once incorporated superfoods and wholesome ingredients. Nutrientboost™ is powered by plasma and veterinarian recommended for gut health and nutrient absorption*. As America’s first holistic pet food brand, Solid Gold has always believed that the key to good health starts in the gut.

Through the combination of whole superfoods, probiotics and omega fatty acids, the Solid Gold diet has provided transformative nutrition for pets for 50 years. At Solid Gold, they nourish your pet, inside and out by providing all pets the ideal nutritional foundation they need to achieve gut health and overall wellness.

Using high quality ingredients and unmatched quality in their product line, as well as a best-in-class customer service team, there is a reason why this now iconic brand has made that indelible mark on the pet industry and has withstood the test of time; their very founder and the team that manages the brand today, all of whom have their own furrever ones who eat Solid Gold!

Solid Gold is available on Amazon.com, Chewy.com, PetSmart.com, Petco.com, PetFlow.com and HealthyPets.com -- as well as in store at many retail locations across the country at PetSmart, Petco, Walmart, Target, and local independent pet stores. Speaking as someone who has had over 20 pets in my life, and rescued over 100,000 animals, I can tell you that brands like Solid Gold are extremely rare. Looking at their history, understanding the science behind the brand, and knowing some of the players involved, I can tell you that Solid Gold is everything they have purported themselves to be over their storied 50-year history. And today, the brand continues to innovate and deliver on its promise of providing loving nourishment for our furrever friends.

*Solid Gold Nutrientboost is veterinarian recommended based on online survey of 507 vets conducted by Applied Marketing Science/AMS in Dec 2023; Respondents were compensated for their time.

For more information on Solid God Nutrientboost, visit solidgoldpet.com

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

JESSICA PERRONE: OVERCOMING INVESTMENT HURDLES

By AP Connolly

Investing can be daunting for many women, leaving them overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. As someone who personally experienced this struggle, Jessica Perrone, founder of Her Financial IQ—HerFinIQ—understands women’s challenges. Growing up as the oldest of eight kids without any money or investing conversations, she quickly realized that many women lack the financial education and support they need to succeed. With over 16 years of experience in finance and an array of mentors throughout her career, Jessica Perrone recognized the vital role of a support system in finance.

INVEST NOW

When Jessica landed her first professional job, she’ll never forget the first paycheck and her mentor Don saying, “Jessica, what are you doing to save?” “Saving?” she said to herself. She was barely getting by. “Aren’t you going to contribute to your 401K and Stock Purchase Plan?” She remembers saying, “What are those?” Don patiently explained them to her, and she committed to putting 10 percent of her paycheck into them. Strangely, she had no idea she was investing in the stock market!

Reflecting on her own experience, Jessica realized that many women face similar challenges when it comes to understanding and navigating the world of finance. Many, like her, may need to recognize that they are investing in the markets and understand the mechanisms behind it. It became clear to her that providing financial literacy and empowerment for women was essential, especially when comprehending retirement plans, investment opportunities, and economic conversations.

As a result, Jessica created HerFinIQ to bridge this knowledge gap and empower women to comprehend their financial statements and retirement plans, have informed discussions with financial advisors, and participate in investment conversations within their households. Through HerFinIQ’s comprehensive curriculum and interactive learning platform, women gain the knowledge and confidence they may have previously felt out of reach. Many who take her courses initially struggle to make the connection between their earnings and investment opportunities but leave with the ability to read their retirement statements and the courage to engage in financial discussions, whether with professionals or within their families.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Jessica’s mission through HerFinIQ is to provide women with the understanding and confidence necessary to navigate the financial world, fostering a supportive community where they can flourish as informed and empowered investors. By empowering women to overcome the barriers they face in understanding and engaging in finance, HerFinIQ is dedicated to creating a brighter financial future for women and their families.

The complete HerFinIQ Curriculum & Interactive Learning Platform encompasses a range of courses, including “Before Investing,” “Investing for Beginners,” and “Stocks & ETFs Simplified,” all aimed at making finance more accessible and helping women build financial expertise. By breaking down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand on-demand video modules, HerFinIQ equips women with the tools and understanding needed to navigate the investing world while fostering a supportive community of learners.

