Promenade - Winter 2013/2014 by Promenade Magazine

A successful real estate transaction means having a team that can pull all the elements together flawlessly. From buying and selling to appraisals, mortgage financing and rentals, top experts on AskElliman.com offer timely answers to today’s questions about all things real estate. With the largest regional and global network, Douglas Elliman has the influence, savvy and resources to personally guide you from beginning to end. Put the power of Elliman to work for you.

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WINTER 2013-2014

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Equal Housing Opportunity.

© 2013 Douglas Elliman Real Estate. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, number of bedrooms and the school district in property listings are deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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About New York since 1934

WINTER 2013-2014

PROMENADE

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Jewelry

John Sloan, Sunday, Women Drying Their Hair, 1912. At the The Armory Show at 100, The New-York Historical Society

Shopping

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Winter in

Dance

Paul Kolnik

Theatre

PROMENADE

erhaps you’d love a stunning cashmere sweater to wrap up in on these chilly winter days. Or a bold, bedazzling diamond cuff when you are on the town on a frigid night. Or a hearty dish at an elegant, classic New York City restaurant, warmed by a roaring fireplace beautifully decorated for the holidays. Promenade’s winter issue has all of this and so much more… On our gift guide pages, you’ll find one-of-a-kind presents perfect for the important men and women in your life. You’ll meet some of New York’s industrious citizens…like Jacob Arabo from Jacob & Co., one of the city’s most recognized jewelers, and Keith Douglas, Managing Director of Rockefeller Center, who offers the inside story on what makes that New York holiday hub hum. Check out our chart on the lively holiday stages and read about Sara Mearns, New York City Ballet’s own Sugarplum Fairy, and the ubiquitous Nutcrackers, which are in full swing for the season. Many of the big musicals that opened earlier in the year are going strong, so add Matilda, Kinky Boots, Pippin, and the breakthrough performance by Mary Bridget Davies in A Night with Janis Joplin to your winter Broadway list. The glamorous Anne-Sophie Mutter plays her violin at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and at the New-York Historical Society, the famed Armory Show of 1913 is back, with 100 works from the original exhibit. Go with Promenade to sensational Scotland….to Glasgow and the castles. Pamper yourself at some of Gotham’s most elite day spas. Let our listings guide you to the best shopping, dining, sightseeing, and entertainment. And visit our redesigned website, nyluxury.com, where you’ll find dozens of Luxe Lists, curated by our style team, exclusive shopping tips and dining recommendations, and the latest arts news. Have a great holiday season and a wonderful winter.

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About New York since 1934

PROMENADE

nyluxury.com Winter 2013-2014

Style New York

Bijoux to Bedazzle 26 We pick beauties in four stunning colors to brighten a jewelry collection. The Luxe List: Cashmere Cool and Classic 30 Manhattan’s best sources for the finest sweaters and more. Special Touches 32 It’s that time to give the people you love something out of the ordinary. Style Interview: Jacob Arabo 38 Talking with the Jacob & Co. owner about being one of the most recognized names in the watch and jewelry world.

The Holiday Gift Guide 54 Don’t-miss picks for seasonal giving….or a little self-indulgence. Editor’s Picks:

Great Goodies 20 Savory, sweet and seasonal treats. The Virtual Voyager 22 Topflight tips for the discerning traveler. The Best Places 40 Great suggestions for successful shopping. Day Spas 53 Gotham’s elite retreats.

At Home In New York 61

Antiques 60 Creating the cabin look. Décor 61 Flowers and their vases to warm a winter room. Luxury Properties 62 The Maisonette… Elegant living on the first floor.

on the cover Clockwise from top left: Diamond cashmere/silk cardigan from Brunello Cucinelli; the chef’s table at Le Cirque; violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter photographed for her new Deutsche Grammophon album; the new Alexander McQueen store on Madison Avenue; two Wempe pieces: the “Chandelier Earrings” and the “Blu Intermezzo by Kim” ring.

Photo credit: Anne-Sophie Mutter, TINA TAHIR c/o Shotview photographers / Deutsche Grammophon

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About New York since 1934

PROMENADE

nyluxury.com Winter 2013-2014

On the Town The smArt List 24 A potpourri of cool cultural events in the city. Theatre

Celebrity Profile: Daniel Sunjata 64 Graceland’ s Paul Briggs/Odin has shed his duplicitous persona to go all Shakespeare good-guy as Macduff in Broadway’s new production of Macbeth. All Shows Merry and Bright On and Off-Broadway 66 Radio City Christmas Spectacular, A Christmas Story, Annie, Cinderella, A Christmas Carol… plus a sleighful of seasonal surprises, including five new Broadway shows.

From Movies to Musicals 72 High-profile productions dreamed up in Hollywood are becoming a Broadway staple. Classical Music

Magnetic Mutter 74 That’s Anne-Sophie, who brings her vast talent to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center this winter.

76 88

Paul Kolnik

Dance

Born to be the Sugarplum Fairy 76 Well almost…starting at age 3 in a Nutcracker debut in South Carolina, the New York City Ballet’s Sara Mearns has danced her way to the starring role at Lincoln Center. Museums

Reliving the Armory Show of 1913 80 The New-York Historical Society, with more than 100 works from the original show on display, examines the groundbreaking event a century later. Travel

Sensational Scotland 88 In Glasgow and out at the legendary castles, the beauty and bounty of this country await. Dining

Courtesy of Visit Britain

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The Restaurant Interview: Morton’s Steakhouse 114 The Most Up-to-Date Guides:

Theatre...................... 68 Performing Arts........ 78 Museums................... 82 Galleries & Collectibles................ 86 Sights in the City...... 92 Dining....................... 103

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About New York since 1934

足PROMENADE Winter 2013-2014 PUBL足ISHER足 David L. Miller

CO-PUBLISHER Eli Marcus Associate Publisher Lisa Ben-Isvy

SALES & MARKETING VP Sales & Marketing Vincent Timpone

VP Community Relations Janet Z. Barbash Senior Account Manager Lisa Friedman Marketing Development Manager Deborah B. Daniels EDITORIAL

Editor Associate Editor Style Editor Theatre Editor

Phyllis Singer Colin Carlson Ruth J. Katz Griffin Miller

Contributing Editors Joseph V. Amodio Melanie Baker Martin Bernheimer Marian Betancourt Kristopher Carpenter Lisa Chung Sylviane Gold Karin Lipson Karli Petrovic

Art Director Jiyon Son

PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

General Manager Thomas K. Hanlon Director of Distribution Linda Seto Moi Director of Marketing Greta Libbey Director of Operations - Events Rebecca Stolcz Operations Manager Ray Winn

Distribution & Events Coordinator Jeunesse Y. Jackson Operations Coordinator Oscar Osorio Traffic Shaquon Cates Heather Gambaro Brian Johnston Administrative Denise Marcovitch FINANCE

Credit Manager Elizabeth Teagarden Curtis Chaffin Diedra Smith Controller Camille Masihdas Accounting Socehira David PROMENADE | Dedicated to the affluent New York City Visitor

Published by Davler Media Group LLC 1440 Broadway, 5th Floor New York, NY 10018 P: 212.315.0800 F: 212.271.2239 nyluxury.com davlermedia.com

Chief Executive Officer: David L. Miller Quarterly circulation is audited by BPA Worldwide NO PORTION OF THIS MAGAZINE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ARTICLES, LISTINGS, MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN PERMISION OF THE PUBLISHERS. Copyright: 2013-2014 by Davler Media Group LLC. 212.315.0800.

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editor’s picks

Gone are the days when you might have dared to bring that ubiquitous, leaden fruit cake to a party. Today, with so many extraordinary gourmet emporia dotting the avenues of Gotham—not to mention, the availability of interesting, international goods on the internet— there are boundless possibilities for effortlessly securing the toothsome ambrosia and the flavorful nectar of the gods. Gifts of delectable chocolates, fine Scotch, Champagne, or luxurious assortments of savory sauces and condiments, for example, are not necessarily meant just for a recipient on our gift list—we now buy tasty and tempting goodies for ourselves all year long. Here are a few things that are nice for friends, holiday work functions and family gatherings, but are twice as nice for ourselves. By Ruth J. Katz et Violette bills itself (deservedly) as “the indulgent baker” and you will agree when you t Ruby taste the company’s remarkable, melt-in-your-mouth brownies and cookies. Fill the “Versailles”

box with 36 cookies or 18 brownies, choosing from flavors like First Kiss, Mimi’s Molasses, and Geisha Seduction. $127.75. Ruby et Violette, 718-728-6250; rubyetviolette.com

great goodies

With only 134 bottles produced, the five-liter collectors’ edition of Numanthia, from the Toro region of Spain, will be highly sought after this holiday season. Made from century-old vines grown in a unique terroir, the wine is especially pleasing to the palate. Presented in packaging designed by French artist Zoé Ouvrier. $600. Sherry Lehmann, 505 Park Avenue (59th/60th Streets); 212-838-7500; sherry-lehmann.com

savory, sweet, and seasonal

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Indulge in Caviar Russe’s delicious combo gift: foie gras, smoked salmon, and fresh caviar (your choice), packed in an insulated travel bag with house-made blini, crème fraiche, and mother-of-pearl serving utensils. From $125. Caviar Russe, 538 Madison Avenue, Second Floor (54th Street); 212-980-5908; caviarrusse.com

Over 40 pieces of chocolate are housed in this pretty, 17”-round keepsake box from Vosges Haut-Chocolat, enough to satiate even the sweetest tooth of them all. Bite into the soft caramels, exotic truffles, peanut butter bonbons, seductive toffees, and scrumptious marshmallows, in the Ensemble du Chocolat, $145. Vosges Haut-Chocolat, 132 Spring Street (Greene/Wooster Streets); 212-625-2929; 1100 Madison Avenue (82nd/83rd Streets); 212-717-2929, 888-301-9866; vosgeschocolate.com

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travel picks

{ Topflight Tips for the Discerning Traveler }

the virtual voyager

By Griffin Miller

If Music Be the Food of Love… Dine On!

First there’s the entrance — and yes, it’s grand; Neo-Classical grand — where you pass through a fairy tale portal to marble columns, vaulted ceilings, and a staircase clearly intended for elegant divas in sweeping ball gowns. Within moments, you find yourself facing a vast, wrap-around auditorium, one of the most famous in Europe for both its dramatic beauty and flawless acoustics. You are, in fact, standing on the stage of the Hungarian State Opera House, and while music absolutely factors into this unforgettable golden adventure, it’s the elegantly appointed downstage table that awaits your pleasure with an epic epicurean meal created by Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest Executive Chef Leonardo Di Clemente. The multi-act menu features everything from sea bass laced with black olives to a veal filet prepared Rossini style. And as you dine, entertainment is served by a group of distinguished musicians and performing artists who allow you to savor the Opera House’s acoustics with a showpiece program of music and theatre. In keeping with the evening’s over-the-moon opulence, your transportation to and from the hotel is a Four Seasons limo. “Jó étvágyat!” (Hungary’s version of “bon appétit”)! fourseasons.com/budapest/ Vice Blessed Pastel sports jackets…. sexy stubble… no socks… smokin’ hot Ferrari… rock soundtrack… and a markedly un-Orwellian 1984 mise en scène: hip and happening Coconut Grove, Florida, where TV pop culture got its first taste of Miami Vice and the landmark Mayfair Hotel & Resort threw open its doors to Miami’s A-list glitterati. Fast-forward to 2014: A thirty-year, synchronistic happenstance inspired The Mayfair to give fans of the hit series a very Miami, very showbiz, very interactive new Miami Vice experience. Kicking off on New Year’s, the hotel has put together a three-night escape featuring creature comforts like posh suite accommodations with a private terrace and a Japanese Soaking Tub built for two. As for the nostalgia portion of the program, the options are heady:  • A vintage Ferrari to drive (or for stakeouts).  • An original Miami Vice Speedboat to jet you across Biscayne Bay.  • An insider tour of 1980s Miami Vice locations.  • A savory nightlife excursion. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to embrace your inner Crockett and Tubbs in a take-home/social media-ready video. “We are excited to revisit and recreate some of the delightful decadence of ’80s Miami,” says Axel Gasser, Mayfair’s general manager, adding that while the above package will be available January through March, the recently renovated hotel will be hosting its “Miami Vices” celebration with unique offers the entire year. mayfairhotelandspa.com

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Going Gotham Glam with Borrowed Bling Destination: New York City, geographical magnet for the chic and powerful. The kind of guests that pop into town for a day or two (carry-on bag stuffed to the max) or plan a stay so extended they have their luggage shipped ahead. Either way, they forget stuff… or they misjudge what smallish embellishments they’ll need for this event or that… or they leave their gloves in the taxi. If, perchance, they happen to be staying at the Hyatt Union Square New York, then problem(s) averted. You see, this ultra-chic boutique hotel has teamed up with noted fashion and lifestyle expert Pamela Pekerman to create The Accessories Butler, the first-ever display closet (discreetly located in a lobby alcove) filled with the season’s alpha accessories. Guests are invited to check out the Butler and borrow whatever they like. In terms of amenities, this is fabulously exclusive, rating major accolades for innovation with a fashion-forward flourish. The selection changes on the first of every month, which means an overlapping stay can mean double options for hats, scarves, handbags, gloves, cuff links, belts, and a killer array of women’s jewelry in styles ranging from traditional to avant-garde. Every item, by the way, is hand-picked by Pekerman, whose eye for breakthrough designs and designers — like Katherine Kwei, a favorite among celebrities — is impeccable. unionsquare.hyatt.com

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10/30/13 5:08 PM

DANCE

THEATRE

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Carol Rosegg

Even Americans who’ve never set foot in a gallery or museum know the work of influential photographer Lewis Hine, who began taking pictures in New York in 1905. Whether it’s a worker dangling in mid-air as the Empire State Building rises over Manhattan, or an immigrant family warily eyeing the new world from the deck of an Ellis Island ferry, his images have become early 20th-century touchstones, latter-day versions of Washington Crossing the Delaware. But for every familiar image, like the 1920 Steamfitter at left, there are many we don’t know. The International Center of Photography attempts to rectify that with a pair of exhibitions: one a career overview; the other focused on Hine’s rarely seen photos of American industry during The Depression. Through January 19 at the International Center of Photography. icp.org Something may have been gained, but something surely was lost when conductors started wearing turtlenecks. Bernard Haitink is old-school — so old-school, in fact, that 2014 marks the 60th anniversary of his conducting debut. He’s scheduled a series of concerts around the world to mark the occasion, and one of them brings him to Carnegie Hall with pianist Murray Perahia and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was the ensemble’s principal guest conductor from 1995 to 2004, and nowadays he pops in from time to time as the group’s conductor laureate. On the music stands for this session will be Steven Stucky’s version of Purcell’s Funeral Music for Queen Mary, Schumann’s Piano Concerto, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. February 11 at Carnegie Hall. carnegiehall.org

Priska Ketterer / Lucerne Festival

CLASSICAL

Ever since humorist Jean Shepherd first recounted the tale of little Ralphie Parker and his efforts to persuade his reluctant parents to buy him an official Red Ryder air rifle, A Christmas Story has been a holiday classic. Its gently satiric look at a bygone, small-town America has entertained radio listeners, readers, moviegoers, and, last year, Broadway musical fans. Now the show’s expansive sets, big production numbers — Warren Carlyle was the choreographer — and amiable cast are making a return appearance, not on Broadway but in Herald Square. Tony-winning director John Rando is again marshalling dancing lamps, cowboys and Indians, and even miniature gangsters to relate Ralphie’s increasingly desperate shenanigans. December 11-29, the Theater at Madison Square Garden. theateratmsg.com/achristmasstory

Christopher Duggan

ART

By Sylviane Gold

At first, it seemed Elton John was going to be all about gimmickry: the outlandish glasses, the nutty costumes, the flamboyant piano style. But hey — it was the ’70s. Over the years — and he’s been a star through five decades now — it became evident that beneath the window dressing was high-order artistry; these days, he’s nothing less than an icon. Touring with his band in support of his most recent album, The Diving Board, he returns to New York with a set of new songs (cowritten, as usual, with Bernie Taupin) and classics from the previous 30 recordings. 30! December 3 & 4, Madison Square Garden. thegarden.com

POP

FUN

For many dance fans, winter brings visions of sugarplums. But in-the-know New Yorkers look forward to Revelations (pictured), and the other soulful productions served up every year by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The company calling card since 1960, Ailey’s masterpiece — 38 minutes of sheer bliss — is joined this season by Lift, a world premiere by rising contemporary choreographer Aszure Barton; Four Corners, another brand-new piece from Brooklyn’s own Ronald K. Brown; Chroma, a New York premiere by the London-based ballet whiz Wayne McGregor; and a tasty assortment of work by Bill T. Jones, Paul Taylor, Ohad Naharin, and others. December 4-January 5 at New York City Center. alvinailey.org

It doesn’t get any classier than this: Tony winner James Lapine, of Sunday in the Park With George, and Tony winner William Finn, of Falsettos, are teaming up to bring an Oscar-winning movie, Little Miss Sunshine, to the musical theater stage. Their last collaboration, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, was a warm comedy about a group of misfit middle-schoolers competing for a spelling prize. This one is about just getting to the competition, as a barely functional and practically broke Albuquerque family hits the road to get the determined Olive to a kiddie pageant in California. Stephanie J. Block and Will Swenson head the cast. Through December 15 at the Second Stage Theatre. 2st.com

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SHOPPINGNEW YORK

From Jacob & Co.’s High Jewelry collection, these head-turning sapphire-drop earrings feature 36.82 carats of cushion-cut, natural blue sapphires and 4.67 carats of white diamonds, all set in platinum. Price upon request. Jacob & Co., 48 East 57th Street (Madison/Park Avenues); 212-719-5887; jacobandco.com

From Ippolita’s “Gold Rock Candy” collection, the “Lollipop” ring has three shimmering blue topaz stones set in 18-kt. yellow gold. $2,295. Ippolita, 796 Madison Avenue (67th/68th Streets); 646-664-4240; ippolita.com

bold and bright bijoux to bedazzle Beauties in blue…and red and green and yellow The asymmetric “Jazz” cuff by Seaman Schepps is studded with both cabochon and faceted aquamarines and sapphires, with colorful dots and dashes of white diamonds, all set in 18-kt. yellow gold. Price upon request. Seaman Schepps, 485 Park Avenue (58th/59th Streets); 212-753-9520; seamanschepps.com

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Two glittering aquamarine cabochons and gleaming blue topaz beads form a 33”-long necklace. Accented with 18-kt. yellow gold, this handsome necklace is part of the “Mischief” collection from design house Goshwara. $18,000. Maurice Badler, 485 Park Avenue (58th/59th Streets), 800-622-3537; badler.com, goshwara.com

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Designer Suzy Landa’s sensational canary beryl ring would make any hand stand out in the crowd. The eye-catching, lemony stone is 3.7 carats and is surrounded by .20 carats of white diamonds, all set in 18-kt. yellow gold. A gleaming gem, indeed. $3,740. Suzy Landa, 212-874-2346; suzylanda.com

The “Cloud Nine” earrings from the collection of the same name, from jewelry house Gumuchian, are set in 18-kt. yellow gold and are studded with a plethora of yellow sapphires (14.68 carats) and round white diamonds (1.50 carats). $17,000. DeNatale Fine Jewelers, 111 Broadway (Thames Street); 212-349-8900; denatale.com, gumuchian.com

Holiday decorations dazzle us with their scarlet and evergreen tones, but we’d like to add to that dual palette not only Mother Nature’s third primary—majestic blue—but also another bright—buttery yellow. Armed with those four striking shades, we are wont to swathe ourselves in brilliant jewels for the holiday season and beyond. Whether the tints are jade, avocado, Kelly, or lime, green-hued jewelry will make us green with envy, whether malachite or emeralds. Poppy-red, burnished pink, muted burgundy—all the red hues—will make us seethe with covetous aspirations; the sunny and lemon-y yellows will create a smile on our faces; and with the blues—from azure to aqua, from midnight to powdery-baby blue—our souls will be soothed, rendered tranquil and content. Enjoy the tourmalines, onyx, citrines, rubellites, peridots, sapphires, and other coveted gems that will bring cheerful, gay colors into our lives. By Ruth J. Katz

Cellini’s yellow-sapphire-and-diamond bracelet encircles the wrist in vibrant color; it is set in 18-kt. yellow gold. $28,950. Cellini, Hotel Waldorf-Astoria, East Lobby, 301 Park Avenue (49th/50th Streets); 212-751-9824; 509 Madison Avenue (52nd/53rd Streets); 212-888-0505; cellinijewelers.com

Nearly 300 fancy-colored diamonds in a palette of yellows and beige tones comprise this magnificent bracelet, totaling 44 carats; additionally, 53 fancyshape white diamonds (7.54 carats) provide staccato counterpoint—all set in 18-kt. gold and platinum. From the famed jewelry house Oscar Heyman. $420,000. Leslie Berman, 745 Fifth Avenue (57th/58th Street), Suite 1601; 212-888-4188; lesliebermaninc.com, oscarheyman.com

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SHOPPINGNEW YORK

bold and bright bijoux to bedazzle

Beauties in blue…and red and green and yellow

de Grisogono’s stunning emerald ring features paraiba tourmalines, briolette-cut emeralds, and white diamonds, all fashioned in 18-kt. white gold. Price upon request. de Grisogono, 824 Madison Avenue (68th/69th Streets); 212-439-4220; degrisogono.com

Striking “DNA” earrings, that dangle flirtatiously from the lobes, are from designer Yael Sonia; they sport aventurine stones and are set in 18-kt. yellow gold. $2,950. Yael Sonia Fine Jewelry, by appointment only; 270 Lafayette (Prince/Houston Streets), Suite 810; 212-472-6488; yaelsonia.com

From the “Blu Intermezzo by Kim” collection from Wempe, this glamorous ring features a sensational, central mint-colored tourmaline (12.74 carats), 40 brilliant-cut diamonds, and a variety of colored gemstones, all set in 18-kt. white gold. $48,225. Wempe, 700 Fifth Avenue (55th Street); 212-397-9000, 800-513-1131; wempe.com

The glamorous “Beena” earrings from designer Amrita Singh are reminiscent of the most sumptuous Moghul jewels. These are crafted in 22-kt. yellow gold and are set with diamond and ruby accents, but it is the magnificent emeralds that take center stage here. $22,000. Amrita Singh, by appointment only; 212-869-3434; amritasingh.com

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From the striking “Dune” collection from the design house Garavelli, this opulent domed ring is awash with pink sapphires set in 18-kt. yellow gold. $12,000. Danielle B Jewelry, 871 Seventh Avenue (55th/56th Streets); 212-956-6565; garavellialdo.com

From the Chopard “Red Carpet“ collection, this dramatic, stylish, openwork cuff is set in 18-kt. rose gold and has over 20 carats of rubies in it. Price upon request. Chopard, 709 Madison Avenue (63rd Street); 212-223-2304; us.chopard.com

The “Flared Tube” necklace from Reinstein Ross is fabricated in elegant 20-kt. peach gold; but the focal point here is the gleam of the faceted, warm-pink rubies. True sophistication. $8,900. Reinstein Ross, 29 East 73rd Street (Fifth/Madison Avenues); 212-772-1901; 122 Prince Street (Greene/Wooster Streets); 212-226-4513; reinsteinross.com Make a grand entrance with Aaron Basha’s impressive 1,200-carat graduated ruby necklace, constructed in a flattering length. $4,600. Aaron Basha, 685 Madison Avenue (61st/62nd Streets); 212-644-1970; aaronbasha.com

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SHOPPINGNEW YORK

the Luxe List

Classic & l o o C re e m h s Ca

rs, as mass cashmere in recent yea the virtual explosion of en giv , how much ice g… cho erin no nd ’ve wo We . Consumers are left here. No apologies. els ic ph lab e gra t lux ge for to ed ing erv go We’re ric once res are suddenly selling fab market brands like Uniqlo ctly? exa it, IS at wh hmere? And… ers, scarves, underwear. should I really pay for cas Go ht but super-warm sweat out of the room?): at eig n t-w ldre ligh chi sh, the plu (are into rds Two wo of kings, woven a coarser outer coat— essentially.) The fabric ne wool fibers beneath ell, a-fi (W e. ultr of tru t er bu olia , lay a ing at— ock Sh wny fur underco ina, highly prized Mong es from a goat’s soft, do Kashmir region, plus Ch com ia’s re, Ind in mo ed and rais ts are nke bla ere goats . Like long-johns. Cashm ir Manufacturers that provides insulation frigid; summers, hot. are s ter win shmere and Camel Ha ere wh al Asia, er, according to the Ca eat sw a and long—thus r, ke and other parts of Centr ne fi ma be to ed can rcoats are need r-priced cashmere he Hig r. hai n ma hu of At least three goat unde nts. the thickness aper (scratchier) garme rs are about one quarter bers that wind up in che fi Institute. Cashmere fibe ere Keep the moths away, hm . eal cas r app rte c sho ssi , cla ed to thicker s in elegance and nd ide div s pay it seph V. Amodio t less likely to pill—compar Bu s an investment. finest cashmere. By Jo ain the rem for ere s hm rce cas sou r st -tie be s So top list of Manhattan’ last a lifetime. Here is a and those dividends can

rst collection TSE debuted the fi ector Tina dir ve ati cre w of ne r cult Lutz (formerly of he & Patmos). tz Lu nd bra r ea knitw es for tur tex l ua us un ct Expe tarbeam,” “S s, ble ca n— wome ing (or this and “Wave” stitchMovement” le irc “C re me Cash Guys kick back Cardigan, $1,395).odie ($695) and ho re me sh ca in a ). You’re gonna sweatpants ($635 ? se tho in t swea (at Prince St.); TSE, 120 Wooster St.shmere.com 212-925-2520; tseca

Pringle Of Scot of the earliest land, founded in 1815, is on women’s wealuxury knitwear makers. The crews to trom r runs from classic shells aneir pe l’oeil twinse d knits (around $2 ts and twist to classics like 95 to $1,295), menswear-front and 40 hours tothe Knitted Round Neck ($ leans 1,695 hand-knit). Barneys New Yo rk , 66 0 Madison Ave. 212-826-8900; ba (at E. 61st St.); rneys.com

s for six family-run busines Loro Piana, an Italianlargest single buyer of fine generations, is the n, women and children. (This wools, serving meit scarf, $2,650.) women’s cable-kn een W. 57th and 754 Fifth Ave. (betw Bergdorf Goodman, 8-1855; bergdorfgoodman.com -55 W. 58th Sts.); 800

