New York Lifestyles Magazine - October 2023 - ilippo Incorvaia

© Neil Tandy

© Neil Tandy

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Next Month Is Going To Be PAWESOME!

Vol. 9 #9

|

October 2023

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Editor-in-Chief

Patricia Canole

Features

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Next month, New York Lifestyles Magazine is re-launching Pet Lifestyles Magazine. However, this is not your Daddy’s old Pet Lifestyles Magazine! We have completely revamped the book and our new website will be up and running in the next couple of weeks.

Our first issue back is focused on Adoption, Advocacy and Rescue, but it will also include a Pawliday Gift Guide. This gift guide will include gifts not just for your furrever one, but also for the passionate pet parent in your life…or any pet lover! And a portion of the proceeds from these products is going to go back to our shelter and rescue partners to help them get more animals into loving and responsible homes! We have been working hard to ensure that our readers, and viewers of our weekly video story, The Weekly Paw, have the absolute best and brightest giving them advice. That is why we brought on Kate Perry of Kate Perry Dog Training as our Official Dog Training Partner.

And now, we have just announced that our Official Veterinary Partner is Dr. Stephanie Liff and her Pure Paws Veterinary practice! Both Kate and Stephanie are amongst the most respected in their fields. Having worked with both of them for years, I can assure you that they will provide you with the best advice and tips possible to help you on your furrever journey.

Look for the new Pet Lifestyles Magazine to hit November 5th!

Stay Pawesome!

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

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Entertainment

Jenny Peters

Health & Wellness

Anne Akers

Chief Photographer Neil J Tandy

Theater

Bonnie Comley

Special Projects

Norah Bradford

Contributors

Alexandra Anastasio, Mindie Barnett, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly, Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Bob Kappstatter, Stewart F. Lane, Irvina Lew, Anne Raso, Sophia Strawser, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Annie Watt, Stacey Zable

Executive Vice President of Sales

LYLE SELTZER

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Don Fetherman - Director of Travel

Jamie Babbit - Sales Manager

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office

(646)

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All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without written permission of this publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles is published 10 times a year. ©2023 New York Lifestyles Magazine.

COVER CREDITS

FILIPPO INCORVAIA

Photography by Neil J Tandy

JOHN GALLUCCI, JR.

Photography by Neil J Tandy

A FALL BOUNTY

Welcome to a 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 for traveling to Upstate New York and Long Island 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. It should make a wonderfully inspiring getaway for all. And, of course, after the apple picking, enjoy those Cider Apple Donuts!

In this issue, we spotlight two incredibly talented men who have made a difference. Filippo Incorvaia is a top real estate broker in South Florida who explains the new renaissance happening in New York’s sixth borough. The founder of FI Real Estate explained that he and his team genuinely care for every single client. It’s no wonder he is the success and clients seek him out.

Entrepreneur John Gallucci, Jr. has made his dreams come true. In the world of physical therapy, his JAG Physical Therapy stands out. With over 140 locations, his company is one of the fastest-growing comprehensive physical and occupational therapy practices across the Northeast. Don’t miss this special interview and be inspired.

This issue is filled with thoughtful articles from cover to cover. It is our privilege and honor to be relevant and unique to the city that never sleeps. 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, plenty of entertainment.

So many times, I’m reminded that we take things for granted—friendships, health, marriage, and the many opportunities from living in New York City. But even if you feel the world seems to be turning upside down, let’s pause for a moment and be grateful—especially for our readers.

Happy Halloween…and see you next issue!

-Bill Mason Publisher

FILIPPO INCORVAIA

BEHIND SOUTH FLORIDA’S REAL ESTATE RENAISSANCE

By Patricia Canole |

Miami is in the midst of a comingof-age and all eyes are on this alluring market. The pandemic fueled an influx of attention to the Sunshine State for its warmth, favorable business environment, and growing sophistication. New restaurants (many with New York origins) constantly open, while hotels, new residential buildings, and sprawling homes add to the appeal of the ‘sixth borough.’

Filippo Incorvaia, a top real estate broker driven by client devotion, is at the center of the market. No matter his client’s needs, Filippo is there to make the process smooth and enjoyable despite the challenging dynamics of limited supply and high-interest rates.

The founder of FI Real Estate explained that he and his team genuinely care for every single client. “The term white glove has become so ubiquitous that it’s lost meaning. We have a team and an ecosystem to offer handin-hand support, guidance, and nuanced advice from start to finish. Our role as a service provider is at the forefront of every action we take. Each client is treated like my only client, and my clients come first.”

A TECH MINDSET

Filippo has an equal propensity for educating new buyers on building financial security through real estate to assembling strategic land parcels for development firms, and real estate has always been Incorvaia’s number one interest. He was born in Venezuela and relocated to New York City to study Engineering Science. With a tech mindset, he noted that it’s fun to stay current and get market information quickly, “I geek out using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and love to educate my team as tech develops.”

His creative approach to deal-making has resulted in a diverse record, including luxury sales, rentals, and unique assemblages for mixed-use, residential, and commercial development. Incorvaia has gained vast real estate knowledge since relocating over 13 years ago.

INVESTED IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI

Planting roots in Downtown Miami is a testament to Filippo’s unwavering belief in the long-term outlook of this historic, transforming live/work/play neighborhood. Downtown Miami, just north of Brickell, is experiencing an epic renaissance with rampant new construction that will secure its spot as a global business capital.

He practices what he preaches. “I am deeply invested in Miami, and pride of ownership is something I understood from an early age. Being rooted in a community is essential for homeowners and enhancing the community for value add is essential for all savvy investors.”

Photography by Neil J Tandy

We visited Filippo in South Florida before the prime winter season to shed light on the real estate market and what he sees for the future.

How did you get your start in real estate?

My family owned department stores—and the associated real estate—in Venezuela after they relocated from Italy. I had early exposure to the value of owning an asset, gaining equity, and running a successful business.

After spending my post-college years in New York, I set my sights on Miami. I was lucky to entrench myself in the Magic City before it became a dynamic luxury market. Real estate is a timing business, and that early start has shaped my market knowledge.

What is the most crucial aspect of your new real estate firm?

Understanding people and genuinely listening is at the core of this business, and empathy must be practiced daily in every interaction. There is always more to discover about someone’s motivations; this intel helps me craft better deals. The fascinating relationship between empathy and negotiation hasn’t been explored enough! Listening and understanding personal and financial priorities is paramount to assisting clients to make responsible decisions. It is our number one priority.

What key trends are happening now that you expect to impact South Florida significantly?

The fundamentals that make South Florida attractive remain intact. We continue to see an influx of new residents domestically, serving as a haven for Latin America. The job market is maturing to new levels, and the talent incubation happening here is novel for the state. This will significantly impact the real estate market because a new subset of buyers is making South Florida their primary residence. Companies from Citadel to Spotify continue to open offices. Apple is building the largest Apple Store in the world in Downtown Miami.

Whether it be due to listing price or unique circumstances, what is your most significant sale as of late?

Our team advised on the acquisition of a site at 532 Mendoza Avenue in Coral Gables for the new construction of a single-family home and then managed sales and marketing. We garnered a record-breaking price per square foot on the street at nearly $1,000 per square foot. The site is on the border of the City of Miami and has become the crown jewel of the street. It will transform the property values on the street and lead to further sophistication in the design of homes in this section of Coral Gables.

What other recent deals have you completed? Recent residential sales above $4 million include a Key Biscayne mansion with incredible water views and a pre-construction residence on the 85th floor of the Waldorf-Astoria, also sold for over $4.4 million at approximately $1,800 per square foot. Upon completion, this will be Miami’s first super-tall skyscraper.

What else must people know about the current South Florida real estate market?

Miami has so much more room to grow. Price growth will continue and it’s an incentive to continue transacting before you get priced out of the market. Miami is still a young city with a bright future.

Having the right broker representation is crucial because of the scarcity of inventory. It really comes down to who is negotiating your deal, not the price. Brokers who have strong relationships with developers will be able to bring new inventory to the market and buyers can benefit from these ‘offmarket’ opportunities.

What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?

I wish people saw how rewarding it can be to help people you care about create financial security through wise investment decisions. As a real estate professional, you are uniquely positioned to advise on decisions that impact the rest of someone’s life. It’s a massive responsibility with so many learnings that it never gets old.

What is the key difference between selling real estate in New York and Miami?

At the turn of the century, New York was already a metropolis, while only 100,000 people lived in Miami. It impacts every aspect of the real estate market to this day. There is a maturation happening here at a rapid pace, and for New Yorkers seeking value, there is no better time to invest.

What does it take to be a good leader?

Being a good leader means being consistently in tune with how people can enhance their skills and work smarter. My motto is “People first,” and I care deeply about my team members. I want them to feel empowered and in the driver’s seat of their career. I hope always to catalyze this for my team.

How does Filippo Incorvaia relax?

I relax by treating my family time as sacred. When I’m with my family, they are all that matters. I love spending quality time with my wife and children and cherish the small moments. This time rejuvenates me like nothing else ever will.

For more information on Filippo Incorvaia and FI Real Estate, visit fi.realestate.

Photographed at: Waldorf-Astoria Sales Center Downtown Miami

DRIVEN BY DREAMS

A CONVERSATION WITH ENTREPRENEUR JOHN GALLUCCI, JR.

By Alexandra Anastasio | Photography by Neil J Tandy Photographed on location at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York

In the world of physical therapy, where innovation meets healing, one name stands out: JAG Physical Therapy (formerly JAG-ONE Physical Therapy). With over 140 locations, they are one of the fastest-growing comprehensive physical and occupational therapy practices across the Northeast.

Founded almost 20 years ago by John Gallucci Jr., President and CEO, the business has grown tremendously, recently expanding to all five of New York City’s boroughs, completing JAG’s footprint as the premier physical therapy provider for New York City.

Throughout his career, Gallucci has received numerous honors, including being recognized as an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner and by ROI-NJ as one of the top 20 influencers in healthcare. For the fourth year in a row, Inc. 5000 included JAG in their list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.

Drawing upon his lifelong passion for helping others, John Gallucci, Jr.’s journey to being a resource for others began as a child within the family business. “Since I was a young boy and into my teenage years, I wanted to help people,” says Gallucci. “Today, I am 100 percent living my dream.”

His parents owned a medical supply service store in Borough Park, Brooklyn, and from the countless relationships his father built, he and his brother Mario were given a first-hand look at what it meant to be of service to others. “Dad built this unbelievable work ethic. It gave me the experience at 13 years old to walk into a variant of different service lines of physical therapy and see pretty much all different pathologies, illness, and disease,” explains Gallucci.

ACHIEVING HIS SUCCESS

These opportunities sparked a lifelong passion to be a resource for people from all walks of life with all types of issues and injuries. From professional athletes to everyday people, Gallucci’s vision was for everybody to be treated the same way and be able to obtain the same outcome.

“At JAG, we have a mini-mission statement that everybody is treated like a professional athlete,” says Gallucci. “We take their goals, and we work to help them meet those goals. That’s what helped metamorphosis into the success that we see today.”

The road to success, though, wasn’t always smooth, and the personal struggles Gallucci met head-on along his path have shaped him into the man he is today. Along with running a successful business, Gallucci, a married father of two, is also a published author, releasing his third and most personal book,  The JAG Method, on October 10th. In it, he draws on his experiences as an entrepreneur and shares stories that aim to inspire those facing similar situations. A strong desire to give back is deeply ingrained in Gallucci’s character and has been a guiding light throughout his life.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Gallucci for an in-depth conversation on his entrepreneurial journey.

Could you provide some insight into your initial experiences in sports physical therapy, where you began your career working closely with athletes?

Early on, opportunities in my career were because of my mentor, Richard Giordano, a physical therapist for the New York Rangers, who introduced me as a student athletic trainer and physical therapist to the elite level of athletics.

I was a wrestler and a baseball player and played at the high school [Monsignor Farrell] club level, so I was around athletes my entire life. The experience with the New York Rangers to see the interaction at the highest level, introduced me to wanting to stay at that level.

The early days with Rich, at the highest level of athletics, helped me nurture the young athletes to understand the benefits of taking care of their bodies and, more specifically, injury prevention.

Your entrepreneurial insight is evident beyond your roles as a licensed athletic trainer and physical therapist. Did observing your parents manage their own business contribute to shaping this entrepreneurial drive?

The work ethic component my parents taught me was especially important. Some of their mistakes in running a business led me to navigate my own business to understand you always have to be looking for the next thing.

