New York Lifestyles Magazine - September 2021

Vol. 7 #7 | September 2021

First-Time Author

L.W. Clark A FACE TO WATCH

TRAVEL

ENTERTAINMENT

HEALTH & WELLNESS

NEW YORK, NY

,

Normandy Chateau SADDLE RIVER, NJ This enchanting Normandy chateau, renovated & enlarged in the early 2000’s offers European flair with high ceilings, 5 fpls. and great space for working remotely. The 2.76-acre setting w/multi-level pool/spa/waterfalls, gardens & complete privacy! 3-car garage w/Tesla charger more! Low, low taxes! $2,895,000

ELEGANT FRENCH MANOR

SECLUDED COUNTRY MANOR

SADDLE RIVER, NJ Gated, custom built Manor with circular driveway situated majestically on 2 manicured acres. Elegant woodworking, elevator to all floors & a 6-7 car gar. Pool/spa/large paver patio & raised veranda with spectacular views.

Large finished walk-out lower level, wonderful floorplan, ideal for WFH. $2,995,000

SADDLE RIVER, NJ Tuscan Inspired...Custom built in 2011, this 5 bedroom architectural masterpiece offers a first floor owner’s suite and a separate wing for extended family/guests. State-of-the-art appliances and mechanicals.

Picture Perfect 2.3 acres on top Chestnut Ridge area cul de sac. $3,995,000

MODERN CLASSIC MANOR

ANTIQUE GEM SADDLE RIVER, NJ In a class by itself! Circa 1760, 1850 & updated & restored in the 1980’s. Enlarged & restored in the 1990’s. Pine floors, Limestone entry, rear staircase with authentic grapevine balustrade. Paver driveway, charming exterior, stone retaining wall, large stone patio & koi pond! 1.8 picturesque acres. $995,000

SADDLE RIVER, NJ Spectacular European Stone and Stucco Manor on flat 2 acre+ cul-de-sac in sought after Chestnut Ridge area of town. Elegant open floor plan and state-of-the-art Kuche+Cucina kitchen and cabinetry throughout. Beautifully landscaped with pool and cabana. 4-car garage, generator. $4,995,000

VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® • FOUNDER • MARKETING DIRECTOR OFFICE 201 934-7111 • CELL 201 390 -5880 • VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM • W W W. SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM 158 WEST SADDLE RIVER ROAD

•

SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458

Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.

,

6.5 Acre Country Estate saddle river, nj

This beautifully appointed estate was custom built for the current owner. Indoor and outdoor pools, regulation lighted tennis court, and full service cabana. State-of-the-art Kuche Cucina kitchen, 1st floor primary bedroom suite, great floorplan for working remotely and a relaxed lifestyle. Generator and 6 car garage. $5,495,000

VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE ® FOUNDER • MARKETING DIRECTOR VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM OFFICE 201 934 -7111 • CELL 201 390-5880 WWW. SPECIALPROPERTIES . COM

From Cottages to Chateaus…Every Home is Special to Us.

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3300 88 PP IIN N EESS LLA AKKEE D DR RIIVVEE EEAASST, T , WAY W A YN NEE,, N NJJ 0074 7 47 0 5 B R | 6 . 5 B A | | $$23, ,929550,,000000 An exquisitely lake home withwith 370 feet shoreline and panoramic views offering waterfront exquisitelybuilt built lake home 370 offeet of shoreline and panoramic viewsluxury offering luxury living.

The estate lot is situated on 1.5 pristine acres of manicured landscaping in the sought-after waterfront living. Ideally situated on 1.5 pristine acres of manicured landscaping in the sought-after Pines Lake Association. Featuring a private dock and beaches with expansive lawn. Property offers Pines Lake Association. a private dock andbybeaches with expansive offers a gunite saltwater pool Featuring with fountains, surrounded a Turkish marble patio.lawn.

Pool Property house with full a gunite saltwater pool with fountains, surrounded by a Turkish marble patio.

Pool house with full kitchen, separate changing rooms, bathroom, and covered area; a gorgeous tiled outdoor shower.

Lakefront estate sized lot sales in past years ranged from $2area; million to $3 million custom home kitchen, separate changing rooms, bathroom, and covered a gorgeous tiledwith outdoor shower. costs in addition that exceed $4 million.

Visit www.308pineslakedr.com for more details.

Visit www.308pineslakedr.com for more details.

W W W.308 P I N E S L A K E D R.C O M

Luxury Waterfront Living Just 25 Miles From The GWB

ROY PAGANO R E A LT O R ®

55 Harristown Road Suite 301, Glen Rock, NJ 07452

C: 201.522.9885 O: 201.261.5200 ext. 205 roy@paganoco.com www.paganoco.com

Windermere, Florida Located in Southwest Orlando, Windermere may be the best-kept secret in Florida. Its small town allure situated on the beautiful Butler Chain of Lakes offers the most exclusive luxury lifestyle in all of Florida. Famed athletes, celebrities and CEO’s call Windermere home while residing in their multi-million dollar estates surrounded by the fairways and lakes of Isleworth Country Club and The Golden Bear Club located within the gates of Keene’s Pointe. The lush landscape, gated communities and top-rated public and private schools offer residents the privacy and peace of living, while being conveniently located close to Walt Disney World and other attractions that make Orlando the #1 travel destination in the world.

AVAILABLE: Keene’s Pointe - 8441 Lake Burden Circle, Windermere, FL 34786 No expense was spared in this 6 Bedroom/5 Bath custom home including guest suite with separate entrance.

Enjoy beautiful Florida evenings on the covered lanai with pool/spa, summer kitchen and sitting area with fireplace. Private fenced lot with oversized garages to accommodate multiple cars for large families or car enthusiasts. Call for more details or to schedule a virtual preview.

PENDING: Keene’s Pointe 9425 Skiles Court Windermere, FL 34786 Golf Front Property 6 BR | 6.1 BA | 7,918 SF

SOLD: Isleworth 5317 Isleworth Country Club Dr. Windermere, FL 34786 Golf Front Property 4 BR | 5.2 BA | 6,189 SF

SOLD: Keene’s Pointe 6113 Grosvenor Shore Dr. Windermere, FL 34786 Lake Front Property 7 BR | 6.2 BA | 8,677 SF

Mike & Teresa Stewart Founders | Realtors® SOUTHERN REALTY GROUP, LLC 407.766.9826 | 407.493.3057 SRGRealtors@gmail.com SRGFlorida.com

Specializing in Luxury Real Estate in Southwest Orlando, Florida Since 2004

S A R A S O TA , F L O R I D A F O U N D E R S C L U B C U S T O M B U I LT H O M E

3525 FOUNDERS CLUB DRIVE, SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34240 | 3 BEDS, 3/1 BATHS, 3451 SQ FT, 3 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE OFFERED AT: $2,150,000

Behind the gates of The Founders club, one of Sarasota’s most desirable neighborhoods, this custom-built Florida Coastal/West Indies style Todd Johnston home is positioned for privacy on a ½ acre w/tranquil preserve views from both the front & rear of the home. Appreciate the sunrise of each day from 1,200 sq. ft of outdoor space.staring at the beauty of the picture perfect majestic oak nestled in the preserve. Take a dip in the heated pool, relax your muscles in the spa w/jewel colored tile, deck jets, & a unique lighted fountain feature.

Inside you will be greeted with clean-lined architectural styling & detailing and soaring ceilings. Simplistic refinement best describes the great room featuring 16ft coffered ceilings, custom built-ins with mirror tile backsplash, & electric fireplace. The kitchen & adjoining dining space w/10ft corner sliders offers true alfresco dining for those crisp Florida evenings. Entertaining is easy w/large center island & the chef of the home will enjoy the conveniences of a touch faucet at the farmhouse sink, pot filler above the Thermador gas range, multiple ovens, stylish vented hood, under cabinet and above cabinet lighting, loads of storage, and walk-in pantry.

The master suite features 12ft ceilings, a lovely seating area for uninterrupted conversations, private access to pool & spa, two custom walk-in closets and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with loads of natural light, freestanding tub, dual vanities, and a double entry shower w/multiple shower heads. The office/den just off the great room makes working from home a dream. The club/family room is tucked just beyond the kitchen along w/half bath & has its own entry to the outdoor oasis for true & coveted outdoor/ indoor living. Don’t forget the outdoor kitchen and specially made sundeck in your oversized backyard. There is a spacious laundry room w/folding counter, sink, designer tile backsplash, & window for natural light, and an air conditioned 10X10 storage room, all located off the oversized 3 car garage.

The Founders Club is perfectly situated on over 700 acres comprising of mature trees, lakes, sidewalks, a beautiful clubhouse w/vibrant social community, dining, fitness center, and an award winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, memberships optional. All residents enjoy a 24-hour manned guard gate, Har-tru tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball, playground, & miles of sidewalks for soaking in the natural Florida beauty. Located within 30 minutes to some of the best beaches in the country and 20 minutes to downtown Sarasota featuring all the arts, culture, & dining you can enjoy! Only a few minutes from I-75, shopping, & the new Waterside Plaza. With new construction wait times of over a year now is the time to choose home.

Lee Brewer

Real Estate Investment Advisor CDPE, 5 Star Short Sale Certified, CLHMS Million Dollar Guild member

Remax Alliance Group 2000 Webber Street Sarasota, Florida, 34239 Cell: 941-724-3448 Direct: 941-308-3877

Lee@leebrewer.com leebrewer.com lee.sarasotaflhomehub.com proxioshowcase.com/px/lee-tbw

BRICK COLONIAL IN SOUGHT AFTER FIELDSTON SECTION OF RIVERDALE

4621 Livingston Avenue Bronx, NY 10471, Bronx MLS#: 6106927

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,720 Square Ft | Offered at $2,500,000 Graceful, bright, happy and welcoming Colonial on a quiet tree lined Cul de Sac, in sought after Fieldston section of Riverdale (most prestigious zip code). This spacious home suited for casual oppolence, offers over 3700 square feet of finished living space on two levels; including gleaming engineered Oak floors on 45 degree angle, with radiant heat throughout the first and second floors. Recessed lighting and chandelier electrical fixtures throughout; Grand entrance foyer leads to a very large living room with fireplace, formal dining room, sun room, 1/2 bathroom and a library/ study with custom built in wall unit with a view of the beautiful Indian pond ( Indian pond is a unique protected body of water listed on flight path of visiting migratory birds; in winter it offers outdoor Ice skating opportunity), right outside your door. The large laundry room is equipped with a spacious steam sauna/shower (life saver during the COVID pandemic): Kitchen with pantry lead to the backyard through a large French Door. Second floor offers a large master bedroom Suite with Cedar closets and a large inviting private deck Ideal for sleeping outdoors and stargazing; 3 large bedrooms with spacious closets and a full bathroom. Also a grand family room equipped with plumbing for minibar offers great Cinema experience at home. The garden has fertile flower beds and vegetable gardens with upgraded soil, free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, with mature plentifully fruit bearing varieties of trees (pear, sour cherry, parsimon, plums, nectarines, apricot, grapes, figs, rasberry, european red currant, Thornless black berry, perennial strawberry). This graceful house was built with craftsmanship in wood work and plaster in 1903 and has been modernized with CAT5 telecom wiring, wired in security system and smart remote controllable switches and outlets throughout and a TESLA charger connection. The most prestigious Horace Mann School and Riverdale Country School are each respectively 8 and 6 minutes walk from this house. The Ethical Culture Society Center and High School is a 10 minute walk away. Van Cortland Equestrian Center (also a training center for US Olympic Equestrian Team is a 14 minute walk away. Shown by appointment only.

Dennis L Chiulli | Dennis L Chiulli Realty Corp | dchiullirealty@optonline.net | Cell: 914.557.5881

WHERE EXCELLENCE LIVES

945 Forest Avenue, Rye, New York | $8,5000,000 | 5 Bedroom | 4.1 Bathrooms | Exquisite custom waterfront Georgian Colonial home built in 2004 set on an elevated location on Rye’s premier peninsula with breathtaking views of Long Island Sound across your own private 150-foot-long sandy beach. Designed with traditional elegance, top-quality craftsmanship, and the most modern features throughout including high ceilings, custom molding, doors, and marble, along with dramatic sunrise views of Long Island from the stunning waterfront kitchen. With a 6-car heated garage underneath, the house is a great distance back from the public thoroughfare, ensuring undisturbed privacy along with remarkable panoramic vistas. Located only 35 minutes from NYC, this home features awardwinning Rye City public schools and direct private access to a deep-water mooring field.

Nancy Neuman

Associate Real Estate Broker C. 914.924.1414

Sula Pearlman

Associate Real Estate Broker C. 914.393.4104

2021 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All rights reserved Coldwell banker residential Brokerage supports the principles of fair housing act and the equal opportunity act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. Property information supplied by seller and/or other sources and is not guaranteed. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a listing solicitation.

Contents FEATURES

14 From The Publisher 16 L. W. Clark: Capturing The Dreams Like All New Yorkers

STYLE 22 Life & Style: Fall Forward Edition

TRAVEL 25 29 33 37 40 43

New York City: A Bite Out Of The Big Apple Connecticut’s Calling: A Fall Getaway Wave Resort: A Quick Getaway To Long Branch, NJ City Winery Hudson Valley Happy Campers: An Interview With Club Getaway’s David Schreiber South Dakota: The Annual Custer State Park Roundup

16

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 44 47 50 52

17 Prospect Park West: A Brooklyn Gem Historical Samuel Sloan Estate: Merging The Past With The Future Home Entertaining: Memorable By Design Real Estate Today: 5 Reasons Why Cash Is Still King

INNOVATIONS 54 The All-New Genesis GV80 55 Stay Connected: Tap & Click With HiWave Stickers

HEALTH & WELLNESS

25

56 Top New England Spas To Nurture & Renew

FOOD & DRINK 58 Tuscany Steakhouse: Where Steak Meets Trattoria Charm 60 Salvatore Biundo: A Double Dose Of Delicious Dining 61 Chef Omakase: The Luxury Of A Private Chef

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 63 67 68 70 73

On Stage: Broadway Returns!

BroadwayHD: The Best Of The Best On The Big Screen On The Small Screen UpDating

58

PET SPOTLIGHT 75 Paws Down…Tail Up: Pet Products That Give Back

NEW YORK, NY 78 Entrepreneur’s Corner: Marlaina Teich, Interior Designer 80 Mickela Mallozzi: TV’s Dancing Queen 82 Time Out With…Laurie Gelman, Author 8 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

80

OFF

WELCOME TO

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ISSN 2474-770X

OUR CONTRIBUTORS JENNY PETERS Jenny has covered the entertainment, lifestyle and travel worlds as a freelance journalist for many years.

Her credits include writing on film, celebrities, and lifestyle for USA Today, AARP.com, Variety, New York Magazine, to name a few. She is the former editorin-chief of Brentwood/Distinctive Living magazines and held the same post for Scene magazine. She is a founding and voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January honoring the previous year’s finest in cinematic achievement. Her favorite places to be: sipping wine in the middle of a vineyard or simply strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world’s great cities.

MELANIE CARDEN Melanie is a B oston-based writer and editor. Formerly a newspaper columnist, she writes about social justice, culture, cooking, adventure, and all things curious and creative. She earned her BA— with a concentration in Food and Culture Journalism—from UMass Amherst. Melanie is a passionate advocate for lifelong le ar n ing — t he t r a d it i ona l, immersive, and online classrooms alike—and remains an active alumnus for the University Without Walls department of her alma mater. Her work has been featured in such publications as The Gay & Lesbian Review, Incomer Magazine, The Winchester Star Newspaper, and Cleaver Magazine.

Mel can’t resist a good coffee mug and is obsessed with picnics. Catch her on melaniecarden.com.

BAILEY BECKETT Bailey is a jet-setting bon vivant who has written extensively for publications around the globe, and is often quoted as an expert on style, fashion and luxury. A Parisian native, he graduated from t he S or b on ne b e fore beginning his career as a lifestyle ambassador for the Ritz Paris. There, he friended top magazine editors, who encouraged him to parlay his experience into a journalism career. Before long he became a staple of the front row during Paris Fashion Week and a regular presence on the world’s social scene—including the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals to name a few.