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Brunello Cucinelli, named founder, offers men’s andfor its Italian designs that are colorfu women’s l, sumptuous, Italiano. Prices rise to fou (this “diamond” cashm r figures ere/silk cardigan, $3,195), but fun generously reinvested—t ds are restoring roads and bui he firm is medieval Umbrian hamldings in the let where BC is based. Brunello Cucinelli, 683 Ma dison Ave. (near E. 62nd St.); 212-813-090 379 Bleecker St. (near Per 0; ry St.); 212-627-9202; brunellocucine lli.com

raised in England, Christopher Fischer,in Scotland, where they learned his trade riously. While traditional take cashmere se the conservative Fischer cashmere tends to , neutral shades), (crewnecks; solid ear for men, women jazzes up his knitwunusual silhouettes and and children with ck Legends sweaters, d Jimi clever prints (his Ro of John Lennon an $495, bear faces Hendrix). (near 1225 Madison Ave. Christopher Fischer, 880; 80 Wooster St. (near 1-8 -83 er.com E. 88th St.); 212 009; christopherfisch Spring St.); 212-965-9

Brooks Brothers continues its collaboration with design Browne, whose Black Fleer Thom collection for men and ece women turns tradition on its head—her vintage collegiate stripes e mixing modern shrunken cut in with a cable-knit turtleneck ($1 a men’s ,200). Brooks Brothers, 346 Madiso (at E. 44th St.); 212-682-880 n Ave. locations, brooksbrothers.c0; for other om

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th a sporty Manrico scores wi bodyn— me wo vibe for , reversible skimming dresses ves, glo ts, ha s vests, plu im rex more (this leather-tr $2,600; hat, cashmere jacket, more $240). For guys, it’s do special basics. They also u want in yo ing yth orders (an ommerce cashmere) and e-c . 14 20 in s launche on Ave. Manrico, 922 Madis 4-4200; -79 212 ); St. d 73r E. (at manrico.com

Sofiacashmere is all abo ut the drama—opulent travel sets, capes. Ohhh, throws, entrance capes (around those fur-trimmed make-an$1, 595 and up), straight outta “Valley of the Dolls.” Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth W. 58th Sts.); 800-558-1855; Ave. (between W. 57th and bergdorfgoodman.com

bel ctive Purple La livers the distin rfect white fisherman’s de en ur La h lp Ra en (with the pe l for women collection for m Collection and Black Labe kes an artisan or ta ) , 95 50 ,2 ,5 $1 $1 , it, ck kn n-Knit Crewne (the Hand-Ara to complete). s ur ho s lu -p 60 (at E. 72nd St.); St.); nd 7 Madison Ave. Ralph Lauren, 86en’s); 888 Madison Ave. (at E. 72 om 212-606-2100 (m omen’s and home); ralphlauren.c 212-434-8000 (w

Marc Jacobs pr wearable stap ovides everyday, like his cashm les in luxe fabrics— hoodies for guere sweatshirt sweaters for wys, or polo mink collar, $1 omen (here, with ,800). Saks Fifth Aven (at E. 49th St.); 21ue, 611 Fifth Ave. 2-753-4000; saks .com

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for Her

▼ Is there a woman alive who doesn’t just worship shoes? Now, she can adore them in 150-plus pages. For the Love of Shoes from teNeues publishers is a visual feast of glamorous footwear to enchant the reader. The footwear shown here is from popular designer Ruthie Davis, whose shoes are worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Fergie, among others. $95. Rizzoli Bookstore, 31 West 57th Street (Fifth/Sixth Avenues); 212-759-2424, 800-522-6657; rizzolibookstore.com, teneues.com

For the Love of Shoes edited by

Courtesy of teNeues. © Ruthie Davis

es.com ca Pasquini and Diego Dolcini, teneu Patrice Farameh; cover © Gianlu

SHOPPINGNEW YORK

When the calendar says November, we think presents. But in truth, we give gifts all year long; it’s just that come December, we have to be more industrious and ingenious when planning our holiday shopping. This is the time to give thanks to all the special people in our lives, with a special gift. Perusing these pages, we think we’ll entice your shopping genes with some clever ideas, perfect to stash under the tree, tuck into a stocking, or hide in a secret spot to delight the recipient. by Ruth J. Katz

s e h c u o t l a i c spe

t of the ordinary. u o g in th e m so t It’s time to ge

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[Right] The fragrance that goes by the unassuming name Rouge No. 2 from legendary perfumer Martine Micallef is hardly unassuming in its scent: it proffers a refined fusion of florals like jasmine, violet, and orchid, as well as oriental notes including amber and vanilla. (100 ml.) $245. Osswald, 311 West Broadway (Canal/Grand Streets); 212-625-3111; osswaldnyc.com [Far right] Named for the city that never sleeps, New York’s heady aroma mixes spices and woodsy scents, along with patchouli, vetiver, and bergamot. Guerlain’s elegant bottle is the perfect accompaniment to the delicate fragrance. (3.3 ounces) $215. Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue (49th/50th Streets); 212-753-4000, 877-551-7257; saksfifthavenue.com, guerlain.com

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Farrow & Ball is arguably the UK’s most prestigious paint and wallcovering company and now it has taken some of the patterns of its wallcoverings and turned them into fancy notecards. Ten in the box, all in a muted palette that is the hallmark of the company’s luscious paints. $75. Dempsey & Carroll, 1049 Lexington Avenue (74th/75th Streets); 212-570-4800, 877-750-1878; dempseycarroll.com, farrowandball.com

Two stunning handbags to hold your treasures, each also a treasure.

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“Charlese” is a bejeweled bag with an interesting shape from that dynamic duo Badgley Mischka. $695. Badgley Mischka, 24 East 64th Street (Madison/Fifth Avenues); 212-644-4934; badgleymischka.com

▼ High Grove Organic Stockings are knit in England in a method that employs four needles—an ancient process dating from the 14th century—from a combination of merino wool, silk, and cashmere. Each pair can take up to two weeks to craft. From Holland and Holland, they are not only gorgeous, but also toasty-warm. $385. Holland and Holland, 10 East 40th Street (Fifth/Madison Avenues), Suite 1910; 212-752-7755; hollandandholland.com

From designer Wendy Stevens, the sensational “Lace” clutch features delicately etched stainless steel and leather gussets, with a magnetic closure. $458. Emmelle Design, 1044 Madison Avenue (79th Street); 212-570-6559; 1340 Lexington Avenue (89th Street); 212-289-5253; emmelledesign.com

Zero Halliburton has been making fine-quality luggage and cases since 1938 and this new model, the Classic Aluminum Carry-On Four-Wheel Spinner Travel Case, is typical of the company’s top-flight product. Measuring 21.5” x 14” x 9.5”, it is fully lined and features a TSA-approved lock. $895. Zero Halliburton, 300 Madison Avenue (41st/42nd Streets); 646-640-3600; zerohalliburton.com

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for him

SHOPPINGNEW YORK

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Five (count ‘em) extraordinary pocket pencils from that master implementmaker, Graf von Faber-Castell, come with a pencil extender and sharpener in a silver-plated case. The mirror-finish box is numbered by the craftsman who created it. $525. Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Store, 867 Madison Avenue (72nd Street); 212-606-2100; ralphlauren.com

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The new QuietComfort 20 headphones from Bose are the company’s first in-ear noise-cancelling headphones. They deliver a stunning breakthrough in noise reduction, audio performance, and comfort, and weigh a mere 1.5 ounces. $299.95. Bose at the Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, Level Three (58th/60th Streets); 212-823-9314; 465 Broadway (Grand/Broome Streets); 212-334-3710; bose.com

s e h c u o t l a speci ▼

The “Connoisseur’s Vault” manufactured in Germany by Döttling would make even the redoubtable 007 content with its level of security and its clever design. It houses eight integrated watch winders, a suede-lined jewelry drawer, a humidor case lined with Spanish cedar, and a two-door safe at the top. $155,000. Hammacher-Schlemmer, 147 East 57th Street (Lexington/Third Avenues); 800-321-1484; hammacher.com

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That someone special will love shaving with the handsome Horn Shaving Set from The Art of Shaving. Masterfully crafted from authentic horn, which is hand-selected for the unique pattern and rich tones, the razor and brush handles are perfectly balanced for optimum performance. $475. The Art of Shaving, 520 Madison Avenue (53rd/54th Streets); 212-702-9596; 2151 Broadway (75th/76th Streets); 212-362-1493; theartofshaving.com

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A very limited edition, from one of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries. Only 150 bottles of the 40-year-old, single-malt Balvenie have been produced, with a lion’s share (one-third), coming to US shores. Savor the velvety, rich, textured flavors: hints of tobacco, fruit cake, ground coffee, nuts, and the cask’s oakiness. $4,900. Winfield Flynn, 558 Third Avenue (37th Street); 212-679-4455; winfieldflynn.com, us.thebalvenie.com

▼ The “Scent of Peace for Him” from Bond No. 9 contains top notes of bergamot, pineapple, and juniper berry; middle notes of black currant, cedarwood, and vetiver, all dressed in its own charming, bow-tied bottle. $180 (50 ml.) or $250 (100 ml.). Bond No. 9, 9 Bond Street (Broadway/Lafayette Street); 212-228-1732; bondno9.com

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Bally’s stylishly handsome wristlet is a doublelength of soft-as-butter, woven leather, fashioned with a shiny palladium-plated clasp, available in several colorways. $125. Bally, 628 Madison Avenue (59th Street); 212-446-3930; bally.com

From master watchmaker Richard Mille, the “RM 055 Bubba Watson Red Drive” watch is manufactured in a limited edition—just 30 pieces for the Americas— and is fabricated with a black, ceramic bezel case, a rubberized titanium case band and back, with a touch of red on the flange around the skeletonized face. $115,000. Cellini, Hotel Waldorf-Astoria, East Lobby, 301 Park Avenue (49th/50th Streets); 212-751-9824; 509 Madison Avenue (52nd/53rd Streets); 212-888-0505; cellinijewelers.com, richardmille.com

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for the home

SHOPPINGNEW YORK

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Surprise Santa (and get more loot) this holiday, with the wonderfully charming two-footed Long John Stocking from Personal Creations. Knit in man-made fiber, it is available in three sizes, and can be customized with any name, up to nine characters. $29.99. Personal Creations, 888-527-1404; personalcreations.com

▼ A true sliver of iconic New York, the Plaza Hotel has stood as an alert sentinel at Grand Army Plaza for over a hundred years. It is attractively captured in miniature inside a snow globe (3.25” diameter), with an image that is evocative of a tranquil, wintry day when silent-falling snow blankets the city. $75. The Shops at The Plaza, 1 West 58th Street, Concourse Level (Fifth/Sixth Avenues); 212-546-5454; theplazany.com

s e h c u o t l a speci ▼

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[Left] The usually energetic golden retriever has never looked so calm and serene as he does here, represented handsomely on Martha Stewart’s 18”-square, cotton pillow, with ginghamchecked, flanged detailing. $80. Macy’s, 151 West 34th Street (Broadway/ Seventh Avenue); 212-695-4400; macys.com, marthastewart.com [Far left] Recycled newspaper is coiled tightly and woven to make a unique doggie named Rover—no barking, no stealing your slippers, no waking you up at 3 a.m. to go outside. She’s the perfect pooch! (17” x 11” x 8.5”). From Roost, available in other “breeds.” $162. Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle (59th Street); 212-299-7777; madmuseum.org

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▼ When using the Krups’ Two-Door Wine Aerator and Dispenser machine, proprietary technology will allow you to remove oxygen from the wine, thus helping to preserve it for up to 10 days. Two separate spirit chambers enable you to set different temperatures as you aerate your vino. $499. Crate & Barrel, 611 Broadway (East Houston/Bleecker Street); 212-780-0004; 650 Madison Avenue (60th/61st Street); 212-308-0011; crateandbarrel.com

The Limoges porcelain “Malachite” round (18” diameter) platter from L’Objet is the ideal serving platter for just about anything. With its faux malachite pattern and 24-kt. gold detailing, it makes a striking piece on your tablescape. $550. Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue (57th/58th Streets); 212-753-7300, 800-558-1855; bergdorfgoodman.com, l-objet.com

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From Marina Paper, this charming “Shimen” set of five mini-notebooks is entirely handmade—both the materials and the assembly. Constructed from traditional Nepalese hand-dyed papers, the set is available in diverse, bright colorways. $36. Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th Street (Sixth/Seventh Avenues); 212-620-5000; rmanyc.org, marinapaper.com

If you think back to those “cool” nights back in the 50s when teens danced to 45s that were stacked up in the local juke box, you’ll get a little nostalgic. Now you can have your own personalized juke box (25” x 47” x 15”), which can be loaded up with your special faves. Retro-inspired, the Tablet Full Size Juke Box can dock a tablet and can also play video, CDs, or AM/FM radio. Let’s boogie! $1,799.95. Red Envelope, 877-733-3683; redenvelope.com

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STYLENEW YORK

talking with Jacob Arabo What started 25 years ago as a small design and manufacturing company in Midtown has grown into one of the most recognized names in the watch and jewelry world. Here, we chat with Jacob & Co. owner Jacob Arabo about what to expect in his company’s next quarter century. 38

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By Kaitlin Ahern

pened just 25 years ago in the heart of Manhattan’s jewelry district, Jacob & Co. is perhaps best known for its statement watches, seen regularly on the wrists of highprofile celebrities from Debra Messing to Justin Bieber. “We appeal to every type of personality,” says owner Jacob Arabo, a veteran of the jewelry industry who got his start at age 16. “People who wear Jacob & Co. watches and jewelry have a unique sense of personal style and taste.” Jacob & Co. launched the Five Time Zone Watch in 2002. Inspired by the jet-set lifestyle of many of its clients, this unique timepiece features four fixed time zones—New York, LA, Tokyo and Paris—with the fifth dial set to the location of the wearer. After that came the Quentin, the first-ever watch with a 31day power reserve, and then the Ghost Watch, the first-ever Swiss-made digital watch that features a pentagram shape and can display up to 20 timezones. Recently, Jacob & Co. also launched several new fine jewelry collections, offering some of the most unique designs in the luxury marketplace, including a range of engagement rings and wedding bands for both men and women. We sat down with Arabo to discuss his brand, his favorite Jacob & Co. piece, and what’s in store for the company’s future.

Q. How did you get your start in the jewelry industry? JA: I got my start in the industry when I was 16. By 17, I was already designing and selling my own pieces. I love the art behind watches and jewelry—there’s something so fascinating about it.

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2 3

Opposite page: [ Jacob Arabo wears an H-24 Watch with diamond bezel (price upon request) ] This page: [ 1 Rose gold fan earrings from the Abanico Collection featuring 7.78 carats of round cut diamonds. $41,600; 2 From the Lace Collection, this full finger, black plated, white gold ring features 4.40 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds mounted in black plated 18K white gold. $25,000; 3 Signature Jacob & Co. watch featuring rose enamel world dial, 2.50 carats of pave set diamonds, a 3.25 carat rose gold diamond bezel, rose gold crowns, and a stainless steel case. $37,200; 4 Ghost Digital Multi-Time Zone Watch with single row diamonds, rose gold bezel. $18,400 ]

Q. How would you describe Jacob & Co. to someone who had never heard of the brand? JA: These are the words I use to describe Jacob & Co.’s jewelry and watches: Simple, tasteful, classic, modern, edgy, elegant, stylish, fun, and unique. In other words, we carry something for everyone. We specialize in customizing pieces as well. Q. Tell me about the Ghost Watch. Where did the idea for that watch come from? JA: I’ve always had a desire to design a digital watch. I was inspired by the success of our original Five Time Zone watch and the signature pentagram shape of our Grand Watch. The Ghost clearly follows that DNA and features an evolution of the pentagram shape with a digital, multi-time zone display. It’s designed for a frequent traveler with a great sense of style and an eye for something different and unique. Q. The Ghost Watch pays a certain homage to the original Five Time Zone watch. Why is that watch so representative of Jacob & Co.? JA: The Five Time Zone represents all of the hallmarks of Jacob & Co, from the unique design to the outstanding quality to the international flavor—our Five Time Zone helped to establish our watch brand so we stay true to that DNA. Q. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the Jacob & Co. brand ambassador. What about him is reflected in the Jacob & Co. brand? JA: Ronaldo for Jacob & Co. was a natural fit. He’s a longtime friend of mine, he travels constantly and he’s best in class. I’m a big fan of soccer and I think he’s one of the most fascinating players.

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Q. In terms of fine jewelry, Jacob & Co. recently launched the Abanico, Jezebel, and Rare Touch Collections. Tell me more about those. JA: I’m so excited about these new collections. They’re all so different from each other. The Abanico collection for example is art deco-inspired. The Rare Touch Collection is my favorite because it’s cool and unique. Q. Tell me about the High Jewelry Collection. Where do you source your diamonds and gemstones from? JA: Not many people are aware that Jacob & Co has an extensive high jewelry collection that boasts one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy pieces using the finest, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds in the world. We source our diamonds and gemstones from legitimate sources in compliance with UN Resolutions on conflict diamonds. Q. Do you have a favorite Jacob Jacob & Co. & Co. watch or piece of jewelry? 48 E. 57th St. (near Madison Avenue) 212-719-5887; jacobandco.com JA: One of my favorite watches is the black diamond baguette tourbillon we call The Black Caviar—such a stunning piece! In general, I like to wear a different watch each week and I also wear a lot of cufflinks. Q. What’s next for Jacob & Co.? JA: We are continuously striving for the best. With that said, we plan to open more stores in the future and a have wider worldwide distribution. Q. What do you like about having the flagship store located in New York? JA: I love that New York is so diverse and cultural. It really is one of the greatest cities of the world. n

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From the live Toy Soldiers to a larger-than-life piano, fabulous fun awaits on Fifth Avenue! FAO Schwarz is a must-see holiday destination located in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Start a new tradition this season and visit FAO Schwarz, where generations come to play and imagination has no limits! It all began over 150 years ago when Frederick August Otto Schwarz had a vision to establish a magical toy emporium that featured extraordinary, one-of-a-kind toys. His now-iconic store is the spectacular result of that dream, showcasing merchandise in a way that seemingly brings them to life. Over the years, FAO Schwarz’ flagship store on Fifth Avenue has become synonymous with extraordinary toy making, producing heirloom-quality gifts that are handed down through generations, and specialty toys and collectibles you won’t find anywhere else. FAO Schwarz is more than just a toy store, you can schedule a personalized tour of the store with an FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier. Create musical magic on the legendary Big Piano — featured in such movies as Big and The Smurfs — watch live demos of the most enchanting toys, then enjoy a drink and a treat at the FAO Café. Gift wrapping and shipping and delivery are offered, and the Personal Shopping Service to make sure you find exactly what you want. There are so many things to see and do at FAO Schwarz, you’ll want to make it a must-visit stop whenever you are in the New York area. It’s an experience you’ll always treasure. 767 Fifth Ave. (58th St.), 800-426-8697; fao.com

New York

ANTIQUES

SHOPPING

Far Eastern Arts & Antiques – Since 1962, Far Eastern Arts & Antiques has provided NYC’s interior-design community with the finest in period pieces, including Asian and Chinese antique furniture, antique panels and screens, wood and stone carvings, porcelain, ceramics, rare antiquities, and more. To view their entire inventory, visit them at their historic warehouse in Yonkers (500 Nepperhan Ave., 914-423-2047) with five floors and over 170,000 square feet containing possibly the largest collection of Asian antiques, art, furniture, and accessories in the United States. Receive 10% off your first purchase with code NYLUX13. 799 Broadway (11th St.), 212-460-5030; fareasternantiques.com

BATH & BEAUTY

Rain – A specialist in intensively handmade body and bath products including fair trade artisan soaps, beaded and embroidered gift boxes, luxurious sleepwear, bathroom decor, and accessories. Rockefeller Center, 59 W. 49th St., 212-239-3070; rainliving.com

BOOK STORES Imperial Fine Books – This store welcomes collectors, decorators, architects and browsers to view their selection of fine and decorative leather-bound

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sets, fine bindings, children’s, illustrated, first editions and rare books. Custom bookbinding and appraisals, and offers a color catalogue. 790 Madison Ave. (66th-67th Sts.), 2nd Floor, 212-861-6620; imperialfinebooks.com The Scholastic Store - Transport your kids into a literary wonderland at the flagship Scholastic Store in SoHo. In-store activities include the Imagination Clubhouse – a loft overlooking the store and an ideal birthday party spot – a lifesize version of Clifford’s Dog House, a real-life Magic School Bus® to take you on scientific adventures, and the Creativity Center, a space where imagination reigns supreme and kids take charge of exciting crafts and activities. See their website for information on free in-store events. 557 Broadway (Spring-Prince Sts.), stroller entrance at 130 Mercer St., 212-343-6166; scholastic.com/sohostore

CAVIAR Caviar Russe - One of America’s largest caviar importers. Whether your palate prefers Beluga, or Osetra, Caviar Russe offer a decadent selection of smoked fish, shellfish, foie gras and charcuterie, caviar accompaniments, and gourmet pantry items. The restaurant component offers a tasting menu, dining a la carte, and a raw bar. 538 Madison Ave. (54th-55th Sts.), 2nd Floor, 212-980-5908; caviarrusse.com

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Department and Specialty Stores

Bloomingdale’s – One of the world’s most famous landmark department stores. The best international fashions and home furnishings are brought together under a single Art Deco roof, in a store that encompasses a full city block and more than 500 departments on seven floors. If you work up an appetite from shopping, visit one of six restaurants, including David Burke at Bloomingdale’s, and the frozen yogurt hub 40 Carrots. 1000 Third Ave. (59th-60th Sts.), 212-705-2000; 504 Broadway (Spring-Broome Sts.), 212-729-5900; bloomingdales.com

Barneys New York –A cornerstone in chic, trendy New York fashion, Barneys is home to a plethora of international men’s and women’s fashion designers ranging from the classically understated to the avant garde. Haute accessories, beauty products, and home furnishings continue to stamp Barneys presence as a necessity on the fashion scene. Their restaurant, Fred’s at Madison Avenue, is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. 660 Madison Ave. (61st St.), 212-826-8900; barneys.com Beretta Gallery - Beretta Gallery combines the adventure of outdoor sporting with the unwavering class that continues to mark the Beretta lifestyle brand as a beacon in the industry. The flagship three-story gallery, which makes its home in a historic New York townhouse, offers visitors access to Beretta’s collection of clothing, accessories, decorative items, and their signature merchandise dedicated to the hunting lifestyle. Open Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 718 Madison Ave. (63rd-64th Sts.), 212-319-3235; newyork.berettagallery.com Bergdorf Goodman - In the same location since 1928, this is among the nation’s most prestigious shops, featuring women’s fashion designers from Armani, Chanel, Versace and Ferre, to Tyler, Galliano, and Westwood. 754 Fifth Ave. (58th St.), 800-558-1855; bergdorfgoodman.com

Hammacher Schlemmer – The landmark store for America’s longest-running catalog, offering unique products that solve problems, further your lifestyle, or represent the only one of their kind. 147 E. 57th St., 212-421-9002; hammacher.com Lord & Taylor – A beacon in American trends and designers. From chic and reasonably priced fashion classics, to a massive selection of shoes and accessories, Lord & Taylor continues to delight shoppers year round. 424 Fifth Ave. (39th St.), 212-391-3344; lordandtaylor.com MacKenzie-Childs - This flagship store is painting the town in their signature Courtly Check print. It features the full MacKenzieChilds collection of whimsical and artistically quirky handcrafted home and garden accessories and gifts, including hand-painted ceramics,

In 1965, Martin Michaeli founded MEPHISTO with the singular goal of making the worlds’ finest footwear. Today, he still owns and operates MEPHISTO from the world headquarters and original factory in Sarrebourg, France and his shoes are sold in over 80 countries, with the U.S. headquarters located in Franklin, Tenn. MEPHISTO represents a world-class product with loyal customers and a brand driven by one man’s unshakeable belief that excellence can and will be achieved every day. After the overwhelming success of their Third Avenue shop, MEPHISTO proudly opened a second location on Madison Avenue this fall. The new winter collections arrive daily, so for the best selection, it’s best to shop early. 1040 Third Ave. (61st-62nd Sts.), 212-750-7000; 1089 Madison Ave. (82nd St.), 646-422-1000; mephistousa.com

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dinnerware, tableware, glassware and home furniture. 20 W. 57th St. (Fifth-Sixth Aves.), 212-570-6050; mackenzie-childs.com Macy’s – “The world’s largest store,” home to the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and one of NYC’s most visited attractions. Macy’s runs the gamut in goods, from home furnishings to decadent caviar, luxury and casual clothing, and everything in between. Broadway & 34th St., 212-695-4400; macys.com Saks Fifth Avenue – This paragon of unparalleled class began in 1924 as the brainchild of Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel. Their Fifth Avenue flagship “dream store,” is highly regarded internationally and features nine floors of pure luxury, stocked with exclusive items for men and women from the world’s most desired brands. 611 Fifth Ave. (49th-50th Sts.), 212-753-4000; saksfifthavenue.com

Electronics/PHOTO B&H Photo Video - The world’s largest camera and video super store. With a top notch staff, including industry pros and a full line of still,

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digital, video, home and portable entertainment, pro audio equipment, computers and accessories, it’s the professional’s source. B&H encourages you to try almost every item on the floor before you buy. 420 Ninth Ave. (34th St.), 212-444-6615 bhphotovideo.com DataVision - With a 30,000 square foot flagship, DataVision is NYC’s largest independent computer and video retailer. Browse and purchase from a widespread selection of computers, software, peripherals, digital cameras, camcorders, MP3 players, DVDs, and more. 445 Fifth Ave. (39th St.), 212-689-1111; datavis.com Sony Store - Try your hand at sophisticated hi-tech Sony products at this flagship location. Offering a comprehensive array of music, video, and multimedia material in a sleek environment, the Sony Store is a list topper. Sony Plaza, 550 Madison Ave. (55th-56th Sts.), 212-833-8800; store.sony.com

Fashion AND Accessories Alexander McQueen – Dramatic couture, including dresses, tailored pants, and beautifully

constructed frock coats from the late British designer. Shoes, jewelry, and handbags are also prominently displayed. 747 Madison Ave. (65th St.), 212-645-1797; alexandermcqueen.com Badgley Mischka – Shop “the collection” in the front parlour, which features a line of skirts, jackets, day dresses and evening gowns, and an airy salon in back showcases couture, while jewelry, handbags, watches, sunglasses and more fill a central foyer and bridal dresses are down on the garden level. 24 E. 64th St. (Madison-Fifth Aves.), 212-644-4934; badgleymischka.com BCBG Max Azria – A fresh and youthful take on modern women’s design, from suits, separates, coats, dresses, handbags and accessories for women on the cusp of fashion trends. 770 Madison Ave. (66th St.), 212-717-4225; 120 Wooster St. (Prince St.), 212-625-2723; 461 Fifth Ave. (40th St.), 212-991-9777; bcbg.com Burberry – This beloved British brand, synonymous with its signature house check–the camel, black, red, and white pattern–offers luxurious men’s, women’s, children’s, and babywear lines, fragrances, golf, eyewear, and home collections. Their made-to-order coat service has custom-

