Vol. 7 #8 | October 2021
PHILANTHROPIST
JEAN SHAFIROFF Charitable Giving Meets Glamour
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TIMELESS FRENCH CHATEAU SADDLE RIVER, NJ 2000’s built all-brick French Chateau on 2.33 gated and fenced acres with tennis/sport court and lagoon pool with waterfalls. Elegant woodworking, high ceilings throughout and large first floor primary bedroom.Lower level has outside entry, theater & wine cellar. 4-car garage. Ready to move in! $4,995,000
POOL & TENNIS
SECLUDED COUNTRY MANOR
SADDLE RIVER, NJ Both pool and tennis on this prime 2-acre, hilltop setting in sought after Burning Hollow surrounds this 6-bedroom, brick colonial manor. Beautiful woodworking, high ceilings, finished walk-out lower level, 2 fabulous wine cellars for the avid collector and a 5-car garage. $2,695,000
SADDLE RIVER, NJ Tuscan Inspired...Custom built in 2011, this 5 bedroom architectural masterpiece offers a first floor owner’s suite and a separate wing for extended family/guests. State-of-the-art appliances and mechanicals. Picture Perfect 2.3 acres on top Chestnut Ridge area cul de sac. $3,795,000
ELEGANT FRENCH MANOR
PRIME LOCATION – 2.76 ACRE SETTING SADDLE RIVER, NJ This spacious 5 bedroom, 5.2 bath architectural gem offers high ceilings, exceptional woodworking, 5 fpls and great space for remote working and schooling The 2.76-acre setting offers a multi-level pool/spa/waterfalls, gardens and complete privacy! 3-car garage with Tesla charger more! $2,775,000
VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
OFFICE 201 934-7111
•
CELL 201 390 -5880
•
SADDLE RIVER, NJ Gated, custom built Manor with circular driveway situated on 2 manicured acres. Elegant woodworking, elevator to all floors and a 6-7 car garage. Pool/spa/large paver patio and raised veranda with spectacular views. Large finished walk-out lower level, wonderful floorplan, ideal for WFH. $2,995,000 •
FOUNDER
•
MARKETING DIRECTOR
VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM
158 WEST SADDLE RIVER ROAD
•
•
W W W. SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM
SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458
Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.
,
6.5 Acre Country Estate saddle river, nj
This beautifully appointed estate was custom built for the current owner. Indoor and outdoor pools, regulation lighted tennis court, and full service cabana. State-of-the-art Kuche Cucina kitchen, 1st floor primary bedroom suite, great floorplan for working remotely and a relaxed lifestyle. Generator and 6 car garage. $5,495,000
VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE ® FOUNDER • MARKETING DIRECTOR VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM OFFICE 201 934 -7111 • CELL 201 390-5880 WWW. SPECIALPROPERTIES . COM
From Cottages to Chateaus…Every Home is Special to Us.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK @SPECIALPROPERTIESNJ
Windermere, Florida Located in Southwest Orlando, Windermere may be the best-kept secret in Florida. Its small town allure situated on the beautiful Butler Chain of Lakes offers the most exclusive luxury lifestyle in all of Florida. Famed athletes, celebrities and CEO’s call Windermere home while residing in their multi-million dollar estates surrounded by the fairways and lakes of Isleworth Country Club and The Golden Bear Club located within the gates of Keene’s Pointe. The lush landscape, gated communities and top-rated public and private schools offer residents the privacy and peace of living, while being conveniently located close to Walt Disney World and other attractions that make Orlando the #1 travel destination in the world.
AVAILABLE: Keene’s Pointe - 8441 Lake Burden Circle, Windermere, FL 34786 No expense was spared in this 6 Bedroom/5 Bath custom home including guest suite with separate entrance. Enjoy beautiful Florida evenings on the covered lanai with pool/spa, summer kitchen and sitting area with fireplace. Private fenced lot with oversized garages to accommodate multiple cars for large families or car enthusiasts. Call for more details or to schedule a virtual preview.
SOLD: Keene’s Pointe 9425 Skiles Court Windermere, FL 34786 Golf Front Property 6 BR | 6.1 BA | 7,918 SF
SOLD: Isleworth 5317 Isleworth Country Club Dr. Windermere, FL 34786 Golf Front Property 4 BR | 5.2 BA | 6,189 SF
SOLD: Keene’s Pointe 6113 Grosvenor Shore Dr. Windermere, FL 34786 Lake Front Property 7 BR | 6.2 BA | 8,677 SF
Mike & Teresa Stewart Founders | Realtors® SOUTHERN REALTY GROUP, LLC 407.766.9826 | 407.493.3057 SRGRealtors@gmail.com SRGFlorida.com
Specializing in Luxury Real Estate in Southwest Orlando, Florida Since 2004
Deepwater Estate Palm Beach Gardens | $15,750,000 » 105’ of Direct Intracoastal » 13,600 Total SF » 1.4 Acres on Intracoastal Waterway » Gym, Theater » Bright + Airy Interiors
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Welcome to the Palm Beaches! Contact Jennifer for more information, or to schedule a private showing.
Jennifer Hyland | 561.632.4042
Equal Housing Opportunity. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Corcoran makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice. All dimensions provided are approximate. To obtain exact dimensions, Corcoran advises you to hire a qualified architect or engineer.
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Contents FEATURES
12 From The Publisher 14 Jean Shafiroff: A Look At Charitable Giving
STYLE 20 Life & Style: Back To Ghoul Edition 22 Fotini Copeland: NYC’s Best Kept Secret
TRAVEL 24 31 35 38 41 45 49
Fall Foliage 2021: What To See + Do In Upstate New York Fall For Vermont: New England Pleasures Await Hersheypark: The Sweetest Place On Earth Peddler’s Village: Fun Times In Bucks County Wine Country USA: It’s Harvest Time in Napa & Sonoma Adventures In Alexandria, VA: It’s Way More Than Just A Suburb Hutton Brickyards: Get Back To Nature—Luxuriously!
14
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 53 200 East 59th Street: Understated Luxury On The East Side 57 147 Ludlow: A New LES Boutique Condominium
INNOVATIONS 60 Buick Encore GX: The Perfect SUV For City Living
HEALTH & WELLNESS 62 Desperately Seeking Snoozin’: Getting A Good Night’s Sleep 64 The Skinny Center: Finding Wellness Under One Roof
24
FOOD & DRINK 66 Balade: A Treasure In The East Village 68 Hortus NYC: Asian Fare With Flair 69 Check In To Dine Out: The Regency Bar & Grill
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 70 72 74 76 77 78
On Stage: Broadway’s Back On The Big Screen On The Small Screen Broadway Redux Sara Bareilles: Rocking Waitress World Again! Artist Sunhe Hong: Life Is Filled With Endless Beauty
53
PET SPOTLIGHT 81 Paws Down…Tail Up: Autumn Colors & Costumes 83 Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation: A Safe Haven
NEW YORK, NY 84 86 88 90
Entrepreneur’s Corner: Sean Cronin & Elena Sokina, NYLO Fitness My New York Story: Lindsey Whiting-Schnepper Health Advocates For Older People: A New York Treasures Gala Time Out With…Ann Liguori
6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
66
BELIZE IS C ALLING
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FAVORITE BAY LODGE … A SUMMER ESCAPE LIKE NO OTHER EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME! Whether a romantic rendezvous or a family and/or friends ALASKAN getaway … an experience of a lifetime – this isn’t your average vacation this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
elcome to a luxurious Southeast Alaska fishing experience that is like no other. At Favorite Bay Lodge, all will enjoy nature’s beauty by day— and relax in luxurious surroundings by night. Whether fishing, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, or simply unwinding in our unspoiled and exclusive surroundings, you and your entire family will discover why our Southeast Alaska fishing lodge is anything but ordinary. We’re ideally located on remote Admiralty Island, just minutes from breathtaking Angoon, Alaska.
What a wonderful way to introduce your family to one of the most beautiful places in the world; and the bonus is you get to go fishing and eat like a king. ~John Pisto – Monterey, California
Outdoor adventures, luxury accocmodations, family getaways, romantic rendevous, gourmet cuisine… everything one can possible experience, your next once in-a-lifetime escape…
Visit and book your escape to outdoor adventure – and reserve now as specific dates are limited … enjoy exquisite cuisine, outdoor adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience - Favorite Bay Lodge – a destination like no other www.favoritebay.com… 1-866-788-3344 – AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER! FAVORITE BAY LODGE WWW.FAVORITEBAY.COM RESERVATIONS@FAVORITEBAY.COM 1-866-788-3344
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS BOB KAPPSTATTER Having photographed and written about Cuba, India, Africa and a number of other destinations, foreign and domestic, award-winning journalist Bob Kappstatter spends his off-time prowling with his camera in “the most interesting city in the world.” Kappy, as he is known to scores of politicians, cops, fellow journalists and “a lot of local characters,” spent over four decades at the NY Daily News, as a reporter, editor and columnist, and as he puts it, “with the best front row seat in the world, equally at home at a black-tie affair or in a South Bronx detective squad.” In this issue, he writes of the tasty and healthy Middle Eastern delights of Lebanese restaurant Balade in the East Village JEFF & STEPHANIE SYLVA Travel enthusiasts Jeff & Stephanie have been freelance travel writers for over 30 years. Much of their writing reflects their love of the outdoors and their active lifestyles. Some of their favorite travel experiences include a trek across the Kilauea Iki Crater on the Big Island of Hawaii, and snorkeling with penguins and whitetipped reef sharks in the Galapagos Islands. The New Jersey couple have written regularly for several local newspapers in addition to Hospitality 21, Family Travel Network, Family Travel Forum, The Parent Paper, Bergen County: The Magazine, Bergen County Kids Magazine, and Family Destinations.
ANNE RASO Anne, who hails from New Jersey, is a longtime editor and writer now based in New York City. Highlights of her 35-plus year career include serving as the associate editor of Tiger Beat and Sunday music columnist for the New York Daily News. She has penned seven teen celebrity paperbacks including ones on Justin Timberlake and One Direction. More recently she has added food and travel to her expertise. Anne’s personal interests run the gamut from learning local history (particularly stories behind Art Deco buildings) to discovering new restaurants.
10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Vol. 7 #8 | October 2021 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole
Features Ruth J. Katz
Editor-at-Large Jeremy Murphy
Lifestyle Griffin Miller
Entertainment Jenny Peters
Special Projects Norah Bradford
Art Director Eric Duncan
Chief Photographer Annie Watt
Contributing Writers Bailey Beckett, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Harrison Fornan Lee Gabay, Ann Grenier, Bob Kappstatter, Irvina Lew Darren Paltrowitz, Meryl Pearlstein, Anne Raso, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva Liz Taylor, Sara Wiesenfeld, Laurie Bain Wilson, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Don Fetherman - Director of Travel Michael Stulmaker - Sales Manager Internet Presence Scott Cuollo
Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group
New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651
Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888
For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. ©2021 New York Lifestyles Magazine.
COVER CREDITS: Photography by Michael Paniccia Hair & Makeup by JP Ramirez Dress by Oscar de la Renta
The softer side of summer..
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Check us out on the web!
Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:
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FALL BOUNTY elcome to every New Yorker’s favorite season. With summer days in the rear-view mirror, it is time to view. Mother Nature at her brilliant best. October is one of the best times of the year for traveling to Upstate New York and capture all-to-brief ideal crisp days. And, so, with that in mind we present our annual Fall Foliage coverage on the latest happenings from our own backyard. Classic places to stay and new restaurants should make for an ideal weekend getaway (or even longer!). Fall is also the season for the charity gala circuit, which is inspiration for our cover story on Jean Shafiroff, New York’s own Philanthropic Queen. She’s a leader in helping the less fortunate and is always available for her true words of wisdom. Take a moment and be inspired! This issue is filled with thoughtful articles from cover to cover. Now in our 7th year of publishing success we will continue our mission to cover the best New York has to offer. It is my privilege and honor to be relevant and unique to the city that never sleeps. Thinking outside the box to seek exciting stories. I, along with our New York Lifestyles team, will continue to introduce you to new personalities, luxurious real estate, what’s new and happening in the restaurant, scene—and, of course, Broadway and entertainment. So many times, I’m reminded that we take things for granted—friendships, health, marriage, and the wealth of opportunities from living in the greatest city in the world. But even if the world seems to be turning upside down, let’s pause for a moment and be grateful—especially our readers. We appreciate you! Know that we will strive to exceed your expectations. Happy Halloween…and see you next issue!
-Bill Mason
Publisher
12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com For subscription or back issues, call:
(646) 259-2651
premiere Must-Visit, Once-in-a-Lifetime Western iconic and historic National Destination – and this isn’t just a “visit once destination, once you experience Flanigan’s and Zion Canyon”, you’ll surely fall in love with our idyllic and exclusive Destination – and will assuredly be back... we look forward to hosting you.
Flanigan’s is more than a place for food and lodging... in this day-and-age, there’s surely a need to relax, unwind, and enjoy life. We at Flanigan’s offer a travel experience like no other... exclusive accommodations, our spa is unparalleled, an exhilarating and refreshing Escape from the Ordinary. Experience the magic of Zion and the Flaniang’s Inn Zion Canyon... feel rejuvenated, become inspired, and enjoy our natural beauty and outdoor adventures at it’s pure and true finest. ~Larry McKown Owner since 1978
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Dress by Oscar de la Renta
14 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
JEAN SHAFIROFF A Look At Charitable Giving Today With The First Lady of Philanthropy by By Liz Taylor Photographer Michael Paniccia Hair & Makeup JP Ramirez ean Shafiroff notably is one individual who knows the true meaning of philanthropy. Day to day she focuses on how charitable work can improve conditions for those inhabiting this world. Promoting the power of giving is her calling and something Jean takes pride in greatly. It is why she is recognized as the First Lady of Philanthropy.
The television host, writer, and author of the book Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give is a hard-working philanthropist who gives her knowledge, resources and time. Jean is an advocate for many causes, and she appreciates what many are doing to help the world in 2021 despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic. “Charities have especially been facing difficulties as funding has declined. Areas that are in great need today are those organizations that work with individuals with food insecurities, as well as the healthcare sector,” states Jean. Despite the hardships that COVID-19 has created, Jean emphasizes that efforts by patrons and volunteers alike are making a difference in New York City and around the world. “We must keep working to combat the problems caused by the pandemic. I am grateful to know that we are getting through the difficult times, but there is still so much to be done. As many parts of the world open again, there are still many countries that are battling the pandemic. We must recognize that people are still suffering, and they need help from charities, governments and business,” Jean states. “However, I am optimistic about the future.” Frequently Jean is turned to as a leading authority on philanthropy. Her expert understanding on how charities need to be managed is invaluable. “A charity has to be run like businesses. Keeping expenses down while supporting effective programs is key to all non-profits,” Jean explains. As a humanitarian she has supported thousands of individuals through dozens of charitable organizations. It is why she has been honored by groups including the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Youth Counseling League, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, the Jewish Board, Samuel
Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, and the Hadassah. And, in December 2020, Dan’s Paper named her “Philanthropist of the Year” at their Long Island Power Women’s Award Ceremony. In October 2021, her list of accolades will grow when Health Advocates for Older People recognizes her achievements in the community at their New York Treasures Gala. Jean serves on the boards of the American Humane, Southampton Hospital Association, New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. A Catholic, Jean served as a trustee of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is an Honorary Trustee. Recently Jean served as the national spokesperson and ambassador for American Humane’s “Feed the Hungry” COVID-19 program. This initiative provided food for a million shelter animals across the country by raising $1 million this year. This past September, Jean was Mistress of Ceremonies for the 3rd Annual Times Square Fashion Week that took place at Father Duffy Square in the heart of Times Square. It was here she presented Gale Brewer, President of the Manhattan Borough, with the “I Love NY” Leadership Award.
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15
We must recognize that people are still suffering, and they need help. I am optimistic about the future… 16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Dress by Zimmermann
Dress by Oscar de la Renta OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17
Frequently Jean is turned to as a leading authority on philanthropy. Her expert understanding on how charities need to be managed is invaluable… Each year Jean chairs somewhere between 8 and 10 charity galas. Jean also hosts many high-profile cocktail parties for different charities in her homes. Jean’s tremendous work overall has also created a platform to discuss the importance of charity. She is the host and producer of the television program Successful Philanthropy, where she conducts interviews with world leaders, international philanthropists, politicians and celebrities alike. Notable figures on the show have included activist Ndaba Mandela, Kerry Kennedy, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Susan L. Taylor, Tony Danza, NY State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Brock Pierce, Carol Alt, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, and countless others. It airs six times weekly through LTV studios in East Hampton, NY, several times a week on Sun20TV in Southampton, as well as in New York City on Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Spectrum Channels, Verizon/FiOS Channels, and RCN Channel. “All of the interviews on my show Successful Philanthropy are making a difference in the world,” stated the host during an interview with Authority Magazine in April. “These unique and powerful individuals are taking the time to share their philosophy
18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
on philanthropy and what they are doing to change things for the better. I am growing this show and it is opening new markets and public understanding as to the way charity works. It is just fascinating how one thing leads to the next when you have a passion for what you do.” While rallying donors and participants to join in causes, Jean also continues to support the LGBTQ community. Jean is passionate about fashion and has helped support several emerging designers in the fashion world. Every time Jean ends up on a best dressed list in the media it gives fashion lovers an inside look at the making of many young and upcoming talents. Jean additionally has a very large Instagram account of 800,000 followers. Jean uses this and her other social media platforms to promote philanthropy and to give others a little inside view into her world. Jean’s tireless nonprofit work is an innovative effort that is admirable and appreciated by the many lives she touches. Follow Jean Shafiroff on social media: I: @JeanShafiroff; T: @JeanShafiroff; F: JeanShafiroff •
Dress by Oscar de la Renta
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19
STYLE
LIFE & STYLE
BACK TO GHOUL EDITION By Griffin Miller
hile the kids are busy carving pumpkins, morphing into superheroes, and trolling for annually sanctioned goodies, the rest of us are poised to open the creaky, cobwebbed door to our own Halloween hocus pocus. My personal Book of Magical Spells suggests getting freaky with décor, footwear, sophisticated sweets and other grown-up pleasures. Let the ghoul times roll! TRICK OR TREATMENT SPOOKTACULAR SOCKULARITY My pandemic parting gift was, among other things, dark undereye circles and obnoxious bookended eye crinkles. Sure, I could face the newly vital world caked in makeup and/or dark glasses, but I opted instead for a bewitchingly effective potion: Theraderm’s Peptide Repair Eye Crème created by Dr. James Beckman, a plastic surgeon and biochemist. I know results vary, but hey, after just a couple of weeks my wrinkles are abating, and my circles no longer make me scream in horror. Eerily excellent. Info: theraderm.net.
Seasonal socks are, in my opinion, a wardrobe must. Without frolicking leprechauns, bunnies, elves and such cavorting around our feet and ankles, holidays would lack the playful je ne sais quoi that sets them apart from the rest of the year. At Lavely, socks are made to jettison savvy silliness into the stratosphere. With a nod to those of us looking forward to raising a glass to Halloween, their I’m Just Here For The Boos Socks with their tipsy ghosts will absolutely put you in the best of “spirits”. Info: lavley.com.
OTHERWORLDLY TREASURES
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CANDY
With a stylized wink to Maleficent’s headpiece, Shaping Ideas’ Tea Light Cement Candle Holders are my latest decorative obsession. The design, both elegant and mysterious, is the perfect table ornament for a Halloween feast, while the caste stone— manually cast—is a study i n old world c r a f t s m a n s h ip a n d sumptuous earth tones. I strongly suggest ordering in multiples, as two or more of these sculptures present beautifully dramatic shadow play i n a d arke ne d ro om once you light your favorite votives. Info: shapingideas.com. 20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Let the little one’s stock up on gummy bears and chocolate bars, we have better things to do with our sweet tooth (or fang…no judgment here), like, say, designer caramels. More specifically, Hilliard’s Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Caramels, a devilishly dense, rich confection teeming with a taste that adheres to the season’s innate pumpkin spicery – as well as the company’s candy making wizardry -- from its iconic caramel recipe to its dark chocolate coating and caramel drizzle. Scary good. Info: hilliardscandy.com.