12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Vol. 7 #7 | September 2021 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole

Features Ruth J. Katz

Editor-at-Large Jeremy Murphy

Lifestyle Griffin Miller

Entertainment Jenny Peters

Special Projects Norah Bradford

Art Director Eric Duncan

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributing Writers Bailey Beckett, Harry Brads, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly Elizabeth Darwen, Elizabeth Elston, Peter Elston, Harrison Fornan Lee Gabay, Bob Kappstatter, Lillian Langtry, Irvina Lew Meryl Pearlstein, Anne Raso, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva Sara Wiesenfeld, Laurie Bain Wilson, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Don Fetherman - Director of Travel Robert Petris - Sales Manager Michael Stulmaker - Sales Manager Internet Presence Scott Cuollo

Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. ©2021 New York Lifestyles Magazine.

COVER CREDITS: L. W. Clark Photography by Neil Tandy Hair & Makeup by Jade Voight

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Check us out on the web!

Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:

Issuu.com | Apple Newsstand | Our Website

AUTUMN IN NYC or many of us, September is a time of new beginnings when the city comes alive, and we can finally bid farewell to those hot, lazy days. First on the calendar is Fashion Week as the runways bring life back to our beloved city with the latest designer collections for Spring 2022.

Also, this season will create even more excitement in the city: New restaurant openings and, of course, Broadway reopens as the curtains rise to old favorites and the launch of new productions on the Great White Way. For sports fans, this month’s much-anticipated men’s and women’s finals at the U.S. Open on September 11th and 12th will rock the town. It’s when the biggest names in the sport descend on Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens to the cheers—and moans— of the crowds. It will be exhilarating once again to watch in person.

This month we had the pleasure of meeting first-time author L. W. Clark. This young, vibrant woman set her course to immigrate to the U.S. and make her dreams come true. She did it with zeal; it’s what America is all about—young and old coming to America and finding the key to happiness. Her new novel captures that bold spirit and should be on your list of must-do’s this month. There’s no question you’ll enjoy it and want to share it with friends and family.

While September gears up for busy days ahead, there always seems so much to do and so little time. But don’t stress. Our remedy is to take a weekend for yourself as you renew and unwind at a spa. Not just any spa, though. We highlight several luxurious spas with ocean views and captivating sunsets too. So now inhale and make a reservation. You’ll thank me.

Of course, for most of us, long-distance travel is still to come. But here’s a thought: why not take in New York City for a day or weekend. That’s right. We have a city that has awakened and is ideal for walking and exploring. Overnight it at a luxurious hotel or try a new restaurant offering every ethnic cuisine to savor.

Enjoy the beautiful Indian summer weather of September when the days are warm with crisp blue skies, and the leaves begin to tinge with subtle shades of gold and red.

See you next issue….

-Bill Mason

Publisher

14 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com For subscription or back issues, call:

(646) 259-2651

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FEATURES

16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

L.W. CLARK A First-Time Author Captures The Dreams & Goals Of A Young New Yorker.

by Bailey Beckett Photographer Neil Tandy Hair & Makeup Jade Voight t wasn’t the bright lights and big city that convinced author L.W. Clark to write her first book, The Yellow Suitcase (BookBaby Publishers), set in New York. Though she now lives here with her husband, it was a trip to Hawaii and a chance reading of The Catcher in the Rye that convinced her to pick up the pen—err, keyboard—and begin her first novel.

“When I was on the beautiful island of Kauai, I read the epic novel by J.D. Salinger. His simplicity and honesty were a big inspiration for me to write,” she says.

Thank goodness for the 50th state! Clark’s novel is the surprise guilty pleasure of the Fall—a sweet, romantic, and inspiring story about a young woman who leaves everything she knows behind in Eastern Europe. Eventually, she comes to New York, where she finds love, surprise, freedom, friends, and unexpected life in the Big Apple.

“There are three main themes in The Yellow Suitcase,” explains Clark. “One is about the love of self and others. Another theme is about freeing the mind of fear and anxiety, where a young, beautiful, and romantic girl evolves into a strong and fearless person.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17

18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

OPEN TO THE WORLD She puts her beauty, fashion sense, and social life on hold to focus on her priorities of providing for her family and collecting experiences for her future. She transitions from comfort to fear and then back again, and in the process, she becomes open and receptive to the world and people around her. She realizes life is a rollercoaster. Just hold on.”

That’s an understatement! The Yellow Suitcase’s main character, Alyssa Florescu, finds her life changed on a cold night in New York when she’s locked out of a townhouse. A random meeting with a wealthy French man leads her on an incredible journey with the requisite twists and turns of the best kind of novel and a surprise ending.

“It’s about being who you are: to live without worrying about what others may say or think,” says Clark. “Love, trust, and respect are all interconnected. We need them all because we are all connected.”

New Yorkers will appreciate the ‘90s time frame, references to landmarks, and a trip through a time that captures the innocence that the city once promised before the new millennium brought reality to our doorstep. The Yellow Suitcase helps readers escape current woes with an aspirational story that steals your heart.

“The book is for everyone—every age, race, or gender,” says Clark.

“Love is the answer because no matter what the situation, we are all looking for happiness, and happiness comes from love!”

Love, trust, and respect are all interconnected.

We need them all…

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19

RUNWAY MAGIC The Yellow Suitcase is already generating buzz; so much so, it will have a starring role during this year’s New York Fashion Week. In addition, the book will debut at the Fashion Media Awards on September 10th, the Oscars of Fashion presented by The Daily Front Row. “The Yellow Suitcase captures the excitement and promise of New York, much like Fashion Week,” said Brandusa Nero, publisher and editor “It’s only natural we’d want everyone attending this year’s event to read it for themselves.”

While yellow may not be the color of choice for fall/winter (lookout, spring/summer!), the book’s name was not influenced by the runway.

“When my husband and I met and started to know each other, he told me that I have many interesting stories and that I should write a book,” explains Clark. “One day, I spoke with my brother and casually mentioned I was thinking of writing a book. He was quiet for a while and then responded, “You should! You should write the book and name it The Yellow Suitcase!”

She has and it’s packed with love!

“Don’t ever give up! Believe in your dreams, seriously!” she says. “Love yourself like someone you love. We only love when we know how to love, how to take care of love, and how to be in love.”

For more information on L.W. Clark, visit lwclark.com. •

20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

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STYLE

LIFE & STYLE FALL FORWARD EDITION

By Griffin Miller

now bunnies can’t wait for winter; green-thumbs lust after spring, and sun-worshipers sizzle their way through summer. Me? I’m for autumn all the way—resurrecting my favorite leather jacket for a fall foliage romp or two-wheel outing (chopper…bike, I don’t discriminate). So, in the spirit of seasonal indulgences—and back-to-school specials—here’s the scoop on my fall faves!

ME, MYSELF & T POSH PAD If you don’t own a white t-shirt, I just must ask: “What’s the matter with you?” They soar beyond wardrobe staples because they embody universal panache. For guys, white tees shift from underwear to outwear in a heartbeat. For women, their cool versatility defines personal style, something PMSPrioritizingMySelf totally gets.

It explains why they come in four different looks—all 100 percent bamboo cotton with a discreetly sweet “Love” heart—and why, like me, you’ll be thoroughly smitten. Info: pmsprioritizingmyself.com.

Home office. Ubiquitous words these days that more-often-thannot zero in on a desk (or dining table) topped with computer, coffee mug, and cobbled together muddle of papers and miscellaneous frou-frou. The least we can do is spoil ourselves with a super sophisticated Graf Lantz Mausu Mouse Pad. This brilliant desk accessory is a two-sided wonder with a sleek leather mouse pad side that flips over into Merino wool felt that plays extremely nice with beverages, cell phones, and take-out. For the record, my mouse and I are obsessed. Info: graf-lantz.com.

PUTTIN’ ON THE SPRITZ

RING IT ON

Kids off to college. Check. Evening weather patio/balcony pleasant. Check. Circle of friends vaccinated and COVID-free.

Check. Then bring on the Select Aperitivo Original Venetian Spritz! This seasonal cross-over quaff requires a mere three ingredients: chilled Prosecco, club soda and Select Aperitivo, a bittersweet, uncompromisingly perfect aperitif. Add to this the cocktail’s traditional garnish of green olives and you are now privy to a drink that may well define your autumnal gatherings—as well as at-home, kick-back moments. Info: selectaperitivo.it/en/

There’s a certain art to getting through the day – especially ones riddled with waiting room apprehension, tedious Zoom meetings, lapses in concentration and, in my case, the mental rehashing of everyone and everything that’s crash landed in my serenity zone.

Helpful, and surprisingly soothing, are Patti + Ricky Fidget Rings a beautiful, handcrafted collection of finger wear that allows you to ratchet anxiety down a notch by playing with sterling silver, goldfilled beads or glass beads, or “spinners”. Info: pattiandricky.com.

22 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

GENIUS IN CHARGE

TRESS FOR SUCCESS

It only takes one frantic experience with a dead cell phone (I still have nightmares) to give you the impetus to find a solution. Done.

No run-of-the-mill wristlet/wallet, Chargella By Atlantis is as fashionable as it is innovative, from its handsome exterior to its secret weapon: Qi Wireless Charger or USB port, so we’ll never, ever, be powerless again. With its minimalist in design, the RFIDblocking Chargella has built-in unisex appeal as an organizer (cash, credit cards, ID), smartphone case (all sizes) and “power bankability.” Info: atlantisgiftshop.com.

Check out the website. Now. Seriously. Because on it you’ll find four products: shampoo, conditioner, shine serum, and styling cream, all prefaced by “Hydrating.” And when I tell you this quartet by Masami is the holy grail of hair care, believe it. During the past 17 months of mostly indoor living, my over-processed, barely brushed hair was reduced to a loathsome trio of Fs: flat, flyaway and frizzy. Masami’s all natural ingredients reinvigorated every last follicle, while the styling cream has assumed “can’t live without it” status. Info: lovemasami.com.

SWAG BAGGERY

ALL THAT JAZZ

SUBLIMELY SIMPLE

A sustainability shake up is at the heart of Glob, a company whose output begins and ends with plastic debris. In the case of their Primary Morph Ripstop bag, the source material is 10 jettisoned bottles.

The oversized structure of the bag gives it the wherewithal to carry everything from school projects and supplies to sports equipment to laundry to a well-vetted ecosystem of groceries. When not in use which, in my world, is never, it folds into an evening bag sized pouch. Indispensable (and washable!). Info: glob.land.

Since the pandemic wreaked havoc on exercise routines, my current attempt at back-to-normal workouts has sent the aches and pain bar into the stratosphere. Enter DNA Vibe’s Jazz Band, a high-tech light therapy answer one expects from the 21st century. A combo pack of “red light, near-infrared, micro-vibration, and magnetic signals” tackles sore muscles, arthritic angst, and more, giving mortals like us the ability to recover and restore like pro athletes. Their motto “Put it on; turn it on; feel better; Guaranteed,” says it all.

Info: dnavibe.com.

Finally, I can curl up into a bed with upscale hotel linens. Yet, lovely as this sounds, the best part of my FIX Linens bedding experience rests not as much in the five-star sheets as in their duvet cover, an amazing feat of engineering that lets you handily introduce cover to duvet without being consumed by both in the process. (I suspect there’s a video somewhere of my past slapstick efforts.)

Using a triple-zip/snap corner system, FIX has effectively revamped the tangle-tussle stress for duvet lovers everywhere and we are forever grateful. Info: fixlinens.com. •

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23

BELIZE IS C ALLING

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TRAVEL

A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE A NEW YORK CITY STAYCATION

By Laurie Bain Wilson

ou may think a staycation is an oxymoron after a year-plus of lockdown.

But many of us are still reticent to cruise and fly. New York’s reopened after a horrendous year, and these spots are a perfect respite for New Yorkers who want to get away—while staying home. Here, some staycation ideas in the world’s best city.

EATS & SIPS Gitano NYC Garden of Love Why You crave a Mexican escape. Tulum, meet Manhattan.

This fun-loving 450-seat-restaurant and mezcal bar is set in a lush tropical garden (think: 30-foot coconut palms) in the heart of SoHo with a backdrop of downtown. There’s a lovely reflecting pool and sandy beach, too. Sip a tequila, order the guac, the branzino in banana leaf, and save room for churros with chocolate jalapeño sauce. Info: gitano. com/nyc.

The Palm Court at The Plaza Why Glam. Afternoon tea just returned to the iconic hotel.

The tiered collection of treats is a civil celebration—order The Plaza Signature: delicate sandwiches like the Lobster Medallion with Truffle Aioli, Caviar on Toasted Brioche, and sweets like the Plaza Golden Egg built with lemon verbena custard and peach red tea jelly. Little darlings love the Children’s Eloise Tea. Info: theplazany.com.

Gitano NY

Arthur Avenue, Bronx Why Family-inspired menus. You don’t have to jet to Italy for nonna-approved Italian food. This fall, Arthur Avenue’s Piazza di Belmont is closed to weekend traffic and is all about European-styled al fresco dining. Grab a seat at popular restaurants like Zero Otto Nove, Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue, and Ann & Tony’s. Info: bronxlittleitaly.com

Palm Court at The Plaza

Intersect by Lexus Why Manresa. Hit the cobblestoned streets of the Meatpacking District to check out the latest Restaurantin-Residence—California’s three Michelin star Manresa, from chef/owner David Kinch (think: impressive California farm-to-table menu). Also, a new lounge is where you’ll sip pours created by guest craft cocktail expert Nick Bennett and dig into Lexus Culinary Master/ Chef Nickolas Martinez’s menu inspired by the Japanese omakase philosophy. Info: intersect-nyc.com.

Versa Why Intoxicating Empire State Building views.

This 8,000 square-foot open-air rooftop restaurant woos with hot seller Southern Fried Chicken, creative sips, and the NYC scene. Nice touch: Celebrity contemporary artist Domingo Zapata debuted a mural. Info: versanyc.com.

Orange Glou Why Because orange is the new pink. Visit the world’s first and only wine store dedicated solely to skin-contact (orange) natural wines on the LES. Opened this summer, you’ll find 100 different selections of exclusively orange wines, from pale gold to deep amber hues. Stock up for a long winter; free tastings on Friday nights. Info: orangeglou.com.

Intersect by Lexus

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 25

STAY The Kimberly Why You’re looking for a luxurious stay without breaking the bank. This boutique hotel is a polished jewel—in your great aunt’s jewelry box. Small enough to make you feel quite at home, but big enough to make you feel away from home. And the service will also make you feel like auntie’s favorite. Bonus: Upstairs at the Kimberly, the swanky rooftop lounge. The staycation package this fall includes continental breakfast and a welcome bottle of Prosecco. Info: kimberlyhotel.com.

The Pierre Why Class: Pure and simple. The Pierre has excellent bones, is finely chiseled, timeless, and has been taking care of New Yorkers with elegance since the 1930s. Antique furniture adorns the guest rooms, and many have lovely Central Park views. Info: thepierreny.com.

The Equinox Why It’s the new It girl. This stunning hotel is all about wellness (yes, you need that). Yoga mats in guest rooms, the sought-out Equinox gym (with Pilates studio), the lovely outdoor pool will keep you moving. Also, look for those uplifting Hudson River views and Electric Lemon Terrace. Info: equinox-hotels.com/nyc.

The Equinox

Conrad New York Downtown/Conrad New York Midtown Why The Conrad name delivers. The Conrad New York Downtown has a perfect downtown location, close to the World Trade Center and FiDi district, and Hudson River guest room views. The Wellness Suite (think in-room Peloton bike, smoothie mix/shaker, yoga mat) and The Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar make this a city favorite along with New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty views; open through September.

Sister property, Conrad New York Midtown, sits just a few blocks from Central Park, with spacious guest rooms that will make you feel quite at home with spacious suites, enormous bathrooms, and views that will make you fall in love with the city all over again. Info: hilton.com/en/conrad.