Beretta’s traditional roots hark back to the dawn of the Italian Renaissance. A passion for excellence, skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail have been handed down and reinvigorated over the years. This underlying approach has been enriched by the results of scientific progress, research and new materials. The Beretta Vintage Years Collection celebrates our origins and enriches them with advanced technological performance. When you put on a Beretta Vintage Years garment, you have the sensation of wearing 500 years of success. The collection is dedicated to hunters, silence, fresh air, lush unspoiled woodlands, walks through the hills alongside a canine companion, to people who love the outdoor life and wish to ‘wear it’ during their everyday lives. Pictured here: the men’s waxed cotton biker jacket and the waxed cotton woman’s coat. 718 Madison Ave., 212- 319-3235; newyork.berettagallery.com

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ized style and color options. 160 Columbus Ave. (67th St.), 212-595-0934; 444 Madison Ave. (49th St.), 212-707-6700; 9 E. 57th St., 212-407-7100; 367 Bleecker St., 212-901-3600; 131 Spring St. (Greene St.), 212-925-9300; burberry.com Carolina Herrera – Elegant, ultra-feminine, up-to-the-minute women’s dresses and fragrances. CH Carolina Herrera (802 Madison Ave. (68th St., 212-744-2076 ) has clothing for men, women, and kids, as well as travel accessories. 954 Madison Ave. (75th St.), 212-249-6552; carolinaherrera.com Chanel Boutique – Showcasing the iconic, classic and timeless elements of Coco Chanel’s style, with handbags, accessories, shoes, and ready-to-wear by Karl Lagerfeld. 15 E. 57th St., 212-355-5050; 139 Spring St. (Wooster St.), 212-334-0055; 737 Madison Ave., 212-535-5505; chanel.com Céline – Luxury women’s fashions including timeless ready-to-wear, leather bags and handbags, shoes, and sunglasses. 870 Madison Ave. (71st St.), 212-535-3703; celine.com Diane Von Furstenberg – From her signature wrap dress designs to flirty sportswear and accessories, DVF is pure chic heaven. 874 Washington St. (14th St.), 646-486-4800; 135 Wooster St., 212-542-5754; dvf.com DKNY – Lifestyle clothing, accessories, and more embracing the fun styles of New York from Donna Karan. 420 West Broadway (Spring St.), 646-613-1100; 655 Madison Ave. (60th St.), 212-223-3569; dkny.com Dolce & Gabbana – Ultra-modern Italian fashions, including men’s formalwear and more adventurous women’s fashions. 825 Madison Ave. (69th St.), 212-249-4100; dolcegabbana.com Donna Karan – Classic elegance and modern glamour shine at this three-story home to the famed designer’s collection. 819 Madison Ave. (68th St.), 212-861-1001; donnakaran.com Elie Tahari – Detail oriented, subtly elegant pieces, including ready-to-wear fashions and accessories, suits, cutting-edge sportswear and dresses. 417 West Broadway (Spring St.), 212-334-4441; elietahari.com Escada – The German-based company offers high-end, modern, and elegant women’s apparel and accessories. ESCADA SPORT represents understated city chic. The company brand also encompasses licenses for eyewear and fragrances. 7 East 55th St., 212-755-2200; escada.com Façonnable – A French high-end retailer specializing in tailored men’s and women’s clothing. Featuring two floors of brightly striped shirts and gabardine trousers for him, and narrow suits and spangly gear for her. Rockefeller Center, 636 Fifth Ave. (51st St.), 212-319-0111; faconnable.com Giorgio Armani – The alpha and omega of understated, power-drenched Italian fashion. The Italian designer’s flagship features suits, elegant sportswear, outerwear, and evening wear for men and women. 760 Madison Ave. (65th St.), 212-988-9191; armani.com Hermès - Known for their coveted Birkin and Kelly handbags, this French boutique features beautifully designed men’s and women’s clothing, a full array of accessories and shoes, and enough luxury to make you shop till you drop. 691 Madison Ave., 212-751-3181; 15 Broad St., 212-785-3030; hermes.com Louis Vuitton – From the quintessential leather design brand, the shop focuses on the timeless elegance of men’s and women’s fashions, handbags, watches and jewelry, and shoes. 116 Greene St. (Prince St.), 212-274-9090; 1 E. 57th St. (Fifth Ave.), 212-758-8877; louisvuitton.com Marc Jacobs – A constantly evolving trendsetting collection pins Marc Jacobs on the fashion map year after year. Casual-chic fashions for men and women including simple dresses, classic tailored suits, and formal wear. Mon-Sat

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Badgley Mischka There’s something oddly cozy about the new Badgley Mischka flagship, which just opened on the Upper East Side. Oddly cozy, because “cozy” is a word generally reserved for more low-brow affairs (a rustic Maine lodge, say, or a ridiculously tiny Greenwich Village studio). But Mark Badgley and James Mischka have managed to infuse this space with an ambience as heart-warming as it is haute. No surprise, really. The winsome duo—partners in both biz and life—has long wooed starlets and socialites with red-carpet concoctions that never skimp on sparkle, but somehow never look like they’re trying too hard. The 3,500-square-foot space, once occupied by Pucci, is what the designers call a “mansionette.” And it does feel like you’re entering someone’s home—with white reclaimed wood floors, high ceilings and an ornate chandelier. A front parlor houses “the collection,” their more affordable (three figures) line of skirts, jackets, day dresses and evening gowns. An airy salon in back features couture (add a zero)—one-of-a-kind gowns dripping in crystals and sequins, hanging on rods with lots of elbow room between each dress, as if they need space to breathe. Upstairs, if you’re lucky (and VIP-ish), you’ll find a private room where you might browse with the likes of Carmen Electra or Cornelia Guest. Jewelry, handbags, watches, sunglasses and more fill a central foyer and bridal dresses are down on the garden level. In any room, you’ll find welcoming (not snobbish) staff.

Side t s a E r e p p U

Barbie, if memory serves, had a townhouse. If the doll was real, with perhaps one marriage and a fab tell-all memoir already under her belt, well, then—this would be her place. 24 East 64th St. (between Madison and Fifth), 212-644-4934, badgleymischka.com

new stores not to miss

By Joseph V. Amodio

Alexander McQueen When the Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach dreamed up his famed inkblot test, he spent a lot of time asking the same question: So…what do YOU see? That question comes to mind as soon as you enter the new Alexander McQueen flagship, which abandoned its former Meatpacking District address and reopened on the Upper East Side earlier this fall. Rorschach’s inkblots are just one of the shop’s unusual inspirations. The clothing here is dazzling, sure, but don’t leave till you’ve checked out the walls. In the ornate plaster moldings you’ll see patterns of flowers, shells, skulls and more, splayed out like inkblots. Gaze long enough, and you may see other influences, from the work of Barcelona architect Antonio Gaudí to the creepily skeletal images of surrealist H.R. Giger. As creative director Sarah Burton said in a statement, “It’s very McQueen to see something from a distance and think it’s one thing and then to look up close and discover something else.” It’s also very McQueen to flip a McQueenism on its head. So step BACK and take in the overall shape of the ornate panels, and you’ll spot something unexpected: the familiar swoop of the designer’s radical and legendary “armadillo shoes,” with their spiky heels and bulbous, hooflike toes. Speaking of shoes, there are plenty on display—spike heeled, buckled, gold gilt—along with shelves of handbags, jewelry and racks of clothes (women’s and menswear).

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Rorschach and McQueen share an unfortunate twist of fate—both died too soon. (The psychiatrist, of appendicitis, at 37; the designer, after committing suicide, at 40.) But their work lives on, and this shop, at least, offers a glimpse not only of the McQueen aesthetic, but the fervent mind behind it. 747 Madison Avenue (near E. 65th Street), 212-645-1797, alexandermcqueen.com

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11am-7pm Sun 12pm-6pm. 163 Mercer St. (Houston-Prince Sts.), 212-343-1490; 403 Bleecker St., 212-924 0026; marcjacobs.com Michael Kors – Polished, chic American sportswear and accessories for men and women from the design maven himself. Rockefeller Center, 610 Fifth Ave., 212-582-2444; 133 Fifth Ave., 212-228-2043; 667 Madison Ave. (61st St.), 212-980-1550; 384 Bleecker St., 212-242-0700; 101 Prince St., 212-965-0401; Michael Kors Collection: 790 Madison Ave., 212-452-4685; michaelkors.com Onassis – American-inspired menswear collection, rooted in European styling and fit, and uniquely handcrafted with Japanese techniques. Rockefeller Center, 61 W. 49th St., 212-586-8688; onassisclothing.com Polo/Ralph Lauren, Madison Avenue – American clothing legend Ralph Lauren’s NYC retail outposts. The jewel in the crown of the more than 145 stores worldwide, with authentic antique furniture, women’s wear, accessories, leather goods, home furnishings, and antiques. 888 Madison Ave. (72nd St.), 212-434-8000. Ralph Lauren’s first men’s-only store is located across the street at 867 Madison Ave. (72nd St.), 212-606-2100. Children’s Clothing at 878 Madison Ave., 212-606-3376; ralphlauren.com Prada – The Italian specialist in luxurious minimalist fashion offers a range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, and

furnishings. 841 Madison Ave. (70th St.), 212-327-4200; 45 E. 57th St., 212-308-2332; 724 Fifth Ave. (56th St.), 212-664-0010; 575 Broadway (Prince St.), 212-334-8888; prada.com Roberto Cavalli – A boutique with “funky, sexy stuff ” from the Italian designer that is always dramatic and innovative. 711 Madison Ave. (63rd St.), 212-755-7722; robertocavalli.com Saint Laurent – Refined, modern, elegant, and upscale men’s and women’s apparel, from tailored suits to refined knits. 3 E. 57th St., 212-980-2970; 80 Greene St., 212-431-3240; ysl.com Stella McCartney – The trendy boutique featuring au courant, animal-friendly fashions for women in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Stella McCartney’s designs take fashion forward trends mixed with classic patterns and a cutting edge twist. 112 Greene St. (Prince St.), 212-255-1556; stellamccartney.com Theory – Hip, classic work-friendly attire for men and women. 40 Gansevoort St. (Greenwich-Hudson Sts.), 212-524-6790; 151 Spring St. (W. B’wayWooster St.), 212-226-3691; 201 Columbus Ave. (70th-71st Sts.), 212-362-3676; theory.com Vera Wang – Featuring some of the finest bridal gowns in the world. 991 Madison Ave. (77th St.), 212-628-3400; 158 Mercer St. (Prince St.), 212-382-2184; verawang.com

FURS The Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue – A rich array of elegant furs from top designers. Fur salon services include made-to-measure garments, storage, cleaning, alterations, repairs, and more. 611 Fifth Ave. (49th-50th Sts.), 212-940-4465; thefursalon.com Maximilian at Bloomingdale’s –Offering an extensive collection of premier designer furs of the highest quality and design. 1000 Third Ave. (60th St.), 212-705-3335; maximilian.com

GOLF/COUNTRY CLUBS Doral Arrowood Golf Club - Explore flexible and affordable ways to golf on one of the top 25 ninehole courses in America as voted by Golf Digest. While on the grounds, explore the rest that Doral Arrowood has to offer, including three dining options and a beautiful hotel. 975 Anderson Hill Road, Rye Brook, 914-939-5500; doalarrowood.com Golf & Body NYC - An exclusive experience for golfers seeking the highest level of golf training and entertainment at a one-of-a-kind urban country club. The Golf & Body Experience offers PGA golf instruction, fitness, physical therapy and other wellness services, all at a golf-centric venue where members can meet, dine, and entertain. 883 Sixth Ave. (32nd St.), 212-244-2626; golfbodynyc.com

Fitness Has Never Been So Chic An urban oasis in the heart of New York’s Upper West Side, Reebok Sports Club/NY offers an unrivaled fitness experience. Since 1995, Reebok Sports Club/NY has been the premier fitness destination for NYC’s professional athletes, celebrities, and the neighborhood’s social elite. Stepping from the private elevators into the 140,000-square-foot space, this members-only Club quickly transports visitors out of the hustle and bustle of the busy city below. The spacious state-of-the-art space includes everything you need to feel better, stronger, and more connected to what’s most essential: a healthy life. Unparalleled in the industry, the Club’s five-star experience, industry-leading Fitness staff, award-winning instructors, and authentic Mind Body program provide members the tools and resources to help them achieve their fitness goals. Come experience the ultimate in fitness options including 170 weekly classes, pristine yoga and Pilates studios, indoor swimming pool, indoor cycling studio, state-of-the-art equipment, volleyball, soccer, and basketball. For those looking to take their workouts outdoors, Reebok Sports Club/NY provides a well-lit outdoor running track where Members can enjoy the sweeping views of the city. Recapture your sense of calm after a hard workout; take advantage of the Club’s breathtaking rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline, then freshen up in the amazing locker rooms complete with boutique amenities from Malin+Goetz (currently offered in the Club’s Executive Locker Rooms). Rounded out by the on-site café, exceptional childcare programming, and Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa, it’s no wonder that Reebok Sports Club/NY is the flagship and crown jewel location of a seven-Club collection of the nation’s finest health and wellness destinations. Experience this artful blend of innovation, fitness, and luxury for yourself; visit Reebok Sports Club/NY at 160 Columbus Ave. (67th St.), 212-362-6800; www.reeboksportsclubny.com.

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[ Clockwise from top: MacKenzie-Childs’ Manhattan holiday windows, 2012; Orchard Check velveteen pillow; Courtly Check menorah; a trio of Evergreen mouth-blown glass vases; the hand-painted Piccadilly cake plate. Below: “Best in Show” glass ornament ]

holiday magic at MacKenzie-Childs

Their seasonal décor is much in line with the brand’s longstanding handmade aesthetic. By Heather Rabkin

Springtime in New York means just one thing to MacKenzie-Childs visual director James Sauli: Christmas windows. While the rest of the city is soaking up tulips in Central Park, Sauli and his six-person crew are dreaming up the holiday displays for MacKenzie-Childs’ prime Manhattan storefront at 57th Street and Fifth Avenue. “My team is a mix of intense talents that are responsible for creating some of the highest caliber of displays that exist,” says Sauli. This year’s theme, he notes, hearkens back to the company’s origins in craftsmanship and focuses on “the art of MacKenzie-Childs.” For three decades the Aurora, New York-based studio has made exquisite — and highly-sought-after — ceramics and furnishings. Similarly, their approach to holiday décor keeps in line with the brand’s longstanding handmade aesthetic. It will come as no surprise then that creative director Rebecca Proctor’s favorite holiday picks include mouth-blown glass ornaments, ranging from a dainty turtledove to a stately horse adorned with a wreath. “MacKenzie-Childs’ unique point-of-view is what continues to draw the most dedicated and wonderful collectors,” says Proctor. Orchard Check, a green-and-red riff on the famed Courtly Check pattern, has been splashed on oversized tablecloths and down-feather pillows. Hand-painted menorahs and a plethora of versatile tableware (think: pine tree-shaped candles and gilt wreaths) round out the collection. Sauli’s inspiration for the company’s holiday statement comes

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directly from the shoppers he is designing windows for. “Fifth Avenue has high expectations,” he says, “[and] it’s our job to draw viewers in and further their imagination. Our way of visual storytelling is very old-fashioned and almost doesn’t exist anymore on the Avenue.” For the shop’s pair of picture-frame windows, the visual team constructed “surrealist dreamscapes,” Sauli says. One depicts MacKenzie-Childs’ signature “lamp” mannequin (a figure with a whimsical lamp in the place of a head) as a woodcarver MacKenzie-Childs set in a charming Victorian scene. 20 W. 57th St., 212-570-6050; mackenzie-childs.com To get the atmosphere exactly right, Sauli hunted down vintage tools from local flea markets and auctions. The other window features two lamp ladies: one painting jewelry onto the other. Here, Sauli incorporated details such as hanging shadow boxes and decorative busts, and lit the space in shades of rose and pink. Considering Proctor and Sauli have been concocting the MacKenzie-Childs holiday motif for well over half a year, it is no wonder that now they’re eager to enjoy their work alongside the company’s dedicated fans. For Proctor that means scooping up a centerpiece for her Christmas table from the Evergreen line. As for Sauli, he’ll be gazing back at passersby: “I gauge success by how many people are stopping by,” he says. “That’s what gives us energy to take it further each year.”

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Golfsmith - Golfsmith is New York City’s best golf experience. With over 45 years of proven expertise, Golfsmith and its trained staff demonstrate their commitment to helping golfers of all skill levels play their best game. Golfsmith carries all major brands and provides expert custom club fitting using the latest launch monitors and swing analyzing technology. 420 Fifth Ave., 212-221-7931; 641 Lexington Ave., 212-317-9720; golfsmith.com New York Golf Center - Manhattan’s finest premier golf shop for over 20 years, committed to providing golf enthusiasts with everything they need, on and off the course. With over 13,000 sq. ft. of selling space, carrying the most comprehensive selection of golf equipment, accessories, clothing and shoes for men, women and children. 131 W. 35th St., 212-564-2255; 100 Park Ave. (40th St.), 212-564-0078; nygolfcenter.com

HEALTH and wellness Dentistry for Health New York - Founder and president Reid L. Winick, D.D.S., with nearly 20 years of experience, heads up this dental practice described as a “haven for overall wellness” that treats the patient as a “human ecosystem.” If you are looking for options to help avoid gum surgery and/or extractions, Dr. Winick’s programs have helped many patients avoid periodontal surgery and the need for implants, and achieve improved overall wellness in a cost-effective manner. 120 E. 56th St., 12th Floor, 212-973-9425; dentistryforhealthny.com Dr. David P. Rapaport - Specializing in plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Prior to opening his private practice, he was Chief Resident at Harvard Medical School and he was also the Chief Resident at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU Medical Center. One of only a handful of plastic surgeons in Manhattan with such an ideal plastic surgery training background, with over 13 years of practice experience. 905 Fifth Ave. (72nd St.), 212-249-9955; parkavenueplasticsurgeon.com Jan Linhart, D.D.S., P.C. - Cosmetic dentist Dr. Jan Linhart has been listed as one of America’s top dentists by Castle Connolly Consumer Guide and by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Dr. Linhart has mastered the various modern, pain-free cosmetic dental techniques and procedures that can transform your smile, giving you a renewed sense of self-confidence and dental health. 230 Park Ave. (46th St.), Suite 1164, 212-682-5180; drlinhart.com NY Hotel Urgent Medical Services - A prime resource for travelers should illness arise, offering premier 24-hour urgent care, full-service travel medicine services, and house calls. Medical care is provided in the comfort and safety of your hotel room. Dr. Ronald Primas has over 20 years of experience as one of NY’s finest internists. 952 Fifth Ave. (76th St.), Suite 1D, 212-737-1212; travelmd.com NYMetroSleep - Dedicated to the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders—not only to individuals within the New York metro area, but also to visitors from around the globe. With their ambulatory sleep testing program, they provide you with a simple sleep diagnostic screening device that they retrieve the next day, enabling you to potentially initiate treatment as soon as the following night. 718-684-6393; nymetrosleep.com Reebok Sports Club/NY - Committed to helping its members feel better, stronger, and more connected to what’s most essential: a healthy life. Experience the ultimate in fitness options including 170 classes weekly, breathtaking Mind Body studios, the swimming pool, state-of-the-art equipment, volleyball, soccer, basketball—all available in the spacious 140,000-sq.-ft. Club. 160 Columbus Ave. (67th St.), 212-362-6800; reeboksportsclubny.com

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SHOPPINGNEWYORK

All Rock Center shopping photos credit: Adrian Nina

Rockefeller RETAIL...A SAMPLING

Tailoring is king at Onassis, an American menswear collection with European attention to detail, structure, and fit. Onassis designs a full line for the dapper guy, from finely tailored suits and shirts and beloved bow ties, to hip, distinctive separates — coats, sweaters, plaid button-ups — that tout modern city chic for the well-styled man. For a cultural touch, certain Onassis pieces are going Japanese, with anchor-stitched buttons handcrafted by Japan’s oldest button maker. Onassis’ carefully crafted, masculine brand extends into leather weekender bags, wallets for stashing your go-to gear, and wool blend hat-and-scarf duos to carry you through the city’s winter months. Rockefeller Center, 61 W. 49th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-586-8688; onassisclothing.com With quality products sourced from South Africa, you’ll leave RAIN with a bag of natural bath and body goodies made with heart and integrity. RAIN’s line of pure, handmade products offers customizable options, from your own liquid soaps, body scrubs, and foam bath washes, to ready-togo essential oils, candles, soothing bath fizzes, and creams. Try the soap deli, where you can hand cut your own chunk of South African soaps that will enhance your daily routine with organic fragrances and ingredients. Rockefeller Center, 59 W. 49th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-239-3070; rainafrica.com Known for their signature teddy bear design, Tous has become an international jewelry sensation with their playful designs embellished with the finest jewels. The now unmistakable TOUS Bear didn’t join the brand until 1985, and was brought to life after Salvador Tous (the founder’s son) and wife Rosa Oriol found whimsy in the symbol while traveling. The TOUS Bear is now featured across the company’s luxury line including pendants, rings, brooches, and earrings. The Bear is just one facet of the iconic Spanish brand, which is bursting with playful colors, designs, and spirited jewelry concepts to adorn men, women, and children. Tous also offers a full line of accessories, from backpacks and watches, to sunglasses and a fragrance collection. Rockefeller Center, 610 Fifth Ave. (49th-50th Sts.); 212-757-2316; tous.com

Sugi Acupressure - Injae Choe, PhD LMT, is a licensed massage therapist and a nationally certified therapist of massage and bodywork (NCTMB) with 20+ years of experience specializing in the Eastern holistic style of manual therapy called Sugi (“hand energy”) Acupressure. It is a healing practice and art form that he learned during childhood directly from his father, a world-renowned Eastern medical doctor. Injae’s mission is to help people restore and maintain their optimal level of health the natural, comfortable way. 1841 Broadway (60th St.), Suite 905, 646-823-5386; sugiacupressure.com

Jewelry & Watches Aaron Basha – An upscale jewelry boutique furnished with high-fashion jewelry pieces, celebrity worthy gems, and their distinctive jeweled baby shoes and assortment of baby charms. They also feature heirloom-quality jewelry, with bracelets, clasps, cuff links, chains and more. 685 Madison Ave. (61st St.), 212-644-1970; aaronbasha.com Cellini - A luxurious gem wonderland, showcasing beautifully authentic and homemade pieces using diamonds that shimmer and shine, robust rubies, and eye-popping emeralds. Hotel Waldorf-Astoria (East Lobby), 301 Park Ave. (49th-50th Sts.); 212-751-9824; 509 Madison Ave. (52nd-53rd Sts.); 212-888-0505; cellinijewelers.com de Grisogono – Founded in 1993 by black diamond specialist Fawaz Gruosi, this baroquestyle boutique—one of 16 worldwide—specializes in designing high jewelry and objets d’art including diamond-set jewelry, timepieces for men and women, accessories including cufflinks, and much more. 824 Madison Ave. (69th St.), 212-439-4220; degrisogono.com Fred Leighton – A celebrity jewelry favorite, renowned for an extraordinary collection of vintage and estate jewelry from the 19th and 20th centuries, ranging from the Victorian era to Art Deco to retro and modern masterpieces. The collection features signature creations as well as works and signed pieces by the great makers in jewelry history, including Cartier, Van Cleef, Rene Boivin and Suzanne Belperron. 773 Madison Ave. (66th St.), 212-288-1872; fredleighton.com Georg Jensen – Trendsetting, luxury jewelry and watches, faithful to the unique Danish design language and committed to high quality and craftsmanship. The collection focuses on gold and sterling silver jewelry. 687 Madison Ave. (62nd St.), 212-759-6457; georgjensen.com Jacob & Co - Jacob & Co has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading luxury watch and jewelry houses with the introduc-

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tion of the legendary Five Time Zone technology. The brand continues its dedication to the highest standards of craftsmanship, revolutionary design and innovation, offering the finest quality Swiss made timepieces and precious jewelry for both men and women that embody elegance. 48 E. 57th St., 212-719-5887; jacobandco.com Kara Ross – The luxury designer (whose private clients include President and First Lady Obama) has opened her flagship store in New York City, offering fine jewelry pieces, handbags, bridalwear, the Gemstone Collection, and more. 655 Madison Ave. (60th St.), 212-755-8100; kararossny.com Little King Jewelry – A contemporary jewelry boutique located in the heart of SoHo specializing in modern heirlooms, classic gems, creative rock-androll jewelry, and culturally inspired pieces. Little King uses eco-friendly materials. Wed.-Sat., noon-7; Sun., noon-6; closed Mon.; Tues. by appointment. 177 Lafayette St. (Broome-Grand Sts.), 212-260-6140; littlekingjewelry.com Reinstein/Ross– Pairing vibrant precious stones and classical goldsmithing techniques, Reinstein/Ross jewelry is designed and hand-fabricated in NYC, in their Madison Ave. shop. Reinstein/Ross jewelry is distinctly contemporary, but reminiscent of Etruscan, Indian and Egyptian jewelry and art, and has a timeless quality. Often featured in magazines, movies and fashion events, the work of Reinstein/Ross has influenced an entire generation of jewelry designers. Custom orders welcome. 122 Prince St. (Wooster St.), 212-226-4513; 29 E. 73rd St. (Madison Ave.), 212-772-1901; reinsteinross.com Rolex - An official Rolex retailer and boutique, featuring the latest pieces from the innovative watchmaker, including the Oyster Collection, new 2013 models, and more. 665 Fifth Ave. (53rd St.), 212-759-8309; rolex.com Stephen Russell - Offering one of the most important and carefully chosen vintage jewelry collections available today, complemented with a collection of original contemporary designs. 970 Madison Ave. (76th St.), 212-570-6900; stephenrussell.com Tiffany & Co. - Luxurious merchandise with the tradition of quality, showcasing a wide variety of jewelry including the gold and silver signature collections. Other items include china, crystal, silver, watches and clocks, and fragrances. Fifth Ave. & 57th St., 212-755-8000; 37 Wall St., 212-514-8015; 97 Greene St., 212-226-6136; tiffany.com Tous - Exquisitely crafted jewelry for women, men and children, a full range of accessories as well as cosmetics and home accessories. 610 Fifth Ave. (49th-50th Sts.), 212-757-2316; tous.com Wempe - With over 125 years of tradition and experience, Wempe offers an impressive selection of fine timepieces and clocks, exquisite 18-karat gold and diamond jewelry, cufflinks, and watch straps. Among the brands in its European-style salon with an elegant and inviting atmosphere, are Patek Philippe, A. Lange and Söhne, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Cartier and JaegerLeCoultre. Wempe has earned its strong reputation for exceptional customer service with its state-of-the-art service center. 700 Fifth Ave. (55th St.), 212-397-9000; wempe.com Yael Sonia - Known for cutting-edge designs, playful gem geometry, and taking an innovative, artistic approach to jewelry making, Yael Sonia has become synonymous with modern sophistication. All pieces are handmade at her studio/showroom in Sao Paulo, Brazil. By appointment only. 270 Lafayette St., Suite 810, 212-472-6488; yaelsonia.com

Luggage Zero Halliburton - Located near Grand Central Terminal, the iconic luggage manufacturer’s 1,600-square-foot flagship store (which opened in

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SHOPPINGNEWYORK

[ Event night at Golf & Body NYC: Meet, greet and practice ]

a country club in manhattan Here’s the place to enjoy all the amenities of a country club right under one Gotham roof.