MASQUER-AID
SIZZLING AT THE STEAK
Some like it hot, some prefer cold… scented yes or scented no. The way to indulge tired eyes via the Huggaroo Gem is totally subjective, yet wickedly rewarding. In keeping with my New Yorker’s passion for all things noir, I first fell for the oversized eye mask in black. Still, the lavender-scented blue version beckoned. Microwaved and wrapped around your head, either one has the potential to lull you into meditative nirvana; with the gel ice pack, bloodcurdling migraines are but a bad dream put out of their misery. Info: huggaroo.com.
Most people I know like their ribeye medium rare or rare. Then there was the “well-done with ketchup” dude I once dated. Briefly. Bottom line: everyone wants their steak their way, even after the outdoor grill is put to rest. Luckily, the George Foreman Contact Smokeless Digital Smart Select Grill was seemingly dreamt up by a mad scientist/ culinary savant to reinvent indoor grilling. It reduces fat, cooking time, and in clean-up, angst. Beware, though, its superpowers are addictive. Info: georgeforemancooking.com.
CRIMSON QUAFF
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
SOUTHERN FRIED KICKS
As any oenophile will confirm, vino a la Halloween must be a deep, seductive (blood?) red. Nonnegotiable. With this mandate in mind, I choose Errázuriz MAX Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, from Chile’s semi-desert region of inland Aconcagua Valley. Consider sipping this aromatically intense wine laced with black fruits and spices by moonlight, preferably in a Transylvanian castle overlooking a foreboding forest. Other good options include the Hamptons, Manhattan or anywhere good spirits convene. Info: errazuriz.com.
Just when you thought it was safe to put your glass down, the spinechilling reality of this simple act hits: wood surface/no coaster. Potential outcome: Nightmare on Coffee Table. But why settle for Coasters 101 when you can have something fiendishly unique? Built Quilt has come up with a collection of coasters—available either round or square—crafted from wood fragments into quilt-inspired designs, like my choice, Windblown Star Square Bamboo Coasters. Genius hostess gift. RIP white rings, RIP. Info: builtquilt.com.
Forget the candy corn, traditional as it may be. There’s something far more flavorful to sample this year: YUMS’ Chicken & Waffles, the latest addition to the company’s line of Sweet Series sneakers. Founded by street artist Tex Moton, YUMS (You Understand My Style) celebrates his iconic pop culture gestalt by melding his trademark passions: food and footwear. The colors on the new entrée’s uppers are boldly autumnal while the bottoms are sheer graffiti joy. Seminal soles meet irresistible soul food—sweet. Info: yumslife.com. •
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21
STYLE
FOTINI COPELAND NYC’S BEST KEPT SECRET By Bailey Beckett
lease don’t call her a stylist. Although she’s known only as Fotini, Greek-born Fotini Copeland is so much more to her clients and fans. The acclaimed fashion designer debuted her first collection at the recent New York’s Fashion Week. There she stunned the industry with intricate finishes on body-skimming dresses, suits, and evening clothes, using the supplest Italian fabrics and French lace for “a mysterious woman who is fun and physical,” says Fotini of her inspiration. “She has a great time. She’s feminine and modern chic, of course, but not like a sunny bouquet. Instead, she’s sensual, moody, confident, and strong. It’s love at first sight.” That was certainly the case for Fotini, who has recently expanded her brand to help women build “an overall personal brand and style strategy. I develop a program tailored for the individual around visual representation and the message they want to convey comprehensively,” she says. She calls it simply The Fotini Factor, a service built “around style, demeanor, and expression capability. It is about a lifestyle, beauty (hair and make-up), not styling clothes alone. I understood the female silhouette and how they vary. That is my competitive advantage.” New York Lifestyles talked with Fotini about her pivot to lifestyle design and what fashion to expect this fall. What is your aesthetic? What is the Fotini look? The look communicates who you are with a strong message—this is my mantra. This is effortlessly built on confidence and dressing. Effortless does not mean without thought and consideration; it means without looking like you are trying too hard. It always shows when one is over-compensating, whether to emulate someone else or lack of confidence. Be yourself! Where did you learn this? It was an organic progression, one that felt authentic and natural. I was already providing this service in addition to designing collections. While my focus was on designing and building wearable collections for women, I was always mindful of how each season would reflect on their personal brand. How to bring forward the best version of themselves, not changing who they are, building on their sense of self and confidence—this was and continues to be one of the key goals. What influences you most? Where do you draw inspiration? My influences and inspiration come from understanding and embracing who I am. I look to timeless, classic, chic and then infusing some form of trend into my brand. It’s understanding fashion versus style. Fashion is art, what we covet on the runways, see in magazines (digital or print), or even on celebrities. Fashion and collections always pertain to the industry as an expression of the designer or design house. It’s their story, their message. I know because that is how I, too, approached each season. Style is truly the most important message of one’s visual representation and how they communicate that. Style is weaving, amalgamating fashion of the moment in a natural, wearable way with your stamp on it. Fotini Copeland
How does American fashion differ from European? It has been culturally divided in the past. European fashion has always been associated with sophistication, being contemporary, statement looks, and a level of chic like no other. Well-put-together with a je nays sais quoi feel. American fashion has been thought of as easy or laid back with an approach of simple and wearable. Think of DVF and the wrap-dress, Halston, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. All innovators. Today we are seeing the influence from both continents—how European designers are bringing fashion-forward athleisure/active-wear, a type of uniform dressing very much at the forefront in North America. Fast-fashion/trend-influenced versus investment shopping is another cultural difference. Investment shopping, which is a European approach to spending, is now relevant in North America. The more relaxed way of dressing, such as the popular T-shirt and jeans, has been adopted in Europe for some time. What are common mistakes people make in dressing, and how do you correct it? To feel confident and at your best, it must start with embracing your silhouette and understanding your form. We are all different in how we are built and how we want to dress. What makes us feel good, whether it be a minimalist or on the other spectrum full on glam, is neither here nor there. It’s what works for you. Not what is seen on the social media platforms. The media platforms can serve as an inspiration, but you must feel comfortable and at ease. For more information on Fotini Copeland, visit thefotinifactor.com. •
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa
Safety is the New Luxury Come see why we are known as Lake Placid’s Finest. MirrorLakeInn.com | 518-523-2544
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FALL FOLIAGE 2021
WHAT TO SEE + DO IN UPSTATE NEW YORK By Patricia Canole
rom short road trips in the Hudson Valley to long weekend escapes to the Adirondacks and beyond, leaf-peeping opportunities abound around the state. It’s nice to take in those rich autumnal landscapes from the comfort of one of the best hotels for foliage views in the state. Here, our picks of what to see and do for fall foliage in the Empire State.
Courtesy Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa ©Joseph Rector
24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
ADIRONDACKS Winding your way through scenic byways of the Adirondacks’ six million acres during the peak of leaf-peeping season offers breathtaking mountain views. But, of course, one of the best ways to experience this region’s stunning vistas is to take in the mountains! Outdoor adventurers can hike, climb, mountain bike, and canoe amidst colorful fall foliage. Head to breathtaking Ausable Chasm, where naturally formed sandstone aging back 500 million years, creates a memorable backdrop for a fall excursion. Make sure to take a family float tour through the Grand Flume and Whirlpool basin. For hikers, the 46 High Peaks mountaintops will thrill at a 4,000-feet elevation, making this wilderness area one of the most popular in the Northeast during fall for leaf peepers in search of expansive scenery. Weekends get a serious rush as you speed down Gore Mountain or Whiteface Mountain, both skiing areas that offer downhill mountain biking in early fall. Then, you’ll maneuver down maintained trails during peak foliage season. One place to include in your itinerary is Lake Placid. Here’s all you need to know. Info: visitadirondacks.com. Lake Placid Region Fall in Lake Placid is all about days bathed in the fiery foliage glow: pumpkin orange, flaming red, and sunshiny yellow. Fall days spent here in the beautiful, fresh air, surrounded by glorious colors covering the mountains, are unlike anything else. Revel in the scents and sounds of forest trails, the sparkling shine of Mirror Lake, and a picnic-perfect park. Part of Lake Placid’s beauty is that you don’t have to go far to find fresh air, natural solitude, and opportunities to stretch your legs and feel great. Visit the Olympic Museum, an homage to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid. Race like an athlete at the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience or take in panoramic views of the High Peaks at the top of the Jumping Complex. If you’re in the neighborhood from October 13th – 17th, plan to watch the U.S. Olympic Luge team prepare for the 2021 Winter Olympics in Beijing. After an eventful but perfect fall day, you’re probably looking for a bit of entertainment to freshen up and take part in the Lake Placid Film Festival (October 22 – 24). Then hit Main Street Lake Placid for a very satisfying and delicious meal. The chefs of Lake Placid put their all into making your dining experience as exceptional as the rest of your Adirondack experience. At Caffee Rustica savor outstanding Northern Italian cuisine, or if your palate takes you to American fare, head to the Great Adirondack Brewing Company for lunch or dinner. Info: lakeplacid.com. Best Stay The Mirror Lake Inn & Spa boosts your senses, providing an extraordinary experience for the body, mind, and palate. You’ll soon find that it treats your needs as unique and accommodates you in personalized ways. Mirror Lake Inn’s track record of excellence includes the AAA Four-Diamond rating for more than two decades. The beautifully appointed rooms and suites afford first-class amenities and fabulous views with whirlpool baths and fireplaces. For dining pleasure, the inn’s Cottage Café features indoor/outdoor in a relaxed dining experience along with a waterfront deck. The upscale The View Restaurant features the finest cuisine and impeccable service, and a hip lakeside pub. The resort treats each guest’s needs as unique and accommodates them in personalized ways. This attitude, along with gracious service and attention to detail, is at the inn’s heart. The concierge desk arranges all on and offsite activities, such as yoga, rainy day activities, world-class fly fishing, and customized guided outdoor adventures. There’s also golf available at their sister property, Whiteface Club and Resort. After a day of exploring the mountains, head to the inn’s spa for some muchneeded pampering with a menu of treatments to soothe the body and soul— everything from massages to a Jacuzzi and indoor pool. Mirror Lake Inn & Spa also offers special packages that include Culinary Weekend Getaways. Partnered with The Carriage House Cooking School and led by Chef Curtiss Hemm, the entire weekend celebrates the Adirondack’s bountiful farm-to-table offerings. Guests get to participate in cooking classes while they also enjoy the comforts of the inn. Info: mirrorlakeinn.com.
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PUTNAM Putnam is a treasure of crystal-clear lakes, well-maintained hiking trails, historical sites, art, and cultural venues, all surrounded by dining to fit every taste and palate. Putnam is just an hour away from Manhattan with five daily MetroNorth stops, making day trips hassle-free and easy. Create a day trip or stay for a weekend; Putnam is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Begin your trip at Boscobel, the beautifully restored Neoclassical mansion overlooking the Hudson River. The original house was built in the early 19th century by States Dyckman and is considered a significant example of the Federal style of American Architecture and includes an extensive collection of period decor and furnishings. In addition, the property consists of gardens, an orchard, a sculpture garden, and hiking trails. A short 3 miles away is Magazzino Italian Art, a museum and research center dedicated to advancing the public appreciation of postwar and contemporary Italian art in the United States. A visit to Manitoga is next on the itinerary. Located in Garrison, it’s the former home and 75-acre woodland garden of American industrial designer Russel Wright (1904-1976). Manitoga is a National Historic Landmark, an Affiliate Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and one of the few 20th-century modern homes with original landscapes open to the public. Viewing of the house and studio is by guided tour only and runs through November 9th. Next, head east on Route 301 and, at your leisure, explore Stone Crop Gardens, Glynwood Farm, Fahnestock State Park, and Chuang Yen Monastery, which is home to the largest indoor statue of Buddha in the Western Hemisphere.
The Thayer Hotel at West Point
26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Boscobel Autumn View ©Jamie Martorano
Whether you seek the majestic beauty of the Hudson River or the rustic tranquility of farm life, it’s always the perfect time to explore the many farmer’s markets and dining establishments. Head to Tilly Foster Farm and Tilly’s Table Restaurant in Brewster, where you’ll find farm animals, vegetable crops, and rolling hills are reminiscent of a time when most of the county was farmland. The restaurant offers a wonderful menu that includes the farm’s grown produce. Of course, no trip to Upstate New York is complete without a visit to an apple orchard. Stop at Salinger’s Orchards in Brewster for its 18 varieties of apples, pumpkins, and numerous other seasonal crops. They also sell local honey, pies, cookies, muffins, donuts, and other sweet delights. The farm market and café are open year-round. Info: putnamcountyny.com. Best Stay Set in the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley and located in nearby Orange County, just a short drive across the Bear Mountain Bridge, is The Thayer Hotel at West Point. Surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor adventures, the hotel is the only one on the campus of the military installation, offering a unique experience in connection with America’s history. Visitors often tour the famous United States Military Academy at West Point. Rooms evoke an Old-World charm with modern amenities, featuring plush beds, oversized bathrooms, coffee makers, and cable television. History buffs may want to stay in the same suite as former President Dwight D. Eisenhower; you can even sit at his writing desk! MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hotel. The expansive Zulu Time Rooftop Lounge displays the only rooftop lounge overlooking the Hudson River between Manhattan and Albany. It’s a nice place to relax and gaze out over the beautiful river views. Info: thethayerhotel.com.
ULSTER
We dare you to find another place on Earth that so wholly embodies the spirit of the season, from the harvest bounties, farms, and the innovative flavors conjured by exceptional chefs to haunted hayrides through the evocative landscapes. The dense foliage that blankets the Mid-Hudson Valley and the adjacent Catskills is a wonder any time of the year. Still, fall is extraordinary to witness a kaleidoscope of brilliant earth tones that emerge from the pines, oaks, maples, and hemlocks that dot the landscape. Mohonk Mountain House boasts 85 miles of hiking trails to explore during the fall foliage season. Additionally, from November 29th – December 3rd, guests can discover local plants, animals, and natural communities during Mohonk’s Art of Nature Awareness program. Naturalist Michael Ridolfo teaches time-tested principles of tracking and nature observation, authentic survival skills, and spontaneous attention that occurs when we move through the arena of the natural world. Ulster is home to family farms teeming with orchards and so much more. So, pick your produce straight from the source, find that perfect pumpkin for carving or baking, sip fresh apple cider, or take a spooky hayride with the little ones. Nature lovers can take in the beauty with two scenic drives that are so beautiful they’ve been officially designated as such: the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway and the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. Info: ulstercountyalive.com. Walkway Over the Hudson
Mohonk Mountain Hotel
Best Stay Nestled in the Hudson Valley and situated on a private glacial lake with views of the Catskill Mountains; this Victorian castle resort provides a one-of-a-kind mountain getaway. Owned and operated by the Smiley Family since its founding in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House has been a soughtafter destination for generations. Amenities include farm-to-table cuisine, a wide range of outdoor activities, and an award-winning spa. Clear your mind while exploring miles of protected forest and scenic hiking trails or try forest bathing along timeless cliffs and a crystal-clear lake. If you’re looking for a more relaxed getaway, visit the spa, then grab a handcrafted cocktail on the Sunset Porch to enjoy expansive views of the mountain range and one of the most iconic sunsets in the Hudson Valley. Mohonk Mountain House dining venues include The Main Dining Room features panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, dramatic cathedral ceilings, and original woodwork from 1893. It features fresh, local ingredients and highlights the bounty of the Hudson Valley region. The Granary creates the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed summer lunch or an evening cookout. Guests can enjoy an impressive selection of barbecued chicken, spareribs, burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, and homemade pies. Info: mohonk.com.
DUTCHESS
Enjoying time outdoors is ideal in nearby Dutchess County. Where else can you enjoy nature’s bursts of color and take advantage of the gifts harvest season brings? Historic sites like Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park and Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Staatsburg offer magnificent views inviting visitors to stroll their grounds or bring a picnic to enjoy while admiring the changing trees. Then, take in the foliage from an island on the Hudson after a short boat ride from Beacon to Pollepel, the home of Bannerman Castle (advanced reservation required, tours available through October). For a vantage point like no other, the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie is one-of-a-kind. The longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world is a former railroad bridge built in 1888, now open to anyone who loves to walk or bike. Enjoy a breathtaking perspective of the Hudson River Valley. Panoramic views can also be seen atop the fire towers at Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck, Breakneck Ridge in Beacon, and Thompson Pond Preserve in Pine Plains. Of course, there’s a bounty of other activities to discover in Dutchess. Apple orchards are plentiful. Pick-your-own experiences include Fishkill Farms (advance reservation required), Greig Farm, and Mead Orchards. If you’d rather stay on terra firma, shop the farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Info: dutchesstourism.com. Best Stay A short two hours from Manhattan by car in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck is located on nearly three secluded acres. The 50room property is just a short jaunt from the specialty shops, flourishing food scene, and Rhinebeck’s art culture’s historic center. Guests will find a European-style resting area, aqua terrace with a thermal pool, eucalyptus-infused steam room, Himalayan salt saunas, and the latest in fitness equipment. At the signature Willow by Charlie Palmer, you’ll find cuisine sourced to represent the region’s agricultural heritage which showcases the team’s dedication to progressive American cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring local and seasonal produce from multi-generational farms, food artisans, and craft distillers. Info: mirbeau.com.
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27
SULLIVAN CATSKILLS Once best known as a popular vacation area for New Yorkers escaping the sweltering streets of summer in the city, Sullivan is also the location of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and hippies (and hipsters) still make the pilgrimage to the hallowed grounds in Bethel. That was then. Today, a new set of towns have emerged as the go-to destination to luxuriate in Mother Nature’s brilliance. Located about 90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, Sullivan Catskills is an easy weekend getaway to enjoy the fall. With the most scenic views around, cruise down the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway on your way to Barryville, Narrowsburg, and Callicoon—all of which have fantastic lodging, dining, and hiking options—to take in unparalleled views of fall foliage. Outdoor enthusiasts can ply the waters of the Delaware River in a canoe, raft, or tube. Lander’s, a fixture in the area, offers multiple launch points along the Delaware, allowing guests to choose the most convenient starting point. Open through October 9th. Think mountains, and you have plenty of hiking opportunities. Through the end of October, experience the region’s beautiful foliage first-hand. Stop by Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor to receive tips on hitting the trails and stock up on hiking gear. And for die-hard thrill-seekers, how about zipping down a three thousand dual racing zip-line at Kittatinny. If you are in search of a little bit of spooky adventure, look no further than the haunted tours at the historic Burn Brae Mansion where guests are armed with ghost-hunting equipment and chase the rumored spirits throughout the notoriously haunted. The night culminates with dinner on-site. A seasonal favorite is Cunningham Family Farm which offers fall festivities including the corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and even an Oktoberfest.
Take your choice. Food lovers are greeted with fresh farm-to-table menus at an array of restaurants such as Matthew’s on Main and The Western in Callicoon, and Barrio Kitchen in Kauneonga Lake, Piccolo Paese in Liberty and Pickled Owl in Hurleyville, Also available are some of the best breweries. Visit Roscoe Beer Company—recently voted the number one craft brewery in New York. The region is also home to distilleries, including Catskill Distilling Company in Bethel and Prohibition Distillery in Roscoe. Prohibition recently opened an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a cocktail or small bite after touring the distillery. Info: sullivancatskills.com. Best Stay Villa Roma Resort, located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, just 90 minutes from Manhattan, is ideal for a family vacation or a quick day trip. From its beginnings as a small hotel-style bed and breakfast to its current revitalized splendor, Villa Roma defines your all-inclusive Catskills experience that includes a café, a ballroom, cocktail lounge, and piano bar. You can also go rock climbing, golfing, zip-lining, and, of course, there is plenty of hiking to count the falling leaves. The all-inclusive packages include daily breakfast and dinner featuring Italian and American-style cuisine. Evenings feature nightly shows and events. Info: villaroma.com.