When we look at the definition of an entrepreneur, people like to say it’s a definition of being able to take risks in business. I think, at times, many people want to operate on a safety net and are afraid of what’s next. My parents taught me, both in the positives and negatives, that it’s okay to make a mistake and fail, but how do you get back up, change your plan, and then be able to execute for success? The lesson of my parents’ unfortunate demise in their business taught me that I had to evolve as an entrepreneur and a student of healthcare continually and ensure I stayed within or ahead of the curve.

You’ve previously spoken about how your wife has been a source of inspiration for you. How has Dawn contributed to your journey as an entrepreneur?

When I was 14, I told my best friend I would marry Dawn Gargano. At 18 years old, we started dating, and we took our personal goals and collaborated that into our goals as a couple. Throughout our 33 years of marriage and 39 years together, she always reminds me of the goals we set together when we were 18 and has motivated me in good times and bad to stick to the focus.

We’re very family-oriented as well as communityoriented. We try to give back to the community as much as possible. My lucky charm is Dawn and our two children, Stephanie and Charles. They keep me grounded and motivated to continue progressing for our entire family.

Photographed at JAG PT Madison Ave., NYC

Your career trajectory has consistently been about establishing a solid foundation. Is this step-by-step approach crucial for attaining success?

People look at titles instead of lessons that will give them longevity and sustainability within their professional careers. I’ve worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. People forget that you need to start at the bottom to learn the lessons. You can continue your drive to be at the top, and you can continue to drive to work for success, but you need to learn all the jobs because you can’t lead unless you understand the sweat and tears.

If you look at JAG right now, there isn’t a role I haven’t had. I’ve worn multiple hats as an entrepreneur, and I appreciate every day what my employees do because I’ve done it. I believe in the premise that we started years ago that JAG must be a good employer by offering employees an opportunity for personal, professional, and financial success. We’ve failed as an employer if we don’t give these three pathways. That’s what I mean by foundation.

You’ve shared your educational journey, from overcoming initial rejection by clinical schools to earning multiple degrees. Did you contemplate a different path, or was your determination unwavering?

In my journey, I’ve done multiple things to make ends meet. When I was 19 years old, Mom and Dad fell into tough times, and for me to put myself through college, I needed to work multiple jobs.

I’ve taught my children and try to teach my employees a true path— you only go through one time, and nobody should ever tell you no. When I found out I had received poor grades in two of my classes, which was holding me back from following my path. I thought it was ridiculous that I was being told no. So, I went back, took the classes over, did well, and was accepted. My team will tell you, the last thing you can ever tell me in a meeting is no.

Your new book,  The JAG Method, differs slightly from your last two. What led you to sit down and tell your story?

I’ve had the opportunity and honor to go around and tell my story, and every time I’m giving a lecture, I’ve given little tidbits of things that changed my life.

I was delayed at the airport on my way back from a conference, so I started to doodle some of those stories. I told Kayla George, Chief Marketing Officer for JAG, that I’d love to share these, but I don’t want to make this a seven-day read. I want people to take one, two, three pearls from it and help motivate those who are going through a tough time.

What key insights do you hope readers will take away from reading this book?

Everybody has a story to tell. We’ve all been in situations where we weren’t at our best. Maybe we failed. My goal was to share a glimpse of my story and teach people that while everybody has their own story, how you respond matters most. Don’t let it define you. Build on it.

In the book, you have a chapter dedicated to the significance of mentors you’ve had. How did your mentors contribute to your personal and professional development?

Sam Feather was inspirational. He worked hard, and every time I would deliver supplies to his office, he taught me something. The next time I returned, Sam would ask me questions about what he taught me previously.

Then there is Rich, my cousin. I am very fortunate to have him in my life. We all have that family member who motivates the kids, and Rich was the person who took an interest in all the kids. He gave people a sense of purpose. When I was 16, he asked me about college and what I would study. I told him I liked physical therapy, and he asked if I knew what he did. I thought he was just the cousin who put together the touch tackle games in the backyard. He was also a physical therapist.

The summer I turned 17, I moved in with him and his family and went to work with him every day. The more I did it, the more I loved it. At the end of the summer, he said, “I think you’d make an awesome physical therapist,” and I haven’t been out of a clinic since. Rich is still a big part of JAG and my family.

Next month, The Valerie Fund is set to honor you and your wife. Tell us about this organization you are deeply involved with.

The Valerie Fund is a program of psycho-social interactive services for children and families afflicted with cancer and blood disorders.

We were introduced to them after our son, at 18 months old, had a seizure that caused his heart and lungs to stop functioning. I immediately started CPR and got him to the ER. As we speak, he is now a thriving academic athlete attending Lehigh University.

Shortly after that experience, we wanted to do something for the community that combined cancer and pediatrics. We were introduced to the Executive Director, Barry Kirschner, and President Joe Mangione, two passionate and compassionate people. We started what is now a 16-year relationship, and Dawn and I are privileged to be named honorees at their upcoming Thanksgiving Ball on November 17th,

The company is rebranding from JAG-ONE to JAG Physical Therapy. What prompted the transition?

This business decision is to simplify our brand presence in the community we serve. Everyone was calling us JAG (for short), so we figured, let’s listen and adapt. Fun fact: That was the original company I started, JAG, named after me, John Anthony Gallucci.

Describe your journey to date in one word. Awesome!

For more information on John Gallucci and JAG Physical Therapy, visit jagpt.com

THROUGH THE LENS

MEERA GANDHI HOSTS CHERIE BLAIR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Photography By Annie Watt.com

Linda Mirels, Meera Gandhi, Cherie Blair, Tony Blair

Meera Gandhi

Cherie Blair

Ross Comerford, Robin Singer

Erik Botcher, Fred Karger

Rob Schmalo, Barbara Robinson

Hetal Gor, Nabila Koshoggi

Erik Botcher, Marjorie Margolies, Medha Jaishankar, Barbara Robinson

36TH ANNUAL HARRIMAN CUP POLO MATCH BETWEEN ALUMNI FROM YALE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Sudhir Parikh, Mrs. Sudhir Parikh

John Castsimatidis, Andrea Castsimatidis, Margo Castsimatidis , Cherie Blair, Sudhir Parikh

Adesua Dozie, Jim Jones, Paloma Martin

Swati Bhise, Tony Blair, Helen Yarmak, Cherie Blai

Andrea Baer, José Peláez , Kanya Balakrishna, Sam Bole

Bryan Freeman, Mazda Figaro, Patrick Thomas, Patty Grayzalia, Shruti Voruganti, Kat Thomsen, Amanda Swim

Chelsea Messinger, Peter Elser, Leila Chang, Adam Dixon, Samuel Clemens _Claire Zukas, Christopher Leak, Susan Meyer, Matt Paco

Griffin Keffer, Carolina Bunch, Emmye Mullins, Sophia DeRosa

Joey Meyer, Guests, Peter Else

Liz Brayboy, Matt Baer, Chelsea Messinger, Kylie Sheehan, Leila Chang

Marco Elser, Abby Kirshner, Peter Elser, Dennis Dantes

Martin Brayboy, Liz Brayboy

Matthew Longcore, Agnes Balkier, Jennifer Matthews, Richard Matthews

Nick Birkby, Charlie Emunger, Dylan Fogarty, Jennifer Matthews

Odaria Finemore, Luckie Roberts, Karen Klopp, Angel Zheng, Mary Palmieri

Heather Hitchens, Stewart Lane

Norm Lewis

LaChanze

CeCe Black

Julie Halston, Richard Hester

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jane Krakowski

Nadine Wong, David Chang

THE COUTURE COUNCIL OF THE MUSEUM AT FIT HONORS GABRIELA HEARST

LaTanya Richardson

McLean Mills, Melissa Farber, Wally Sedgewick

Bevin Ross, Andrina Wekontash Smith, Bonnie Comley

Nick Scandalios, J, Harrison Ghee

Bronson Van Wyck, Julie Macklowe, Eleanora Kennedy

Daniel Humm, Gabriela Hearst, Maria Sharapova

Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Gabriela Hearst, Dana Thomas, Dr. Valerie Steele

Dr. Valerie Steele

Jamee Gregory, Hilary Geary Ross, Audrey Gruss, Jessica Gruss

Jean Shafiroff, Marisol Deluna

Jilliam Hearst, Krista Corl, Eugenia Richman, Janelle Currin

Joan Hornig, Amelia Ogunlesi

Kara Ross, Eleanora Kennedy

Lara Meiland-Shaw, Melissa Mafrige Mithoff

Lee Fryd, Fern Mallis

Mark Gilbertson, Kathy Prounis

DR. SOREN WHITE

SKINCARE PROCEDURES BACKED BY COMPASSION

By Elizabeth Darwen

Dr. Soren M. White is an internationally recognized expert in non-invasive, state-of-theart skin rejuvenation, with distinguished offices in Manhattan, Aspen, Greenwich—and East Hampton.

The in-demand and leading authority in the field offers at his premier destinations BOTOX®, fillers, and laser treatments. His expert eye and techniques are backed by ethical practice. His insights and masterful opinions on the latest rejuvenation therapies bring a true glow to the patient who leaves his office, exuding positivity and joy.

SKIN DEEP

Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. White received a B.S. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and an M.D. from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Additionally, as former Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Metropolitan Hospital in New York, he instructed residents in the latest techniques in dermatologic and cosmetic procedures.

“My clients lead busy lives but care about their skin, and so I felt that being able to be available where they are helps reduce their stress,” said White, “Opening an office in East Hampton is an evolutionary process whereby we can provide service to our clients where they want to be.”

Dr. White writes for multiple medical journals, most recently for  Dermatologic Surgery. He has collaborated on numerous published articles and delivered presentations on cosmetic dermatology at prestigious centers and universities throughout the United States.

Celebrated for his medical expertise, Dr. White is also frequently admired for his unique approach in the field and his compassionate nature in intimately and respectfully working with patients. They come from every corner of the planet to experience the gold standard of New York City dermatologists. Considered an outstanding representation amongst his peers for his gentle touches and subtle approaches, he is also seen as a passionate artisan. Each visitor to his office leaves with a refreshing approach to skincare that is subtle and natural in design and, most importantly, meant to make you truly feel beautiful inside and out. Exceptionally ethical and patient, he is highly recommended for various procedures and treatments.

A HEART OF GOLD

With his in-demand practice, you can be assured that he will never put profits above care. He has a heart of gold and believes that every patient deserves only the best no matter where they  come from and that their look should be and feel glamorously natural. His shining valor boldly radiates because of this. To meet him is to experience the genuine devotion that you fundamentally deserve.

For more information on Dr. Soren White, visit sorenmwhitemd.com

Dr. Soren White with Maria White © PMC Jared Siskin

Dr. Soren White with Maria White © Rob Rich Society Allure

LIFE & STYLE

AUTUMN MAGIC

By Melanie Carden

It’s official. There’s a bit of a bite in the air, and even the heartiest among us will eventually close the window soon. Cue the pumpkin spice lattes, slow-simmered stews, and hot apple cider beverages. Some call it autumn, but I refer to it by its proper name—cozy season. With that in mind, my twelve seasonal splurges to create a little magic.

GIVE FLIP FLOPS THE BOOT

It’s getting a bit nippy, and it’s just not right to swoosh fallen leaves in flip flops. Invest in a pair of perfect chocolate ankle boots—like the Balla style from DuoBoots--for the fall. They’re perfect with jeans or leggings and look adorable with dresses. Info: duoboots.com

HOORAY FOR TODDY SEASON

I love collecting hot toddy mugs—usually vintage and etched. Once you have a small collection, it’s fun to set them out for guests, and fill them with Oliver Pluff & Co.’s varieties of hot toddy. Go ahead and get sassy, use cider. Info: oliverpluff.com

AUTUMN AL FRESCO

Those looking to share an unforgettable-yet-casual night with friends can’t go wrong with Breeo’s X19 Smokeless Fire Pit Firemaster Bundle. The smoke-less fire pit is bundle with a SearPlate™ Griddle and Outpost™ Grill, as well as a kettle and all the hardware. Find a cranberry bison burger recipe, and voilà! Info: breeo.co

PAIR WHITE PUMPKIN AND ALMOND

The folks at Le Bon Magot craft the most absurdly delicious spreads and chutneys—all with a wink of flavors from Africa, Middle East, and South Asia. Grab a white pumpkin and almond murabba and elevate your seasonal charcuterie board. Info: lebonmagot.com

THE BELVEDERE PEACOCK

One of Laura Ashley’s most exquisite patterns, The Belvedere Peacock collection makes for a breathtaking tablescape. You’ll love the accented with moss and pale blue pumpkins for a modern riff on fall feasts.