Golf & Body NYC is the only club in New York City devoted to enhancing golf performance, getting and staying fit, and socializing with friends and business associates—all under one roof. From its state-of-the-art gym to high-tech golf simulators and wellness services, Golf & Body NYC offers a unique combination of experts, proven programs, a distinctive location, and luxurious private-club amenities unmatched anywhere in Manhattan—or in the world. GBNYC members have access to their “city club” only minutes from Penn Station and Grand Central, taking liberties to use the facility and all it has to offer in their own way. Founding member, Michael McCormick, partner of an investment and brokerage firm, joined Golf & Body NYC starting solely with rehabilitation and injury prevention. He first spent his time in Sports Medicine & Wellness, utilizing physical therapy and massage services, complemented with Thai yoga. Michael spends his mornings getting soft tissue work and a training session and is joined in the evenings by his family for dinner. His daughters come in to use a private office for homework while taking turns getting a golf lesson. Where else can golfers get instruction from three of Golf Digest’s top instructors in New York—Darrell Kestner (Deepdale Golf Club), Eden Foster (Maidstone), and Ron McDougal—all in a single location, enabling its members to train like the game’s top players? PGA Tour fitness trainer Ben Shear has created a total body program based on his work with Tour golfers such as Webb Simpson, Luke Donald, Jason Day and Bo Van Pelt. Shear’s proven systems for improved health and golf performance are based on a key principle, a progression of mobility, stability, coordination, strength, and power to promote optimal health and physical development.

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If you play golf—at the highest level, just for fun, competitively, or at all—you know it is a high-performance sport. To play well in a tournament or a friendly weekend round, your swing and your body must be in good shape. Have one without the other and you might do okay. But to truly excel both must be in top form. GBNYC member Jim McCormack, a former commodities trader and a “Regular Joe Country Club guy” has gone through the Golf & Body process and attests to the progress and improvements he has seen. “I’ve been a member of Golf & Body just about from the beginning. I was one of the first members to have a physical evaluation by Ben Shear and his staff [in fact, Ben was using me as a guinea pig a bit, showing the staff how to do evaluations using me as the example]. I consider myself an athlete—I do triathlons and other things besides golf—yet I think I failed every test in the evaluation. Not the physically hard parts but things like my balance, ability to squat while holding a pole over my head. I was terrible. I immediately started a workout program with Kim, based on my evaluation. I went through the test again about three weeks about and I passed about 90% of the tests. I played a lot of golf this past summer and I never played better. I went from about a 13 handicap to an 8. I was hitting it longer, hitting it better, and I also feel better standing over the ball.” Golf & Body NYC is an oasis for not just the golf fanatic but for those individuals seeking the country club experience Golf & Body NYC in the middle of Manhattan. 212-244-2626; golfbodynyc.com Convenient for commuters and locals, with membership options even for non-residents visiting the city, this is your Club for playing, exercising, relaxing and entertaining—you’ll never want to leave! Golf & Body NYC. Live the game.

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summer 2013) is the place to find their latest collections of luxury luggage, including the signature aluminum cases. 300 Madison Ave. (41st-42nd Sts.), 646-640-3600; zerohalliburton.com

SALONS Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon - Influenced by her training as a painter in Paris and time working with Bruno Dessange in NYC, Sophie Georgiou specializes in the balayage coloring technique, in the same location as celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger. After a day of indulgences in their Parisian atelier-like salon, their services will deem you red carpet-ready, or just queen of the concrete jungle. 17 E. 71st St. (Fifth-Madison Aves.), 5th Floor, 212-535–3519; sdsh.com

SPAS Cool Spa Fifth Avenue - Manhattan Board Certified plastic surgeon David P. Rapaport, MD performs all his CoolSculpting (“non-surgical safe removal of stubborn fat”) procedures and plastic surgery procedures on-site in this boutique style surgical facility. 905 Fifth Ave. (72nd St.); 800-525-0572; coolspa.com Guerlain Spa - A 14,000-square-foot facility with 16 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art footbath lounge, hydrotherapy and Vichy shower facilities, and the Guerlain Boutique offering skincare, fragrance, and makeup collections. The Waldorf=Astoria, 301 Park Ave. (49th-50th Sts.), 212-872-7200; guerlainspas.com

SHOES Bally - Leather products featuring old-world artistry blended with modern design, including footwear, handbags, executive cases, luggage, and small leather goods. 628 Madison Ave. (59th St.), 212-751-9082; bally.com Botticelli - Celebrating 40 years of timeless Italian footwear, Botticelli is rooted in history and quality, offering traditional classics alongside each season’s essentials. Rockefeller Center, 620 Fifth Ave., 212-582-6313; 55 W. 49th St. (Rockefeller Plaza), 212-768-1430; botticellishoes.com CitiShoes - NYC’s premier shoe store for fine footwear and service. Located on Park Avenue, CitiShoes offers an extensive collection of footwear from Alden, Church’s. Edward Green, Santoni, A.Testoni, Paraboot, Mephisto, and many other fine men’s brands. CitiShoes provides personal attention when you shop, and is dedicated to finding the perfect shoe for each customer. From classic dress shoes to casual footwear, CitiShoes’ well-stocked variety of fashions can help you find a fit for virtually any occasion. 445 Park Ave. (56th St.), 212-751-3200; citishoes.com Cole Haan - This global flagship Cole Haan location showcases high-quality handcrafted men’s and women’s footwear, accessories and outerwear. Each product blends craftsmanship, design, and innovation giving it distinctive character. Rockefeller Center, 620 Fifth Ave., 212-765-9747; 141 Fifth Ave., 212-677-4693; 128 Prince St., 212-219-8240; The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9420; colehaan.com Jimmy Choo - A celebrated force in women’s shoe design, Jimmy Choo shoe lines include house, evening, bridal, sandals, as well as matching handbags. 716 Madison Ave. (63rd-64th Sts.), 212-759-7078; 645 Fifth Ave. (51st St.), 212-593-0800; 407 Bleecker St. (W. 11th St.), 212-366-1305; jimmychoo.com Manolo Blahnik – A pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes puts an A+ on any closet. The shop sells inspired designs from one of the world’s most

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SHOPPINGNEWYORK

influential footwear designers. 31 W. 54th St., 212-582-3007; manoloblahnik.com Mephisto - MEPHISTO represents a world-class product with loyal customers and a brand driven by one man’s unshakable belief that excellence can and will be achieved every day, with every pair of shoes. 1040 Third Ave. (61st-62nd Sts.), 212-750-7000; 1089 Madison Ave. (82nd St.), 646-422-1000; mephistousa.com. Salvatore Ferragamo - Men’s and women’s shoes crafted from superb leathers, from classic business and formal footwear to casual styles with a European flair. 655 Fifth Ave. (52nd-53rd Sts.), 212-759-3822; ferragamo.com

A Contemporary Mind-Body Healer at Columbus Circle “Columbus Circle and Central Park, together, constitute very good feng shui indeed,” says Injae Choe, PhD LMT, on a recent crisp, fall morning, looking out of his office building that borders these city landmarks and the Time Warner Building. “And that certainly enhances the kind of healing I seek to deliver for my patients. I practice what I do because I know it helps people recover naturally from all kinds of illness.” Sugi Acupressure, the Korean modality of bodywork therapy that Dr. Injae, 44, learned directly from his father, is a kind of holistic medicine that aims to integrate various obvious and not-so-obvious treatment strategies to bring about lasting healing of the whole person. “Obvious” treatment strategies can include working on readily identifiable sites of a physical ailment, or encouraging better body mechanics to counteract years of poor posture; the “not-so-obvious” treatment strategies can mean changing bad lifestyle habits and negative thought patterns. Though Dr. Injae is primarily a bodywork therapist — using his hands to “replace the need for needles in acupuncture,” as he puts it, he leverages knowledge derived from his PhD in psychology to raise self-awareness. A regular session is 40 minutes (cost: $120), though longer sessions are common. To the layperson, a Sugi Acupressure session may look like something in-between a chiropractic and a relaxation massage therapy treatment. Sugi also shares overlaps with Rolfing and physical therapy. “I can effectively treat just about any musculoskeletal condition, often making a noticeable difference within three sessions,” Dr. Injae continues. “What I offer is a unique, powerful blend of both bodywork and lifestyle training, rigorously grounded in the best of eastern and western traditions of healthy living. My patients often realize that most chronic conditions afflicting them — be it arthritis, migraines, digestive, respiratory or circulatory problems — can be managed through an optimized program of what their medical doctors have prescribed them already, in conjunction with Sugi acting as a boost. Very often, my patients report that Sugi and [my] advice helps them gradually wean off of undesirable heavy medications.” Dr. Injae started his apprenticeship with his father in Sugi Acupressure more than 20 years ago. He grew up in different parts of Asia before attending England’s most elite boarding school (Eton), then took advanced degrees from UC Berkeley, Columbia University and the New School for Social Research at various stages of his adult life. “In a place like New York, where the energy of the city inevitably creates so much stress for so many different kinds of people, I feel like I’m well positioned to make a real difference for them.” In addition to his NYC clients, many out-of-town clients see Dr. Injae when they visit New York. Dr. Injae also offers house calls at a surcharge and takes appointments in Westport, CT, where he resides. Sugi Acupressure;1841 Broadway (entrance on 60 St.), Suite 905, 646-823-5386; www.sugiacupressure.com, injae.choe@gmail.com

Stuart Weitzman – Timeless and elegantly crafted shoes and handbags for women. 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9560; 625 Madison Ave. (59th St.), 212-750-2555; 2151 Broadway (76th St.), 212-873-0983; stuartweitzman.com

TELEVISION HBO Shop - A retail space featuring a multimedia showcase of HBO’s® award-winning programming, plus tons of fan swag to keep you on top of your True Blood or Boardwalk Empire obsessions. 1100 Ave. of the Americas (42 St. & 6th Ave.), 212-512-SHOP; hboshop.com NBC Experience Store - Nestled in the heart of Rockefeller Center, the NBC Experience Store is the place to find all your favorite television merchandise. From “Must-See TV” classics like “Seinfeld” to today’s hottest hits our merchandise is created directly from your favorite lines, characters and quotes. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-664-7174; nbcuniversalstore.com

TOYS FAO Schwarz - The pioneer in children’s toys, where there is no shortage of magic or imagination. Their staff gives expert help with Personal Shopping, Toy Soldier Tours, Big Piano Dance Lessons, Private Party Planning, Concierge Service and Corporate Sales. In business for over 150 years, FAO gives lets kids reign in a toy-filled paradise. 767 Fifth Ave. (58th St.), 212-644-9400; fao.com Toys“R”Us Times Square - Theme park meets mega toy land at Toys “R” Us. Prepare to be entranced by this 110,000-square-foot toy store, which features a 60-foot indoor Ferris Wheel, a 4,000-square-foot Barbie dollhouse, a 20-foot animatronic T-Rex dinosaur & much more. 1514 Broadway (44th St.), 646-366-8800; toyrsrustimessquare.com

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day

spas

...Beacons of Serenity in the City that Never Sleeps By Griffin Miller

Spa Editor

B-Spa Bars: A Downtown Renaissance Where it’s All About Face Facial rejuvenation minus knife or needle is the end-all Fountain of Youth fantasy (after “good genes,” and even they give way to gravity sooner or later). At B-Spa Bar, along with soft lighting, soothing music and intoxicating scents, clients receive exclusive U.S. access to a singular result-oriented, non-invasive facial odyssey created by B-Spa founder and owner, Diana Seo. A biophysicist with medical, holistic and beauty expertise, Seo has upped the anti-aging ante with her organic Stem Cell Facials that combines collagen from cow placentas with a revolutionary aesthetic device to hydrate and plump the skin. In short, cutting edge technology without the cutting. I am sitting in the waiting area of the Thompson Hotel LES’s spa: generously pillowed sofa, flat-screen TV, and a floor embedded with polished black stones. Like many B-Spa clients, I find myself privy to Seo’s personal touch as she escorts me to a cozy treatment room, analyzes my skin, and begins a multi-faceted treatment that includes a series of quick electric pulses to specific areas of the face followed by an indulgent facial massage utilizing handpicked products. Optimum results come in three to six sessions with packages offering substantial savings. Still, a solo session also scores serious points that are reflected in a significantly firmer skin tone, outstanding hydration and a relaxed glow that lasts far beyond a night on the town. B-Spa [“B” stands for Beauteaganics] has two locations: The Thompson Hotel LES, 190 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton Sts.), 212-542-8690; and Privé Salon in Soho Grand Hotel, 310 West Broadway (at Grand St.), 212-274-8888. bspabar.com [P.S.: A third NYC B-Spa Bar will be opening uptown in early 2014. Check website for details.]

Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf=Astoria: Elevating the Art of Skincare If you find yourself wondering what it would be like to be treated like a rock star or a royal, drop by the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf=Astoria. Infused with nuanced refinement — from décor (Baccarat crystal touches), to services (luxe perks included), to its attentive staff, Guerlain is a study in red carpet living. Its deluxe menu rates extra high marks for two exemplary signature treatments: Orchidée Impériale and Abeille Royal Youth facials. While the Orchidée is the more assertive of the two, tackling aging skin by “accelerating the natural renewal cycle of skin,” Abeille deftly addresses elasticity and fine line issues for both younger and mature skin with Royal Jelly Concentrate — from Gallic bees on the isle of Ouessant. Described as “a unique sensory experience,” I was to learn that, for a topical treatment, the effects were intensely long term. Following a relaxing interlude with a glass of Champagne, I was escorted to a private treatment room where my personal aesthetician, Maria Dolanescu, awaited. A Guerlain Spa veteran, Dolanescu transports you through a choreographed stream of signature techniques that are difficult to recall as they flow together into a luminous facial experience. Actually, it’s more of a full-body affair, since your recliner is gently heated and there’s a foot massage — reflexology, no less. If you desire, you can slip down to the main floor to Guerlain’s makeup and perfume boutique for a complimentary makeup application. Naturally, the attention to detail was impeccable. Metamorphosis? The compliments keep coming – and it’s been awhile. Quite awhile. Waldorf=Astoria Hotel, 301 Park Ave., 19th Fl., (between 49th and 50th Sts.), 212-872-7200; waldorfnewyork.com/guerlain-spa

BABOR’s Oceanic Treasure Trove Regenerative formulations comparable in strength to those used by aestheticians in high-end spas have often been reserved for elite consumers with, well, “insider connections.” But the tide has turned, my age-defying friends, and inspired products featuring rare, natural, and optimizing ingredients are turning up at select spas, department stores, and websites. Among the most lavish brands exploring original skincare lines is Babor. Last spring it launched it’s SeaCreation collection, combining extracts from two microorganisms (harvested from the ocean’s depths) with a green caviar algae extract. Together, the two make up the line’s powerhouse key ingredient, Sea-telligent Complex, created to counteract the effects of premature aging, while taking aim at fine and not-so-fine lines. Pricey? Absolutely — In butbusiness worth the if you’re about Service and Corporate Sales. forsplurge over 150 years, serious FAO gives letsdiffusing “the persistence of time.” babor.com

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Don’t-miss picks for seasonal giving –– or a little self-indulgence.

the Gift guide

Alluring and quintessentially one of the most sought-after jewelry designers in the world, Aaron Basha’s jewelry collections are a celebration of life, exuberance, and passionate personal style. The collections are delicately handcrafted in Italy, and are available in an array of styles in pure 18-karat gold, colored enamel and diamonds. Basha’s charms have reached iconic status and remain at the forefront of modern yet, equally classic jewelry design. Visit their NYC boutique at 685 Madison Ave. (61st-62nd Sts.), 212-644-1970; aaronbasha.com

Kids will be ready to move right into this classic Victorian Dollhouse available from FAO Schwarz. Made with superior craftsmanship, this majestic dollhouse is every child’s dream come true. At nearly three feet tall, it comes with more than 30 pieces of wood furniture for every room of the house, and has been designed to endure durable years of imaginative play. No batteries required. Recommended for ages 3 years and up. Visit FAO.com for more details. 767 Fifth Ave. (58th St.), 212-644-9400

For the holidays, discover luscious colors from MacKenzieChilds. Mix and match the seasonal home with versatile handpainted Courtly Checks and lush, hand-decorated Flower Market décor for a stunning presentation. Color-glazed, heavy-gauge steel. Imported. 20 W. 57th St., (5th-6th Aves.), 212-570-6050; mackenzie-childs.com

A bright idea for your engagement or anniversary, these yellow diamonds look radiant in their handmade settings. They are available at both of Cellini Jewelers’ Manhattan boutiques along with an extensive collection of classic and contemporary pieces. Or choose from Cellini’s extraordinary range of white and natural color diamonds, exquisite gemstones and lustrous pearls to create your own custom design. 301 Park Ave. (50th St.) or 509 Madison Ave. (53rd St.), 800-CELLINI; cellinijewelers.com

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special promotion

Bringing a touch of modernity to Jacob & Co.’s iconic Five Time Zones collection, The Ghost takes haute horology on a journey to the digital age. Powered by a high-precision, Swiss-made digital movement, The Ghost simultaneously presents the time in five selected time zones via on-demand LCD screens. It takes a spectacular approach to cosmopolitan horology with a daring use of electronics that redefines the boundaries of watch making. 48 E. 57th St., 212-719-5887; jacobandco.com

The wonders of nature cannot be duplicated. Coming as close as possible to nature, not as a copy but as a small work of art, is the passion pursued by the new cocktail rings. Named after the passionflower, Passiflora from the BY KIM jewelry line seduces through its opulent extravagance and lightness. Because of its faceted surface, the large gem looks as though it had just been removed from the surrounding cliffs. Held fast by golden tendrils, the full power of the crystal is presented in the open setting. $3,745. Wempe, 700 Fifth Ave. (55th St.), 212-397-9000; wempe.com

The ultimate gourmand gift this holiday season! Indulge in a Caviar Russe pairing of foie gras, smoked salmon and fresh malossol caviar, packed in an insulated caviar gift bag with house-made blini, crème fraiche and serving utensils. Packages start at $125. Caviar Russe is a leading caviar purveyor, retail and online boutique and luxury restaurant, open Mon.–Sat., noon–10pm; Sun., noon–4pm. 538 Madison Ave. (54th-55th Sts.), 2nd Floor, 212-980-5908; caviarrusse.com

Zero Halliburton, known for durable and classic travel cases, is celebrating its 75th anniversary by introducing the new Geo Aluminum Collection. The Carry-On Travel Case ($695) offers protection for your valuables while travelling around the globe. A tough aluminum shell, draw-bolt latches, and a combination lock provide for the ultimate in security. Zero Halliburton’s first U.S.-based flagship store is here in New York City at 300 Madison Ave. (41st-42nd Sts.), 646-640-3600; zerohalliburton.com

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Don’t-miss picks for seasonal giving –– or a little self-indulgence.

Photo credit: Chris Stein

the Gift guide

This year, give the compact camera that captures ultra HD images. When beautiful scenery inspires the artist within, capture every exquisite detail with the compact Cyber-shot RX100 II, available at the Sony Store. You’ll enjoy extraordinary light sensitivity, breathtaking image quality, and beautiful background defocusing thanks to a newly developed 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor and F1.8 lens. 550 Madison Ave. (55th-56th Sts.), 212-833-8800; store.sony.com

Give the gift of comfort this year! Mephisto – The World’s Finest Footwear is internationally known for their superior quality and unsurpassed comfort. Their handcrafted excellence ensures the fit and the feel that you cannot find in any other brand. Two convenient locations to shop, including the newest Mehphisto shop on Madison Avenue. At top, the Poley for men ($460); below, the Seddy for women ($399). 1040 Third Ave. (61st62nd Sts.), 212-750-7000; 1089 Madison Ave. (82nd-83rd Sts.), 646-422-1000; www.mephistousa.com

Reinstein/Ross jewelry is distinctly contemporary, but has a timeless quality. Pairing vibrant precious stones and classical goldsmithing techniques, their jewelry is designed and hand-fabricated in their Madison Avenue shop. Their collection is extensive, ranging from their original hoop earrings with changeable drops, to necklaces, bracelets, signature show pieces, bridal jewelry and beautiful wedding bands. Pictured: Sonoma Taj Cuff in 20k Peach Gold with Rose-Cut Black Diamonds and Rose-Cut Pale Yellow Diamonds. $11,800 each. 29 E. 73rd St. (Madison Ave.), 212-772-1901; 122 Prince St. (in SoHo), 212-226-4513; reinsteinross.com

Visit Imperial Fine Books, Inc. for fine leather-bound sets, fine bindings, children’s, illustrated, and fine and rare editions. Pictured here is a two-volume collection of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass; you will find this and many other beautiful sets and single volumes that will make the perfect gift for the holidays and throughout the year. They also offer gift certificates, custom bookbinding, worldwide shipping, free delivery in New York City, and a color catalog. 790 Madison Ave. (66th-67th Sts.), Second Floor, 212-861-6620; imperialfinebooks.com

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special promotion

This Pewter Antler Candleholder ($495) is part of a well-curated collection of decorative accessories that can be found at Beretta Gallery. Perfectly suited for a lifestyle of good taste, to express your love of nature and the quest for quality and substance—this is the Beretta lifestyle, an unmistakable style that knows no bounds. All the items in the Beretta Gallery are supplied by internationally renowned manufacturers or handcrafted by artisans. These gift items are intended to add a touch of class to the setting, whether it be a townhouse or a mountain lodge. 718 Madison Ave. (53rd-54th Sts.), 212-319-3235; newyork.berettagallery.com

Continuing its 165-year history of offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected, Hammacher Schlemmer introduces The Hands Free Live Broadcast Camcorder ($329.95), a video camera that broadcasts real-time videos on the Internet or between mobile devices. The camcorder attaches to a helmet, bike, or hat, captures HD video, and streams the content in real time on one’s Facebook wall or between smartphones or tablet computers. “The Hands Free Live Broadcast Camcorder allows friends and family all over the world to watch live high-definition video of holiday gatherings, a child’s first steps, or your visit to a famous landmark,” explains General Manager Fred Berns. 147 E. 57th St., 212-421-9002; hammacher.com

Kite 1S Pendants by Yael Sonia Fine Jewelry are “the perfect gift for any occasion.” The above pieces feature18K yellow gold with diamond, rutilated quartz, and quartz; many other stone options are also available, starting at $875. 270 Lafayette St. (Houston-Prince Sts.), Suite 810, 212-472-6488; www.yaelsonia.com

Designer Kara Ross (whose private clients include President and First Lady Obama) has opened her flagship store in New York City, offering fine jewelry pieces, handbags, bridalwear, the Gemstone Collection, and more. Pictured here are items from the Petra Collection, the first complete collection of fine jewelry that Kara Ross has put out in five years. Petra, the Latin word for “stone,” exemplifies Kara’s close affinity for a multitude of gemstones, stemming from her training as a GIA-certified gemologist. The collection highlights the natural beauty and special qualities of the gemstones, and includes a range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and pendants. 655 Madison Ave. (60th St.), 212-755-8100; kararossny.com

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11/12/13 8:09 PM

the Gift guide

Don’t-miss picks for seasonal giving –– or a little self-indulgence.