28 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
WESTCHESTER Starting just 30 minutes north of Manhattan, Westchester County has so much to offer families, couples, and solo travelers eager to enjoy the crisp fall weather and celebrate the season. Travelers can explore the well-shaded climbs of Westchester, which feature some of the best hiking trails in the state. For example, the Manaus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford is a trail that looms 40 feet above the Manus River. Despite the exhilarating view, the hike is easy and perfect for the whole family. And at Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt, an easy two-mile hike includes the New Croton Dam’s gorgeous vistas and its autumnal color palette. Other nature preserves and parks for fall foliage include: Greenburgh Nature Center, Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Rockefeller State Park, Tarrytown RiverWalk, and more. Fall events abound in Westchester. The most popular The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze place now through November and features a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 jack o’ lanterns with synchronized music and lights, which are all designed onsite by a team of artisans. Additionally, in October, The Armour-Stiner Octagon House will be hosting Myths and Mysteries Tours, where guests can learn more about the house’s unique history and rumored haunts. For history buffs, a visit to Sleepy Hollow is a must-do. The village of Sleepy Hollow welcomes visitors to check out the Old Dutch Church from Irving’s tale and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, with famously historic graves, including Washington Irving himself. Additionally, anyone who visits Irving’s landmark home, Sunnyside, will have the chance to see Irving’s Legend, a dramatic outdoor performance by master storyteller Jonathan Kruk. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes and an appearance from the Headless Horseman, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages all October long.
Croton Gorge ©Andres Piedrahita
Farms of all kinds are in Westchester County, offering fun activities such as apple-picking and wagon rides this fall. Many of the farms are family-owned and operated, some dating back nearly 300 years. These farms include Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard (North Salem), Stuart’s Fruit Farm (Granite Springs), and Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights). Dining options have increased in recent years, with six newcomers just this year. Look for Goosefeather, located on the grounds of Tarrytown House Estate, featuring seasonal, modern Asian cuisine by celebrity chef Dale Talde. Then there’s Dubrovnik Restaurant located in New Rochelle, serving up delicious farm-to-table Croatian cuisine in a unique old-world restaurant setting. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to indulge in delightful craft beverages like Thompson’s Cider Mill or a fantastic brewery such as Broken Bow Brewery. Info: visitwestchesterny.com.
The Abbey Inn & Spa
Best Stay The Abbey Inn & Spa is nestled on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River. The boutique hotel welcomes visitors with distinctive guest rooms and suites, stunning meeting and event settings, serene gardens, a tranquil spa, and a fitness center, as well as Apropos. This farm-to-table, Mediterranean-inspired dining destination celebrates the bounty of the Hudson Valley. The existing historic building was formerly the convent of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s and repurposed with luxury accommodations. Guests see touches of a religious past: The 742-square-foot Cornerstone Room, suited to small, intimate gatherings, is graced with historic, hand-painted ecclesiastical wall coverings and stainedglass windows serve as a backdrop, while the 2,183-square-foot Highlands Ballroom, site of the nuns’ former chapel with its vaulted ceiling and Romanesque altar. Info: theabbeyinn.com. •
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29
Always Abuzz We’re gearing up for a beautiful fall at the Honeybee Fest and the bounty of the harvest from our local farmers. But there’s lots of summering left to do. Fuel up with a hearty bakery breakfast. Hop on a bike and enjoy the scenery. Swing in for for a brew on the Good Taste Craft Beverage Trail. That’s only the beginning. Come see what all the buzz is about in our Sullivan Catskills. We’re just 90 minutes from Manhattan.
#SullivanCatskills SullivanCatskills.com #SullivanCatskillsCraftBeverageTrail #SullivanCatskillsDoveTrail This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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FALL FOR VERMONT NEW ENGLAND PLEASURES AWAIT By Laurie Bain Wilson
utumn in Vermont is made for flannel days and wooly nights, outdoor fire pits, and an uberlocal food and drink scene. And even when the last crimson leaf has crinkled, and it turns to stick season in this neck of the woods (November 1st–December 15th, it’s still a great time to visit and beat the ski crowd crush. BRATTLEBORO Stay The Inn on Putney Road The Green Mountain state has bragging rights when it comes to a colorful culinary and foliage scene. Book a room at this unpretentious, lovely hideaway within walking distance to town. The six-room, almost century old, French Baronial-inspired estate sits next to the West River, with a necklace of walking trails to work off innkeeper Paul Tokmakian’s healthy breakfast menu that showers the region’s ingredients with love. Info: vermontbandbinn.com. Chesterfield Inn Retreat to this inn, a snappy two-mile drive from Brattleboro in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The inn commands sneak peeks of the Connecticut River Valley and has lots of romantic fireplaces, too. Or, just come for dinner; chef Carl heats things up in the kitchen. Info: chesterfieldinn.com. Kampfires Settle in for sweet airstream dreams, where you’ll find a campground and a furnished 27-foot airstream outfitted with a queen bed, TV, equipped kitchen and a fire pit outside your door. Info: kampfires.com. See & Do Putney Mountain Winery The handsome winery pours award-winning fruit wines and liqueurs (think; fall faves like apples and ginger, grown locally.) Stop by the solar-powered and green certified winery/tasting room and stock up. Info: putneymountainwinery.com. Parish Hill Creamery A trip to Vermont wouldn’t be complete without cheese. This unique creamery produces seasonal cheeses using raw milk from sources within five miles of the creamery. Info: parishhillcreamery.com. Saxtons River Distillery Here, you’ll tour, taste and celebrate Vermont’s maple trees with a sip of the distillery’s signature Sapling Maple Liqueur. Info: saxtonsdistillery.com. Walker Farm A farm visit is one of autumn’s simplest pleasures. Brattleboro’s community-supported agriculture (CSA) Walker Farm nurtures the community and local restaurants. You’ll want to swing by for organic fruits and veggies. Info: walkerfarm.com. Retreat Farm It spans 500 acres of farmland and trails and connecting people to nature and Carlos the Bull. This historic farm has had as many lives as a barn cat and has been saved and rescued many times (it opened in 1837 as an alternative hospital for mentally ill patients.) There’s a pay-as-you-can farmstand for fruits, veggies, eggs and more. Info: retreatfarm.org. Bonus: The Dosa Food Truck is often planted at the farm—legendary chef and cookbook author, Leda Scheintaub has introduced South Indian soul food to soulful Brattleboro. And they line up for her dosas. Info: dosakitchen.com. Hermit Thrush Brewery Located downtown it brews exclusively IPA sours— using only pure wild yeast. Take a seat outside in the tasting area for a flight. Info: hermitthrushbrewery.com. True North Granola You’ll crave the granola made here all year long— stop by The Cotton Mill to see the production facility and to load up on the granola (gluten-free ops, too)—it’s so good it’s even sold in Boston’s Eataly. Info: truenorthgranola.com. Foliage on the Brattleboro Common
Tavernier Chocolates And before leaving the Cotton Mill, hit up this popular place for artisanal handcrafted chocolate. Info: tavernierchocolates.com. OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31
MONTPELIER Stay The Inn at Montpelier Here’s the 200-yearold, 19-room boutique hive for gin lovers visiting nearby Barr Hill Gin. Get social at Social, the inn’s lively restaurant bar, with a Bee’s Knees (Barr Hill Gin, lemon juice and raw honey)—and hang on the porch, too. Info: innatmontpelier.com. See & Do Barr Hill Gin Montpelier is home to Barr Hill Gin, produced by Caledonia Spirits distillery, which has pioneered raw honey in the production process—from beehive to bottle under the direction of head distiller Ryan Christiansen. The distillery’s cocktail bar’s mixologist Sam Nelis builds his sips with house-made syrups and locally-sourced tinctures. Info: caledoniaspirits.com.
The Inn at Montpelier
STOWE Stay Stone Hill Inn will coordinate backpack picnics for woodsy hikes, and also arrange tours at the breweries and chef-owned field-to-table restaurants. But what sets this inn apart: the innkeepers will prepare AIP-friendly meals and meet any dietary restrictions—including Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian. Info: stonehillinn.com. See & Do Stowe Cider It’s all about fresh press locally-sourced apples (think: honey crisp, Cortland Empire) that are fermented. Hang by a patio fire pit and check out the taproom and food trucks. Info: stowecider.com.
MANCHESTER VILLAGE Stay The Wilburton Inn It’s a sprawling estate that debuts dramatically on a hilltop at the end of a winding driveway flanked by stone walls and glances of larger-than-life sculptures that dot the grounds. Stay in one of the whimsicallydecorated cottages with Green Mountain views, especially theatrical in fall. Or check into the mansion—the gorgeous Joan Fontaine room was the actress’s summer hideout. Creativity is at the heart of Wilburton—the on-site Creative Museum debuts in October. And Jetson, the resident wellness pooch, is your muse. Info: wilburtoninn.com See & Do Earth Sky Time Community Farm and Hearth You must visit this no-frills threegeneration-family-run certified organic farmstead, owned by the Levis family (they also own the Wilburton, located just up the road). It’s on the map for amazing bread that’s baked at the wood-fired bakery and for its throwback concert venue (think: Woodstock era, with dancing on the unkempt lawn to music played by local musicians.) Info: earthskytime.com. • 32 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Wilburton Inn
Fall Foliage – It’s Better at the BEACH... The Flanders Hotel – an Oceanfront Iconic and Historic Luxurious Coastal NJ Destination Property
Ocean City’s Most Historic & Prestigious Luxury All Suites Boardwalk Hotel Luxury Suite Accommodations · Million Dollar Penthouses · Exclusive beachfront Thanksgiving Elegant Banquet & Conference Center · Outdoor Heated Pool · Full Service Restaurant · Three Unique Boutiques · Divine Images Salon & available! Spa · Coffee Shop · And More! Holiday packages 719 East 11th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226
609.399.1000 www.TheFlandersHotel.com
CooperstownLuxury.com
Casual, Comfortable Elegance For You And Your Family.
Seneca Lodge is a private, 5-suite, authentic, handcrafted, log post and beam mansion situated on Otsego Lake just 7 minutes from worldfamous Cooperstown, New York. The 3-story staircase wraps around a 42 foot tall tree (a private elevator is also available). Fireplaces, electronic game room, pool table, access to The Boathouse (the property’s clubhouse) overhanging the lake. Be together again!
Seneca Lodge
one of Upstate New York’s premiere destination waterfront properties
Exclusive, upscale vacation rental homes Family Getaways Romantic rendezvous Outdoor adventures Luxury private accommodations Onsite amenities NOW BOOKINIG! Spring & Summer reservations – click to view all additional exclusive properties… www.cooperstownluxury.com midweek getaways, week-long escapes… we have you covered (work remote while the family enjoys the sunshine outdoors)… whatever your needs… www.cooperstownluxury.com. NOW BOOKING get your preferred property and dates.
www.CooperstownLuxury.com
Perfect Spring & Summer Weekend Getaway
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HERSHEYPARK
THE SWEETEST PLACE ON EARTH By Patricia Canole
ne of the most fantastic attractions in Hershey, Pennsylvania, besides the world-famous Hershey factory, is Hersheypark. It draws visitors from around the world. If you haven’t yet been there, then here’s a guide that will make you want to start planning a visit. At Hersheypark, enjoy thrilling rides and socialize with 6-foot-tall Hershey Bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. With more than 120 acres, it features more than 70 rides and attractions, plenty of restaurants, a Boardwalk with a wave pool, and a wildlife park called ZooAmerica with 200 animals to discover. Begun in 1906, Hersheypark is considered one of America’s cleanest and greenest theme parks. Among its historical rides are a 1946-vintage wooden roller coaster and a carousel built in 1919 with 66 hand-carved wooden horses. Some of the most exciting and thrilling rides for thrill-seekers include Lightning Racer double-track wooden racing coaster and the Great Bear steel inverted coaster.
Candymonium Plaza
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35
STARTING YOUR SWEET JOURNEY Naturally, once you check in, you’ll want to learn a little bit more about Hersheypark. So first, head to The Hershey Story Museum, which preserves the story of Milton S. Hershey, who founded the town bearing his name. There are tons of interactive activities for kids and adults, to make it an enjoyable day. Hershey’s story. You can even find out how The Hershey Company has evolved and seen what their products looked like, from creating their wide variety of confections to their completion when they are packaged. From here, it’s time to discover chocolate heaven.
AMUSEMENT PARK For all you first-timers, Hershey has two parts: Hersheypark Amusement Park and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Here are some of the attractions you’ll see.
Comet Aerial View
• C an d y m on iu m® is t he tallest, fastest, longest coaster in Hersheypark. Thrill a heartpounding 210-foot ascent up the tallest hill in the park. Then, dip into drops, including seven camelback hills that serve up the ultimate feeling of freedom with the most airtime in the entire park. • The Carrousel One of the most historic rides has a home in the newest region known as Hershey’s Chocolatetown®. The Carrousel reflects the personality of its unique setting while still preserving its original historic charm. Take your pick from riding on a moving horse, stationary horse, or chariot. There’s also music to be enjoyed from the Wurlitzer military band organ.
Carrousel with Rider
36 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Coasters Here’s where you’ll find all the high-flying action. When you take a long look at Hersheypark, you’ll notice that the 15 roller coasters that are contained in the park differ in height, age, and thrills. Here’s a sampling of what to look for: • Comet is the oldest coaster at Hersheypark and is best known for delighting families with several air-time bunny hills for 75 years. The coaster climbs 96 feet and reaches a top speed of 50mph during a 3,360-foot ride. • Fahrenheit® The climb is steep, and at 97 degrees, it’s a fast fall. And it’s just the beginning. You’ll also fly through a memorable course of loops, corkscrews, dives, and plenty of thrilling airtime.
CHOCOLATE WORLD At Chocolate World, there’s much to do and discover. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store for kids and adults. • Create Your Own Candy Bar Get your creative hats and immerse yourself in an authentic Hershey’s factory experience. Choose your ingredients and design a wrapper, too. The possibilities are endless! • 4-D Chocolate Movie puts you inside all the fun. Through stunning digital animation and special effects, become part of the show by interacting with the Hershey characters and help solve a mystery. • Hershey’s Chocolate Tour Follow this fun, immersive chocolate-making tour as you see, hear and smell the transformation of cocoa beans to Hershey’s Chocolate. Don’t leave without your complimentary product sample.
THE BOARDWALK & ZOOAMERICA • The Boardwalk Enjoy this fun-filled water park (included in park admission) and make a splash. The seasonal attractions are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. • ZooAmerica Open year-round, this 11-acre zoo is home to 200 animals from five North American regions in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
WHERE TO STAY The Hotel Hershey is the grande dame featuring a gracious Mediterranean villa-style ambiance. The sophisticated resort was inspired by the fine European hotels Milton S. Hershey encountered in his travels, elegant touches abound, from the mosaic-tile lobby to rooms with maple armoires, paintings from local artists, and tile baths. Finally, don’t forget to book a treatment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, where you’ll find exhausted visitors who need a little bit of pampering with body treatments that include chocolate sugar scrub, chocolate fondue wrap, and a whipped cocoa bath. It may be challenging to choose from these chocolate-based treatments—simple because they smell so good! Hotel Hershey & Spa
For more information on Hersheypark and The Hotel Hershey, visit HersheyPA.com. •
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Hersheypark In The Dark Make it even more festive this month with favorite rides and coasters, chocolately trick or treat adventures, wild zoo visits, and Hershey Character experiences. Open on weekends October 15th – 31st, 2021. Hershe ypark Christmas Candylane® C elebrate the holiday season with more than five million lights for the merriest event of the year, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane®. There will be plenty of rides and, of course, a visit with Santa. Open on select dates from November 2021 – January 2022.
Hersheypark In the Dark Rides
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37
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PEDDLER’S VILLAGE FUN TIMES IN BUCKS COUNTY By AP Connolly
ne of Pennsylvania’s most unique destinations can be found in Bucks County. Set in an 18th-century Colonial village, Peddler’s Village affords guests plenty to do with open-air shops, a variety of quaint restaurants, and a working 1922 antique carousel. Make it a true getaway and book your stay at the charming Golden Plough Inn. In addition, it’s also a place for recreation and entertainment with special events and festivals to make a trip here that is more than memorable.
FUN HAPPENINGS Scarecrow Display and Competition Now through October 30th For eight fun-filled weeks, 150 scarecrows dot the brick pathways of the autumn-tinted Village. Some are inspired by famous characters, some are humorous, some are scary—but all of them are carefully handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations. Visitors are invited to vote on their favorite scarecrows through October 11th; the creators of the winning scarecrows receive prizes. Outdoor Movie Night: Beetlejuice October 9th Head down to Street Road Green for Peddler’s Village spooky screening of Beetlejuice under the stars. Don’t forget to bring your chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks. Scarecrow Shuffle Walk and Run, presented in partnership with Scoogie Events October 17th Join Scoogie Events and Peddler’s Village for a special event for adults and children of all ages and all abilities to celebrate the fall season with an energizing, festive event jam-packed with family fun and activities! Slightly Batty Halloween Wingding October 30th Calling all ghosts and goblins, dress in your spookiest or most original Halloween costume and come on out to Peddler’s Village Slightly Batty Halloween Wingding! You can explore our Haunted House, take part in games such as pumpkin bowling, musical chairs, or even a spooky dance party. Prizes will be awarded for all kids participating in the Halloween costume contest. Reservations required.
WEEKEND HAPPENINGS Outdoor Family-Friendly Walking Tour: GhostDusters Weekends now - November 7th Join the GhostDusters as they discuss Bucks County’s famous haunts. But beware: While some of the ghost tales are true, some may be, well, less authentic. (And none will cause nightmares.) Can you guess which stories are true and which are phantoms? Prizes will be awarded to those who know their Bucks County ghosts. Murder Mystery Cocktail Theater | Golden Girls Murder Mystery: The Halloween Caper Weekends now – November 13th The Golden Girls are at it again! Miami’s Fab Four are planning their annual Halloween shindig. Rose dresses the room in traditional St. Olaf Halloween decorations and Blanche dons her cat ears. Dorothy eagerly anticipates a surprise guest, but the surprise might be on her when things don’t work out the way she hoped, and Sophia shows us her psycho side. OctoberFeast Weekend of October 16th – 17th Join us for OctoberFeast, a weekend featuring food trucks, beverages, live entertainment, and activities. Grab your stein and stroll among the larger-than-life scarecrows that are part of the annual Scarecrows in the Village competition! Ghostly Graveyard Gala Weekend of October 29th – 30th The ghosts of Peddler’s Village will rise on Hallow Eves, to dance through the night and haunt as they please. Come walk through their haunted house, and a carpet of blood red. Come sit by the fires and disco with the dead. Join them if you dare for a funfilled evening with live DJ, club style dancing, fire pits, hot cider, cash food trucks, bar, games, photo booths, and more! Wear a costume, or dress in black. There will be a costume party with cash prizes! Must be 21 + to attend. Reservations required. Apple Weekend Weekend of November 6th & 7th Celebrate apple season in Bucks County with a weekend of family fun. Attractions and food are pay as you go. (Peddler’s Village shops are open until 8 pm on Saturday.) For more information on all events and festivals including times and admissions, visit peddlersvillage.com. •
38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Family Escapes & Romantic Rendezvous
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2 Olive Avenue & the Boardwalk | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 2 Olive Avenue & the Boardwalk | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.boardwalkplaza.com www.boardwalkplaza.com
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WINE COUNTRY USA IT’S HARVEST TIME IN NAPA & SONOMA By Jenny Peters
t’s harvest time in both the Napa and Sonoma valleys in sunny California, with October being one of the best months to visit both of those world-renowned wine regions. But, of course, everything is open (with pandemic policies still firmly in place), so it’s time to take a West Coast romp through the grapevines. Ehlers Estate, Napa Valley NAPA VALLEY ©Jenny Peters The Napa Valley is the big dog of American wine, the place where legendary families put it on the world map of great winemaking more than 40 years ago. Gorgeous wineries, sophisticated restaurants, and luxurious resorts await you there: these are our favorite spots in this legendary wine lovers’ destination. Sleep Make one of Napa’s beautiful hotels your home base: The Estate at Yountville lets you walk to dinner at The French Laundry and has a fantastic spa; The Harvest Inn is tucked in the woods along main artery Rte. 29; and Meadowood is sublime on the Silverado Trail. Eat Napa has so many exemplary restaurants that it is hard to choose, but our favorites include Press, whose seasonal farm-to-table menus are divine; Mustards Grill, where Chef Cindy Pawlcyn consistently amazes the famous pork chop; and OxBow Market, where you can graze from place to place. Be sure to have an English muffin at The Model Bakery; they are unbelievably good.