Info: lauraashleyusa.com

A FALL CLASSIC

Slow-cooked casseroles and soup always feel special when served in a Staub Pumpkin Cocotte, but Sabâvi Home knows that entertaining requires a bit of planning. Peruse the categories, and you’ll find everything from placemats to elegant cordless lamps. Info: sabavihome.com

SHEER INDULGENCE

You need no excuse for an evening of finery. Celebrate any occasion with Paramount Caviar’s Presidential Gift Set and a toast with Champagne. The luxe collection includes five tins of caviar, including Imperial Osetra, and Mother of Pearl spoons, blini, and clotted cream. Info: paramountcaviar.com

SWEATER WEATHER

October in the Northeast can be tricky— maybe a fresh leafy-scented breeze or a flurry. This is a special piece from Beyond by Vera, where all the prints are handdrawn and hand-screen-printed. The half-sleeve version of this 1722 Antonia Wildflower print is 100% fall forecast approved. Info: beyondbyvera.com

A MAN AND HIS SLIPPERS

The temperature drops, and it’s time for everyone’s seasonal favorites—slippers especially. The men’s Dylan Australian Merino ShearlingLined Moccasin Slippers from Overland just steal the show in this handsome pistachio and walnut-hued colorway. Going out for the morning newspaper never looked so good. Info: overland.com

SUBTLE LUXURY

Notes of berries, vanilla, and baking spices bring the Baldacci Family Vineyard’s Fraternity Napa Valley Red Wine Blend to the forefront of autumnal reds. This Napa Valley stunner is a people pleaser, and yet is full of subtle surprises, so raise a glass to approachable luxury.

Info: baldaccivineyards.com

LEVAIN’S + FALLING LEAVES

Sure, a pumpkin spice latte is nice, but pair it with the Levain Bakery’s Fall Chocolate Chunk cookie and the season is officially underway. Stop by one of the local locations to grab a few—or a gift-size bundle—or hop online to ship some to loved ones.

Info: levainbakery.com

WEEKEND WARMTH

Of course, you can use the Luxome Ultra Plush Throw any time you’d like, but it’s basically a fuzzy permission slip, granting you a guilt-free, lazy weekend. So, cue up all three seasons of Ted Lasso, and some hot cocoa. Info: luxome.com

LEXUS RX-500 H F SPORT

THE LUXURY SUV DOES IT ALL

By Jenny Peters

The 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance All-Wheel Drive SUV is a gem of a vehicle with just the right size, plenty of power, and the most fantastic color you’ve ever seen.

That color is Copper Crest, a warm, shimmery hue that changes as the light hits it, stands out from all others in a parking lot, and causes strangers to comment on its beauty. And while there are other color choices (Ultra White, Iridium, Cloudburst Grey, or Caviar Black), this bronze beauty gives off a quintessentially cool vibe.

A LOOK INSIDE

Cool, too, is the hybrid engine on this sporty SUV, with a starting sticker price of $63,800. It’s a six-speed, fourcylinder turbo giving off 366hp, which means loads of pep and power while at the same time being a certified “Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle” (SULEV). That’s partially because it is a hybrid, with a battery that powers both a front-mounted electric motor and a high-output rear motor. The SUV gets 27 mpg in city driving and more on the highway.

The Lexus F Sport is also an all-wheel drive car, meaning it adjusts to different terrains (think up at the ski slopes, out at the beach, on windy roads) and holds the road in bad weather conditions, too. Inside, the SUV has plenty of room, with a five-passenger capacity, comfortable seats, good legroom and headroom, and lots of cargo space in the back. It’s also got a terrific design for city dwellers and road trippers, as the back and side windows are tinted to the degree that it is almost impossible to see what is being transported in the back; plus, there’s a pull-across cargo area cover that completes the camouflage, leaving nothing to tempt a break-in. Add in the optional rear door with a kick sensor, and loading the back with full arms is a breeze, too.

SMOOTH ALL THE WAY

This luxury SUV’s ease of handling makes it an absolute delight, especially on the highway. You’re likely to forget you’re driving an SUV, as once in the car’s cockpit, it feels more like a smooth sports car than a cumbersome SUV. Quick and agile, the RX 500h F Sport gives an incredibly smooth ride—so smooth that it is a little too easy to find yourself going 90mph in a 70mph zone!

The vehicle is equipped with many modern conveniences, some of which drive me crazy. I love the side mirror warning lights when a vehicle is next to the Lexus in the blind spot, and the heated or ventilated seats are fantastic. But I don’t want a pop-up display of my speed on the windshield in front of my eyes, and I can parallel park like a champ after decades of parking a car on the streets of New York. And having the car “bing” loudly when I take my eyes from front and center is seriously annoying (that option is designed to alert you when you fall asleep at the wheel, apparently). However, it’s a good thing that all the so-called “safety” features can be turned off via the large “Panoramic View Monitor” (another option worth taking) that runs everything from temperature to navigation, music, and all those help-you-drive elements.

Overall, the Lexus RX 500h F Sport is made for those who want to have it all—a vehicle that’s fun to drive, a good size for carrying friends and family (and their luggage) for a night out or a trip beyond the city limits, filled with safety features, and has that unique Copper Crest coloring that makes it stand out from the rest of the SUVs in its class.

For more information about the Lexus RX 500h F Sport, visit lexus.com/models/RX-hybrid

ESCAPE TO THE BERKSHIRES

A PERFECT WEEKEND AT THE WILLIAMS INN

By Melanie Carden

Travel is a unique opportunity to create memories with family or friends of different ages. I was recently lucky to travel with my mother, a disarmingly young seventy-something firecracker. We both adore small-town vibes and meandering in search of eclectic treasures, and the walkability of Williamstown was just the ticket.

Nestled among the mountains of The Berkshires, The Williams Inn served as our home away from home, and I don’t use this turn of phrase lightly. We were greeted by name as we passed through the grand-yet-cozy fireplace-centered lobby. And not in that obligatory, drenched-in-blasé tone when it’s required to welcome guests. Everyone was wonderfully genuine; we chatted and lingered, feeling entirely at home.

It’s a reasonably tall hotel, but the elevators were appreciated, as were the hearty gourmet coffee stations on each floor that kept us fueled for adventure. We were especially enamored with the quaint book nook area—just off the lobby—stocked with books by local authors and handsome, wooden games.

The outdoor communal areas are equally inviting, with oodles of Adirondack chairs and fire pits scattered about near the edge of the wooded area behind the hotel’s restaurant,  The Barn Kitchen & Bar. We sipped Aperol Spritz and local craft beer, but another aged beauty was of interest: the bar’s Elder Miss Jane cocktail, made with elderflower liqueur, gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Of course, food classics such as a proper, gorgeously rustic Bolognese make the menu sparkle. Still, they won me with the little details, like the perfect grain mustard served with the charcuterie spread.

© Juan Baena

GETTING TO KNOW WILLIAMSTOWN

Upon arrival, we were delighted by how close the Inn is to the shops along Spring Street. Just passed The Willimas Inn parking is the local favorite,  Tunnel City Coffee. Alongside this eatery, you’ll find the famed  Where’d You Get That? a store filled with what can best be described as gifts for everyone, especially the hard-to-shop on your list. If you usually need to catch up on holiday shopping, here’s your chance to shine bright.

From there, the shops are plentiful enough to make an afternoon of it, but Mom and I got chatting with the staff at  Chapter Two Books, a volunteer-run used bookstore whose proceeds benefit the local library. It is the particular little nugget of a store, filled with all manner of books—and plenty of small-town warmth. These books are the tattered volumes you’d find at a yard sale (though those are equally worthy), but instead, lightly used beauties. For less than $20, you can score a few books and hunker in front of the fireplace at the Inn.

Walking along, I noticed Mom and I weren’t intergenerational travel planning pioneers. There were clusters of familiessome three or more generations deep - browsing, eating ice cream, and dining on the patios. The proximity to The Williams Inn and the flat, walkable shopping area makes for a great family outing or, in my case, a relatively magical mother-daughter weekend (sans the sore, aching knees!).

OUT & ABOUT

Those looking to fill two days with a blend of approachable culture and memory-making fun should allow a few hours for poking around in the shops on Spring Street but leave time to explore. The Clark Art Institute is a quick 5-minute tour and is one of those artsy unicorn-like galleries with a little something for everyone. Plus, the corn and crab chowder at the eatery rivals any fine dining restaurant on the Cape.

We were keen to pack a picnic dinner and visit the Clark for one of their many outdoor concerts. Provisions, a fabulous gourmet and spirits shop around the corner from Spring Street, is the local go-to for elegant, tinned fish, cheese, and other swoon-worthy goodies.

As we checked out of the Inn, we dedicated a few more hours to nearby North Adams favorites such as MASS MoCA – where even the bathrooms are a memorable artsy experience. Afterward, we parked in a public lot across the street and slipped through a colorful alleyway, searching for the vintage clothing shop Terra. We found Heart’s Pace – Tea & Healing Arts Lounge a few doors down and ordered lovingly prepared, fresh iced teas. We needed to hydrate for our final mother-daughter weekend hoorah – the Mountain Adventure Park at Jiminy Peak.

My mother and I chatted among the pine behind The Williams Inn, searched for funky finds, and soaked in the art and culture The Berkshires are known for. Still, we had another itinerary to check off our list—flying down a mountain with childlike abandon. If ever there were a perfect ageless adrenaline rush, this is it. Each sled has its brake system, so controlling your speed as you whiz through the forest is an Alpine breeze. Every time I looked back, she was hot on my tail, and we laughed hysterically the whole way down the mountain—a storybook ending to a perfectly wonderful weekend in The Berkshires.

For more information on The Williams Inn, visit williamsinn.com; for The Berkshires, visit bershires.org

© Debbie Storie

FALL FOLIAGE 2023

WHAT TO SEE & DO IN NEW YORK STATE

By Patricia Canole

Can autumn in New York get even more colorful? Besides the changing leaves, come epic outdoor adventures, family-friendly farms, historic sites, and so much more! Whether you’re sipping locally made wines or fall-themed craft beers, picking apples, hiking to scenic summits, or looking for new ways to celebrate  Halloween, this season will surpass your expectations. Get ready to breathe in that crisp air—fall in New York is a time to create vivid memories. Here are our picks of what to see and do for fall foliage in the Empire State.

UPSTATE NEW YORK

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. Create a day trip or stay for a weekend; Putnam is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Begin your trip at Boscobel, the beautiful 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. It 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 few 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.

Next, head east on Route 301 and, at your leisure, explore  Stone Crop Gardens, Fahnestock State Park, and  Chuang Yen Monastery,  home to the giant indoor statue of Buddha in the Western Hemisphere.

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. Later, head to Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, where you’ll find farm animals, vegetable crops, and plenty of outdoor fun. 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 variety 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.

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 offer magnificent views, inviting visitors to stroll the 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

For a vantage point like no other, the  Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie is one-of-a-kind. It’s the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world and is a former railroad bridge built in 1888, now open to anyone who loves walking or biking. Enjoy a breathtaking perspective of the Hudson River Valley. Panoramic views can also be seen atop the fire towers at  Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck and  Thompson Pond Preserve in Pine Plains.

Of course, there’s a bounty of other activities to discover in Dutchess. Apple orchards are plentiful. Pickyour-own experiences include  Fishkill Farms,  Greig Farm and Mead Orchards In some cases, reservations are required for these farms. However, if you’d rather stay on terra firma, shop at the farmer’s markets and roadside stands.

SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

Once best known as a popular vacation area for New Yorkers escaping the sweltering summer streets in the city, Sullivan is also the location of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and hippies (and hipsters) still pilgrimage to the hallowed grounds in Bethel. That was then. Today, a new set of towns has emerged as the go-to destination to luxuriate in Mother Nature’s brilliance.

Located 90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, Sullivan Catskills is an easy weekend getaway to enjoy the fall. With the most scenic views, cruise down the  Upper Delaware Scenic Byway on your way to  Barryville,  Narrowsburg, and  Callicoon—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. Think mountains, and you will have plenty of hiking opportunities. Stop by Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor for tips on hitting the trails and stocking 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 searching for a spooky adventure, look no further than the haunted tours at the historic Burn Brae Mansion, where guests are armed with ghosthunting equipment and chase the rumored spirits throughout the notoriously haunted. The night culminates with a delicious dinner on-site. A must-see favorite is Cunningham Family Farm, which offers fall festivities, including the corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and even an Oktoberfest.

Make your choice of some of the best breweries. Visit Roscoe Beer Company for its well-known Brown Ale. The robust ale is popular with its rich chocolate and pronounced coffee flavors. The region also has distilleries, including  Catskill Distilling Company in Bethel. Take a distillery tour and enjoy a cocktail at the restored bar from the 1939 World’s Fair. Next door, you can enjoy the locally produced fare at the  Dancing Cat Saloon with live music surrounded by local art and 60’s memorabilia.

