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columns. There is a nearly fully restored amphitheater, The Great Theatre, the city’s most spectacular site. Originally built in the first century A.D., and later reconstructed by the Romans between A.D. 41-117, the theatre is still used today for live musical performances, with a seating capacity of 8,000. Ephesus.us

The Library of Celsus

Another must-see in Ephesus is the façade of an architectural marvel commissioned in 110 A.D. as a funerary monument forTiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, who was buried there. One of the world’s largest libraries of its time, it held over 12,000 scrolls. Amidst the scrolls was a secret tunnel that led directly to a brothel, so the oldest joke in Turkey was for a husband to say “Honey, I’m going to the library to study,” but of course, once inside, he slipped into the brothel to study the oldest profession in the world. The interior was destroyed by a fire in 262 A.D., and an earthquake later destroyed the remaining façade. Archeologists rebuilt the façade in the 1970s.

At an authentic local restaurant, we had chicken and lamb kebabs, lamb chops, the famous yogurt dip, tahini, and Turkish pizza made of thin pita bread topped with tomato and herbs. Lunch finished with an enormous bowl of delicious and rare white figs.

Athens

Because we had teenagers with us, we braved the crowds at the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which has been restored quite a bit since I was last there. Restorations to this ancient site have been ongoing since 1975, with the most recent phase completed in 2020 and more in the works.

We rode up and down in the new elevator—yes, if you pay off the right guide, you can not only go to the front of the line, but you can also use the aforementionedelevator that was installed with funding from the Onassis Foundation, founded by Jackie Kennedy’s second and last husband, Aristotle Onassis. This modern innovation greatly improves accessibility to this site.

After our tour we headed to the Plaka, which is opposite the Grand Bretagne Hotel, still the best hotel in town.Marriott.com.We strolled in the shade and picked one of many local and authentic Greek restaurants, where we could order the divine grilled octopus. On your trip, grab a gelato after lunch from one of the spots and then shop and shop and shop. The prices are quite good, and there is a lot to choose from.

ThePanathenaic Stadium

We stopped at thePanathenaic Stadium,built in c. 330 B.C. for the Panathenaic Games (a combination of reli-

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gious, cultural, and athletic events). The marble stadium was the venue for the first modern Olympics held in the 1800s and was an Olympics venue for games in 2004. Nearby, we watched the changing of the guard in front of the Presidential Palace. The guards with black pom poms on their shoes, wearing tights, beige skirts, red hats, and long braids do a truly hilarious march that reminded me of the legendary Lipizzaner Horses in Vienna lifting their legs, prancingand pawing the ground.

Capri, Italy

We moored in Capri, one of my oldest stomping grounds, for lunch at one of the beach clubs and then drinks onthe Hotel Quisisana’s iconic terrace—this is still the island’s chicest hotel. Capri’s Grand Dame hotel has hosted Tom Cruise, Sting, Oscar Wilde, Gianni Agnelli, Gerald Ford, and Sartre. Although Capri’s main square has turned into a luxury mall, the views and the sea are the same as when Emperor Augustus discovered it and used it as a health spa.Quisisana.com

We took out the tender for a private tour around the island, taking in the dramatic coastline, the tiny coves, and grottoes surrounded by turquoise waters. This way, we were able to stop and visit a friend on their yacht, which was moored near the Blue Grotto. It’s the only way, really!

Archeology buffs should head to Villa Jovis, ruins of the largest and most sumptuous of 12 villas on Capri commissioned by Roman Emperor Tiberius in the first century A.D. The vast complex and its gardens were famously designed to cater to Tiberius’s debauched tastes, and its cliffside location required feats of engineering to provide water to the estate. The views are breathtaking from Salto di Tiberio—Tiberius’s Leap—a sheer cliff from which Tiberius had out-of-favor subjects and lovers hurled to their death into the sea. It’s the only way, really. P The Parthenon, Acropolis of Athens

Four Seasons, CasaBlanca

The Height of Luxury in Morocco

BY RYANN REYNOLDS

reaming of jetting to Morocco and resting at a prestigious resort-style hotel? The hip and avant-garde beachfront Four Seasons Hotel of Casablanca awaits you. Positioned atop Anfa Hill in Casablanca’s classiest neighborhood, this hotel enjoys a remarkable view of the vast Atlantic Ocean. This sleek getaway is just a quick 10 minutes from the business district and historic city center of Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a glitzy entrance accentuated by the lobby’s floor-toceiling windows that frame a jaw-dropping view of the deep blue expanse of sea. The mesmerizing landscape is the only true distraction from the unrivaled flower arrangements and highend jewelry that decorates the lobby. Think emerald-green jewels that parallel the vibe of the hotel’s bright and luscious lawn.

Once you’ve stepped into your holiday abode, you will notice a more European luxurious feel from your assigned room. The gorgeous marble

flooring and smart décor create a crisp ambiance. The peaceful bathroom, also lined with suave marble, may have floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive bathtub overlooking the beach and ocean. If the jaw-dropping view that overlooks the 100-year-old El Hank lighthouse is not entertaining enough, the bathroom does come equipped with a TV in the mirror for ultimate relaxation as you soak in your spa-grade bathtub. There is also a separate walk-in shower, leaving room for your travel companion to rinse as you bathe. The modern interior design of your room will also incorporate local Moroccan heritage by using traditional fabrics and brass finishings. These recommended rooms come equipped with private balconies, allowing you to enjoy an intimate breeze.

The ambitious hotel offers three on-site seaside restaurants. Bleu, the signature restaurant, has a menu inspired by its Atlantic location. It offers daily breakfast buffets and dishes featuring freshly caught seafood and fish. French executive chef Christophe Laplaza leans on Casablanca’s expansive coastal line for inspiration for his creative yet delicate menu. Featured dishes include the bisque shrimp with lemongrass rosemary jelly and cream cheese, the Atlantic fresh salmon with black rice herb jus, tomato, and paprika, along with other dreamy dishes curated from listening to the whispers of the sea.

The poolside eatery, Latitude 33, focuses on regional specialties that are encouraged to be shared. Chef Laplaza truly strives to create memorable culinary experiences that draw from local ingredients. Named for its geographical location, the 33rd parallel, this restaurant’s signature dish truly showcases Laplaza’s culinary talent while honoring Moroccan flavors. Here you can try The Crab, a Niçoise-style plate with fresh guacamole, vegetables, and an earthy tomato dressing.

For the most traditional meals, the outdoor terraces of the Mint offer all day dining options. Visit this elegant lobby lounge to enjoy a causal meal of authentic Moroccan specialties and light gourmet. While a five-star hotel isn’t usually the sought-out spot for tagine, this hotel’s interpretation is unpredictably delicious. It should be noted this is a dry hotel, with no alcohol on-site. The intoxicating views can be thoroughly enjoyed with craft mocktails and locally produced teas.

Putting dining aside, the hotel’s most impressive feature is its destination spa with treatments by Guerlain. The 90-minute Imperial Relaxing Massage is a must for anyone passing through Casablanca.

Visiting Casablanca is perfect for those attracted to seaside cities drenched in history, stunning architecture, and high-caliber dining. Guests of the Four Seasons Casablanca are supported by the hotel’s ability to create an experience tailored to unique desire. The hotel’s primary goal is to help reestablish a romantic connection to the Moroccan air and encourage visitors to see the land like a local. Carefully planned private tours can be booked through concierge service to help guide your experience of the White City. P

fourseasons.com

Four Seasons, Marrakech

Let Your Magical Moroccan Journey Begin

BY ALEX LAI

arrakech taught me color. Before Marrakech, everything was black.” That is the remark Yves Saint Laurent made after his trip to the region in 1966. While the legendary French couturier counted icons such as Betty Catroux and Catherine Deneuve as his muses during his 60-year career, a trip to Marrakech has become a bigger source for his endless imagination that materialized in countless avant garde designs. For anyone who intends to appreciate Saint Laurent’s sartorial ingenuity, it might be quite the lofty goal to immerse in his archival collections all day long, but the good news is that you could always plan your next stay at the Four Seasons Marrakech and invent your own color story this summer, in true haute couture fashion.

The stylish and well-appointed guest rooms of this luxurious resort offer the very best in comfort and privacy. In the sun-splashed Garden-View Terrace rooms, a passionate shade of tangerine lights up the interior through the wallpapers and cushions, and then fades into a softer yellow on the petals of the roses delicately arranged within the silver vase on the nightstand. After a rejuvenating night of sleep, wake up to splendid views of the lush green canopy of the resort gardens before getting ready for an eventful day ahead in the ivory full marble bathroom furnished with handcrafted Moroccan décor details. If you crave even more sweeping settings, you could not go wrong with the Pool-View Terrace Room, where you will catch the sun setting over the pool’s shimmering waters while sipping on a cup of mint tea or nous nous (half and half Moroccan style) with friends and family on your private balcony.

Step into Azzera, the pool side restaurant that offers something for everyone with its lunch and all-day menu; an assortment of avocados, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and prawns is mixed with red wine vinaigrette in the Cobb Gambas Salad. The Juicy Burger, as the name suggests, comes in a cerulean tray with dripping blue or cheddar cheese and a side of crispy golden fries. For the ones who appreciate a pleasant surprise, go for the Catch of The Day and explore new gastronomic depths in the daily fish selections and grilled vegetable skewers accentuated by taupe anais and ivy green parsley leaves.

Should you be enticed by true Moroccan flairs, make your way to the palm-fringed lounge at Inara, the restaurant modeled after a traditional riad located at the heart of the resort. Prepare to be mind blown by the slowcooked, dangerously flavorful beef stews textured with the aromas of prunes and apricots when you take the lid off the terracotta tagine. Rewind and rejoice with a sophisticated selection of handcrafted cocktails such as the Cosmoroccan centered around fresh mint leaves infused Grey Goose vodka and the rum based Daîqu’inara which draws refreshing sweetness from dates and passionfruit purée.

Last but not least, a good color story is never complete without strokes of inspiration that occur unexpectedly. With a breadth of activities both onsite and offsite, the Four Seasons Marrakech guarantees guests an enriched getaway with memories that will lasta lifetime. Start the day with a morning vinyasa yoga class, and then treat your group to an authentic Moroccan tea ceremony, where they will watch the traditional mint tea being prepared and poured. Capitalize on a Sunny afternoon by embarking on a two-wheeled adventure or a balloon ride that offers breathtaking views of the maze-like Medina and Atlas Mountain, before heading back to soak in the sunset while listening to the whispering fountains and live music in courtesy of their in-house band. Oh, and did I mention that there is a tour that grants you an insider view into the life of Yves Saint Laurent during a private estate visit?

Breathe in the magic that is Marrakech when you stay at Four Seasons Marrakech. P

Exploring theHudsonValley This Fall

BY LAUREN BENS

ind yourself in your own perfect fall postcard with the natural beauty of mountaintops and unobscured views of the Hudson River, plus charming Upstate inns and resorts, plenty of history, large estates, a vibrant art scene and much more when you escape to the Hudson Valley this season.

Where to Explore:

Just 30 miles north of New York City, nestled among 32,000 acres of untouched parkland is where you’ll find Rockland County. Situated along the majestic Hudson River, you will experience idyllic waterfront villages, mountain vistas, hiking trails, historic sites, art galleries, world-class restaurants, unique shopping, championship golf courses and more. Explore our parks and trails. Experience our rich history, and our thriving arts and culture scene. Enjoy exceptional cuisine and craft beer at Rockland’s award-winning restaurants and microbreweries. Fall foliage is a must see when traveling on the Palisades Interstate Parkway from the George Washington Bridge along the Hudson River all the way up to Bear Mountain. Stop along the way and take in the breathtaking river views. For a solo adventure or familyfun getaway any time of the year, visit Rockland County. With something for everyone, we guarantee you’ll be back time and time again!

rocklandgov.com explorerocklandny.com

What to Do:

Enjoy a tasting – or ten – at the award-winning Milea Estate Vineyard, which is located in Staatsburg, New York, halfway between Hyde Park and Rhinebeck. Founder Barry Milea’s family has a century of Hudson Valley farming roots, with his grandfather having farmed apples outside of Newburgh, NY during the prohibition era. Barry and his father purchased the original 25-acre farm in 1984 to be used as a getaway from their lives as successful car

and truck dealers in the South Bronx. Over the course of the next two decades, Barry became enchanted by winegrowing, especially in the Hudson Valley. He began making wine on the Estate with the assistance of local vintner’s. In 2016, at the behest of local viticultural experts, Barry and his wife Sang, purchased the adjoining farm in order to plant an 11-acre vineyard consisting primarily of Cabernet Franc and Central European varieties which thrive in the continental climate and glacially derived soils of the Hudson Valley. Now, Milea Estate farms 22 acres across 5 vineyards and intentionally sources grapes from partner growers across the great appellations of New York State.

Bruce Tripp, Milea Estate’s winemaker has nearly two decades of experience growing grapes and making wine in the Hudson Valley. He has received much recognition, including when his 2020 Cabernet Franc achieved the accolade of being named the best Cabernet Franc in New York at the Great American International Wine Competition. Russell Moss, an international vineyard and winery consultant, was consulting for Milea Estate Vineyard since he took a faculty position teaching viticulture at Cornell University. He now oversees the property as the day-to-day leader of Milea Family Wines. The winery also is also proud to offer an impressive culinary program.

mileaestatevineyard.com

Where to Stay:

Settle into the most romantic spot in the heart of the Hudson Valley when you stay at The Millbrook Inn. Located in a century old building which is situated on a country road dotted with lush farmland and grazing horses, this charming spot will have you feeling like you have just walked straight into a Hallmark movie. Having previously served as a boy’s dorm for the Greer School when it was founded in 1906, the building was reinvented as The Millbrook Inn in 2010 and has recently undergone a complete renovation and expansion under their new ownership which includes a restaurant and bar, which serves fresh farm-to-table finds, plus expanded gardens and greenspace. Each charming room of this American Colonial style inn also features its own unique décor.

themillbrookinn.com

How to Buy:

If you fall in love with this special and scenic part of New York this fall – which you surely will – contact Jason Karadus, co-founder-owner and Principal Broker of Corcoran Country Living. This Manhattanite who specializes in luxury listings, is focused on the picturesque areas of Millbrook and Rhinebeck. As one of the top power brokers in the US, Karadus has also expanded across the Hudson River, adding offices in Woodstock, Kingston, and Hudson, New York. His second home in Rhinebeck has now become his primary residence, and he wants to show clients why they will love the area as much as he does. P

Amelia Island

Shrimping, Pirates, and Wild Horses . . . Oh My!

BY JULIE SAGOSKIN

here in the Bahamas is that? That was a question I was asked repeatedly after sharing pictures of my trip to Amelia Island. I couldn’t blame anyone for asking—after all, each image featuring crystal-blue waters, relaxed island architecture, and wild horses was more picturesque than the next. Hardly anyone believed that this special slice of serenity is actually shark teeth.

Despite its small size, this secluded spot houses a diverse selection of cuisine and fresh local finds. I highly recommend Wicked BAO, which features some incredible Asian street food bites and a friendly owner who will give you the inside scoop on all her authentic creations. After dinner, set sail on a sunset cruise with Amelia River Cruise and Charters, where you might just catch a glimpse of local shrimping boats, and what really piqued my excitement levels, the island’s wild horses. For an intimate and special experience with a loved one or even a group of friends, Luxe Picnics by LES curates personalized picnics with gourmet treats and décor right on the beach.

Over recent years, Amelia Island has become home to some very popular breweries, with favorites including Macoma, located in an old 1950s car dealership, downtown’s Amelia Island Brewing Company, Marlin & Barrel, the island’s own distillery—this was a pirate town, after all—and family-owned First Love Brewing.

From upscale resorts to family friend stays, the island has a range of accommodations for getaways ranging from glam to casual, or both! Omni Amelia Island Resort, a five-star property with its own Pete Dye designed golf course and serene spa, also offers their unique Sprouting Dinner Project. Each themed dinner, from blooms to truffle, includes a tour of the resort’s state-of-the-art aquaponic greenhouse, expan-

located in Florida, just a short distance from Jacksonville near the Georgia border. Truth be told, the locals like that their secret spot still has some secrecy left to it.

With all the charm of a small Victorianinspired town, diverse ecosystems, plenty of outdoor activities, a rich pirate history, and historical sites—they are home to the Palace Saloon, the oldest bar in Florida—you do truly feel like you are far away from it all. From sporting tournaments to music festivals and everything in between—we’re talking a Miss Shrimp pageant as part of the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival to celebrate the island’s shrimping industry—to the popular Amelia Concours d’Elegance, a showcase of rare cars from private collections around the world, plus Dickens-inspired streets during the holiday season, there is something for everyone.

Kick your getaway off to an adventurous start with the family-owned Amelia Island Kayak Excursions team. They were even named one of the top kayaking companies in the country by USA Today. Paddle through the scenic marsh and take shade under the trees as you learn about the area’s unique attributes.