With a 30,000-square-foot flagship store, DataVision is NYC’s largest independent computer and video retailer, with a huge selection of computers, software, peripherals, digital cameras, camcorders and more. Come in for the new iPad Air from Apple, available from 16GB to 128GB. 445 Fifth Ave. (39th St.), 212-689-1111; datavis.com

Golf & Body NYC is a private club in the heart of Manhattan offering golfers the ultimate setting for enhancing performance, getting and staying fit, and socializing with friends and business associates. A team of golf, fitness, and sports medicine experts combine their knowledge with the members’ passion to help them play the best game of their lives in the best shape of their lives. Inquire at 212-244-2626 or info@golfbodnyc.com for a one-month trial membership ($750). 883 Sixth Ave. (32nd St.), 212-244-2626; golfbodynyc.com

The “one-stop dental perfection” approach of Jan Linhart D.D.S., P.C. combines two elements: exceptional, cuttingedge dental treatment in a state-of-the-art facility, and the total patient experience. For the holidays, give the gift of a PearlinBrite® laser tooth whitening, a 2-hour, in-office procedure that’s more effective than any other tooth-whitening system and shows immediate results. 230 Park Ave. (46th St.), 212-682-5180; drlinhart.com

Available at Little King Jewelry, a contemporary jewelry boutique in the heart of the thriving East Soho shopping district, this exquisitely hand-carved, floral-inspired ring is shown in 18k yellow gold with antique rose-cut diamonds. This stunning ring is also made in sterling silver with pastel sapphires, in mixed 14k rose gold and silver combinations, and can be done in a variety of metals and stones, with just as impactful results. Expertly crafted and hand made in NYC, it is a statement piece, a cocktail ring, and a conversation starter. 177 Lafayette St. (Grand-Broome Sts.), 212-260-6140; littlekingjewelry.com

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SPeCIAl PROMOTION

Far Eastern Arts & Antiques has one of the largest collections of Asian furniture, art and antiquities in New York City — and the world. each piece has been hand-selected from ancient burial digs in China. Pictured here: the Chinese Tang Dynasty (7th-8th century) Terracotta Horse and Rider. All original. 10”l x 3”D x 14”H. $2,900. 799 Broadway (11th St.), 212-460-5030; fareasternantiques.com

Sometimes the premieres of films such as The Great Gatsby and Grace of Monaco spark our desire for extravagantly beautiful things: the elegance of diamonds, designer gowns, and the pleasure of sentimental motifs such as flowers and lace. The new Wempe chandeliers enchant the beholder with their timeless beauty and playful stylized flower designs. Of course they are available in elegant white gold, and of course they are encrusted with diamonds! lots of diamonds! (18K white gold with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds 4.6ct.) $17,225. 700 Fifth Ave. (55th St.), 212-397-9000; wempe.com

CitiShoes has the perfect gift for the man who has everything: Slippers by Church, hand-stitched in the finest, softest english leather in 3 distinct styles. They offer comfort, style, and quality craftsmanship starting at $215. Other gift items are available, including fine leather belts, socks, and gift certificates. 445 Park Ave. (56th-57th Sts.), 212-751-3200; citishoes.com

Shoppers passionate for the treasures of America’s past will find an eclectic array of gifts at the New-York Historical Society Museum Store. The Museum Store has been hailed “the best-curated cache of thoughtful, culturally signiﬁcant gifts” by the Village Voice. Featuring apparel, stationery, posters, prints, books, jewelry, toys and more, the Museum Store is conveniently located across from Central Park on the Upper West Side. 170 Central Park West (77th St.), 212-485-9203; nyhistorystore.com

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11/12/13 8:10 PM

1st dib s

Josh Merwin

AT HOME INNEW YORK

ANTIQUES

Olde Good Things

1stdibs

Urban Archaelogy

1stdibs

3 4

cabin fever – antiques for the winter lodge look

Transform your city space into a cozy winter escape with a spread of antiques featuring rich wood, warm lighting, and an authentic wall mount to spruce up your home for the chilly months. By Melanie Baker

LODGE LIGHTING

TABLE MANNERS

REST UP

SAFE KEEPING

GO STAG

Illuminate your rustic getaway with this early 20th Century chandelier. Featuring three carved arms with deer heads and suspended amber glass lanterns, this commanding lighting option will create a warm glow for your winter home. Height from triangular plate: 30”; Span of arms: 40”. $7,800. Jonathan Burden LLC., 180 Duane Street; 212-941-8247; jonathanburden.com

Just over 30” high, this intricately designed 19th century yew wood cricket table is the perfect sidekick to nestle next to your comfy club chairs. The base features playful branch carvings to bring the wooded outdoors right into your home. $6,000. Ann-Morris Antiques, Inc. on 1stdibs, The New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, 10th Floor; nydc.com, 1stdibs.com

Kick up your weary feet after a long day in the chill with this pair of French Deco leather club chairs (c. 1930). This distressed leather lounge duo features clean, structured lines, and plush velvet cushions to help you unwind in style. $4,200. Holler & Squall, 119 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, 347-223-4685; hollerandsquall.com. Also available through 1stdibs, The New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, 10th Floor; nydc.com

Store your precious valuables in this 1930s Yale office safe. Featuring Deco hardware, spacious shelving, and a front combination lock, this 30” high storage unit also adds character to any room in your seasonal retreat. $950. Olde Good Things, 149 Madison Ave. (corner of 32nd St.); 212-321-0770; ogtstore.com

5 A powerful focal point for your rustic reprieve. This authentic German stag is set on a hand carved Black Forest mounting plate (c. 1870). The striking skull is intact and fixed to the base with visible, stylized screws. $1,600. Holler & Squall, 119 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, 347-223-4685; hollerandsquall.com. Also available through 1stdibs, The New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, 10th Floor; nydc.com

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DÉCOR

flowers their vases

to warm a winter room

Add holiday cheer to your home with tips from savvy Manhattan florists who pair lush winter offerings, such as hydrangeas, amaryllis, and lilies, with vases fit for the season’s much-anticipated festivities. By Lisa Chung

OF MANY MOODS

Rich silver metallic ribbons create subtle geometric lines in these simplistic glass vases, available in three sizes. For the winter season, William Frazer of Flower on Essex, which has an artist-run gallery in its basement (fitting, as the shop is located in the Lower East Side’s gallery district), recommends an arrangement of hydrangeas, snowberries, or mini calla lilies. $35-$60. DwellStudio, 77 Wooster St., 646-442-6000, dwellstudio.com Flowers on Essex, 365 Grand St., 212-529-6653

Displaying a coy, winking face on one side, this smooth white porcelain vase by Fornasetti features another expression on its counterpart: a woman sticking her tongue out. To match the vase’s interesting design, Gaige Clark of Spruce suggests dramatic flowers, such as white ranunculus, antique white roses, seeded eucalyptus, and white sweet peas. $288. Barneys, 660 Madison Ave., 212-826-8900, barneys.com Spruce, 222 Eighth Ave., 212-414-0588, spruceup.com 2

TWINKLING TINSEL 1

Baccarat

Barneys New

York

Gram erc Flowe y Park r Shop

DwellStudio

ALL WRAPPED UP Cinched with a pretty bow, the Courtly Check MacKenzie-Childs vase alludes to the season of gift giving (bow also available in red or pink). Here, Tom Sakas of Gramercy Park Flower Shop achieves a festive arrangement using red amaryllis and accenting with juniper and magnolia. Sakas, the owner of the shop, which has locations in The Plaza Hotel, Gramercy Park and Brooklyn, also suggests a towering of white calla lilies and lily grass to add drama to a room. $98 large; $60 small. MacKenzie-Childs, 20 W. 57th St., 212-570-6050, mackenzie-childs.com Gramercy Park Flower Shop, The Plaza Hotel, 1 W. 58th St., 212-475-4989, gramercyflowers.com 3

STRAIGHT-LACED 4 Horizontal cuts on the exterior and vertical ones on the interior create a visually striking vase in deep ruby red. The hard edges of the Eye vase in Baccarat crystal can be softened with a rounded silhouette of feminine coral charm peonies, says Meredith Perez, co-owner of Belle Fleur. $1,750. Baccarat, 635 Madison Ave., 800-777-0100, baccarat.com Belle Fleur, 134 Fifth Ave., 212-254-8703, bellefleurny.com

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11/12/13 8:12 PM

Luxury PropertiesNEW YORK

living large on the first floor The maisonette, with its own first floor entrance, much coveted privacy and Park Avenue elegance also offers some quiet in the noisy life of the city.

By Karli Petrovic

aisonette living offers sophisticated spaces to those who relish privacy. Often overlooked as a luxury option, the maisonette typically seduces those who fancy townhouses and penthouses but prefer the convenience of living on the first floor. “It’s a very special lifestyle,” says Sotheby’s global real estate advisor and associate broker Mary Kent. “You have the freedom to run into your home without having to wait for an elevator. New York City has a fast pace and people love this aspect.” In addition to a much-coveted private entrance, maisonette owners benefit from a number of other perks, including—believe it or not—a reprieve from the noisy Manhattan soundtrack. “Maisonettes appeal to people who are sensitive to noise,” says Douglas Elliman real estate broker Suzanne Sealy, who sold so many of the first-floor properties that she earned herself the name “Maisonette Queen of Park Avenue.” “What I am about say is counter-intuitive, but I learned many years ago from an architect that it’s a law of physics that noise travels up a building. It’s true. I sold an apartment on the 45th floor of a building, and you could hear the taxis honking below. I knew a woman on Park Avenue who always used to tell me that she could hear the train going downtown en route to Grand Central.” In a maisonette, buyers enjoy quiet seclusion with the all the amenities of a luxury building.

[A bove: At 830 Park Avenue, a private entrance, the option to convert into a duplex, plus north, east and south exposures that bathe the lower level in natural light make this trophy maisonette a dream property. Below: The architect’s renderings for the maisonette ]

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Maisonette by Design At 830 Park Avenue, homeowners have an exclusive opportunity to design the duplex of their dreams. The 12-story, neo-Georgian-style prewar building was designed by George and Edward Blum and boasts its own garden and a doorman. This $3 million “Trophy Maisonette” has two proposed floor plans to turn more than 2,200 square feet of space with 10-foot ceilings and exquisite moldings into the ultimate living space. Originally constructed as a doctor’s office with a private entrance on Park Avenue, Sotheby’s Mary Kent says the maisonette has potential as a mini townhouse or pied-a-terre. For those looking for more space, an adjacent apartment offers an additional 3,800 square feet. Architect David Fratianne, who drew the plans for the two-level home, is poised to give buyers three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, den, living room, dining room and storage space, but which rooms end up on the main floor and which are on the lower level is yet to be determined. North, east and south exposures let in plenty of light, which is ideal for a kitchen or entertainment room on the lower level. “People love the light and having your own private entrance on Park Avenue is very special,” says Kent. “The property is like a townhouse with all the conveniences of a fully staffed building. The doorman can get you a taxi and receive your packages. It also appeals to buyers who are looking for a space where they could have an office.”

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[A bove: Previously a residence and then a doctor’s office, this spacious maisonette at 885 Park Avenue gives buyers the option to design their own home in an exclusive prewar building on the Upper East Side. Below: its private entrance on 78th Street ]

Prewar Palace At 885 Park Avenue, another Upper East Side maisonette affords buyers a prewar cooperative with a private entrance on lovely, tree-lined 78th Street. Much like the previous home, this fully renovated space used to be a doctor’s office with three to four exam rooms, a bathroom, and consultation, waiting and reception rooms. It has central air conditioning and can be adapted to any life/work space. The maisonette is currently on the market for $1.25 million, and in a former life, the space was residential. If the buyer opts to transform the space into a permanent home, Douglas Elliman’s Suzanne Sealy recommends converting the consultation room into a large eat-in kitchen. “You could add another bathroom, and you have enough square footage to create a lovely two-bedroom, two-bath home in a prime location for a belowmarket price,” she says. “This is an A+ building where properties sell at much higher prices. The benefit is not only price, but also a chance to design a home to your own taste. It needs someone with savvy who can see the gem and polish it. Smart people know that it is less expensive to renovate a maisonette-level home than even a second-floor home because you don’t have to use building elevators and staff.” One characteristic that won’t need to be renovated, however, is the southern exposures, which have earned the space a designation of being “sun-flooded.” The central location also allows for quick access to museums, shops and five-star restaurants, as well as a one-block walk to the subway and cross-town bus. And with first-level access, busy Manhattanites—even homeowners who have fallen in love with top-floor opulence—won’t waste time waiting for the elevator. “Interestingly, you often have penthouse buyers purchasing maisonettes,” Sealy says. “The view on the high floor is wonderful, but it is incredibly interesting to watch people, yet the people on the street almost never look in at you. People walking by are more concerned with themselves, and these days, with their phones.” n

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11/12/13 8:12 PM

THEATRENEW YORK

Courtesy of USA Network

A Network Courtesy of US

celebrity PROFILE

Daniel Sunjata Charting his path from Graceland to Scotland by way of Broadway, the Tony-nominated actor is perfectly content living in the moment — no matter the century, genre, or dress code. By Griffin Miller

he first blip on Daniel Sunjata’s “hmm, I might want to be an actor someday” radar came between the ages of seven and nine while watching the Star Wars trilogy. “After that, I used to dream and fantasize about being in the movies,” he says. “But it became a dream deferred.” So deferred, in fact, that the blip didn’t reboot until he was in college studying business administration — a pragmatic choice he regretted, passion being the missing element. Finally, more than decade after his Star Wars epiphany, Sunjata made his way to the theater department and his acting debut in a student-directed one-act play called Suppressed Desires. “I honestly don’t remember what the play was about, but I do know I had a wonderful time performing for these tiny audiences of ten to twelve people,” Sunjata recalls, adding simply, “I caught the bug.” After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana — passion reignited — Sunjata headed to Manhattan and New York University’s Graduate Acting Program, where he was introduced to various acting methods, polished his craft, and “learned by doing.” His mentors? “All my teachers. I was very fortunate.” M.F.A. in hand, Sunjata threw himself into New York’s cutthroat audition fray. But unlike most rookie theatre grads, the Evanston, Illinois

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native was able to support himself as a working actor right out of the gate. Multi-ethnic — Irish, African-American, and German — and dropdead hot with both edgy and romantic undertones, he was able to sidestep typecasting to take on a sequence of diverse characters early on, including a Supreme Court clerk in the short-lived series television series D.C., a sailor on leave in an episode of Sex and the City, and a recurring role as CSU technician Burt Trevor on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Seizing the momentum of his TV bookings, Sunjata turned again to theater. Concurrent to his Law & Order gig was his Broadway debut, playing the lead role of gay baseball player Darren Lemming in Richard Greenberg’s Tony-winning play Take Me Out — a performance that not only garnered him a Tony nomination, but led to his being cast in the role of firefighter Franco Rivera in the hit FX series Rescue Me. “I don’t believe in the ‘big break,’ but it’s true that work begets work,” says Sunjata, who was hired for Rescue Me after its creators, Peter Tolan and star Denis Leary, caught a performance of Take Me Out. Still, he is quick to acknowledge the importance of luck when it comes to building an acting career. “I can tell you, the people I studied alongside at NYU were amazing talents, every one of them,” he says. “There’s no telling why some get work and some don’t.”

11/12/13 8:17 PM

T. Charles Erickson

Opposite page from left: [ Production shots from Graceland: Sunjata with Manny Montana; Sunjata with Aaron Tveit ] Above: [ Ethan Hawke, Sunjata, Richard Easton and company in a scene from the Lincoln Center Theater production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth ]

2006 to the Present: The Wonder Years While still working on Rescue Me (2004-2011) Sunjata’s rising star guided him to other projects/roles: designer James Holt in the film The Devil Wears Prada, alongside Meryl Streep; Reggie Jackson in the ESPN series The Bronx Is Burning; and a 2007 return to Broadway playing the ever tongue-tied Christian to Kevin Kline’s Cyrano de Bergerac. Also floating around this jaw-dropping timeframe was the film Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, a bunch of TV movies and guest spots, and eight dynamite episodes of Grey’s Anatomy as Nurse Eli. Which brings us to 2013, the year he not only went all manipulativemetrosexual as dramaturge Peter Gilman on NBC’s Broadway-centric Smash, but also put down roots on USA Network’s new police drama Graceland, playing FBI Senior Agent Paul Briggs, who has been enlisted to train rookie agent Mike Warren (Aaron Tveit) while heading up a beachfront condo in Southern California housing law-enforcement agents from the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Customs. Sunjata’s role got extra juicy in the season’s final episode when it was revealed that he lives a double life as drug kingpin Odin. “I’m very process-oriented when working on a character,” Sunjata notes, adding that this new layer of duplicity is making his experience with Graceland “singularly fantastic.” And now, to top off 2013, Sunjata is taking on the role of Macduff in Lincoln Center Theatre’s new production of Macbeth, teaming with fiercely engaging stage veterans and stunningly talented newcomers. “I got a call from the show’s director, Jack O’Brien, offering me the role and was grateful not only for the offer, but for the show’s frame — it fit perfectly in my window of availability between Graceland seasons,” says the actor, who finds himself humbled to working with such a phenomenal

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cast, one that includes Ethan Hawke (Macbeth), Anne-Marie Duff (Lady Macbeth), Richard Easton (Duncan), Brian d’Arcy James (Banquo), and Malcolm Gets, John Glover, and Byron Jennings as the Three Witches. Finally, when asked to compare his characters in Macbeth and Graceland, Sunjata says, “Macduff is a morally unambiguous character that kills the villain, whereas Paul is probably more like Macbeth. My mental image of Macduff is the Archangel Michael slaying the dragon; I don’t know what my model is for Paul.” Perhaps it will come to him once Graceland starts filming its second season in March. n

Sunjata Trivia: The Daniel Is in the Details Did you know that he…  …describes himself as “a nerd who likes rainy days and

staying home and reading”?

 … is a Capricorn who missed being born on New Year’s Eve by

a single day (date of birth: 12/30/71)?

 … was an inside linebacker on his high school football team in

Chicago?

 … was included on People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful

People List in 2003?

 …loves dogs (French bulldogs a plus) and is also into cats?  … is a big-time foodie who plans to eat his way through NYC

during the run of Macbeth? (No cuisine is off-limits, but he does have two gastronomical bête noires: Brussels sprouts and asparagus.)

 … rates Manhattan as one of his favorite places to indulge in

people watching?

11/13/13 1:13 PM

THEATRENEW YORK

Matt Urban

[L eft: A scene from Patrick Barlow’s A Christmas Carol; below: A Christmas Story ]

Holiday repertoire:

now playing at the intersection of naughty

nice

Here’s to the season of eggnog and tinsel and dreidels and Skyping and LOL and fa-la-la and good will to all and to all a good night… but mostly here’s to the shows that add a distinctive dash of holiday zest to Manhattan’s vibrant theatre scene.

By Griffin Miller

Angelina Ballerina: The Very Merry Holiday Musical Through 1/5

Annie

Through 1/5

A Christmas Carol: A New Family Play with Music Through 1/4

A Christmas Carol 12/3 through 12/20

A Christmas Story, The Musical 12/11 through 12/29

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Winter just seems a bit cozier when Angelina Ballerina and her coterie of friends return to Vital Theatre for the holidays. They always come prepared to transform the stage into their hometown of Mouseland, and they definitely know how to put on a show. Or, in this storyline, “an absolutely positively spectacular holiday dance pageant” that may or may not go on. A challenge, a solution, and a lesson learned: real deal holiday spirit doesn’t come from the presents you receive, but from the cheer you share with others. A special family goody bag overflowing with singing, dancing, laughter, and joy. vitaltheatre.org Of all the shows on Broadway, Annie triumphs in the “Most Christmassy” category. Sure, it starts out bleak — orphanage, Great Depression, “Hard Knock Life” — still, the timeline is Christmas week, and once billionaire Daddy Warbucks comes along with his bottomless budget for decking the halls you know it’s just a matter of musicalcomedy minutes before a tree, presents, garlands, and lights find their way into his onstage mansion. Which — aside from the feisty leading moppet, Tony-winning score and book, cute orphans, and clueless comic villains — is a perfectly solid reason to see Annie before it closes. anniethemusical.com In a season where staging Dickens’ A Christmas Carol seems to be the sworn obligation of every grade school, community theatre, and fund-raising event, you can be confident that this new stage version at the Theatre at St. Clement’s, from the staggeringly inventive pen of Patrick Barlow (author of the Tony-winning The 39 Steps), is a professional must-see with jingle bells on. As with his Hitchcockian adaptation, Barlow has condensed his company of actors down to a precious few (five, to be exact) all-game professionals skilled at juggling multiple roles — be they ghostly visitors, jocular partygoers, or members of the impoverished but cheery Cratchit clan — and aided only by limited props and unlimited physical derring-do. achristmascarolonstage.com Unlike the aforementioned production, this too is a pared-down recreation of the miser Scrooge’s long night’s journey into redemption. Actually, pared down is an understatement, seeing as this is a one-man tour-de-force production based on Charles Dickens’ personal performance text. Tweaked and smoothed into a slightly more theatrical presentation by performer John Kevin Jones and director Rhonda Dodd, this captivating rendition comes with the added benefit of Victorian authenticity courtesy of its elegant 19th-century parlor setting within the landmark 1832 Merchant House Museum. christmascarolnyc.bpt.me A major hit on Broadway last year (rave reviews, packed houses, and three Tony nominations, including Best Musical), the show is back for a return engagement at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Not for the faint of heart (beware the sinister bunny pajamas) or the prudish (the risqué leg lamp gets its own musical number), this hilarious adaptation of the 1983 film takes audiences back to the 1940s and the zany array of pre-Christmas shenanigans that surround Ralphie Parker, a kid with a dream: to score a Red Ryder Air Rifle on Christmas morning. theateratmsg. com/achristmasstory

11/12/13 8:17 PM

2013 Winter Edition It’s a Wonderful Life, The 1946 Live Radio Play

Just know going in that this Bedford Falls has a much smaller population onstage than in the Jimmy Stewart film. But only in terms of body count. You see, in this adaptation of the original screenplay, the backdrop is a 1940s radio station with six veteran performers taking on 25 characters. Introduced last December by the Irish Repertory Theatre as its “Holiday Play,” the production was so well received that the company decided to bring it back this season, thus giving those of us who missed seeing Clarence (the angel) show George Bailey (the hero) what his hometown would be like had he never been born a second chance at A Wonderful Life. irishrep.org

Jackie Hoffman: Heeb for the Holidays

She’s got all kinds of attitude, an Obie Award, a devoted (albeit curious) following, knows all the best Yiddish words and sayings, and she can carry a tune…what’s not to like? Every year come Yuletide or thereabout, Hoffman gets her holiday kvetch on at Joe’s Pub. Her annual riff-a-thon-plus-songs usually features a Christmas something or other, and this year she’s a got a brand-new holiday show that asks, “What happens to a Jewish straight woman on a gay cruise during Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur?” joespub.com

12/4 through 12/29

12/20 through 12/24

Radio City Christmas Spectacular  All right, I’ll just cut to the kickline: if you’ve never seen this legendary production, go for it this year knowing you’ll be Through 12/30

celebrating the Rockettes 85th anniversary as the world’s foremost precision dancers. It’s not like you can’t fit it into your schedule — there are as many as six performances a day! As for anyone considering a return visit, 2013 marks the launch of a new number that promises to “transform the Great Stage into a glistening winter wonderland.” Naturally, it wouldn’t be the Christmas Spectacular without its treasured classics like the “Living Nativity” and the Rockettes show-stopping “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”radiocitychristmas.com

Shea: Prince of Christmas

Shea Arender, or simply “Shea,” as he is known in the music world, is launching his solo holiday show in the Big Apple because, as the Louisiana-born singer/composer explains, not only has it been a boyhood dream to spend Christmas here, but, “When you bring a show to New York, you are bringing it to the world.” This sentiment is at the heart of his eclectic musical journey that doesn’t stop at a menu of pop standards like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it also sheds seasonal light on how other countries celebrate the season. Without missing a beat, the artist behind “The Christmas I Met You” (a Best Song of the Year contender at the 2013 Grammy Awards) slides from pop/rock and jazz classics to reggae and R&B, at Off-Broadway’s St. Luke’s Theatre. princeofchristmas.com

broadway Beautiful The Carole King Musical

* Prior Tony Award Winner

+Jessie Mueller Jake Epstein

In previews; opens 1/12

+Kelli O’Hara The Bridges of Madison County Steven Pasquale Previews 1/17; opens 2/27

Machinal

Previews 12/20; opens 1/16; thru 3/2

+ Prior Tony Award Nominee

>Broadway Debut

In 1960, young newlyweds Carole King and Gerry Goffin wrote “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” the first of 40 collaborative hits in a musical legacy that would outlive their marriage, but not King’s star trajectory. Now, her early career and personal life — with Tony nominee Jessie Mueller (pictured here) channeling King — is emerging as a beyond “beautiful” addition to the season. FYI: Mueller replaced The Bridges of Madison County’s Kelli O’Hara in Nice Work If You Can Get It opposite Matthew Broderick last April. beautifulonbroadway.com

Nathan Johnson

Through 12/27

This musical version of the best-selling romance sails into town with platinum stage cred: book by Marsha Norman (Tony; Pulitzer); music and lyrics by Tony winner Jason Robert Brown; and direction by Bartlett Sher, whose own Tony came working with leading lady Kelli O’Hara in South Pacific. Did I mention the male lead is Rescue Me’s Steven Pasquale? Platinum plus. bridgesofmadisoncountymusical.com

The 1927 headline-grabbing trial of Ruth Snyder inspired journalist and playwright Sophie Treadwell to pen this +Suzanne Bertish +Michael Cumpsty acclaimed drama that made its Broadway premiere in 1928, just eight months after Snyder was executed. This Roundabout Theatre revival is headed by Rebecca Hall who can be seen in recent movie mega hit Iron Man 3. >Rebecca Hall roundabouttheatre.org

Outside Mullingar

>Debra Messing *Brían F. O’Byrne

Like other shows in the winter mix, this world-premiere Irish romance plagued by feuding families teems with high-profile Tony vets: playwright John Patrick Shanley, director Doug Hughes, and lead actor Brían F. O’Byrne. The wild card? Emmy winner Debra Messing, whose last appearance on the New York Stage took place in 1997 in another Manhattan Theatre Club production, Collected Stories. manhattantheatreclub.com

ROCKY

Andy Karl >Margo Seibert

Long-running hit Mamma Mia! vacated Broadway’s historic Winter Garden Theatre to make room for this muchanticipated musical version of the film that catapulted Sylvester Stallone to Oscar stardom. In this corner, acclaimed up-and comer-Andy Karl (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Jersey Boys) has his eye on the ring — and the prize role of Rocky Balboa — while his Adrian is actress Margo Siebert, in her Broadway debut. Let the bout begin. rockybroadway.com

Previews 1/2; opens 1/23; thru 3/16

Previews 2/11; opens 3/13

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ON THE TOWN

THEATRE

Joan Marcus

New York

Broadway could use a shot of Southern Comfort, don’t you think? Mary Bridget Davies has brought that and more to the Great White Way with her instantly iconic portrayal of the singer known as Pearl in A Night With Janis Joplin. With an almost eerie precision, Davies channels the icon while paying homage to the blues, gospel, and rock legends that inspired her. See listings for theater and ticket information.