M Social

Loews Regency Why The NYC hotel. The power breakfasts at the Regency Bar & Grill in the Art-Deco-meets-uptown-girl hotel give this hotel a lively buzz—and have been for forty years. There are 379 guest rooms, including designer suites, many with balconies, and the glam Park Avenue location is close to Central Park. Bonus: Sant Ambroeus for a latte. Info: loewshotels.com/regency-hotel.

M Social New York Why That outdoor terrace. A spirited hotel that debuted this summer, it’s the first outpost in the U.S. and has earned a place at the table.

It’s hip, the rooms are lovely, and the lobby lounge, Beast and Butterflies, is engaging. But the money spot is that wrap-around-terrace with Times Square views, hi-top seating, couches—and a foosball table. Info: millenniumhotels.com/en/new-york.

The Kimpton Muse Why It’s a Kimpton. A boutique hotel that’s a skip from Times Square, so expect an authentic city vibe and a couple of blocks from Bryant Park. Also, the staff consistently goes above and beyond, and the newly renovated, flirty rooms are hard to resist. Info: themusehotel.com.

Smyth Tribeca Why Tribeca is smiling again—she’s back. The newly-imagined 100-room hotel just debuted in August. Settle into one of the gorgeous, spacious 16 suites—floor-to-ceiling windows for views of lower Manhattan. The lobby bar and new restaurant will open in late fall. Info: smythtribeca.com.

Rise and Shine Just a few months before COVID, The Empire State Building unveiled a major facelift that many haven’t experienced due to the pandemic. It’s a brand-new space, with a special sunrise package from the open-air, 86th-floor observation deck. Bonus: Comp Starbucks Coffee. And there’s a new museum and galleries, too. Info: esbnyc.com.

Books and the City A compelling reason to stay in some of NYC’s best hotels is that they participate in Bedside Reading, an exceptional program that places books by the bedside in luxury/boutique hotels (also in hotels in the Hamptons). NYC hotels include The Pierre, the Conrad Downtown, and the Kimberly Hotel. Bonus: You can take these bestsellers home. Or download them. Info: bedsidereading.com.

26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Sunrise at Empire State Building

FAVORITE BAY LODGE … A SUMMER ESCAPE LIKE NO OTHER EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME! Whether a romantic rendezvous or a family and/or friends ALASKAN getaway … an experience of a lifetime – this isn’t your average vacation this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

elcome to a luxurious Southeast Alaska fishing experience that is like no other. At Favorite Bay Lodge, all will enjoy nature’s beauty by day— and relax in luxurious surroundings by night.

Whether fishing, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, or simply unwinding in our unspoiled and exclusive surroundings, you and your entire family will discover why our Southeast Alaska fishing lodge is anything but ordinary. We’re ideally located on remote Admiralty Island, just minutes from breathtaking Angoon, Alaska.

What a wonderful way to introduce your family to one of the most beautiful places in the world; and the bonus is you get to go fishing and eat like a king. ~John Pisto – Monterey, California

Outdoor adventures, luxury accocmodations, family getaways, romantic rendevous, gourmet cuisine… everything one can possible experience, your next once in-a-lifetime escape…

Visit and book your escape to outdoor adventure – and reserve now as specific dates are limited … enjoy exquisite cuisine, outdoor adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience - Favorite Bay Lodge – a destination like no other www.favoritebay.com… 1-866-788-3344 – AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER! FAVORITE BAY LODGE  WWW.FAVORITEBAY.COM  RESERVATIONS@FAVORITEBAY.COM  1-866-788-3344

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2 Olive Avenue & the Boardwalk | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.boardwalkplaza.com

TRAVEL

CONNECTICUT’S CALLING A FALL GETAWAY

By Irvina Lew

close-to-home getaway to Connecticut lures Manhattanites to its scenic countryside and appealing residential communities, replete with culinary diversity, exciting shops, and spacious parks. Connecticut’s varied art scene reflects the state’s Yankee spirit—particularly in the paintings by Colonel John Trumbull, an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution—and its bucolic landscapes, as portrayed by the plein air American Impressionists.

Art is also intrinsic to each of the one-of-a-kind, art-filled Delamar Hotels, located in the following three driving destinations: Greenwich, Southport, and West Hartford, which are also readily accessed from Manhattan via Metro-North or Amtrak. The dog-friendly boutique hotels are assuredly luxe, with fine dining restaurants directed by Chef Frederic Kieffer, valet parking, fitness centers with a Peloton bike, event spaces, and on-site spas featuring Biologique Recherche and Valmont skincare products. In addition, guests receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco—or bottle of water—at check-in, a Grab & Go continental breakfast, and access to courtesy vehicles, within a three-mile radius (Southport and Greenwich Harbor) and a five-mile radius around West Hartford.

GREENWICH A Cosmopolitan Hub In Greenwich (56-minutes by train), Greenwich Avenue is a central shopping avenue lined with restaurants, galleries, and high-end shopping at Hermes, Tiffany & Co., and Saks Fifth Avenue. On nearby Church Street, The Townhouse just opened in an exquisitely transformed, mid-20th century building with high ceilings, magnificent millwork, and superior dishes thoughtfully prepared by Chef Steven Lewandowski, formerly of Myriad’s Tribeca Grill. The Bush-Holley House, a National Historic Landmark c. 1730, is in Cos Cob, three miles away, where Childe Hassam lived and worked, and the first American Impressionist art colony gathered in the 1890s. Connecticut Gold Coast’s country clubs attract tennis and golf enthusiasts, the yachting set, and polo fans (until Sunday, September 12th); then, the 2021 Greenwich Wine and Food Festival arrives: September 28th to October 3rd. Finally, the Bruce Museum, located in a park just a five-minute walk from the Delamar, features an exhibit until October 10th, 2021: The Amazon Rainforest: Beauty Destruction Hope.

Delamar Greenwich Harbor abuts a marina with 500-foot private dockage, where one vessel is available to charter.

The 20-year-old Mediterraneaninfluenced venue—with its pastel walls, tiled roof, wroughtiron balconies, and waterview rooms—is a popular getaway for New Yorkers. They, along with locals, seek Stephanie’s services at the spa and frequent the sophisticated restaurant, L’escale.

Its marina-fronted terrace has been integral to guests and the community since Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer, the classically trained French chef, launched it.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29

SOUTHPORT Historic Village The harborside village of Southport, which was settled in 1639, is a suburb on the Long Island Sound, about 50 miles (90-minutes by train) from Manhattan.

Southport Historic District—with its historic churches, public buildings, and tree-shaded streets lined with Federal, Georgian, and Victorian mansions has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971. The village borders artsy Westport, with its celebrated Westport Country Playhouse and Sherwood Island State Park, with 238-acres of sound-fronted beach, wetlands, and woodlands. It is just seven miles from Bridgeport, where works by Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Chagall are on display at The Housatonic Museum of Art. The Delamar Hotel, a large, white clapboard colonial structure with black shutters, offers individuallysized, traditionally-decorated rooms, with handcrafted furnishings and updated, marble bathrooms; among the 44 rooms, six are suites with one to three bedrooms. Artisan Restaurant, Tavern & Garden is an ample indoor space that flows outside into a sprawling courtyard.

The spa facility includes a lounge with a fireplace and steam shower and one large treatment room with twin tables.

WEST HARTFORD A Suburban Setting West Hartford, where Noah Webster’s birthplace is a local museum, encompasses the upscale suburb where Hartford insurance giants settled. There’s Westmoor Park which boasts two golf courses on a 162-acre former fox-hunting ground and Elizabeth Park, a wooded, 100-acre estate famous for its rose gardens. Only seven miles away, Hill-Stead, is a 152-acre estate where paintings by Cassatt, Degas, Manet, Monet, and Whistler decorate 19 intact rooms. Finally, Hartford’s state capitol is only five miles distant (three hours by train from Manhattan).

It’s notable for the Mark Twain House Museum and The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, an impressive complex featuring American paintings, sculptures, and wonderfully rare samples of 18th century New England furnishings.

Delamar West Hartford, a LEED Gold Standard property, sits adjacent to Blue Back Square, the Town Hall and Library, and a walkable mixed-use development with a movie house, restaurants, shops, condos, and offices. It’s a three-year-old, six-story, tastefully decorated 114-room oasis with a spacious lobby, meeting rooms, and the two-story Artisan Restaurant has an outdoor terrace. The second-floor spa houses a reception room, changing room, lounge, and four treatment rooms, including twin tables. (Dorine, my masseuse, is gifted with what my grandma called “golden hands.”) My light-filled corner room included side tables, a mirrored chest, and a twopart, 18-foot-long bathroom, where one of the spaces houses a soaking tub, service bar, and closet.

For more information on Delamar Hotels, visit delamar.com. • 30 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

One Of Upstate New York’s Premiere Destinations Scenic Upstate NY drive...

Outdoor activities...

Family getaways....

Romantic rendezvous....

Spacious accommodations...

Seasonal packages+exclusive offers...

King with Jacuzzi Bath & Mountain Views Windham Mountain Hotel

Searching for Hunter Mountain hotels? Discover the beauty of the Catskills with a stay at Hotel Vienna.

Centrally located to Woodstock, Hudson, and Cooperstown, we are also just a short distance to the ski areas of Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain.

Take in stunning meadow and mountain views from your private balcony with a stay in one of our King with Jacuzzi Bath room. Sleeping up to two people, these spacious rooms offer a King-size bed, ensuite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and a shower.

For all weekly/monthly and seasonal packages visit www.thehotelvienna.com – you can book direct online or give us a call – 518-734-5300… The Hotel Vienna – your premiere Upstate Catskill Mountain Destination.

518-734-5300 | www.thehotelvienna.com

LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY Pier Village Ocean View Condo

15 Morris Ave, 313,Long Branch NJ 07740 2 Beds | 2 Baths | Den | 1,363 SQ FT

cean View condo sold fully furnished. Ready for your enjoyment. Just bring your bathing suit and flip flops.

This home offers resort style living at Pier Village with pool, sun deck, gym, massage room, bar and grilling area. It is well appointed and equipped with Miele and Kohler fixtures. It features 2 bedrooms with ocean views, 2 baths and a den. $1,595,000. Take a tour: homes.motioncitymedia.com/15morrisaveunit313

Charles Wooley, G.R.I. RE/MAX Bay Point, REALTORS 526 Bay Avenue Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Mobile: (732) 306-1513 Direct: (732) 223-5001 Fax: (732) 899-8204 cwooley@remax.net

TRAVEL

WAVE RESORT

A QUICK GETAWAY TO LONG BRANCH, NJ

By Stacey Zable

riving to Wave Resort, located along the Atlantic Ocean in the Pier Village section of Long Branch, you’ll notice the exterior design looks like a cruise ship with its wavy curves and floor-to-ceiling windows. Once inside the property, that feel continues with clear railings on the terraces and pool deck blurring the lines between land and the phenomenal view of the ocean only steps away.

Location is one of Wave Resort’s prime features; not only because it is a beachfront property, but also because it is only a little over an hour’s drive (without traffic) or a 40-minute train ride on New Jersey Transit from Manhattan. (It is minutes from the train station to the resort.) Thus, it makes it an excellent spot for a short vacation trip to escape the city any time of year.

A BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE The property opened in May 2019 with 67 guest rooms and suites featuring private walk-out balconies to enjoy the seaside vistas. Wave Resort is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection. Offering a modern design throughout, the getaway feel begins upon entering the “living roomstyled lobby,” where lounge areas buffer a free-to-use pool table. The large guest rooms carry over the modern feel, with 55-inch HD televisions, refrigerators, Nespresso machines, minibars, and oversized showers, plus floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that access the balconies. Luxury touches include robes, slippers, and Bamford organic toiletries. Room types include Deluxe and Superior Guest Rooms with king or double queen beds and Deluxe Junior Suites and Deluxe Multiroom Suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included.

The first stop for any guest any time of year is the expansive beach just steps from the resort. Guests receive a wristband that gives them free access to the vast, long sandy beach, as well as complimentary lounges and umbrellas during peak season. In addition, its boardwalk or promenade runs along the length of the beach, making it easy for long walks or runs.

An excellent alternative to time at the beach is lounging at the relaxing heated pool on the property’s second floor. It overlooks the beach, ensuring that cruise ships feel once again. The pool has a swim-up bar, plus a pool deck with fire pits. You can also order drinks and bites if you prefer. Seasonally, though the pool closes at 8 pm, the pool deck is open until 10 pm.

Wave Resort

STAY FIT If you’ve taken a morning run along the beach, finish it off at Wave Resort’s well-equipped fitness center. SoulShine Studios offers a variety of morning classes including yoga. Bicycles are available for rent and a great way to explore the surrounding area and the boardwalk. Kids will like the onsite playroom with games for parents to play with them.

To soothe the body and mind, make an appointment at the Wave Spa. A full menu of treatments is available including massages, scrubs, wraps, and facials services. It also has a relaxation room available pre-and post-treatment.

Spa Treatment

WINE & DINE Beyond the pool deck, there are plenty of indoor-outdoor dining options available at the Wave Resort. The Patio offers guests an outdoor experience for brunch, craft cocktails, and shared plates including tapas. At 100 Ocean look for a dinner menu of surf & turf specialties as well as beer and wine pairings. Branch Cantina is the resort’s restaurant featuring tacos, fajitas, margaritas, and frozen cocktails, and more. And for those looking for a quick bite, head to Boardwalk Coffee offering sandwiches, sweet treats, and Starbucks coffee and tea.

For more information on Wave Resort, visit waveresort.com. •

STROLLING PIER VILLAGE With its quaint theme, it’s hard to miss Pier Village. As a guest at Wave Resort, you can step into this adjacent community of retail shops, entertainment, and fabulous dining options for the entire family.

Restaurant options range from casual eating at Art of Salad and Turning Point to the beautiful beach view settings of Sirena Ristorante for Italian cuisine.

Want a little Parisian allure, then head to Avenue Le Club, reminiscent of a brasserie with a 25-foot bar. Don’t miss the indulgent desserts at The Baked Bear, known for its customizable ice cream sandwiches. Retail stores include Molly & Zoey (for trendy women’s apparel), Salt Nation Surf Shop, and the Charleston Shoe Co. Fall events include Oktoberfest, the Fall Festival and Pooch Parade, and more.

A must-do is a ride on the Pier Village Carousel (open year-round) with retractable glass encasement offering nostalgic fun for the whole family. Info: piervillage.com.

34 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Pier Village

Ocean City’s Most Historic & Prestigious Luxury All Suites Boardwalk Hotel Luxury Multi-room Suites • Million Dollar Penthouses • Elegant & Conference Center • Luxury Suite Accommodations · Million Dollar Banquet Penthouses · Three Unique Boutiques • Divine Images Salon & Day Spa •Pool Fitness Center • Business Center Elegant Banquet & Conference Center · Outdoor Heated · Full Service Restaurant · • ThreeOcean Unique Boutiques · Divine Images Salon & Spa · Pool Coffee Shopand · And More!Suites Emily’s Room Café • Drip n Scoop • Outdoor Heated • Clean Sanitized

719 East 11th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226

609.399.1000 www.TheFlandersHotel.com

Always Abuzz We’re gearing up for a beautiful fall at the Honeybee Fest and the bounty of the harvest from our local farmers. But there’s lots of summering left to do. Fuel up with a hearty bakery breakfast.

Hop on a bike and enjoy the scenery. Swing in for for a brew on the Good Taste Craft Beverage Trail.

That’s only the beginning.

Come see what all the buzz is about in our Sullivan Catskills. We’re just 90 minutes from Manhattan.

#SullivanCatskills SullivanCatskills.com #SullivanCatskillsCraftBeverageTrail #SullivanCatskillsDoveTrail This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

TRAVEL

CITY WINERY HUDSON VALLEY

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH FOOD, WINE & MUSIC

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

n 2008, intending to bring a wine country experience to an urban setting, City Winery became Manhattan’s first fully-functional winery, restaurant, music venue, and private event space.

Guided by the philosophy of “Indulge Your Senses,” the forum beckons a sophisticated, winecentric clientele that is passionate about food, wine, and music.