Enjoy perfect scenery rich with native plants and wildlife as you gear up for a hike or biking excursion through Fort Clinch, one of the most well-preserved 19th-century forts in the country. Check out the museum or explore the park with views of the biggest sand dunes in Florida. The shoreline is also home to a vast array of

sive organic gardens, the barrel room, and large collection of beehives.

The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is also home to world-class golf courses and the only AAA Five-Diamond rated restaurant in the state of Florida, Salt. After taking a Yoga Nidra class right in the midst of paradise, I am ready to sign up for their fall meditation retreat. Located just up the street from the beach, the latest Springhill Suites Amelia Island and Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island, connected properties, both offer a clean, modern spot for couples or families. Their Luna gallery, which features dozens of local artists, is part of The Hive, the social responsibility program of Innisfree Hotels, where all gallery commissions are donated to local causes.

You will also find some unique shopping destinations, one of my favorites being the husband-and-wife-owned Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, where patrons donated their own money during the pandemic to ensure they were able to stay in business. Take a piece of your getaway with you when you sign up for kindergarten class at The Julie Delfs Gallery downtown or try your hand at miniature playing at Duck Pinz Fernandina, which becomes a fun hot spot at night.

Visiting this special spot is now easier than ever with Breeze Airways announcing direct flights to JAX from several major cities. P

One More Reason To Celebrate In Miami Ultimate Getaway at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

BY SUCHETA RAWAL

Glitz, glamor, shopping, nightlife, suntans, and beaches—there are plenty of reasons to travel to the coveted Magic City. The ultimate playground for today’s jetsetter, Miami’s action-packed vibe and glamorous happenings are dynamic all year round. This year, one of the nation’s top resorts, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with luxuries designed to woo the most discerning travelers. An overthe-top Diamond Anniversary Experience awaits those who want to indulge themselves in the ultimate dining, shopping, and pampering available.

The extravagant getaway begins on board private jet transportation with evoJets from your getaway city to Miami, Florida. Once you arrive at the exclusive enclave in Miami Beach where The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort sits, you are welcomed by deep-blue Atlantic waters and expansive white-sand beaches. Striking chandeliers, a series of mirrored walls, and unique artwork welcome you into the opulent lobby. Grab a glass of champagne and make your way to your accommodations at the Presidential Suite on the 24th floor via a private elevator. The Resort features 216 guest rooms and suites with separate living and dining areas, galley-style kitchens, and wraparound glasswalled balconies offering breathtaking ocean views. And for the moments you feel you are too many steps away from the beach, you can relax at an elegantly decorated 600-square-foot Oceanfront Day Villa, featuring a plush daybed, shower, flat-screen television, and spacious and private patio.

The Diamond Experience includes two luxe Blue Diamond facials at the St. Regis Spa. The restorative treatment removes signs of stress

“AN OVER-THE-TOP DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE AWAITS THOSE WHO WANT TO INDULGE THEMSELVES IN THE ULTIMATE DINING, SHOPPING, AND PAMPERING AVAILABLE. ”

and renews aging skin using diamond-infused peptide complex and special ingredients. Linger on at the spa for a holistic wellness-focused treatment, such as the full-body Four Elements Couples Journey, or Abhyanga Ayurvedic treatment that promotes deep relaxation using Chakra points to calm, balance, renew, and reinvigorate the mind and body.

As part of the Resort’s 10-year celebration, you can enjoy your own exclusive dinner party at the famed St. Regis Wine Vault. A curated, globally inspired seven-course menu is created by Chef Ricardo Jarquin, each course carefully paired with fine wine and an elegant, handcrafted cocktail. Colorful fresh sashimi, chilled grand seafood tower with lobster tails, jumbo shrimp, seasonal oysters and crab claws, Asian tapas, and Italian Lobster Fra Diavolo are just some of the showstoppers at the dinner party. Expect to spend the entire evening indulging in food and drink, but arrive early to partake in the St Regis’ evening ritual of Champagne sabering, and linger on for a sip of The Peacock, featuring Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire, and lemon juice, garnished with a candied orange, elegant peacock feather, and gold dust (priced at $100 per glass).

Another experience you cannot miss during your stay is the signature Anniversary Afternoon Tea experience at La Gourmandise. Inspired by Mrs. Caroline Astor’s famous lavish receptions at her mansion on Fifth Avenue, the luxurious afternoon includes an assortment of teas, paired with delectable, savory tea sandwiches filled with truffle eggs, lobster and peas, and smoked salmon and dill, followed by petit fours and French macrons delicately placed inside a silver bird cage.

For a more laidback breakfast, head downstairs to Atlantikós. The blue-and-white interior transports you to the islands of Greece, where you can enjoy endless spreads of fresh-baked frittata, flaky croissants, baklava tarts, and homemade granola.

The unparalleled luxury getaway continues with a private styling experience at Bal Harbour Shops, located directly across from the Resort. The Bal Harbour Shops was the first luxury retail space of its kind, created in 1965 by visionary Stanley Whitman. The renowned shopping venue is home to the first Neiman Marcus to open outside its native of Texas, the first Gucci’s mall store, and the first Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and Santa Maria Novella stores top open outside of New York. After shopping for fashion, jewelry, and home décor at over 100 boutiques, make sure to take a break at one of the open-air cafés and restaurants at Bal Harbour Village, where you can feel the evening sea breeze and enjoy some of the hottest dining in Miami.

Finally, partake in a bespoke diamond jewelry design experience at De Beers, located at The St Regis’ lobby. Here you can try on their finest diamond pieces, such as the Portraits of Nature collection that heroes a butterfly’s breathtaking journey of personal transformation using colored diamonds, and even design your own signature ring, while enjoying a glass of champagne and no interruptions. Learn about each of the De Beers Jewelers rare and upcoming collections, their meaningful connection to nature and culture, and how the company ensures that diamonds create a lasting positive impact for the people and the places in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Canada.

A milestone year offers a rare chance to jet set at the glamorous oceanfront resort like never before. Pricing for this over-the-top Diamond Anniversary Experience at Miami’s best address,The St. Regis Bal Harbour, starts at $110,000, but the memories created are priceless. P

Enjoying The Suite Life The Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, DC

BY ALEX LAI

hen I walked through the quaint streets of Georgetown and entered the marble-floored lobby of the Four Seasons Washington DC, the iconic line from Scandal echoed in the back of my head: “Do you want to be a gladiator in a suit?” As pleasantly surprised as the heroine upon finding out that she had been selected for her dream job at the top political crisis management firm, I found myself falling instantly for the interior and ambience underpinned by a sense of smart sophistication native to the capital city.

Steps from world-leading institutions and historic monuments, the hotel is located at the crossroads of DC’s social and political hubs. I knew I was in good hands from the moment the friendly staff assisted me through a seamless check-in process. The Georgetown Suite, located on the fifth floor, welcomed me with sweeping views of the C&O Canal and Potomac River, quickly releasing my senses from the tethers of travel fatigue. Neutral tones of gray, beige, and white fill the space from wallpapers to bed linens, forming a calming and elegant gradient in juxtaposition. An epitome of the art of compartmentalization, the 1,220-square-foot room is designed in equally elegant fashion. It was effortless for me to set up healthy boundaries with work when there is a door that separates the bedroom and living room. Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?

Living as a gladiator in a suit means you are no stranger to time zones hopping. Luckily, the in-room dining service is committed to bringing the best of the DC food scene straight to your room. The Revitalizer, made from freshly

“YOU MIGHT HAVE TO RESERVE IT THREE DAYS IN ADVANCE, BUT WHAT BETTER WAY TO SOAK IN WHAT THIS TOWN HAS TO OFFER THAN A PRIVATE TWOHOUR CHAUFFEURED TOUR?”

squeezed green apple, orange, kale, and ginger, replenished my energy like an elixir, and going through my inbox felt way less dreadful when a plate sat right next to me, filled with delicately cooked medium-rare hanger steak, golden sunny-side ups, and steaming breakfast potatoes bathed in chimichurri sauce. For lunch I decided to swing by the Bourbon Steakhouse to meet up with a business partner, and the restaurant, led by the Michelin-starred chef Micheal Mina, truly brings the idea of power lunch to life. The White Gazpacho salad set the scene with Maryland crab tossed in herb oil and toasted marcona almonds, followed by the Connecticut Lobster Roll served with smooth brown butter, which segued into the main act of the show: pristine cuts of American and Japanese beef slow poached and cooked over a seasoned wood-fire grill to a mouthwateringly tender finish. This award-winning chef’s dramatic take on new American cuisine is delightfully delectable.

When the night falls, a gladiator in a suit knows how to unwind with class. After a long day of traipsing around the city, I could not wait another second to sink into the plush armchairs under the leather ceiling at the Georgetown Bar & Lounge, which offers handcrafted gourmet cocktails with tongue-incheek names to spice up your night. The wagyu fat-washed Woodinville bourbon and Cocchi Di Torino vermouth-based YOU GOT BEEF?! had as much smoke in its taste as in presentation, while the YOU’RE ON MUTE perfectly harnessed the revitalizing synergy of Ketel One vodka, matcha, and grapefruit in its clear body decorated with floral notes. Last but not least, the BSDC MANHATTAN prepared by the lead bartender, Mr. Engidawork Alebachew, is an experience that should not be missed—if you are as lucky as I was, you might be able to learn firsthand how he pivoted from bioengineering into hospitality while he deployed his mixology magic. When asked what I should try on my next visit, he suggested the Monuments by Moonlight tour, saying with a smirk, “You might have to reserve it three days in advance, but what better way to soak in what this town has to offer than a private two-hour chauffeured tour?”

Let’s just say I toasted to a very tasty and tasteful stay during my time in DC! P

“SMALL CHILDREN AND EVEN DOGS “SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME—AND EVEN DOGS ENJOY THE ARE WELCOME— EMERSON ENJOY THE EMERSON PUPGRADE OPTION, WHICH INCLUDES A PUPGRADE OPTION, WHICH INCLUDES A WELCOME BASKET WELCOME BASKET FEATURING A DOG FEATURING A DOG TOY, BOWL, TOY, BOWL, PLACEMAT, AND PLACEMAT, AND TREATS. ” TREATS. ”

For an enchanting getaway just a short drive from Manhattan, Emerson Resort and Spa is as charming as it gets. From indulging in tranquil spa treatments to outdoor activities, your Emerson experience can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be, and that even includes your accommodations. Choose to stay in The Inn, which is located in the same part of the resort as the restaurant and shops, or opt for more rustic surroundings at The Lodge. Surrounded by nature, this 20-acre boutique property, located in the town of Mount Tremper in the Catskill Mountains, offers everything from guided hikes to bike rides along their picturesque paths, to postcard painting and upscale dining options. Savor seasonal specialties at their signature Woodnotes Grille, where you can enjoy local smoked salmon, fresh fish, and brunch favorites. Coffee, pastries, and sandwiches are available from Ralph’s Café. Due to their Stay Safe Pledge, the resort is committed to ensuring all guests remain healthy with the most up-to-date sanitizing practices, and they continue to remain closed Tuesdays and Wednesdsays.

Get ready to recharge when you step through the door of the spa, which used to be part of a temple. Legend has it that once you step over the threshold, all negativity leaves and positive energy takes over. With services ranging from massages to body scrubs to their Biotec Skincare System, a series of anti-aging and energizing facials, you can keep the positive vibes going all vacation long. Other popular treatments include vegan nail care and hot and cold stone treatments. Don’t forget to try a body scrub with their divine seasonal oil.

With friendly staff throughout the property, don’t be surprised if they know your name by the end of your stay. The enchanting Emerson mixes rustic chic with modern comforts, especially after undergoing a six-million-dollar renovation, which is reflected in their public areas, 6,193-square-foot spa, and 53 spacious yet cozy rooms and suites. For a truly special stay, the Royal Suite looks out onto Esopus Creek and the wooded surroundings. Their Adirondack-style lodge, located just steps away from The Inn, offers all the comforts of a country home, with unique décor ranging from antler chandeliers to wood carvings, and is also ideal for large groups and families traveling together.

Named after the famed poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose love of nature is captured in his many poems, the Emerson pays tribute to Mr. Emerson with framed poems, classic books, and trays with his most inspiring words. These items can be found throughout the resort as well as in the rooms. After all, the Emerson is a place where Emerson himself would have felt inspired! The area itself has much history dating back to the 1800s, and it is now one of the best-kept secrets amongst

For an enchanting getaway just a short drive from Manhattan, Emerson Resort and Spa is as charming as it gets. From indulging in tranquil spa treatments to outdoor activities, your Emerson experience can be as relaxed or Manhattanites looking for an unpretentious yet upscale getaway. With two conference rooms, your employees can enjoy a relaxing retreat where they can get business done as usual—or rather unusual— with yoga, massages, and gourmet dining options. You can also say “I do” to the most adventurous as you want it to be, and that even romantic day of your life amidst the natural includes your accommodations. Choose to stay in The Inn, which is located in the same part of the resort as the restaurant and shops, or opt beauty of the Catskills. Their event spaces range from the Waterside Pavilion, offering for more rustic surroundings at The Lodge. views of Mt. Tremper and Esopus Creek, to the Surrounded by nature, this 20-acre boutique more intimate Great Room, intended for 60 property, located in the town of Mount Tremper guests or less, where you will find an imposing in the Catskill Mountains, offers everything chandelier and fireplace. The charming Cata from guided hikes to bike rides along their mount is the perfect place for stunning indoor picturesque paths, to postcard painting and events year-round. upscale dining options. Savor seasonal special- Located just a short drive from Woodstock, ties at their signature Woodnotes Grille, where Emerson boasts being home to the world’s you can enjoy local smoked salmon, fresh fish, and brunch favorites. Coffee, pastries, and sandwiches are available from Ralph’s Café. biggest kaleidoscope. You can also explore The Shops at Emerson, where various stores carry Due to their Stay Safe Pledge, the resort is com- seasonal items as well as unique gifts, includ mitted to ensuring all guests remain healthy ing goods from local artists, clothing, and with the most up-to-date sanitizing practices, artisanal food products, all located within a and they continue to remain closed Tuesdays converted 18th-century barn. and Wednesdsays. Small children and even dogs are welcome—

Get ready to recharge when you step through enjoy the Emerson Pupgrade option, which the door of the spa, which used to be part of a includes a welcome basket featuring a dog toy, temple. Legend has it that once you step over the threshold, all negativity leaves and posibowl, placemat, and treats. P tive energy takes over. With services ranging emersonresort.com

from massages to body scrubs to their Biotec Skincare System, a series of anti-aging and energizing facials, you can keep the positive vibes going all vacation long. Other popular treatments include vegan nail care and hot and cold stone treatments. Don’t forget to try a body scrub with their divine seasonal oil.

With friendly staff throughout the property, don’t be surprised if they know your name by the end of your stay. The enchanting Emerson mixes rustic chic with modern comforts, especially after undergoing a six-million-dollar renovation, which is reflected in their public areas, 6,193-square-foot spa, and 53 spacious yet cozy rooms and suites. For a truly special stay, the Royal Suite looks out onto Esopus Creek and the wooded surroundings. Their Adirondack-style lodge, located just steps away from The Inn, offers all the comforts of a country home, with unique décor ranging from antler chandeliers to wood carvings, and is also ideal for large groups and families traveling together.

Named after the famed poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose love of nature is captured in his many poems, the Emerson pays tribute to Mr. Emerson with framed poems, classic books, and trays with his most inspiring words. These items can be found throughout the resort as well as in the rooms. After all, the Emerson is a place where Emerson himself would have felt inspired! The area itself has much history dating back to the 1800s, and it is now one of the best-kept secrets amongst Manhattanites looking for an unpretentious yet upscale getaway.

With two conference rooms, your employees can enjoy a relaxing retreat where they can get business done as usual—or rather unusual— with yoga, massages, and gourmet dining options. You can also say “I do” to the most romantic day of your life amidst the natural beauty of the Catskills. Their event spaces range from the Waterside Pavilion, offering views of Mt. Tremper and Esopus Creek, to the more intimate Great Room, intended for 60 guests or less, where you will find an imposing chandelier and fireplace. The charming Catamount is the perfect place for stunning indoor events year-round.

Located just a short drive from Woodstock, Emerson boasts being home to the world’s biggest kaleidoscope. You can also explore The Shops at Emerson, where various stores carry seasonal items as well as unique gifts, including goods from local artists, clothing, and artisanal food products, all located within a converted 18th-century barn.

Small children and even dogs are welcome— enjoy the Emerson Pupgrade option, which includes a welcome basket featuring a dog toy, bowl, placemat, and treats. P emersonresort.com

The Pridwin Hotel

Making a Very Posh and Picturesque Comeback With a Reopening to Coincide with Their 95th Anniversary

BY LAUREN BENS

Aspecial and secluded spot that requires a boat or ferry ride from Sag Harbor, Shelter Island reopened their most historic and beloved boutique hotel over the summer, on its 95th anniversary.