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ON THE TOWN SPOTLIGHT

performing arts p.78

Please call the box offices for showtimes. All listings subject to change BROADWAY After Midnight - (Musical) This Broadway production of Encores’ Cotton Club Parade brings the glamour of Harlem’s Golden Age to a whole new generation. The Jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars, an orchestra of musicians handpicked by Wynton Marsalis, perform the songs of Duke Ellington—woven together by the prose of Langston Hughes—providing a backdrop for performances by 25 vocalists and dancers. Scheduled special guest stars: Fantasia (through 2/9); k.d. lang (2/11-3/9). Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; aftermidnightbroadway.com All the Way - (Play) Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston will make his Broadway debut as President Lyndon B. Johnson in this play by Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan. Theatre to be announced; tentatively scheduled to begin previews in January 2014. Annie - (Musical) Alongside her signature pal dog, Sandy, the little orphan’s set her sights on making us grin from ear to ear as she inspires a whole new millennium. 2013 Tony nomination for Best Revival. Palace Theatre, 1554 Broadway, 877-250-2929; anniethemusical.com (Through 1/5) Beautiful - The Carole King Musical - (Musical) The true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St., 212-239-6200; beautifulonbroadway.com (In previews for a 1/12 opening) Betrayal - (Play) Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig star in this revival of Harold Pinter’s 1978 play about a woman carrying on a love affair with her husband’s best friend. With Rafe Spall; directed by Mike Nichols. Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; betrayalbroadway.com (Through 1/5)

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Sightseeing p.92

Big Fish - (Musical) Based the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 film starring Ewan McGregor, Big Fish centers on a charmer (Norbert Leo Butz) whose stories of epic and largely unbelievable adventures irritate his by-thebooks son (Bobby Steggert), who sets out to sleuth whether his father is an average man with tall tales or an unbelievable hero of truth. Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W. 52nd St., 800-745-3000; bigfishthemusical.com (Through 12/29)

Hammerstein. Musical highlights include “In My Own Little Corner” and “Impossible.” Nominated for 9 2013 Tony Awards. Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway (53rd St.), 212-239-6200; cinderellaonbroadway.com

The Book of Mormon - (Musical) South Park’s Matt Stone and Trey Parker joined forces with Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez for their musical-writing debut, about a pair of mismatched Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. Winner of nine 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Eugene O’Neill Theatre, 230 W. 49th St., 212-239-6200; bookofmormononbroadway.com The Bridges of Madison County - (Musical) The novel about a devoted Iowa housewife and her unlikely love affair with a National Geographic photographer has inspired a new Broadway musical. Starring four-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale. Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., 212-2396200; bridgesofmadisoncountymusical.com (Previews begin 1/17 for a 2/27 opening)

First Date - (Musical) A clever new musical about blind dates, modern romance tactics, and forming a love connection in an overly-stimulated digital era. Can mismatched protagonists Aaron and Casey find love or will they part and tread the single path yet again? Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St., 212-239-6200; firstdatethemusical.com (Through 1/5) A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder - (Musical) A new musical comedy about a disinherited relative of the rich and powerful D’Ysquith clan who learns he’s ninth in line to inherit the earldom. Based on the novel Israel Rank by Roy Horniman and set in England’s elegant Edwardian era. Starring Jefferson Mays. Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W. 48th St., 212-239-6200 The Glass Menagerie - (Play) A revival of Tennessee Williams’ classic play, featuring Tony winner Cherry Jones, Tony nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger, and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek). Booth Theater, 222 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; theglassmenageriebroadway.com (Through 2/23)

Bronx Bombers - (Play) This new play examines how baseball’s most storied franchise has always remained focused on maintaining a great team, even when dealing with some of the game’s most iconic and tempestuous personalities. Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; bronxbombersplay.com (Previews begin 1/10 for a 2/6 opening)

Jersey Boys - (Musical) Based on the life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Filled with just about every major Four Seasons hit, from “Sherry” and “Rag Doll” to “You’re Just Too Good to Be True.” Winner of 4 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., 212-239-6200; jerseyboysbroadway.com

Chicago - (Musical Revival) Kander and Ebb’s “musical vaudeville” follows murderous vixen Roxie Hart, who locks horns with prison diva Velma Kelly when they both vie for the attentions of the hottest lawyer in town: Billy Flynn. Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., 212-239-6200; chicagothemusical.com

Kinky Boots - (Musical) Inspired by a true story and based on the film, Kinky Boots features a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies) and a richly diverse musical score from Cyndi Lauper, in her stunning theatrical debut. Winner of six 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; kinkybootsthemusical.com

Cinderella - (Musical) Originally presented on television, this famous fairy tale has been re-fashioned and set to music by two great masters of the musical: Rodgers and

The Lion King - (Musical) The Tony- and Olivier Award-winning stage version of Disney’s celebrated animated feature film follows the lion

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TheaTreNEWYORK

cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of king of the jungle. Featuring Grammy-winning numbers by Elton John and Tim Rice. The Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., 866-870-2717; disneyonbroadway.com Macbeth - (Play) Director Jack O’Brien (Henry IV, The Coast of Utopia) brings Shakespeare’s Macbeth to Lincoln Center Theater, starring Ethan Hawke. Vivian Beaumont Theater, 150 W. 65th St., 212-239-6200; lct.org (Through 1/12) Machinal - (Play) Golden Globe nominee Rebecca Hall stars in this inventive new production of Sophie Treadwell’s gripping drama helmed by acclaimed British director Lyndsey Turner. Inspired by the infamous 1927 murder trial of Ruth Snyder, the show is a riveting look at the danger that can come from a life unlived. American Airlines Theater, 227 W. 42nd St.,

212-719-1300; roundabouttheatre.org (Previews begin 12/20 for a 1/16 opening) Mamma Mia! - (Musical) This hit musical incorporates 22 ABBA songs into a story about a single mother and her daughter on the eve of the daughter’s wedding—and three men who could be her father. Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W. 44th St., 212-563-5544; mammamianorthamerica.com Matilda - (Musical) This Royal Shakespeare Company import based on the Roald Dahl book is a big hit on Broadway. The winner of a record-breaking seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best Musical, it also won four 2013 Tony Awards. Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; matildathemusical.com Motown the Musical - (Musical) The real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture

forever. This exhilarating show charts Motown founder Berry Gordy’s incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and many others. Nominated for 4 2013 Tony Awards. Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St., 877-250-2929; motownthemusical.com Newsies - (Musical) Set in turn-of-the-century NYC, the tale of a charismatic newsboy who dreams of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st St., 866-870-2717; newsiesthemusical.com A Night With Janis Joplin - (Musical) Janis Joplin (Mary Bridget Davies), who exploded onto the music scene in 1967 for three incredible years, reigning as the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, comes alive on the Broadway stage. Lyceum

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: THEATRE EDITION Savor your share of applause and ovations when you thrill your favorite stage-struck fashionistas and Fosse followers with one (or both) of the season’s most talked about gifts. Theatre Editor-recommended...and -coveted. While t-shirts, caps and key chains are standard fare at Broadway gift boutiques, only 2013’s Tony-winning Best Musical is offering what is probably the coolest innovation in show merchandise ever: three high-heeled wonders inspired by Gregg Barnes’ original designs for Kinky Boots: red patent leather peep-toe pumps and kneehigh boots — one in black & white with red zipper detailing and the other in a super-sassy leopard print. And all of them embossed with the logo “Kinky Boots by Kenneth Cole” on the sole. “Being the son of a women’s shoe factory owner, Kinky Boots resonated with me on so many different levels,” said Kenneth Cole. “It was such an inspiring story, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to collaborate on a shoe collection that makes people look good, and do good by raising funds for the Human Rights Campaign.” (100% of net profits from the sale of the shoes goes to AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation in support of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).) Retailing from $150-$400, they’re available at Kenneth Cole stores, kennethcole.com, and select department stores. At 545 meticulously researched pages (not counting notes and index), you might not expect the fresh-off-the-presses FOSSE by Sam Wasson to be an addictive page-turner, but is it ever. And this has everything to do with the utopian marriage of writer Sam Wasson to subject Bob Fosse. Going for the literary jugular, Wasson reveals, enlightens, and entertains with a fluent style and energy that mirrors Fosse’s kinetic life, both professional and personal. In the end, the author leaves readers with a wealth of previously unpublished behind-the scenes stories, facts, and interviews about the complex genius/dancer-choreographer-director (nicknamed Bobby Flash) who carved an indelible imprint onto every genre of the entertainment world. Fortunately, despite his leaving us far too soon, Fosse’s legacy remains in the present tense even today — on Broadway with Chicago and Pippin — and, of course, through endless stylistic nods from past, present, and future choreographers, dancers, acolytes, admirers and aficionados. Available at booksellers and amazon.com. —Griffin Miller

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ONTHETOWN

Theatre, 149 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; anightwithjanisjoplin.com No Man’s Land and Waiting for Godot (Plays) Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Billy Crudup and Shler Hensley star in this double bill of the famed plays by Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett. Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., 212-239-6200; twoplaysinrep.com Once - (Musical) With 8 2012 Tony Awards, this musical based on the Academy Awardwinning film tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; oncemusical.com Outside Mullingar - (Play) A world-premiere romantic comedy from writer John Patrick Shanley and director Doug Hughes (Doubt) in which Tony winner Brían F. O’Byrne and Emmy winner Debra Messing play two introverted misfits straddling 40. Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; manhattantheatreclub.com (Previews begin 1/3 for a 1/23 opening) The Phantom of the Opera - (Musical) Featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Phantom has achieved the kind of reputation and following most shows only dream of. Majestic Theatre, 247 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; phantombroadway.com Pippin - (Musical) Returning to Broadway for the first time since it first thrilled audiences 40 years ago. With a score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) that includes the favorites “Magic to Do,” “Glory” and “Corner of the Sky,” Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; pippinthemusical.com

Rocky - (Musical) The iconic underdog story about a down-and-out fighter struggling to stay on his feet is coming to Broadway in an innovative new musical, brought to life by director Alex Timbers, songwriters Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and book writers Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone. Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway, 212-239-6200; rockybroadway.com (Previews begin 2/11 for a 3/13 opening) Romeo and Juliet - (Play) Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad star as Shakespeare’s star-

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Charles Sykes

Rock of Ages - (Musical) A true crowd-pleaser with a high-energy retro score made up of 1980s hits by Journey, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, and more. The show tracks an aspiring young rocker and a small-town girl chasing her dreams. Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; rockofagesmusical.com

Ingenious, high-wattage, and mesmerizing, iLuminate: Artist of Light pushes the kinetic boundaries of techno-theatrics to create a heart-pounding, life affirming glow-inthe-dark extravaganza in which staggeringly gifted dancers become electrified characters who light up Off-Broadway’s New World Stages to a mind-blowing soundtrack. Worth noting: iLuminate was introduced to U.S. audiences during the 6th season of America’s Got Talent. The ultimate multi-generational show to share this holiday season and beyond! Visit iluminate.com/artist-of-light/ for the playing schedule. 340 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200

11/12/13 8:18 PM

Joan Marcus

Charles Erickson

theatreNEWYORK

and The Bridges of Madison County ] [ Scenes from Rocky, Little Miss Sunshine,

from movies to

musicals

High-profile productions dreamed up in Hollywood are becoming a Broadway staple. By Joseph V. Amodio You may find yourself craving popcorn the next time you take yourself to a Broadway musical. Maybe Milk Duds, or Raisinets. Don’t worry—you won’t be alone. That’s because Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters are feeling a bit like cinema multiplexes these days, presenting a variety of new musicals based on movies. This season’s offerings include Big Fish and Little Miss Sunshine (which opened this fall), The Bridges of Madison County (opening in February), Rocky (March) and Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway (April). Theatre purists may bristle at Hollywood’s expanding influence— pretty much every Hollywood studio now has a development deal with Broadway producers to turn various titles in their archives into stage musicals—but the movie-into-musical makeover is no guarantee of success. “Movies deal in images, and images can be hard to compete with,” says composer Jason Robert Brown, who has written the music and lyrics for Bridges (based on the film and original book) and Honeymoon in Vegas. (Vegas earned raves for a recent New Jersey production and is no doubt Broadway bound, though no dates have yet been set.) “What we remember about movies is often a look, a gesture, a movement, something that captures in an instant an entire emotional vocabulary,” Brown explains. “Part of what I get to do…is take those iconic looks and gestures and find their analogue in music.” No easy task. Just look at the long list of movie-based musicals that tanked, like Ghost, Bonnie & Clyde, 9 to 5, Shrek, Footloose, Big…. The list goes on and on.

But for every clunker, it seems, there’s a success story. Kinky Boots, based on an obscure 2005 British film, won this year’s Tony Award for Best Musical. Once, based on a 2007 Irish film, was last year’s Best Musical winner. Hairspray sprung from John Waters’ quirky

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1988 cult film, won eight Tonys in 2003, including Best Musical, and inspired a film remake. And don’t forget The Producers, Billy Elliott, Monty Python’s Spamalot, plus classics like A Little Night Music, Nine, 42nd Street and—wait for it, the granddaddy of them all—The Lion King, with a reported worldwide gross of $5.4 billion. Hakuna matata, indeed. Most creatives in the industry agree it’s wise to keep a healthy distance from the original material. When turning a movie script into a musical, “you just have to leave the original behind because you are creating a new animal,” says director/choreographer Susan Stroman, in a recent interview with broadwayworld.com. (Stroman directed Big Fish and is working with Allen on Bullets.) “You’ve got to be free to take the story where it needs to go,” agrees composer/lyricist Amanda Green, who has written lyrics for the filmbased musicals High Fidelity and Bring It On, and lyrics and music for Hands on a Hardbody, which is based on a documentary. “The musical is not a documentary,” she said of Hardbody. “We make up facts and do things that serve our dramatic purpose.” Other musicals have taken similar liberties. Newsies, for one, scrapped various plot points from the original film and offered up an entirely new female heroine. The big question, of course—and only audiences can provide the answer—is whether or not certain movies NEED music added to them at all. “[We] have been able to open these characters by letting them sing,” says Brown, of the protagonists in Bridges. “We may not have the iconic power of Clint Eastwood’s squint to help define Robert Kincaid, but we have an unresolved chord played on a twangy guitar, and that feels just as effective to me, if not more so.”

11/12/13 8:18 PM

ONTHETOWN

crossed lovers in a new production from five-time Tony nominee David Leveaux. This is the first production of Romeo & Juliet on Broadway in 36 years. Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St., 212-221-1211; romeoandjulietbroadway.com (Through 1/12) 700 Sundays - (Play) Billy Crystal wrote and performs this autobiographical two-act play in which he plays numerous characters that have influenced who he is today. Imperial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; 700sundaysonbroadway.com (Through 1/5) The Snow Geese - (Play) Mary Louise Parker returns to the Great White Way in this world premiere drama by Sharr White (The Other Place), about a new widow gathering her family for their annual shooting party to mark the opening of hunting season in upstate New York during WWI. Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; manhattantheatreclub.com (Through 12/15) Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark - (Musical) A new take on the mythic tale of Peter Parker, who’s bitten by a radioactive spider and wakes up with supernatural powers. With music and lyrics by Bono and the Edge of U2. Foxwoods Theatre, 213 W. 42nd St., 800-745-3000; spidermanonbroadway.com Twelfth Night and Richard III - (Plays) Two of Shakespeare’s finest plays are performed in repertory by a cast featuring two-time Tony Award winner Mark Rylance, Golden Globe nominee Stephen Fry, and Tony Award nominee Samuel Barnett (The History Boys). Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; shakespearebroadway.com (Through 2/2) Wicked - (Musical) Set in Oz before the arrival of Dorothy, this knock-out production follows the friendship between two girls who grow up to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. A modern-day classic. Gershwin Theatre, 222 W. 51st St., 212-307-4100; wickedthemusical.com

OFF-BROADWAY Avenue Q - (Musical) Singing puppets and their human neighbors make up the residents of Avenue Q, a fictional New York City street where a collection of twenty-somethings struggle to find their way in the world. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; avenueq.com Becoming Dr. Ruth - (Play) Everyone knows Dr. Ruth Westheimer from her career as a pioneering radio and America’s most famous sex therapist. Few, however, know the incredible journey that preceded it. Starring Debra Jo Rupp (That ’70s Show). Westside Theatre, 407 W. 43rd St., 212-239-6200; becomingdoctorruth.com

Blue Man Group - (Spectacle) The trio of postmodern clowns combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a unique form of entertainment. Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St. (so. of Astor Pl.), 212-254-4370; blueman.com The Commons of Penscola - (Play) Judith has been divested of her assets and forced to leave her luxurious New York life after her husband’s Wall Street scam became headline news. When her daughter pays Judith a visit, everyone’s motives are called into question. Starring Blythe Danner and Sarah Jessica Parker. New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St., 212-399-3030; manhattantheatreclub.com (Through 1/26) Domesticated - (Play) Tony-, Pulitzer- and Olivier Award-winning playwright Bruce Norris’ (Clybourne Park) new play about politics and gender involving a husband and wife (Jeff Goldblum and Laurie Metcalf) whose marriage is upended when they become embroiled in a scandal. Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, Lincoln Center, 150 W. 65th St., 212-239-6200; lct.org (Through 1/5) The Fantasticks - (Musical) The romantic, funny “boy meets girl” tale, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, is a musical classic with its simple love story about a boy, a girl, two fathers, and a wall. The score includes “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.” Snapple Theater Center, 210 W. 50th St., 212-307-4100; fantasticksonstage.com Fuerza Bruta - (Spectacle) Breaking free from the confines of spoken language and theatrical convention, this show from the creators of De La Guarda floods the senses and makes the imagination soar. Daryl Roth Theatre, 20 Union Square E., 212-239-6200; fuerzabrutanyc.com iLuminate - (Spectacle) iLuminate combines state-of-the-art technology with exhilarating dancers who perform in the dark to create a fantastical mashup of illuminated characters, choreography, music, sets and special effects that flood the senses with spectacular visuals and artistic thrills. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; iluminate.com Lady Day - (Musical) Dee Dee Bridgewater stars as legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in this new show about Holliday’s attempt at a final comeback performance. Little Shubert Theatre, 422 W. 42nd St., 212-239-6200; ladydaythemusical.com Little Miss Sunshine - (Musical) When the coveted title of “Little Miss Sunshine” is unexpectedly within her reach, young Olive Hoover convinces her family to make the 800-mile trek to the pageant of her dreams—but along the way, a series of mishaps threatens to derail the group’s quest. Based on the 2006 film. Second Stage Theatre, 305 W. 43rd St., 212-246-4422; 2st.com

Mother Africa - (Spectacle) Mother Africa’s acrobats, musicians, and dancers light up the stage in a powerful performance of stunning African artistry. Featuring stilt walkers from Tanzania, jugglers from Ethiopia and a renowned contortionist from Kenya, modern circus arts meld with joyful dance and music among a marvel of traditional masks. New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., 646-223-3010; newvictory.org (12/6-1/5) Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 - (Musical) A one-of-a-kind production set in a tented supper club that invites you to join Tolstoy’s brash young lovers for an evening you’ll never forget, as vodka flows and passions ignite in Dave Malloy’s electropop opera, ripped from a slice of War and Peace. Stunning, sensual, and inspired. 259 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; kazinonyc.com The Night Alive - (Play) In this new play by writer/director Conor McPherson, Tommy just about keeps his ex-wife and kids at arm’s length while rolling from one get-rich-quick scheme to the other with his pal Doc. Then one day he comes to the aid of Aimee, struggling through life the only way she knows how, and things change. Atlantic Theater Company, 336 W. 20th St., 212-279-4200; atlantictheater.org (Through 1/26) Perfect Crime - (Play) The long-running psychological cat-and-mouse thriller about a wealthy female psychiatrist who has returned to America, where a bizarre murder has occurred. Enter the inspector who becomes obsessed with her, her patients and her home. Snapple Theater Center, 210 W. 50th St., 212-307-4100; perfect-crime.com Peter and the Starcatcher - (Play) With 5 Tony Awards, the story of how one lost boy became Peter Pan comes to Off-Broadway after a stellar run on the Great White Way. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; peterandthestarcatcher.com Sleep No More - (Play) A legendary hotel. Shakespeare’s fallen hero. A film noir shadow of suspense. Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More is an awardwinning theatrical experience that tells Shakespeare’s classic tragedy through the lens of a film noir movie. The McKittrick Hotel, 530 W. 27th St., 866-811-4111; sleepnomorenyc.com Stomp - (Musical) Springing from Brit clubs and an urban aesthetic, this eight-member theatre of percussion has caused sensation after sensation at each of its international appearances—and what can only be called a big bang in the Big Apple. Orpheum Theatre, 126 Second Ave. (7th St.-St. Marks Pl.), 212-307-4100; stomponline.com Tango House - (Dance) The best of Argentine tango Off Broadway with musicians and dancers direct from Buenos Aires. 428 Lafayette St., 212-419-4645; tangohouse.net

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CLASSICAL MUSICNEW YORK

magnetic

Mutter

That’s Anne-Sophie, who brings her vast talent to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center this winter, along with a new album and performances in Washington D.C. and Boston. By Martin Bernheimer

TINA TAHIR c/o Shotview photographers / Deutsche Grammophon

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[ Mutter in DIOR Haute Couture designed especially for her ]

irtuoso violinists are fairly plentiful these days. But none compares to Anne-Sophie Mutter—in image, in daring, in endurance, in depth of repertory or breadth of activity. She is a phenomenon unto herself. For most impractical purposes, the image must come first. Mutter registers instantly as a magnetic glamorpuss. It was like that at the beginning of her lengthy and illustrious career, and it is like that now, a few months after her 50th birthday. With her flowing blond tresses, keen eyes, slim figure and casual smile, she commands attention just by strolling onstage, usually briskly. And then there’s the matter of her favored attire. She invariably models chic, slinky, clingy, strapless gowns. Stress strapless. The fashion statement involves a need, she explains, to feel the intimate vibrations of her instrument on her bare skin. She insists on keeping her shoulders and arms free in order to control the violin and bow unencumbered. She also eschews a shoulder rest. “It’s like my plumber’s uniform,” she jokes. Obviously, the unconventional garb works for her. Perhaps we should be grateful, however, that Isaac Stern, Jascha Heifetz and others beyond the sartorial gender gap embraced no such compulsions. Over the decades, Mutter has made it clear that her dress code has nothing to do with her art, much less her artistry. She is a profoundly serious musician, an independent thinker, a rare champion of novel exploration. She also happens to be a splendid technician, though she never relies on technique for surface effect.

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Harald Hoffmann / Deutsche Grammophon

[ Mutter with conductor Manfred Honeck during the recording sessions for her first studio album with the Berlin Philharmonic in 30 years ]

This winter she celebrates the 25th anniversary of her Carnegie Hall debut with a special pair of back-to-back New York City engagements. On December 10 she participates in an all-Dvorák program by the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center playing a current specialty, the A-minor Concerto. The conductor is her frequent collaborator, Manfred Honeck, Austrian music-director of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Not incidentally, Deutsche Grammophon has just released an all-Dvorák album with these artists and the Berlin Philharmonic, surveying the beloved concerto as well as shorter gems. A recorded encore, of sorts, involves the G-flat Humoresque as arranged by Fritz Kreisler for violin and piano (played here by Ayami Ikeba). On December 14, she and her accompanist Lambert Orkis return to Carnegie Hall offering a recital program that spans works written for her by André Previn (her former husband) and Krzysztof Penderecki, plus music of Schubert, Saint-Saëns and Witold Lutoslawski. The German virtuosa’s vast repertory embraces virtually everything (everything, of course, being relative) from Sebastian Currier and Wolfgang Rihm at one extreme to Jean Sibelius and Leonard Bernstein at the other, with good old Mozart, Beethoven and Mendelssohn in the middle. Somehow, she makes the difficult seem easy, if not nonchalant. Audiences respond accordingly. Composers—22 world premieres by 8 composers— who have tailored music for her specific affinities include such dissimilar masters as Witold Lutoslawski, Henri Dutilleux and Sofia Gubaidulina. Although she was something of a child prodigy both on piano and violin, her major career began when, at the age of 13, she was invited by the supermaestro Herbert von Karajan to play with the Berlin Philharmonic. Imposing engagements soon followed in Lucerne and Salzburg. The rest, as cliché-mongers like to say, is history. She now encourages novice musicians to emulate her success, in one form or another, via her own private foundation. In addition, The Anne-Sophie

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Mutter Foundation has created a student chamber-ensemble that recently toured Asia, and added a benefit for young victims of natural disasters in Japan. Next year she will escort her youthful charges, labeled the Mutter Virtuosi, on their first visit to the States. In 2006, Mutter caused an unhappy stir when she announced, via French television, that she would retire when she turned 45—two years later. She soon changed her mind, however, declaring that she would continue to play as long as she could “bring anything new, anything important, anything different to music.” The retraction, greeted with relief on several continents, proved both worthy and wise. ■

[ the post-New York schedule ] • Feb. 13: Mutter is soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C. under debutant conductor Cristian Macelaru. Her vehicle: the local premiere of Sebastian Currier’s Time Machines, which she had commissioned and introduced with the New York Philharmonic in 2011. The violinist also participates in a post-performance discussion with the conductor and composer. • Feb. 14, 15: Same orchestra, same conductor, same place. Mutter plays the Dvorák concerto again. • Feb. 20, 21, 22: Mutter rejoins Manfred Honeck for an appearance with the Boston Symphony. In addition to the almost inevitable Dvorák concerto, she plays the same composer’s Romance for violin and orchestra. Pulitzer Prize-winner Martin Bernheimer covers music in New York for the Financial Times. His last piece in Promenade was on Eugene Onegin and Two Boys at the Met.

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Paul Kolnik

DANCENEW YORK

born to be the sugarplum fairy Well, almost…starting at age 3 in a Nutcracker debut in South Carolina, the New York City Ballet’s Sara Mearns has danced her way to the starring role at Lincoln Center. By Sylviane Gold

ara Mearns was 3 when she made her debut in The Nutcracker. “It was the first production I ever performed in,” she says. “I was a mouse.” All the littlest children in the Columbia, South Carolina, ballet studio where she was enrolled got to be mice. But most never even came close to fulfilling the dream of every little girl in every Nutcracker everywhere: to dance the central role of the Sugarplum Fairy. For Mearns, the dream came true for the first time in 2006, when she was promoted from the ranks of the New York City Ballet corps de ballet to soloist. And newcomers who catch one of her Sugarplums during NYCB’s season of forty-seven Nutcrackers at Lincoln Center’s Koch Theater (November 29-January 4) will be treated to an unforgettable combination of superlative technique and blazing charisma. It’s the kind of dancing that Koch regulars have come to expect from Mearns after watching her fast ascent to stardom. Now 27 and an NYCB principal dancer, she’s both an established audience favorite and a perennial critics’ darling. And she credits her humble beginnings among the South Carolina rodents with helping to form her as a performer.

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As she progressed from the mice to the party guests and ultimately to “every single part except Sugarplum and Dewdrop,” she says, her annual stints in her local Nutcracker “had a huge role” in teaching her not just how to be comfortable on stage but also how to slip in and out of a variety of parts. So when she joined the NYCB corps as a 17-year-old apprentice, in the fall of 2003, she was ready to tackle the two iconic waltzes devised by George Balanchine for the Snowflakes swirling in Act One and the Flowers swaying in Act Two of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Mearns’ first Sugarplum, she says, “was nerve-racking and scary. I just couldn’t believe I was doing it.” With her passages of classical pirouettes, arabesques, and lifts, which culminate in a turning jump onto her Cavalier’s shoulder and an awesome glide on one toe, the Sugarplum gets to dance some of Balanchine’s most delectable choreography. “I’m probably biased,” says Mearns, “but I think it’s probably the best of any production that I’ve ever seen.” At the same time, she says, “the choreography is very challenging, and the solo that we have is very particular in the footwork. You have to be very, very

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All photos: Paul Kolnik

[O pposite page: Sara Mearns performing the role of The Sugarplum Fairy in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker This page from top left: Mearns and Chase Finlay in Christopher Wheeldon’s Polyphonia; Mearns in Alexei Ratmansky’s Russian Seasons and in George Balanchine’s Apollo ]

on top of it, but you also have to have this elegance.” Still, she adds, “I don’t think I ever remember a time when I didn’t enjoy being out there performing it. Because the music is so great, and if you’ve rehearsed a lot with your partner, you feel secure. Nothing really can seriously go wrong.” With her womanly frame and bearing, Mearns does not resemble the conventional ballet sylph. Her dancing has an amplitude that makes her a regal and magnanimous ruler of the Kingdom of Sweets. As Sugarplum, she says, “You’re inviting people into your land, like a George Balanchine’s queen, almost, and it’s a thin line between having The Nutcracker everybody respect you and also being generous nycballet.com and being gracious. And you have to invite the audience in as well, like the audience is part of your land.” There’s another reason the Sugarplum Fairy suits her so well. “You have to be joyous and you have to keep smiling all the time,” she says. “I find that

comes very easy to me, because I love being on stage. It’s not like I have to put on an act.” Although during the holiday period her life is all smiling Sugarplums, Mearns also shines in the contemporary roles that join the repertoire for NYCB’s winter season, January 21 through March 2. “I am known for the bigger, dramatic, classical stuff,” she notes, “and I have to say I do lean toward it, because of the music and the choreography and Balanchine. But I want to get out of my comfort zone and do more of that modern stuff.” Audiences happily watch her whatever the role. And when she says that Sugarplum is “just a ball of light on the stage,” she could be describing Sara Mearns in anything. n Sylviane Gold has written about the arts for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Dance Magazine. Her last piece in Promenade was on Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty.

A Nutty Time There are so many different kinds of nuts; why shouldn’t there be lots of Nutcrackers? New York offers a Nut banquet at holiday time.