With HerFinIQ, Perrone believes that every woman has the potential to become a savvy investor and gain financial independence. By addressing women’s unique economic challenges in finance, HerFinIQ aims to empower women to overcome investment hurdles, build wealth, and create a brighter financial future for themselves and their families. By providing the necessary education and support, HerFinIQ strives to level the playing field and ensure that every woman can achieve financial success. Together, Jessica Perrone and HerFinIQ can redefine what it means to be financially empowered and inspire a new generation of confident, knowledgeable investors.

FINANCIAL DUCKS

As part of the HerFinIQ approach, Jessica Perrone coined the phrase “Financial Ducks” to refer to the foundation women should establish before investing.

· Spend less than you make Living within your means is crucial for building wealth and financial stability.

· Pay off high-interest debt first Prioritize paying off debts with high interest to save money overall.

· Cultivate your credit score Your credit score plays a significant role in the interest rates you receive on loans and credit cards. Maintaining a good credit score can save you significant money in interest payments over time.

· Invest early and regularly Starting to invest early and consistently contributing, even with lesser amounts, can take advantage of the power of compounding and potentially grow your wealth over time.

Incorporating these and other HerFinIQ strategies can lead women to financial success and a brighter future. With HerFinIQ, women can gain the knowledge, skills, and support they need to confidently navigate the world of finance and achieve their financial goals.

For more information on Jessica Perrone and Her Financial IQ, visit herfiniq.com

MY NEW YORK STORY

KENDRA ROGERS, BAKER STREET IRREGULARS

By Adam Morgan | Photos by Mark Grguich

At the heart of New York’s Upper East Side, a remarkable transformation is taking place at Baker Street Irregulars, a venue steeped in history and lore, famously known as the original TGI Fridays and a filming location for the iconic Tom Cruise movie, Cocktail. New owners reopened the vaunted bar after the pandemic’s worst days, and their savvy in embracing its history while writing something new has attracted patrons from UES and beyond.

One of the most important decisions was to hire Kendra Rogers, a local who lives on the same street, as its new manager. The experienced and loving 40-something has a lengthy career in hospitality, and she’s brought that expertise and energy to the popular pub, where the only thing irregular is how much fun you’ll have.

AN ENERGETIC SPIRIT

With her loud, funny, and outrageous personality, Rogers has quickly become a jolt of Red Bull to Baker Street Irregulars, or as locals affectionately know it, “Irregulars Baker Street.” The pronunciation may vary as the day progresses, but what remains constant is the sense of community and warmth that Rogers fosters within its walls. Dubbing herself the “bar mom,” she oversees the daily operations with a mix of humor, dedication, and a keen sense of what makes a pub feel like home. “I run the big top,” she declares, a testament to her role as the conductor of a very lively and loving circus, which happens to be on the same block she lives on. “Anyone who tells you they need a little distance is lying. I like it. Because you know what? It’s my neighborhood. It’s my family.

In a neighborhood where competition is fierce and expectations are high, Rogers has managed to not only maintain the bar’s legacy but elevate it. She’s brought a new perspective and attitude to a bar steeped in tradition, getting a “woman’s touch and a breath of fresh air” to rejuvenate its spirit. This transformation has not gone unnoticed by the locals, who continue to return to Baker Street Irregulars, much as they did when it reopened. “Every night is a dinner party with all my closest friends,” she says. “I love making an evening special for people. It’s not fake or phony when I ask you how your day is.”

As one regular recently said, “It’s quite unusual to have such a firebrand as a manager,” explains Stuart Zuckerman. “Kendra remembers your name, drink order, and your last conversation. It’s like talking to a friend and seeing her smile when you walk in. It tells you that you’re at home at Baker Street Irregulars.” Rogers laughs and thinks the secret to her success is “I sleep with my finger in a socket, and I wake up, and I’m energized. I’m part machine,”

FEEL UNIQUE & VALUED

Since the restaurant’s re-opening after the pandemic, the daily operations have gotten smoother. “We’re getting better and better,” says Rogers. “Whenever I’ve been involved in a restaurant or a bar or what have you, I believe that people are paying for an ambiance. They’re paying for the environment. Anyone can sit at home, have a six-pack, and watch a game. But I like to have it feel like it’s home. You’re special when you come in here.”