After an extensive two-year renovation, the charming 49-room waterfront hotel now includes four floors in the main house, along with 16 private cottages. The project is in partnership with the Petry family, who have owned and operated the property, which originally opened its doors in 1927, since 1961.

Guests staying at this luxurious yet laidback resort on Crescent Beach overlooking Peconic Bay can enjoy pool services, water activities including sailing and fishing, a full-service spa, and a restaurant.

“As a historic landmark on Shelter Island, we have sought to preserve the tradition of this exceptional property while enhancing offerings for year-round enjoyment,” says Curtis Bashaw, managing partner of Cape Resorts. “We are thrilled to reopen The Pridwin and to be a part of the legacy that the Petrys have created over the last 50 years!”

This special partnership has allowed the team to renovate and operate the hotel with a more contemporary approach and state-ofthe-art services and amenities.

“Our family could not be more excited for this next chapter of The Pridwin,” says Glenn Petry. “In Curtis and his team at Cape Resorts we have found kindred spirits dedicated to tradition, community, and service. The restoration of the hotel and surrounding properties reflects our collaborative approach to taking a classic like The Pridwin and updating it for the needs and expectations of today’s guests.”

The playful redesign evokes a feel that is both classic yet casual and features an eclectic mix of old and new. The goal was to create a space that gives guests the feeling that they are

“WE ARE THRILLED TO REOPEN THE PRIDWIN AND TO BE A PART OF THE LEGACY THAT THE PETRYS HAVE CREATED OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS!”

entering a timeless seaside resort while building upon the hotel’s image of classic Adirondack summer camps and cottages given the distinct landscape, which is set on seven acres.

You will certainly feel the history of the resort upon entering the restored upper lobby, which features a reception and concierge area, along with original wainscoting and hardwood floors. Three dramatic chandeliers, salvaged from the 1927 dining room, are rehung along the length of the space. There is also an intimate lounge surrounding the fireplace with books and vintage ship models recycled from a former estate on the island. Below, the lower lobby has a separate check-in area complete with lounge and the convenience shop ‘Edie’s,’ named after Pridwin’s former matriarch, Edie Petry. You will also find a ‘history hall,’ featuring photographs, original property signage, room keys, and hotel mementos from the past 95 years.

Indulge in freshness with locally caught fish and seafood, plus Shelter Island’s own produce, and wines from East End vineyards and beyond. Pridwin’s beloved freshly baked breakfast doughnuts will also make a return while the Frost and Morgan reception rooms are available for intimate dining experiences, receptions, or meetings. The swimming pool and private beach, which overlook the 120-foot east and west docks, also offer both full bar and food services.

For a more personal stay, The Pridwin Hotel has 16 private cottages named after various trees found on the island, including Frasier, Black Cherry, Red and White Oak, and Hickory. The cottages each have their own unique design features, such as wood-burning fireplaces, kitchenettes, and private decks with water views. These cozy cottages range in size from studios to two-bedroom duplex cottages with cathedral ceilings, separate living rooms, and two bathrooms.

Adventure lovers will find plenty of activities and rentals, including bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, tennis, fishing and motorized water sports, and more. Golf carts will also be available to drive between the main house and cottages, and visitors can even take a boat from Pridwin to Cape Resorts’ sister property, Barron’s Cove in Sag Harbor.

With such an enchanting renovation, The Pridwin is a place where picturesque memories can be made once again for generations to come. P

Mandarin Oriental, New York

PARK’S Pick for City Stays

BY LAUREN BENS

For a Manhattan stay that is both classic and modern, just like the city itself, Mandarin Oriental, New York, overlooking Central Park, offers the perfection fusion of stylish Oriental flair and innovative design. Wi th high-end amenities and five-star hospitality, make yourself at home in one of their spacious rooms or suites featuring elegant, contemporary décor, and unparalleled views.

Located in Columbus Circle’s Deutsche Bank Center, you are truly in the center of the center of the world at this chic hotel which is surrounded by famed dining destinations and world-class dining, including the Shops at Columbus Circle, plus tons of entertainment. You are, after all, just steps from Jazz at Lincoln Center and Broadway. Their concierge can also arrange for unique experiences so that you can partake in the best of the Big Apple, your way.

Enjoy laidback luxury at their MO Lounge, where you can indulge in an all-day menu of delectable American cuisine made with local and sustainable ingredients, well-crafted cocktails and expansive views of the park and skyline.

Find inner peace at their 14,500 square-foot spa, where ancient traditions are incorporated into personalized treatments to restore balance to body, mind and soul. Their Aroma Stone Therapy, a Native American practice used as a healing therapy, generates energy, creating a balance and calm while giving relief to deep seated muscle tension. The Restorative Detox Wrap will leave you feeling revitalized with a boost of energy to take over the city, while the Diamond Cocoon Experience Facial protects skin from modern pollution with relaxing massage techniques using signature sculpting tools. If you’re traveling far, they have just the jet lag cure for you as well. Most recently, the spa has introduced the Intelligent Movement, an 80-minute treatment that uses trigger point release work, and deep muscle manipulation to soften muscle tissue, release tension, increase circulation and improve overall body mobility.

Get your workout going in their state-of-the art fitness center featuring a 75-foot lap pool with views of the Hudson River or host a business meeting in one of their function spaces with the latest technology and knowledgeable staff.

Whether you come to work, play, or stay, the Mandarin Oriental, New York, has all of the excitement you could want plus all of the comforts you need to unwind. Plus, you will find a copy of PARK in every room and suite! P

mandarinoriental.com

Four Seasons, Philadelphia

Fall in Love with Fall in the City of Brotherly Love

BY LAUREN BENS

Instead of feeling sad that summer has come to an end, get ready to fall in love this fall with all the seasonal offerings at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, the one and only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel. From a 57th-floor infinity-edge pool to Michelin Star dining experiences, you’ll feel right at home in the most stylish and tranquil spot in the city of Brotherly Love.

Look at Philadelphia from a whole new— and very posh—perspective in one of their decorative rooms or spacious suites. Make your escape truly enticing by enjoying views of City Hall and the Delaware River from the onebedroom Cityscape Suite or entertain in your A-list Skyline Corner Suite, which will allow you to host extravagantly from your sumptuous living room.

Dig into deliciousness at the hotel’s JeanGeorges Philadelphia, where you can indulge in a sophisticated menu surrounded by exquisite panoramic views. You can also chow down on succulent seafood at Vernick Fish, relax with a cocktail at JG SkyHigh, or grab a morning coffee at their coffee bar.

Find yourself surrounded by serenity in their award-winning spa featuring over 700 pounds of healing crystals ensconced into the structure of the walls. Summer sun can wreak havoc on your skin, so the spa has introduced the new “After Summer Skin Rehab” facial just in time for fall. Tailored and customizable to individual skin types, this facial treatment is designed to restore natural radiance and leave skin feeling regenerated, hydrated, and revitalized. The treatment is then complemented by a pressure-point facial massage for a lasting, even complexion. To complete this experience, kick back in the anti-gravity chairs in the relaxation lounge with a complimentary glass of champagne and Philadelphia’s cityscape.

Hotel guests can also reserve a private tour in partnership with Philadelphia Cruise Co., for a memorable time on the Delaware River. This two-hour tour includes a customizable picnic basket from the hotel’s culinary team, such as a cheese and charcuterie board, allowing guests to enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing or an al fresco sunset tour before dinner with a glass of champagne. Tours will run through mid-October.

Guests arriving between Thursdays and Saturdays will be treated to an extra special treat from featured merchants of the famed Reading Terminal Market. Check out the rest of the market in person, along with many of the other historical and cultural sites the city has to offer while staying in the center of it all. P

fourseasons.com

“THE PURPOSE OF A BUSINESS IS TO CREATE A CUSTOMER.”

PETER DRUCKER

THERE IS ONE NEW YORKER, A LONG ISLANDER, that probably never read this sage comment from the famed management consultant - Peter Drucker. Well, at least not until he was well into building, and eventually sold his J. Kings Food Services business to one of the industry’s global leaders – SYSCO; for tens of millions in 2019.

The J. Kings Food Service is storybook, especially if you like long reads. It was just 45 years in the making. Starting in his parents German-style deli in Oceanside when John King was in high school, he eventually created a tri-state hospitality empire with more than $150 million in annual sales.

BY PATRICK SHANNON

PHOTOGRAPHY: UDO SPREITZENBARTH

King OF SUCCESS

‘‘ WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH TO UNDERSTAND, JOHN MAKES IT EASY FOR HIS CUSTOMERS AND LEANS ON HIS EXPERIENCES AND THE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP HE DEVELOPED OVER 40 YEARS. ’’

John King at Franina Ristorante in Syosset

This astonishing entrepreneur is John King, the founder, Chief Customer Officer, and CEO of Grapes & Greens. G&G is an importer and distributor of fine wines. He began incubating G&G in 2015.

Understanding the wine import and distribution business today can be like unpacking an MIT multivariant algorithm. There is critical, often conflicting input from restauranteurs, sommeliers, restaurant staff, regional/state regulators, and most importantly diners on the best things to do and how to do them. It can get tricky and complicated.

Remember, your first algebra classes in high school? The teacher scratches out an equation on the blackboard (or whiteboard or tablet, depending on the era) to solve. She says, “Solve for “x.”

Hmm? How do you do that?

Easily, and elegantly isolating the variable, she shows a very simple factor realignment among the numbers, adds, or substracts, and multiplies or divides and the result magically appears; there you have it, x = 3.

“Ok, that was easy, right? Any questions?” Nobody says anything.

“Great, here is your homework.”

You get home, start on the assignment and, you freak, it was like you were watching a magic act in class. What, how did she do that?

Eventually, you get it, some more than others, but the important fact is the best teacher and communicator turns out the best students. It is the same way with King. When things get tough to understand, he makes it easy for his customers and leans on his experiences and the thought leadership he developed over 40 years.

“This is where John is at his best,” according to James Metzger, Chairman and CEO of The Whitmore Agency. Whitmore is a leading insurance brokerage on Long Island and a partner agency of the Acrisure $3.8 Billion global insurance and financial services network. “It is my pleasure and privilege to support John’s insurance needs for his growing Grapes & Greens business,” said Metzger.

There are 3 King’s Keys to Success.

Work Hard Work Smart Create & Innovate

The working hard part is easy to understand, as King once said, “It’s amazing how lucky you get when you work 80 hours a week”

Creating and innovating is an outcome of working hard and working smart

Working smart is a special, developed talent on its own

Smart is ‘Knowing Your Retail Customer’ and straightforwardly, asking them how you can earn their business, and contribute.

Smarter for King is ‘Knowing Your Customer’s Customer.’ The manifestation of this is improving consumers retail experience with our products and service ideas.

According to King, “Thinking you know you what you need to know, isn’t enough. You must have the

John King, with Jim Metzger, Chairman & CEO, The Whitmore Agency

‘‘WITH DATA AND INSIGHTS IN HAND, EARLIER THIS YEAR, KING WROTE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS AND CERTAIN PROSPECTS, TALKING TO THEM LIKE THEY WERE AT THE FAMILY KITCHEN TABLE. ’’

facts.” Late last year, in the middle of the COVID pandemic, King embarked on a fact-finding mission developing and implementing an exhaustive survey with almost 200 of his G&G customers. With data and insights in hand, earlier this year, King wrote to all his customers and certain prospects, talking to them like they were at the family kitchen table.

The issues and opportunities he explored included: Covid and its lingering effects; one of which is increased costs due to a shortage of workers. Second, everything costs more. Prices are multiplying to produce and deliver every food product. Why? Not only because of labor and the natural outcomings of demand outpacing certain supply, but because of increased prices for energy and gasoline. Other “perfect storm” factors expand harsher levels of importance including global political unrest and the war in Ukraine.

Restaurateurs, both casual and fining dining establishments quickly are beginning to realize John and his team understand the dynamics of their “Wines by the Glass” business improvement recommendations. Just some of the overview data points and questions include:

When Serving Wine by the Glass

How many wines do you feature? What size serving do you typically pour? Do you have a separate WBTG menu? Do you offer a Double Pour? Do you often change your menu? Do you use a small carafe to measure pour? Do you use glasses with a wine pour line? Do you train your staff about wine?

The survey dives deep into the nuance difference between casual and fine dining and covers Red, White, and Bubbly wines.

King happily shares the results with clients and prospects becoming an expert and trusted resource they can use to gauge what they are doing and explore things they may do differently. It is at this point the educator, salesman, and chief customer office hits his stride and separates from the competition. The end-result of this conversation is an Opportunity Analysis Grapes & Greens has developed to help restaurant owners of take advantage of remarkable wines, attractive pricing, promotion, and increased profits. This easy-to-understand magic comes together simply by asking (and having the answers there for you) the question “What does $1 per glass mean to you? [They’ll also have the analysis for you at $.50 and $2.00 too].

For John King’s customers’ customers, it is a better experience with surprising new wines at more affordable prices. For John’s accounts, depending on the volume (bottles and 6 oz. pours) it could mean as much as $35,000 in incremental profits; and $7,000 to $8,000 in additional gratuity income. Sounds like an “All Day” menu offering worth exploring? P

Franco Zitoli, owner of Franina in Syosset, with long-time friend and Business associate John King of Grapes & Greens

Bazar Tapas Restaurant and Bar

A TASTY TIME THROUGH SPAIN

BY ALEX LEI

If you find yourself meandering through thickly scented aromatic and sun-bathed Spanish streets this summer, chances are you are either in Spain – or above Madison Square Park at Bazar Tapas. With authentic bites, divine wines, themed fiestas and a sleek setting, it’s time to try your favorite new tapas spot.

Located in the vibrant Nomad area, Bazar Tapas is a neighborhood gem located on 26th street in Flatiron. Fall in love at first bite at this welcoming restaurant where guests are invited into an intimate space with a charming industrial interior and an array of contemporary and shareable tapas to tantalize your tastebuds. Unwind at the bar with its exposed brick wall decorated with wine bottles and an extensive wine list offering renowned global regions, such as the 2019 Argentinian Malbec from Mendoza and Marques de Caceres Brut Spanish Cava. Looking to enjoy a more romantic evening? Set the mouthwatering mood with the blue gin-based Genie in A Bottle or move on to the Lovers Poison with the intoxicating aroma of hibiscus cinnamon-infused mezcal.

Serving up a scrumptious brunch, lunch and dinner, Bazar was imagined by owner Ladia Kulisek, and Executive Chef Manuel Mejia brings classic yet innovative Spanish staples to the neighborhood. Think classic Paella Del Mar with fresh assortments of shrimp, scallops and monkfish that comes in a whopping fivepound serving, and a special Brunch Paella cooked with sunny-side up eggs in saffron and lobster broth. Delectable tapas will keep coming your way, so be ready to indulge in the drool-worthy and extra garlicky Gambas Al Ajillo, their Sesame Crusted Tuna dipped in ponzu and sriracha aioli, crispy Brussels Sprouts drenched in balsamic and Manchego cheese and roasted beef bone marrow complemented by the kick of jalapeños.

In true Spanish fashion, a good meal is never consummated without a little fiesta. At Bazar Tapas, you can seize the day – or more importantly - the night, on Live Music Fridays. They also offer happy hour every day at the bustling bar. Sit back, relax and as the Spaniards so often say, Vale! P

White Olive

MEDITERRANEAN FUSION IN MIDTOWN

BY BENNETT MARCUS

Authentic Greek Fare

Restaurant industry veterans Karim Sopariwalla and Amin Himani have just launched their newest venture, White Olive, serving Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Midtown Manhattan. The menu by chef Hasan Karci offers up a fresh take on authentic Greek fare; think grilled branzino, lambchops, grilled octopus and authentic mezze spreads. Named for the rare white olives grown in Greece and southern Italy, White Olive evokes the Mediterranean culture and food that the pair became enamored of while visiting Turkey and Greece. “The balance of spicy and savory is what truly captivated us,” says Amin. “We wanted to take both worlds and create a culinary masterpiece, so we thought of the white olive, which can also be found in coastal areas of northern Africa, Portugal and Malta.” A noteworthy fact about white olives, he adds, is that they’re sweeter than green and black olives because of their lower levels of antioxidants—your palate will thank you!

Ritz-Carlton Istanbul-Trained Chef

Chef Hasan Karci, a master of Mediterranean cooking, is an alumna of The Ritz-Carlton

Greek Salad with Vinaigrette and Feta Cheese “WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FOODIES; WE LOVED COOKING AS KIDS”

Grilled Brenzino with Sauteed Spinach and Mashed Potatoes

Istanbul and now brings the same traditional European- and Asian-inspired flavors to White Olive. “We met Hasan while at The Ritz in Turkey, and we flew him in because we knew right away that he would bring our culinary vision to life,” says Karim. Karci’s menu features dishes like Lavraki, a char-grilled Mediterranean sea bass known for its light and flaky texture and mildly sweet flavor, baby lamb chops served with fresh seasonal vegetables on a bed of couscous, and spicy ezme salad, a house specialty with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, green apples and pomegranates fired up with jalapenos and red peppers.