ULSTER

The dense foliage that blankets the Mid-Hudson Valley and adjacent Catskills is a wonder any time of the year. Still, autumn is extraordinary to witness a kaleidoscope of brilliant earth tones that emerge from the pines, oaks, and maples that dot the landscape. Nature lovers should take the beautiful scenic drive along The Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway.

This 88-mile loop encircling the northern Shawangunk Mountains passes along country roads and towns like New Paltz, Gardiner, and Ellenville. Nearby is Minnewaska State Park, which offers the chance to walk, cycle, rock climb, and even hike to a waterfall. Another gem, Mohonk Preserve near New Paltz, features more than 7,000 sprawling areas with hundreds of trails, providing some of the best views in all of Ulster County. Are you still looking for more thrills? Take a trip down the Hudson River. Cruises are wonderful for those who want a more relaxed way to see the fall foliage. Along the way, you’ll see some of the region’s most notable landmarks—magnificent estates, picturesque lighthouses, quaint villages, and scenic preservation sites, from Rhinecliff to Esopus and everywhere in between. The riverboat boards in Kingston, a short 15-minute drive from Ulster.

Of course, your fall foliage getaway isn’t complete without a farm. Take Route 209N where you will arrive at the centuries-old family-owned and family-friendly Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson. This pick-your-own farm also has a market with local goodies, friendly farm animals, corn mazes, and a playground with amazing views.

WESTCHESTER

Starting just 30 minutes north of Manhattan, Westchester County has much to offer those who want to celebrate the season.

Visitors can explore the well-shaded trails featuring some of the best hiking trails in the state. The Manaus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford is a trail 40 feet above the Manus River. Despite the exhilarating view, the hike is easy and perfect for the whole family. At  Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt, an easy two-mile hike includes the New Croton Dam’s gorgeous vistas and autumnal color palette. Other nature preserves and parks for fall foliage include the  Greenburgh Nature Center,  Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary,  Rockefeller State Park, and the Tarrytown RiverWalk

Fall events abound in Westchester. The most popular, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (there’s a similar one in Old Bethpage Restoration on Long Island), features a breathtaking display of Jack o’ Lanterns with synchronized music and lights, which are all designed on-site by a team of artisans. Additionally, in October,  The Armour-Stiner Octagon House will host  The Lady In White  interactive tour and performance, where guests can learn more about the house’s unique history and rumored haunts.

For more scary happenings, 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 and an appearance from the Headless Horseman, this performance will thrill audiences of all ages.

Farms of all kinds offer fun activities such as apple-picking and wagon rides this fall. Many farms are family-owned and operated, some dating back 300 years. These farms include  and Orchard (North Salem),  Stuart’s Farm (Granite Springs), and  Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights).

For more information on food, festivals, and happenings in New York State, visit iloveny.com

LONG ISLAND

CALVERTON

Long Island is home to various farms perfect for pumpkin and apple picking. One of the best is  Lewin Farms, the first pick-your-own farm on Long Island, which offers apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, and Christmas trees, depending on the season. The apple-picking season usually goes through October. Stop by the farm stand if you don’t have time to pick your own.

OYSTER BAY

Known as the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival (and the largest outdoor festival in Long Island), The Oyster Festival is one of the best fall events offering far more than just shellfish. Originating as a humble hometown parade to honor Theodore Roosevelt, the Long Island Oyster Festival now welcomes more than 200,000 attendees annually.

Set against a picturesque background, this familyfriendly event offers a diverse mix of new activities and classic favorites each year. There are high-quality artisans, carnival rides, pirate shows, fireworks, and the iconic oyster shucking and eating contest.

The food court is a gastronomic delight, with culinary professionals working alongside one another to present tons of unique oyster, clam, and seafood creations (as well as more traditional festival food).

WINERIES—NORTH & SOUTH

The best Long Island wineries to visit on the North Fork or South Fork (or both) feature inviting tasting rooms, live music, and plenty of perfect spots to enjoy a glass of your favorite varietal. Both the North Fork and South Fork vineyards have dotted the landscape for decades. Today, the region is home to large producers and promising upstarts that make excellent wines enjoyed worldwide.

Some of our favorites include Jamesport Wines is the destination for its fine red wines including Merlots and Syrahs. The laid-back atmosphere is welcome in pleasant weather and indoors in the 165-year-old barn.

At Lenz you’ll find some of the best vines on Long Island’s North Fork. Wines ranging from Cabernet to sparkling top the list. The tasting room tasting flights including a premium level to members. A strictly family business, this homey winery is overseen by co-founder Pat Pugliese. What is most special are the wine glasses which are hand decorated and for sale in the Cutchogue property. Look for Zinfandel and sparkling wines here.

NORTH BABYLON

Held at the end of October is “The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Sail, which takes place at Belmont Lake State Park at dusk. Pumpkins are placed on flotation devices with batteryoperated lights. Children’s activities include games, funny photos, and trick-or-treat exhibits. Families can walk through the Spooky Den and enjoy the displays.

For more information on food, festivals, and happening on Lond Island, visit DiscoverLongIsland.com

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

12 MUST-HAVES FOR EVERY TRIP

By Sophia Strawser

With three major airports in our backyard, it’s hard not to love travel as a New Yorker. There’s something about new cultures, local cuisine, and foreign cities that’s equal parts thrilling and therapeutic. But the preparation can be a challenge: delayed flights, wrinkled clothing, and post-flight dry skin. I’ve compiled my current travel must-haves so every trip can be a seamless one from start to finish.

A CHILL IN THE AIR

When the flight cranks up the AC, I cozy up in my luxe Reformation Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan that’s truly a gift from the gods. Doubling as my blanket for overnight flights, this oversized knit offers plenty of warmth without being too thick. And given its neutral color, it’s the perfect outer layer for those chilly nights. Info: thereformation.com

DESIGNER STATEMENT

I wanted a designer bag for an upcoming trip to Paris. The only problem was I didn’t own the bag I wanted. So, instead of dropping thousands on a trip and a bag, I grabbed an affordable monthly membership with Vivrelle. The Dior Mini Book Tote arrived promptly, was flawless as if brand new, and was mine for a whole month. It elevated every look and helped me walk into any activity more confidently. Info: vivrelle.co

CLEAN & CLASSIC

The Palestra Due in white by  M. Gemi is my latest obsession. It pairs with everything from athleisure to a sundress. With an average of 20,000 steps a day, I can’t be choosing fashion over comfort. Luckily, thanks to M. Gemi, I can now have both.

Info: mgemi.com

EFFORTLESS FASHION

I’m a “push through the jetlag” person, so the first night is crucial. I need to be out and about, a glass of wine in hand and an effortless outfit ready. That’s why the  Reformation Foster Knit Two Piece has been my goto look. The two pieces easily pair with other tops and bottoms, giving me maximum versatility in my suitcase wardrobe. Info: thereformation.com

IN THE BAG

I rarely check a bag, so finding a carryon and personal item that maximizes my packing options is essential. By now,  Away has caught all of us with a targeted ad or a word-of-mouth referral. I took the leap and found that the hype is worth it. The Everywhere bag, my favorite, has more than enough space for my essentials. Since it’s my most space-efficient bag, it also serves as my weekender. Info: awaytravel.com

JET-LAG WONDER

Liquid IV powder turns one water bottle into the hydration level of three, all while tasting like a fruity lemonade. I have one towards the beginning of my flight and one right before landing to make sure I’m at peak hydration. I have found them to help my energy levels, sleep, and skin. And now offered in new sugar free flavors! Info: liquid-iv.com

PACKING MADE EASY

Without structure, I pack like a toddler. So Baggallini’s packing cubes were an absolute must. They have slight compression— meaning I can pack that last pair of jeans that I may or may not actually need and still have room for the impractical heels. You won’t regret this purchase! Info: baggallini.com

PROTEIN BOOST

A small bag of pretzels can only take me so far, so I pack my own in-flight snacks. At the top of the list are protein bars from  Built. Packed with 17 grams of protein and tasting much like a dessert, they always hit the spot. My favorite is the Brownie Batter with a close second of Cookies and Cream. Info: built.com

REST ASSURED

I’m officially in life’s “needs an airplane pillow” stage. Not wanting to carry it everywhere I go on the trip, I found the  Trtl Pillow to solve all my problems. It’s lightweight, supports your head on the side, and folds up small enough to be slid into the front pocket of any personal item.

Info: trtltravel.com

SKIN DEEP

Skincare routine is my number one routine one in life. It’s ranked skincare, family, and everything else. When it comes to long-haul flights, it’s been a constant battle to keep my skin hydrated. I tested the year-old company,  Rhode to try their Peptide Glazing Fluid with the Barrier Restore Cream. Both felt like heaven to the skin, with the moisturizer being my favorite. It offers deep hydration without being too thick. A win-win if you ask me.

Info: rhodeskin.com

TUMMY TAMERS

RINGS & THINGS

Tangled jewelry is a thing of the past thanks to the jewelry case from Made by Mary. I’ve lost studs on vacation and spent hours undoing delicate gold chains one too many times. What I love most about the case is that it fits a month’s worth of jewelry while still compact. With four assorted colors, this vegan leather case fits anyone’s style. Info: madebymary.com

Gut issues love to pop up as we adjust to a new time zone. So, instead of downing twelve times your recommended serving of fruit, turn to  My Girl supplements. I don’t travel without their Better Belly System, a 3-step system. The supplements conquer bad gut bacteria and food bloating. With my power trio’s help, I can thoroughly enjoy my eat, love, pray adventure.

Info: mygirlwellness.com

INTO THE AMAZON

EXPLORING THE VAST RAINFOREST

By Article & photos by Bob Kappstatter

Our guide quietly paddled the small launch deeper into the backwater stream, past the trees rising from the seasonal floodwaters. An early morning chorus of mating calls from toucans, macaws, and other birds—even a surprise wolf whistle—greeted us as spider monkeys leaped and swung among the high tree branches as we stared up, sweating in the hot, steamy rainforest.

It was all part of experiencing the mystery and magnificence of the Amazon, with 2.5 million square miles of the planet’s lungs, cleaning carbon from the air.

Our adventure-packed trip took us up a long stretch of the mostly uninhabited Rio Negro River in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, where strict conservation measures have dramatically reduced the loss of the rainforest while the fight continues elsewhere.

ON LAND AND RIVER

The full-week journey included a stay at an eco-lodge deep in the rainforest, then cruising north on the Rio Negro on a small riverboat deeper into smaller rivers and on launches to back streams and trails to encounter an encyclopedic gallery of tropical birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and plant life.

Amazon Adventures expertly hand-tailored a trip to remember. That included exploring Manaus, a city of 2.3 million people isolated in the middle of the vast Amazon, with a bustling waterfront of wooden riverboats, a teeming Central Market, a magnificent opera house built by rubber barons in the late 1800s and seeing where the dark Rio Negro joins the sandy-colored Amazon River, amazingly flowing side-by-side for almost four miles.

To keep the trip even smoother, we flew into Manaus on Brazil’s GOL Airlines, the only airline with direct flights from Miami, saving us interminable hours dealing with multiple connecting flights.

INTO THE RAINFOREST

Our first stay was an hour’s launch ride from Manaus to the rusticbut-comfortable Amazon Ecopark Lodge, where we were soon hand-feeding monkeys at the nearby Primate Rehabilitation Center which re-introduces them to the jungle.

Then it was off to a launch deep into back streams, where we sighted a white heron, brown hawk, and a three-toed sloth and her baby hanging high up in a tree, as well as fishing for piranha, and being surprised by a three-foot reptile leaping up for the dangling bait. “The Amazon is mysterious. Anything can happen anytime,” our native guide Moses told us. “I go into the forest; I say my prayers. I’m a very lucky guy; I see the snakes first!”

NATURE’S SHOW

The next day, we were off by launch to catch up with the shallow-draft riverboat Tucano, already underway from Manaus, for four days and nights exploring the interior rainforest along the Rio Negro.

One of our most lasting memories was experiencing the vastness of the river and the land, with the ship offering a front-row seat for magnificent sunsets and giant black rain clouds miles away over the flat surface, looking for all the world like atomic mushroom clouds. We had a daily option of four trips on launches—including hiking in the dense rainforest—starting at 6 a.m. and with the last trip at night, with our guide’s search light catching the reflections in animals’ eyes.

There was also time for kayaking, or just relaxing on the canopied top deck, reading, watching the rainforest glide by and chatting with fellow passengers, most heading from or to other parts of South America.