Markham Valley ChipsnSips
Sip The choice of wineries to visit in Napa can be daunting, as well as pricey. Gone are the days of free tastings. For now, virtually every winery charges tasting fees and requires an appointment. In addition, traffic is usually heavy, so don’t overbook yourself with too many tastings in a single day. Here are some of our top picks, beginning in the town of Napa and ending up to the north in Calistoga. Start at JaM Cellars on 1st Street in Napa, trying their reasonably priced wines ($16 Butter Chardonnay), paired with live music and late-night sips. In Yountville, stop at Hestan Vineyards’ new tasting room for their plummy Merlots, then cross over to Silverado Trail to visit Shafer Vineyards, the big daddy of Cabernet in Napa. Try the Hillside Select! Don’t miss a taste at Nickel & Nickel single-vineyard with dusty Rutherford Cabernets for more Napa Valley red-wine lusciousness. Then head for the hills to Lokoya Winery on Spring Mountain, where breathtaking views pair with very expensive world-class Cabernets. Next, go to the old school in St. Helena with Charles Krug Estate (1861) and Markham Vineyards (1874), both beautiful places with excellent reds and whites. Next, check out lovely Ehlers Estate, where intriguing Petit Verdots and Malbecs are on offer, and end at Larkmead Vineyards in Calistoga, where tasty red-grape blends have been made since 1895. OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41
SONOMA VALLEY The Sonoma Valley, Napa’s next-door neighbor to the west, is home to many topnotch wineries, as well as restaurants and resorts. Perhaps a bit less traveled in the past, Sonoma is a burgeoning wine region with lots to see and sip. Sleep Our favorite Sonoma sleep spot is the Vintner’s Resort, tucked off Highway 101 near Santa Rosa. Rooms overlook a vineyard, and there’s a spa with massages, scrubs, and a wonderful restaurant. It almost makes you want to plant yourself and never leave. Or consider The Farmhouse Inn, another welcoming sleep spot. Eat Dining is an art in Sonoma, with so many farms still operating (beyond growing grapes), so it is no wonder that the restaurants here are so delicious. Don’t miss the sublime John Ash & Co. in the Vintner’s Resort (the short ribs!) and put the truly wonderful Stark Restaurants—Willi’s Wine Bar, Bravas, and Stark’s Steak & Seafood— on your must-do list for conviviality and incredibly good food. The Barlow complex in Sebastopol boasts beer breweries, fermented hard cider bars, and Region, a spot to taste wines from local boutique wineries, as well as delicious dining spots like the Blue Ridge Kitchen (try the Steelhead Trout—amazing!). Dutcher Crossing Sonoma Patio View
42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Sip Wineries abound in Sonoma, most with incredible settings, sustainable practices, and a wide range of tasty varietals. Winning choices between Santa Rosa and the town of Sonoma include Benziger Family Winery, a biodynamic winery with Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Cabernets, and red blends that will make you smile. Nearby, Landmark Vineyards and winemaker Greg Stach make good, award-winning reserve Pinots and Chardonnays. At the same time, at St. Francis Winery, you’ll find rich Zinfandels, red Bordeaux blends, balanced Chardonnays, and more of Sonoma’s finest. North of Santa Rosa, look for Paradise Ridge Winery, where massive outdoor sculptures blend art with their fine Pinot Noirs, Malbecs, and barrel-fermented Chardonnays. And way up north in the Dry Creek Valley is Dutcher Crossing, where single-vineyard Chardonnays, Pinots, and Zinfandels make for a mouth-watering experience. Spend time in both sublime valleys, and you’ll return home with a new appreciation of what makes these two places America’s best for wine—and a yearning to return, too. For more information on Napa Valley, go to visitnapavalley.com; for Sonoma Valley, visit sonomavalley.com. •
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Fall Carlyle House ©Carol Jean Stalun Photography
ADVENTURES IN ALEXANDRIA, VA
IT’S WAY MORE THAN JUST A SUBURB OF DC By Ruth J. Katz
customer can have a car painted any color he wants, as long as it’s black,” is a well-worn quote—apocryphal or truly attributable—from Henry Ford. You might say that Brandon Byrd, the ice cream impresario of Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Alexandria, VA, held a similar, focused attitude about limiting his flavor fantasies when he revved up the engine of his traveling food truck. As the vehicle was christened, Gigi could just as easily have been dubbed the Vanilla Van because, well, Goodies serves up any flavor you want, so long as it’s vanilla. (But, oh, those deliriously inventive toppings on that vanilla custard!) Goodies custard is but one delice in this charming city on the Potomac. Named Ice Cream Capital of the United States by Forbes magazine, Alexandria offers dessert extravaganzas found in shops like the Lavender Moon Cupcakery, The Creamery, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, The Dairy Godmother, Nicecream, Casa Rosada, Alexandria Cupcake. So many tantalizing calories.
THE CITY There are, of course, many ways to burn off those calories: Put on your walking shoes to explore this former tobacco trading post, a mere five miles from Washington, DC. Founded in 1749, Alexandria offers a taste of its roots in Colonial Old Town, a nationally designated historic district with stunning architecture from the 1700s and 1800s. You’ll find a striking counterpoint in the funky, “artsy” Del Ray neighborhood, and everywhere, there are sober vestiges of the once-thriving slave trade, evidenced in sites like the Bruin Slave Jail and the Freedom House Museum, to name but two. Recognized as one of the Top Five Best Small Cities in the US in 2020 by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Alexandria also has a thriving waterfront dotted with eateries. There’s also artwork (a current site-specific installation, Groundswell, was created by Brooklyn–based artist Mark Reigelman) and tempting shopping. In addition, more than 80 percent of the emporia in Old Town are independently owned.
Goodies Frozen Custard Treats ©Igda Warner
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45
PLAY Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, fine dining, or plain fun, there is plenty to do here for couples, families, and singles. • Start with a self-guided walking tour of Old Town, and be sure to take in the famous, seven-foot-wide Spite House, the skinniest historic home in America. • Take a twilight cruise on the tall ship Providence, which had a star turn in Pirates of the Caribbean. It is a full-scale reproduction of one of the most renowned ships in the Continental Navy. • Other riverine options: The Monuments Sightseeing Tour to Georgetown or water taxis to other historic sites and shopping. • Amble along cobblestoned Captains’ Row, lined with magnificent, picturesque Federal-style row houses. • Book a walking tour with Manumission Tour Company, the dream child of local Councilman John T. Chapman, a fourth-generation Alexandrian. Several cultural and heritage tours highlight Alexandria’s extensive African-American history.
Mount Vernon ©Buddy Secor
• Just off King Street is the Georgian Palladian home (on the National Register of Historic Places) of Scotsman John Carlyle, one of Alexandria’s founders. • Another not-be-be-missed site is the astonishing Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a National Historic Landmark among the nation’s oldest pharmacies. • No trip to the area is complete without visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon, with its painstakingly restored gardens, workshops, slave quarters, distillery, and gristmill. • Several exciting happenings this coming fall: The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, featuring dozens of rare and exotic cars; Art on the Avenue, a craft and art fair in Del Ray; and the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade.
EAT The plethora of Alexandria’s sweets notwithstanding, this is a true foodie city, with wonderful eateries and plenty of outdoor dining. In the new Robinson Landing area, Ada’s on the River draws inspiration from Ada Lovelace, a 19thcentury pioneering mathematician; the menu here is also pioneering—tasty and tempting. Gadsby’s Tavern has been feeding Alexandrians since 1770, and today, costumed waitstaff serve while period-inspired performers entertain as you feast on colonial-inspired cuisine.
Gadsbys Tavern ©M. Enriquez
STAY I chose the Hotel Indigo, the city’s first waterfront hotel, which opened in 2017. It’s the just-right combo of edgy and comfy—my room even had a cozy wingchair by the riverfront window and a beanbag hassock for resting tour-weary feet. Hummingbird restaurant in the hotel is helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Cathal Armstrong, who dishes up flavorsome seasonal fare with a flair. Worth considering: Alexandria is an ideal place to stay if you are also visiting DC. (Hotel rates in Alexandria are much less costly than those in DC.) For more information on Alexandria, VA, go to visitalexandriava.com. © 2021 Ruth J. Katz All Rights Reserved • 46 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Try the newly opened Café de Soleil or the charming Fontaine, where Breton-style crepes are a specialty for a quickie morning cuppa’ joe. Two other choices that will leave you satiated are Virtue Feed & Grain with a modern American tavern menu and Vola’s Dockside Grill, known for seafood. Next, head to Del Ray to the popular storefront eatery, the Evening Star Café, with its eclectic, original menu. And for dessert, heads to Goodies, which just opened a permanent site, at a refurbished icehouse in Old Town. Hotel Indigo ©Eric Kiely
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Welcome to a Tropical Paradise Dramatically situated overlooking Bermuda’s southwest coast, the 75 room family owned and operated Pompano Beach Club is a tropical paradise! The resort offers extensive recreational facilities, exceptional service and hospitality, gourmet cuisine, breathtaking ocean views from every guestroom and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are interested in a Bermuda family holiday, golf vacation, honeymoon getaway, place to relax with your significant other or some fun in the sun, the Pompano Beach Club offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a world-class beach resort. Pompano’s spectacular shallow waterfront is the only one of its kind in Bermuda, attracting beachgoers, snorkelers, water sports enthusiasts and swimmers of all ages and abilities. Golfers love having Port Royal, the island’s top ranked public course, right next door!
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TRAVEL
HUTTON BRICKYARDS GET BACK TO NATURE—LUXURIOUSLY! By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva
re you looking to take a break from the city and get back to nature? Longing to sit among the trees, while away the hours watching the river flow, and enjoy the smell of an open fire? A respite in the woods sounds appealing, but you’re not exactly into the camping scene. Then the recently-opened Hudson Valley property, Hutton Brickyards, may be the perfect choice for you. This Kingston, NY hotel prides itself on being a “Nature Hotel for City People.” Set on a 73-acre campus of a former brick factory on the banks of the Hudson River, Hutton Brickyards provides an “elegant camping” experience of luxury cabin accommodations with unique river views and industrial architecture.
AN INDUSTRIAL HISTORY The industrial legacy of the Hutton Brick Works Company is an integral component of the hotel’s character. At the beginning of the 20th century, brick manufacturing was the preeminent industry on New York’s Hudson River. Operating from 1865 to 1980, the Hutton Brick Works supplied this essential building material for construction projects throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City, including Yankee Stadium, The Cloisters, and the Empire State Building. Much of the Brick Works’ infrastructure has since been dismantled. Still, a few integral elements remain—three steelframe kiln sheds and a Lidgerwood crane used for loading materials onto river barges. The kiln sheds and crane are some of the only surviving examples of brick-making architecture in the Hudson Valley and serve as creative inspiration for the hotel’s cabin accommodations, dining pavilion, and event spaces.
ACCOMMODATIONS After checking in, a Hutton Brickyards team member will take you on a tour of the campus to familiarize you with the layout of the 31 luxury cabins and suites, the waterfront restaurant and event pavilions, and the spa areas and activity zones. After the tour, settle into your cabin in the woods. A variety of cabin styles are available in both king-sized and queen-sized bed arrangements. Some cabins offer outstanding river views, like the king cabins’ floorto-ceiling glass wall, while others provide tranquil forest views. All cabins have an outdoor sitting area or private deck, perfect for enjoying a cup of morning Joe or a Happy Hour cocktail. Simply put out your cabin’s “Thirsty” flag for the afternoon drive-by cocktail service. The Cottage, the most spacious accommodation, sleeps up to four guests. The downstairs bedroom features a king-sized bed; the upstairs loft features a queen-sized bed. The expansive bathroom features a wet room with a clawfoot soaking tub and a spacious shower. Additional amenities include a wet bar, dining area, living room, and a large courtyard ready for outdoor entertaining. Cabin amenities include luxury linens, a mini-fridge, air conditioning, in-room safe, generous-sized showers with apothecary bath products, and a personal in-room service tablet. Set the perfect mood playing your favorite music with the provided Bluetooth speaker. King-sized cabins also offer a collection of vinyl records to play on the Bluetooth turntable. With a drink in hand, explore the grounds and seek out your perfect spot to take in the serenity of nature. Maybe it’s sitting around a firepit or possibly lounging in an Adirondack chair with an excellent view of the river.
Hutton Brickyards Cabin
DINING Featuring panoramic views of the Hudson coupled with the aromas wafting from the many wood-fired fireplaces and ovens, the Brickyards’ open-air restaurant, The River Pavilion, is the perfect locale. Enjoy Chef Dan Silverman’s elevated cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Hudson Valley. To experience the delightful flavors of the wood-fired ovens and grilles, try the small plate of Roasted Apricots with lioni burrata, prosciutto, and thyme. Then for an entrée, you can’t go wrong with either the Cedar-Planked Steelhead Trout with a currant-pine nut relish or the Grilled Long Island Duck Breast with roasted cherries, mustard greens, and banyuls vinaigrette. The River Pavilion is closed for dinner on Tuesdays, but no worry—Hutton Hangout at The Pavilion provides a great chance to take in the scenic views while having cocktails, cuisine by La Ruta Del Sol, and live music. Breakfast at Hutton Brickyards is leisurely—you barely have to roll out of bed. Simply place your order, and a packaged continental breakfast will be delivered to your cabin at your desired time. And if you crave a snack, The Larder provides some essentials—or even some indulgences-conveniently delivered to your door.
ACTIVITIES A stay at Hutton Brickyards gives you ample opportunities to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this natural spot. One option to enhance your visit is with the Salt Spa and its Spa Garden, a private area set in the shade next to the river to repose before and after one of Salt Spa’s many restorative services. First, check the Spa menu for a list of massages, facials, and body treatments. Then, soak up breathtaking views of the Hudson River while relaxing in a wooden barrel sauna. Saunas can accommodate up to four people. Other activities include archery, croquet, biking (bikes are complimentary), yoga and Pilates classes, kayaking, and hiking (the Empire State Trail passes through the property). In addition, special events and activities are scheduled periodically. Check the website calendar for details. Two areas of Kingston are worth exploring. The Uptown Stockade District has Revolutionary-era stone buildings and National Historic Landmarks nestled alongside an array of contemporary restaurants, galleries, music venues, and boutiques. The Downtown Rondout Waterfront district has marinas, award-winning restaurants, eclectic shops, art galleries, and a charming waterside promenade. Hutton Brickyards is a Salt Hotel, a hospitality brand whose stated mission is to integrate large-scale hotels’ design, amenities, and technology with a small inn’s intimate, personal service, unique character, and community connections. For more on Hutton Brickyards, visit huttonbrickyards.com. • 50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
GROTTO BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA ALL INCLUSIVE
3 RESTAURANTS
SPA
Bermuda’s only hotel with an all inclusive supplement including: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Unlimited Bar Brand Drinks, Theme Night Buffets, Afternoon Tea, Non- Motorized water sports, Bermuda Public Transport Pass, Tennis Courts Fees.
Relax and mingle at the Rum House Bar or have an exquisite meal at the Hibiscus Dining Room, or in the Palm Court. After dinner, enjoy the warm tropical breezes on one of the terraces surrounding the Great House. Enjoy a casual Lunch at the Bayside Grill beside the pool.
Offering the only such “adventure”, of gazing fathoms down into crystal clear, turquoise hued, mineral water surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites in a 500,000 year old environment, is guaranteed to leave the participant in complete awe.
11 Blue Hole Hill Hamilton,
Phone: +1 (441) 293-8333
Hamilton Parish CR04, Bermuda
dburrows@grottobay.com Email: reservations@grottobay.com
855-4GROTTO | WWW.GROTTOBAY.COM WWW.GROTTOBAY.COM
WESTPORT, CT I $7,995,000 I MLS#170259976 Michelle&Company, 203.454.4663
NEW CANAAN, CT I $7,800,000 I MLS#170346293 Shawn Gardner, 203.273.1212
GREENWICH, CT I $7,300,000 I MLS#112465 Martin Nirschel, 203.912.9626
WESTPORT, CT I $7,200,000 I MLS#170415156 Leslie Clarke Homes & Connie Widmann, 203.984.1856
NEW CANAAN, CT I $6,995,000 I MLS#170405384 Hannelore Kaplan, 914.450.3880
GREENWICH, CT I $5,900,000 I MLS#170417968 Kimberly F. Horlacher, 203.550.3552
LONDONDERRY, VT I $5,500,000 I MLS#4822484 Carrie Mathews, 802.236.8458
NEW CANAAN, CT I $4,900,000 I MLS#170383561 Regi van der Heyden, 203.644.5025
BRANFORD, CT I $4,400,000 I MLS#170403317 Vicky Welch, 203.215.4990
ESSEX, CT I $3,950,000 I MLS#170429543 Edward Hillyer, 860.235.3424
NEW CANAAN, CT I $3,788,000 I MLS#170401040 April & Kelly, 203.667.4074
NORWALK, CT I $3,595,000 I MLS#170433999 Regi van der Heyden, 203.644.5025
NEW CANAAN, CT I $2,595,000 I MLS#170293944 Laura Sigg/Barb McNulty, 203.515.8954
SCARSDALE, NY I $2,075,275 I MLS#H6110947 Abigail Sroka, 917.647.9818
ROXBURY, CT I $1,995,000 I MLS#170396074 Stacey Matthews, 860.868.0511
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
200 EAST 59
TH
STREET
UNDERSTATED LUXURY ON THE EAST SIDE By AP Connolly
he distinction between the indoors and outdoors within each apartment is virtually eliminated due to the clever design. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass is the only thing separating the open living spaces from the terraces outside, creating a seamless experience for entertaining in these outdoor rooms. In addition, the terraces are vast—varying from 7 feet to 12 feet deep and from 22 feet to nearly 150 feet long—affording every resident the rare opportunity to step outside at their convenience when work is stressful or when guests care to get a better look at the panoramic views. 200 East 59th Street, the CetraRuddy-designed, 35-story condominium tower standing proudly at the Upper East Side and Midtown intersection, has unveiled new model residences that evoke a tranquil lifestyle aloft the heart of the bustling city. Each of the 67 residences at 200 East 59th Street is a corner home with deep, livable wraparound terraces, where outdoor living becomes an extension of everyday life. The luminous indoor-outdoor model residences feature expansive views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Queensboro Bridge. They are some of the first models at 200 East 59th Street designed by CetraRuddy, the same award-winning architecture and interior design firm that pushed the boundaries of classic modernism to create the building’s distinctive architecture. LIVING IN THE SKY A noteworthy addition to the Manhattan skyline, 200 East 59th Street was developed by Harry Macklowe as the “sister building” to 432 Park Avenue, one of the tallest and most successful residential towers in the Western Hemisphere. Inside, CetraRuddy designed column-free layouts that offer residents the open-plan flexibility to create a home reflective of their lifestyles. Through a sophisticated engineering and design plan, structural columns were pushed out to the building’s exterior, creating a distinctive façade feature while expanding the floorplans of the building’s interior and adding coveted outdoor space to every home. The prime location provides residents convenient access to fine dining, renowned cultural and performing arts institutions, and more. “Harry Macklowe and CetraRuddy created a modern masterpiece in 200 East 59th Street,” said John Tashjian, Principal at Centurion Real Estate Investors, the building’s Sponsor. “Buyers have been quick to respond to 200 East 59th Street’s unique, modern design and the elevated lifestyle afforded by the private terraces, breathtaking views, and extraordinary natural light in every residence. We were thrilled to work with CetraRuddy to bring these model residences to fruition and look forward to sharing additional building amenity updates in the near term.” OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53
CUSTOMIZING YOUR HOME When approaching the design of the model residences, Nancy Ruddy, Founding Principal of CetraRuddy, stated, “We wanted to compliment the building’s iconic, streamlined form by bringing warmth and tactility to the interiors. A neutral palette of design elements is accented with curated features that create energy and vibrancy so that the homes nod to the spirit and richness of the city but also provide residents with a sense of serenity and calm.” 200 East 59th Street’s column-free interiors provided CetraRuddy with a “clean canvas” and a high degree of flexibility when designing the model residences. Both highlight the extraordinary design opportunities afforded to residents at 200 East 59th Street when customizing their homes. To maximize the space’s dimensions and give the home a spirited attitude, CetraRuddy selected a 1960s midcentury chandelier, a mix of luxe metals, Lucite dining chairs, and a Chiaroscuro Painterly area rug. “The astonishing views and abundance of natural light are evident in every residence at 200 East 59th Street,” stated Ximena Rodriguez, Principal and Director of Interior Design at CetraRuddy. “This experience is truly unique in Manhattan, and our goal was to celebrate the views and flexibility of the residential layouts through our design.” The compelling visual narrative continues with unique art and furnishings selected for the model residences, designed to showcase various styles.