Exotic Drinks

Highlights of White Olive’s cocktail menu include drinks that pay tribute to the Mediterranean fusion theme. Try the Mangopolitan, made with Bacardi mango, fresh lime juice, mango purée, and a hint of cranberry juice, or the Fig and Fabulous, a cocktail-style martini created with Figenza Mediterranean fig-flavored vodka, fresh lime juice and pomegranate juice, garnished with a dried fig.

Contemporary Greek Décor

Seed Design Planning (SEED DBC) Inc, a New York-based interior design firm, created the coolly understated look at White Olive, which has the feel of a chic taverna on a whitewashed Aegean island. “The inspiration behind the décor and color scheme is contemporary Greek style,” says Karim, who adorned his sandstone walls and white oak floors with cream-colored leather chairs with elegant

White Olive Restaurant Interior

gold frames. A warm LED-lit wall leads you into the space, which seats 70 for lunch and dinner.

SEED CEO Lesly Zamor is well known in the hospitality industry, having designed prominent hot spots including Donatella Restaurant, TAJ Lounge, Avenue Nightclub, Slate, and Penthouse at the Dream Hotel in New York, as well as Lavo Night Club and Restaurant in Las Vegas.

River Dock Restaurant & Nanking

Karim Sopariwalla and Amin Himani are cousins who grew up in Mumbai, India in homes where cooking was a priority, filled with spices and family. “We have always been foodies; we loved cooking as kids,” says Karim. “And now we enjoy hosting our friends and our customers.” Amin owns high-end Asian fusion spot River Dock Restaurant and Bar, Seattle Coffee Roasters, and Nanking, a vegan-friendly eatery that combines the explosive flavors of India, China, and Thailand. Karim currently owns ZZ Pizza Bar and Grill in Staten Island, where customers are not only raving about the baked-to-perfection crust, but also about the affordable prices. “Customer satisfaction is our number one goal,” Karim says. The two also own a number of restaurants together, including Seattle Café in Manhattan, and several concessions at NY Waterway stations and Grab-and-Go operations at five-star hotels, including the Park Lane on Central Park South and M Social in Times Square. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a business degree, Karim joined his cousin Amin’s restaurant organization, and over the past 21 years eventually became a partner and co-owner.

White Olive: Fulfillment of A Dream

Now, they’re thrilled to open White Olive to the dining public. The location, at 39 West 55th Street, is in the center of everything, close to MoMA, Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center. The space was offered to them by its owner. “They had seen our past performance, and we were lucky to jump onboard,” Karim says. “We always had a dream of opening an authentic Greek-style restaurant with a modern flare. And that’s exactly what we did.” P

Giovani

EXCEPTIONAL ITALIAN IN GREENWICH VILLAGE

BY GEORGE WAYNE

The Greenwich Village restaurant 3 Giovani is the classic epitome of a familyowned, white-table-cloth, -red-sauce Italian restaurant. It is that cozy, warm and welcoming, tried- and- true, can’’t- go- wrong staple to dine in style at least once a week if the idyllic West Village is close to home.

It is the sort of dining establishment one would choose to entertain friends and family visiting from near or far. It is the perfect destination for one hoping to experience a sumptuous meal in the heart of Manhattan without the sticker shock check flopping in their lap at the end of lunch or dinner. The menu here is a superlative spin on the home-cooked Italian classics.

From the simple yet unctuous Spaghetti Rusticana brimming with Calabrian chiles and the fresh- farm organic basil to the Vitello

Capricciossa, or rack of organic lamb, orand the homemade mozzarella; Robert De nNiro may not be waiting, but the menu definitely speaks Italian.

Other menu staples from the kitchen of Chef Hido Holli include the best mushroom ravioli you will ever eat, to the rigatoni, andto the pappardelle. - iIn other words, - if pasta is your passion, – 3 Giovani is worth the reservation. And because this is not your typical pretentious foodie review, we feel it best to have a chat with Gent Kasmi, the second-generation heir apparent to his family brand established in 1988.

GEORGE WAYNE - Define the 3 Giovani ethos.

GENT KASMI - In the spirit of a bygone era, it is a casually elegant family-owned and family-run neighborhood restaurant. My father originally opened 3 Giovani with two friends. The restaurant name translates from Italian to three young men, so we keep the legacy of 3 Giovani remaining with myself, my brother, and my cousin. We are tucked in a cozy nook in Greenwich Village, and when we first opened in 1988, we were just a pizza joint with a wood-burning oven.

GW - Talk about the menu

GK - Our menu is inspired by the rustic fare of Tuscan cuisine. Dishes are heavily influenced by the land and use ingredients of the Tuscan countryside. We love our herbs (basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme), aromatics (onion, garlic, red bell pepper, spicy red pepper flakes, cracked peppercorn), lemon and citruses, and olives. We’ve brought these rich flavors to Greenwich Village. We strive to elevate the staples every day of the week.

It’s a harmonious union of simple ingredients and complex flavors. I grew up here. I used to love it when my dad would bring me with him when I was young; I would watch them cook, and watch the people come and go. When I got a little bit older, I would make coffee and help behind the register. As a teenager, I would make trips into the city to restaurants. I loved it. I worked in the industry all through college. My family is here almost every night.

GW - What are some of the signature dishes?

GK - The Ravioli Funghetto, Squid Ink Linguini with mixed seafood, and the Chicken Martini.

GW - What’s the perfect pairing with a 3 Giovani T-bone steak? What would the chef recommend?

GK - In Tuscany, the T-bone steak is served with Cannellini beans cooked with tomato and sage. It’s a beautiful pairing of flavors. P

Dowling’s at the Carlyle

BRINGS LUXURY NOSTALGIA BACK TO NEW YORK

BY RYANN REYNOLDS

It is a new era at the old NYC Carlyle hotel, as its restaurant reignites classic fine dining traditions that dominated the 1930’s. ‘Dowling’s at the Carlyle’ is named for Robert Whittle Dowling, a real estate investor and philanthropist that acquired The Carlyle hotel in the 1940s. In 1915, Dowling was the first recorded man to swim around Manhattan. This took him about 13 hours and 45 minutes. The dedication Dowling exerted in this pursuit, is exactly how Executive Chef Sylvian Delpique approaches his menu and execution at the revamped restaurant.

This Upper East Side hotel eatery of 80-seats has become an intimate space for Delpique to reinvent and elevate classic American and European dishes. With immaculate service and table side preparations, it could be said that old school dining is successfully making a comeback at The Carlyle hotel.

Inspired by art deco designer Dorothy Draper who originally styled the hotel lobby, the once lively lux restaurant ambiance had since faded to a gloomy brown monotone décor. Modern designer William Paley gently revived the space by packing the walls with pretty and playful wall art and reinventing the rooms palette to a vibrant mix of black, white, and brown. Paley’s carefully chosen art display includes paintings by Ludwig Bemelmans, for whom the adjoining Bemelmans Bar is named. With good judgement, Paley also kept the main room’s adored centerpiece, a classic ensemble of banquettes arranged like a pinwheel.

There is a lot of old that is new at the Dowling. Many of the new featured dishes echo oldschool Manhattan fine dining traditions. You are welcomed with warm bread and butter and serviced like royalty for the duration of your meal. Treated almost like a dinner with a show, there are tableside flames, carving stations and saucing. The old-style service includes dishes like the salt-crusted branzino filleted tableside and paired with the dreamiest lemon butter sauce. A flambe station is used to ignite intimate table side interaction with just one pour of cognac. This flair can be seen when ordering dishes like the steak Diane and the flaming Grand Mariner sundae.

The Dowling’s Menu remembers many classic dishes that may have been forgotten. It showcases items like the spicy lobster bisque, pumpkin-ricotta raviolo and a chicken pillared that is perfectly pounded paper thin. Under Delpique’s direction, all items are made fresh and in house. Open seven days a week, be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure your experience. P

rosewoodhotels.com

Foragers Table

WHERE FARM TO TABLE NEVER TASTED SO FRESH

Whether you’re an NYC local, or just visiting for fun, if you find yourself wandering the streets of Manhattan, do yourself a favor and pop into Foragers Table for one of the best farm-to-table experiences the city has to offer. You may recognize this concept from the success of its sister store previously located in Dumbo.

Established in 2012, Foragers Table is a full-service eatery connected to the Foragers Market of Chelsea. The Foragers Market proudly offers high-quality ingredients by sourcing seasonal organic produce and highgrade meats from small local New England farmers and artisanal producers. Most of the products offered in the market are craft-orientated operations. Foragers Market founders are extremely passionate about their sourcing. They have established their own farm in Columbia County, New York. Here they plant a wide variety of organic vegetables and raise free-range hens for eggs. Their guiding philosophy of offering the freshest, healthiest, and clean groceries from trusted framers and artisans is the basic ingredient to what makes the Foragers Table restaurant so delicious.

Newly directed by Executive Chef Olivier Palazzo, this restaurant is restoring the energetic culinary vibe of the heart of Chelsea. Palazzo has effectively refreshed the meaning of a ‘modern-Mediterranean’ menu through his embodiment of newfangled ideas, international reach, and an inclusive mindset. Palazzo’s culinary approach is a clear reflection of the social movements that we see actively growing inside of New York City.

Born in West Africa and raised in the South of France, Palazzo’s ultramodern take on plant-forward dishes speaks to nourishing the mind, body, and soul. Palazzo works closely with local Hudson Valley vendors to find the highest quality resources to deliver a seasonal dining experience that combines a mix of French, Italian, and Israeli flavors.

Open nightly for dinner, this charming concept rotates its seasonal menu every three weeks. Their hyper seasonal ingredients encourage regulars to return to try what’’s new and attracts novice diners alike. Their thoughtful wine list offers natural, organic, and biodynamic labels hand-picked from the market’s wine shop. On weekends, you can gather your friends and family to enjoy a delicious brunch. The locals lover their Ricotta Pancakes, Waffles with Nutella and Fresh berries, and Soft Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon. Some brunch staple menu items include the smoke salmon tartine topped with a fresh Alderfer Farm egg, rosemary currant scones, and farmer- ground whole wheat waffles topped with seasonal berry marmalade & house -made bacon jam. Not sure what to order? Ask the staff;, they are well equipped with valuable recommendations. P

BY RYANN REYNOLDS

foragersmarket.com

Isla & Co.

WHERE THE FLAVORS OF AUSTRALIA’S COASTAL TOWNS COME ALIVE

BY JAHLEAH SANTIAGO

Isla & Co. is the newest concept from Parched Hospitality Group (PHG), which brings upscale Australian café food and specialty coffee to New York City and beyond. It joins a list of successful ventures from the Aussie run hospitality group including Daintree, The Sentry, Ghost Burger and the enormously popular Hole in the Wall restaurants. Since the flagship location of Isla & Co. opened in Williamsburg this past Spring, new locations have launched in Fairfield, Connecticut and most recently at Hotel Hendricks in Midtown Manhattan. Thanks to the unique fusion of Australian tradition, with the upbeat soul of New York, Isla & Co. has been a hit from the start, which is precisely what CEO and creator of PHG, Barry Dry hoped would drive its one-of-a-kind quality to the masses.

Barry Dry, a New York transplant as of 2011, left his financial career to pursue his longtime passion for hospitality, resulting in the first Hole in the Wall. After the expansion of PHG from a single concept, to a portfolio of thriving businesses, he’s gone on to launch four Hole in the Wall locations, Daintree at Hotel Hendricks and The Sentry at Hotel Henri. Dry’s entrepreneurial vision to create encompassing experiences, fueled by Australian flavors and New York’s racing energy continues to deliver fresh and timeless dining scenes to the big city.

The kitchen at Isla & Co. is helmed by Executive Chef Matt Foley, formerly of two Michelin-starred Marea in NYC. His menu actively seeks to serve food that encapsulates the beauty of Australian coastal towns by day while simultaneously maintaining the vibe of a cocktail driven dinner destination by night. Initially working at Manhattan Beach Post, Foley learned to cook from Michelin-starred chef David LeFevre, eventually joining Michael White’s staff at the two-Michelin-starred Marea in NYC as the Sous Chef. Over three years at Marea, he improved his knowledge of fine dining, flavor creation, aesthetically pleasing plating, and leading a productive unified culinary staff. Matt was the Corporate Chef at the fast-casual restaurant chain DIG before joining Parched Hospitality Group as their Corporate Executive Chef directing the menus at Hole in the Wall and Isla & Co.

The addictively flavorful food at Isla & Co. draws culinary inspiration from Australia, Europe, and South-East Asia while implementing Aussie-style cooking methods, exceptional cuts of meat and seasonal vegetable-focused dishes. The sociable café setting also offers espresso and drip extraction originating from Ethiopia and the Americas while dishing out an everyday exciting brunch menu with signatures like Brioche French Toast and Griddled Banana Bread. Signature evening plates include Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, Fish & Chips, and Half Chicken with seasonal roasted veggies. The flexibility of the kitchen and diverse menu make it the perfect spot for a morning coffee, midweek lunch, a romantic evening date, or a social gathering.

There’s more to come from Isla & Co. which is set to open additional locations in West Palm Beach, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas later this year. P

isla-co.com

Shmone

CELEBRATED ISRAELI CHEF EYAL SHANI BRINGS HIS LATEST GASTRONOMIC BABY TO GREENWICH VILLAGE

Offering Mediterranean delicacies with an almost poetic take on some very unique and palatable plates from renowned chef Eyal Shani, Greenwich Village has a new gastronomic gem with the opening of Shmone. Meaning ‘eight’ in Hebrew, Shmone, one of more than 40 Shani-helmed eateries around the globe, all part of the Good People Group, has found its true home appropriately enough on Eighth Street. Since originally starting the seafood-focused Oceanus in his hometown of Jerusalem more than three decades ago, Shani has become known as the leading proponent of contemporary Israeli cuisine.

With intimate seating—only 50 seats altogether—and a seasonal, market-driven, neo-Levantine menu rooted in Shani’s core culinary values, New York is thrilled to welcome this new addition to Shani’s already expansive restaurant empire, which includes HaSalon, Miznon, North, and his most recent, Naked Tomato in Hudson Yards.

With an open kitchen concept, diners can sit around the bar and begin their tasting tour with scallion-inflected bourkas baked on hot stone or hot focaccia studded with tomatoes rich with sour cream. Continue with their “vegetable creatures,” or dishes drawn directly from the earth, which include asparagus cooked on charcoal and doused with sour cream or the flesh of an heirloom tomato tucked within “the softest tortellini you’ve ever tasted.” They also offer the freshest fish and meat dishes that are rich with delicate flavors and constantly change based on the seasonal ingredients as they ripen and age.

The wild fish “from the depths of the ocean” encompass a white-fish carpaccio, Spanish mackerel with a deep beet “perfume,” and monkfish enriched with Osetra caviar butter. For the best meat dishes outside of Israel, try their hand-chopped lamb kebab with yogurt and “burned” vegetables; thinly sliced entrecote “on a sharp metal,” sweetbreads and freekehstuffed onion, and a 60-day dry-aged prime rib steak which are all undeniably taim, or tasty, in Hebrew.

Pair your plates, which are inspired by the earth’s bounty, with a global wine program. Enjoy French pours as well as carefully selected varieties from Italy, Australia, and California, plus notable selections from Israel and Lebanon. Creative cocktails include The Helen of Troy, which pairs ouzo with fresh lemon along with the sweet almond syrup, orgeat, plus rosemary, olive oil, and egg whites. The Pearl of Tel Aviv includes Pernod, yellow chartreuse, lime, agave, and fresh oregano.

Try this latest outpost from the Good People, who are dedicated to not just offering up deliciousness, but an “open-heart” philosophy in the hospitality industry. P

BY LAUREN BENS

shmonenyc.com

Sushi Lab

A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT IN CREATIVE OMAKASE

BY LAUREN BENS

If you’re constantly craving creative sushi, the city’s swankiest new sushi spot, Sushi Lab, in the East Village, lives up to the hype – and more. Though Sushi Lab has a much beloved rooftop location at The Sanctuary Hotel as well as a sister restaurant, The Chemistry Room, in the hotel’s lobby, this latest outpost gives guests an innovative twist on traditional sushi. With only 12 seats and two signature omakase offerings nightly, reservations are a must.

Choose from two unique omakases includes a 10-course offering with a handroll for $65 and a 15-course option for $100 per person. Their equally creative cocktails consist of sake served by the glass or bottle, or try a few options with their popular flight of three. You can also enjoy Sake Sangria and Sunset Spritzes, plus a selection of international wines and beer.