IF YOU GO

The Amazon has two seasons—wet and dry. We went in June at the tail end of the wet season, when the forest was still flooded, but the rain had slowed down. In the dry season, you’ll do more exploring on foot. Either way, the experience is well worth it.

Health  Hydrate! It is hot and steamy. Thankfully, the vessel has air conditioning and issues water bottles that were put to good use!

What To Bring  Pack quick-drying clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt and long pants for those rainforest hikes. Lightweight hiking shoes are a must. And don’t forget binoculars. Some 70 percent of the wildlife lives in the jungle canopy, with our talented guides amazingly spotting them. A camera is essential plus sun hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.

JUNGLE TRAILS

For the afternoon jungle hikes, we were issued wrap-around leather leg gaiters for snake bite protection. Our guide Osmar, who learned “to fish, hunt and survive living with my tribe,” calmly warned us “Walk with your head down. Watch for the snakes!”

The ship’s itinerary is extremely ecoconscious. Don’t expect to swim with captive pink dolphins or visit “native” villages with “costumed” locals posing for photos and selling trinkets. Ship owner Mark Baker stresses ecology in the lectures by the ship’s two guides and with its gravity-operated water system, solar electric generation, and thermal water heating, blending in with its yacht-level wood-lined-and-brass interior.

One of the highlights was fishing for razor-toothed piranha. While others caught a few, I joined the Save The Pirhana Club.

HEAT RELIEF

On the third day, we took a welcome stop for a refreshing swim at a small beach and a visit to a Caboclo (coppercolored) family—river dwelling people of Indian and European heritage—who help hatch baby turtles to protect them from scavenging birds and fish. And that cooling swim felt terrific—with no pirhanas nibbling at my toes!

With our exploration ending all too soon, and back in civilization, we still recall the words of our first guide, Moses, summing up what has become yet one more part of our traveler’s DNA: “The natives believe God is the nature, all put into action,” he told us. “You speak to the forest, and you respect it!”

For more information on Amazon Adventures, visit amazonadventures.com; GOL Airlines, visit voegol.com; Amazon EcoPark Lodge, visit amazonecopark.com/br; Tucano/Nature Tours, visit naturetours.com

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BEAUTIFUL BRUGES

THE JEWEL OF FLANDERS

By Jenny Peters

Ah, Bruges! It is one of those destinations I’ve always wanted to see, for the famed Flemish Medieval city remains much as it was centuries ago when it was in the 1100-1200s when it was first constructed. Seeing the beauty of it in my favorite films (if you haven’t discovered In Bruges, the classic 2008 comedy-thriller, cue that one up right now) piqued my interest and knowing that the whole place is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage City cemented my desire.

Perfect weather greeted me as I arrived, sunny and mild, with the taxi ride from the train station revealing just how beautiful the city is. Taking three days to soak it all in was perfect, even with one rainy day sandwiched in, which reduced the crowded tourist hustle and bustle of those sunny days.

STUPENDOUS SIGHTS

There were things I knew I wanted to see, including the beautiful Michelangelo Madonna and Child sculpture in the O.L.V.-kerk Museum (inside the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady cathedral opened in 1210), the only sculpture by the master located outside of Italy, as well as Minnewater (the Lake of Love) full of swans, and the Belfort (Belfry) Tower from 1486 in the Markt (Market) Square. The 72Hour Musea Brugge Card got me into two of the three and introduced me to many other fascinating medieval and modern museums and cultural icons, especially welcome on a rainy day.

Climbing to the top of the Belfry Tower is a challenge; 366 steps up an ever-narrowing, winding staircase to the apex, where the incredible views encompass the red-roofed city and stretch out to the sea. Achieving that means a reward, so settle into a horse-drawn carriage found in the massive square and go for a ride around the town or choose one of the outdoor café tables that surround the square, sip some wine or a Belgian beer, and nibble on the country’s famous junk food, waffles or fries—or both!

Sun or clouds, Bruges is spellbinding, with some of the best moments found just wandering down the narrow streets and alleyways, marveling at the Gothic architecture that’s sometimes juxtaposed with a dramatically modern building. You’ll come across parks with playgrounds or striking sculptures; watch for ancient doors with unique knockers, carved gargoyles and religious statues hidden in niches high above, and buildings whose beauty makes whole blocks seem otherworldly.

To see Bruges’ famed canals and age-old stone bridges, carved out long ago to connect the city to the North Sea, and the splendid homes and businesses constructed as it became an international trading port, the guided canal boat tour is a must. Catch one at five locations near the city center and spend 30 minutes on a slow boat, immersed in the history and splendor of this incredible place – and see a bevy of those famous swans in the Lake of Love up close as they float within inches of the vessel

IF YOU GO

Situated in the northwest corner of Belgium on the North Sea, Bruges is best approached by train. From New York, fly nonstop to Brussels, Paris, or Amsterdam and catch a train to Bruges; choose a Eurail Train Pass, and the app makes figuring out an easy journey simple. From Bruges station, a quick taxi ride or long walk (20 minutes) takes you to the center of this magical town. From there, walking is the way to see Bruges, paired with a guided canal boat tour.

CULINARY WONDERS

It’s a particularly good thing that Bruges is a walking city, for with all the picturesque Belgian chocolate shops that dot the streets, it’s incredibly easy to get sucked right in. There’s dark chocolate with chili, milk chocolate with almonds, and countless other choices, all created with the finest ingredients. Stop into  La Belgique Gourmande for a vast selection, or try the boutique  Chocolatier Dumon, both local favorites and good enough to carry all the way home to the USA.

All that walking allows for decadent meals in Bruges, too. Fine dining spots  Bartholomeus  and  De Jonkman have two Michelin stars each (and commensurate prices). At the same time, the lovely little  Restaurant Couvert is set in a 17th-century building, serving up delightful seasonal specialties with a Belgian-French flavor. And for the best sweet potato fries you’ve ever tasted, hit the casual Jilles Beer and Burgers; their burgers are terrific and made with unexpected combinations, too.

SUBLIME SLEEP

Settle into The Pand Hotel, a charming 18th-century building steps from the Rosary Quay, with its iconic canal views. Each room in the hotel is different, filled with gorgeous furniture and brilliant design features that evoke another time. Don’t miss breakfast here, as it is spectacular, as is the service at this perfect boutique hotel with rooms looking out across ancient rooftops to the iconic Belfry Tower.

For more information on Bruges, go to visitbruges.be; Eurail, visit eurail.com; Pand Hotel, visit pandhotel.com; Musea Brugge, visit museabrugge.be

60 EAST END AVENUE

YOU CAN SEE FOREVER

By AP Connolly

Dramatic, sweeping river and city views are the backdrop for this seven-room home on the 28th floor. This classic floor plan, with the living room and dining room opposite each other, creates an expansive entertaining space.

THE RESIDENCE

The South-facing living room has dramatic views of the East River and 59th Street Bridge and iconic city views. They are beautiful. Open East River views North from the formal dining room, which captures the three bridges, Queens and Long Island. The eat-in-kitchen, renovated with top-of-the-line appliances, detailed wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and abundant storage, will meet any cook’s needs. Enjoy your morning coffee gazing out at the river and watching the boats go by from the breakfast room. A tastefully appointed home office (formerly the staff room) with many built-ins shares the splendid views. The laundry room is located off the home office area. This high-floor home has three oversized bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom.

The South-facing primary bedroom has more than ample storage space: two walk-in closets plus a wall of built-ins and cabinetry. The bath with open Western exposure views completes your private oasis. The two additional bedrooms, North-facing and South-facing, also offer oversized closets, tons of storage, and endless sunshine and serenity.

THE EXTRAS

60 East End Avenue was built as a cooperative residence with a circular driveway, making life easy for residents. It features three apartments per floor, a live-in resident manager, a full-time concierge and doorman, dedicated staff, a newly renovated lobby, private individual storage, a fitness center, a bike room, a laundry room, and a lobby-level garage with a spot for every resident at a discounted. Pet friendly and pieds-a-terre permitted. East End Avenue is the bestkept secret in town! It is close to the East River Promenade and Carl Schurz Park, with excellent public and private schools, wonderful neighborhood restaurants, public transportation, and easy access to and from the city! Asking price: $2,795,000.

For more information on 60 East End Avenue, visit Fox Residential Group at foxresidential.com

1025 FIFTH AVENUE

LUXURY LIVING ON MUSEUM MILE

By AP Connolly

You will find 1025 Fifth Avenue, a full-service building across the street from the Metropolitan Museum and Central Park, simply luxurious living. The sleek black and white terrazzo paving lobby is lined with a tandem garden stretching one hundred feet. The residences are situated in two similar 13-story towers to the rear.

THE RESIDENCE

Enter #10FN at this highly coveted whiteglove building to find a corner 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a windowed home office, two walk-in closets, and ample storage throughout. This home, which features three exposures, primarily faces south and is afforded beautiful natural light. The gracious layout is the perfect canvas for a discerning and value-driven buyer to create the home of their dreams on the iconic Museum Mile.

THE AMENITIES

Building amenities include a 24-hour door attendant, concierge services, a livein resident manager, an on-site garage (substantially reduced rates for owners), a fitness center, and a bicycle storage room. This pet-friendly building permits pieds-a-terre, washer/dryers, and 75 percent financing.

Built as a cooperative in 1955, 1025 Fifth allows residents to live in one of the most historic spots on Museum Mile. This coveted location is only a few blocks from the best private and public schools, all major transportation, and several of the Upper East Side’s finest restaurants and shops.  Info: Asking $1,550,000.

For more information on 1025 Fifth Avenue, visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

215 WEST 90TH STREET

ULTRA-CHIC UPPER WEST SIDE

By AP Connolly

Built in 1922 and situated at the corner of 90th Street and Broadway, Haroldon Court is one of the Upper West Side’s most sought-after full-service pre-war condominium buildings. The thirteen-story pre-war condominium was designed by renowned architects Rouse & Goldstone, primarily known for their Neo-Renaissance style.

THE RESIDENCE

Residence 4A is a spectacular two- to three-bedroom condominium within Haroldon Court. With smart updates throughout, this property enjoys excellent light and epic scale and is more significant than most three-bedroom condominium units—it’s 1,933 square feet of luxurious space. Palatial proportions offer this apartment’s new owner an option to re-configure the formal dining room into a third bedroom if desired. Be “wowed” as you enter this home’s oversized gallery, and immediately experience the lofted 10’-4 “ceilings and original herringbone hardwood floors. An eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and formal living room provide excellent entertainment and living space, while the bedrooms are tucked away towards the back of the home.

PLENTY OF EXTRAS

Additional features include in-unit laundry, a semi-private elevator landing, 2.5 baths, built-in storage, bookcases, graciously proportioned rooms, windowed kitchen and baths, and extremely low monthly costs. Enjoy beautiful tree-top views over Broadway with Citiquiet soundproof windows installed in the primary suite and living room. Also, look for a live-in resident manager, 24-hour door attendant, gorgeous lobby, recently updated gym, bike room, storage bins, and central laundry.

Conveniently located between Central Park and Riverside Park and near all major transportation, excellent shopping and dining. The building is pet-friendly and allows subletting and pied-a-terres. Info: Asking $2,750,000. For more information on 215 West 90th Street, visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

MINDIE’S MUSINGS

FEELING LOST IN MARRIAGE

By Mindie Barnett

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

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

Dear Mindie,

I have been feeling very lost in my marriage. My husband seems to be very distant, and the more I try to reach out and attempt to connect, the more he seems to pull away. He feels that I am nagging him. I know that is probably the case, but I am overwhelmed and frustrated with his empty promises about what he says he will do to help around the house and with the kids. I work full-time, too, but most household responsibilities seem to fall on my shoulders, and I am sick of it! I don’t want to end my marriage. I love my husband, but I am really at a loss. Please help!

Sincerely,

At A Loss

Dear At A Loss,

That is a lot to deal with! I hear you loud and clear. When a partner isn’t living up to their end of the bargain, it can be hurtful and infuriating. I imagine it’s even more upsetting that he is saying he will help you and then is maintaining the same patterns. I am curious about how you are communicating your frustrations to your husband.

Many times, it’s not what we are saying but how we are saying it that can be a trigger to those around us. While you may be angry by his lack of household involvement (which is understandable!), expressing your feelings by criticizing and focusing on his role in the situation rather than how it makes you feel may inadvertently spark his withdrawal. When his promises are not followed through, that likely makes you feel hurt, and expressing how you’re feeling because of his actions rather than solely homing in on his actions will likely yield a better communication forum. Otherwise, it’s a push-pull conundrum that often ends up with less than favorable results.