It was CEO Michael Dorf ’s strong love for music (he founded NYC’s prominent independent music venue, The Knitting Factory) and his passion for making and enjoying wine that sparked his conception for City Winery. Dorf envisioned a market for “serving wine to music fans who wanted to sit for a concert and sip out of a real glass–not a plastic cup.”

Following its success in Manhattan, City Winery expanded its urban wine country experience to seven other locations. Its newest venue, City Winery Hudson Valley, opened in July of 2020. Located in Montgomery, NY—a 1.5-hour drive from midtown—it is the first City Winery outside of a major city. Sure, the ominous pandemic added a few wrinkles to the operation. But it did nothing to diminish Dorf ’s vision of pairing the culinary with a cultural experience and thus offering a signature blend of music, food, and wine.

Dorf says it was definitely “a bit of Karma” when he chose his newest location. City Winery Hudson Valley is housed in the historic Montgomery Worsted Mills, situated on 22 acres overlooking the Wallkill River. The old mill was on “Factory” Street, and a posted sign read “Montgomery Mills, Knitting Wear.” The connection was serendipitous. Dorf had found his second “Knitting Factory.”

PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT The beautifully renovated facility focuses on historical preservation and renewable energy. The winery and vineyard are currently the only operating winery in New York strictly run by a hydro generator.

Like all of City Winery’s locations, the Hudson Valley location has implemented “wine on tap” to reduce wine production in bottles significantly. Seventy percent of wine produced goes to tap, saving almost 300,000 bottles per year.

Many preserved items from the mill are cleverly integrated throughout the property. The tasting room and restaurant feature a sizeable multilevel deck for outside dining surrounded by historical artifacts. These include an antique wooden coal conveyor and an architecturally unique chimney. Much of the décor feature machine parts and milling equipment displayed on walls, suspended from ceilings, and integrated into the furniture. Enjoy the historic atmosphere as you sit by one of the outdoor fire pits. Sip one of Winemaker Travis Van Caster’s superb wines on tap fresh from the wine cellar while enjoying some of Chef Tony Moustakas’ excellent menu choices.

WINE & DINE City Winery typically produces about 20 different wines in its on-site wineries.

Grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards worldwide under the expert guidance of Chief Winemaker David Lecomte. As a result, Moustakas’ menu is often locally sourced, featuring signature City Winery items and rustic, seasonal food. The classic, Mediterraneaninspired menu includes wild mushroom goat cheese risotto balls, flatbreads like the delicious burrata & prosciutto with red onion and fresh arugula, and the CW Burger. The Barrel Room Restaurant, a rustic and charming space, was the original entrance to the mill. A beautiful central fireplace welcomes guests.

EVENTS & MUSIC Several Food and Beverage events are offered throughout the year. Some examples have included the Farm to Table Vegetarian Dinner, the Wine and BBQ experience, and wine tastings such as the Ultimate Red Experience and Wine Geek 101: American wine.

Several other City Winery offerings include Virtual Wine Tastings with a City Winery Winemaker; a Wine Club, which provides for various perks for special pricing, tickets, invitation-only events, and more; winery tours; wine tasting flights; personalized wine labeling; and even the opportunity to become a “barrel member” and create your private barrel of wine.

©Victoria Saint Martin

OVERNIGHT IT To amplify your experience, stay a night in The Barn. The renovated 1920’s barn features three beautifully furnished suites with windows overlooking the 130-year-old historic mill and the Wallkill River. The barn’s second-floor houses The Nest, which features soaring cathedral ceilings complete with original hand-hewn beams. The cavernous open living space includes an entire living room, kitchenette, king bed, and full bath.

Two additional guest suites, The Vineyard and The Winemaker are available on the main level of the barn.

City Winery Hudson Valley opened under some difficult circumstances in 2020. But it has adapted well and is an exciting venue for lovers of food and wine. And look for more to come—a boutique hotel and a spirit’s distillery are in the works for late 2022.

For more information on City Winery Hudson Valley, visit citywinery.com/hudsonvalley. •

Overnight at The Barn

38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Music is integral to the City Winery brand, and at the Hudson Valley outpost it boasts a unique setting for its featured performances.

An outdoor amphitheater with a vintage stone stage surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Wallkill River provides music lovers a great experience. The acoustics are designed for intimate concerts. The venue continues to add big names to its 2021 outdoor concert series, Concerts in the Vineyard. Top names including Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, 10,000 Maniacs, Amy Helm, and Jorma Kaukonen are just some of the headliners along with a wide variety of Livestream concerts. In addition, WineDown Wednesdays feature local musical artists on the patio.

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TRAVEL

HAPPY CAMPERS

AN INTERVIEW WITH CLUB GETAWAY’S DAVID SCHREIBER

By Patricia Canole

hoever said you had to outgrow camp days never thought of starting one of their own.

Luckily for New York Metro area residents, David Schreiber had the idea to purchase Club Getaway, the Northeast’s #1 adult camp.

Located in Kent, CT, Club Getaway is decidedly one of the oldest camps for grown-ups, founded in 1976 as a way for professionals to let loose for a quick getaway. After returning from a Club Med vacation in the Caribbean, businessman Victor Fink thought why not have something similar—but a little closer to home. Well, the idea caught on, and Fink started his little empire!

However, after decades of success, Fink decided to walk away from his successful business. That’s when Schreiber and his wife entered the picture. “We were searching for the right place, and Club Getaway was searching for new owners. Having a background in hospitality, experience as a camp director, it was a perfect match.”

We met up with Schreiber to discuss the Club Getaway experience.

DAVID OFF THE CUFF Tell us something people do not know about you.

I love live music! I have been to over 200 Phish concerts.

If you were an Olympian, what would be your sport?

The pole vault. It must be so cool to go that high up!

Yoga On The Lawn

What can visitors expect once they arrive at Club Getaway?

This year, of course, we required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Once that business is taken care of, our team shows guests their cabins and escorts them to the welcome party.

We have everything available set on 300 acres overlooking a lake in the Berkshire Mountains from dining rooms to our nightclub, and cabins that feature air conditioning, heat, and comfy beds. You might say it’s perhaps best characterized as glamping.

With all the activities that we have available here, you’re pretty much guaranteed to relive your youth by exploring your boundaries. You can zip line and mountain bike, climb real rock walls, or try our massive ropes course. It’s all about participating in activities you might not try on your own.

Are there thoughts of expanding the Club Getaway brand?

We have some things in the works to expand Club Getaway nationally. I believe everyone needs to be at camp! That’s all I can say right now.

What’s next for David Schreiber? How does a busy entrepreneur relax?

My family, friends, and Club Getaway are what I do. What’s next is expanding the Club Getaway and its brands, including Camp Hollywoof, Camp John Waters, and Musical Camps.

For more information on Club Getaway, visit clubgetaway.com. • 40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

If money can solve a problem, it is not a problem.

What is the best dining experience you have ever had?

Probably at Disney World with my family when the kids were younger.

Lastly, where will we find David Schreiber in five years?

At Club Getaway!

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TRAVEL

SOUTH DAKOTA

THE ANNUAL CUSTER STATE PARK ROUNDUP

By Jenny Peters

f you’ve ever thought of channeling your inner cowpoke and heading to the wilds of Western South Dakota to check out everything from the Badlands to Deadwood, then September is the time to hop in your trusty steed (we suggest a car or airplane) and go West.

That’s because in addition to finding good weather, September is the time for the 56th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, an Old West spectacle that will boggle your mind.

HEAD ‘EM UP, MOVE ‘EM OUT The Buffalo Roundup happens at 9:30 am on September 24th this year, as a phalanx of horseback-riding cowboys and cowgirls join park rangers and pickup-truck wranglers who work together to round up the over 1400 buffalo that live in the park all year round. The point of the yearly roundup is twofold. First, this annual event serves to cull the healthy heard of 400 beasts sold off to farms. And second, it allows the rangers to inoculate and observe the health of the rest of the herd, then set them loose to live another undisturbed year.

Arrive early to get a good spot on one of the hillsides that overlook this wild, massive roundup, as wranglers push the buffalo from all directions over the surrounding hills. The thundering of hooves, the whooping of the riders, and the cheers from the spectators create an overwhelming cacophony and visual swirl that is genuinely a one-ofa-kind life experience that’s free of charge.

There is also the three-day Arts Festival that coincides with the roundup (September 23-25), featuring local South Dakota artists.

You’ll pay a park entrance fee for that, but park admission is free on roundup day.

Buffalo and vehicles

THE BEST OF THE REST Stay inside Custer State Park at the classic Sylvan Lake Lodge for a rustic experience within a wooded landscape on the shores of the lake, as a home base for doing the roundup and visiting the landmark sites. There’s water sports, hiking, and horseback riding to get your blood moving here. Or stay in Rapid City, where numerous modern hotels beckon and sophisticated restaurants, shops, and statues of U.S. presidents dot the easily walkable downtown area.

From either place, go up into the Black Hills to visit Deadwood, that silver-rush town that Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane helped make famous. Visit Wild Bill’s Bar, the spot where Hickok died holding aces backed by eights, the Dead Man’s Hand.

Both Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial are also located in the Black Hills and are must-see stops. If you love caves, discover both Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. They are colossal cave systems with fascinating histories and spelunking experiences.

Make time to head east as well, to see the breathtaking Badlands National Park, where buffalo roam and craggy sandstone/limestone/ shale rock formations offer up dinosaur and other paleontological finds. Don’t miss Wall Drug, where thirsty travelers began stopping in the early 1930s and still do, for water, their famous donuts, and photo ops on top of the vast “jackalope” statue outback.

When hunger strikes, put Lintz Bros. Pizza in Hermosa on your eating list, for they are making great pizza in that small town and don’t miss the Three Little Pigs pizza. In Custer, check out both the Sage Creek Grille and Skogen Kitchen, two top-notch eateries; in Rapid City, enjoy the Firehouse Brewing Company’s beers and casual fare, served up in the town’s quaint old brick firehouse.

Mt. Rushmore

For more information on the Buffalo Roundup, visit gfp.sd.gov/ buffalo-roundup; for information on South Dakota, visit travelsouthdakota.com. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

17 PROSPECT PARK WEST A BROOKLYN GEM

By AP Connolly

uilt in 1899 and designed by renowned architect Montrose W. Morris, this mansion sits on Prospect Park West and Carroll Street. Featuring utterly glorious original detail throughout, the 7- bedroom, 3.5-bath townhouse includes stained glass windows, mahogany columns, herringbone floors, and delicately carved mantels, and five working gas fireplaces, to name a few.

THE HOME Parlor Level This floor features soaring coffered ceilings and intricately carved wood details, a corner living room overlooking Prospect Park with a working gas fireplace and onyx mantel, a stunning formal dining room with fireplace, a built-in cabinet and corner vitrine, plus a gorgeous butler’s pantry with hammered copper countertops, storage, sink, and dishwasher.

Garden Level The home’s garden level also accommodates a beautiful and functional kitchen with handcrafted cabinetry.

Also featured in the kitchen is its massive island centered beneath a Lindsey Adelman chandelier and top-of-the-line appliances, including glass, fronted Subzero fridge, 48-foot La Cornue range, two dishwashers, and a conveniently tucked away pantry. Find a cozy sitting area centered around the fireplace, looking out into the home’s gated garden. And while it’s hard to know what is most stunning in this home, one possibility is the 600-bottle wine cellar sublimely tucked under the home’s stoop, both a visual and functional gem.

44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Second Level Here, you’ll find one massive bedroom after another. The master bedroom has soundproof windows and faces onto the green canopy of Prospect Park. A dressing room of bird’s eye maple with stained glass and marble counter sits in the middle of this floor and transports you back in time. The second bedroom on this floor is equally gracious as the first and, like the master, also has a working gas fireplace. The bathroom is chic and lush, with a massive glass shower stall.

You’ll find one massive bedroom after another. The master bedroom has soundproof windows and faces onto the green canopy of Prospect Park…

Third Level Two enormous bedrooms and a magical sunny library with original casement windows and cushioned bench that begs you to curl up with a book or a loved one. The front bedroom has a stone-planting balcony facing Prospect Park. The bathroom is whimsical and utterly lovely with double sinks and a massive tub that is nothing short of a piece of art, a beautiful spot for evening bath time.

Top Level Located on this floor are three additional rooms, one beautifully built with a hidden kitchenette that folds away but is equally beautiful on display and acclimatized A/V storage rooms.

The central room is the perfect cozy media room with an enormous storage closet, and the last is the ideal guest room adjacent to a classically finished bath with a claw-foot tub.

Amenities A full-sized vented laundr y is located on both the garden and top floors. A dumbwaiter travels from the garden to the fourth floor for ease of living. Plus, all the modern conveniences expected in a home of this caliber: central air conditioning and humidification system, Savant home automation including integrated sound system throughout, security system, central vacuum, and impeccable mechanical systems. Info: Asking $12.25 million.

For more information on 17 Prosp e ct Park West, contact L indsay Bar ton Barrett at Doug las E lliman (lindsay. bartonbarrett@elliman.com) • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45

Welcome to Harborside resort montauk

The Harborside Resort Montauk offers a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. On-premise pool and tennis, attractive rooms, studios, suites and efficiencies - each offering many amenities.

Montauk is one of the beautiful resort destinations on the East Coast. Miles of breathtaking coastline, nature trails and preserves, varied watersports from famed surfing to water-skiing to whale watching.

World renowned fishing is found here, too as Montauk is well recognized as one of the top fishing capitals of the world.

For beach lovers, we provide our guests’ access to Montauk’s finest ocean and sound beaches. And, golfers, bring your clubs and golf at the magnificent Robert Trent Jones designed Montauk Downs State Park located just one mile from the Harborside. You can enjoy the pleasure of

nearby horseback riding, being pampered at a marinotherapeutic spa, great shopping and a trip to our treasured beacon - the Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Sample the gourmet delights of the finest restaurants, just a short walk or drive away.

You will never be at a loss of things to do in Montauk - where a great vacation begins!

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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

HISTORICAL SAMUEL SLOAN ESTATE

MERGING THE PAST WITH THE FUTURE

By Elizabeth Elston

uilt in 1864, the 16+ acre Samuel Sloan Estate was initially constructed for a railroad magnate and provided ultimate views of the Catskills, West Point Academy, and countryside along the Hudson River.

While the breathtaking property has always been noted for its beauty and design, it is also a real estate treasure with remarkable Silver LEED® certification. The ingenuity of the modernization is both poignant and dynamic for a homeowner looking for a planet-friendly but luxurious setting.

Samuel Sloan Estate Exterior

The storied, fully renovated Philipstown estate is represented by Kenneth J. Moore, President of Classiques Modernes International Realty, who has listed it with Richard Phan of Douglas Elliman.

“The first thing that hits you is its impressive scale. The original structure had ballrooms that needed to be adapted to today’s more intimate entertaining style. The volume remains magnificent. But the new residence now enjoys both formal and casual living spaces.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47

A RARE GEM The new Greek Revival facade features a two-story portico with imposing columns serving as the foreground to a full-width second-floor loggia.

The sprawling interior spans approximately 11,800 livable square footage. The full-sized cellar and attic offer 10,000 square feet of supplementary amenity, storage, and utility spaces. Six bedrooms, six full and three half baths, and an entire floor allocated to entertaining and recreation ensure ample room for sumptuous living. The 3500 square foot carriage house may also be transformed into a three-story auxiliary house for guest and staff suites.

The home’s innovative Silver LEED® approved upgrades make it a rare gem even among bestin-class properties. “It strikes an ideal periodic balance,” observes lifestyle expert and Classiques Modernes co-founder, Loy Carlos. “This house pays homage to its history, is equipped with the conveniences and luxuries of today, while exhibiting great care for the future. It promotes an evolutionary and conscientious lifestyle.”

Unlike most restored estates, new modifications have made operations both economical and practical. This includes maintenance-free roofing that will last 100 years. In addition, an energy recovery ventilation system optimizes air quality, filters out particulates, and delivers fresh air throughout. A rainwater harvesting system captures water off the roof and retains it for landscape irrigation. Solar panels provide onsite renewable power. The house also has a design that addresses natural radon emissions.