Rogers treats everyone as an adult. “What I’m doing is being organized. If I were doing a bad job, there would be a pushback, but we’re not getting any pushback.” Under Rogers’ direction,  Baker Street Irregulars has expanded its entertainment to include bingo, themed drink nights, and a magician who performs frequently.

Yet, managing a bustling New York bar has its challenges, particularly when dealing with extra-spirited patrons. Rogers approaches these situations with a deft hand, employing a combination of empathy, humor, and firmness to diffuse potential conflicts. Her ability to “sweet talk into a drama-free solution” is a skill honed from years of experience in the hospitality industry.

THE EARLY DAYS

Rogers’s journey to  Baker Street Irregulars is as colorful and varied as her personality. From her early days as a broke 18-year-old seeking a job at Bull’s Head Tavern to adventures in the Caribbean and owning a bar, her career has been driven by a love for the service industry and an unquenchable energy that she attributes to being a New Yorker. “If you’re not on the go, go, go, then don’t live here,” she quips, embodying the city’s relentless pace and vibrancy.

Despite the demands of her role, Rogers finds a unique joy in being so closely intertwined with her work and neighborhood. Living on the same block as the bar, she embraces the convenience and the sense of community it brings. Her philosophy extends beyond the walls of Baker Street Irregulars, seeing her role as part therapist, best friend, and marriage counselor to those who walk through its doors.

Under the guidance of its owners and seen through by Rogers, Baker Street Irregulars remains a cherished landmark on the Upper East Side, a testament to the enduring power of community, history, and revelry.

Here, everyone knows your name. And they’re delighted you came.

For more information on Baker Street Irregulars, visit bakerstreetirregulars.com

The Flanders Hotel Ocean City’s most historic and prestigious boardwalk hotel, known as “The Jewel of the Southern Shore”, was built in 1923. This serviceoriented Ocean City, NJ hotel, which was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 2009. The Flanders combines the elegance and hospitality of yesteryear with modern amenities to offer the finest in luxury accommodations. All suites in our Ocean City hotel have private bedrooms and full kitchens, equipped with refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers and stove tops, along with irons and ironing boards.

Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, our full-service NJ beach hotel is a seaside destination that provides the following amenities:

• Spacious Banquet and Meeting Space

• Emily’s Ocean Room (featuring family friendly dining)

• The Shoppes at The Flanders (featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories)

• Divine Images Salon & Spa

• Outdoor heated pool (largest in Ocean City)

• Fitness Center

• 24-hour business center

Ocean City, known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, is one of the best beach towns in South Jersey. The Flanders, with its premier accommodations and prime location, is a landmark known throughout the region, state and nation. Vacationers have marveled at the towering structure as one of the great hotels along the Jersey Shore while local residents and business owners are reminded of the glory and memories provided by the resort. Because of its status as the grandest of Ocean City, New Jersey hotels, the community is fortunate that this architectural gem has survived to the present and continues to remain an important part of Ocean City’s past and future.

TIME OUT WITH…

SIMONE BERRY, NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL UNIVERSE

By Adam Morgan | Photos courtesy of POCLab

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where challenges and controversies abound—from fake news and political rhetoric to issues of racism and body shaming—brands can find it daunting to stand out while fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Enter Simone Berry, a trailblazer whose mission is to navigate these turbulent waters with smarts, innovation, and a deep commitment to inclusivity.

As the founder of POCLab, Berry, a Jamaican entrepreneur now partly residing in New York, is carving a niche in the digital space by assisting some of the world’s largest brands, including giants like Walmart and L’Oréal, to create compelling, relevant, and impactful content.