The residence interiors are finished with white oak plank flooring and beautiful stones such as white Calacatta and Siberian white and mink marble. CetraRuddy personally selected every slab of marble and stone for this project. The open-plan kitchens feature custom Italian white glass cabinetry and integrated white glass Miele appliances. The master bathrooms feature Siberian white marble walls and floors with radiant heating. Other bathroom features include custom floating vanities, modern, wall-mounted toilets, stall-style rain showers with floor-toceiling glass, and thermostatic controls. The lobby boasts a sculpted walnut and bronze reception desk, classic modern furniture, and inspiring feature artwork to create a welcoming and sophisticated environment that inspires residents and guests. 200 East 59th Street’s residences and common spaces are complemented by 24-hour, white-glove service. An on-site resident manager, doorman, and a full-time in-lobby concierge offer residents a range of bespoke services, including home management assistance, lifestyle and wellness recommendations. Info: Prices starting at $1,732,500. For more information on 200 East 59th Street, visit 200east59.com. • 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
YOU R INV ESTM ENT PROPE RT Y SPEC IA L IST MAGGIE CROWLEY, BROKER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN INVESTMENT/INCOME PRODUCING PROPERTIES IN ALL OF THE KEYS.
www.floridakeysrealtygroup.com Florida Keys Realty Group, LLC | 305.923.5658
Welcome to Harborside resort montauk
The Harborside Resort Montauk offers a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. On-premise pool and tennis, attractive rooms, studios, suites and efficiencies - each offering many amenities. Montauk is one of the beautiful resort destinations on the East Coast. Miles of breathtaking coastline, nature trails and preserves, varied watersports from famed surfing to water-skiing to whale watching.
World renowned fishing is found here, too as Montauk is well recognized as one of the top fishing capitals of the world. For beach lovers, we provide our guests’ access to Montauk’s finest ocean and sound beaches. And, golfers, bring your clubs and golf at the magnificent Robert Trent Jones designed Montauk Downs State Park located just one mile from the Harborside. You can enjoy the pleasure of
371 West lake dr. montauk, nY 11954 631.668.2511 montaukharborside.com
nearby horseback riding, being pampered at a marinotherapeutic spa, great shopping and a trip to our treasured beacon - the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Sample the gourmet delights of the finest restaurants, just a short walk or drive away. You will never be at a loss of things to do in Montauk - where a great vacation begins!
PA N T H E R R I D G E A N E Q U E S T R I A N E S T AT E BR ADENTON, FLORIDA
7935 213TH STREET EAST, BRADENTON, FLORIDA Escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you just need a little getaway or you want to really make a move, this Panther Ridge Estate is sure to please. There aren't many places where you can find a tranquil "country" setting complete with horses and a big blue sky less than 20 miles from area beaches (or about 40 minutes) for when you must get some sand between your toes. This just happens to be one. Sacrifice nothing. You can have it all. This 9+ acre estate has just been outdone with new tile roofs on all buildings, foam insulation in all attics for energy efficiency, hurricane impact windows to scare away the storms (okay, to resist winds up to 150 mph - but the other sounds much more fun), 4 new, highly efficient inverted A/C systems , beautiful new flooring, wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, LED lighting, walk-in closets with wood shelving, new appliances, security monitoring system with live feed, recording facility and off-site monitoring - you shouldn't need it, but if you have certain security requirements, they're already here. You want to entertain? Fly your friends in. Sarasota/Bradenton International is just a short drive away and once your guests arrive they will be pleased to explore over 2700 square feet of stables and (hopefully) the five horses you choose to live in them. Never a dull moment with 5 fenced and gated paddocks with a horse training circle corral. During the day you can live out your "cowboy dreams" and in the evening play by the pool and enjoy live music (hire your favorite band - there's plenty of room in the cabana) and revel in the tranquil pastoral setting. You've earned it. You're guests will appreciate the separate guest house as they retire late into the night. This Panther Ridge Estate is just minutes from prestigious golf courses, shopping, restaurants and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you are ready to make a move full-time you'll find Florida is one of the rare states with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes. Florida minutes seem to last much longer than New York minutes. If you know, you know. If you don't, come find out. Schedule your private showing today.
Lee Brewer
Real Estate Investment Advisor CDPE, 5 Star Short Sale Certified, CLHMS Million Dollar Guild member
Remax Alliance Group 2000 Webber Street Sarasota, Florida, 34239 Cell: 941-724-3448 Direct: 941-308-3877
Lee@leebrewer.com leebrewer.com lee.sarasotaflhomehub.com proxioshowcase.com/px/lee-tbw
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
147 LUDLOW
A NEW LES BOUTIQUE CONDOMINIUM By AP Connolly | Photography by MW Studio
t’s official! 147 Ludlow, a timeless boutique condominium by Grid Group, launched sales for its eight residences. With every home having private outdoor space, this address is made for the post-pandemic period. This is a rare opportunity to own homes by the family-operated development firm Grid Group. Best known for 124 West 16th Street, the only New York building to launch during the pandemic and sell out in less than a year at an average price of $5.8M, the company obsesses over construction they manage in-house. The timeless property features eight luxurious loft-style residences priced from $1.895M. Initial availability includes two and threebedroom lofts along with a full-floor four-bedroom duplexes with 37 feet of frontage on Ludlow Street and 647 square feet of private outdoor space with panoramic views of the downtown skyline. OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57
THE RESIDENCES Designed by DHD Architecture and Interior Design, which has tremendous experience designing for indoor-outdoor living. All residences boast 9’6 ceilings, white oak floors, and oversized European casement tilt and turn windows, allowing natural light to fill the expansive living spaces while providing maximum sound attenuation. In addition, every residence has gracious and private outdoor spaces, optimally built for relaxation and entertaining with a backdrop of quintessential New York City views. “147 Ludlow Street exceeds all expectations for today’s buyer,” says Yiannes Einhorn, Principal at Grid Group. “We’re excited to present this development to the market and continue our collaboration with Corcoran New Development, who partnered with us on downtown sellouts 124 West 16th Street and 246 West 16th Street.” In fact, 124 West 16th Street was the only New York building to launch during the pandemic and sell out in less than a year at an average price of $5.8M. Like 147 Ludlow, it was designed by DHD Architecture and Interior Design, with above-and-beyond craftsmanship by Grid Group. Kitchens at 147 Ludlow are crafted with light grey oak custom Italian cabinetry offset by Grey Velvet marble and Arctic white Quartzmaster countertops, echoed by Arctic white Quartzmaster backsplash slabs. Appointed with top-of-the-line appliances, including Fisher and Paykel refrigerators, cooktops, ovens, Hansgrohe faucets, and stainless-steel vented range hoods, the kitchens are designed for the modern chef who loves to entertain.
AND EVEN MORE… The beautiful primary bathrooms exude luxury with Zuma soaking tubs, Bianco Dolomite and Grey Velvet marble floors, and custom Grey Velvet slab tub decks in select residences. Secondary baths feature Bianco Dolomiti marble, Hansgrohe fixtures, VIGO shower doors, and marble floors. In addition, each bespoke home has central A/C, fully vented top-of-theline washer/dryers, complete with a dedicated storage room in the basement. “147 Ludlow Street is a boutique offering with a very limited number of residences and offers great private outdoor space,” says Nicole Hechter. She is leading sales with Masayo Hashimoto for Corcoran New Development. “This is the exact product type that is commanding bidding wars and selling out during this period, so brokers and prospects must engage now. Buildings developed by Grid have a track record of selling out quickly, and we anticipate the same here.” The new property is just moments away from trendy hotspots in the Lower East Side such as Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, Beauty & Essex, Dirty French, Bowery Meat Co., and cultural offerings such as The New Museum, The International Center of Photography, The Public, and Ludlow House. Info: Prices starting at $1.895 million. For more information on 147 Ludlow, visit 147 Ludlow.com. To s chedule a v i sit w ith Ni c ol e He tcher or Ma s ayo Hashimoto of Corcoran, phone 917-514-5874. • 58 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
The Hampshire House Luxury 1BR on Central Park South Apartment 602
New York, NY 10019
Sleek, Contemporary, Stunning, and Sunny describes this large renovated park-view one bedroom, one bath home offering a master suite facing the park with a bath spacious enough for the large modern soaking tub. The lovely sunken living room, also facing the park, offers ample space for entertaining or just sitting and gazing at the beautiful view. Situated in the incomparable Hampshire House located on the highest point of Central Park South the apartment offers above-the-tree-line views. The Hampshire House, an exclusive cooperative residence and city icon, boasts as its motto De d ic a t e d t o Ye s t e rd a y ’s Ch ar m , To d a y ’s Sophistication, and Tomorrow’s Innovation—the luxury residence embodies these words. With interiors designed by the famed Dorothy Draper, the building’s extraordinary history spans more than 75 years. The Hampshire House has been home to dignitaries, celebrities, artists, diplomats, captains of industry, and families who continue to enjoy the understated luxury, elegant sophistication, modern conveniences, and exceptional amenities. Offered for sale at $1,375,000, monthly maintenance $3,886.
Grace Lappin, Ph.D. Managing Partner Avalon Real Estate Advisory 3 Columbus Circle, 15th floor New York, NY 10019 (888) 638-1119 | (212) 717-5477
Grace Bay Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI (649) 432-4158 info@avalonrealestateadvisory.com www.avalonrealestateadvisory.com
INNOVATIONS
BUICK ENCORE GX
THE PERFECT SUV FOR CITY LIVING By Jenny Peters | Photos Courtesy of Buick
o drive or not to drive” is the question New Yorkers always ask themselves. Is it better to own a car in the city, or is renting when needed, taking a car service like Lyft, or using public transportation a better choice? Let’s face it, the convenience of having your own vehicle parked near where you live is the ultimate way to combine city living with the freedom to get up and go—even if it is only for a trip to Costco in Queens or Brooklyn! Add in the ability to jump in the car and head for the beach, ski slopes, or just off to visit friends a state or two away, and we vote for owning a car. And we’ve found just the right SUV for city living in the 2022 Buick Encore GX. This zippy little compact integrates comfort and versatility in a vehicle that is the right size for squeezing into small city street parking. Yet, it’s large enough to carry groceries, the kids, and even an eight-foot surfboard or SUP board (as the front passenger seat folds down, as does the second-row seating). In addition, it seats five in a pinch and gets 29/32 city/highway mpg, great gas numbers for an SUV. The Encore GX looks terrific on the outside, with metallic colors like Cinnabar and Sapphire to choose from and 18” aluminum wheels with a sporty vibe. The Sport Touring option adds standard integrated roof rails, so taking the bikes, kayaks, or snowboards along is a snap, and the jazzy front grille makes this version look a bit like a tiger ready to roar. Inside, the vehicle boasts a standard 1.2L Turbo engine (137 hp), but we like the more significant option, the 1.3L Turbo with 155 hp, for its added power, especially when headed into mountainous terrain. An all-wheel-drive version of the 1.3L is also an option if hitting the slopes is on your winter schedule. The Buick Encore GX is also outfitted with safety features like automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian braking—and who can’t use a little help on the mean streets of New York to avoid those jaywalking pedestrians? It handles well on jammed city streets, wide-open freeways, or windy country roads no matter where you’re driving. It even has its own Wi-Fi hotspot and an easy-to-navigate “infotainment” system, with the notable addition of Reese Witherspoon’s “Reese’s Book Club” app integrated into the system. That’s filled with audiobooks and podcasts chosen by Reese with female drivers in mind. And the excellent news about the 2022 Buick Encore GX is its price, which starts at around $25,800 and goes to $30,350, which is an absolute steal for this SUV with a luxury look and feel you’d expect to pay much more to own. For more information on the 2022 Buick Encore GX, visit buick.com/ suvs/encore-gx. • 60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
AN EXCLUSIVE AND IDYLLIC BEACHFRONT ISLAND PARADISE... MAKE YOUR NEXT ESCAPE THE MOST MEMORABLE ONE
Beachfront accommodations Destination wedding/ honeymoon and/or anniversary getaways check Exclusive offers + packages check Cottages and private accommodations Private pilots The perfect mix of clear blue sea and soft white sand Fun sun and adventure, snorkeling, paddleboards and kayaks and bicycles, exploring the Island Located on Cat Island, one of the southern Bahamas Out Islands, Fernandez Bay Village offers a friendly, laid back vacation for couples and families alike. Discover a unique destination revered by travelers, who don’t want to be known as tourists, and families seeking outdoor adventures they can all share. Fernandez Bay Village is a hidden gem you’ll want to return to again and again. Recently upgraded and renovated, we look forward to hosting your next romantic rendezvous or family getaway. Call 954-302-7422 or book online www.fernandezbayvillage.com
Fernandez Bay Village | 954-302-7422 | www.fernandezbayvillage.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
DESPERATELY SEEKING SNOOZIN’
CANYON RANCH OFFERS TIPS ON GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP By Stacey Zable
f you are having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, you are not alone. According to the American Sleep Association, a minimum of “40 million Americans each year suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems.” It should come as no surprise that Canyon R anch in Lenox, Massachusetts, an all-inclusive resort that focuses on fitness and wellness, offers an opportunity for guests to address this problem during their stays. A one-hour Medical Sleep Disorders session may be just what chronic insomniacs may need while experiencing the beautiful 120-acre property in the Berkshires. The 126-room resort is a short drive of approximately three hours from New York City. Cornelia Lenherr, MD, is one of the on-staff physicians at Canyon Ranch who conducts the Medical Sleep Disorders session. New York Lifestyles had the opportunity to meet with her to discover this unique service and overall good health. 62 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Like any other problem, we start with what brings you in, and there is information to be gathered. We ask about your experiences in terms of issues with sleep, whether you have gotten help, whether you have done sleep studies, and whether devices or agents are currently being used. What we’re looking for is to find out what you are experiencing that’s causing you to feel fatigued. Is there trouble falling asleep? Waking up during the night? Do you wake up in the morning refreshed? And we’re looking at environmental things that play into that. How long do you allow yourself to go to sleep? And most important, do you use an alarm clock or wake up naturally? What can affect your ability to sleep well at night? What you do before turning in impacts good sleep. Room temperature is important and should be 64 to 67 degrees. Also, noise, movement of the bed (due to animals, partners, and kids) certainly affects sleeps. Another way good sleep is impacted is through light exposure—the room should be dark. What are some optimal sleep goals? Adults should get seven to nine hours a night when there is no other aggravating condition, such as jetlag or illness when they are likely to sleep longer.
Canyon Ranch
Why is sleep so important? The point of sleep is for the consolidation of memory and to rest and restore brain neurons. It’s a time of body cleansing and detoxification. Say you can’t fall asleep. What can one do? We look at what you are doing in the evening, including light exposure and using computers right up to going to bed. Often things that are causing anxiety and worry are thought about when you go to bed. There are so many different directions we can go in. Is there a good strategy to get back to sleep? Worrying about things often prevents you from getting back to sleep as well, and that is counterproductive. I suggest meditative breathing and specific kinds of mindfulness that allow you to focus on one thing. One tool I recommend is to count your breaths starting backward from 100. You are not controlling the breaths; you are just counting. Sometimes relaxing music or books on tape help promote the return to sleep.
Cornelia Lenherr
What would be the next step after a Medical Disorders Session? We can do overnight sleep monitoring while in your guest room using an FDA-approved portable sleep device that can determine periods of apnea and wake/sleep status. We review the results the next day and offer recommendations for treatment if we find any issues. •
THE CANYON RANCH EXPERIENCE Beyond the sleep-focused programs at Canyon Ranch, the resort provides an abundance of fitness and wellness opportunities. Here are just some to consider. • Seasonal and Outdoors Activities: Choices include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, indoor and outdoor tennis, pickleball, cycling, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), High Ropes Challenge Course with zipline, and indoor/outdoor pool. • Health & Healing Center: Guests can meet with nutritionists, life management therapists, spiritual wellness experts, movement therapists, exercise physiologists, and complementary medicine specialists. • Professional “Functional Fitness” Guidance: Assessments, personal training, body composition test, and equipment are a part of figuring out optimal movement and strength. • 100,000-Square-Foot Spa: Home to fitness facilities, gyms, classes, salon, and spa treatment rooms. • Meals and Snacks: Menus feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and New England specialties with healthy, delicious choices. • Demo Kitchen and Classes: Guests can take home healthy cooking skills.
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63
HEALTH & WELLNESS
THE SKINNY CENTER FINDING WELLNESS UNDER ONE ROOF By Ann Grenier
he Skinny Center is Westchester’s first physician network to bring professional medical expertise to the fields of integrative weight loss, women’s aesthetics, and anti-aging. They are thrilled to announce the opening of the new Harrison location under the guidance of the renowned. Dr. Aaron Spingarn, Medical Director of The Skinny Center. The facility offers clients a long-term weight-loss strategy and precise aesthetic treatments, managed with the full support of certified medical professionals. Patients can achieve their ideal and healthy weight loss goals safely and effectively under their expert care. All clients receive a full medical consultation, whether they suffer from severe health issues because of extreme excess weight or are looking to lose 15-20 pounds. This includes a thorough scientific assessment of body mass and basal metabolic rate to predict weight loss accurately. As a result, their clients’ average weight loss result is about 25 pounds in just eight weeks.
SEEING A BETTER DAY
Programs such as their 21-Day Cleanse are one of the many ways The Skinny Center helps lose weight. The cleanse was designed for those wishing to reverse fatigue, uncontrollable weight gain, acne, bloating, and brain fog. Nothing is more frustrating than being trapped in a body that prevents you from living the life you were born to live. When exhaustion, low self-esteem, and illness rule your daily life rather than opportunities and passion, you are surviving rather than thriving.
Dr. Aaron Spingarn ©The Skinny Center
Another effective program is Skinny Line 30. This 30-day program is the first scientifically-based whole food, immunityboosting, cancer-prevention food program that considers women’s unique body chemistry and dietary needs—and shows you how to incorporate them into your daily lives. The program incorporates the most recent nutritional research and addresses the unique health and nutritional concerns women face today. In addition, it addresses clean eating without chemicals, toxins, additives, or preservatives to stay healthy and happy while losing weight. Their other major weight loss plan is Balance 3H Plus®. This program is a completely personalized system that assists you in gaining control of your hormones. When you control your body, when it is balanced, the diet and exercise choices you make will produce results.