Once known as Oulagisket, it has seen notable transformations. In 1910 Samuel Sloane Jr. and his wife Katherine redesigned the home (renamed Lisburne Grange) from its original Carpenter Gothic to Italianate. At the same time, Fletcher Steele, one of the 20th Century’s most glorified landscape architects, was commissioned to augment the surroundings with beautiful gardens and lookouts.

Samuel Sloan Estate Kitchen

48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Samuel Sloan Estate Bedroom

Samuel Sloan Estate Living Room

ENTER ANOTHER WORLD

Famous among remaining exterior structures include The Ruins, a forum-inspired area complete with columns and a weathered fountain which overlooks the newly built pool pavilion and the great lawn. But most unique of all is the 100-year-old swimming pool waiting to be restored or repurposed. “The grotto reminds me of Italian fountains and pools with water flowing from the dragon mouths at the top, down the edge over cupped hands, to the pool below,” says Moore. Adds Carlos, “Some say it reminds them of Hadrian’s pool in Tivoli. It’s not as large, but perhaps just as dramatic and breathtaking, considering where we are. It’s unforgettable.”

From entertaining to weekends away from New York City just an hour away, this estate–a stone’s throw away from Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, and many other destinations–offers so much for the nature-loving, environmentally-conscious homeowner. This historical mansion, modernized with LEED® Certified upgrades, is not just about improvement. It serves as a stepping-stone to the future of real estate. Info: asking price is $11.25 million.

For more information on the Samuel Sloan Estate, visit classiquesmodernes.com. •

GORGEOUS MIAMI HOME LOCATED IN PRESTIGIOUS OAK FOREST

19931 NE 22nd Ct

Miami, Florida 33180 Offered at $1,699,000 6 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS 5,765 ACTUAL SQ FT POOL | GARAGE PRESTIGIOUS OAK FOREST

Located on a gorgeous cul-de-sac in prestigious Oak Forest, this amazing home features an elegant foyer with a high, domed ceilings complete with skylight.

Travertine & wood floors throughout. Grand master suite w/ large walkin closets. Open and inviting eat-in kitchen w/ granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Updated bathrooms. Formal living & dining rooms. Large, spacious family room. Spectacular pool & patio.

New roof. Impact glass throughout. The list goes on and on…

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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

HOME ENTERTAINING MEMORABLE BY DESIGN

By Melanie Carden

ouches of elegance elevate the tone and aesthetic of entertaining in your home. Memorable gatherings need not require endless details and accouterment. Instead, select one or two conversation-provoking pieces, and curate an experience from there. From an intoxicating background scent to breathtaking barware—these coveted selections are the perfect foundation for merrymaking at its finest.

END OF DAY PERFECTION CHART A CHARCUTERIE BACKGROUND NOTES COURSE Rhode Island-based Tracy Glover Studio Selecting a light, intoxicating background offers a mesmerizing spin on end-of-day glasses. Hand-blown from the studio’s glass scraps each day, these bright beauties are as versatile as they are gorgeous. Info: tracygloverstudio.com.

Coastal tones of blue and white translate with ease into a variety of home entertaining scenarios. The limitededition Navy & White Charcuterie Board Bundle from Cailini Coastal is made from sustainably sourced reclaimed wood board. Info: cailinicoastal.com.

scent for a soiree is as important as the lighting or cocktails. LAFCO New York’s reed diffusers and candles are sublime.

Likewise, their Sea & Dune or Champagne scent are perfect choices. Info: lafco.com.

PERFECT PAIR

ENDURING BEAUTY

ITALIAN GRACE

Plan a simple, elegant table for your next wine dinner. A mouth-blown serving set for water and wine, LSA’s Wine & Water Carafe Set pairs complementary shapes with angled rims for ease of pouring. Info: lsa-international.com.

Invest in the elegance of high-end forever flowers. A classic bouquet—always on-hand—can transform entryways and tablespaces alike. Baskits Marilyn arrangement offers an enchanting pop of color. Info: baskits.com.

If Italian design is your passion, add Poltrona Frau’s Isidoro Mobile Bar to your layout. The stunning wheeled design—which opens like a book—is the artistic effort of Jean-Marie Massaud. Info: poltronafrau.com.

50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

DRAMATIC LACE

SPARKLING JOY

ELEVATED AGAVE

Home entertaining should envelop the senses in luxury. The Lace Inset Tablecloth from Shabby Chic is the perfect tactile backdrop for dinner party drama. Info: shabbychic.com.

With over 20 years in fashion, New Yorker Joanna Buchanan has an eye for style. Her joyful home goods collection includes jeweled napkin rings featuring dazzling starbursts, lobsters, koi, and even dragonflies. Info: joannabuchanan.com.

Create an agave-centric evening highlighting this unique mission-style wrought iron tequila set. Six extra-thick glass shooters surround a glass display for your limes and salt. Olive + Cocoa’s caddy is the perfect excuse to gather with a limitedrun tequila. Info: oliveeandcocoa.com.

THEATER DRAMA AWAITS

BESPOKE LINENS

BOOZY BRUNCH

The tiered, hand-drawn stems of LSA’s Theater Stemware adds a note of intentional drama. Flutes, coupes, and caviar pedestals round out the line—in varied hues of midnight, dawn pink, or clear. Info: lsa-international.com.

Add a personalized touch to your home entertaining with bespoke napkins. Jane Scott Hodges, the founder of Leontine Linens, has rekindled the flame of heirloom linens. The entire line of linens (bed, bath, and table) is made to order, and the fabric cut off the bolt—just for you. Info: leontinelinens.com.

Need a reprieve from pomp and circumstance? Yvonne Ellen’s Boozy Brunch line is a lighthearted offering of sassy pastel pieces. From teapot to crumpet plate, brunch is served with a little wink. Info: yvonnellen.com. •

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

REAL ESTATE TODAY 5 REASONS WHY CASH IS STILL KING

By AP Connolly

eadlines are heralding the unstoppable pace of the residential real estate market.

Agents’ phones are ringing off the hook with requests for back-to-back showings, and homeowners are fielding serious offers from would-love-to-be-buyers for properties that are not even listed.

Michael J. Romer

With this activity in mind, it is not a surprise that median home prices have skyrocketed 22 percent, and bidding wars are becoming all too common. To stand out from the fast and furious pack, an astonishing 50 percent of buyers nationwide are putting down as much as 20 percent. And, despite record-low mortgage interest rates, a quarter of buyers are offering to pay all cash.

For those with the liquidity to do so, Michael J. Romer, Managing Partner of top New York City law firm Romer Debbas LLP shares five reasons why making an all-cash offer might be the best way to ensure it becomes the winning one.

Cash closings are quicker One of the primary reasons cash is preferred is that the process related to cash closing is much faster and more streamlined than a transaction with financing. For example, an all-cash transaction can close within a few weeks, while a transaction involving financing can take 45 to 60 days or longer.

Less risk to seller Whether or not a deal is contingent on financing if a buyer needs a mortgage, there is a risk to the seller that the buyer will not qualify. Many buyers assume that since a bank issued a preapproval letter that their application is a sure thing. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There is always a chance that the bank can deny the mortgage application and refuse to issue a mortgage commitment letter. When comparing two equal offers, a seller will always avoid that risk and proceed with the true sure thing, the all-cash offer.

Appraisals are not a factor In a hot real estate market such as the one we find ourselves in, low inventory and frequent bidding wars often escalate home prices to a point beyond expectations. This often results in under-appraising properties as appraisers cannot find the necessary comparable sales (i.e., “comps”) to properly appraise the property value. This has a direct impact on how much the bank will lend in a transaction. When it comes to cash offers, buyers work directly with their real estate agents to make an educated offer and assume the risk of overpaying. As a result, an appraisal is rarely prepared in a cash transaction.

Eliminates unknown risks There are several unknown risks that often complicate transactions involving financing. These include such events as job loss, salary reductions, layoffs, credit issues. Such strange events can often impact a bank’s willingness to lend. However, these are non-factors in cash transactions.

Close in cash/Obtain mortgage Many will find it hard to pass on the chance to obtain mortgages at such low-interest rates. This is understandable, but there is a solution. A sophisticated homebuyer with liquidity can purchase a cash home and then obtain a mortgage from a lender within 60-90 days (depending on the lender) after the purchase closing. The lender will consider it purchase financing. This little-known mechanism can help a buyer secure a winning bid and obtain a mortgage at record low rates. • 52 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

BRANFORD, CT I $3,500,000 I MLS#170351107 Lindsay Greenberg, 203.675.7492

NEW CANAAN, CT I $6,995,000 I MLS#170405384 Hannelore Kaplan, 914.450.3880

LITCHFIELD, CT I $2,500,000 I MLS#170376236 Stacey Matthews, 860.868.0511

OLD LYME, CT I $1,999,900 I MLS#170424110 Bill Heenan, 860.460.8053

FAIRFIELD, CT I $2,975,000 I MLS#170414412 Donna Beretta, 203.451.1540

RIDGEFIELD, CT I $3,495,000 Charlotte Cotton, 203.247.4944/Elaine Arnow

INNOVATIONS

THE ALL-NEW GENESIS GV80 A SAFETY-FIRST SUV WITH POWER TO SPARE

By Jenny Peters

s Genesis, the luxury automobile division of South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company, continues to grow their line of award-winning vehicles, it was inevitable that they would introduce an SUV to its stable. And it is no surprise that the company’s 2021 GV80 has roared to the front of its class, especially after proving its mettle in a high-profile incident early in 2021.

That was when famed golfer Tiger Woods was driving 40 miles over the speed limit down a curving California road and crashed his GV80 (Genesis is the sponsor of the annual PGA tournament that Woods hosts at L.A.’s Riviera Country Club). In another SUV, Woods might not have survived. But the GV80, with its extensive safety features that have already won it a coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2021, helped keep the golf great alive, despite his driving errors.

POWER & SAFETY That’s quite a testament to the GV80’s ability to protect its occupants from harm, even at high speeds. We tested the 2021 3.5-liter twin turbocharged, 375 hp, all-wheel drive Prestige model under all kinds of conditions and found it to be a winning combination of power and safety. Two other 2.5-liter turbocharged models are also available.

Considered a mid-size SUV, the vehicle is large and roomy, with plenty of room to pile kids into the back (choose quilted leather seats throughout for comfort and style combined) and pack in all your luggage as well.

And even when it is packed to the gills, the GV80 never hesitates to move effortlessly through crowded city streets or wide-open country roads.

Even road tripping with it into Death Valley didn’t cause the GV80 to even blink, going through desolate swaths of borax mineral flats and desert in 110F temperatures. Its powerful engine does take quite a bit of gas to run, getting 18 to 23 miles per gallon depending on conditions, but that is true of most of the SUVs in its class.

COMFORT INCLUDED The car also holds its own when passing on two-lane blacktops when quickness is essential. Just a quick punch on the gas pedal and you are going 80 mph, without a waver or even the feel of added speed, just an easy acceleration that gets you past the slowpoke RV and back cruising on the open road in a flash.

The interior of the SUV is tricked out with some comfortable elements, including seats that feature heating and air conditioning (which came in handy in Death Valley), as well as a massage function that automatically kicks in every hour or so on a long drive. And even the second row of seats have heaters, too, and all of them power recline so you can find your own perfect level of comfort.

And, of course, in 2021 a luxury SUV like the GV80 takes over much of the driving for you if you want it to. From its “Remote Smart Parking Assist” feature, which will do the parallel parking all on its own to the “Highway Driving Assist II” that not only keeps you in your lane during highway travel but also helps you change lanes, the vehicle takes the guesswork out of driving.

If you’re like us, and love to drive, just turn off those features and keep things old school, with the driving mode choice (there are five) on Sport for the tightest control on the road. But leave on the blind-spot indicator on the side mirrors, for that’s one of the automotive world’s greatest inventions.

All-wheel drive is available with a limited-slip differential, which means driving in snowy (or other unsafe) conditions is much safer, as the GV80 will then automatically ensure stability, good traction, and off-roading capabilities, too.

Overall, the Genesis GV80 is an easy-to-drive, powerful vehicle that envelops everyone in the car in comfort. And with the incredible safety features that Tiger Woods surely appreciates, it’s another big hit for the young company’s growing fleet of well-designed luxury cars that won’t break the budget.

For more information about the GV80, visit genesis.com/ us/en/2021/genesis-gv80.html. • 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

INNOVATIONS

STAY CONNECTED

TAP AND CLICK WITH HIWAVE STICKERS

By Peter Elston

n this fast-paced world, we all know that the importance of communication is second to none.

However, the way we engage with business partners, professional connections, and even friends is constantly changing—and even challenging at times.

That was until now. Exchanging information just got easier. HiWave now makes it easier than ever to stay connected. By placing their sticker on the back of your phone or wallet, you can exchange any of your contact information with just a tap. Hold out your phone and let the other person tap your sticker, whether you’re meeting someone at a business conference or joining a friend at a new restaurant. Your profile will open in their web browser. Best of all: The other person doesn’t need an app or sticker of their own!

EASY ACCESS HiWave lets you effortlessly stay in touch with the people you meet. And here’s the best news: It’s free to individuals! While they charge corporate clients for custom stickers or large orders, getting and using a HiWave sticker is accessible to you. You’ll have a blast seeing people’s reactions to the sticker at work— and if you have the app downloaded, its intuitive technology organizes all your new contacts for easy access whenever you need to follow up!

Founder and CEO Phil Greenwald has been at the forefront of the technology industry for almost ten years. Before starting HiWave, Greenwald was the Associate Director of Technology and lead technology advisor at Harvard Innovation Labs, where he frequently lectured on technology, coding, and startup theory.

For many in this modern era, business cards have become an inefficient way to connect. Greenwald realized this and set out on a mission to change the way people connect to the real world—utilizing new technology that makes the exchange of information and follow-up effortless for everyone. Phil and his team designed HiWave’s first product, the HiWave sticker, using Near Field Technology (NFC)—a feature that is now integrated into most smartphones. “Our sticker that utilizes NFC is a much better alternative to the old and awkward ways of networking & meeting people in person,” said Greenwald. “Today, people are already used to QR codes for everything. But this is an even easier and more seamless experience. You don’t even need to open your camera!”

Philip Greenwald

THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE HiWave has partnered with premier organizations, including charities, sales teams, conferences, real estate companies, and more, committed to connecting their communities in a much more valuable and meaningful way and are co-branding the stickers for additional brand visibility. Organizations like the Waxman Foundation have already showcased their custom HiWaves at their events, proving it a worthwhile investment for any company looking to upgrade its networking capabilities. HiWave is also set to release a suite of digital and physical innovative products currently in development by the end of the year. Plus, because one sticker works for years and replaces the thousands of business cards an employee would typically use, enterprises and startups can save thousands of dollars when buying at scale. Most important of all is HiWave will never sell personal data.

You can order a free HiWave sticker directly on their website. Businesses can also customize stickers with their company logo—which is perfect for sales teams, events, and conferences or to add value to communities and customers.

So, isn’t it time? No more searching through your phone trying to find the people you’ve recently met. Don’t stress about having to carry 300 business cards to your next event.

HiWave makes meeting and connecting with people fun again.

For more information on HiWave, visit hiwave.co. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55

HEALTH & WELLNESS

RELAX & UNWIND

TOP NEW ENGLAND SPAS TO NURTURE & RENEW

By Laurie Bain Wilson

ew England is where autumn is celebrated in nature, and a time of year where wellness is as much about renewing the body as it is about massaging the soul. These spots treat your body with rubs and wraps and fill all your senses with mindfulness.

WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT This historic, head-turning resort is on the map in Woodstock, Vermont for many reasons: it’s got a plum Main Street location with a mountain backdrop; and there’s the inn’s exclusive Kelly Way Gardens up the road—the seasonal produce shines in the inn’s restaurants, including honey in the cocktails. And then, there’s The Spa at Woodstock Inn & Resort.