RESHAPING THE NARRATIVE

Berry’s journey, recently highlighted by her inclusion in  Vogue Business’ ”100 Innovators in Tech,” is one of pioneering leadership in the intersection of fashion, gaming, and entertainment. Through POClabs, she doesn›t just lead or participate in the conversation; she reshapes the narrative to ensure it is authentically inclusive and positively transformative. Her unique approach orchestrates immersive digital experiences that blur the lines between the virtual and the physical, enabling brands to forge unique connections with their audiences.

“I create meaningful experiences with the world’s largest brands,” Berry shares, emphasizing the role of diverse voices in crafting narratives that resonate across demographics. Her work is a testament to the power of digital platforms to foster community, positivity, and inclusivity, principles she embeds in every project she undertakes. For Berry, the digital realm offers “boundless possibilities and the opportunity to be part of transformative change that reshapes the world, making futuristic concepts commonplace.”

With a decade of experience leading teams and scaling global brands to over USD 200 million in revenue, Berry’s expertise extends to the intricate realms of NFTs, the metaverse, and emerging technologies. Her profound understanding of consumer behavior has been pivotal in guiding traditional brands through adopting these innovations, seeing them not as mere trends but as catalysts for substantial transformation.

A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Beyond her professional successes, Berry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of her work. She is deeply committed to mentorship, particularly in the fields of Web3, Crypto, Metaverse, and AI, where Black and Brown women remain underrepresented. “Even today, there are surprisingly few opportunities for Black and Brown women to succeed in any technology-related field,” Berry observes. Through her work, she aims to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in tech, mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. Berry’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. Navigating the complexities of bipolar disorder and ADHD, she demonstrates her belief that “it’s never too late to pursue dreams, make changes, or start anew in life.” Her personal journey underscores her professional ethos: inclusivity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of transformative change.

For those aspiring to enter the digital and tech industries, Berry offers a beacon of support and empowerment. “I’m here to support you. Let me know three things you need to do to achieve your goals,” she says, highlighting her approach to mentorship—one that is grounded in empathy, support, and the empowerment of others to pursue their ambitions confidently.

Simone Berry’s story is not just about her achievements in the tech industry or her role in guiding significant brands through the digital revolution. It’s a narrative of resilience, mentorship, and the unwavering belief in the power of technology to foster a more inclusive, understanding, and connected world. As the “Chief Metaverse Baddie,” Berry continues to lead by example, demonstrating that with creativity, purpose, and innovation, it’s possible to shape a digital experience that uplifts, empowers, and unites.

For more information on POCLab, visit poclab.io

Discover the best kept secret in Saint Lucia and immerse yourself in true Caribbean luxury. East Winds is a breath taking tropical garden by the sea, set on a sandy, secluded storybook beach. Our Caribbean hideaway is the island’s original boutique resort, featuring 30 cottage style suites and an ocean front beach house, tucked away amongst

lush plants, trees, and a kaleidoscope of colourful bird life. East Winds is home to what many consider the island’s finest beach shared only by a small number of like-minded travellers. Guests at East Winds can expect personalized care, exclusive adventures, and an all-inclusive service, as well as the most authentic of Caribbean experiences.

THE 7 TH ANNUAL RENEWAL SUMMIT

By AP Connolly | Photos By Annie Watt

The 7th Annual Three Tomatoes Renewal Summit, held at NYC’s Scandinavia House on May 17th, was a vibrant gathering co-hosted by Cheryl Benton and Anne Akers. The event was packed with enriching activities, including expert panels covering diverse topics such as health and wellness, philanthropy, relationships, and funding for women-owned businesses.

One of the standout moments was a celebrity guest interview featuring Mercedes Ellington, along with the presentation of the prestigious Woman of Purpose Award. This year, the well-deserved recipient was Stacy Francis, recognized for her impactful work with Francis Financial and the nonprofit organization Savvy Ladies. Following the ceremony, the festivities continued with over 125 guests enjoying terrace cocktails.

Exciting news was also announced during the summit: Cheryl Benton and Anne Akers revealed their partnership with the She Angels Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to empowering women-led initiatives. As part of this collaboration, an annual grant will be bestowed upon the recipient of the Woman of Purpose Award, further amplifying the support for women striving to make a difference in their respective fields.