Another big-time troupe, Chicago’s Joffrey, arrives by proxy, presenting five Nutcrackers choreographed by Davis Robertson, who directs its New York-based school. More than 350 dancers from the Joffrey Ballet School, its pre-professional arm, and a local high school affiliate perform December 13-15 at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. (nyuskirball.org) Everyone gets their students into the act at holiday time. Dances Patrelle’s Yorkville Nutcracker, in its 18th year, adds NYCB stars Jenifer Ringer and Jared Angle to the roster for Victorian frolics at Gracie Mansion and Central Park; they give six performances December 5-8 at the Kaye Playhouse. (dancespatrelle.org) Another city-centric production, Manhattan Youth Ballet’s Knickerbocker Suite, takes Tchaikovsky to Macy’s and the Statue of Liberty; it runs at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center December

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Eduardo Patino

American Ballet Theater joins the party with Alexei Ratmansky’s Nutcracker, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. This year’s festivities, opening December 13 with Veronika Part and Marcelo Gomes, span 12 performances through December 22. (bam.org/nutcracker)

[ Dances Patrelle’s Yorkville Nutcracker ]

13-15 and 20-22. (manhattanyouthballet.org) An abbreviated Nutcracker for younger children, choreographed by Keith Michael for New York Theatre Ballet, offers nine performances on December 14, 15 and 22 at Florence Gould Hall. (nytb.org) And Valentina Kozlova’s Dance Conservatory of New York brings her Kirov-inspired version to Symphony Space for two outings on December 7. (symphonyspace.org) Weather advisory: snow is predicted for all dates. — Sylviane Gold

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New York

PERFORMING ARTS CULTURAL CENTERS Please call the box offices for show times. All listings subject to change. 54 Below – Sierra Boggess (12/2-7); Rebecca Naomi Jones, Caissie Levy, and Juliana Nash (12/9); The 6th Annual Joe Iconis Christmas Spectacular (12/2021); Sondheim Unplugged (12/22); Faith Prince (12/27); Chita Rivera (12/31); Jeff Daniels (1/2-4); Sam Harris (1/15-1/18); Edward Hibbert (1/21 & 28). 254 W. 54th St., Cellar, 646-476-3551; 54below.com Beacon Theatre – Cyndi Lauper and Friends: Home for the Holidays (12/7); Trailer Park Boys (12/14); Yo Gabba Gabba! (12/20-22); Gov’t Mule (12/30-31); Umphrey’s McGee (1/17-18); Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (2/6). 2124 Broadway (74th-75th Sts.), 212-465-6225; beacontheatre.com Brooklyn Academy of Music – Bodycast: An Artist Lecture by Suzanne Bocanegra starring Frances McDormand (12/3-7); Moses(es) (12/4-7); Bleed (12/11-14); American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker (12/13-22); Neutral Milk Hotel (1/23); A Doll’s House (2/21-3/16). Peter Jay Sharp Building and BAM Rose Cinemas: 30 Lafayette Ave.; BAM Harvey Theater: 651 Fulton Ave.; BAM Fisher: 321 Ashland Place, 718-636-4100; bam.org Carnegie Hall – The Philadelphia Orchestra (12/6); Vienna Boys Choir (12/8); Festival Chamber Music Concert Series (12/12); American Symphony Orchestra (12/15); Christmas at Carnegie Hall with the New York Choral Society (12/17); New York String Orchestra (12/24 & 28); Julian Gargiulo (1/12); Crescendo International Competition (1/19, 25, 2/8); “China Meets America” Cultural Festival (1/24); Nordic Voices (2/2); 2014 Metropolitan Opera International Music Festival Gala (2/10); St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (2/13 & 15). 57th St. & Seventh Ave., 212-247-7800; carnegiehall.org

Photo: Nick Heavican/Metropolitan Opera

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola - Anat Cohen Quartet (12/7-8); The Juilliard Jazz Ensemble (12/11); Bobby Watson & Horizon (12/12-15); Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra (12/16); Eli Yamin Trio feat. Evan Christopher (12/17-18). Broadway at West 60th St., 212-258-9595/9795; jalc.org/dizzys

Playwright Douglas Carter Beane (The Little Dog Laughed; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) has written new English dialogue for the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, which begins performances with a special New Year’s Eve Gala. For tickets, call 212-362-6000 or visit www.metoperafamily.org.

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Jazz at Lincoln Center – Ring in the Swing: A New Year’s Eve Dance Party (12/31); Bill Frisell: Reflections on the Bristol Sessions (1/17-18); Bobby McFerrin: spirityouall (1/24-25); Joshua Redman Quartet (2/7-8); Dianne Reeves (2/14-15); JLCO Hosts: Kenny Garrett and the Music of Mulgrew Miller (2/212/22); Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding, Leo Genovese Quartet (2/28-3/1). Broadway and 60th St., Time Warner Center, 212-721-6500; jalc.org The Joyce Theater – Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca (12/3-15); MOMIX (12/17-1/6); Focus Dance (1/7-1/12); Parsons Dance (1/14-1/26); Rennie Harris Puremovement (1/28-2/2); Pam Tanowitz Dance (2/4-6); LeeSaar The Company (2/8-9); Royal New Zealand Ballet (2/12-16). 175 Eighth Ave. (19th St.), 212-242-0800; joyce.org Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – Great Performers (1/22-4/5): What Makes It Great? with Rob Kapilow: Britten (12/9); Alessio Bax, piano/ Lucille Chung, piano (12/15); Calefax Reed Quintet (1/26); Freiburg Baroque Orchestra (2/5); Christian Zacharias, piano (2/13). American Songbook (1/22-4/5): James Naughton: The Songs of Randy Newman (1/28); Lawrence Brownlee: Spiritual Sketches (1/29); Jason Isbell (1/30); Patina Miller (1/31); Heartbreak Country: Michael John LaChiusa’s Stories of America (2/1); Sarah

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ONTHETOWN

Jarosz & The Milk Carton Kids (2/12); The Songs of Henry Krieger (2/13); Beth Orton (2/14); Jonathan Groff (2/15); Marty Stuart & Connie Smith (2/19); Portraits of Joni: Jessica Molaskey Sings Joni Mitchell (2/20); Aoife O’Donovan (2/21); Ann Harada (2/22). Columbus Ave. btw. 62nd & 65th Sts., 212-875-5000; lincolncenter.org Madison Square Garden – Elton John and His Band (12/3-4); Rod Stewart (12/9); Z100’s Jingle Ball (12/13); Phish (12/28-31); Keith Urban (1/29); Kings of Leon (2/14); Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience World Tour (2/19); Lady Antebellum (2/21). 4 Pennsylvania Pl. (Seventh Ave. & 32nd St.), 212-465-6741; thegarden.com Metropolitan Opera Company – Eugene Onegin (12/2, 5, 12); Falstaff (12/6, 9, 14, 18, 21, 27, 30, and 1/3, 6, 11); Tosca (12/11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 28); The Magic Flute (12/16, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30, 1/2, 4); Die Fledermaus (12/31, 1/4, 7, 11, 15, 18, 2/3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15, 20, 22); L’Elisir d’Amore (1/9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 2/1); La Bohème (1/14, 18, 22, 25, 30, 3/19, 22, 26, 29, 4/2, 5, 10, 14, 4/18). 212-362-6000; metoperafamily.org New York City Ballet – George Balanchine’s The

Nutcracker (through 1/4); Winter Season (1/213/2): All Balanchine (1/21-2/1); Jewels (1/22-2/2); Balanchine and Robbins: Masters at Work (1/24, 2/1, 6, 9); New Combinations (1/31, 2/5, 8, 11); Scenic Delight (2/4, 8, 12, 27, 28); 20th Century Violin Concertos (2/13, 18-20, 22); Contemporary Choreographers (2/7, 25); Coppélia (2/14, 15, 16, 22, 23); À La Française (2/21, 26, 3/1). Columbus Ave. & 63rd St., 212-496-0600; nycballet.com

Dicterow (1/19); Andrey Boreyko Conducts Stravinsky, Zemlinsky’s The Mermaid, and Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto (1/23-25); Chinese New Year (2/1). Avery Fisher Hall, Broadway & W. 65th St., 212-875-5709; nyphil.org

New York City Center – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (12/4-1/5). 130 W. 56th St., 212-581-1212; nycitycenter.org

The Theater at Madison Square Garden – A Christmas Story, The Musical (12/11-29); The Disco Biscuits (12/31); Charlie Wilson and Friends (2/1); Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music (2/13-23). 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (Seventh Ave. & 32nd St.), 212-465-6741; thegarden.com

New York Philharmonic – Anne-Sophie Mutter (12/10); Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos Conducts Beethoven and Strauss (12/12-14); Holiday Brass (12/15); Handel’s Messiah (12/17-21); A Broadway Christmas with Brian Stokes Mitchell (12/2021); New Year’s Eve Celebration (12/31); Yefim Bronfman, Lindberg, Rouse, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 (1/2-3, 7); Beethoven’s First Symphony, Gershwin’s An American in Paris, and Shostakovich featuring Lisa Batiashvili (1/9-14); Andrey Boreyko Conducts Stravinsky, Zemlinsky’s The Mermaid, and Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto (1/16-18); A Farewell to Concertmaster Glenn

Radio City Music Hall – Christmas Spectacular (through 12/30); Jill Scott (12/31). 1260 Sixth Ave. (50th St.), 212-307-7171; radiocity.com

The Town Hall – A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor (12/7, 14, 21); Jim Brickman: The Magic of Christmas (12/12); Gotham Holiday Swing feat. Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks (12/17); The Three Holiday Belles: Leslie Uggams, Christine Andreas, Marilyn Maye (12/19); Radu Luu, piano (1/12); Israeli Chamber Project (2/9); Angelique Kidjo (2/15); Diego El Cigala (2/20); Alfie Boe (2/25). 123 W. 43rd St., 212-840-2824; thetownhall.org

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Courtesy of New-York Historical Society

ARTNEW YORK [ Marsden Hartley (American, 1877-1943), Still Life, No. 1, 1912 ]

[ Francis Picabia (French, 1879-1953), Dances at the Spring, 1912 ]

reliving the Armory Show of 1913 With 100+ masterworks from Duchamp, Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, among others, the New-York Historical Society looks back at the groundbreaking exhibit, and why it was considered so shocking.

By Karin Lipson

t had a longer official title, but the Armory Show of 1913 has always been known for the 69th Regiment Armory where it was held—an appropriate name, considering the explosive effect of its more avant-garde works. “New York will never be the same again,” predicted the artist Arthur B. Davies, a key organizer of the show. Fellow artist Walt Kuhn, also an organizer, enthusiastically wrote to his wife that, “We will show New York something they never dreamed of.” And Mabel Dodge, the wealthy Greenwich Village hostess and art collector, wrote to Gertrude Stein in Paris that the Armory show would cause “a riot and a revolution.” Were they right? Well, yes and no—and yes. Those ayes and nays are explored in The Armory Show at 100: Modern Art and Revolution, up through Feb. 23 at the New-York Historical Society. More than 100 of the 1350-plus works in the original Armory show have been brought together for display and re-evaluation. The mix of European and American art is about half and half, as it was in the original International Exhibition of Modern Art (the Armory Show’s official title). Many visitors to that groundbreaking exhibition, though, came away convinced it was largely filled with works from across the Atlantic.

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There’s no doubt the fireworks came from the European side: Certainly most New Yorkers, as Walt Kuhn said, had never seen the likes of such avant-gardists as Marcel Duchamp, Henri Matisse, or the half-French Francis Picabia, whom The New York Times called “the Cuban who outcubed the Cubists.” Even today, his Dances at the Spring, with its fragmented yet interlocked geometric shapes, evokes the exuberance of the Italian peasant dancers who inspired the painting. Probably nothing at the Armory so fascinated, repelled and perplexed viewers as Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase (No. 2). One critic famously dubbed it “an explosion in a shingle factory.” A cartoon of the day was titled, “The Rude Descending a Staircase (Rush Hour at the Subway).” A children’s alphabet book showed some willful little hellions squeezing its Cubist segments into what seems to be an accordion. “People were just shocked about it,” said Marilyn Satin Kushner, the New-York Historical Society’s head curator of prints, photographs and architectural collections, who co-organized the show with Kimberly Orcutt, curator of American art. (Casey Nelson Blake, a history professor at Columbia University, served as the exhibition historian.)

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“They couldn’t quite understand how to read it,” Kushner said of Duchamp’s Nude. “People will see that image today and ask why were people so shocked?” (Just in case we still don’t quite get it, the museum has cleverly placed a weather-resistant, graphic/sculptural reproduction of the figure “descending” its own outdoor staircase, giving us the sense of motion—like the frames of a movie—expressed by the painting inside.) In Chicago, where the exhibition also traveled, (its last stop was Boston), it was Matisse’s Fauvist Blue Nude—called “primitive” and “anarchistic” by its detractors—that created the greatest outrage. As Orcutt writes in the exhibition catalog, Matisse’s work was seen as a “reversal of progress”—and as such, a threat to a central American concept. Anticipating the uproar over the avant-garde entries, the original show’s organizers included less controversial work—seen also at the Historical Society—such as Third-Class Carriage, by the mid-19th Century satirist Honoré Daumier, and works by Paul Cézanne. But in a sense, all the tumult met a goal of the show’s organizers, who were proclaiming their independence from the starchy National The New-York Historical Society 170 Central Park West Academy of Design and the tradi212-873-3400; nyhistory.org tionalist work associated with it. The idea was to exhibit the work of progressive artists, both American and foreign, who were largely ignored by the commercial mainstream. It just became increasingly clear that even some fine American art—paintings by Marsden Hartley, Oscar Bluemner, John Marin, Charles R. Sheeler and George Bellows, to name a few—were far from radical when compared to the most avant-garde of the Europeans. While most of the American artists themselves were stunned by what they saw from abroad, it’s the premise of the exhibition that the Armory show didn’t really alter American art overnight. “The myth is that it changed American art immediately,” said Kushner. “Art in America was not the same again—but that’s not the same as saying

[ John Sloan (American, 1871-1951), Sunday, Women Drying Their Hair, 1912 ]

Walt Kuhn, Kuhn family papers, and Armory Show records, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

[ Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954), Blue Nude, 1907 ]

[ Overhead view of Armory installation, 1913 ]

American art was not the same.” For one thing, she said, the Armory show “emboldened the dealers to carry [avant-garde] European art,” ironically taking the local market away from some progressive American artists. Still, as the catalog suggests, the original Armory Show startled American artists into realizing that anything was possible. That freed them, in the long run, to experiment with their own styles, wherever they might lead. And New York itself was seen in a different light by the Europeans. “All of a sudden there was a New York that represented, not the horse and buggy, but modernism, and the skyscraper, electricity,” Kushner said. “There was so much energy.” In that sense, 1913 said it all. n Karin Lipson, a former arts writer and editor for Newsday, is a frequent contributor to The New York Times. Her last article in Promenade was on the exhibit entitled American Modern: Hopper to O’Keefe at MoMA.

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With eponymous galleries in Paris and New York, Ileana Sonnabend was one of the post-war art world’s most influential figures, introducing Americans to Italian Arte Povera and Europeans to Pop art and Minimalism. Six years after her passing, the Museum of Modern Art looks back at her “legendary eye” with Ileana Sonnabend: Ambassador for the New (running December 21-April 21), featuring works by Rauschenberg, Warhol, Johns, and others. Above: Roy Lichtenstein’s Little Aloha (1962). See listings for more information.

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ONTHETOWN

NEW YORK

MUSEUMS All exhibits are subject to change American Folk Art Museum – alt_quilts: Sabrina Gschwandtner, Luke Haynes, Stephen Sollins (through 1/5); Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art (1/21-4/23). Tues.-Sat., noon7:30pm, Sun., noon-6pm. Free. 2 Lincoln Square, Columbus Ave. btw. 65th & 66th Sts., 212-595-9533; folkartmuseum.org American Museum of Natural History – Whales: Giants of the Deep (through 1/5); Frogs: A Chorus of Colors (through 1/5); Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies (through 5/31); Natural Histories (through 10/12); Dark Universe Space Show (ongoing). Open daily, 10am-5:45pm. Suggested general admission $22; seniors/students, $17; children 2-12, $12.50. Central Park West at 79th St., 212-769-5100; amnh.org Asia Society and Museum – Iran Modern (through 1/5); Chinese Ceramics for Iran and Indo-Persia (through 1/5); Tales of Wonder: Indian Art from the Asia Society Museum Collection (2/4-5/4). Tues.-Sun., 11am-6pm, Fri., 11am-9pm. $12; seniors, $10; students, $7 with ID; under 16, free. 725 Park Ave. (70th St.), 212-288-6400; asiasociety.org

Brooklyn Museum – Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt (ongoing); Behind Closed Doors: Art in the Spanish American Home, 1492-1898 (through 1/12); WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict (through 2/2); The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk (through 2/23); Wangechi Mutu: A Fantastic Journey (through 3/9); Twice Militant: Lorraine Hansberry’s Letters to ‘The Ladder’ (through 3/16). Wed., Fri.-Sun., 11am-6pm, Thurs., 11am-10pm. $12 suggested; seniors/ students, $8; under 12, free. 200 Eastern Parkway (Washington Ave.), 718-638-5000; brooklynmuseum.org Bronx Museum of the Arts – Paulo Bruscky: Art Is Our Last Hope (2/9); Tony Feher (through 2/16); Orchard Beach: The Bronx Riviera (through 2/16). Thurs., Sat.-Sun., 11am-6pm, Fri., 11am-8pm. Free. 1040 Grand Concourse (165th St.), 718-681-6000; bronxmuseum.org China Institute – Inspired by Dunhuang: Re-creation in Contemporary Chinese Art (opens 12/14). Daily, 10am-5pm, Tues. & Thurs., 10am-8pm. $7; students/seniors, $4; under 12, free. Free admission Tues. & Thurs., 6-8pm. 125 E. 65th St. (Lexington and Park Aves.), 212-744-8181; chinainstitute.org

El Museo del Barrio – El Museo’s Bienal 2013: Here Is Where We Jump (through 1/4). Wed.-Sat., 11am-6pm. Suggested admission $9; seniors/ students, $5; under 12, free. Free admission the third Saturday of every month and for seniors on Wed. 1230 Fifth Ave. (104th St.), 212-831-7272; elmuseo.org The Frick Collection – Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Hals: Masterpieces of Dutch Painting from the Mauritshuis (through 1/19); Precision and Splendor: Clocks and Watches at The Frick Collection (through 2/2); Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Hill Collection (1/28-6/15). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm, Sun., 11am-5pm. $20; seniors, $15; students, $10 with ID; pay-what-you-wish Sun., 11am-1pm. 1 E. 70th St., 212-288-0700; frick.org The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – Robert Motherwell: The Early Collages (through 1/5); Participatory City: 100 Urban Trends from the BMW Guggenheim Lab (through 1/5); Christopher Wool (through 1/22); Carrie Mae Weems: Three Decades of Photography and Video (1/24-5/14); Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe (2/21-9/1). Sun.-Wed., Fri., 10am-5:45pm, Sat., 10am-7:45pm. $22; seniors/ students, $18; under 12, free, pay what you wish Sat. 5:45-7:45. 1071 Fifth Ave. (89th St.), 212-423-3500; guggenheim.org

DISCOVER HUNDREDS OF UPCOMING NYC TALKS, READINGS & MORE

thought

.org

From after-hours lectures at The Met Museum and the Guggenheim to lively discussions at the 92nd Street Y and the Paley Center for Media, Thought Gallery offers a comprehensive resource for all top lectures, seminars, panel discussions, author appearances, book signings and more thought-provoking events in New York City.

Christine Butler

Here, a preview of this winter’s curriculum:

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• How “Girl with a Pearl Earring” gained its fame at The Frick Collection • Book talk on New York’s iconic Seagram Building at the Skyscraper Museum • Lively discussion with funnymen Will Ferrell and Adam McKay at the 92nd Street Y • Talk on artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci with The Met Museum’s curator of drawings and prints at The Morgan Library & Museum. Uncover more top events and be the first to know about new lectures by joining the Thoughtlectual community at thoughtgallery.org/join

11/12/13 8:24 PM

MuseumsNEWYORK

International Center of Photography – JFK November 22, 1963: A Bystander’s View of History (through 1/19); Zoe Strauss: 10 Years (through 1/19); Lewis Hine (through 1/19); Capa in Color (1/31-5/4); What Is a Photograph? (1/315/4). Tues.-Thurs., Sat.-Sun., 10am-6pm, Fri., 10am-8pm. $14; students/seniors, $10; under 12, free. Pay what you wish Fri., 5-8pm. 1133 Sixth Ave. (43rd St.), 212-857-0000; icp.org

Four Centuries of Spanish Drawings (1/175/11); A Collective Invention: Photographs at Play (2/14-5/18). Tues.-Thurs., 10:30am-5pm, Fri., 10:30am-9pm, Sat., 10am-6pm, Sun., 11am-6pm. $18; seniors/students/children under 16, $12; 12 & under, free; free Fri., 7-9pm. 225 Madison Ave. (36th St.), 212-685-0008; themorgan.org

Japan Society – Rebirth: Recent Work by Mariko Mori (through 1/12). Tues.-Thurs., 11am-6pm, Fri., 11am-9pm, Sat. & Sun., 11am-5pm. $12; students/seniors, $10; free Fri., 6-9pm. 333 E. 47th St., 212-832-1155; japansociety.org

Museum of American Finance – Numerous long-term exhibits are on display, including the Alexander Hamilton Room. Tues.-Sat., 10am-4pm. $8; students/seniors, $5, under 6, free. 48 Wall St. (William St.), 212-908-4110; moaf.org

The Jewish Museum – threeASFOUR: MER KA BA (through 2/2); Chagall: Love, War, and Exile (through 2/2); Masterpieces & Curiosities: A Medieval Aquamanile (through 3/23); Art Spiegelman’s Co-Mix: A Retrospective (through 3/30). Sat.-Tues., 11am-5:45pm, Thurs., 11am-8pm; Fri., 11am-4pm. $15; seniors, $12; students, $7.50; under 12, free; free Sat.; Pay what you wish Thurs. 5pm-8pm. 1109 Fifth Ave. (92nd St.), 212-423-3200; thejewishmuseum.org

Museum of Arts & Design – Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger (through 1/20); Body & Soul: Contemporary International Ceramics (through 3/2); Out of Hand - Materializing the Postdigital (through 7/6). Tues.-Sun., 10am-6pm, Thurs.-Fri., 10am-9pm. $16; seniors, $14; students, $12; 18 and under with ID, free; Thurs., 6-9pm, pay-what-you-wish. 2 Columbus Cir. (near Eighth Ave. & W. 58th St.), 212-299-7777; madmuseum.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Janet Cardiff: The Forty Part Motet (through 12/8); Eighteenth-Century Pastels (through 12/29); Interwoven Globe: The Worldwide Textile Trade, 1500-1800 (through 1/5); Artists and Amateurs: Etching in Eighteenth-Century France (through 1/5) Medieval Treasures from Hildesheim (through 1/5); Fifty Years of Collecting Islamic Art (through 1/6); Balthus: Cats and Girls - Paintings and Provocations (through 1/12); Everyday Epiphanies: Photography and Daily Life Since 1969 (through 1/26); Small Delights: Chinese Snuff Bottles (through 2/17); Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom (through 2/23); Jewels by JAR (through 3/9); Ink Art: Past as Present in Contemporary China (12/114/6); The American West in Bronze, 1850-1925 (12/18-4/13); William Kentridge: The Refusal of Time (through 5/11). Sun.-Thurs., 10am-5:30pm, Fri.-Sat., 10am-9pm. Recommended admission $25; seniors, $17; students, $12; under 12, free. 1000 Fifth Ave. (82nd St.), 212-535-7710; metmuseum.org

The Museum of Biblical Art – Sacred Visions: Nineteenth-Century Biblical Art from the Dahesh Museum Collection (through 2/16); Take Me To The Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photography 1890-1950 (through 2/16). Tues.- Sun., 10am-6pm. Free. 1865 Broadway (61st St.), 212-408-1500; mobia.org

The Morgan Library & Museum - Bookermania: 45 Years of the Man Booker Prize (through 1/5); Tiepolo, Guardi, and Their World: EighteenthCentury Venetian Drawings (through 1/5) Reflections on a Nation: American Writings from the Gilder Lehrman Collection (through 1/12); ‘Lose not heart’: J. D. Salinger’s Letters to an Aspiring Writer (through 1/12); Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol (12/3-1/12); Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul (through 1/26); Leonardo da Vinci: Treasures from the Biblioteca Reale, Turin (through 2/2); Visions and Nightmares:

Museum of the City of New York – Picturing Central Park (through 1/5); I Have Seen the Future: Norman Bel Geddes Designs America (opening through 2/10); Rising Waters: Photographs of Sandy (through 3/2); Gilded New York (through TBD); City as Canvas (2/5-7/27). Open daily, 10am-6pm. Suggested admission $10; seniors/students, $6; under 12, free. 1220 Fifth Ave. (103rd St.), 212-534-1672; mcny.org Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust – Against the Odds: American Jews & the Rescue of Europe’s Refugees, 1933-1941 (through TBD); Hava Nagila: A Song for the People (through 4/22). Sun.-Tues., Thurs., 10am-5:45pm, Wed., 10am-8pm, Fri., 10am-3pm. $12; seniors, $10; students, $7; 12 & under, free; free Wed., 4-8pm. 36 Battery Pl., 646-437-4202; mjhnyc.org Museum of Modern Art – XL: 19 New Acquisitions in Photography (through 1/6); New Photography 2013 (through 1/6); Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938 (through 1/12); Dorothea Rockburne: Drawing Which Makes Itself (through 1/20); American Modern: Hopper to O’Keefe (through 1/26); Applied Design (through

1/20); Dante Ferretti: Design and Construction for the Cinema (through 2/9); Isaac Julien: Ten Thousand Waves (through 2/17); Images of an Infinite Film (through 3/2); Isa Genzken (through 3/10); Ileana Sonnabend: Ambassador for the New (12/21-4/21); Designing Modern Women, 1890s-1990s (through 10/1); A World of Its Own: Photographic Practices in the Studio (2/8-12/1/14). Sat.-Thurs., 10:30am-5:30pm; Fri., 10:30am-8pm. $25; seniors, $18; students, $14; 16 & under, free. 11 W. 53rd St., 212-708-9400; moma.org Museum of Sex – Universe of Desire (through 12/31). Sun.-Thurs., 10am-8pm, Fri.-Sat., 10am-9pm. $17.50; students/seniors, $15.25. 233 Fifth Ave. (27th St.), 212-689-6337; museumofsex.com National Academy Museum – See it Loud: Seven Post-War American Painters (through 1/26/14); Anders Zorn: Sweden’s Master Painter (opening 2/27). Wed.-Sun., 11am-6pm. $15; seniors/ students, $10; under 12, free. 1083 Fifth Ave. (89th St.), 212-369-4880; nationalacademy.org National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution – Making Marks: Prints from Crow’s Shadow Press (through 1/5); Modern Spirit; The Art of George Morrison (through 2/23); Before and After the Horizon: Anishinaabe Artists of the Great Lakes (through 6/15); Circle of Dance (ogoing). Open daily, 10am-5pm, Wed., 10am-8pm. Free. Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green (Broadway), 212-514-3700; nmai.si.edu Neue Galerie – Vasily Kandinsky: From Blaue Reiter to the Bauhaus, 1910-1925 (through 2/10); The Modern Poster in Germany (through 2/10). Thurs.-Mon., 11am-6pm. $20; students/seniors, $10. Children under 12 not admitted; ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. 1048 Fifth Ave. (86th St.), 212-628-6200; neuegalerie.org New Museum – Chris Burden: Extreme Measures (through 1/12). Wed., Fri.-Sun., 11am-6pm, Thurs., 11am-9pm. $16; seniors, $14; students, $12; Pay what you wish Thurs., 7pm-9pm. 235 Bowery (Prince St.), 212-219-1222; newmuseum.org New-York Historical Society – Keith Haring All Over (through 1/26); Clarice Smith: Recollections of a Life in Art (through 2/9); The Armory Show at 100 (through 2/23); Beauty’s Legacy: Gilded Age Portraits in America (through 3/9). Tues.Thurs., Sat., 10am-6pm, Fri., 10am-8pm, Sun., 11am-5pm. $18; seniors, $14; students, $12; 5-13, $6; under 5, free. Pay-as-you-wish from 6-8pm Fridays. 170 Central Park West (77th St.), 212-873-3400; nyhistory.org

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ONTHETOWN

New York Public Library (Humanities and Social Sciences Library) – Call 212-869-8089 for a recording of all current exhibitions. Open daily. 42nd St. & Fifth Ave., 212-340-0830; nypl.org

Skyscraper Museum – SKY HIGH and the logic of luxury (through 4/19). Wed.-Sun., noon-6pm. $5; seniors/students, $2.50. 39 Battery Pl., 212-968-1961; skyscraper.org

New York Transit Museum – Tues.-Fri.,10am-4pm, Sat.-Sun., 11am-5pm. $7; seniors/children 2-17, $5. The Gallery Annex in Grand Central Terminal presents changing exhibitions. Boerum Pl. & Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, 718-694-1600; mta.info/museum

The Studio Museum in Harlem – Body Language (through 1/26); The Shadows Took Shape (through 3/9). Thurs.-Fri., noon-9pm, Sat., 10am-6pm, Sun., noon-6pm. Suggested donation $7 (free on Sun.); seniors/ students, $3; under 12, free. 144 W. 125th St. (Lenox Ave.-Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.), 212-864-4500; studiomuseum.org

The Rubin Museum of Art – Masterworks: Jewels of the Collection (through 1/13); Flip Side (through 2/10); Allegory and Illusion (through 2/10); Count Your Blessings (through 3/24); From India East (through 7/7). Mon., Thurs., 11am-5pm, Wed., 11am-7pm, Fri., 11am-10pm, Sat.-Sun., 11am-6pm. $10 (free Fri., 6-10pm); seniors/students/artists with ID, $5; under 12, free. 150 W. 17th St., 212-620-5000; rmanyc.org

Scandinavia House – Danish Paintings from the Golden Age to the Modern Breakthrough (through 1/18). Tues.-Sat., noon-6pm. Wed. till 7pm. $5; seniors and students, $3. 58 Park Ave. (37th-38th Sts.), 212-779-3587; scandinaviahouse.org

At the Jewish Museum through March 23, Art Spiegelman’s Co-Mix explores the career of one of the most influential living comic artists, perhaps best known as the author of Maus. See listings for more information.