The Spa is inspired by nature and as beautiful a space as the treatments will make you feel. It’s spacious (10,000 square-foot LEED-designed), flooded by natural light, with a spa menu that covers head to toe. Treatments use only organic products, including certified vegan products: the couples massage is special, it features a custom-made hinoki wooden Japanese soaking tub, private multi-head shower and wood-burning fireplace.

Spa at Woodstock Inn & Resort

Spa guests can relax pre-and-postpampering in the outdoor hot tub, the Scandinavian sauna, or on a lounge with a good book. Info: woodstockinn.com.

CHATHAM BARS INN Early fall is the best time to visit Cape Cod. The crowds have thinned, the traffic jams are gone, the sea is still warm, and the cranberries are floating on the bogs.

Once a 1914 hunting lodge for wealthy Brahmins, the 217room property features guest rooms in the main inn and roomy cottages, some with water views and fireplaces. The open-air porch veranda is the quintessential spot to sip a Cape Codder, and there’s a private beach for fall strand strolls.

But it’s the Spa at Chatham Bars Inn that shouts wellness. It is the only four-star spa on the Cape. You’ll want to book your stay in one of the 12 adult-only spa suites—located directly above the spa. They feature in-room oversized hydrotherapy tubs, saunas, steam showers, fireplaces, yoga mats and curated wellness books.

And you can book private, in-room massages, too. There’s also an outdoor relaxation pool and hot tub right outside the spa.

Treatments incorporate seasonal ingredients from the inn’s onproperty eight-acre farm, including a sugar polish made with cranberries (from local bogs), lemon-grass and honey (from the inn’s beehives.) Some products also use salt from the sea. Also, a new fitness center, fitness classes and personal training sessions are available. Info: chathambarsinn.com.

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Chatham Bars Inn Spa Suite ©Chatham Bars Inn

WEQUASSETT RESORT AND GOLF CLUB Cape Cod’s only five-star luxury resort is a stunning 121room and suite resort including cottage-style rooms with private patios and outdoor fireplaces, and a sought-out restaurant, Twenty Atlantic, housed in an 18th-century sea captain’s house with views of Pleasant Bay, and which also just coveted a five-star rating.

The Harwich resort has partnered with Chatham-based Le Petite Day Spa (thelepetitedayspa.com) for experiences at the spa or, for in-room treatments at the resort (ideal for those not keen on visiting a spa, the spa comes to you).

Treatments such as facials and massages use exclusively Eminence organic skin products.

For outdoor salt-air wellness, hop on the 15-minute courtesy shuttle that putters back and forth across Pleasant Bay to the Outer Beach dunes and, because for some, wellness is about being out on a golf course, neighboring Cape Cod National Golf Club, one of the most prestigious courses in the country, is open for play to guests of the resort. Info: wequassett.com.

KIMPTON TACONIC It’s the hand-carved walking stick in your guest room closet that speaks volumes about the wellness getaway at this handsome clapboard inn, tucked in the Green Mountains of Manchester, Vermont. You’ll treat your body and mind to a dose of fresh mountain wellness—this is where tradition meets mountain modern (think: requisite grand front porch and rocking chairs.)

Bring your dog: You can both get into the downward dog position on the yoga mat you’ll find in your room next to that walking stick (the inn is very pet friendly). Request roll-out yoga mat service in your room or take a yoga class at a nearby studio. Also, in-room full-service day spa treatments are offered, and there’s a fitness center on property, but you’ve got a natural fitness center in these mountains—and the hotel can recommend dog-friendly hiking trails.

Wellness by the stream: Take a class at the Orvis Fly Fishing school, a cast away. Info: taconichotel.com.

MADISON BEACH HOTEL, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON You won’t travel far to reach this beach beauty in Madison, Connecticut; just under a two-hour drive from Manhattan (and an Amtrak station in town).

There are only 33 rooms and suites—surprising, because the hotel has such a grand presence. Guest rooms open to decks with lounge chairs and views of the Long Island Sound. There’s a lot of spiritual wellness happening here—staring at the sea will do that.

Succumb to a hot stone or sports massage at The Sounds of the Sea Spa. The spa is intimate and sweet—not sexy and glam—and you wouldn’t want it any other way in this quaint New England beach town. Facials, body wraps and mud wraps are also on the menu. Bonus: a yoga studio.

Round out your healthy stay with al fresco dining—year-round—on the outdoor porch; the restaurant is designated a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant so you can be sure your meal will be sustainable with locally-sourced ingredients. Info: madisonbeachhotel.com. •

Madison Beach Club ©Dom Miguel

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57

FOOD & DRINK

TUSCANY STEAKHOUSE WHERE STEAK MEETS TRATTORIA CHARM

By Patricia Canole

here’s no argument New York City is the number one capital of steakhouses. Where else can you sit down and be served a juicy porterhouse flamed to perfection?

Unlike the more modern minuscule “chic” tastings on oversized plates being served at trendy places, steakhouses, many with their signature dark wood paneled, clubby atmosphere, seemingly can’t give you enough generous portions of their fare to consume.

Case in point: Tuscany Steakhouse which offers diners simplicity and complete satisfaction in what one might consider an Italian trattoria. Owned by Albanian-born Steve Haxhiaj (former general manager at Wolfgang’s and former owner of Il Monello), this restaurant has introduced diners to a far more elegant version of a steakhouse.

The main dining area exudes a cozy Italian trattoria vibe with white-washed arched walls, dark leather chairs, terracotta floors, and a bucolic mural of the Italian countryside as a backdrop.

The five-year-old restaurant—situated in Midtown Manhattan near the Theater District and Lincoln Center—survived the pandemic and is back. So are their devoted regulars.

The no-nonsense menu keeps to classic and beloved NYC steakhouse favorites, all done under the rubric that practice makes perfect. So, a cold seafood platter contains plump shrimp, lobster, and crabmeat, while a slice of Canadian bacon sizzles with juicy, salty goodness.

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Bone-In Ribeye

Bolstering an impressively gourmet menu, Tuscany Steakhouse Chef Jaime Chabla’s humble approach to the culinary arts, hard work, and genuine kindness goes a long way. With over 20 years working at top restaurants, he has perfected his vision of marrying classic steakhouse favorites with Italian-American favorites.

Steve Haxhiaj

Of course, his presentations of the sacred steakhouse staples are to be noted, with the Prime Dry-Aged Steaks as the main attraction. Every cut is carefully handpicked from master purveyors and is dried in the restaurant’s signature aging box.

A visit to Tuscany Steakhouse also means appetizers and should include Baked Clams Oreganata, seasoned to perfection with black pepper and oregano, and Fried Calamari, crispy and light with homemade marinara and tartar sauces.

Tuscany’s signature salads are more than generous in portion.

Highlights include the Fresh Mozzarella and Beefsteak Tomato, drizzled with elegant and rich basil pesto and balsamic vinaigrette.

An Italian entrée, Pollo Tuscany, is a menu favorite and consists of succulent chicken breast with smoky undertones topped with cheese, mushrooms, and spinach.

QUALITY COMES FIRST But after all, this is a steakhouse, so how does it measure up? The consensus: It’s one of the best in New York City. It’s the quality of the meat itself, of course, but also in the preparation.

The Porterhouse is one great piece of braised beef. The Bone-In Rib Eye Steak is a sensation, presented tableside by veteran waitstaff. One can also enhance the luscious cut of meat, if they choose, with a few dashes of the house made steak sauce. Additionally, the New York Sirloin and Filet Mignon are just as tempting. Lamb chops from Colorado complete a well-rounded meat selection.

Fish lovers will rejoice! The Dover Sole is mouthwatering, while the Chilean Sea Bass is flakey perfection. Other seafood selections include Grilled Yellowfin Tuna, Whole Maine Lobster, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi, and Linguini Alla Vongole.

As with all steakhouses, Tuscany does not disappoint with its tasty sides. Highly recommended are the Creamed Spinach and Hash Browns. Also, on the menu, Mashed Potatoes, whipped to creamy goodness.

SWEET TREATS And please do stifle the “I can’t eat another bite” reaction when it comes to dessert. Among the appealing selections, we recommend the Tiramisu, enormous to the eye and satisfying to the taste. Or, perhaps a Tartufo, a selection of Sorbets, and Fresh Fruit will complete your dining pleasure.

With excellent food, a wine list of 300 varietals selected by Haxhiaj, and a mellow ambiance, it’s no wonder Tuscany has become a favorite, serving up an authentic New York steakhouse experience.

For more information on Tuscany Steakhouse, visit tuscanysteakhouse.com. •

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59

FOOD & DRINK

SALVATORE BIUNDO A DOUBLE DOSE OF DELICIOUS DINING

By Harry Brads

eet the affable owner of Centro Trattoria & Bar, the ultimate farm-to-fork restaurant in Hampton Bays, and the casual dining hotspot, Salvatore’s Restaurant. For Salvatore Biundo, the storied road to the making of his beloved restaurant business comes from a rich background at home. His nonna (grandmother) lovingly passed on her kitchen secrets to him, and he proudly took the loving advice on his journey to become a self-taught chef. One of the memorable dishes is her pasta with meatballs and Pomodoro sauce.

New York Lifestyles Magazine sat down with Salvatore to find out more about the man and his restaurant success.

Salvatore Biundo

How did you first become involved in the restaurant industry?

I first started with a pizzeria outside of college then slowly evolved into restaurants. Back then, I only had enough money to open a small place.

Then over time, I eventually open Centro Trattoria. After Centro’s success, I returned to casual dining with the opening of Salvatore’s.

What makes Centro Trattoria & Bar and Salvatore’s so unique?

Centro, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary this December, is more fine dining and lets me create modern Italian dishes with my traditional expertise. Our family values and continued local support have allowed us to become a neighborhood watering hole. The restaurant serves dinner daily with menu items made in-house using many of the East End’s local, in-season produce.

Our family recipes, including fresh homemade pasta, individual pizzas from a wood-burning oven, and dishes with Mediterranean touches, can be experienced in the new outdoor setting, as well as the luxurious indoor dining room. We even have an exquisite outdoor garden fountain and fireplace, a full bar, live music, and two Bocce courts.

The casual ambiance of Salvatore’s has been welcomed by East Enders who have made the pizza a notable must. What makes this so delectable is the brick oven which cooks quickly giving it a crisp crust and incredible flavor.

What are other crowd favorites?

I love pasta. Sometimes the simplest ingredients allow for the most flavorful dishes. My personal favorites to make are Cacio e Pepe, Bucattini Milanese, and Fusilli Amatriciana. Then, of course, there’s always Capricciosa with Gorgonzola, and the San Gennaro with Cotto. At Salvatore’s we offer the best casual American experience in Hampton Bays to locals and visitors alike.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

We will be taking Centro and Salvatore’s to the next level, experimenting with new dishes, and expanding Centro’s brand to an Italian-inspired catering facility.

Incredible food has become a family affair for Salvatore, with his wife helping manage Centro Trattoria and his mom assisting in the kitchen. Together they are poised to launch a new era of growth as they get ready to expand operations.

Known for a stellar reputation in the community and popular video cooking segments, Biundo, and his restaurants have become the stuff of legend for foodies who flock to eat at his landmark venues. They admire the style as equally as they have at his other well-known restaurant ventures in Long Island.

Salvatore’s Proscuitto Arugula Pizza

60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

For more information on Centro Trattoria and Bar v isit centrohamptons.com; for Salvatore’s, visit salvatoresofthehamptons. •

FOOD & DRINK

CHEF OMAKASE

THE LUXURY OF A PRIVATE CHEF

By Lillian Langtry

he dream of a private chef cooking for you in the privacy of your home is now a reality with the service Chef Omakase. The revolutionary company has redefined the home lunch and dinner gathering, offering personal chefs preparing meals, of various cuisines, in the intimacy of your kitchen. Chef Omakase creates a fantastic culinary experience that diminishes the perception of a private chef only being attainable by the ultra-wealthy.

This reasonably-priced luxury service is the brainchild of Keiko Ono Aoki, the widow of the late Japanese American restaurateur Rocky Aoki—of the Benihana restaurant dynasty. She masterfully created a website that pairs you with a private chef simply by choosing the style of cuisine and paying a fixed price per person for the experience. During COVID, Keiko became accustomed to working from home and learned that the joy of eating at home in the last year has become even more desirable than ever.

HOW IT WORKS Chef Omakase connects you with a professional chef to cook a curated menu in your home at your convenience. Then, with graceful ease, the company takes the stress out of dinner parties serving groups of four to eight people.

Private chef booking is easier than ever with this new online service that provides New American, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, French, international plant-based vegetarian, and kosher cuisines. Fresh ingredients are delivered to your door two days before your house party. Bookings include food prep time for the chef, delivery of grocery supplies, the actual cooking, and minimal kitchen clean-up. The website and chef help you select a menu based on food preferences and the supplies found in your kitchen. The entire experience from start to finish creates a beautiful memory in your private setting.

Chef Tadashi Ono

IT’S ALL INCLUDED There are two different menus for each cuisine offering: a $90 four-course per person and a $140 six-course per person option. For typical menu for the four-course Italian dinner includes an appetizer of poached fava beans and herbed tomatoes; a salad of tiny burrata with warm Ceci beans, toasted garlic, and parsley; a main entrée of pan-seared crispy chicken breast with lemon reduction and baby greens; a dessert of panna cotta with roasted summer fruit.

Personal chefs are well known and include Danilo Galati, Veronica K. Lindemann, Akiko Thurnauer, Stacy Seebode, and Craig Linthicum.

Each chef has been hand-picked to join Chef Omakase. This company creates a positive work environment that results in the progressive and upbeat attitude customers can appreciate repeatedly. The Chef Omakase experience makes for a great gift. Family-style dishes are also available upon request.

The Chef Omakase team is led by the notable chef Tadashi Ono of such legendary restaurants as La Caravelle and Matsuri. Born and raised in Tokyo, he moved to New York City in 1988, thus beginning a 30-year culinary journey. During that time, Ono also authored several cookbooks that included Japanese Soul Cooking, The Japanese Grill, and Japanese Hot Pot. Chef Omakase not only stimulates the appetite with its creative menus but has added a much-needed aspect in creating a motivating work environment for food professionals. So many times, chefs are typically overworked in the highly demanding industry. Chef Omakase provides the perfect way to set their hours and work with this understanding company.

From Chef Akiko Thurnauer

For more information on Chef Omakase, visit chefomakase.com. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE

BROADWAY RETURNS!

By Griffin Miller

roadway has lifted the curtain to our favorite productions. Here’s a brief look at old favorites and new showstoppers.

CURRENTLY OPEN • Pass Over (August Wilson Theatre; passoverbroadway.com) inspired

by Waiting for Godot and the Exodus story, Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu’s set her play on an urban street corner.

• Hadestown (Walter Kerr Theatre; hadestown.com) 2019’s Tonywinning musical follows the overlapping love stories of Orpheus & Eurydice and Hades & Persephone with a mashup score of New Orleans jazz and American folk music.

• Waitress (Ethel Barrymore Theatre; telecharge.com) Broadway welcomes the return of the pie-centric Sara Bareilles-scored hit musical. Based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film, the current resurrection is clearly cause for celebration.

VACCINE & MASK POLICY FOR ALL THEATERS Theatregoers must show proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine. “Fully vaccinated” means performance date is at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose vaccine.

Masks are also required inside the theater, except while eating or drinking in designated locations. For more information, please visit nycgo.com.

Girl From The North Country (Jeannette Bayardelle & CAST) ©Matthew Murphy

Moulin Rouge

FALL ARRIVALS September 14th • Chicago (Ambassador Theatre; chicagothemusical.com) It picked up a Tony for Best Musical Revival back in 1997 and re-enters the Broadway fray as one of its fiercest hits.

• Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre; hamiltonmusical.com) Lin Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is back, so if you’re primed for the hottest take on history ever, join the line.

• The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre, lionking.com) Disney’s 1997 Tony-winning stage adaption of its animated blockbuster is a visual knock-out and ready for audiences of all ages.

• Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre; manhattantheatreclub.com) It’s the 1960s as Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson takes on 20 characters in honor of the woman who raised him.