Sonia Satra

Dr John G Kennedy and Anne Akers

THE FINAL WORD

CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Idecided this month’s column needed to be less salty. It needed to have a bit of a positive spin to it, versus the normal vinegar-laden words that I have for our politicians, miscreants and the like. Yes, I am fine. I think, at the end of the day, I am just exhausted by the anger and disdain this city is leaving. So, why not focus on something that is tangible and relatable that leaves you feeling happy?

Over my almost 48 years of living in the Big Apple, I have seen it all, harrowing and horrifying. But what stands out in my mind are all the acts of kindness I have borne witness to.

As an example, when I was a student at Saint David’s School on East 89th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues, there was a homeless gentleman named James who used to camp out on 89th and Madison. He did this knowing that there was a concentration of wealthy families whose sons were at school down the block. James wasn’t discerning with respect to where his next dollar was coming from. It didn’t matter whether it was the boys, the parents, or the nannies. And he wasn’t aggressive about panhandling at all. In fact, he always took the higher road when it came to interacting with people. The first time I met James was at the end of my sixth-grade year.

I remember the following Fall, in seventh grade, I learned a lot more about James. Our homeroom teacher, Mr. Barbieri, was new. It was clear as day to our class that he was a very caring, smart, devout man who only wanted the best for the children under his tutelage.

A HELPING HAND

As I began to understand who James was and what his life was like, my best friend, George Happy, and I started asking some of our fellow students if they could help James. At first it was just about a few sodas here and there. Then it became about getting him some hot food and so on. Over the Fall, as we had asked our classmates to chip in, their parents started to do the same. Then it was the teachers. Next thing you know, Sunny who owned Green Tree Deli on Madison and 89th, as well as Mohammed who owned Tobacco Town across the street, were also helping.

It wasn’t until about a week before Christmas break that George and I really began to understand just how great an example of kindness the entire James situation was. Our class decided to put together a Christmas package for him. It wasn’t George or I who came up with this idea. It was, in fact, Mr. Barbieri. He knew how much our class cared for James. So, everyone pooled money together and Mr. Barbieri put together a gift box for James that included a pair of beautiful leather gloves with insulation in them, a heavy wool knit cap and a heavy scarf. The morning before break, the entire class left the school and walked to the corner to bring James his Christmas present. He cried. He grabbed George and I, giving us the biggest hug. James just couldn’t believe how much love there was for a homeless man on the Upper East Side from a school. Even after I graduated Saint David’s, I came back to check on James at least once a week as I knew he had been diagnosed with AIDS. The school’s children and parents were still helping him. Right up until his passing some ten years later.

A BEAUTIFUL THING

Then there was Daryl, the gentleman that affectionately became known as “The Second Avenue Comic.” Yes, I was in high school, hanging out at pubs up and down the avenue. No, I should not have been there, but that was the mentality of the 80’s and 90’s. I would run into Darryl. He wasn’t panhandling in the traditional sense. He wanted to work for his food. So, he came up with a formula wherein he would approach pub patrons standing outside offering to tell a joke. The caveat was that if the person laughed at the joke, they needed to give him a dollar. Needless to say, Daryl made a lot of money on Second Avenue. I remember the winter of 1993. I was worried he passed away because no one had seen him in a couple of months. As it turned out, he was tired of the brutally cold winters and would spend the colder months doing the same exact thing in South Beach. He was the only bi-city homeless person I had ever met.

My point in all of this is…no matter how dark the day, no matter how contrite the situation, there is always hope. At moments when this city has felt dark, I think back to James, Daryl and the thousands like them who were helped by acts of kindness from people like my classmates and my dear friend George Happy who passed away when we were 16. When I remember George, I try to focus on the smile on his face when James started to cry that Christmas. George knew we had done a beautiful thing for someone who needed it so badly.

Imagine yourself reclining on the sandy white beaches, soaking in the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière, ziplining through lush rainforests, indulging in authentic island food, club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip, and riding ATVs through the countryside. Envision exploring abandoned sugar plantations, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, chasing brightly colored fish in the shadow of the Pitons, or experiencing a live sea turtle hatching in the last light of dusk.

Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return. Your Next Adventure Awaits....