LOOKING GOOD
In addition to achieving your weight loss goals, their advanced aesthetic medical treatments and procedures are intended to help you reverse the signs of aging. Why stop at losing weight when you can complete your transformation with dermal fillers, which smooth out wrinkles and fill in hollowed areas of your face? While these fillers cannot stop the aging process, they can help you regain some of your youthful appearance – and confidence.
WE DIDN’T FORGET THE GUYS
And while The Skinny Center primarily caters to women’s goals, they also provide weight loss treatments for men. Recently Radio/TV host Greg Kelly, who can be heard on 77WABC and viewed on Newsmax TV, has become a regular visitor to The Skinny Center. Kelly has shared his story of battling weight fluctuation and his weight loss journey with The Skinny Center on his show. “In 1989, I was actually considered quite skinny. I exercised regularly while experimenting with various diet fads but never reached my weight loss goals. The Skinny Center certainly has its work cut out for them with me. Dr. Springarn has targeted the root cause of my weight gain to help me in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.”
The Skinny Center’s Cosmetic & Laser treatments are founded on the belief that the needs of their customers are of the utmost importance. Their entire team is dedicated to meeting those demands with expertise and experience. The Skinny Center’s team of highly trained, certified, and experienced professionals are committed to providing Dr. Spingarn strives to help his clientele with individualized plans, exceptional treatments with the best possible care by treatments and dedicated professional specialists at The Skinny Center. continuously listening to the clients’ needs and concerns to create a customized individual treatment plan. For more information on The Skinny Center, visit theskinnycenter.com. • 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
FOOD & DRINK
BALADE
A TREASURE IN THE EAST VILLAGE By Bob Kappstatter
ith the health food mantra sweeping the nation, New York City has been increasingly adding Middle Eastern cuisine to its taste buds. This is a cuisine dating back eons to the Fertile Crescent on the Arabian Peninsula when hunters began shifting to plantbased agriculture. The modern version of Middle Eastern food is all over the city, from streetside take-out wagons and local falafel joints to some very posh restaurants around town. The now well-established cuisine can be found in a takeout container or presented on a white tablecloth with subdued room lighting. Either way, it’s a welcome delicious alternative. We think one such establishment that meets the top end of the scale is Balade, where Chef/Restaurateur Roland Semaan has found his sweet spot in this East Village restaurant focusing on Lebanese cuisine. With its reputation for healthy, genuine, and inventive Middle Eastern food, the popular Zagat-rated restaurant continues to satisfy hungry diners visiting its striking Lebanese cedar wood-lined dining room, an outdoor dining booth, and front take-out counter. FRESH IS BEST Semaan told us that many ingredients include fresh spices and the most refined olive oil imported from his native Beruit. He added that many of the vegetarian dishes and family-style meat and other platters so typical of the Middle Eastern tradition are from family recipes passed down through generations. “A lot of our recipes are family recipes that are at least 50 years old,” said Semaan. “To name a few, our falafel, hummus, and baba ghanouj. Additionally, we will include some new dishes this autumn,” added the chef, who credits his training “at a young age in Switzerland at the Cesar Ritz Hotel school and with Youssef B, the executive chef of Arabesque restaurant at Hotel President Wilson in Geneva.” 66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
SIMPLE PLEASURES A piece of friendly advice: while the food sounds and looks great on the menu, your eyes may be bigger than your stomach, especially with so many tempting savory appetizers—or mezze, as they are called. We fell into the same trap, ordering up a selection of mezze—spice and veggietopped hummus (chickpea) and baba ganouj (eggplant) dishes, made for dipping with Balade’s fresh-baked flatbread, along with a score of other tasty—and filling—appetizers. That includes stuffed grape leaves, falafel, pastries stuffed with a variety of meats, and vegetarian phyllo rolls filled with mozzarella, feta cheeses, and oregano. For a major appetite or a small dining group, there’s the Mezze Supreme, with hummus, baba ghanouj, labne, muhamara, kebbe, drass, sfina, makanek, and halloumi cheese. Add to the mezze selection Jwaneh, chargrilled chicken wings marinated for 48 hours with Balade proprietary spices and imported olive oil from Lebanon; Mouhamara, freshly-ground red peppers, and walnuts topped with pomegranate; Makanek beef sausages flamed tableside with fresh lemon juice. And of course, we had to try a few slices of the Manakeesh or Lebanese Pizza. The traditional signature pie, Lahme Baajin, is crafted from house-made seasoned ground beef mixed with finely diced tomatoes and onion. The Jebne version is made from a combination of white cheeses and served with a side of tomato slices. Semaan’s creation, Pita Pizza, or The Sultan El Shawarma, yields a crispier crust and is made with thinly-sliced marinated beef and roasted with onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and topped off with a drizzle of tahini and a pinch of a spicy mixture called za’atar. ©Chef Roland Semaan
THE MAIN EVENT We barely made it to the main menu, which features Balade’s signature family-style platters, including our shared order of the Supreme Mixed Grill, a medley of grass-fed beef kafta, lamb kabab, chicken tawook, and lamb chops, served with chargrilled vegetables. Not to be forgotten: Djej Al Fahem, a half chicken marinated with Balade’s signature recipe of fresh herbs and spices served with handcut fries. For fish lovers, Balade offers the Samke Mechwiye, a whole grilled branzino bone-in, marinated in lemon, olive oil, and salt served with tahini dipping sauce. There were two more delights from our meal that night. First, from its respectable wine list, we thoroughly enjoyed a not-too-dry, not-to-fullbodied 2017 Wardy, a Clos Blanc from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. We had a pleasant fantasy of enjoying a bottle while working through some mezze at a table outside some small local cafe in the verdant valley. And for a grand finale, Mouhallable, an amazing-if-not-hard-to-pronounce native desert of milk pudding, banana, strawberries, pistachios, and honey. A dish worth a trip to the gym the next day. As for the current popularity of Semaan’s and other Middle Eastern restaurants focusing on health-conscious food, Semaan said he has seen “an uptrend in plant-based meat and fermented proteins.” For his restaurant, that has meant redefining what it means to have healthy fresh, delicious food that is quick and customized up to the last spice. “Applying our special variety of cooking techniques to our unique blend of flavors has allowed us to bring highlights from the world of fine dining into our quick-service restaurant.” With a reasonably-priced menu, Balade’s prices are a bargain for what you get. Good service, delicious food, and a genuine feeling of what more ethnic restaurants should strive to be. For more information on Balade, visit baladerestaurants.com. • OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67
FOOD & DRINK
HORTUS NYC ASIAN FARE WITH FLAIR By Anne Raso
ortus NYC has become a favorite for those looking for exotic fare that hits the three C’s: classy, cozy, and contemporary. Located in the shadow of the Empire State Building, the restaurant is hip without being pretentious. A big part of Hortus’ success is its talented and creative Executive Chef Lenny Moon from South Korea. This kitchen maestro’s family has owned and operated restaurants in South Korea for 35 years. He studied at Han-Dol Cooking Academy in Seoul before going on to NYC’s French Culinary Institute and the New York Bartending School. Chef Moon’s first big stint in a New York kitchen was at the Michelin starred Jungsik in Tribeca under the legendary Chef Jung Sik. He considers one of the highlights of being an executive chef as “being a leader in the kitchen” and reveals that his ultimate goal is “being a top chef in New York City.” Designing his menu and serving it to appreciative diners also makes this chef happy—so much so that he often leaves his kitchen, speaks to customers, and even makes menu suggestions. Hortus NYC’s menu is based primarily on its impeccable infusion of flavors from around the world. Asian dishes (particularly Korean ones) and Contemporary American and European favorites are “turned on their heads” to become something entirely different. Peek at the menu, and you’ll find the signature Truffle Donabe With Seaweed Puree and Sea Urchin, which is perfect if you feel adventurous, but you can also enjoy a great marinated Rib Eye Steak With Wild Mushrooms And Galbi Sauce. Two other notable dishes on the menu which receive high marks for their flavor are the King Crab Noodles and the Branzino With Yuzu Miso Glaze. End the evening with the creamy Macha Tiramisu and you won’t be sorry.
MORE SURPRISES Hortus’ second floor “hidden outdoor garden” with its beige canvas umbrellas and white picket fence is considered a real treasure for people who like to dine al fresco all year. The area is also perfect as the ultimate romantic spot for a leisurely intimate dinner. In addition, it’s lovely to hear live jazz every Thursday night from 7 to 10 pm wafting out onto this cozy outdoor area. Come autumn, there will be several surprises on the Hortus menu. “We want to include more flavors from the Pacific islands moving forward. We’re going to add chicken dishes and more vegetables and look to add some Chinese and Italian flavors and a hot pot as well, says Moon. “As our menu evolves and I start to perfect it, I will add Chilean sea bass or a cod dish. We also intend to add a burrata salad with dragon fruit and a crispy rice with shrimp dish.” Hortus deserves all the accolades it has received, including some from the coveted Michelin Guide. It’s hard to develop something new in New York’s jaded food scene, but Hortus does it with style. Once you sink into one of the comfy gray banquettes and enjoy the friendly and ultra-prompt service, you will be hooked on Hortus. There’s never a rush to leave, and you get some of the city’s best values for well-presented luxury “melting pot” cuisine. There’s also a premium wine, sake, and artisanal beer list that the talented waitstaff can customize to perfectly complement what you’ve ordered. For more information on Hortus, go to hortusnyc.com. • 68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
FOOD & DRINK
CHECK IN TO DINE OUT THE REGENCY BAR & GRILL By Patricia Canole
oday, eating heartily and well has become a cultural obsession in the Big Apple. From upbeat and casual family spots to tasting menus, the choices for places to eat in New York are simply endless. was overlooked in the past and is now as popular as ever. Hotel dining. It wasn’t long ago hotel restaurants were a no-man’s land on the food scene. Fast forward to 2021: Signature hotel restaurants continue to be transformed into culinary destinations to satisfy every craving. Today, hotels—old and new—are about the scene, the design and, of course, the food. So, are you looking for a memorable experience to savor the best-tasting food in the city? Go ahead, book a weekend and reserve a table at the same time. Wondering where? Here’s one of our classic favorites.
THE REGENCY BAR & GRILL The Regency Bar & Grill is already a mainstay of the UES scene. On the ground floor of Loews Regency New York, the dining room complements the New American menu— all modern accents, cushioned banquettes, and low lighting. The restaurant offers a fantastic dining concept to create a menu emphasizing modern interpretations of classic dishes accented with international flair. And because NYC has one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world, you will also have an opportunity to savor Flavor By Lowes—a partnership with the best culinary-beverage artisans around. Look for Brooklyn Gin’s handcrafted small-batch gin that’s good enough to drink on its own. Try the sweet and savory treats from Mah-Ze-Dahr. Those brown butter blondies and brioche doughnuts are social media sensations. Not to be overlooked is Ess-A-Bagel (no explanation needed here) and For Five Coffee offering signature blends sourced from 30 regions around the world. The Regency Bar & Grill also remains the pinnacle for the New York Power Breakfast, having introduced the concept in 1975; it’s where masters of industry descend for their early morning meetings. Wake up to Classic Eggs Benedict or a Regency Breakfast Sandwich (fried eggs, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese on a bread roll). Lunch/dinner menus are also loaded with delicious options. Our meal began in the bustling bar where hand-crafted cocktails like the Manhattan and other choice cocktails are served with pleasure. After enjoying the bar scene, we were escorted to the large and comfortable dining room by food and beverage manager, Jae, and Henry our server for the evening. Start off with Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with horseradish cocktail sauce and the ever-popular Porcini Truffle Pizza with fresh buffalo mozzarella, pecorino Romano, and truffle oil (addictive!) Other musts include the Signature Burger with RBG fries and house-made pickles. The Crab Cakes were flavorful and superbly chunky. Not to be overlooked is the sumptuous Chicken Paillard. Of course, carnivores will enjoy the Dry-Aged New York Strip perfectly prepared to your liking. Complete this special time with sweet temptations, including Carrot Cake with a smooth cream cheese icing or a divine Chocolate Layer Cake. For more information on Loews Regency New York, visit loewshotels.com/regency. •
Chicken Paillard
THE LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK The Regency exudes an air of modern luxury with its sleek, stylish, and thoughtfully designed decor. The spacious lobby combines plenty of marble and cream tones. In contrast, the comfortable Lobby Lounge showcases an art installation by Brooklyn-based artist Nina Helms which seemingly floats across an expansive wall. All spacious guest rooms are decked out with all the amenities you’d expect in an upscale New York hotel: luxurious linens, a large workspace, a marble bathroom with a TV embedded in the mirror, and Julien Farel toiletries. The hotel also offers Sant Ambroeus Café with a separate entrance on 61st Street. This unique coffee bar is an Italian-inspired yet quintessential New York cafe. Offering pastries, coffee, and sandwiches makes this a neighborhood destination for hotel guests, residents looking for a daily boost.
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON STAGE
BROADWAY RETURNS! By Griffin Miller
he 2021 Broadway season is happily underway, starring long-running favorites and a cavalcade of sparkling newcomers. Theater lovers, you’re on! CURRENTLY OPEN • Aladdin (New Amsterdam; aladdinthemusical.com) What’s not to love about this Disney musical romcom culled from the animated classic? Genie kicks off this wild magic carpet ride with all its familyfriendly wonder. • Chicago (Ambassador Theatre; chicagothemusical.com) It picked up a Tony for Best Musical Revival back in 1997 and re-enters the Broadway fray as one of its fiercest hits. Razzle-dazzle ‘em Roxie, Velma & Co.! • Chicken and Biscuits (Circle in the Square Theatre; chickenandbiscuitsbway.com) A comedy with a “funereal” twist arrives on Broadway with stars Norm Lewis (Porgy and Bess), and Michael Urie (Ugly Betty). • Come From Away (Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre; comefromaway. com) On 9/11/01, airline passengers and Gander, Newfoundland natives were thrown together into an extraordinary situation captured in this equally extraordinary musical. • Dana H. (Lyceum Theatre; vineyardtheatre.org) This harrowing true story about a woman held captive in a series of motels, has been adapted by her son, playwright Lucas Hnath. Running in rep with Is This a Room. • D av i d By r ne’s Ame r i can Utopi a (St. Jame s T he at re; americanutopiabroadway.com) Mr. Byrne and his international troupe of multi-talented musicians offer theatregoers a killer concert/theatrical event. • Hadestown (Walter Kerr Theatre; hadestown.com) 2019’s Tonywinning musical follows the overlapping love stories of Orpheus & Eurydice and Hades & Persephone with a mashup score of New Orleans jazz and American folk music. • Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre; hamiltonmusical.com) Lin Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is back, so if you’re primed for the hottest take on history ever, join the line… its sellout status is in full swing. Chicago
70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
• Is This A Room (Lyceum Theatre; vineyardtheatre.org) Taken from FBI transcripts, this true-life drama tracks the interrogation of a former Air Force linguist surprised at home by the FBI in 2017. • The Lehman Trilogy (Nederlander Theatre; thelehmantrilogy. com) The acclaimed epic play tracking three generations of the family who helmed Lehman Brothers investment bank. Sell-outs predicted. • The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre, lionking.com) Disney’s 1997 Tony-winning stage adaption of its animated blockbuster is a visual knock-out and ready for audiences young, senior and everyone in between. • Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Al Hirschfeld Theatre; moulinrougemusical.com) Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film translated to a spirited stage romp of glorious proportions. Très everything, from theatre décor to the can-can! • Pass Over (August Wilson Theatre; passoverbroadway.com) inspired by Waiting for Godot and the Exodus story, Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu’s set her play on an urban street corner. It arrived on Broadway with its original LCT3 cast • Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre; manhattantheatreclub.com) It’s the 1960s as Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson takes on 20 characters in honor of the woman who raised him • Six (Brooks Atkinson Theatre; sixonbroadway.com) Each of Henry VIII’s wives -- portrayed by original cast members -finally gets her solo moment in a contemporary concert spotlight. • Thoughts of a Colored Man (Golden Theatre; thoughtsofacoloredman.com) “Spoken word, slam poetry, rhythm and humor” work together to propel the inner voices of Black men for today’s theatregoers. • Waitress (Ethel Barrymore Theatre; telecharge.com) Broadway welcomes the return of the pie-centric Sara Bareilles-scored hit musical. Based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film, the current resurrection is clearly cause for celebration. • Wicked (Gershwin Theatre; wickedthemusical.com) Longrunning with no end in sight, this outstanding Ozian musical showcases a green heroine with a surprising BFF. All in all, witchin’!
FALL ARRIVALS October 5th • To Kill a Mockingbird (Shubert Theatre; tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com) Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed stage version of the Harper Lee classic is back with original cast members Celia Keenan-Bolger and Jeff Daniels. October 7th • Fre e st y l e L ov e Supre me (B o ot h The at re ; freestylelovesupreme.com) Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail and Antony Veneziale created this improv musical Red hot and big buzz all the way. October 8 • Caroline, or Change (Studio 54; roundabouttheatre. org) The first Broadway revival of the Tony KushnerJeanine Tesori musical about an African-American maid and the family she serves. (roundabouttheatre. org) • Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre; tinaonbroadway.com) It’s more than a challenge not to dance and sing along with the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll in this mega-musical bio!
Diana: The Musical
th
October 13th • Girl From The North Country (Belasco Theatre; northcountryonbroadway.com) Set in a guesthouse during the Great Depression, Conor McPherson’s latest taps into the Bob Dylan songbook for a poignantly beautiful musical.
October 29th • Trouble in Mind (American Airlines Theatre; roundabouttheatre.org) Originally set to debut in the 1950s, this look at racism in the theatre industry is finally primed to reach its Broadway audience. November 2nd • Diana: The Musical (Longacre Theatre; thedianamusical.com) You know the story, now get ready for the musical that was a major pre-pandemic draw at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse! November 3rd • Clyde’s (Helen Hayes Theatre; 2st.com) Pulitzer Prize winner Lynne Nottage’s funny and moving new work unfolds in a truck stop staffed by former inmates.
November 5th • The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill Theatre; bookofmormonbroadway. com) Hilarious, irreverent and winner of 9 Tonys in October 16th 2011… proof positive nothing is sacred in the hands of creators Trey Parker & • Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Matt Stone. Temptations (Imperial Theatre; ainttooproudmusical. com) Rock & Roll Hall of Famers/Motown icons come November 11th to life in this retro-awesome musical. • Flying Over Sunset (Vivian Beaumont Theater; lct.org) When Cary Grant, Aldous Huxley and Clare Booth Luce tried LSD in real life, little did they know October 21st it would become fodder for a fabricated musical. • Jagged Little Pill (Broadhurst Theatre; jaggedlittlepill. com) Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s Grammy-winning November 12th album, the plot of this Tony-nominated musical follows • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre; a deceptively perfect family harrypottertheplay. com) Revamped into a single performance, HPATCC can’t • Mrs. Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre; help but retain the magic of Hogwarts for its newbie first years. mrsdoubtfirebroadway.com) Tony-nominee Rob McClure takes on Robin Williams’ seminal dude- November 15th turned-nanny role in this long-anticipated stage • Company (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre; companymusical.com) Gender takes a musical. U-turn in this white-hot revival starring two Tony winners: Katrina Lenk (as Bobbie) and Patti Lupone (as Joanne). October 22nd • The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic Theatre; December 6th us.thephantomoftheopera.com) Andrew Lloyd Webber’s • MJ the Musical (Neil Simon Theatre; mjthemusical.com) Michael Jackson’s Tony-winning masterpiece is primed to share its greatest hits and then some – 25 in all – help make this musical bio one of the “Music of the Night” in its Broadway digs once more. season’s hottest new tickets.
VACCINE & MASK POLICY FOR BROADWAY THEATERS Theatregoers must show proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine. “Fully vaccinated” means performance date is at least 14 days after the second dose of a twodose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. Masks are also required inside the theater, except while eating or drinking in designated locations. For more information, please visit nycgo.com.