• Wicked (Gershwin Theatre; wickedthemusical.com) Long-running with no end in sight, this outstanding Ozian musical showcases a green heroine with a surprising BFF. All in all, witchin’!

• David Byrne’s American Utopia (St. James Theatre; americanutopiabroadway.com) Mr. Byrne and his international troupe of multi-talented musicians offer theatregoers a killer concert/theatrical event.

September 17th • Six (Brooks Atkinson Theatre; sixonbroadway.com) Each of Henry VIII’s wives—portrayed by original cast members—finally gets her solo moment in a contemporary concert spotlight.

September 21st • Come From Away (Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre; comefromaway.com) On 9/11/01, airline passengers and Gander, Newfoundland natives were thrown together into an extraordinary situation captured in this equally extraordinary musical.

September 23rd • Chicken and Biscuits (Circle in the Square Theatre; chickenandbiscuitsbway.com) A comedy with a “funeral” twist arrives on Broadway with stars Norm Lewis (Porgy and Bess), and Michael Urie (Ugly Betty).

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63

September 24th • Is This a Room (Lyceum Theatre; vineyardtheatre.org) Taken from FBI transcripts, this true-life drama tracks the interrogation of a former Air Force linguist surprised at home by the FBI in 2017.

• Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Al Hirschfeld Theatre; moulinrougemusical.com) Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film translated to a spirited stage romp of glorious proportions.

September 25th • The Lehman Trilogy (Nederlander Theatre; thelehmantrilogy.com) The acclaimed epic play tracking three generations of the family who helmed Lehman Brothers investment bank. Sell-outs predicted.

September 26th • The Tony Awards will be presented for the 2019/2020 season.

September 28th • Aladdin (New Amsterdam; aladdinthemusical.com) What’s not to love about this Disney musical romcom culled from the animated classic? Genie kicks off this wild magic carpet ride with all its family-friendly wonder.

October 1st • Dana H. (Lyceum Theatre; vineyardtheatre.org) This harrowing true story about a woman held captive in a series of motels, has been adapted by her son, playwright Lucas Hnath. Running in rep with Is This a Room.

• Thoughts of a Colored Man (Golden Theatre; thoughtsofacoloredman.com) “Spoken word, slam poetry, rhythm and humor” work together to propel the inner voices of Black men for today’s theatregoers.

October 5th • To Kill a Mockingbird (Shubert Theatre; tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com) Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed stage version of the Harper Lee classic is back with original cast members Celia KeenanBolger and Jeff Daniels.

October 7th • Freestyle Love Supreme (Booth Theatre; freestylelovesupreme.com) Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail and Antony Veneziale created this improv musical. Red hot and big buzz all the way.

October 8th • Caroline, or Change (Studio 54; roundabouttheatre.org) The first Broadway revival of the Tony Kushner-Jeanine Tesori musical about an African-American maid and the family she serves.

• Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre; tinaonbroadway.com) It’s more than a challenge not to dance and sing along with the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll in this mega-musical bio!

• Girl From The North Country (Belasco Theatre; northcountryonbroadway.com) Set in a Harry Potter & the Cursed ChildManuel guesthouse during the Great Depression, Conor McPherson’s latest taps into the Bob Dylan ©Harlan Photography songbook for a poignantly beautiful musical.

October 16th • Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations (Imperial Theatre; ainttooproudmusical.com) Rock & Roll Hall of Famers/ Motown icons come to life in this retro-awesome musical.

October 21st • Jagged Little Pill (Broadhurst Theatre; jaggedlittlepill.com) Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s Grammy-winning album, the plot of this Tony-nominated musical follows a deceptively perfect family.

• Mrs. Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre; mrsdoubtfirebroadway.com) Tony-nominee Rob McClure takes on Robin Williams’ seminal dude-turned-nanny role in this long-anticipated stage musical.

October 22nd • The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic Theatre; us.thephantomoftheopera.com) Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony-winning masterpiece is primed to share its “Music of the Night” in its Broadway digs once more.

October 29th • Trouble in Mind (American Airlines Theatre; roundabouttheatre.org) Originally set to debut in the 1950s, this look at racism in the theatre industry is finally primed to reach its Broadway audience.

November 2nd • Diana: The Musical (Longacre Theatre; thedianamusical.com) You know the story, now get ready for the musical that was a major prepandemic draw at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse!

November 3rd • Clyde’s (Helen Hayes Theatre; 2st.com) Pulitzer Prize winner Lynne Nottage’s funny and moving new work unfolds in a truck stop staffed by former inmates.

November 5th • The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill Theatre; bookofmormonbroadway. com) Hilarious, irreverent and winner of 9 Tonys in 2011… proof positive nothing is sacred in the hands of creators Trey Parker & Matt Stone.

November 11th • Flying Over Sunset (Vivian Beaumont Theater; lct.org) When Cary Grant, Aldous Huxley and Clare Booth Luce tried LSD in real life, little did they know it would become fodder for a fabricated musical.

November 12th • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre; harrypottertheplay. com) Revamped into a single performance, HPATCC can’t help but retain the magic of Hogwarts for its newbie first years.

November 15th • Company (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre; companymusical.com) Gender takes a U-turn in this white-hot revival starring two Tony winners: Katrina Lenk (as Bobbie) and Patti Lupone (as Joanne). • 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE BEST OF BEST

BroadwayHD: MUSICALS FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

By Sara Wiesenfeld

ith Broadway gradually opening to audiences, fans continue to be yearning for shows they can watch from home. Hail BroadwayHD! This streaming service aims to do just that with its library of high-quality, professionally filmed live theater performances from Broadway and beyond. For more information on BroadwayHD, visit broadwayhd.com. Here are some of the most popular musicals to catch in the next few months.

KINKY BOOTS MISS SAIGON 42ND STREET Inspired by actual events, the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier-winning musical Kinky Boots tells the story of two people with nothing in common—or so they think. Charlie (played

by Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly) is a factory owner struggling to save his family business. Lola (played by Matt Henry, who won an Olivier Award) is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. But, with a bit of compassion and understanding, the unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettos, unlike any the world has ever seen! With music by the incomparable Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots is sure to raise you!

The spectacular, 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of this acclaimed new production of the global stage sensation was described as “the most thrilling, soaring and emotionally stirring musical with magnificent performances” by the Daily Telegraph and “the greatest musical of all time” by the Daily Mail. Starring Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada, the epic love story tells the tragic tale of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with American GI Chris—but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

Come and meet those dancing feet!

BroadwayHD filmed this incredible West End production of 42nd Street specifically for the streaming service with the late, great theater producing and directing visionary Mark Bramble directing for the screen. With the most extensive cast on the West End (50 actors) tapping in unison, the show tells the story of famed theater director Julian Marsh. The play depicts how he tries to mount a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression with diva Dorothy Brock and fresh-faced chorus girl Peggy Sawyer.

THE KING AND I

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

SHE LOVES ME

Set in 1860s Bangkok, this gorgeous musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship between the King of Siam (played by Tony Award nominee Ken Watanabe) and Anna (played by Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara). In an imperialistic world, Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. With one of the finest scores ever written, including: “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You,” and “Shall We Dance,” and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King and I is a testament to the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theater.

Inspired by the Oscar-winning MGM film, this breathtakingly beautiful Tony Award musical tells the vibrant story of discovering love in the City of Light.

Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin (including the classic hits “’S Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm”), stunning designs, and showstopping choreography. Jerry Mulligan is an American GI striving to succeed as a painter in a city suddenly bursting with hope and possibility. Following a chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer named Lise, the streets of Paris become the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship, and love in the aftermath of war.

On June 30th, 2016, She Loves Me was the first Broadway musical ever to be livestreamed worldwide! With an incredible cast led by Zachary Levi, Laura Benanti, and Jane Krakowski, 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 blossom once their identities are finally revealed? •

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

THEY’RE BACK: MARVEL UNIVERSE SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF TEN RINGS PG-13 Marvel is storming back in theaters again, with this action flick based on the Asian superhero born in the comics in 1973. Shang-Chi stars Simu Lu, a Chinese-Canadian known for his martial arts prowess and stunt work, and Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung. Expect a strong Asian bent to this MCU flick, with lots of fights. It is MCU, after all.

LOTS OF LAUGHS THE DUKE R This weird and wonderful true story stars Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren as a British couple who, in 1961, steal a Goya portrait of the Duke of Wellington from London’s National Gallery. Put two acting pros together in an utterly charming caper tale, and you’ve got The Duke, a movie you have to see to believe.

QUEENPINS R Laughing together in a packed movie theater is a quintessentially fun experience, and this movie has got the acting chops to make that happen. From The Good Place pals Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste to Annie Mumolo, Vince Vaughn, Joel McHale, Stephen Root, and Paul Walter Hauser, the cast is full of funny people. But, of course, the scam at the heart of the story is pretty comical, too–and inspired by a true story.

THRILLS AND CHILLS THE CARD COLLECTOR R Oscar Isaac stars in this dark offering from director Paul Schrader (American Gigolo, Affliction) that follows the exploits of a gambler whose past life refuses to stay buried. Tiffany Haddish takes a serious turn here, too, along with Willem Dafoe and Tye Sheridan, in this twisty revenger thriller that forces our antihero to return to his checkered past.

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CRY MACHO PG-13 Clint Eastwood is the toughest 91-year-old actor-director on the planet. Yet, he keeps working, this time making an adaptation of Cry Macho, the 1975 novel that chronicles an eventful trip from Mexico to Texas.

Eastwood is a washed-up rodeo star who takes on the job of transporting a Mexican boy away from his alcoholic mother; the ensuing road trip turns into quite the contretemps before it’s over.

MALIGNANT R Director James Wan of Saw fame went on to bigger Hollywood things (Aquaman, Furious 7); now he’s back in the world of thrills and chills with this scary story of a woman who sees visions of real-life murders. Annabelle Wallis stars as the unfortunate woman along with co-stars George Young, Maddie Hasson, and Ingrid Bisu, who is also credited with creating the original story.

EMOTIONAL RIDES BLUE BAYOU R Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander stars opposite Justin Chon in this story of an American family torn apart because of prejudice. A searing look at the United States immigration policies that seem designed to separate families, this film was also directed and written

by Chon, who is best known for his award-winning 2017 film Gook.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN PG-13 This cinematic adaptation of the hit Tony-Award-winning Broadway musical follows the story of Evan, a teenage boy whose letter takes on a life of its own—and sweeps him along with it. Kaitlyn Dever, Danny Pino, Amy Adams, and Julianne Moore costar, along with Ben Platt, who won a Tony for his role as Evan in the show.

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE PG-13 Ready to delve into the weird lives of that wigged-out televangelist couple Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker? Surprisingly, this one is a drama, not a comedy, as it chronicles those two scammers as they hoodwink the American public during their long con that happened throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield star as the slimy pair, with Vincent D’Onofrio joining in as Jerry Falwell, another distasteful Christian televangelist of the time. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

REBOOTS WITH A TWIST DOOGIE KAMEALOHA, M.D. Disney+ It seems there are always child geniuses among us, which explains this reboot of the classic TV series Doogie Hauser, M.D. That one from 1985 starred Neil Patrick Harris as an L.A.-based teenage physician; this new version has a Hawaiian teenage girl in the role.

She’s still known as Doogie and is still a genius, but the rest is all fresh, created by Kourtney Kang, the executive producer of Fresh Off the Boat.

THE WONDER YEARS ABC Another much-beloved ‘80s sitcom returns to prime time as The Wonder Years returns, this time following a Black kid through the trials and tribulations of growing up in the 1960s and ’70s. Elisha Williams stars as the awkward 12-year-old boy whose life is remembered by his older self, played as the show’s narrator this time by Don Cheadle. The show is produced by Lee Daniels and, ironically, by Fred Savage as well, who starred in the original.

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS AMERICAN RUST Showtime Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney lead the cast of this Pennsylvania “Rust Belt” drama that centers on a small-town police chief who finds a dead body in the community’s abandoned steel mill. Twists and turns and emotional moments follow in this series based on Phillip Meyer’s award-winning novel of the same name.

FBI: INTERNATIONAL CBS Producer Dick Wolf adds another FBI show to his prolific TV presence; this one follows the U.S. agency overseas. Set in Prague and starring Luke Kleintank and Heida Reed as the boss agents, you can expect to see lots of exotic locales and bad guys from across the world in this one.

70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

IMPEACHMENT: AMERICAN CRIME STORY FX Producer Ryan Murphy brings back has award-winning truecrime anthology series with Impeachment, a look at the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal. With his usual fine cast—Clive Owen as Clinton and Beanie Feldstein as Lewinsky, along with Edie Falco as Hillary Clinton and Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp—this one’s sure to keep political junkies riveted to the small screen.

NCIS: HAWAII CBS The U.S. Navy has always been a part of the Hawaiian landscape since 1898, when America annexed the country.

So why not bring an NCIS TV team to the beautiful shores of Oahu? This latest spinoff of the hugely successful series has a twist, as the special agent in charge here is a woman, played by Vanessa Lachey.

Great scenery and more stories of murder and mayhem are on the agenda here.

Q-FORCE Netflix This adult animation series stars Sean Hayes as Agent Mary, a gay secret agent for the “American Intelligence Agency,” whose life changed the moment he came out. Now, in this comical action cartoon tale, Agent Mary and his merry band of LGBTQ operatives do everything they can to prove to the powers that be that they can catch just as many criminals as the straight guys. Gary Cole, David Harbour, and Wanda Sykes also lend voices to the mayhem.

WORTH Netflix As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 happens this September, this film’s release couldn’t be timelier. Worth explores the true story of Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney tasked by Congress with placing a monetary value (a “worth”) on the lives lost in those terrorist attacks. Michael Keaton stars in this emotional movie, along with Stanley Tucci and Amy Ryan as the people who must address the true cost of that still-unbelievable day’s tragedies. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

UPDATING

WHERE LIVE COMEDY MEETS BLIND DATING

By Harrison Fornan

hen I started a comedy blog back in 2017, I had no idea where it would take me or just how far it would go. I was 26, single, living in San Francisco with a great job at Facebook, and like most people, I was also looking for companionship. It’s no secret the pandemic made nearly everything more complex, including dating—even before coronavirus, dating was never easy to navigate.

The awful dates I’ve been on could fill this entire magazine. So, on one date already going down the drain, I decided to stream it live with permission, of course. It just took off; I had no idea people would be interested in my dating life. Soon I was giving halftime reports and running to the bathroom in the middle of a date to ask my growing virtual audience questions like: “My date just ordered a scorpion bowl. For herself. Is that weird?”

Brandon Berman and Harrison Forman

CREATING A NEW WAY OF DATING That’s when Brandon Berman contacted me and eventually became my co-producer and partner in UpDating. While I was exposing my dating life to the Internet, Brandon was in New York, spending nights performing standup and mornings as an intern at The Howard Stern Show. Then, a mutual colleague connected us. Despite being on opposite ends of the country, we became friends and set out to create a show that fuses dating and comedy unlike anything seen before.

In February of 2018, Brandon was having dinner with friends, and in true form, providing mock commentary about a date at a nearby table when it dawned on him: dates in front of a live audience. Before I knew it, I was on a plane, making a big move to New York City to bring the UpDating show to life.

We knew we wanted to use comedy to showcase brutally honest dating moments, and audience participation would make Updating a hit. But we needed a twist to tap into the awkwardness of first dates. It came to us while watching old episodes of The Dating Show, a long-running series that inspired shows like The Bachelor and Temptation Island. Let’s blindfold the daters, so they must make a connection having no idea what the other person looked like.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL That winter, 30 people attended our first show at a taqueria in Tribeca. When an audience member crashed a date and two singles shared a blindfolded kiss, the crowd went wild, and many asked about the next show date. It was then we knew UpDating could become a nationally recognized live dating show.

After three years and 80+ shows, we are selling out venues with crowds of 200+ people. What attracts people to UpDating is the unfiltered and unpredictable moments that happen. No two shows are the same—from audience members crashing dates to the mother of one dater pulling her daughter off stage before the blindfolds were removed.