While the space might be small, the intimate room features an eight-seat, natural wood omakase bar with royal blue flashlight-shaped light fixtures overhead to give every piece of their artistically created sushi with some well-deserved lighting. The room also has a four-seat sake bar.

This fun and flavorful concept is brought to you by Brandon Freid and his father Hank Freid. Brandon Freid is co-CEO of The Impulsive Group and co-owner of The Sanctuary Hotel in NYC, which is home to Sushi Lab Rooftop, The Chemistry Room and Haven Rooftop. A native New Yorker, the younger Freid oversees the operations and management of the complete Impulsive Group portfolio, which includes The Sanctuary Hotel, Sands Harbor Resort & Marina and The Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach in Florida. Brandon Freid took Sushi Lab from its original home at the concierge desk of The Sanctuary Hotel, to its expansive rooftop based on the immediate popularity of the brand. Owner Brandon Freid said, “I’m proud to bring Sushi Lab downtown with more locations to come in the near future including a new location opening in September at Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach/Oceanfront.”

Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, you’ll want to get a bite of this scrumptious sushi spot yourself. P sushilab.com

Richie Romero

THE MODERN RINGMASTER OF THE NIGHT

BY GEORGE WAYNE

It’s always been the case that New York City nightlife sets the template for the rest of the world. People from all over the globe used to come to New York City just for the nightlife. It happens here first, and then the rest of the world follows.

That is since the ’70s, when Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened a nightclub called Studio 54. As the impresarios, they set the template and the still-unequalled ideal of utter glamour and escapism of a night out on the town.

Since the international sensation and still constant mythologizing of Studio 54, other Manhattan impresarios of the night have gone on to wield global influence on the zeitgeist of the night. The fact is, the original Pasha of the Party, Ian Schrager, still remains the most global influential player in the nightlife/ hospitality space. Without him, there would be no Peter Gatien, Peter Stringfellow, Steve Lewis, Noel Ashman, Noah Tepperburg, Richie Akiva, or Scott Sartiano, who from the 1980s through today have all been acknowledged ringmasters of the night. They have dictated the evolution of the night.

Now, in the post-pandemic era, there is a new ringmaster, and his name is Richie Romero.

GW: Tell us about Nebula and the concept behind New York’s hottest mega-club, where even the VIP toilet seats are heated!

RR: My partner, Yang Gao, conceptualized the Nebula brand. His amazing vision intrigued me, and I wanted to help him bring it to fruition. Nebula is an immersive experience that is unparalleled compared to clubs in Manhattan. The state-of-the-art lights, sound, and moving LED ceiling panels project moving images across the entire room, giving the audience a moment of suspended reality. It’s just incredible. The combination of technology allows it to be a hybrid dance club with high-end table service. The venue is further elevated as the best event space because it can adapt to any event scenario. And yes, the toilets are fabulous.

provenance growing up in NYC.

RR: I’m forty-six years young. My sign is Scorpio. Born on the Lower East Side and raised as a Queen’s kid. Growing up in the outer boroughs, there wasn’t much to do, so I found entertainment by throwing house parties and park raves. I broke into local McDonald’s playgrounds with kegs of beer and boomboxes and charged admissions for entrance to the Mickey D’s during the late ’80s. It was a different time back then. Nowadays, ninety percent of the things we did, we wouldn’t be able to get away with.

GW: You’ve had your fingerprints all over all the most famous nightclubs in New York City for the last 30 years and were mentored by all the legends from Peter Gatien to Steve Lewis to Noel Ashman. Define NYC nightlife in the 21st Century and the keys to creating a successful club in 2023.

RR: In the 21st century, the nightlife industry relies heavily on booking talent and technology, which means even more

Neil Patrick Harris and Richie Romero at Nebula

strategizing to entertain audiences. Programming the right talent, such as DJs and performances, has a ripple effect on bringing the right human capital into the team and venue. To make something successful in 2023, you need to plan your actions, and goals must align to the brand story. Most importantly, you need the balance of the right crowd ecosystems to also create your corporate and event side.

GW: What in your mind is the most iconic NYC nightclub after Studio 54? And why?

RR: Limelight. I started at Limelight as a promoter in my teens. The venue was a former church turned into a nightclub. I still get goosebumps from the vibes and energy from the venue every time I set foot inside. Peter Gatien was a genius. He created so many different crowd ecosystems and team promoters. Limelight was packed every night with people from every walk of life, diversity, look, and gender. It didn’t matter who you were. Limelight was truly the melting pot.

GW: What is the most memorable celebrity club scandal you’ve ever witnessed.

RR: Best celebrity scandal I witnessed was during my time working alongside Noel Ashman at Plumm. Axel Rose was performing on stage, and suddenly Tommy Hilfiger and Axel Rose started brawling out of nowhere, right there on the stage. It was unbelievable.

GW: That’s the most hysterical story because one of GW’s most scandalous celebrity club moments I ever witnessed was also at Plum! I remember opening the door to the private bathroom next to Noel Ashman’s office, and there was Mr. Big himself (Chris Noth) with some chick on her knees, slobbering all over his dong. He turned around and said, “Oh, it’s only George,” as he slammed the door. GW was squealing, “I want to join in?” Plum was definitely a favorite, along with Cafe Tabac, where GW witnessed the most scandalous celebrity moments ever. But that sus will be saved for GW’s third book and current work in progress: THE R.O.M.E. CHRONICLES.

RR: You have the best stories, GW!

GW: With your 25 years in the hospitality and marketing brand, Richie Romero has never been more prolific. Talk about your various other brands and businesses, such asyour Zazzy’s Pizza and your hand-rolled sushi joint loved by the NYU kids in the East Village.

RR: I love creating brands and working on multiple projects. My passion for synergy (working with others), strategy, and programming led me to establish other businesses in the restaurant industry. Coming Soon Food Group was founded by my partner, Jon Gabel, and me. It’s all about programming and building the brand. Right now I have three Zazzy’s in Manhattan, and we just opened one across from the Wynwood Walls in Miami. Internationally, we have a Zazzy’s in Cartagena, Colombia, and will be opening in Bali, Indonesia, in December.

GW: Zazzy’s has the best gluten-free pizza in the world, people! And thank you,Richie

Romero.GW truly adores you. P

Keep the Season Sweet with KAYCO’s Latest Kosher Products

BY BETTY TAYLOR With a lineup of festive and tasty new products from KAYCO, America’s largest source for gourmet-forward kosher products, plus tons of new recipes on their website, Kosher.com, this holiday season is sure to be the sweetest one yet.

KAYCO, a family-owned company that continues to bring people together over delicious, healthy, and traditional yet reimagined products, recently introduced sweet products for the season that you will want to enjoy all year long. Included in these are Heaven & Earth Date Syrup, as well as the Granulated Date Sugar. It might be hard to believe, but all this deliciousness is made just from dates. A low-glycemic, healthy version of sweetener, dates make for a perfect replacement for honey or syrup. You will want to keep Manischewitz Apple Butter on your table long after the New Year is over. “It’s a one-ingredient item and is great on Challah or any dessert that you make,” says KAYCO CMO Shani Seidman. The Gefen 1lb and 2lb Honey Bears are other fun and flavorful finds, which add a dose of deliciousness to your holiday—or any day. Serve Gefen’s Homestyle Apple Cake at your next dinner party; and since they will not know you did not make it yourself, we will not tell.

Take your traditional dishes to another level with Tuscanini’s imported Sweet White and Red Cooking Wine. Tuscanini offers an authentic taste of Italy with high-quality ingredients that can be used with family recipes, or

new creations you might be inspired to create with them. Head to Kosher.com for recipes, including Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs and Creamy Truffle Salmon Gnocchi. From potato latke mixes to cookie kits, Manischewitz’s holiday lineup of tasty treats includes new chocolate Chanukah Manischewitz Crypto Gelt, plus their already beloved Chanukah House and Cookie Ornament kits. Also included is their Ugly Chanukah Sweater Cookie Kits, which you decorate and then bake. They are making the holiday trendier than ever with the introduction of Crypto Gelt, which will have corresponding social media contests. “We build our products around people “WE BUILD and their lifestyle,” says Seidman. “There is a

OUR PRODUCTS diverse group of people seeking kosher food for different reasons, whether it’s for religious AROUND PEOPLE purposes or they view it as another level of a AND THEIR cleaner product. We also want to make Jewish

LIFESTYLE.” food accessible with recipes replicated from our families.” For all things kosher and community, Kosher.com offers thousands of kosher recipes from both award-winning chefs as well as those who want to share their own traditions with others—make sure to keep checking for new content around the holidays. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the holidays, so our articles provide ways to use products, along with how to set your table, and so many other helpful tips,” says Seidman. P

PHOTOS BY JERRY DEUTSCH

Heritage Kulfi

SOUTH ASIAN INSPIRED ICE CREAM BRAND

BY LAUREN BENS

Move over chocolate chunk and butter pecan, there’s a new specialty ice cream brand in town that is not only beyond delicious but features exotic flavors which pay homage to the cultural background of Mansoor Ahmed, the founder of Heritage Kulfi.

Growing up in Manhattan and born to Pakistani parents who emigrated to the area when they were very young, Mansoor was raised in a very distinct South Asian culture which inspired his authentic Frozen Dessert line.

“I built my identity around food almost entirely,” says Mansoor, who pursued a master’s degree at Columbia University. “Having those memories and the nostalgia be reflected in my new brand Heritage Kulfi was important to me on so many levels.”

When the pandemic hit, Mansoor took the opportunity to express his creativity and that combined with his experience in the food industry, decided to launch Heritage Kulfi late last year. He embarked on an ice cream journey in an effort to bring the flavors of his childhood to others.

Mansoor wanted to pay tribute to his culture and background and bring his heritage to both the South Asian community and all those who seek international flavors. “I felt ice cream was so wholesome and people have such an emotional connection to it, so my goal was to build on that with the distinctive flavors and as well as creating packaging that reflected all that as well.”

All the Heritage Kulfi products are vegetarian, egg-free, gluten free, non-GMO, Halal, all natural and sweetened with pure organic sugar. The ingredients are locally and regionally sourced to ensure the best freshness of milk and cream. The delicious, velvety, alluring and intense flavors include a distinct lineup of eight flavors including Cardamom Chai, Earl Grey, Alphonso Mango, Saffron, Pistachio, Rosewater, Vanilla Bean and Coconut. The line has no extracts or flavorings and are all made with a proprietary process. “I’m creating my own ‘lane,’ like gelato did. We only include four to five ingredients in each ice cream.”

The uniquely designed packaging is also sustainably sourced and certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Heritage Kulfi is available in Metro NY area at Kalustyan’s, Westside Markets, specialty stores and is gaining rapid distribution regionally. For more information on where to buy, go to their website. P

“HAVING THOSE MEMORIES AND THE NOSTALGIA BE REFLECTED IN MY NEW BRAND HERITAGE KULFI WAS IMPORTANT TO ME ON SO MANY LEVELS.” heritagekulfi.com

Zackary Peck’s Charmed Life

Grandson of Actor Gregory Peck

Gregory and Zackary Peck BY BENNETT MARCUS Elektra Peck, Alex Redcliffe-Peck, Zackary Peck, and Atticus Peck

Growing Up with FrankSinatra

Zackary Peck has lived an extraordinary life. A multihyphenate creative, Zack is an actor, model, musician, and designer. He studied music and acting at NYU’s renowned Tisch School of the Arts and at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and is an accomplished drummer who has played professionally. He has acted on the New York stage doing mainly Shakespeare productions but his movie,EuroTrash, is now in post-production, and he recently launched a clothing label, The Ramblers.

An avid cook, Zack is adept at Italian cuisine, having grown up alongside Frank Sinatra’s family. Zack’s grandfather, actor Gregory Peck, was Sinatra’s best friend. “We had this great tradition, where the Pecks would spend all of the big holidays with the Sinatras,” says Zack. “No matter what the meal was, if it was July 4th and everyone was having burgers and hot dogs and ribs, if Frank was there, there was also a full Italian meal.” At Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner, along with turkey and stuffing, there was always a full Italian meal. “I think it’s such a funny and beautiful traditionofFrank’s that I feel compelled to have it live on in our own home,” he adds.

All-Star Poker Games

Every Sunday night Zack’s grandparents hosted a poker game at which Hollywood greats like Lauren Bacall, Jack Lemmon, and Liza Minnelli joined in. “Those were hysterical, and that was the first time I’d ever played poker,” he says. “I was just a kid, and I wish I’d been more invested in it because what a cool table to be at, but when you’re six, it’s hard to find the attention span for a game of poker.” In retrospect, the 30-year-old realizes that his childhood was as remarkable as it sounds. “I grew up with the best storytellers in the world;I had Atticus Finch reading bedtime stories to me. I mean, that voice is ingrained in my head, and I think that it set the foundation for my interest in acting, that poker table and growing up with them.Man, was it a real privilege to just be in the same room as those greats.”

Making His Own Way

Zack doesn’t hide his heritage, but his father, actor Tony Peck, proudly points out that everything his son is doing is under his own steam. Indeed, it wasn’t until the tail end of his interview withPARK, when asked about his family, that Zack mentioned that his mother is supermodel Cheryl Tiegs. “I don’t like to walk into a room and introduce myself as Gregory Peck’s grandson.That always feels a bit awkward,” says Zack, although his agent does it sometimes. “Iam very much doing my own thing.” He’svery comfortable networking andmaking new contacts.Zack met hisacting agent through friends.Hestartedhisfashion brand completely onhisown,making necklaces out ofhiskitchen 18 months ago, and personally sourced the retailers that carry it, and now it’s growing organically. “I’ve got my parents’ support, and I love them for that, but I’m not relying on anyone else for the success of my work. I’m really proud of what I’ve done and want to continue to grow in that way.”

Zackary Peck in The Ramblers Clothing

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZACKARY PECK Above: Anthony Peck, Zackary Peck and Charlie Watts

Right: Zackary Peck and Harper Lee

The Ramblers: Eco-Friendly & Sexy

The Ramblers lineis inspired by the excesses of the ’70s and ’80s and geared toward nighttime and nightlife with artwork by tattoo artists. Currently there are linen-blend pajamas withrosébottle motifs and modalcashmere blend scarves with skull and animal prints. “WhatI really wanted to do was make eco-friendly clothing sexy. I find so many eco-friendly items are earth-colored and scratchy, so I wanted to show the world that you can do it in a sexy way.”Everythingin the lineis“nighttime”inspired, whether thatmeanswearingitat home fora cozynightinor going outon the town.New products are in the pipeline, and Zack is working with a jeweler as well, so necklaces will eventually be in the mix.

In addition to the brand’s website theramblers.co.uk, the clothing is currently sold at Peri. A in Aspen and L.A., Aquarius Luxury Concierge in London, and at the eco-friendlyCuixmalaresort in Mexico, whom The Ramblers did a collaboration with.

Launched in December, it’s already broken even. “I haven’t taken any financial investment because I like maintaining creative control,and I’d rather grow it slowly and do it the right way,” Zack says, adding thatit giveshiman opportunity to learn how to run a business.

Now based in the English countryside, he liveswith“the coolest wife, the most charming andhilarious children, and two horse-sized dogs” in a converted Gothic school abutting a cemetery. “It’s quite dark and mysterious and beautiful.” P

@TheRamblersClothing on Instagram. Contact: info@thesoundcheckgroup.com

Attorney Daniel Stock

HIGH-ASSET DIVORCE CASES

BY BENNETT MARCUS

Experienced Family Lawyer If you are a high-net-worth individual, or the spouse of one, and seeking a divorce, you may want to consider consulting Daniel Stock, one of New York’s most respected matrimonial lawyers. His specialty is “high-asset” divorce cases. This may sound counterintuitive—you’d imagine that all highly experienced family lawyers want to represent wealthy clients who can pay big fees, which for a high-asset divorce start at around $100,000 per lawyer and go up from there. But this is, in fact, a specialized area of matrimonial law.

Complex, High-Conflict, Ongoing Divorces

High-net-worth divorce cases are also usually high-conflict and highly complex, often taking years to litigate. “A lot of lawyers, strangely enough, do not like high-conflict cases,” Mr. Stock explains. In such cases a husband and wife cannot agree on virtually any significant decisions regarding their divorce, from how much the house is worth to what private school the children attend to what the children should eat for breakfast. “I have a case now where one parent accused the other of feeding a two-year-old child too much sugar,” Stock says.

Hotly contested custody battles in high-asset divorce cases present additional complexities that make this area of law challenging for the average family law attorney. “These cases typically go on for years. One or both parties have the money for legal fees, and they tend to take entrenched positions.”

Neither parent wants to lose custody of their children, and those who can afford to do so are willing to mount all kinds of trials. People try to hide assets, claim dubious tax deductions, or give away artworks, thereby reducing the value of marital assets. These require hiring forensic accountants to comb through voluminous paperwork, or art appraisers. Other experts may be called in if there are accusations of drug or alcohol abuse. “Trials are very expensive; they involve witnesses and evidence and people’s time. Those cases can get quite involved,” says Stock.