This may seem easier said than done, especially in the heat of the moment. It may make the most sense to allow yourself the time to calm down so that you can speak with clarity and from a place of concern and authenticity in connection with your emotional pain and upset rather than from a place of anger and blame.

Doing so will enable your husband to see the situation more clearly from your perspective, without feeling threatened by confrontation, and he will realize his role in the maladaptive communication pattern and likely relent from his behavior of withdrawing.

This is a common communication web we call the demand-withdraw pattern. Demanders are known as the criticizers, often the females in a relationship, who are frustrated and eager to see some behavioral change in their partners. The withdrawing partner retaliates with avoidance and becomes defensive. The male persona and results typically lead this role in their lack of commitment to the relationship and desire to maintain the status quo.

The good news is that your issue is not uncommon among married couples and is fixable. The unwelcome news is that it isn’t always an easy fix. It requires some deep work and patience from both sides. My advice is to take the lead and try to speak to your husband from a place of calm concern and vulnerability so that he’s less likely to feel threatened and maintain his desire to withdraw as a defense mechanism.

He, too, must speak openly and nonconfrontationally and own up to his responsibilities and promises. I would recommend taking these steps and seeking the help of a marriage family therapist or professional clinical counselor if you’re not making headway on your own. It’s always beneficial to have a professional psychotherapist involved to serve as a strong advocate for maintaining the integrity of the relationship, even when you’re not in conflict. They can help you navigate tricky conversations and ensure both perspectives are articulated in a beneficial and productive way.  Best of luck in War and Peace!

Love,  Mindie

© Chris Ruetten

NOMAD GIRL

MILANESE FLAIR ALL DAY

By Anne Raso

With a definite Milanese flair,  Nomad Girl is an all-day café and ristorante in the heart of Nomad and joins the neighborhood’s growing neighborhood of luxurious hotels, bars and restaurants. The restaurant is the brainchild of hospitality veteran Alex Cesaria and his co-owner Rich Simeone.

Co-owner Cesaria is proud of the modern yet comfortable décor.  “Nomad Girl’s interior has a modern European and relaxed feel that is the perfect spot for a fashionable meal with friends. The long bar in the front of the restaurant serves as the focal point for people watching and sipping on classics such as a Negroni or an Espresso Martini,” he told us.

LUXURIOUS DINING

We reserved an intimate table for dinner in the back of this ultra-long ristorante.  Nomad Girl does not disappoint with their homemade pasta in shapes you’ve never seen before, adding a fun dining element! A typical pasta dish here is Trofi Pesto E Burrata which surprises your palette with its adorable squiggle-shaped pasta and a pesto that gives it a softer herbal flavor. The cold ball of burrata on top of the hot pasta is a contrast rarely found in Manhattan—and it works! We also tried the Tagliatelle Bolognese which features a heavenly beef and veal sauce that you’ll say is unforgettable.

Cesaria is delighted with his restaurant’s pasta dishes’ praise and agrees that they are a high point. He says,,“Nomad Girl’s pasta is homemade and delivered to the restaurant by a true Italian (pasta) creator. The (pasta) dishes are based on the available seasonal ingredients. Our signature pasta options include the  Gnocchi Ciccio Bello,  Tagliatelle Bolognese and Vodka Ravioli.”

A MENU THAT PLEASES

Nomad Girl is known as “Tuna Central” for foodies all over town. You can get delicious organic salmon so many ways here that your head will spin. We had the classic  Tuna Tartare served with avocado and cucumber as an appetizer and then the  Sesame-Crusted Tuna with mixed greens salad, pickled red onion, avocado and cherry tomatoes as an entrée. There are many customizable grilled and sesame tuna items offered.

Additionally, try the rock star dish on the Nomad Girl menu: Sformatino Di Melanzane, an eggplant terrine with mozzarella fonduta. It’s become their signature app and it’s kind of a sophisticated form of  Eggplant Parm. The eggplant, cut very thin, is spread with a little homemade red sauce, then coated with the cold fonduta that tastes more like bechamel sauce! These signature Milanese dishes are made with the highest quality organic ingredients and created via a “collab” with former Bottega Del Vino chef Fernando Baez.

The prime grass-fed  Skirt Steak with chimichurri sauce is undoubtedly not a Milanese item but it’s fabulous. The meat is tender and well-seasoned and in a generous portion. Also look for eleven variations of pizza good for an appetizer or entrée.

ALL-DAY SERVICE

Of course, Nomad Girl serves breakfast and lunch, too. “We have a bustling breakfast service that serves the Nomad and Flatiron residents as well as many tourists who are staying at top nearby hotels including Virgin Atlantic, and The Ritz-Carlton,” says Cesaria.

He adds that world-class Euro coffee service is central to  NomadGirl’s successful breakfast business (as well as baked goods made by a real French viennoiserie): “Coffee is one of the most important things in our Italian culture. The day begins with small-batch Dell’Aria Coffee pulled through an Astoria Tempesta—the official espresso machine of the World Barista Championship. With  Nomad Girl’s three separate grinders, the Tempesta allows for incredible customization of every drink with adjustable pre-infusion, pressure, and temperature controls for flawless coffee extraction. The beans are specifically sourced and roasted by Dell’Aria Coffee from dark roast to medium roast to light roast for the perfect coffee experience.”

Once you visit  Nomad Girl, you’ll want to go back. The friendly staff, large bar and great art are just the icing on the cake of a menu that’s got a little something for everyone who loves both Northern and Southern Italian fare!

For more info on Nomad Girl, visit nomadgirl.nyc

GREAT BITES

DELICIOUSLY SPOOKY TREATS

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

That flavorful time of year is upon us with apples, pumpkin everything, cinnamon, and more. This year, I wanted to give you two recipes for approachable, fun, and inexpensive dishes you can enjoy with friends and family at a home Halloween party or even for a horror movie marathon. Both are oldie but goodie dishes that everyone will enjoy!

MUMMY DOGS

Ingredients

• 1 8-ounce tube of crescent dough

• 8 bun-length hot dog

• Yellow Mustard

• Ketchup

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Open the crescent dough tube and unroll the dough onto a work surface. Pinch together the seams to create a rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise into 8 long strips.

• Take a strip of dough and wind around the hot dog while pulling gently to stretch the dough. Crisscross the dough occasionally so it looks like the wrappings on a mummy.

• About ¾ of the way down, leave a narrow strip of hot dog exposed so you can add eyes after baking. Place the wrapped dog on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough and hot dogs.

• Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

• Remove the hot dogs from the oven. Place a small dob of yellow mustard in the open area of the hot dog to create eyes. Using a toothpick, put a dab of ketchup in the center of each eye to make a pupil.

CARAMEL APPLES

Ingredients

• 2 cups of sugar

• ¼ cup of light corn syrup

• ½ cup of heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

• Kosher salt

• 6 very crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, or Pink Lady) washed thoroughly and dried.

Instructions

• Add the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir a few times before the sugar begins to boil to combine the ingredients. Attach a candy thermometer to the inside of the pan and bring the syrup to a boil. Cook until the syrup begins to turn an amber color, then swirl the syrup to even out the color. Continue to cook until the syrup is a deep amber and the thermometer reads between 375 and 380 degrees F, then remove from the heat.

Carefully pour in the cream while gently whisking to combine. Stir in the butter, vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Pierce the apple through the stem end, about halfway through with candy apple sticks. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

When the temperature of the caramel reads around 190 degrees, dip an apple, using the stick as a handle and swirling to coat completely. Allow excess caramel to drip off the bottom and use a spatula to help remove any large amount of caramel. Repeat with the remaining apples, gently heating the caramel on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, if it gets too thick for dipping. Allow the caramel to set and cool completely before wrapping apples, about 1 hour. Note: If you are going to add toppings, dip the apples into whatever topping you want immediately after coating with caramel.

Bon Appetit!

BLOOD PUNCH

• 1.5 oz Bacardi Light Rum

• 1.0 oz Bacardi Spiced Rum

• Fresh Cranberry and orange juice

• Splash of Grenadine

• Served on the rocks

© Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK TOASTS WITH A DIAMOND-INSPIRED COCKTAIL

By Patricia Canole

Loews Regency New York Hotel has symbolized Park Avenue hospitality. To this day, it remains one of New York’s most iconic hotels and is celebrating 60 years. To mark this Diamond Jubilee, The Regency Bar & Grill is celebrating with its own diamond-inspired cocktail.

Loews Regency New York Hotel opened on March 1, 1963, as The Summit and soon became an instant success for New York’s society set. Designed by Morris Lapidus, the ultra-modern hotel was ahead of its time with hi-tech innovations like bathroom telephones, combination bar/refrigerators, and stereo televisions. The hotel soon became the Park Avenue address of the international set who loved jetting off to far away locations.

The year was 1975, and the famous Power Breakfast was introduced at the Loews Regency New York Hotel. At the time, during the New York City fiscal crisis, Loews Corporation Co-Chairman and Co-CEO Bob Tisch began inviting leaders from the public and private sectors to the restaurant to discuss ways to help the city recover.

The Power Breakfast forever changed how business was conducted, ending the “three martini lunch” era in favor of morning meetings that could take place before the official workday began. Over the years, the Power Breakfast has become a signature of the hotel, and it still stands as one of the most iconic dining experiences in Manhattan, offering local New Yorkers and hotel guests the perfect opportunity for peoplewatching and dining with some of the most influential professionals in New York City.

After 50 years, the Loews Regency New York Hotel closed its doors to undergo a comprehensive $100 million renovation. Reopened a year later in 2014, the re-imagined hotel features luxurious guest rooms with suites.

With this continued success and a look to the future, the Diamond Jubilee Cocktail was created and is exclusively available at the  Regency Bar & Grill. The cocktail is a blend of Patron El Alto Tequila Reposado, Aperol, and Lillet Blanc. It’s a perfect way to celebrate and enjoy the smoothness of tequila, it makes for a sophisticated and refined taste.

This Instagram-worthy cocktail is chilled with a diamond stone-shaped ice cube top, paired with Champagne, and dusted with gold flakes. There is no better way to experience the Upper East Side than with this drink at The Regency Bar & Grill.

Now 60 years since its original debut, the hotel is better than ever. Happy birthday Loews Regency New York Hotel!

For more information on Loews Regency New York, visit loewshotels.com/regency-hotel

BroadwayHD

TV & FILM STARS ON STAGE!

By Stewart F. Lane

heck out these TV and film stars on stage! From Orlando Bloom to Billy Crystal, some of the most famous screen stars of our timehave found time to return to the stage - and, luckily, some of these performances are available to stream! Visit www.broadwayhd.com to learn more.

ROMEO AND JULIET

This digitally captured production of the 2013 Broadway revival of Romeo and Juliet stars Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony-nominee Condola Rashad. Set in Verona, Italy, the Capulets and the Montagues have been engaged in an ancient feud that has been lost to time. However, when Romeo of the house of Montague and Juliet of the house of Capulet meet and fall in love, nothing can stop them from being together, not even death.

MR. SATURDAY NIGHT: A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY

Called “The funniest show on Broadway in years!” by Variety, the Tony-Award® nominated Mr. Saturday Night: A New Musical Comedy stars Billy Crystal, TonyAward® nominee for Best Actor in a Musical, as Buddy Young, Jr., an outrageous and outspoken comedian who has one last shot at reclaiming the spotlight — and fixing his fractured family — one hilarious step at a time.

ALICE AT THE PALACE

Alice at the Palace provides the unique opportunity to witness one of America’s most lauded actresses at the dawn of her career. Oscar winner Meryl Streep stars in this delightful “music hall” version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass, which also features Emmy Award winner Debbie Allen.

ALLEGIANCE

A mysterious envelope leads Sam Kimura back sixty years to a time when he and his sister Kei (Lea Salonga) strive to save their family from the wrongful imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Inspired by the true-life experience of George Takei (Star Trek), Allegiance follows one family’s journey in this untold American story.

THOM PAIN

Thom Pain is just like you, except worse. One night, he finds himself on a stage, in the dark, in a theater. In the audience are people who, just like him, were born and will die. Thom is going to try to make sense of it all. He’s going to try to save his life, to save their life, to save your life - in that order. Thom is played by none other than three time Emmy nominee Rainn Wilson, known for creating the character of Dwight Schrute on the hit sitcom The Office. Contains adult language.