December 11th • Dear Evan Hansen (Music Box Theater; dearevanhansen.com) While it may be a big screen phenom, this Tony-winning musical capturing universal outsider angst through one high school kid is heart-stopping when savored live. December 20th • The Music Man (Winter Garden Theatre; musicmanonbroadway.com) Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster headline this big buzz revival about a con man who falls under the spell of a small-town librarian. December 21st • Skeleton Crew (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre; manhattantheatreclub.com) This striking contemporary drama about the workers in a failing Detroit automotive factory stars Tony winner Phylicia Rashad. • OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE BIG SCREEN By Jenny Peters
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FALL FLICKS DUNE PG-13 Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel Dune is back on the big screen in this new iteration directed by Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049). Timothee Chalamet stars as the man who must protect the most important substance in the universe; an allstar cast joins him in this ambitious production shot in 2019. In key roles, look for Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Javier Bardem, and Rebecca Ferguson. THE FRENCH DISPATCH R Wes Anderson’s latest (completed in 2019) is a love letter to journalism, as told in his inimitable (and much beloved) quirky style. Set in a fictional French city, this collection of stories stars many of Anderson’s favorite actors—Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, Angelica Huston, Adrian B ro d y, Fr a n c e s Mc D or m a n d , B o b Balaban, Tilda Swinton, Tony Revolori, Lea Seydoux, Willem Dafoe—as well as Timothee Chalamet, Elisabeth Moss, and Jeffrey Wright. It’s going to be great! NO TIME TO DIE PG-13 James Bond lives, in this 25th film about the suave British superspy. Another film was completed in 2019 and held until movie lovers returned to theaters; this one stars Daniel Craig again as Bond, who has retired to Jamaica. But that cannot possibly happen, and so once again, he’s pulled into a dangerous situation against a villain who could destroy the world. But, familiar plot notwithstanding, we all love a good Bond film, now don’t we? Rami Malik and Ana de Armas co-star. VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE PG-13 Venom that Marvel alien superhero who uses a journalist’s body as a host, is back in this sequel to 2018’s Venom. Once again, starring Tom Hardy in the title role and Michelle Williams and Woody Harrelson, this one throws a serial killer into the mix. This movie will be filled with special effects and lots of fight sequences directed by Andy Serkis and starring Naomi Harris. It is a Marvel movie, after all. 72 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
THRILLERS FROM PAST TO PRESENT ANTLERS R This scary entry into the “creepy movies set in the Pacific Northwest” genre stars Keri Russell and Jesse Plemons as siblings whose lives become embroiled with a tweener boy who has a terrible secret about something out in the woods. Is it a monster or just a figment of his adolescent imagination? Get ready to scream when you find out, watching this film produced by horror master Guillermo del Toro. THE LAST DUEL R Ridley Scott directs this star-studded, fact-based medieval tale of the duel between a French knight and his squire. With Oscar-winning screenwriters Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reuniting to pen the story after almost 25 years since that Good Will Hunting win—and also taking on starring roles, this one’s got a lot going for it. Add in Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and Adam Driver to round out the lead cast, and there’s a lot of talent packed into this evocative tale of days of yore. LAST NIGHT IN SOHO Not yet rated Another big-screen flick made in 2019 and just now making it to theaters, this dark modern thriller is set in London and stars Anya Taylor-Joy of The Queen’s Gambit fame. Again, one of the screen’s great faces, she›s starring opposite Diana Rigg, who once had a similar claim to fame; this, Rigg’s last movie, lets both women prove once again that they are much more than just pretty faces. Set in the world of 1960s high fashion, it›s hard not to think of Rigg dressed to kill as Emma Peel while watching. THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK R Tony Soprano returns in this original story of the New Jersey mobster who mesmerized HBO viewers for six TV seasons (1999 to 2007). This movie stars the late James Gandolfini’s 22-year-old son Michael in the role of Tony, along with a terrific cast of actors taking on the younger personas of the characters, we all know too well from the series. Look for Alessandro Nivola, Corey Stoll, Jon Berenthal, Ray Liotta, and Vera Farmiga (as Livia Soprano, that should be a sight to see) in this look at the forces that shaped all the characters’ younger days. OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE SMALL SCREEN By Jenny Peters
SCARY STUFF FOR THE HAUNTED SEASON CSI: VEGAS CBS They’re back, but not in a Poltergeist remake! Instead, we’re back in Vegas again, as CSI reboots the original TV series from 2000 to 2015 and spawned four spinoff series. Now back on the Strip, with Gus Grissom (William Pedersen) and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) leading the charge, along with returning favorites Paul Guilfoyle and Wallace Langham as well. The crime scene team and the scary stories they investigate are sure to be a comfort to those who have missed them. GHOSTS CBS Haunted houses usually bring terror to those who move in, but in this new ghost-filled comedy, hilarity ensues instead. Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar star as the happy couple who buy a large estate, only to discover that a pack of ghosts is everywhere they turn. And a wacky group they are, from a Viking explorer to a ’60s hippie and beyond, these are wisecracking wraiths. THE GUILTY Netflix Jake Gyllenhaal produces and stars in this adaptation of the 2018 Danish thriller of the same name. He enlisted Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective) to pen the English-language script and Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) to direct. It’s a tense, mostly one-handed tale of a 911 operator (Gyllenhaal, whose character is a cop on trial, demoted to the call center) who talks to different desperate people as his night shift progresses. Voices you hear in this tense drama will be familiar, ranging from Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano to Riley Keough. INVASION Apple+ TV A cast of unknowns leads this sci-fi tale that’s loosely based on War of the Worlds, as the earth faces an infiltration of aliens to the planet. The brainchild of top producer-writer Simon Kinberg (Oscar nominee for The Martian) and David Weil, this apocalyptic drama takes place across the globe, with Sam Neill turning up along the way. 74 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
THRILLS, CHILLS – AND PUPPIES! (FOR KIDS) LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES Disney+ Kids (and likely a lot of adults, too) who love Star Wars and Lego will revel in this 44-minute short film that combines the two. With Halloween in mind, the special features three frightening stories from the mind of Vanee (Tony Hale), who is Darth Vader’s, right-hand man. With vocal talents from Christian Slater, Jake Green, and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, this G-rated TV movie has just enough to terrify, but not to freak out, the children.
MAYA AND THE THREE Netflix This animated series follows the quest of Maya (voiced by Zoe Saldana), a “Mesoamerican warrior princess.” She searches for the three famous fighters she needs to assist in her attempt to save the world. In this Latin Americanbased mythic tale, listen for other well-known voices as the series progresses, from Alfred Molina to Wyclef Jean, Diego Luna, and Gael Garcia Bernal. MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION Disney+ We cannot pretend that a new Muppets movie doesn’t excite all the adults who have grown up with that slightly subversive krewe of crazy talking puppets, but we do know that kids will love this new adventure, too. Wild adventures follow when Gonzo ventures into The Haunted Mansion (yes, the one from Disneyland) to spend a single night in that scary space. Look for Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and more Muppet favorites in this soon-to-be-a-classic Muppet romp. PUPPY PLACE Netflix There are puppies everywhere in this new live-action series that stars a couple of young siblings who decide to foster puppies (with the help of their parents). Each new pup means a new cutie to love— along with new adventures along the way, too. Brooklyn MacKinzie and Riley Looc star as the dog-loving kids that help your kids understand the responsibilities (and wild fun) of having a puppy. OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
BROADWAY REDUX YOUR TICKET TO THEATER AT HOME By Sara Wiesenfeld
f you’ve made your way through BroadwayHD’s incredible selection and are looking for some additional excitement this fall, we’ve got your ticket. BroadwayHD is available on your computer or any of your favorite devices such as Roku, AppleTV, Chromecast & Amazon Firestick. For more information on BroadwayHD, visit broadwayhd.com.
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE
It’s a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life. An insightful and hilarious musical, this show will have audiences shouting, “This is my life!”
GHOSTS
Ibsen’s Ghosts attracted controversy at its premiere, and deals with subjects such as religion, incest, euthanasia and, most shockingly at the time, venereal disease. This production, captured live at London’s Trafalgar Studios, starred Lesley Manville as Helene Alving.
MACBETH
Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood reprise their Tony-nominated stage performances in this gripping adaptation of Shakepeare’s Macbeth, w h ich relo c ates t he bloody action of Shakespeare’s famous play to a nameless 20thcentury netherworld.
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
B as e d on G e orge A. Romero’s iconic 1968 film, a bunch of strangers are holed up in a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania. Hordes of the undead are approaching. If only they could find some way of staying alive... Night of the Living Dead Live will entertain horror and comedy fans alike.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
G r a h a m M c L a r e n’s lavish, spectacular and unashamedly theatrical production of Jo Clifford’s adaptation celebrates the very best of Dickens’ w r it ing and s ome of h is most memor abl e characters.
INTO THE WOODS
IF I FORGET
THE TOXIC AVENGER THE MUSICAL
Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult 1984 comedy film, The Toxic Avenger - The Musical tells the story of the citizens of Tromaville who are crying out for a h e ro. E nt e r n e rd y Melvin Ferd the Third, an aspiring earth scientist, determined to clean up the state’s major toxic waste problem.
RED
Based on the original D o n m a r Wa r e h o u s e production, this sixt i m e To n y A w a r d ® winning production of Oscar nominated writer John Logan’s Red stars stage and screen actor Alfred Molina reprises his critically acclaimed performance as the American abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko.
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THE LION
In The Lion , w r iter/ p er for mer B enj amin Scheuer tells a story about love, loss, loyalty, and the redemptive power of music. This one-person musical is also a comingof-age story, where a son seeks his father’s love and goes on a deeply personal journey to become his own man.
Professor Michael Fischer has reunited with his two sisters to celebrate their father’s 75th birthday. As destructive secrets and long-held resentments bubble to the surface, the three negotiate— with biting humor and razor-sharp insight— how much of the past they’re willing to sacrifice for a chance at a new beginning. Starring Grey’s Anatomy’s Kate Walsh and Jeremy Shamos.
Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods weaves together many famous fairy tales in an allegorical story of family, love, growing up and the hazy areas between right and wrong. The critically acclaimed production was captured live at London’s Regent’s Park open air theater and was directed by Timothy S h e a d e r. It f e a t u r e s Hannah Waddingham as the Witch and Jenna Russell as the Baker’s Wife, among many other stand-out performances. •
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SARA BAREILLES
ROCKING WAITRESS WORLD AGAIN! By Griffin Miller
ie sales at Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre have been brisk, and not just because the killer aroma of baking pies—designed for consumption by “pie consultant” Stacy Donnelly— hits you the second you enter the theater. Instead, the olfactory seduction offers an immersive aspect to the homey backdrop and quirky characters that drive the musical Waitress. But, for the symbolically inclined, it also illustrates just how much audiences have been starved for theater’s return. Spontaneous ovations and applause being the euphoric clinchers. And at the heart of the current Waitress production is Sara Bareilles, the show’s Grammy-winning composer and (at least through October 17th) waitress/pie baking phenom, Jenna. “How could I miss the opportunity to be a part of Broadway’s reopening?” said Bareilles. “To share the moment with everyone who’s been part of the process and to be part of the solution, this is what has made my decision all the sweeter.” GRIT & GRACE Interviews with Bareilles—a steady torrent since it was announced she’d be helming the revival—inevitably shine a spotlight on her passion for creating. Yet what also struck me was her humor (genuine, playful, occasionally edgy) and her choice of words (at times poetic). Well before opening night and her firsthand taste of theatergoer exhilaration, she observed, “Broadway is grit and grace, magic and mayhem, and I can’t wait to feel the electricity that pulses through all of us as the curtains rise once again.” For those unfamiliar with Waitress, it centers around a small-town diner and Jenna, a lovable waitress with pie-making and pie-naming (“My Husband’s a Jerk Chicken Pot Pie”; “Mermaid Marshmallow Pie”), superpowers. But unfortunately, insecurities and choices run amok (“White Knuckle Cream Pie”), and a National Pie Bake Off in a nearby town presents itself right around the time she discovers she’s pregnant. So cut to the chase: dump or keep abusive spouse; affair or no affair with married OB/GYN; compete in Bake Off or not. Fortunately, her two co-waitresses are instrumental in steering her towards “Getting Out of the Mud Mud Pie,” a.k.a. the perfect resolution. . Which explains why—even though her favorite moments onstage are apt to change performance to performance—Bareilles is drawn to Act I’s “Soft Place to Land” number performed by the three waitresses. “It’s about dreaming, and it’s a hopeful moment focusing on bonded relationships,” she said, pointing out how powerful its message is during a world damaged by COVID-19. Waitresses ©Jeremy Daniel
REMEMBERING NICK CORDERO Bareilles saw how uplifting the Waitress homecoming has been, describing it as the “catharsis of being back with all my friends.” So many of the people she worked with during the 2016-2020 run, in addition to the cast, musicians, house staff, crew members, Tony-winning director Diane Paulus, Julliard-trained choreographer Lorin Latarro are once again sharing this celebration of seizing life as it comes. That message has been permanently mounted on the diner’s menu board as “A Big Ol Slice of Live Your Life Pie” in honor of Nick Cordero, who died last year from complications from COVID. Amanda Kloots joined the cast during opening night’s curtain call to celebrate her late husband’s life and legacy by singing Cordero’s original song, “Live Your Life.” Of the actor, who originated the role of Earl on Broadway, Bareilles spoke for everyone who knew him in saying, “The loss is so deep for all of us.” As for Bareilles, her day-to-day pandemic survival techniques were not always what you’d expect. “I didn’t turn to music. That part is still in gestation,” she notes. “I felt very quiet.” What she did do, however, was take walks. “I was struck by the way the city moved forward—the scrappiness of restaurants as they created outdoor dining areas and how shops were hanging on despite everything. Through walking, I could feel communities, and the city, getting bigger”. For tickets to Waitress (through January 9, 2022), visit telecharge.com. • OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SUNHE HONG
LIFE IS FILLED WITH ENDLESS BEAUTY By Patricia Canole
y art evokes a wide spectrum of feelings. It taps into your subconscious, bringing to life the hidden messages which lie within us, from our darkest pains to the most intimate forms of loving,” says Sunhe Hong. “If there is just one thing people take away from viewing my artwork, it is that life is always filled with endless beauty, even at its darkest time.” This Korean American artist has always been an expression of human existence, and her paintings reflect her life in color. Quite literally, one can view the work over time and see the changes in color and style that correspond with her stage in a continuous transformation. The pieces come together and form a mosaic, capturing the essence of her memories, each picture bearing a different feeling for another time, another circumstance. They display the raw and authentic relationships of this world, reminding us of our personal emotional needs. Her works delve into the soulful dilemmas that are born from our desire to feel alive. Pain and Pleasure. Loneliness and Love. Reminding our longings, fantasies, and dreams allows us to escape reality’s cages and join a poetic existence. We recently met with Sunhe at her art studio to learn more about this fascinating woman and her paintbrush. Tell us about your childhood in South Korea. I was very visual, even as a toddler. My parents did not know what to think of me. I was a stubborn child who always knew what I wanted and did things my way. What were your earliest memories as a child about exposure to the arts? My interest in art grew in middle school. I had the option of choosing between a traditional Korean art style, which involved a black and white brush with rice paper or studying the Western art style. I decided to continue with Western artwork and received a scholarship when I entered high school.
Sunhe Hong ©Elizabeth Henneberry
After arriving in the U.S., what were your first impressions when you came? I arrived in the U.S. at 19 and enrolled as an art student at Youngstown State University in Ohio, where I eventually received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I was always a freespirited child with a creative mind and a strong personality. In America, I was able to wear red lipstick, punk hairstyles, and mini-skirts. Unlike Korea, I was not confined. I felt I belonged. When is your favorite time to create art? I only paint when I am inspired and usually paint late into the night when the world is quiet. But there are also other times when my emotions are overflowing, and I must express myself. Painting is my therapy, and I paint very intensely, releasing my feelings on the canvas. Tell us more about the art scene today in NYC. After the pandemic, I see lots of street art blossoming again as the city comes alive. Not only that, but there’s been a massive surge of online exhibitions and digital art. What is it that draws you personally to painting? It is a medium of expression for my emotions. Through painting, a language I can speak more fluently than any other language, I can fully express my feelings with the least restraint. What projects are you presently working on? I have a solo exhibition coming up at the end of this month, and will be debuting my first art book, Metamorphosis, there. It’s a retrospective of the past 11 years, showcasing my evolution as an artist. This book is the divine path of a woman’s sensuality and femininity and the growth, a metamorphosis of a free-spirited soul.
Circle Of Life, Acrylic on Canvas, 2020
78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
For more information on Sunhe Hong and her art, exhibition, and book, visit sunhehong.com. •
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PET SPOTLIGHT
PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP AUTUMN COLORS & COSTUMES By Melanie Carden
ndulge in the over-the-top spirit of Halloween—the holiday that encourages outlandish outfits. Give your pet’s wardrobe a ghoulish upgrade with costumes and accessories that will guarantee your little trickster gets all the treats! Even if you’re not the dress-up-your-buddy kind of pet parent, there are plenty of ways to add some autumn flair. UNICORNY KITTY PIG STY-LE SPICEY SEASON For the cat that carries himself like the legendary, mythical creature that he was born to be, the unicorn costume is a no-brainer. Bootique’s Born to Unicorn hoodie is a flashy statement of whimsical superiority. Info: petco.com.
An accessories set is perfect for adorable social media photos of your furry or feathery friends. This set includes three separate pieces—ears, tail, and nose. Pop them on & off quickly for Howl-OWeen selfies with your piggly little pup. Info: halloweencostumes.com.
October is pumpkin spice latte season, of course. But let’s not leave our fur-babies out in the cold. With pie and pumpkinshaped cookies, Wufer’s Pupkin Spice Cookie Assortment is a seasonal doggy delight. Info: wufers.com.
STAR WARS STRUT
TO INFINITY & BEYOND
DINO-MITE COSTUME
The inquisitive little birds from the latest Star Wars offerings are here for Halloween fun— Porgs! Toynk—a cult collectables cache—offers this adorable walking-style costume. Now you can turn your Coorg into a Porg! Info: toynk.com.
Not even the real Buzz Lightyear can compete with this out-of-this-world pup! Complete with a light-up jet pack and headpiece, this intergalactic cuteness is a surefire way for Fido to be the center of attention—and the universe! Info: petcostumecenter.com.
Cats and dogs alike unite in their enthusiasm for this stegosaurus costume. Just when we thought black cats don’t need Halloween costumes, this cutie comes along. Check out the matching dinosaur costumes for the humans! Info: halloweencostumes.com.
OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81
LET’S TACO ‘BOUT IT
PUMPKIN PACK
JUST ADD ZHUZH
A guinea pig in a taco costume? Lettuce rejoice! The folks at Bootique make this costume just for guinea pigs, and we think that’s spooktacular. Info: petco.com.
For the fur-babies who plan to go all-in on trick-or-treating, get a festive pumpkin backpack. This sturdy pack is perfect for chilly October strolls and general shenanigans, plus it includes a waste bag dispenser. Info: petco.com.
Your pet’s Halloween wardrobe needs a statement piece—something glitzy and fabulous. With an iridescent finish, the quirky zhuzh of this triceratops headpiece will be the envy of the dog park. Info: halloweencostumes.com.
AUTUMNAL CAT CAVE
POP OF COLOR
OH, MY GOURD!
When your kitty decides he/she is just “so over it” with all the pumpkin spice latte hoopla—there’s always their very own autumn-themed cave. Warm and cozy, it’s the perfect retreat after a long day leaf-peeping from the windowsill. Info: catcavebeds.com.
Sure, orange and brown are a classic fall color scheme, but sometimes you need a pop of color! The Ta Ib collection was inspired by the great Mayan civilization and offers exuberant bursts of orange, reds, and yellows. Info: taib.pet.