Thrives on Complexity

Stock thrives on such complexity. “You have a lot of number crunching going on, which I find personally very interesting.” He enjoys the strategy aspect of pulling together a diverse group of professionals to build a case.

Very skillful lawyers, he explains, need to have multiple skills; they need to be very good at talking persuasively in court, at writing, and at being very aggressive, when necessary, in order to win cases.

“As the cases get more complicated and more high-net-worth, there are more moving parts, and to me, that’s more interesting. So that’s what I’ve gravitated toward.”

Record Ulster County Settlement

Over the last 24 years, Stock has built up his

Attorney Daniel Stock

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIEL STOCK

practice specializing in high-net-worth divorce cases. More than a decade ago he settled what was then the largest contested matrimonial case in Ulster County. “The amount of the marital assets by the time I finished litigating the case was $31 million, which was a lot for upstate New York at the time,” Stock says. “I was asking colleagues there how they thought the judge would react to certain things, and they were telling me, ‘Dan, we’ve never seen a case like this. You’re on your own.’”

Wall Street Background Serves Clients

After graduating from Pace Law School, Stock worked as a securities lawyer on Wall Street, which he soon found to be tedious. However, the exposure to the financial industry proved valuable, and he took a detour into the banking arena, working as an assistant vice president at Bank of New York for several years.

Itching to return to practicing law after a while, Stock decided on family law, starting at the bottom as a law guardian in family court, providing legal aid to people who don’t have the income to retain private counsel.

It wasn’t long before he graduated to private, paid, litigated divorce cases involving custody and child support. “From that point on, it was pretty much a short step to taking on higher and higher net worth cases.”

“THESE CASES TYPICALLY GO ON FOR YEARS. ONE OR BOTH PARTIES HAVE THE MONEY FOR LEGAL FEES, AND THEY TEND TO TAKE ENTRENCHED POSITIONS.”

Pro Bono Activities

Stock is active in a number of organizations offering pro bono legal services, including the New York Women’s Bar Association Pro Bono Matrimonial Law Project, the New York County Supreme Court Matrimonial Neutral Evaluators, and the Hudson Valley Collaborative Divorce & Dispute Resolution Association.

As one of two attorney members of the Coalition for Family Justice, Stock devotes one Sunday per month offering free legal advice, guidance, and strategy to lower-income women who don’t have the money to hire divorce lawyers.

Yankees fan

Bronx-born Stock is a lifelong Yankees fan and holds season tickets, and more recently, he became a Rangers fan. An amateur guitarist, he plays blues and electric guitar with a garage band in Connecticut. P

AMIT

Transforming Education in Israel

BY LAUREN BENS

s a pioneer in agriculture, economics, and technology, it’s no surprise that the young nation of Israel is also the most forward-thinking country when it comes to education. At the forefront of that education is AMIT, which currently has plans for an extraordinary expansion.

AMIT offers an innovative approach to education and aspires to lead a new generation forward, all while inspiring the rest of the world with their methods. This education initiative, which welcomes children of all backgrounds and regardless of socioeconomic status, was founded in 1925 and currently educates over 40,000 children each year in a network encompassing 96 schools across 32 cities in Israel. “We’re stronger now than in any other time in our history,” says AMIT’s Executive Vice President, Andrew Goldsmith. “We were founded by a group of women nearly 100 years ago, who were very far ahead of their time. While men were running the world and the charities, our founder, Bessie Gotsfeld, said, ‘No, I’m not going to raise money and have a group of men decide where it should go. I’m going to raise money, and we will decide where it should go.’ The root of our organization is to make sure the children of Israel are given every opportunity to succeed, in the spirit of Bessie Gotsfeld,” adds Goldsmith.

AMIT currently oversees everything from co-ed elementary schools to co-ed high schools to schools for young women and young men, plus youth villages, and orphanages for children from the age of four and up who are raised there until they move to the youth village. “We are responsible for every aspect of their life,” says Goldsmith.

AMIT schools are also open to any child regardless of religion or background, and the organization is dedicated to helping students find and realize their life dreams and goals. “We look at the potential of the child and charter a course for each student individually,” says Goldsmith.

AMIT will soon break ground on the AMIT Kfar Batya Campus in Ra’anana, Israel’s model city. At the earlier part of the century, Gotsfeld traveled to what was then Palestine with money sewn into her

coat and bought land in what was to become Ra’anana, but at the time was only a sea of sand dunes. Originally founded as the Bessie Gotsfeld Children’s Village and Farm School, it later became known as AMIT Kfar Batya.

With plans to break ground in the next few months and an expected opening date in September 2025, the new campus elevates and expands state-of-the-art education for the state of Israel. The campus will train hundreds of teachers and educate thousands of students and house many features, including school buildings, community athletic complex, foundation buildings, education innovation center, AMIT headquarters, and foundation buildings. The entire campus and all AMIT schools are based on AMIT’s renowned education platform known as Gogya, a 21st-century approach focused on changing economical, technological, and societal shifts. This Gogya approach emphasizes creativity, curiosity, teamwork, flexibility, and critical thinking, ensuring the children of Israel can succeed in the ever-changing world.

AMIT, which has already partnered with schools in the United States as well as the United Arab Emirates, is living up to the ideal that Israel should be a light unto the rest of the world. “Our culture is that we always evolve. We make an impact on the world’s education and create artists, architects, doctors, lawyers, and world leaders while giving all students a chance to succeed.”

Donors in the United States can support the AMIT overarching mission as well as the new campus groundbreaking educational endeavor, to make it part of their lasting legacy. With building naming opportunities, a memorial park , amazing outdoor spaces, and even a community athletic center that is going to be open to the entire city after hours, supporters have an incredible chance to make an impact, while having a footprint in Israel. For ways to get involved and donate, please visit their website. P “OUR CULTURE IS THAT WE ALWAYS EVOLVE. WE MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE WORLD’S EDUCATION AND CREATE ARTISTS, ARCHITECTS, DOCTORS, LAWYERS, AND WORLD LEADERS WHILE GIVING ALL STUDENTS A CHANCE TO SUCCEED.”

Jeffrey Beri

Attacking Animal Abuse in Global Problem Areas

BY JAKE DRESSLER

Before Jeffrey Beri found his calling as an animal rights organizer, he had spent most of his career as a mechanical engineer and jewelry designer. In 2016 he pivoted roles to become a full-time animal activist. “I grew up with dogs,” Beri said. “Dogs are man’s best friend and pigs are mutually smart, there are so many animals that are being recklessly slaughtered for consumption, but I have a huge passion for dogs.” Since then, he’s organized heroic efforts that resulted in the saving of 117 dogs from the slaughterhouses in Yulin, China. But that was just the beginning. Soon after, he started No Dogs Left Behind (nodogsleftbehind.com), a nonprofit that works to save, advocate for, rehabilitate, and adopt dogs.

Earning a Dog’s Trust

In a video available on YouTube titled, “Yulin Survivor Iron” you can watch Jeffrey calm down a seemingly violent dog named Iron. Iron is not a violent dog by nature, but an animal that has only known abuse; raised in inhumane conditions for the sole purpose of being consumed during the yearly Yulin dog meat festival. In the video, Jeffrey slowly earns Iron’s trust by providing medical intervention and therapy. Thick leather gloves are needed to protect Jeffrey’s hands from bites, and he must keep Iron at an arm’s length distance. Little by little, as Iron nibbles on his gloves, Jeffrey teaches him to embrace human touch and accept the help that Jeffrey provides. The transformation in the video is a poignant snapshot of just some of the work that Jeffrey and his team put into helping abused dogs. At the end of the video the gloves come off and Iron embraces Jeffrey as he learns to trust humans for the first time.

Following his passion for the arts, Jeffrey studied jewelry making, manufacturing, and marketing, finding a successful career working for the prestigious Jewelry designer David Yurman. While attaining his professional goals, Jeffrey yearned for a deeper sense of purpose.“It got to the point where I wanted to make change, make the world a better place,” Jeffrey said. His passion for animals led him to animal activism.

Animal Rights Crisis in Yulin

After hearing about the horrors of the dog meat trade in Yulin, China, he chose to target the problem at its root. “The dogs in Yulin are beaten, boiled, blow torched, many of them stolen from the streets, stolen from homes,” said Jeffrey. “It’s a type of abhorrent behavior

that’s not warranted, that’s why I chose dogs.” The abhorrent treatment of dogs in Yulin doesn’t only occur in the day-to-day operations of livestock farming, but also methodically throughout the culture at large. “A lot of the processes involve how can they torture the dog,” said Jeffrey. “There is a myth in Yulin that torturing the dog will make their meat more tender. They believe eating dog meat will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in summer, or it’ll keep you healthier or cure impotence in men.”

Rescuing abused dogs for human consumption takes enormous preparation and community organizing. “We have volunteers and activists all over eastern Asia and they work to spot illicit dog slaughterhouses and dogmeat markets,” said Jeffrey.“It then gets passed along through our channels of communication and we gather evidence and wait for the right time to execute.”

Using the Community as his Army

When Jeffrey targets a facility or abusive dog farm, he rallies the community to help. “We’ll go in, surround the place, we’ll have brave activists demand and execute seamless and effective emergency responses,” said Jeffrey. “We bring in government, police, mayors and villagers, and we showcase what they’ve done, providing evidence of the slaughtering. Then, they demand the sellers show proof of purchase and the health and quarantine certificates for dogs.” At that point, almost always, that information is not able to be provided and the government officials will step in and ask them to render the dogs to the volunteers because the fines will exceed the proceeds of the meat by that point.

After Jeffrey rescues the dogs, his organization begins the long and arduous process of rehabilitation. “Some dogs are so petrified they’ll attack the second you get close to them because all they’ve felt is torture; tubes down their throats, pumped with liquids, break their jaws, slammed into slaughter cages, stuffed into chicken cages,” Said Jeffrey.

The dogs are taken to a quarantine center, then sent to the ‘No Dogs Left Behind’ sanctuaries, where they’re treated and rehabilitated. Treatments for the animals include vaccinations, spaying and neutering, deworming, and flea and tick treatments. “We then adhere to a strict schedule around being fed, going out to park time, working with them to be leash trained, and eventually being able to trust people again. Some dogs we’ve treated for 2 years, some 4 years and they’re still really fearful and scared,” says Jeffrey.

How to Save 10,000 Dogs

Jeffrey is mobilizing his army of community activists and volunteers for the upcoming Yulin summer solstice festival. During the festival, Jeffrey estimates that tens of thousands of dogs are slaughtered at the festival. “We’re fighting to make sure it doesn’t happen and that the slaughters don’t happen during the upcoming festival,”. said Jeffrey. At prior festivals, Jeffrey said he was followed by up to 25 secret police. “They are worried about me, but they don’t have the rights to really detain me,” said Jeffrey. “I think they’re more worried about martyring me because I have so much support from east Asia and globally.”

Jeffrey attributes this to the outpouring of support he garners in East Asia and globally, stating unequivocally, “The support of social media fans and keyboard warriors has been extremely helpful. Our work truly does take a village.”

If you would like to find out more about Jeffrey and his organization, and his work combating the illicit dog meat trade, as well as the efforts made in saving and adopting out rescued dogs, please visit: P

Ken Jewell

Leader In Divorce Law

BY BENNETT MARCUS

“A HAPPY CLIENT IS A CLIENT WHO’S GOT WHATEVER THEY NEED DONE”

With divorce being an awful, emotionally intense, and painful experience for all those involved, adding an arduous legal process to the hardship only increases agony and maximizes stress. As one of America’s most resolute matrimonial lawyers —quoted extensively in the New York Times, Town & Country, the New York Post, and the New York Law Journal — Attorney Ken Jewell operates Jewell Law, PLLC, with a steadfast philosophy: Resolve matrimonial disputes efficiently to allow clients to move forward with peace of mind.

Privacy is Paramount

At Jewell Law, staff members refer to clients only by their first names to maintain anonymity. Appointments are staggered and clients are immediately ushered to a private office. Former clients include high-profile fashion models, performance artists, owners of renowned business establishments, real estate moguls, and other well-established professionals and business owners.

As Little Pain as Possible

“It’s only the two parties that are in the room and there’s no way of being able to prove what’s really happening unless someone shows up with bruises,” says Jewell. Given that background, he advises getting the divorce done smartly and sooner rather than later. Jewell Law excels in highly contested cases where the parties are likely to fight over every little thing. “It’s figuring out what is driving the fight. Once that is addressed, the case takes far less time to get done than it would with other matrimonial firms.”

Jewell Law

“We pride ourselves on getting the job done, doing what’s necessary, and expediting clients through the process instead of having their cases drag on unresolved,” says Jewell. “A happy client is a client who’s got whatever they need done,” he adds. “So, if they’re looking to get divorced, they want to get divorced. They don’t want to go through years and years of agony; they want to get the job done sooner rather than later.”

Jewell tries to get his clients to see divorce proceedings in an optimistic light, to move on from an unhappy situation. “One of the biggest problems in matrimonial law is that everybody wants justice,” Jewell explains, “but marriage is one of the closest relationships anybody can have. It’s not the kind of relationship where justice is always available.”

Why Matrimonial Law?

Before attending law school, Jewell spent ten years as a Supreme Court law librarian in Nassau County, helping judges and lawyers with research. He was torn between becoming a psychologist or an attorney. Matrimonial law seemed a natural fit. “It hits the hybrid of being both a psychologist as well as being an attorney to help people.” Jewell worked for another matrimonial practitioner for a short period, but quickly realized that with years of legal research experience already under his belt, he could bring in business and help people in a way that he considered more appropriate. He opened Jewell Law in 2003. P

JScreen

Fall is for Pumpkins – and Prioritizing Your Health

BY LAUREN BENS

his fall, don’t forget to prioritize your health, especially as fall includes Tay-Sachs and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Months, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Taking control of your health and your family’s health is now easier and more reliable than ever with JScreen, a national public health initiative based out of Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Human Genetics in Atlanta.

“I am passionate about bringing cancer genetic testing and reproductive carrier screening to people who need them, regardless of where they live in the US,” says Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, MS, CGC, Assistant Professor of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, and JScreen’s Executive Director. “All you have to do is visit our website at JScreen.org, where you can learn about genetic testing and sign up for an at-home test kit.”

JScreen offers two types of testing. Their CancerGEN test includes more than 60 cancer susceptibility genes associated with hereditary risks for ovarian, breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, and many other types of cancers. In fact, cancer survivors Sharon Osbourne and Fran Drescher have both recently advocated for JScreen.

“Cancer genetic testing is powerful because it gives people information about their risks so they can be proactive about their health,” explains Karen.

Knowing one’s risk for ovarian cancer, one of the most common cancers among women, is important. “Most women don’t realize that they have ovarian cancer until it’s in advanced stages because symptoms are vague. If we can tell a person they have a high genetic risk that predisposes them, they can intervene by having their ovaries and tubes removed after having children to significantly reduce their risk.”

JScreen’s reproductive carrier test, known as ReproGEN, tests for over 200 genetic diseases, including Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease, which could impact a couple’s future children. If a carrier couple is identified, JScreen goes over options available for family planning, including in vitro fertilization and using healthy embryos for each pregnancy, or using an egg or sperm donor who is not a carrier of the same disease to mitigate risk. Doing carrier testing prior to pregnancy is essential, as it gives couples the most options for family planning.

To get tested, simply go to www.jscreen. org and order your at-home kit. After testing, you will schedule a telehealth appointment with one of JScreen’s genetic counselors to go over the results and implications. The genetic counselor will also guide you through next steps and provide reports to you and your healthcare provider.

Take your health into your own hands with these affordable and easy-to-use test kits from JScreen. It might just save your life, and it will give your family a healthier future. P

L-R - Financial Advisors: Front - Jenna Rutchik, Andrea Schwarz, Alan Rutchik; Back - Matt Mott, Keith Galanti, Sergio Nicolosi, Ken Miller

The Genesis Group at Morgan Stanley

BY LINDA FELIZ

The Genesis Group First Vice President and Financial Advisor Sergio Nicolosi and his team, The Genesis Group, are a financial consultant team at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where they offer meticulous advice through a client-centered practice. The Genesis Group is a full-service wealth management team that works with small business owners, professionals, mid- to upper-level corporate leaders, and divorced women. The practice is focused on Wealth Planning that typically starts with a comprehensive financial plan, which then leads to an extensive investment review and risk analysis. “Our goal is to make sure our client’s investment objectives, goals, family values, and lifestyle are all aligned,” says Nicolosi. “We have over 100 years of experience and manage over $2B in assets (as of August 5th, 2022).” Many of the firm’s clients begin to seek advice in their 50s and 60s, as they start thinking about retirement, or a more financially independent way of life.