People often ask us to describe a typical dater we would cast on the show. The truth is, with UpDating, typical is not in our vocabulary, and that is the beauty of our show. Instead, we cast everyday New Yorkers who are open-minded and ready to try something new. Our goal with UpDating has been to bring comedy and authenticity into the world of modern dating, and it has turned into something relatable and entertaining that Brandon and I can’t wait to grow.

For more information on UpDating, visit updatingshow.com. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73

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PET SPOTLIGHT

PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP PET PRODUCTS THAT GIVE BACK

By Melanie Carden

umanitarian goals are sometimes lost in the shuffle of our day-to-day lives. There are so many areas of need in our communities—and abroad—it can be a challenge to decide where to put our energy first. We’ve curated this list of pet-related products to help you extend your philanthropic reach. By choosing products with giveback programs, you’re making a difference on this planet. Remember, acts of generosity and kindness are cumulative. So add some of these fantastic products to your shopping list—and let’s give back together!

CALM + KIND LOVE IS IN THE AIR HOLLYWOOD STAR POWER Calmaroos are the soothing buddies your pup or kitty needs for storms, separation, or just for cuddling. With the gentle pitter-patter of a heartbeat—your bestie will be at ease. In addition, two pounds of food are donated to shelters in the US and Canada with every purchase. Info: calmeroos.com.

“I and love and you” are a fun name for a pet food brand, but these folks are serious rescue warriors! Not only do they sponsor a Rescue of the Month program, but they have also donated more than 1.2 million meals to date. They’re dog and cat food—and treats—promise happy tummies! Info: iandloveandyou.com.

Ed Begley, Jr. has hundreds of films to his name. You may know him from the 80’s drama “St. Elsewhere” or, better yet, the hilarious dog-centric comedy “Best in Show.” Begley’s Natural Pet Shampoo helps support several charities such as the LA Department of Animal Services, Orangutan Republik Fund, and the Plastic Pollution Coalition. Info: begleyliving.com.

CARDBOARD KITTY CASTLE

LOVABLE BRUTE

LOOPED & READY

Cardboard Cat Homes—founded by two MIT graduates—provides free cardboard cat homes and shelter scratchers. Even better news, you can get one on these cuties too! This super-easy to assemble cardboard kitty huts are your regal feline’s dream come true. With hideaway nooks and affordable prices, it’s an easy “yes.” Info: cardboardcathomes.com.

If you follow food nutrition, you know—bone broth is powerful goodness. Brutus Broth brings that nutrition to your dog’s bowl. Plus, every month, sister founders Kim Hehir and Sue Delegan donate time, money, and product to over 25 shelters and petfocused organizations throughout the country. They also have an ongoing partnership with Project K-9 Hero. Info: brutusbroth.com.

Carrying a bag of dog poo on a long walk can be a drag. Entrepreneur Beth Herriman of Maine just made it easier.

Her hands-free solution—The Dooloop— attaches to your leash—easy, breezy! She currently donates 20% of her profits to the NAACP. A great invention with good intentions. Info: thedooloop.com.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75

CUSTOM CATIOS Kitties thrive when they have access to safe, outdoor enclosures, often called cat patios or catios. Catio Spaces offers a bespoke approach with their custom-built enclosures.

In addition, they donate 10 percent of any affiliate sales to charity and co-host the Catio Tour Seattle, which helps raise funds for PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society). Info: caatiospaces.com.

UN-BEE-LIEVABLE GENEROSITY Harry Barker is a stylish, one-stopshopping resource for your ritzy little rascal. From clothes to treats—they’ve got it covered. But their love extends beyond dogs. These fantastic folks create specially designed goods to help various animal charities, including marine life and veteran support dogs. For example, the adorable Honey Bee Treat Bag featured here supports—you guessed it—Planet Bee Foundation! Info: harrybarker.com.

The Natural Pet Relief Option.

Natural Grass

Odor Control

Natural Absorption

Interlocking Trays

LAUNDRY & LITTER, OH MY! Eliminate cat and dog odors with Skout’s Honor. This robust line of environmentally and socially conscious pet products offers a nearly endless array of solutions. Their unique laundry boosters and litter box deodorizers get two paws up. For every bottle they sell, they donate a day’s worth of food to animals in need—over 6.5 million meals to date. Info: skoutshonor.com.

NEW YORK, NY

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER MARLAINA TEICH, INTERIOR DESIGNER

By Patricia Canole

he’s one of the best interior design inspirations of all time who has created home projects with an unbelievable source of luxury ideas.

So, who is this design wonder woman?

Marlaina Teich whose vision is to give the most personalized and proper interior for her client’s lifestyle. She assures that each interior is tailor-made to their requirement and delivers the best in every aspect. The best thing about her studio, Marlaina Teich Designs, is the blend of practicality and luxury, resulting in a bespoke design that accentuates the environment.

Marlaina Teich Designs focuses on exclusive residential and commercial interior design projects in Manhattan, Long Island, and beyond.

Her design and project expertise encompasses everything from a one-room makeover to a complete renovation.

Marlaina surrounds herself with a team of successful professionals who provide architecture, decorating, lighting, and textile design expertise and provide high-end, timeless projects with contemporary style. She combines luxurious textures and finishes, custom furniture, and unique accessories to create the homes of her clients’ dreams, whether the client prefers traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between.

Marlaina’s interiors all showcase her signature sense of sophistication and upscale glamour.

Marlaina started her career in fashion, eventually falling in love with the world of interior design and home furnishings. The seasonal changes, different textures, patterns, fabrics, and colors excited and inspired her. Today, Marlaina draws her inspiration from nature, art, architecture, and her travels abroad.

As a featured designer on the Emmy awardwinning home improvement show George To The Rescue, Marlaina works with George Oliphantand his team to deliver beautiful homes for deserving families. She has also appeared in national publications, including Traditional Home, California Homes, Renovation Style, and Better Homes and Gardens.

Marlaina has participated in many charitable projects throughout her career and is active in several designer-related organizations. Currently, she is serving as Founding Member and Past President of the Designers and Builder’s Alliance of Long Island—a coalition of top designers and builders that raises funds for local charities.

78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

What is unique about your work as a designer?

My style is unique to each project I approach; however, I always incorporate my signature mix of color, pattern, and texture into the design aesthetic. In addition, I pride myself on taking a personalized approach to every client and their unique needs, lifestyles, and personalities.

What does good design mean to you?

Good design can connect the client’s personality with beautiful aesthetics, and all those things fit their needs—both beauty and function.

How do you find those creatives—artists, furniture makers, fabric designers to keep your company current.

Social media is a great place to connect with other creatives. Platforms such as Instagram provide an endless source of both information and in spiration.

Marlaina Teich

Is there a perfect mix of talent and personality that’s required to create a successful project?

Talent and personality are equal parts in the process of a successful project. One of my favorite parts of the design process is the personal connection I form with the client and how I can best create a beautiful spacethat fits their needs. Being able to connect with the client and make themfeel comfortable and excited about the design process allows them to open up in a way where I can learn about them, their needs, and their design desires. Then, once that ingredient is unlocked, I can bring all the pieces together to create a space that is a solution to their needs and is a unique reflection of them.

Have there been any special projects you’re most proud of?

Our design for Beautiful People Salon brought interiors beyond their decorative purpose and focused on a marketing approach by creating a fully branded environment. The BP “Instagrammable wall” attracts guests’ attention when they walk through the front doors. Perpendicular to this wall is the BP sketch floral wall, where the brand’s logo and products for customers to purchase are displayed on shelving within vintage frames. The design of each of these moments engages visitors by encouraging them to snap a photo of their new looks and post it to social media.

Conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown and executed when there were limited installation crews, social distancing guidelines, and strict sanitary conditions, we challenged our design team to think innovatively and move quickly. With these elements considered, this project was awarded an International Design Award, which my team and I are very proud of!

Now to TV: Tell us more about your appearances on the Emmy-awardwinning George to The Rescue. Do you apply the same perspectives for TV programs as you do for private clients?

At the core, our design process is the same for our projects on George to The Rescue as it would be for our private clients. The client and their needs come first.

Our most recent project was for 15-year-old Paralympic swimmer Anastasia Pagonis, who lost her eyesight completely. This project posed an exciting challenge where we had to put more substantial importance on the tactile experience of design rather than the visual. So, the question became, how can we design a space that looks great on TV and feels just as great in person?

Challenging? Yes, but it led us to focus on light sensitivity, accessibility solutions, and tactile experiences through materials and technology.

For Marlaina Teich, each project has its own merits, but her greatest strength as a designer lies in her amazing ability to channel her clients’ desires.

For more information on Marlaina Teich, visit mtdny.com. •

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79

NEW YORK, NY

MY NEW YORK STORY MICKELA MALLOZZI’S, TV’S DANCING QUEEN

By Patricia Canole

herever she may land, Mickela Mallozzi quickly makes tracks for local music and dance scenes.

Her New York Emmy Award-winning PBS show, Bare Feet With Mickela Mallozzi, takes her loyal followers into the world of travel coupled with dance.

The longtime dancer, instructor, and incurable traveler has been experiencing the world one dance and music tradition at a time, increasingly attracting a national audience, with the growth of her half-hour show on PBS stations around the country.

It all began as a blog in 2010, which grew into a website and finally a TV series. These days, she spends much of her time in New York City, with frequent stops in Stamford, Connecticut to visit family.

However simple her aspirations, Mallozzi and her crew have managed to create a popular show which fills a unique niche in the travel-show market. So, whether you see her in a feathered Carnival costume, doing a Mexican hat dance, or dancing up a storm in Croatia, it’s all authentic.

For Mallozzi, every swirl makes traveling around New York City and beyond a fun, engaging experience indeed.

80 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Cyprus - Mickela Mallozzi learning Oriental Dance in Cyprus with Sylvia Serena ©Shoot My Travel

Tell our readers your story and where you grew up.

I grew up in Stamford, CT, in an immigrant home.

My parents are both from a small town in southern Italy, and I was raised with the Italian language, food, culture, music, dance, and traditions—all of it in the home! I was also fortunate enough to have music lessons in piano and various instruments. As a result, I was a very musical child, always putting on shows with my cousins in our living room for my family.

Nothing much has changed—only now it’s a larger audience!

Mickela Mallozzi ©Bridget Palardy

I moved to New York when I was 18 to attend New York University for music composition, and I stopped dancing for several years. I eventually worked in the music industry for about six years, and I quickly realized that I couldn’t be as creative as I wanted, even though I was working in a creative industry. So, I quit, started dancing again, and eventually became a full-time dance teacher and performer. Over time, I missed the business side of my work, and Bare Feet was born from that melding of both my creative and entrepreneurial sides.

What inspired you to dance, travel, and create Bare Feet?

The first international trip that I did solo was to Edinburgh, Scotland, for a wedding. The day before the wedding, I attended a Scottish Ceilidh dance class in a sheep barn to teach all the American guests how to dance to Scottish Reels. Little did I know that experience would plant a seed for my life’s work and future career! I fell in love with travel. I would save to travel internationally—and cheaply—once a year every year after that. And on my trips, I would use dance to connect with and communicate with locals. And from those dance interactions, other doors would open. I realized that using dance to connect with locals was a magical way to immerse myself in a culture.

Then, in the middle of the night in January 2010, I had an “ah-ha!” moment with the idea of what Bare Feet is today—to create a TV show using dance as that jumping-off point for storytelling. And here we are today!

What is Bare Feet’s mission?

I hope to inspire others to travel with more intention and connect with local cultures than just traveling to get the perfect Instagram picture. To me, that’s what travel is all about. I happen to use dance and music to facilitate that conversation.

Why do you think dance is such a great way to connect with other cultures?

Dance and music are universal languages, and for me, those are my love languages too. The smile on my face that you see in every episode when I’m dancing with people is genuine. I’m having the time of my life, and those folks can feel it too!

I’m so appreciative of them sharing their dance and music culture with me; they feel more open, comfortable, and willing to share something precious to them as well.

Mickela Mallozzi learning tin whistle in Doolin with Christy Barry ©lilDragon

You’re an avid traveler, having seen a world the rest of us only dream about. Any good tips on traveling?

I love to go back to places that I enjoyed and where I made friends. It is lovely to return to a destination if you feel a connection and explore it even further. With travel still getting back on its feet, local travel is on the rise, and supporting local businesses is what’s essential right now. Plus, you’ll feel even more connected to your neighborhood, town, city, and state!

What are some of the best must-see places in the world for dance and music?

The top of my list is Ireland. I’ll be hosting our next round of Bare Feet Tours in Ireland in 2022, where you can travel with me, exploring destinations through the lens of dance and music. Future trips will include tango in Argentina and flamenco in Spain, and more to come!

What’s in the Bare Feet crystal ball? Are there any upcoming projects?

We are currently in production for Season 5 of Bare Feet! I am delighted to return to another Bare Feet in NYC season, traveling within the five boroughs of NYC. However, this time we are highlighting the recovery of New York City through the arts and local businesses.

As with any episode and season of Bare Feet, we always show that the arts are essential, but I think with this new season, that message is more important than ever! So, if you see us filming in your neighborhood, please say, “Hi!” For more information on Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, visit travelbarefeet.com. • SEPTEMBER 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81

NEW YORK, NY

TIME OUT WITH… LAURIE GELMAN, AUTHOR

By Elizabeth Darwen

uthor and broadcaster Laurie Gelman recently released her new Novel, Yoga Pant Nation (Henry Holt & Company), the third book in Gelman’s Class Mom series. The book follows Jen Dixon, the lead character in the series, entering her final year as a class mom. It starts as a breeze until the PTA president asks her to champion the school’s annual fundraiser, a notoriously challenging job that, as we know, is right up Jen’s alley.

As ever, when life gets crazy, humor is Jen’s best stress relief. Her acerbic emails to the class parents and friendly spars with her daughter over how organic is organic enough for baby food will have readers laugh aloud and text Jen’s best lines to their friends.

Laure Gelman ©lauriegelman.com

The author and former broadcaster currently lives in New York City with her husband Michael Gelman, executive producer of Live with Kelly and Ryan, and their two teenage daughters.

New York Lifestyles sat down with Laurie to discuss her time as a broadcaster, her transition to writing novels, her new book, and her family life.

Tell us about your early years.

I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, which is the capital of Canada. I graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

How did you get into broadcasting?

I got a summer internship as a newsroom assistant at a radio station in Toronto, Canada. That led to a job as an on-air talent at a start-up cable network, YTV. The rest was a slow but steady crawl to the middle. Then I relocated to the U.S., where I worked various positions, including Breakfast Time on FX, Fox After Breakfast, Good Morning America, and The Early Show on CBS as their pop culture correspondent.

What made you decide to become an author?

I spent twenty-five years as a broadcaster in both Canada and then the United States. When I turned fifty and realized that broadcasting was no longer an option, I knew I needed to do something to sate my creativity. At the same time, I was enduring a journey through the PTA at my daughters’ school. After a few failed attempts at writing a children’s book, I decided to write a story loosely based on my adventures in volunteering at school.

How did your broadcasting background help your transition into an author?

Well, I did a lot of writing as a broadcaster, so I exercised that muscle daily. The difference when writing a novel is you don’t have to follow any set of facts. It’s like having the keys to the candy jar. You can make the world in your book anything you want. So that took some getting used to.

Are any of the stories in the Class Mom series based on your own experiences or someone that you know?

Except for Jen getting fired from being a class mom, all the stories in all three books are either from my crazy imagination or based on stories other moms have told me about the things that have happened to them.

Tell us about your family life and what you do on your off time living in New York City?

Over the last few years, I spent a lot of time promoting my books, Yoga Pant Nation being the third since 2017 following Class Mom and You’ve Been Volunteered and have has appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Watch What Happens Live, and The Talk, among others. There isn’t a lot of off time, but as a family, we love to go out for dinner together, usually exploring someplace new in another neighborhood. We have tried just about every kind of food that New York has to offer. ©Henry Holt & Co

For more information on Laurie Gelman, visit lauriegelman.com. •

82 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021

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