Twinning with your pet never goes out of style, but Halloween is a great excuse to let your cute flag fly! This ensemble is on-trend all month long—so don’t stash it away just for trick or treating. Info: petsmart.com. •
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PET SPOTLIGHT
SOUTHAMPTON ANIMAL SHELTER FOUNDATION A SAFE HAVEN FOR ALL ANIMALS By Lillian Langtry
fter Southampton Animal Shelter lost its funding from the Town of Southampton in 2010, a group of local citizens created the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) to save the shelter. SASF has relied on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and events to raise funds and to care for the homeless animals in the community. Their mission is to provide for the welfare of the ever-growing number of homeless animals and, in turn, to place them in permanent caring homes. From cats to dogs, from pups and kittens to senior pets, special needs pets, and everything in between, SASF wants every pet to find its “forever home.” Their annual Unconditional Love Gala and the new SO FETCH Beach Party Fundraiser are just a couple of events SASF hosts throughout the year, where 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to the shelter’s rescue program. The Unconditional Love Gala has been the most important fundraiser for the shelter for over a decade and has supported the more than 5,000 animals who enter SASF doors each year. In addition, dogs from the shelter get to attend these events, with some having the opportunity to be adopted during the receptions.
A SAFE HAVEN The number of animals in need of help is growing every day. The overpopulation of pets on Long Island is a significant issue. Whether caring for strays found wandering the streets, rescuing neglected and abandoned animals, or saving dogs from the horrors of the puppy mill industry, the shelter is a safe haven for all animals and, for some, the last resort. Without SASF, these animals would not be able to survive. The shelter provides a steppingstone for animals to find a loving home. It offers them housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation when necessary. In addition, they take in community pets and partner with other rescues and shelters located on Long Island, New York, and areas in the South, including Puerto Rico, to save animals in dire situations.
Jean Shafiroff, Molly & Stephen Baldwin at Unconditional Love Gala ©Patrick McMullan
With commitment and dedication from people like SASF’s director of adoptions, Kate McEntee, SASF has proven to be a leading shelter. They pride themselves on finding excellent homes for large numbers of animals. Since 2010, the shelter’s adoption rate has increased significantly due to the many new services, such as a veterinary clinic that handles all incoming medical evaluations and care, public spay and neuter services, microchipping, and vaccinations. In addition, SAS has one of the best training and behavior departments in the country. Their program socializes, integrates, and enriches the lives of shelter dogs, and it has proven to increase the rate of adoptability of these dogs.
A MULTITUDE OF SERVICE
Although the Southampton Animal Shelter does its best to make these animals feel as comfortable as possible, some pets do not do well in a shelter environment but fare much better in a home setting with individual attention. SASF’s Foster Pet program allows people to temporarily take in a homeless pet while nurturing them until they are ready to be adopted and find a permanent home with a family who will love them forever.
This past year, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation found homes for over 800 animals. In addition, it provided the community with necessary resources like their Wellness Clinic, Pet Food Pantry, Advo-Cats Program, low-cost spay/neuter mobile clinic, and other community outreach programs. These services help pet owners who fall on hard times keep their animals and out of the shelters.
SO FETCH Beach Fundraiser ©Patrick McMullan
From caring and finding homes for stray and abandoned animals to providing low-cost veterinary care and dog training so that animals can remain in their homes, the shelter has become a vital resource in the community. SASF has dozens of dogs, cats, and other pets who are waiting for their forever homes. Whether you are looking to adopt or donate to the cause. For more information on Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, visit sasf.org. • OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 83
NEW YORK, NY
ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER
SEAN CRONIN & ELENA SOKINA, NYLO FITNESS By Bailey Beckett
he discreet, four-level building in TriBeCa might not scream fitness, but it’s not supposed to. Instead, NYLO is New York’s new lifestyle-design studio to embrace “Bio-Psycho-Social,” a formula founders Sean Cronin and Elena Sokina designed to embrace all aspects of their client’s lives. As a result, NYLO is a holistic, tranquil, and body-affirming experience no other can match, not even physical training, diet and even the environment. “Our society is not set up to encourage health,” says Cronin. “At NYLO, we look at every aspect of your life. Your mind, your body, and how you interact with the world. We facilitate natural systems of movement, nutrition, and mindful relationships with ourselves and others to build strength and resilience.” New York Lifestyles talked to Cronin about NYLO, which opens this fall. What is the concept, and what will it encompass? We believe that natural systems are inherently regenerative and positive-sum. As Jiddhu Krishnamurti once said, It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. Our society is not set up to encourage health. NYLO is the operator’s manual for the human body that we were born into. We inherited these bodies and have done our best to navigate the world with them, but it’s mostly guesswork and trial error as we go. What should I eat? How should I move and walk and bend over? Are any of these things damaging to me long-term without me realizing it? (spoiler, yes. They are.) What will you do better than anyone else? Look at the whole picture. Fitness is not limited to just squats and protein; it’s not realistic to our clientele. They are not training to be professional athletes. They are already professionals. We are offering a way to maximize health spans. This is about living as long and as healthfully as possible. It is being free to move, free from pain, and free to love your look. These are as much psychological and sociological as they are physical. We collaborate to define your fitness and design your environment to achieve it. 84 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Elena Sokina & Sean Cronin
What considerations did you make in creating an experience/setting like this for ultra-lux/ affluent clients? What were your priorities? It’s cleanliness, environment, and service. The trainers (Elena and I) are world-class, but we’ve had careers before fitness. Elena was a corporate lawyer in Moscow before becoming a competitive snowboarder. She found fitness in the Alps before coming to conquer America. I majored in English literature and found fitness while teaching English and coaching in Asia for three years. It was a chance to absorb a new culture and read obsessively. When clients come to train with us, we speak and understand the same language. The training is always fun. To make lasting changes, we design the process in a way you’ll love. The hardest part is showing up; we’ll take care of you from there. Why TriBeCa? What drew you to this area? I love the vibe. The feeling. The people. The architecture. And the culture. It’s an inconspicuous neighborhood that doesn’t scream wealth even though it’s incredibly affluent. People in TriBeCa are very successful, but they go about their business without you knowing it. And they put their efforts, minds, and wallets into what they believe in. So as a result, TriBeCa has an incredible sense of community, which we’re excited to be part of.
At NYLO, we look at every aspect of your life. Your mind, your body, and how you interact with the world. Why do you think this is needed right now? After two years of uncertainty, the world is in a precarious place: a divisive president, social upheaval, pandemic, and a battered economy. People have been scared, quarantined, and made significant changes to their lives. They’re tired, but they’ve built resilience through this. They are more confident in their beliefs and values and unafraid to show them. So, we wear our hearts on the sleeves of 100 percent recycled apparel. The last two years have shown we don’t have much control over the outside world. We offer a way to look inward and approach self-care without a sense of nagging guilt but a sense of purpose. We work to define fitness on an individual basis according to one’s values. What kind of world do they want to live in, and what do they want to do in it? NYLO is not a glorified company. Our revenue will never support causes or politicians who don’t believe in sustainability, inclusivity, and equality. We approach our clients in their full context physically, mentally, and socially. Our values result from our sense of the world, our reality. We welcome everyone to check out the view. For more information on NYLO Fitness, phone (917) 423-2969 or visit nylofitness.com. • OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85
NEW YORK, NY
MY NEW YORK STORY LINDSEY WHITING-SCHNEPPER By Bailey Beckett
he first thing you notice when you talk to Lindsey Whiting-Schnepper is her voice. It’s like a warm hug, filled with love and sincerity. But it’s not all hearts and rainbow sprinkle cookies in her world. She is the mother of two young children, who she describes as“a wicked combination of sweet and spice, made from an equally wicked combination of love, science, and magic. She is giving voice to mommies across the country with a raw and honest but always entertaining platform called Mommylogue.blog, where she writes under the pseudonym Elle DoubleU Pepper. Her site is filled with anecdotes, incidents, insecurities, and insights you don’t and can’t read anywhere else. Whiting-Schnepper, a Long Island native, has amassed a five-figure audience across the web and social media in less than six months. Though happily married and a doting mother, Elle DoubleU Pepper captures the day-to-day rollercoaster of mommyhood with such a genuine voice people online began searching for her real-life identity. For the record, Whiting-Schnepper is a 40-year young mother and early childhood special education teacher known for her quick wit, clever sense of humor, perfect blowouts, and stories that will leave you loving and crying … with tears and laughs. There is nothing the writer—who graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and rhetorical studies and New York University with a dual master’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education, and an advanced certification in educational leadership and administration from CUNY—won’t share. New York Lifestyles caught up with Pepper—excuse us, Whiting-Schnepper—to get the skinny on all that is mommy. What is Mommylogue.blog? It’s my inner dialogue—my mommy voice—unedited, unfiltered, and undeniably relatable. It’s my real-life documentation of the milestones of the coveted community called mommyhood from the pages of my diary. 86 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
How did you come up with this concept? I always enjoyed writing. It is so therapeutic for me. I have done it all my life. It was a way to remember those moments I told myself I would never forget. Since becoming a mommy—twice—I had the sincerest intention to create these beautiful scrapbooks of all the milestones and memories of my boys’ lives, but life got in the way. So instead, I decided to create a diary: an authentic account of our milestones and memories that features the best, proudest, and sadly worst moments. The times we laughed and cried together and alone. Lessons were taught and learned from one another. The things I worried about— even the things that scared me the most I couldn’t say out loud to anyone but myself. All those shared memories got me thinking that maybe I’m not alone. Maybe my story is all our stories. That’s why it’s called mommyhood; it’s an inclusive community, and sharing can connect to other mommies and their children, too. Why do you think this is needed? I am a very reflective person. There’s beauty in honesty and integrity in being vulnerable. This kind of truth, in your words, allows you to have a deeper trust and security in yourself and others to have trust in you, too. People need something and someone to believe in. It’s not always about the perfect or ideal but the genuine and owning all your feelings that makes you real. When you aren’t afraid to say what’s in your heart is when you grow, develop, and connect on a deeper level socially and emotionally. What do you think readers get out of the site? For a long time, mom blogs felt more like a grid of perfection. They mainly were the perfect family photo, home, vacation, meal, and social media image of some filtered version of an unattainable life. While those ideal scenarios sounded fantastic, it’s not my life. My life is incredible, but it is also real. Not perfect. It is the stuff you can’t make up but really happened; you had to be there to believe it—the amazing, exhausting, and everything in between. I am incredibly thankful and beyond blessed, but I am not afraid to wear my heart on my sleeve or expose my natural curls under my professional weekly blowout. Where do you get inspiration for new columns? My life! The moments with my children mixed with my own and written from 100 percent real accounts of those poignant, funny, wild, heartwarming, and heartbreaking moments in time. It’s a written snapshot. What’s a day in your life? Every day is different. There is never a dull moment. I wear a lot of hats. I am far from “just a mommy.” How did you develop this voice? I write as I speak. I’m very expressive and love a great story. Luckily for me, my life is an epic story. So, writing my weekly stories like a diary keeps the authenticity of my style and my voice. I don’t try to be artsy or poetic. Instead, I try to tell the story as it happened, as though I was taking an unedited photograph so you can see it as it happened. It makes you feel part of it and connected to it on a personal level. Why do you think moms are connecting to you? I’m a sugar-in-the-raw kind of mommy, not a sweet- ‘n’-low mama. What does your family think? Does your husband read? I am unbelievably lucky to be raised by incredibly loving, supportive, hard-working, and successful parents. My childhood foundation and inspirations became my aspiration when I became a mommy. My parents have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They knew from an early age my love of reading and writing and natural ability to tell a story, connect with people, and have a quick wit. They are proud to see me sharing these talents and personal memories with others. They love to read my weekly post themselves. My husband painted my heart and our home with his 50 shades of redheads in our sons from his own Pantone ginger locks. All three of them love, support, and inspire my life and my writing. But I am the secret spice in our family’s sauce. I have had many personal successes in my life in terms of degrees and career before becoming a wife and ultimately a mommy, but my two sons are my greatest accomplishment. They are my résumé, my letters of recommendation, reflections, and my renaissance. For more information on Lindsey Whiting-Schnepper, visit mommylogue.blog. • OCTOBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87
NEW YORK, NY
HEALTH ADVOCATES NEW YORK TREASURES GALA SUPPORTING SAFE LIVING FOR AN AGING COMMUNITY By Elizabeth Darwen
ealth Advocates for Older People’s New York Treasures Gala will take place on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at The Union Club in Manhattan. The festive event will be a momentous affair with guests enjoying cocktails and dinner. Co-chairs Leonard Van Lowe and Richard S. Johnson along with Executive Director, Nancy Houghton, will help host the benefit that will honor the three Health Advocates’ 2021 New York Treasures that include Jean Shafiroff, Evan A. Davis, and Rebecca Myers Thomas. Houghton states, “We are excited to be celebrating 36 years of providing tools, techniques, and support for the City’s seniors to help them to age with vitality and independence.” The honorees hold an impressive number of achievements. Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, advocate, TV host, and author of the book, “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give.” Evan A. Davis has clerked for Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart and served in the administration of New York City Mayor John Lindsay as Chief of the Law Department’s Consumer Protection Division. He served 12 years as a member of Columbia University Board of Directors and was a partner at Cleary Gottlieb LLP. He also served as Counsel to Governor Mario M. Cuomo. Rebecca Myers Thomas has served on numerous nonprofit boards including the Junior League of the City of New York, the London Service League, the Civil Support Division of the Legal Aid Society, Musica Sacra, the Gateway School, and Berkshire Choral Festival. She partnered with Dr. Nina Lief in beginning one of the earliest childhood development programs, “From 0 to 3” which became the model for measuring growth in the first 3 years of a child’s life. “I am so pleased to be able to support the work of Health Advocates for Older People. They provide tools, techniques, and support so that all people can thrive with vitality and independence. Life for the aged can be particularly difficult. I am very impressed with the dedication of their staff headed by Executive Director, Nancy Houghton. Health Advocates provides free programs that help our neighborhood elderly to remain independent and in control of their aging process. I am truly honored to be honored by Health Advocates,” says Jean Shafiroff. Additionally, Elizabeth (Betsy) Timberman will receive the organization’s Josephine N. McFadden Volunteer of the Year award. She has been a volunteer for Health Advocates for over 10 years and currently chairs the agency’s Advisory Board. Special recognition will also be granted to Simone Hannah-Clarke, a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, will be representing the essential workers who have kept the city afloat during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rebecca Myers Thomas ©HAFOP
Evan A. Davis ©Cleary Gottlieb
88 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Jean Shafiroff ©Michael Paniccia
Funds raised at the gala will benefit Health Advocates for Older People, which for 36 years has promoted safe and healthy aging through programs designed to facilitate independent living, physical well-being, and greater social interaction. The organization proudly provides exercise classes to build balance, strength and flexibility, and home safety assessments to help seniors remain at home safely. Also offered are 22 weekly exercise, wellness classes, informational seminars, and social activities in 14 locations, as well as online. Health Advocates for Older People, Inc., was founded in 1985 by a coalition of individuals and non-profit agencies to promote healthy aging. During its first five years it was involved in the establishment of clinics in the Bronx to provide preventive health care and promote wellness. In 1993 Health Advocates became aware of the increasing need for housing with supportive services for the growing aging population and developed Carnegie East House, a 104-unit non-profit assisted residence which was transitioned in 2007 to another non-profit organization. This allowed Health Advocates to return to its original focus on programs and services for a broader and more diverse, increasingly frail elderly population. For more infor mation on He a lt h Advocates for Older People New York Treasures Gala, visit hafop.org. •
INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP
Experience The IDEAL Difference IDEAL is New York’s only K-12+ independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born of a commitment to inclusion education and differentiation. In our diverse and inclusive community and within our robust academic program, IDEAL students recognize their potential to effect change and are equipped with the tools to do so. They strive for excellence and recognize and draw out the potential for excellence in their peers. They possess the self-awareness to advocate for themselves and the compassion to stand behind others. They not only appreciate but also seek out difference, understanding that only in community are we IDEAL.
Follow IDEAL on social media to learn about the advantages of an IDEAL education.
Lower School (Grades K-5) 314 West 91st Street Upper School (Grades 6-12 and the postsecondary Next Steps Program) 270 West 89th Street New York, NY 10024
IDEAL is currently accepting applications in select grades for 2021-22 placement Call 212-769-1699 or email admissions@theidealschool.org to schedule a tour of our Upper West Side campus or to learn more about our unique inclusion program.
www.theidealschool.org #schoolcanbeIDEAL
NEW YORK, NY
TIME OUT WITH… ANN LIGUORI
By Peter Elston | Photography by Neil Tandy amed radio and cable sport’s personality, Ann Liguori, and her continued success as a leading authority in sports media and business has grown significantly in the last few years. Plus, her admirable philanthropic efforts only match her diverse talents and skills in the field.
THE BROADCAST LEGEND Ann has the distinction of being both the first woman to host a call-in sport’s show on WFAN-NY, where she hosted the weekly Hey Liguori, What’s the Story call-in sport’s talk show for over 24 years, as well as being the first woman to host her weekly prime-time show on The Golf Channel. Ann hosts Talking Golf with Ann Liguori on Sundays from April through September from 7 – 8 am on WFAN. She also covers The Masters for WFAN for the past 23 straight years and recently broadcasted her 39th consecutive U.S. Open Tennis Championships for WFAN at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. At the time we met up with Ann, she was heading to Whistling Straits for the prestigious Ryder Cup competition where she was looking forward to reporting for her podcast heard on Morning Read/SportsIllustrated.com/golf. Ann’s Sports Innerview radio show airs weekly on NPR’s WLIW 88.3 FM in The Hamptons. Each show is distributed on her podcast on Audioboom and archived on her website. Additionally, segments from Ann’s podcasts are distributed weekly on the Morning Read Sports Illustrated media platform. Ann’s Sports Innerview cable show is the longest-running weekly interview show owned, hosted, produced, and distributed by a woman. Ann has interviewed hundreds of the top legends in sports, including Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Wilt Chamberlain, Gordie Howe, Sam Snead, Jim Brown, Arthur Ashe, Bart Starr, and Billie Jean King, to name a few. The programs are now available to watch on Ann’s newlydesigned website. Ann’s work goes far beyond broadcasting her sport’s radio shows and licensing her historic Sports Innerview cable archives. She is the President and Founder of Ann Liguori Productions and has diversified in exciting areas.
FASHION FORWARD Ann is also the Ambassador for IBKUL athleisure wear (ibkul.com) for men and women. The multi-functional, intelligent fabric featuring ICEFIL technology cools your body so you can stay comfortable on hot and humid days. Ann’s collaboration with Dune Jewelry (dunejewelry.com) features her jewelry collection called the Hamptons Rope Collection, which is custom-made, sophisticated jewelry, in silver or gold, incorporating sand from one’s favorite beach or golf course. The popular collection consists of earrings, necklaces, a ring, cuff links, and bracelets. The Hamptons Rope Collection is inspired by the stunning scenery, fluffy white beaches, beautiful waterways of the East End, and some of the most prestigious golf courses in the country. The collection makes a perfect gift, too. 90 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | OCTOBER 2021
Ann Liguori ©Neil Tandy
PHILANTROPHIC EFFORTS Ann’s charitable work is essential, particularly raising funds and awareness for cancer research and prevention. Ann lost her father to cancer when she was in college, and a year and a half later, her 22-yearold brother passed away from leukemia. The Ann Liguori Foundation hosts a popular charity golf tournament every year at a prestigious golf course on the East End of Long Island. This year, the 23rd Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic took place at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton. The annual charity outing benefits not-for-profits that work with cancer research and care, including the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The goal is to raise funds and awareness to find a cure for cancer. “This is a disease we are all too familiar with,” says Liguori. “We are all directly or indirectly affected by this dreadful disease, and anything we can do to fight cancer has been a mission of mine for decades. My sister Jean, brother Dan and I are committed to this cause forever. And we dedicated this year’s charity tournament to our incredible Mother, Cecilia, who passed away this past March. Her generous spirit and unlimited compassion will always be our guiding light.” The Foundation also supports scholarships and mentorship programs for students working to pursue a career in sports media. The Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship is awarded annually and administered by NY-WICI (Women in Communications) and announced at the MATRIX AWARDS luncheon in Manhattan. For more information on Ann Liguori, visit annliguori.com. For her foundation, visit annliguori.com/philanthropy. •
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