Team Dynamic

At the time of client engagement, the team holds an all-hands-on-deck whiteboard meeting, which entails a brainstorming event where they identify those strategies, products, and services that will best serve the client’s needs. “The team dynamic is special,” says Nicolosi. “In that everyone is engaged in the mission, which is delivering a client experience that clients truly appreciate.” The group finds unique approaches to solving complex issues, and it is the same kindred spirits within the team that ultimately show up in the client engagement. When deciding which teammate works with an individual client, however, that depends on the client’s needs and chemistry. “If the Financial Advisor brings in a new client from their personal relationship, they will take the lead with the team as an overlay,” says Nicolosi.

Inflation

With a 42-year high in inflation and a jump in consumer inflation expectations, it is no surprise that the Federal Reserve had no choice but to hike the fed funds rate to cool off the economy. The Genesis Group is now advising their clients to have maximum diversification, to stay more protective toward the year’s end, and to reallocate to areas of the market that they see is holding up better—i.e., Health Care, Real Estate, and Utilities. According to Nicolosi, the Fed is not necessarily making it harder to borrow money; however, the cost of capital is higher, which results in the process not being

great for the borrowers but better for the investors. “Our capital markets Financial Advisor focuses on trying to identify investment-grade debt at attractive yields,” says Nicolosi. “So, while the next few months are likely to see the equity markets trade lower in our opinion, the team is very optimistic about the next two years. We believe the secular bull market is still intact, and significant gains will be made as the US equity markets recover and get back to their former heights.”

Meet The Team

Keith Galanti is a Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Retirement Income Certified Professional. As the head Financial Planner, Galanti oversees Alternative Investments and Asset Allocation for the group. “As important as it is to make money, it is more important not to lose it,” says Galanti. “This is important because when clients come to us with their life savings, our job is to help protect it and grow it.”

Alan Rutchik, a Financial Advisor whose area of focus is Capital Markets and Lending Solutions for Ultra High Net Clients, indicates the importance of this category to the company. “Capital markets and lending greatly influence the overall asset allocation of clients’ portfolios and chance for success,” says Rutchik.

Andrea Schwarz, Financial Advisor, focuses on Retirement planning and tax-free municipal bonds, offering tax-free municipal bond strategies for the group’s clients, especially women. “This is important to the company because it’s what we keep after our taxes are paid to the government, and that is the real rate of return on an investment,” Schwarz said. P

Years of experience:

Sergio Nicolosi – 19 years Keith Galanti – 35 years Alan Rutchik – 25 years Andrea Schwarz – 35 years Kenneth Miller – 35 years Matt Mott – 4 years Jenna Rutchik – 2 years

855 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 516-227-2830 advisor.morganstanley.com/the-genesis-group

Sergio Nicolosi and Andrea Schwarz

The information contained in this piece is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors, as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking-related products and services. Interest on municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax. However, some bonds may be subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Typically, state tax-exemption applies if securities are issued within one’s state of residence, and local tax-exemption typically applies if securities are issued within one’s city of residence. The tax-exempt status of municipal securities may be changed by legislative process, which could affect their value and marketability. Bonds are affected by a number of risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, credit risk, and prepayment risk. In general, as prevailing interest rates rise, fixed income securities prices will fall. Bonds face credit risk if a decline in an issuer’s credit rating, or creditworthiness, causes a bond’s price to decline. Finally, bonds can be subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates fall, an issuer may choose to borrow money at a lower interest rate, while paying off its previously issued bonds. As a consequence, underlying bonds will lose the interest payments from the investment and will be forced to reinvest in a market where prevailing interest rates are lower than when the initial investment was made. NOTE: High-yield bonds are subject to additional risks, such as increased risk of default and greater volatility because of the lower credit quality of the issues.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 4883427 08/22

THE END OF THIS YEAR IS COMING

BY PHILIP W. MALAKOFF

Where Should Investors FOCUS?

It may be hard to believe but the year is flying by and the end of the year will be here sooner than you realize. 2022 has been a challenging one for most investors, but the challenge has created opportunities for investors to be proactive and put themselves in position for a rewarding 2023.

This year has been unusual as both risk assets (equities) and safer assets (bonds) have declined. Investors should use this time to rethink exactly why they are investing and what their investment goals are. Is it to grow assets to fund their lifestyle in the future? Is it for near-term liquidity? Is it for future generations, philanthropy, to fund a business venture or some combination of these? Each of these goals requires a well-thought-out, long-term, diversified asset allocation so investors can weather market volatility. Investors should confirm that their current investment plan is aligned with their goals.

Once a plan has been agreed upon, investors should check that their portfolio’s current asset allocation is in line with the plan. Market volatility may have shifted weightings such that they no longer reflect the proper allocation to each asset class and may need to be rebalanced. Studies have shown that rebalancing tends to improve risk-adjusted returns over time. Working with a financial advisor can help investors navigate volatility and stick with their plan. At First Long Island Investors we review each client’s asset allocation on a quarterly basis.

With the market’s decline thus far this year there is probably an opportunity for investors to harvest unrealized losses, which can be used to offset realized capital gains. The result is that investors only pay taxes on their net profit, thereby reducing their tax bill. Investors should analyze their portfolio and determine where there are appropriate losses to take, being mindful of the wash sale rule, which can invalidate the realized loss. Should an investor still like the company’s prospects, shares can be repurchased after 30 days. Please consult a tax expert for advice. Typically, tax loss harvesting is done towards the end of the year, but given this year’s decline, investors should consider doing so sooner, in order to take action before others have the same idea.

One thing investors should not do is panic sell or get more aggressive to make up for losses. Investors need to look out long-term and stick with their investment plan. They should realize that downturns are a part of investing and have proven in the past to be temporary. While at times it may feel like prices will never stop going down, market history has shown that well diversified portfolios can rebound and become profitable. It’s important to remember that investing is a marathon, not a sprint.

One final suggestion as the end of the year approaches is to be charitable. Besides being altruistic you may get a tax benefit from your donations. I will provide a deeper dive into charitable giving in my next column. P

Philip W. Malakoff, Executive Managing Director at First Long Island Investors, LLC, a Long Island based wealth management firm providing sound financial guidance for nearly 40 years.

georgeforny.com

Many Latino families escaped oppressive regimes to experience freedom in the United States of America, the greatest country on Earth. Hispanic voters are fleeing the Democratic Party because radical socialists are trying to turn the United States into the same dictatorships these individuals fled.

Recent election results and polling shows a seismic shift in Hispanic voters that are supporting and voting for Republicans in record numbers. Latino voters are abandoning the Democratic party while making a mighty migration toward the right side of the political spectrum. A UnidosUS/Mi Familia Vota National Survey of Latino Voters shows that 60% of Hispanic voters believe America is on the wrong track.

President Biden’s disastrous economic policies led to record high inflation, along with soaring gas and grocery prices. Remember, inflation is really a tax on the lower and middle classes, with many Hispanic families bearing the brunt of this economic downtown.

Latino families also have a deep respect for the rule of law in the United States, especially when it comes to securing our border. The free flow of fentanyl across the southern border is devastating families across America, leading to an illegal drug epidemic that is killing an estimated 150 people per day according to the CDC. President Biden, Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party they lead not only took for granted Hispanic communities, but they also appear to be doubling down on radical policies that are out of touch with all American families. Instead of helping immigrant families across the country, the woke agenda of the Democratic Party is focused on defunding the police, raising taxes, increasing government spending, and allowing grown men to compete in women’s sports and share locker rooms with young girls.

AOC hijacked the party of JFK.

I am proudly one of the record-setting 102 Latino candidates running as a Republican for Congress this year.

My question to voters of all political parties: Is your family better off now than you were two years ago? For all of us, the answer is a resounding “no.” And to all of my friends in the Democratic Party: Join the many Latino voters who rejected radical policies and spending that led to the worst inflation crisis since Jimmy Carter was President.

We are fed up. We are angry, and we’ve had enough. Come November, we are taking our country back.

It is our obligation to turn anger and frustration into action, and it begins by electing like-minded Hispanic members of Congress in the midterm elections. Only then will we be able to lead our country in the right direction and break free from an out-of-touch political party and President that wrecked our economy and took Hispanic voters for granted.

The Latino Exodus from the Democrat Party

BY GEORGE SANTO

My Latino family embodies the beauty of the American dream.

As the son of legal immigrants who came to America the right way, my mom and dad came to this great nation with nothing and were honored to become citizens.

I was taught to appreciate American values and to participate in the democratic process. That includes the importance of voting.

When my parents came to America in the early eighties, the common belief was that the Democratic Party represented the “working man and working woman.”

This is why many Latino voters, especially incoming immigrants for many generations, voted for Democrats. Now, many Latinos feel Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party lead the fight for woke corporations and the ultra-rich.

National Retail Solutions

Helping Small Business Owners Operate More Productively and Profitably

BY LAUREN BENS

With a background in leading diverse industries, Elie Y. Katz founded National Retail Solutions (NRS) seven years ago with a mission of helping thousands of small business owners operating convenience stores and bodegas (a New York City staple) thrive. He’s done just that – and more. NRS is now the leading point-ofsale (POS) platform for over 19,000 independent convenience stores, bodegas, and other neighborhood retailers nationwide.

NRS offers a custom-built proprietary, all-in-one Point of Sale (POS) system bundle to help businesses attract customers and increase revenue. The technology and equipment bundle enables customers to enjoy a fast and easy checkout process with a built-in couponing program that gives these smaller, independent retailers a chance to compete against the larger chain and bigbox operations. It also includes sales and user-tracking with inventory management and features that allow store operators to determine top-selling items and see the average prices in every region.

With a continuous stream of new technologies and initiatives, NRS continues to help businesses gain traction in the current economic climate.

“It may be enough to help increase brick and mortar sales, but we also want to ‘plug all the holes in the boat.’ For example, many businesses are locked into long-term contracts with a provider and suffer hefty penalties if they try to get out. To alleviate this, we offer no locked-in contracts, no cancellation fee, launched NRS Pay credit card processing with clean rates and zero hidden fees, plus, we offer free equipment,” says Katz. .NRS Pay is now one of the fastest-growing payment acceptance companies for retailers and service providers across the country. Thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series and MVP champion Mariano Rivera uses NRS’s technology in his stores and serves as NRS Pay’s spokesperson.

The revolutionary NRS point of sale system allows retailers to run customer-facing ads as part of NRS Digital Media, a digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising platform. “32 million people see our consumer-facing ad screens in stores and transact more than 22 million times through our registers coast to coast every week. Brands pair this capability with our scan data insights via NRS Insights to pinpoint the best locations and run ads that influence customers at the point of purchase,” says Katz.

To keep stores safe and protect workers from rising crime, NRS recently announced its patented POS Panic Alarm Button, which dispatches police with a silent alarm triggered on the merchant touchscreen. The NRS Panic Alarm Button is available for NRS customers in NY and NJ.

Most recently, NRS has teamed up with Bringg, a technology service enabling retailers to deliver products straight to their customers. “We’re making the convenience store more convenient, and customers don’t have to step foot in the store to support their local retailers while enjoying the convenience of delivery.” What started seven years ago as a pointof-sale core product and the subsequent addition of NRS Pay credit card processing has evolved in many ways, like the development of NRS Funding cash advance and NRS Petro POS plus EMV for gas stations. These offerings create financial accessibility and expansion affordability for those Mom ‘n’ Pop retailers, whose stores are the cornerstones of their communities everywhere. P

LET US TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BUYING OR LEASING A NEW CAR

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WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO GET YOU OUT OF YOUR LEASE EARLY AND/OR BUY ANY USED CAR YOU’D LIKE TO SELL.

A Message From Our President

Hello, my name is Andrew Marsico. I promise to get you the best price for your new vehicle, no matter what type of auto you are looking for. Not only that, I will walk you through and educate you on the entire process to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. Did you know that there is a hidden service that can save you THOUSANDS of DOLLARS on your next car?

Many people are unaware that car consultants exist. What is a car consultant? Car consultants negotiate the best deal on your behalf, for a minimal charge. On average, at Educated Car Buyer, our customers save $4,000 from their lowest negotiated price by using our services.

Who should use a car consultant?

■ Looking to get your next car at the lowest possible price? ■ Frustrated with the haggling, negotiating process of getting a new car? ■ Don’t have the time or patience to go from dealer to dealer to get the best price? ■ Unsure of what rebates, incentives, employee discounts, brand loyalty and other offers you might be entitled to that car dealers do not disclose to the public? ■ Need someone to deal with the ENTIRE car (buying or leasing) process: from negotiating the best price, completing ALL your DMV, insurance, registration & overall paperwork from A to Z?

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a larger amount then any dealer would on a trade in.

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current lease at no charge or very minimal cost.

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The Best of the Best Parties David Rockefeller, Liev Shreiber, Ted Cruz, Andy Sabin, Randy Hearst Harris, & Patrick McMullan.

C ouri BY R.COURI HAY

Randy Hearst and Paula Porubcanova

Photo: Jean-Pierre Uys

Wedding of the Year

It was the society wedding of the year. Dashing King Randolph Hearst Harris, who’s known as Randy and is the great-grandson of publishing baron William Randolph Hearst and the son of Anne Hearst, married the elegant Paula Porubcanova at a lavish three-day affair in the Hamptons. The guest list was highly curated with only one hundred forty glamorous attendees. These included Randy’s father, King Harris, and his stepfather, the acclaimed author Jay McInerney. Also in the mix were Princess Yasmin Aga Khan with Blaise Labriola, Milly de Cabrol, Kimberly and Steven Rockefeller, Sharon Bush and her husband, Bob Murray, former US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and his wife, Hilary Geary

Ross, Candace Bushnell and Janna Bullock, and her daughter Eugenia Bullock. The endlessly chic event was held at Randy’s family’s estate Ashgrove Farm. The bride wore a dazzling confection by Monique Lhuillier with embroidered lilies of the valley with faint touches of green. The attractive couple said “I do” under a 16-foothigh white floral arch set against the property’s lily and koi pond; it’s the only way, really. Randy’s sister, Amanda Hearst, who just gave birth to her first child with Maleficent director Joachim Rønning, gave a toast via video while holding baby Hawk. The magician— that is, Alison Mazzola— planned the event, which featured Slovakian traditions in honor of the bride. These included

handmade dolls on guests’ plates with their names on them and pale white floral arrangements with wisps of blue flowers everywhere you looked. There was a 16-piece band, monogrammed napkins, and a separate dessert tent to offer artisanal desserts from New York cheesecake to apple strudel; all produced by Chris Robbins of Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs. Guests were invited to pet the family’s miniature ponies, goats, lambs, chickens, and even an emu on the estate’s private zoo. After the dancing, the bride was “kidnapped” by Randy’s groomsman, and per the bride’s native country’s tradition, he pursued her all the way to the afterparty to show his love; I left at 4:00 a.m. The next night, guests, including Lorraine Bracco and Robert Zimmerman, headed to the beach for a dinner of lobster, clams, and corn in the sand, which was festooned with beige and white rugs, enormous white pillows, and even tables and chairs pitched near the surf, which was rolling picturesquely in. At dusk, a bonfire was lit by the dance floor for s’mores, and a tribe of female performers did an elaborate fire dance that I thought looked like a fertility ceremony. Who else would tell you these things?

Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney

Photo: Jean-Pierre Uys Jean Shafiroff and Patrick McMullan Photo: PMC

Steven and Kimberly Rockefeller

Photo: Jean-Pierre Uys

Patrick McMullan’s Birthday

Jean Shafiroff and this columnist gave Patrick

Heidi Cruz and Andy Sabin

Photo: Rob Rich Ted Cruz and Sergio Nicolosi

Photo: Rob Rich

McMullan a dinner party to celebrate his birthday in Southampton. The famed photographer received a citation from the NY State Assembly, which celebrated Patrick’s 40-year career as a photographer. The impressive document was hand-delivered by Patrick’s friend and Member of Assembly, Rebecca Seawright. The citation read in part, “Whereas, Patrick has helped capture New York’s role as the social and artistic capital of the world through his acclaimed work behind the camera and as a cancer survivor, Patrick has overcome setbacks and has become one of the most resilient contributors to New York society.” patrickmcmullan.com

Chagit Leviev, Pernilla Sjoholm, Cecilie Fjellho and Ayleen Charlotte

Photo: Patrick McMullan

Ted Cruz Visits Andy Sabin

Metal magnate Andy Sabin gave a party at his house in East Hampton. Senator Ted Cruz arrived with three Capitol Hill police officers, his wife, Heidi, and their 11-year-old daughter, Caroline. Andy gave them a tour of his private zoo, where they were able to see and pet pigs, peacocks, pheasants, rabbits, goats, chickens, and a giant tortoise. Andy said, “I never saw so many liberals who wanted their picture taken with Senator Cruz.” Guests included Julia Haart, Daphne Oz, Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Jill Zarin, wealth manager Sergio Nicolosi, Carole Crist the former First Lady of Florida, and investor and philanthropist Afsaneh “Sunny” Akhtari, who shared an ice cream trip to the Mister Softee truck with the senator and his family.