SHE LOVES ME

She Loves Me follows Amalia and Georg, two parfumerie clerks who aren’t quite the best of friends. Constantly bumping heads while on the job, the sparring coworkers can’t seem to find common ground. But little do they know the anonymous pen pals they have both been falling for happen to be each other! Will love continue to blossom once their identities are finally revealed? She Loves Me stars a plethora of stage and screen stars, including Zachary Levi (Tangled, Chuck, Shazam!), Laura Benanti (No Hard Feelings), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), and Nicholas Barasch (Riverdale).

NYAD

PG-13

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

STRONG WOMEN

Put together a crowd of Academy Award winners and nominees, and the result is  Nyad, the true-life story of Diana Nyad’s epic swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage—when she was 64 years old. Four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening stars in this epic sports drama, along with two-time winner Jodie Foster, and is led by directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (Oscar winners for Best Documentary). With this pedigree, can more nominations be far behind?

THE ROYAL HOTEL

Not yet rated

We love three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner in almost anything she does (Ozark, Inventing Anna). So, when she went to Australia to shoot The Royal Hotel, it was no-brainer to check out. A dark factbased tale of two young women’s experience while backpacking in the Outback, this one will keep you guessing as it unspools.

TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR

Not yet rated

She’s a force of nature, so it’s no surprise that Taylor Swift is upending the traditional movie distribution model for her concert film, going directly through the theaters and bypassing the studios. As a result, it has already amassed millions of dollars in presales and continues to make Swift the biggest profits rainmaker for businesses as her epic tour continues to make an incredible impact wherever it goes. Plus, this one’s an excellent substitute if you couldn’t get tickets to her live shows.

TOUGH MEN

THE KILLER

R

Pair up three-time Oscar-nominated director David Fincher (Se7en, Zodiac, Gone Girl) with two-time nominee Michael Fassbender and the result is The Killer. A dark psychological thriller that explores a professional assassin’s descent into madness, this quintessential film noir is already racking up accolades at international film festivals as it heads for its USA theatrical release in time for Academy Awards consideration.

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

R

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio  and  Robert De Niro? Okay, we’re in. Add into that fascinating triumvirate of towering cinematic talent the incredible true story of greed and murder in 1920s Oklahoma on the Osage Indian reservation (based on the David Grann nonfiction best-seller), and this is one movie that every cinephile cannot wait to see in theaters. Lily Gladstone, Oscar nominees John Lithgow and Jesse Plemons, and 2023 Best Actor Oscar winner Brendan Fraser round out the stellar cast.

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

CLASSIC AND BRAND NEW

FRASIER Paramount+

It’s been 30 years since Frasier hit the TV airwaves, with Kelsey Grammer taking his  Cheers character from Boston to Seattle, starting an 11-year run that garnered the show a record 37 Emmy Awards for a comedy. He’s returning to Boston with a new series of the same name. He’ll see some old friends (like Bebe Neuwirth, Peri Gilpin, and others) as he navigates back to Beantown. No sign of Niles (David Hyde Pierce) yet, but we’re hoping.

NEON Netflix

Miami’s reggaeton music scene is the lively setting for this comedy about three small-town Florida friends who hit the big city, hoping to make it big like Bad Bunny and Daddy Yankee. Tyler Dean Flores stars, along with Emma Ferreira, Jordan Mendoza, and Courtney Taylor, in this series that will indeed have you dancing in your living room.

CRIME (AND PUNISHMENT)

FOUND NBC

In these complicated stories of the people who go missing every year in the United States (think 800,000 of them!), Shanola Hampton (Shameless) stars as a woman determined to discover why certain people drop off the face of the earth. The series is mysterious, a little criminal, and a lot of discoveries as to what happens to those who have disappeared.

REPTILE Netflix

Benicio Del Toro stars in this twisted crime mystery as a police detective trying to unravel a murder that reverberates into his personal life. He’s joined by Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, and Eric Bogosian in this movie filled with twists and turns, ultimately filled with surprises that Del Toro helped to fashion, for  Reptile marks the actor’s feature film screenwriting debut.

THE SPENCER SISTERS The CW

In this Canadian crime series, Lea Thompson and Stacey Farber (Virgin River) play a mother-and-daughter private-detective duo about the pair’s differences. Victoria Spencer (Thompson) is a mystery novelist, while Darby Spencer is a police officer; when the two decide to change up their lives and open a crime-solving company, they realize that despite being family, they are not exactly the most compatible pair. But they somehow still get the job done when unraveling mysteries in this oftenlighthearted series.

PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP

A HALLOW’S EVE TO REMEMBER

By Melanie Carden

Other than making sure your buddy doesn’t eat chocolate, Halloween is a blast for pet owners. Even those with a no-frilly-outfit rule might fall victim to a Halloween outbreak of cutesy-it is. Whether you’re walking down to the coffee shop or off to the community pet parade, these Hallow’s Eve outfits will be the talk of the town.

ADORABLY SINISTER

An adorably sinister little devil costume seems fitting for the pet most likely to push things off the counter. Your kitty will be the glitter-clad cutie in the neighborhood in this Devil Headpiece from Bootique

Info: petco.com

TRICKS, TREATS & WITTY TEES

House of Furbaby has joined the Halloween fun with an offthe-charts witty collection of shirts. Sayings include “Boot Scootin’ Spooky,” “Furry Pirate Lookin’ For Bootie,” and more. The best part is the collection can be personalized with your pet’s name. I nfo: houseoffurbaby.com

TRADE RUFFS FOR RIBBITS

First off, a snood is always adorable, and the Bootique Frog Headpiece is no exception. Trade your pup’s usual ruff-ruff for a trickor-treat ribbit-ribbit, and he’s a shoo-in to win the annual contest.

Info: petco.com

SWEET AS CANDY CORN

Just when you thought candy corn couldn’t get any sweeter, along comes this little fella. This simple costume from Old Navy will never fail you—cats and dogs look equally hilarious.

Info: oldnavy.com

LOUNGE LIZARD COWBOY

Don’t leave the family lizard out of the holiday fun. Bootique’s Cowboy Lizard Costume will probably break the Internet, but it’s worth it to see our scaly friends finally getting their time to reign supreme on Halloween. Info: petco.com

THE GAME IS AFOOT

Who ate all the miniSnickers bars? Don’t worry; Detective Bunny from Bootique is on the case. You should plan ahead, however, because he demands immediate payment, and won’t accept Venmo. He has a strict carrots-only payment policy. Info: petco.com

DRESS YOUR SNOOPY AS CHARLIE

Of course, any dog can dress up for Halloween as Charlie Brown. It would be off-the-charts adorable, though, if you have a black and white Snoopy-looking dog. Bark’s Halloween Charlie Brown Dog Polo would look cute on a kitty too. Info: petsmart.com

BETTER THAN HERSHEY KISSES

We all love Hershey kisses, but this sweet lovin’ is even better. This Kissing Booth Headpiece from Bootique is especially cute at a dog parade or community event. Be warned, though. You’ll need to share your irresistible bestie with the neighborhood—or maybe even the whole town.

Info: petco.com

CLASSIC CUTENESS

Even those who have a nocostume rule might make an exception for this one. It’s not officially a costume, but the Wicked Sweet Dress from Bootique is an effortless way to “skirt” the rule if a certain someone in the house is itchin’ to dress up Fido. Info: petco.com

A WICKED TREAT

SodaPup is well known for its indestructible toys. The Magnum Sugar Skull Ultra-Durable Chew Toy & Treat Dispenser is one of my holiday favorites. They also offer a vampire bat and Jack O’ Lantern. Info: sodapup.com

A BOO-TIFUL OUTFIT

Old Navy steps it up here with this on-theme one-piece outfit. The simple black and white theme is exactly right for a boo-tiful look that’s sure to turn heads. Plus, it’s affordable enough to buy a few cute costumes. Info: oldnavy.com

PUP-KIN

SPICE, OF COURSE!

Do you really think I’d leave all our furry babies out in the cold—without some Pumpkin Spice Latte? Of course, not. This utterly swoon-worthy plush toy from Bootique is just what your dog needs after a long night of trick-or-treating.

Info: Petco.com

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

KAITLYN DORFF

By Patricia Canole

Some may believe that being a singer involves nothing more than getting on stage and belting out a tune. However, if you think about it, making music requires ample creativity, motivation, and determination—the same three ingredients key to being a successful entrepreneur.

This best describes Kaitlyn Dorff, who is no stranger to the music world. Call her the breakout artist of 2023. The talented singer-songwriter recently dropped her new single Next to You, which became this summer’s go-to hit song. Produced by Jason Mater,  Next To You  was written by Kaitlyn Dorff and Matteo Scher. She told us it is one of her favorite songs. “I wrote it about a person I deeply care about. It’s truly the most honest song I’ve ever written. I wrote it when I was in love with someone who couldn’t have been more different than me. This person was my muse in my young life, and I feel fortunate to have had him and to be able to share my story in hopes that others can connect and relate to,” she explained.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

The talented songwriter has a good pedigree: She’s the daughter of songwriter Hall of Fame inducteesongwriter Steve Dorff. She told us that she credits her dad as the most significant influence in her life. “My dad has always been my biggest supporter and the best teacher I could’ve ever asked for. He’s taught me everything I know about the industry and how to navigate it. I feel like there’s never been a question of what I wanted to do growing up,” she laughed, “I didn’t know anything else.

Dorff is the youngest of three children, including acclaimed actor Stephen and multi-award-winning songwriter Andrew. And because of her “family business” she has appeared in countless plays and musicals and has been singing since childhood. Given her family background, she has maintained consistent exposure and involvement in the entertainment industry.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN

This is just the beginning for the California-born singer-songwriter. Two of Kaitlyn’s songs are featured in the horror film  Natty Knocks  (Prime)  The film stars Danielle Harris and horror legend Robert Englund, featuring songs  Still Love Malibu and Wish You Could Stay.

“The movie’s director contacted me after my mom posted my music video on Facebook. They saw my video and called and asked if I could send them some songs. They loved them and wanted them!” she continued to tell us. “My two songs were written at completely different stages in my life. I am incredibly excited to see how they utilize my pop songs in a horror film.  Wish You Could Stay was one of the first songs I ever wrote and having it in a movie reminds me to never give up on songs, even if you didn’t think it was your best when you first wrote it.”

She is well on her way to reaching her career goals in the music and entertainment industry! Throughout Kaitlyn’s life, she has appeared in countless plays and musicals and has been singing since childhood. And with her entrepreneur spirit, count on seeing more of Kaitlyn Dorff.

Follow Kaitlyn Dorff on Instagram @kaitlyndorff

© Kate Zamudio

© Luke Rogers

THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION

2023 ANNUAL GALA

By Peter Elston

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) 23rd Annual Gala in the Hamptons took place at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY. The summer benefit supported the Annual PCF ProAm Tennis Tournament and celebrated the millions raised and achievements made in the past 30 years through PCF. Founder Michael Milken and The Gala in the Hamptons weekend hosts and sponsors welcomed guests to enjoy, engage and be entertained while helping to fund groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.

The gala began with a lively cocktail reception as distinguished guests and athletes entered the breathtaking Parrish Art Museum terrace. Total Sponsorships and ticket sales were valued at $1.25 million. In addition to this, the live auction was swift, raising more than $5.6 million for the Foundation’s work.

The lavish dinner party gave way to special musical performances from multi-award-winning Adam Lambert. This celebration set the tone for the weekend leading up to the finals of the PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament.

Along with the activities associated with the PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament, guests were treated to by-invitation-only Milken Institute Hamptons Dialogues that covered a range of current topics of interest in private homes throughout the Hamptons.

The tennis tournament began on Saturday at private courts and concluded with the finals on Sunday afternoon at the Raquet Lounge in Southampton.

Notable attendees included Wilbur Ross (Former US Secretary of Commerce), Hilary Geary Ross, John Paulson, Alina De Almeida, Igor Tulchinsky, Stephen Ross, Lin Connelly, Steven Mnuchin (Former US Secretary of the Treasury), Jim Coleman, Nouriel Roubini, Simone Friedman, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Larry Leeds, Ginger Leeds, Candace Bushnell, Avery Price, Jessica Price, Zenobia Godschalk, Mackenzie Price, Cindy Jensen, Samia Morgan, Emily Church, Dr. Charles Ryan, Gina Carithers, Dr. Scott Tagawa, Jeff Greene, Mei Sze Greene, David Paterson (Former NY Governor), Mary Paterson.

Charles Ryan, Karen Sfanos, Scott Tagawa

This year’s participating tennis professionals included Tommy Haas, John Lloyd, Daniel Nestor, Cyril Saulnier, Ashley Fisher, Sander Gille, Scott Lipsky, Amer Delic, Jason Pinsky, Jared Palmer, Treat Huey, JC Argone, Don Johnson, Guillermo Canas, Max Schnur, Alex Bogomolov, Wayne Odesnik, Rick Leach, Robert Kendrick and Joran Vliegen.

Proceeds from the weekend will support the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s funding of the world’s most promising cancer research, including PCF’s Young Investigator program which has transformed how medical research is conducted over the past three decades. Discoveries by hundreds of PCF investigators at more than 220 institutions have driven breakthrough treatments in prostate and more than 70 other cancers.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to the research and eradication of prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men. PCF is committed to investing in the most promising research on prevention, detection, and treatment and to bringing innovative solutions to market quickly - with the goal of improving the lives of patients and their families. Its vision is to end all deaths from prostate cancer by raising awareness and funding urgent, cutting-edge research. PCF’s unique research model for prostate cancer already has overlapped with 70 other cancers and is playing a role in helping unlock the mystery of curing all cancer.

For more information on Prostate Cancer Foundation, visit pcf.org

Ginger Leeds, Larry Leeds pc PMC Jared Siskin

Candace Bushnell pc PMC Jared Siskin

Bonnie Pfeifer Evans pc PMC Jared Siskin

Adam Lambert

Emily Church pc PMC Jared Siskin

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

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

TIME OUT WITH…

CHEF MICHAEL MIGNANO

By Patricia Canole

It’s good that Michael Mignano returned to The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York. This iconic hotel recently named Executive Chef and Culinary Director who has a long and rich history with The Pierre under Four Seasons and Taj.

His relationship with The Pierre started 1998 as the youngest Executive Pastry Chef under Four Seasons. Mignano left briefly to expand his career in the corporate world only to return in 2013 as Executive Pastry.

The chef brings close to 30 years of culinary experience with a passion for farm fresh foods. A native of Queens, he spent summers on his family farm on the North Fork on Long Island. Today, his passion for fresh farmstand foods translates to creating specialties with a fun, surprising element that takes the farm-to-table trend to a new culinary experience.

During his career, Mignano has worked for notable New York kitchens such as  Bouley, Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, Balthazar, and  Les Pinasse. He also launched the first halal restaurant/bakery,  Farine in Queens, receiving prominent reviews and praise from the food community. As an award-winning chef, Mignano brought masterfully crafted dishes to guests and a breadth of knowledge to his culinary team.

We recently met up with Chef Mignano to find out more about his return to The Pierre and his road to success.

What or who inspired you to become a chef?

I was exposed to the world of food at an incredibly early age. My aunt—my mother’s sister—Frances Rappa—was the corporate chef for Sony/EMI records in the music company’s headquarters in NYC and a private chef for the CEO. She cooked for us at home when she wasn’t cooking for work. She inspired me to understand how food is cultivated and create new flavor combinations. When she baked, I was always her sous chef.

What was it like returning to The Pierre?

Returning to The Pierre was like coming home. You always have a strong affinity for the first place that gave you your first real shot. It feels like home –it’s hard to put that into words. As a young pastry chef, The Pierre laid the foundation for my culinary career. The training and discipline, the team, and the kitchens are all first-rate, which stays with you.

Who is your target guest at Perrine?

There is something very nostalgic about being an iconic NY classic hotel dining restaurant. In so many ways, it doesn’t exist anymore. A whole new generation is learning to appreciate what that means. Think classic and very sustainable. The classic hotel restaurant is a part of the NYC grand dame experience. We are the original – and one of the last grand hotel restaurants.

We are very privileged to be in this category, and it’s an honor. We can attract a younger crowd because it’s nostalgic and there is a trend towards old-world elegance. Plus, with all the gala weddings and events held at The Pierre, a NYC element, is always there. No one can duplicate that.

What’s on the menu today?

One of the areas I intend to feature is the trend in Southeast Asian and Indian food. We will have a separate menu that will celebrate the Indian heritage at the hotel.

Today, Indian food from Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing areas. Diners love spices, curries, and creativity. Many of these menu choices are also vegetarian, so it adds a greater selection element for those with dietary preferences. My prediction is that Indian cuisine is the new French.

But that is not to say we will abandon the other classic items on the menu. We will always have our burgers, but I am making subtle changes. Our burger is also Halal because I’ve changed the beef cuts to short rib mixed with brisket.

How do you keep the menu engaging and exciting for customers?

Always keep it seasonal, fresh, and local, and consider sustainable market trends. But we will develop our interpretation if the trend is chicken and waffles for brunch. I am all about creating experiences and memories. Outstanding cuisine should be memorable. But to get there, you need to engage your clientele and always listen.

For more information on The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York and Perrine Restaurant, visit thepierreny.com

MY NEW YORK STORY

JEANNE FLEMING: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

As a third-generation, Manhattan-born and bred, I cherish our fair city’s annual traditions, especially in the Fall and Winter. One event, one of my all-time favorites, is celebrating an amazing yet scary milestone this year: the 50th Anniversary of the Village Halloween Parade!

The Village Halloween Parade is a tradition amongst the city’s more artistically and creatively inclined. And this year is proving to be no different. Artistic Director Jeanne Fleming, who has been in charge for the last 43 years, has already announced that the Grand Marshalls for the parade will be renowned artist Laurie Anderson and, posthumously, Lou Reed, who wrote the song, Halloween Parade. We are all too familiar with this year’s theme: Upside/Down: Inside/Out. It’s a double meaning, for sure! Part of it centers on our world having been turned upside down and inside out over the last few years thanks to COVID, politics, and more; the other part is all about you… becoming that person who goes to the parade to shed their everyday skin, let their hair down and get down with their bad self! In other words, most  real New Yorkers have faced the secondary part of the theme: finding out who we are in our hearts and souls.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

In the interest of full disclosure, I have collaborated with the Artistic Director several times for marketing clients I represented. Jeanne is one of the most dedicated, passionate, and caring folks I have ever had the pleasure of working with and is one of those New York characters you pray to meet and spend time with. So how did Jeanne get involved in, let alone end up running, the most famous Halloween parade on Earth?

For the first seven years of the parade, Fleming would attend as a treat to herself. As Jeanne became more involved in the creative and theatre community downtown, Fleming worked with the gentleman who created the parade, puppeteer Ralph Lee.

“It was an experience unlike any other in the city. It was weird, different and cool, and the community was amazing overall. So close. I needed to be a part of it,” says Fleming.

Lee originally conceived what became the parade as a walk from house to house in his neighborhood, the Village, for his children and their friends. Lee also used this event to showcase his puppets. But Lee wanted to walk away when the parade grew beyond what could only be perceived as a hobby.

Jeanne Fleming

BRINGING US TOGETHER

“I couldn’t let this special creation Ralph created just disappear. There were too many people who loved it and counted on it to bring the community together. You see, back then, we didn’t have a Pride Parade. This was where the gay community came together to celebrate alongside the theater and creative communities of the city,” Fleming said.

Jeanne started to take over the tasks that Ralph Lee didn’t want to address: the coordination with the NYPD, permits, etc. Jeanne was so happy to do these tasks as she was already in touch with various city agencies about other projects she was working on. Eventually, Ralph pulled away from the parade, and Jeanne took it over.

“For Ralph, it was about his puppets and entertainment. For me, it was always about the spirit of the city. It was amazing. In those days, we had just pitched the National Endowment of the Arts and the State Arts Council for funding. We approached it as ‘celebration artists’ rather than a regular grant request. And for the first time, they agreed to fund the parade. They even created a new category called ‘multi’ thanks to us. So, there was no way I was walking away now,” Fleming recalled.

When asked, What do you attribute as the staying power of this fantastic event?” Fleming replied, “Being able to find your tribe, be creative, be accepted, even loved, and show positive energy in this world. The Village Halloween Parade is like a Utopian society…it is the one night everyone from all walks of life gets along!”

For more information on the Village Halloween Parade, visit Halloween-NYC.com

Halloween Adventure is a year-round hot spot for costumes, masks, wigs, makeup props and more. We offer packaged and theatrical quality costumes as well as separate accessories to bring all your creative character ideas to life.

THE FINAL WORD

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Day after day, life in New York City has become untenable for many reasons. Whether it’s about the skyrocketing cost of living and crime rate, the seemingly endless stream of migrants coming from the Southern border that is costing the city billions of dollars we don’t have, or the constant barrage of Amazon and delivery bikes all over the city (often with violent, entitled drivers who threaten New Yorkers), life in New York is not peaceful or comfortable at all.

Let me explain.

Last week, an Amazon delivery person was sorting out his oversized cart at the entrance to my building, blocking the entire walkway with totes, boxes, and his cart. I nicely said, “Excuse me,” so I could pass his piles of deliveries. His response, well, let’s say I cannot repeat what he said in polite company, but it included everything from racist commentary to sexual preference slander to violent threats. All because I politely asked to pass his illegal use of the entrance of our building.

Confrontations with food delivery persons and delivery and packaging companies (like FedEx, UPS, and the USPS) are becoming increasingly common daily. For example, things have gotten so bad on the formerly prestigious Upper East Side streets that the NYPD’s 19th Precinct advised residents that they are pursuing the endless stream of illegally parked and used electric bikes, often stacked outside of popular UES restaurants.

Back to my new Amazon delivery friend: As he became so belligerent and racist, I had finally had enough. While I usually am happy to oblige someone foolish enough to threaten me, in this context, I felt taking the higher road would be more beneficial to all. So, I took out my phone to take a photo to send to a friend at Amazon. He decided to slap my hand, knocking my phone onto the ground, and continued using racist and sexual preference slurs. Thankfully, there was no damage to my phone. I took photos of the delivery guy and called the police. When they finally arrived, the delivery guy changed his tune, claiming that I kicked his totes and cart, and that was why he smacked the phone out of my hand.

The police didn’t care to follow up or inquire as to what one had to do with the other. In other words, they could care less. They had the perfect opportunity to give this kid a learning moment that likely would have helped him better understand what he did was wrong and that lying is not a way to get through life. In other words, a little enforcement now would go a long way to helping a kid like this lead a good, productive, and happy life.

The NYPD lived through the 12 years of Draconian rule under Bloomberg and eight years under Do Nothing DeLousyo. Now, they are contending with the Mayor of Swagger’s micromanagement. In other words, the hangover of anger from eight years of de Blasio and the lack of any semblance of enforcement during that period has given way to a police department whose members are afraid to enforce the law because of lawsuits, negative press, and more. So, despite having a former cop as our current Mayor, crime and grime march on. And no one is held accountable.

It should also be no surprise that this happened in StuyTown and the East Village districts. City Councilman Keith Powers and Councilwoman Carlina Rivera have spent their entire careers handcuffing the police in favor of criminals and miscreants. Just look at what their policies did to 14th Street between 3rd Avenue and Avenue C. It’s a wasteland of crime, homelessness, and filth. Often referred to by StuyTown residents as “Little Keithie,” Powers continues ignoring his district responsibilities in favor of photo ops about projects he didn’t work on. Same for Rivera and many more City Council members. If only we had local politicians who cared about those who elected them. If only we elected people who are actual people and not greedy, self-serving ego maniacs only interested in their wallets and power base. These people need to be held accountable.

A SCARY GOOD TIME FOR ALL!

We all know the proverbial haunted house. In New York, we have thousands of them—they’re called abandoned buildings. But what happens when Halloween hits the city that never sleeps? Do we gravitate to these haunted properties? No. We head to a much spookier place called Blood Manor.

For 20 years, Blood Manor has served the people of New York City endless frights, screams and chills. With professionally costumed, made-up actors and actresses jumping out of every corner, lighting and sound designed to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, Blood Manor delivers on its promise, every time.

This year is the 20th anniversary of what has become New York’s most notoriously frightening building. There will be three new themed rooms and all new costumes created by NYC’s ultimate Halloween store, Abracadabra NYC. Blood Manor will open to the public on Thursday, September 29th.

To celebrate this milestone, Blood Manor has a special surprise for fans on Friday, October 13th! Check BloodManor.com for details (they were not available at press time), but I can tell you that they have partnered with my friend, the notorious restaurateur and Queen of weddings, Jenny Oz LeRoy. Jenny’s team will also have their BadWich Food Truck on-site. It’s going to be amazing. And to make matters even more spirited, Bacardi Rums sponsored the bar for preview night with their Bacardi Blood Punch (look at my Great Bites column on page 51 for the recipe). A deliciously frightening combination for sure!

Often mistaken for a straightforward costume store, outside of the Halloween season, the boutique caters to misfits of all kinds. You can find everything from raver basics, handmade masquerade masks, custom chainmail and platform boots to local artist pieces and an impressive selection of leather chokers.

Gothic Renaissance