Isabelle Bscher

Photo: Patrick McMullan

tiny diamonds for Pernilla Sjöholm, The Tinder Swindler victim who’s expecting twins this South Fork Natural December. The grown-up History Museum versions are being sold Ray Donovan star Liev with all profits going to Schreiber was named help all the swindler The South Fork Natural victims, including Ayleen History Museum’s new Charlotte and Cecilie global ambassador at a Fjellhoy, recoup their benefit for the museum losses. Profits will also founded by the benefit the Women for aforementioned Andy Women charity. The Sabin. The event was party to launch the cochaired by Susan and bracelet at Mister French David Rockefeller and attracted Libbie Mugrabi, honored Sylvia Isabelle Bscher, Earle, Richard attorneys Grasso, and Marianne Greg Bertuna and Manocherian, Arthur Aidala, among others. and divorce In the mix was lawyers Harriet Anna Newman Cohen Chernitskaya, and Martha the stunning Cohen Stine. model and leviev.com entrepreneur who has launched a new Hetrick-Martin weight loss tea called The Institute School’s Out Ritual, which is being Martha Stewart, Andy used by the fashionable Cohen, and Tracy set to prepare for the Anderson have all holidays. sofo.org chaired and supported The Hetrick-Martin Stronger Together Institute (HMI) Billionaire School’s Out diamond benefit. The magnet organization, Chagit Leviev which helps of LEVIEV LGBTQIA+ Diamonds has youth, took place created two at the beautiful miniature Arc House in East Stronger Hampton and was Together led by cochairs bracelets Architect Rod bearing two Grozier and

Martha Cohen Stine and Harriet Cohen Photo: Patrick McMullan

Arthur

Aidala and

Marianne

Bertuna

Photo:

Patrick

McMullan Libbie Mugrabi and R. Couri Hay

Photo: Patrick McMullan

Douglas Elliman’s Ben Dixon. Guests enjoyed a yummy dinner dubbed ‘The Best of the Hamptons,’ which featured courses including Duryea’s Lobster Cobb Salad, Steak from STK, and side dishes from ALMOND. “The money raised tonight, guarantees that young people will have the resources they need throughout the year,” said HMI CEO Thomas Krever. hmi.org/ schoolsout

Attendees at HMI’s School’s Out Event

Photo: Andrew Werner

Please join this columnist for a tour of The Hamptons and NYC’s best parties on the following pages.

Natalie Silverstein and Stephanie Levine Maura O’Neill, Meredith Cram, and Ava Farshidi Britt Covello

The Event GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER MIDSUMMER NIGHT DRINKS

The Story Aerin Lauder, the designer and God’s LoveWe Deliver board member opened her far-flung Hamptons estate to host thecharity’s Midsummer Night Drinks party with her husband, Eric Zinterhofer. Cochairs included Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere, Kelly Klein, Jenny Landey, and Margaret Russell. Over three hundred guestsstrolledthe gardens, admiring the gardens and the imposing white house festooned with Doric columns that belonged to her grandmother, Estee Lauder. “Estee loved columns,” confided Aerin, “and she loved to feed people, so she always had chocolates in her refrigerator in her sitting room for guests. “ Who else would tell you these things? The organizationbrings high-quality meals to those who cannot prepare meals for themselves due to life-altering illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. They served their thirty-millionth meal this year. Guests told Aerin how much they loved her stylish concept store in Southampton. Supporters included Dan Klores, Paul Wilmont Canard Inc., and Blue Lion Events.Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern created the menu, and Bridgehampton Florist designed the festive flower arrangements. glwd.com

Eric Zinterhofer and Aerin Laude Whitney Fairchild and Nacho Ramos Eve Brookville and Olga Sorokina

Arnie and Paola Rosenshein Lang

© RICHARD LEWIN Arnie and Paola Rosenshein Lang

© RICHARD LEWIN

Peter Thomas Roth and Jill Stuart Lang

The Event LANG LANG YOUNG SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

The Story Longtime board member and soon-to-be chairman of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, Chris Burch, held a Young Scholars Concert at the housewarming of his new far-flung Watermill estate and spectacular gardens. Chris encouraged everyone to walk around the house and gardens and to get a drink.“I encourage drinking here.” He chuckled, adding as he introduced the two pianists, “I only like extraordinary humans. I’m not interested in ordinary humans.” Young Scholars Eden Chen and Maxim Lando performed renditions fromThe Nutcracker,Led Zeppelin, Gershwin, and Sousa. Among those applauding were Lang Lang board members David Hryck and Kyle Wool, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Peter Thomas Roth and his son Ryan, and others of that ilk and stripe. The Foundation works on threecontinents, including North America, Europe, and Asia, partnering with schools in low-income districts to ensure that no child is denied a musical education. CEO of the foundation, Lukas Barwinski-Brown, ended the night by thanking Chris and announcing his gift of six hundred pianos a year to emerging pianists.langlangfoundation.org

Lottie Oakley, Marcy Warren, and Ryan Thomas Roth Lang

© RICHARD LEWIN

Maxim Lando, Leszek BarwinskiBrown, and Eden Chen Lang

© RICHARD LEWIN

Chris Burch

© RICHARD LEWIN Amanda and Rob Holmén Lang

© RICHARD LEWIN Paige Baller Lang

© RICHARD LEWIN

Zurich Deleon, Miss Claire Sullivan, Tourmaline Carol Server, Mickalene Thomas, Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut

Sydney LevinEpstein, Samantha Sorbaro

The Event PARRISH ART MUSEUM MIDSUMMER DANCE AND DINNER

The Story The Parrish’s exciting new director, Monica Rairez-Montagut, greeted the guests at the museum’s Midsummer Dance and Dinner in Water Mill. Larry Milstein and Destinee Ross-Sutton cochaired the young people’s dance, which kicked off the weekend of festivities. Oscar Nñ of Papi Juice kept Serena Bancroft, Eugenia Bullock, Sarvi Chafik, Elizabeth Kurpis, Laura Brown, Samantha Blake Cohen, and three hundred others who fall in their interest circle on the dance floor until the lights came on. This night is now a must-be-seen-at event for the bright young things on the East End. The following night Debbie Bancroft, Preston Phillips, and George Wells cochaired the museum’s elegant gala dinner. The benefit honored artist Jasper Johns, collector Miyoung Lee, and the curators of the museum’s Set It Off exhibition, Racquel Chevremont & Mickalene Thomas. Sponsors included Amazon. Parrishart.org

Sharie Siadat

Larry Milstein and Elise Taylor

Sofia D’Angelo, Lori Cole

Debbie Bancroft and Serena Bancroft

Irina Ourusoff

The Event ONWARD LONGHOUSE RESERVE

The Story East Hampton’sLongHouseReservecelebrated its community of artists—past, present, and future—at their annual Summer Benefit. The event was titledONWARD,a favorite expression of its late and legendary founder,JackLenor Larsen. Banished was the old-style sit-down dinner under a tent. Instead, LongHouse spread couches, canopied beds, rugs, and chairs throughout the garden under the stars, with five buffets boasting everything from poké bowls to a raw bar. The art auction proved a centerpiece, while multiple bands kept 300 revelers dancing into the wee hours, many of them sporting caftans. Among the artists in the mix wereCheng Tsung Feng,who traveled with his team from Taiwan, inviting guests to enter his bamboo pavilion,Fish Trap VI;Steven Laddstood inside his pieceRight Here, Right Now;Moko Fukuyamaengaged us with herHell Gate Keepers;andFitzhugh KarolsharedFriendship, his immense totems honoring the spirit of trees.Other work on the property for the first time includedBjorn Amelan’ssumi ink paintingsandAlexander Polzin’sParthenopealongside permanent installations byYoko Ono,Buckminster Fuller,andWillem de Kooning.GuestsincludedNathan Lane,Edwina von Gal, Alice Aycock, Anna Kulinova, Fern Mallis,Stewart Lane, Robert Wilson, Jean Shafiroff,stylish sister duoTanya and Temidra Willock,andVictoria Wyman,as well as LongHousepoohbahs Carrie R. Barratt andDianne Benson.“You could feel the love and support in the air,” said copresident Nina Gillman. Nest ce pas?The evening raised over half a million dollars.longhouse.org

Dianne Benson Andrea Chesley and Stephanie O’Connor Elizabeth Sommer and Joseph Vazquez

Natalia Muchnic and Maya Leathers

Peter Marino

Jerett Benjamin and Lola Lama Kim Heirston Chloe Misseldini and Jose Sebastian

Roberta Amon

The Event GUILD HALL GALA

The Story The host committee of Guild Hall’s signature gala included Ross Bleckner, Laurie Anderson, Robert Wilson, Virginia Coleman and Peter Duchin, April Gornik and Eric Fischl, Marlene Hess, Susan Stroman, and the fabledinterior designer Peter Marino. In recognition of her establishment of the William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence program, Guild Hall honored Kathy Rayner. “Every so often, a perfect collaboration is born between a philanthropist and a nonprofit. Kathy Rayner has made one of those moments happen,” said the organization’s Executive Director Andrea Grover. Guests, including the New York Timesfood columnistFlorence Fabricant and groundbreaking editor Stefano Tonchi, all hit the dance floor to the tunes of DJ MICK. The benefit was sponsored by First Republic Bank with catering by Laurence Craig. The splendid eveningraised $750k.guildhall.org

Nicole Maloley and Katherine Kane

PHOTOS BY PATRICK MCMULLAN

Stefano Tonchi Madeline Kane, Tristan Griffin, and Giulia Mascali R. Couri Hay and Janna Bullock

Gia Schmidt, Kyle Schmidt, Kaden Ryan Schmidt, Paul Schmidt. Joanne de Guardiola and Mercedes de Guardiola

Richard LeFrak, Alexa

The Event RACE OF HOPE HOPE FOR DEPRESSION RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The Story Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell and Arthur Dunnam joined Audrey Gruss as the co-grand marshals of her seventh annual Race of Hope in Southampton. Four hundred men, women, children, and dogsraised over 325K for Gruss’s Hope for Depression Research Foundation. Billionaires were everywhere you looked, including Richard LeFrak, John Paulson,and Martin Gruss. Candace pumped up the crowd saying, “This organization is important to me because I, too, have suffered from depression. And I can tell you that it really does rob people of a portion of their lives.” Leading the applause were Jamee and Peter Gregory, Anne Nordeman, divorce attorneysHarriet Newman Cohen and Martha Cohen Stein, and Southampton Village Mayor Jesse Warren. The 5K walk/run is a USA Track and Field-sanctioned event. HDRF’s next event is their annual luncheon seminar on Wednesday, November 9th.hopefordepression.org

Martin Gruss Mother and Child Participants Jamee Gregory Bob Murray, Sharon Bush

Candace Bushnell, Arthur Dunnam, Audrey Gruss

Tanya Willock, Temidra WillockMorsch

Suki LaBarre, Jennifer Chon, Erin Nicholson Iris Dankner, Max Astor

The Event HOLIDAY HOUSE HAMPTONS BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The Story Andrea Stark, Campion Platt, and Jean Shafiroff cochaired Iris Dankner’s Holiday House Hamptons annual tabletop event benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation andthe Ellen Hermanson Foundationat Chef Jean George’s Topping Rose House inBridgehampton. The organization’ssecond annual ‘Coming Together’ Tabletop eventshowcasedthe work of leading designersincluding Ashley Stark, Abundant Habitat, Evan Mason, Hidden Gem, Sarah Lederman,andABC Carpet.Each designer presented unique and cutting-edge tablescapes. Among those sipping Whispering Angelwere The Paddle Diva, Sid and Louise Banon, Aleksandra and Dr. Kenneth Mark, Debra Halpert, Felicia Persaud, Gina Bradley, Helen Gifford, Will Jarosak, and top dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag. The host committee included Julie Ratner, Elisa DiStefano, Maureen McDermott, Lynn Scotti, Darcy Miller, Alison Stager, Steve Roeder, Thomas Davis, and Timothy Davis. The event was sponsored by Stark Carpet, Adam Miller, FJ Hakimian, and Hamptons Real Estate Showcase among others.To date, Holiday House has raised nearly two million dollars for Breast Cancer projects.holidayhousehamptons.com

Danielle Collimer, Katie White, Natasha Cohen, Hillary Steedle

Andrea Stark, Susan Freidman, Jackie Freidman Brogadir Alison Stager, Gina Bradley, Jennifer Ford

Kathy Kuo

StrongCuevas Lauren Levison

The Event SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER

The Story A stellar performance by Kelis elevated The Southampton Arts Center SummerFest to one of the top benefits of the summer. The event was cochaired by the organization’s founder Simone Levinson and her husband, David, Sylvia Hemingway,Nicole and Allen Salmasi, and Aline and Tom Shapiro.The event also had a fun junior committee, which Andrew Warren and Alexander Hankin pulled together, consisting ofIvy Getty, Conor Kennedy, Gaia Matisse, Grace Murdoch,Princess Noor Pahlavi,and Ming Lee Simmons. The night began with a viewing of the brilliant sculpture ofStrong-Cuevas,who was her usual spry and witty self, even late into the wee hours. Work by Deborah Buck and Hal Buckner was also on display. Helena andRob Vahradian were honored. Other guests, includingNeil Patrick Harris, Chuck Scarborough, andZac Posenalso got to enjoy a live medley of songs by Broadway star Jessica Vosk. The After Dark Party DJs Zeke Thomas and Timo Weiland kept the dancing going until two in the morning. The night was sponsored by Bulgari.southamptonartscenter.org

Kelis Nicole Salmasi and Simone Levinson Petra Khashoggi and Danny Baker Jr

Brittany Amstead, Claudia Krogemeyer and Daniela Naftali Pergamen

Jamee and Peter Gregory

Andrew Warren and Emira D’Spain

Carolyn B. Maloney Julie Macklowe and Kara Ross

Jean Shafiroff

The Event DIOR THE MUSEUM AT FIT

Fe Fendi and Alessia Fendi

The Story Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of Dior, was honored with the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion at their annual luncheon for The Museum at FIT. The event’s cochairs, Kara Ross and Julie Macklowe, welcomed guests such as Audrey Gruss in head-totoe Dior, ditto Somers Farkas, Hilary Geary Ross, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Kim Heirston, and Candace Bushnell, to the David Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Other best-dressed women included Jean Shafiroff, who had Rebecca Seawright, Carolyn Maloney, designer B. Michael, and Janna Bullock at her table. “I strive to be attentive to what is happening in the world and to create fashion that resembles the women of today,” said Chiuri. “Fashion that accompanies them in their transformations, avoiding stereotypical categories of masculine/feminine, young/less young, and reason/emotion, which also has complementary aspects.” She also invoked the “vagina” word, sending shivers through the room. Applauding were Yaz Hernandez, Derek Blasberg, Fe Fendi, Nina Garcia, Veronica Webb, Francisco Costa, the museums’ Dr. Joyce F. Brown, and Dr. Valerie Steele. Nordstrom sponsored the event. fitnyc.edu

Dr. Valerie Steele, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Samira Nasr

Elizabeth Kurpis

Caterina Heil Stewart

Michael Bloomberg

The Event Kavita

GRAND PRIX LUNCH Channe THE HAMPTON CLASSIC

The Story The elegant Sunday Grand Prix Lunch at the Hampton Classic is as close as America gets to England’s iconic ascot. The 46thannual edition stretched out over a week and attracted1,500 horses and riders representing 13 countries,includinga group of Olympiansand World Cup champions competingfor over $1 million in prize money.Former mayor Michael Bloomberg was there with his girlfriend,Diana Taylor, who said she was wearingthe same hat she’s worn to this event for over a decade. The lunch, served on festively decorated tables festooned with flowers and equestrian-themed sculptures,was catered byRobbins Wolfe Eventeurs’sChris Robbins, who told Countess Luann de Lesseps that he served 1,800people over 1,000 lobster rolls. The prestigious show attracted Mathew Broderick, JohnPaulson and Alina de Almeida, Molly Sims,Jessica Capshaw,Brooke Shields, Kelly Klein, Christie Brinkley, Don Lemon,John Catsimatidis, Donna Karan,Katie Lee, Lorraine Bracco, Howard Lorber, andKelly Bensimon.Whether you are well-versed in professional equine sports or unfamiliar with this category of entertainment, the Hampton Classic has something for everyone to enjoy. First-time Hampton Classic rider,Karl Cook, swept the 5-Star Grand Prix Qualifier, 5-Star Grand Prix, and the LONGINES Rider Challenge.hamptonclassic.com

PHOTOS BY ROB RICH/SOCIETYALLURE.COM

Table Setting Ken Wolfe and Christopher Robbins R. Couri Hay and Janna Bullock

Luann de Lesseps

Karl Cook