The Ukrainian Museum – Give Up Your Daily Bread…Holodomor: the Totalitarian Solution (through 12/29); Evocations: Works by artist Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak (through 12/29); Propaganda and Slogans: The Political Poster in Soviet Ukraine, 1919-1921 (through 2/2); Hutsul and Black-smoked Ceramics (through 2/23). Wed.-Sun., 11:30am-5pm. $8; seniors/students, $6. 222 E. 6th St., 212-228-0110; ukrainianmuseum.org Whitney Museum of American Art – Robert Indiana: Beyond LOVE (through 1/5); Rituals of Rented Island: Object Theater, Loft Performance, and the New Psychodrama: Manhattan, 1970-1982 (through 2/2); American Legends: From Calder to O’Keeffe (through TBD); T. J. Wilcox: In the Air (through 2/9); Edward Steichen in the 1920s and 1930s: A Recent Acquisition (through 2/23). Wed.-Thurs., Sat.-Sun., 11am-6pm, Fri., 1-9pm. $20 (pay-what-you-wish Fri., 6-9pm); seniors/students/ages 19-25, $16. 945 Madison Ave. (75th St.), 212-570-3600; whitney.org

The Noguchi Museum – Wed.-Fri., 10am-5pm, Sat.-Sun., 11am-6pm. $10 (pay-what-you-wish first Fri. of the month); students/seniors, $5; under 12, free. 9-01 33rd Rd. (Vernon Blvd.), Long Island City, Queens, 718-204-7088; noguchi.org

On view through January 5, the retrospective Robert Indiana: Beyond LOVE at the Whitney Museum looks back at the 1960s pop artist and discovers that there’s more beneath the surface than his signature work, LOVE, might suggest. See listings for more info.

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New York

Horse and Rider Artists Figure from Robert Young Antiques (www.robertyoungantiques.com)

ART GALLERIES COLLECTIBLES

"America's most distinguished antiques show," the Winter Antiques Show celebrates its 60th year Diamond Jubilee at the Park Avenue Armory (67th St. & Park Ave.) from January 24 through February 2. Some 73 specialists in American, English, European, and Asian fine and decorative arts — from antiquity through the 1960s — will be on hand, as well as the 2014 loan exhibition, Fresh Take, Making Connections at the Peabody Essex Museum. Open daily, noon-8pm except Thursday & Sunday, noon-6pm. Daily admission is $25. For tickets and more information, visit www.winterantiquesshow.com.

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ONTHETOWN

All exhibits subject to change Alexandre Gallery - Specializing in works by early 20th-century American artists, with a focus on the Stieglitz Group. Emily Nelligan: Drawings and Marvin Bileck: Thimbledon Bridge (12/7-1/11). Tues.-Fri., 10am-5:30pm; Sat., 11am-5pm. 41 E. 57th St., 212-755-2828; alexandregallery.com Ameringer | McEnery | Yohe - International contemporary art. Hans Hoffman (12/5-1/25); Iva Gueorguieva (1/30-3/8). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm, or by appointment. 525 W. 22nd St., 212-445-0051; amy-nyc.com Antonelle Fine Art - Featuring works by impressionist Patrick Antonelle. By appointment. 917-743-9704; antonellefineart.com Bernarducci Meisel Gallery - Contemporary realist art by established and emerging artists. Visit website for upcoming exhibitions. Tues.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm. 37 W. 57th St., 212-593-3757; bernarduccimeisel.com Bonni Benrubi - Contemporary photography. Eric Cahan: Sky Series (through 12/7); Massimo Vitali - New Work (12/12-2/1). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 41 E. 57th St., 13th Floor, 212-888-6007; bonnibenrubi.com Ceres Gallery - Contemporary art. Exposure (through 12/8); Three Decades of Ceres (1/7-2/1); Pamela Roule Shields: One Body (2/4-3/1); Jo-Ann Brody: Scar Tissue (2/4-3/1). Tues.-Sat., 12pm-6pm. 547 W. 27th St., 212-947-6100; ceresgallery.org Cheim & Read - International contemporary artists. Sean Scully: Night and Day (through 1/11). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 547 W. 25th St., 212-242-7727; cheimread.com Zach Feuer Gallery - Contemporary art in all media by emerging and mid-career artists. Elaine Reichek: A Précis 1972-1995 (through 12/21). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 548 W. 22nd St., 212-989-7700; zachfeuer.com Gagosian Gallery - Modern and contemporary art, including works by de Kooning, Hirst, Picasso, Twombly, and Warhol. Madison Ave.: Willem De Kooning: Ten Paintings 1983–1985 (through 12/21). Tues.- Sat., 10am-6pm. 980 Madison Ave. (76th-77th Sts.), 212-744-2313; 555 W. 24th St., 212-741-1111; 522 W. 21st St., 212-741-1717; gagosian.com Galerie Lelong - Contemporary art from the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Jaume Plensa: Talking Continents (through 12/14); Emilio Perez: Footprints on the Ceiling (1/4-2/1). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 528 W. 26th St., 212-315-0470; galerielelong.com

the ear (through 12/28); 26th St.: Tim Rollins and the K.O.S.: On the Origin (through 12/28). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm (26th St.); Tues.-Sat., 11am-6pm (Chrystie St.). 540 W. 26th St., 212-255-2923; 201 Chrystie St., 212-254-0054; lehmannmaupin.com Luhring Augustine - Late-19th century to contemporary American and European art. Chelsea: Reinhard Mucha: Hidden Tracks (through 1/11). Chelsea: Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm; Bushwick: Thurs.-Sun., 12pm-6pm. 531 W. 24th St., 212-206-9100; 25 Knickerbocker Ave., Brooklyn, 718-386-2746; luhringaugustine.com Marlborough Chelsea - Contemporary art. Double Hamburger Deluxe (through 12/21). Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 545 W. 25th St., 212-463-8634; marlboroughchelsea.com The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology - A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the Catwalk (through 1/4); Trend-ology (12/34/30); Elegance in an Age of Crisis: Fashions of the 1930s (2/7-4/19). Tues.-Fri., noon-8pm; Sat., 10am-5pm. Seventh Ave. at 27th St., 212-217-4558; fitnyc.edu Paul Kasmin Gallery - Contemporary and modern art. Tenth Ave.: Arman the Collector: The Artist's Collection of African Art (through 1/11). 515: Brancusi in New York 1913-2013 (through 1/11). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 293 Tenth Ave., 212-563-4474; 511 W. 27th St., 212-563-5608; 515 W. 27th St., 212-563-4474; paulkasmingallery.com The Pace Gallery - 20th-century art, including works by Calder, Noguchi, Picasso, Rauschenberg, Rothko, and many others. 57th St.: Ilya & Emilia Kabakov (through 12/21). 25th St. Galleries: Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost (through 1/11). 32 E. 57th St., 212-421-3292; 534 W. 25th St., 212-929-7000; 508 W. 25th St., 212-989-4258; 510 W. 25th St. 212-255-4044; pacegallery.com Petzel Gallery - Contemporary exhibitions, artists' projects and performances. Sarah Morris: Academia Militar (through 12/21). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 456 W. 18th St., 212-680-9467; petzel.com Skarstedt - Historical exhibitions by contemporary European and American artists of the late 20th century. David Salle: Ghost Paintings (through 12/21). Tues.-Fri., 9:30am-6pm; Sat., 10am-5pm. 20 E. 79th St., 212-737-2060; skarstedt.com Steven Kasher Gallery - Contemporary photography and social/historical/ artistic photography of the 20th century. Check website for upcoming exhibitions. Tues.-Sat., 11am-6pm. 521 W. 23rd St., 212-966-3978; stevenkasher.com

Gladstone Gallery - Contemporary art. 21st St.: Cyprien Gaillard: Today Diggers, Tomorrow Dickens (through 12/21). 24th St.: Rosemarie Trocke (through 12/21). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 515 W. 24th St., 212-206-9300; 530 W. 21st St. 212-206-7606; gladstonegallery.com

Studio Vendome - A Hudson Square gallery space focusing on innovative, visually captivating exhibitions from artists of all ages and career points. Rafal Olbinski: America’s greatest surrealist painter (12/4-1/11); Harry Bertschmann: Master of Abstraction (1/14-2/22). Tues.-Fri., 10am-6pm; Sat., 12pm-5pm. 330 Spring St., 646-650-2466; studiovendome.com

Hasted Kraeutler - International contemporary art. Marc Dennis: An Artist, A Curator And A Rabbi Walk Into A Bar... (through 1/4). Tues.-Sat., 11am-6pm. and by appointment. 537 W. 24th St., 212-627-0006; hastedkraeutler.com

Taymour Grahne Gallery - A Tribeca gallery specializing in international contemporary art. Ciarán Murphy: A Round Now (12/10-1/25). 157 Hudson St., 212-240-9442; taymourgrahne.com

Hauser & Wirth - Emerging and established contemporary artists. 18th St.: Roni Horn: "everything was sleeping as if the universe was a mistake" (through 1/11). 69th St.: Martin Creed (theough 12/21). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 32 E. 69th St., 212-794-4970; 511 W. 18th St., 212-790-3900; hauserwirth.com

Tibet House U.S. Gallery - Exhibitions dedicated to Tibet's unique cultural and spiritual heritage. Buddhas in the Garden (through 12/18). 22 W. 15th St., 212-807-0563; tibethouse.us

Lehmann Maupin Gallery - International contemporary painting, sculpture and photography. Chrystie St.: Shirazeh Houshiary: The eye fell in love with

Yossi Milo Gallery - Contemporary photography. Julie Cockburn: Slight Exposure (12/12-1/25). Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. 245 Tenth Ave. (24th-25th Sts.), 212-414-0370; yossimilo.com

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Courtesy of Visit Scotland

TRAVELACROSS THE POND

sensational

Scotland

Whether you take the High Road or the Low Road, the bounty and beauty of Scotland awaits—in the country’s largest city, Glasgow, and in the countryside at Inverlochy and Dalhousie Castles.

By Ruth J. Katz

Glasgow

ost people in Scotland drink whisky like lemonade,” casually observed Pablo Roberts, an Irish actor (yes, really) from the island of Aran, and a participant in my whisky-blending master class, at the Glengoyne Distillery, about 45 minutes outside of Glasgow. According to my distillery guide, Glengoyne employs the slowest distillation process in the land; six years are “spent preparing the perfect oak casks before they receive their first drops of spirit.” I was 100% converted with my first sniff and swallow of the nectar that is Glengoyne, with its seductive whispers of apple, toffee, lemon zest, and coconut. Indeed, one cannot go to Scotland and not take a distillery tour, and I toured a few, including Glenkinchie, the largest single still in Scotland (where 25 tons of barley are delivered daily); remarkably, I am still standing. I realized what Roberts observed is a truism: Scotsmen are whisky connoisseurs. But there is a lot more to this country. Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is located on the River Clyde in the West Central Lowlands, and its denizens are known as Glaswegians. It is a happening metropolis today, and perhaps because of the city’s fabled Glasgow School of Art, it has a very solid history of art, artisans, and architecture, and the city’s rich, textured landscape reflects the latter. Within the center of the city, there are countless impressive Victorian structures alongside those of the

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municipality’s favorite son, the legendary architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Today, his first public commission houses The Lighthouse, currently Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture. Once the home to the Glasgow Herald, the building boasts the Mackintosh Interpretation Centre. To really imbibe Mackintosh in a big way, visit the Mackintosh House on the campus of the University of Glasgow. Home to Mackintosh and his wife, the artist Florence Macdonald, from 1906 to 1914, the townhouse has been meticulously reassembled. The cityscape is also dominated by Foster and Partners’ “Armadillo” building, which houses the Clyde Auditorium. Nearby is the renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, another must-see, and also not unexpectedly, one of Scotland’s most visited attractions. With 22 state-of-the art galleries, the museum displays an astonishing 8,000 objects, including a Spitfire fighter plane. The Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is home to the Transport Museum, and this year, it won the European Museum of the Year Award. Do not forgo a student-run tour of the Glasgow School of Art. For retail distraction, stroll the Style Mile, where more than 200 shops will delight. I chose to hit some of the galleries and artist-inspired businesses, given that so many GSA graduates have founded companies here. Brazen Studios is a gallery/shop selling not only jewelry (by owner Sarah Raffel and others),

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Courtesy of Visit Scotland

pposite page: [ The Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Riverside Museum ] O This page, clockwise from top left: [ T he Glasgow School of Art; a room in the House for an Art Lover, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh; Blythswood Hotel on Blysthwood Square; interior of the Garnethill Synagogue ]

but also some interesting scarves and accessories. Graphic designer Charles Randak of Toshie is incubating an exquisite line of soft goods centered around a Mackintosh signature design, nine squares. I also stopped in at Timorous Beasties, where extraordinary wall coverings and fabrics are available. For a leisurely, gourmet dinner, make a beeline to the Corinthian Club, located in a majestic 1842 building that was once home to the High Court of Scotland. The restaurant’s Bootleg Bar (think American speakeasy) features a 500,000-piece mosaic-tiled floor, depicting a young Queen Victoria, as she appeared on a Union Bank of Scotland banknote. For a lively and totally different meal, check out Mr. Singh’s, where the Indian staff all don kilts, and yet the spices, flavor, and fragrances of Indian cuisine are served, with a unique Scottish twist. For lodging, I chose the Blythswood Square Hotel, located on the eponymous square. It’s Glasgow’s newest, mixing the trendy with the traditional. The building dates from 1823 and previously was home to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. I should note that I happened to be in Glasgow during the Jewish High Holy Days; I located the imperial-looking Garnethill Synagogue, Scotland’s oldest (1879), with an imposing Romanesque Revival exterior, a majestic marble and rosewood pulpit, and Byzantine ark. I was warmly welcomed. n

[ the details ]

visitscotland.com; peoplemakeglasgow.com; gsa.ac.uk; glasgowlife.org.uk; townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare

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Courtesy of Visit Britain

TRAVELAcross the Pond

Legendary Castles

cotland boasts hundreds and hundreds of castles, enveloped in lore and legend. Some are in ruins and some are four-star hotels. Needless to say, I chose from the latter category for my countryside lodging: Inverlochy and Dalhousie, the former in the West Highlands and the latter in Bonnyrigg, barely ten minutes outside Glasgow. Inverlochy Castle, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, and it was a private residence until 1969. It has seen its fair share of “special” guests, among them, Queen Victoria who spent a week there, sketching and painting; of her stay, she wrote: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” And you will be in agreement. The opulent, frescoed ceiling of the great hall, the massive, Venetian crystal chandelier, the extravagantly gorgeous upholstery and furnishings (some of which came from the King of Norway), all combine to make this hotel a take-your-breath-away venue. The hotel’s restaurant was equally impressive, with its Michelin star and three AA Rosettes. In order to savor the menu, stay a few nights: Wild salmon with English asparagus and smoked bacon foam; breast of Gresshingham duck

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with a chicory tart fine, turnip tops, cherries, and foie gras. During the day, you’ll want to explore: Take the Road to the Isles, detouring on and off. At Glencoe (with an excellent visitor centre), one of the most picturesque of many renowned Scottish glens, the scenery is Nikon-perfect. Craggy mountains, lollygagging rivers, and frothy waterfalls form a painterly backdrop (it was featured in the film Skyfall). In Glenfinnan, you’ll find more jaw-dropping settings, including sandy beaches, verdant woodlands, lavender moors, and seascapes that look out to the isles of Rum, Egg, Muck, Canna, and Skye. Look for the distinctive Glenfinnan Viaduct, which starred in the Harry Potter films. The little village of Luss on Loch Lomond is also charming. You’ll also meander into the cozy village of Morar (the River Morar, connecting Loch Morar to the Atlantic, is one of the shortest in the UK, but it is the deepest body of fresh water in the country). And also have a look-see into the tiny village of Mallaig, with its excellent Heritage Centre, offering a history of the West Highlands.

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[ the details ] inverlochycastlehotel.com; dalhousiecastle.co.uk; stirlingcastle.gov.uk; rosslynchapel.org.uk; scottsabbotsford.co.uk. I chose the wonderful, witty, and worldly Johanna Campbell (she works with her equally charming husband, Gilbert Summers) as my guide, and you can, too; reach her at scotlandinaweek.com Going to and from various castles and towns is easiest with BritRail, the UK’s most convenient and well-orchestrated rail line, offering 19,000 daily train departures to 2,500 destinations in England, Scotland, and Wales. BritRail sells many different passes/tickets and all are available in the States, including the FlexiPass; it’s best to get it here before you leave since it is not sold in the UK. It is an ideal pass, good for four trips (within three-months), activated with your first sojourn.

pposite page, clockwise from top: O [ Rosslyn Chapel; Inverlochy Castle; Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott’s residence ] This page, clockwise from top left: [ The atmospheric Dungeon Restaurant in Dalhousie Castle; the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made more famous by the Harry Potter films; a typically colorful ceiling in the restored Stirling Castle ] © Crown Copyright reproduced courtesy of Historic Scotland. www.historicscotlandimages.gov.uk

Built in the 13th century, Dalhousie Castle has witnessed history: King Edward I (known as Longshanks; remember that moniker from Braveheart?) lodged here while on his way to meet Sir William Wallace for what would become the Battle of Falkirk; Henry IV staged an extensive siege here; and Oliver Cromwell used the castle as a staging station when invading Scotland. Boasting 29 guest rooms, Dalhousie has a lovely, intimate spa and it’s the ideal place to chill out. BUT, if you really want a little spooky chill, take your dinner in the Dungeon (two AA Rosettes), which once was, well, a dungeon. Dining in this barrel-vaulted cavern is a special experience and the cuisine is top-flight, featuring fresh, local fare. Breakfasts are best taken upstairs, in the Orangery, with a view of the Esk River. Additionally there is a world-class falconry school, archery, and other outdoor pursuits. Daytime pursuits: Stirling Castle is a source of great pride; several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned here, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542. Under the aegis of the government, the castle underwent a far-reaching, 12-million-pound restoration, to show it off as it would have appeared in the 1540s — and the result is purely regal. Do not miss this the purpose-built tapestry workshop/studio, where a remarkable project is underway—the weaving of Unicorn tapestries (using techniques from the 1400s). Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446, specifically to be used as a house of worship; its website describes it as an “architectural wonder” and it is... as every surface of the chapel is intricately and elaborately carved. Another must-see destination is Abbotsford , the palatial estate of Sir Walter Scott, a rock-star writer of his period. He collected countless objets (artifacts from Rob Roy and Bonnie Prince Charlie included) and had a library with over 9,000 volumes. The gardens are equally breathtaking. Nearby are charming towns, like Melrose, to explore. As elsewhere in this land of bagpipes, tartan, golf, and shortbread, you’ll be welcomed handsomely...and without fail, your Scottish hosts will whisper, haste ye back. You can guess what that means...and you can bet, I will. n

Scotland

Courtesy of Visit Britain

sensational

I cannot recommend highly enough taking the train from Edinburgh to London, after your bucolic castle jaunt. It is about 400 miles (and about five hours) and the route of the East Coast Main Line hugs the coast for the first part of the journey, offering a scenic buffet of landscapes. Train stewards come by frequently with food and beverages, so you will not want for a hot cuppa’ and shortbread. acprail.com or 866-938-7245

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Of course, this year’s Radio City Christmas Spectacular, running through December 30, features fan favorites and classics such as “New York at Christmas,” where the Rockettes board a real double-decker bus, the high-energy tap number, and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” But the 2013 edition will introduce a new Rockettes routine in addition to the “usual” state-of-the-art digital projections, special effects, and the world’s largest flown indoor LED screen. Visit radiocitychristmas.com for playing schedule and to reserve tickets.

New York

Sightseeing 9/11 Memorial – Expanded over about 8 acres of the 16-acre site, the memorial includes two acre-size square reflecting pools, featuring North America’s largest manmade waterfalls cascading down the eight sides of the pools. In the spaces the towers previously occupied, there’s a cleared space for gatherings and special ceremonies called the “Memorial Grove,” and over 400 swamp white oaks including the “Survivor Tree,” a callery pear nursed back to health following the attacks. Advance visitor passes are required. To reserve a pass, visit 911memorial.org or call 212-266-5211. 1 Albany St. at Greenwich St. 9/11 Tribute Center – A museum created by the September 11th Families’ Association conveying first-person experiences of 9/11. Guides are 9/11 family members, survivors, lower Manhattan residents, recovery workers, and volun-

teers. Walking tours are available to the 9/11 Memorial, sharing the history of the World Trade Center, the events of 9/11 and aftermath. Limited 9/11 Memorial passes available. 120 Liberty St., 866-737-1184; tributewtc.org A Slice of Brooklyn Tours – Started in 2005 by native Brooklynite Tony Muia, A Slice of Brooklyn tours feature Brooklyn’s favorite foods, neighborhoods, landmarks and famous movie locations like Saturday Night Fever, Goodfellas, The French Connection, and more. The popular A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour features stops at Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge as well as L&B Spumoni Gardens. Tours depart from Manhattan. Through 12/31, their Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour explores the famously festive homes of Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge. 212-913-9917; asliceofbrooklyn.com

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ONTHETOWN

Bateaux New York – Sail Manhattan’s surrounding waters and catch up-close, stunning views of the city on Bateaux. Upcoming cruises include: Full Moon Dinner Cruise (12/17); Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise (12/24); Eve of the Eve Dinner Cruise (12/30); New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise (12/31); New Year’s Day Dinner and Brunch Cruises (1/1); Sailgate Lunch Cruises (1/31-2/1); Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruises (2/14-16). Pier 61, Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street, 866-817-3463; bateauxnewyork.com Bike and Roll NYC – An exciting way to exercise and see the sights, Bike and Roll operates rentals and tours out of numerous convenient locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Pedal through Central Park, cruise the Brooklyn Bridge, and visit the 9/11 Memorial. Kids’ equipment available. Call or visit website for additional locations. Pier 84, Hudson River Park, Central Park at Columbus Circle, 212-260-0400; bikenewyorkcity.com Brooklyn Bridge – At 130+ years old, it remains one of the world’s most spectacular monuments to progress and human industry. Its broad pedestrian walkways afford an unsurpassed view of lower Manhattan. But no sight is more impressive than the bridge itself—nearly 6000 feet long, 272 feet high, and reinforced by four steel cables, each composed of 5700 wires. East side of City Hall Park Circle Line Downtown – Offering the ultimate tourist sea excursion, the Circle Line Downtown’s ZEPHYR sails the harbor with a narrated tour of landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and more. The ZEPHYR departs daily at 10am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm & 5pm. Upcoming cruises include: Breakfast With Santa ZEPHYR Cruise (12/14); ZEPHYR New Year’s Eve Cruise (12/31). 212-742-1969; circlelinedowntown.com CitySightseeing Cruises – A fun and comfortable way to see New York City. Join them on tours around the island of Manhattan that showcase the architecture, history, and culture of the Big Apple. Whether you’re on a tight schedule, have time to spare, or are looking for a relaxing evening out, they’ve got the perfect cruise for you. Upcoming cruises: New Year’s Eve 2014 Fireworks Cruise (12/31). Pier 78, 12th Ave. & W. 38th St., 212-445-7599; citysightseeingnewyork.com CitySights NY – Experience unobstructed views, of New York City with hop-on,

hop-off flexibility atop signature doubledecker buses that glide by main attractions and top neighborhoods. Buses are enhanced with state-of-the-art sound systems and dedicated, knowledgeable guides who know the ins-and-outs, and even some fascinating anecdotes of the metropolis’ best-known spots. City Sights also feature combo tickets, day trips, and more. They offer 11 different audio tracks on certain tours for your language preference. 212-812-2700; citysightsny.com Discovery Times Square – NYC’s first large-scale exhibition center presenting educational and immersive exhibit experiences while exploring the world’s cultures, art, history and events. Post-exhibit, check out the DC Cupcakes Cafe and indulge in treats from Georgetown Cupcakes, open from 11am-7pm. Current exhibitions: Body Worlds: Pulse; SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure (through 1/5); The Art of the Brick (through 1/5). 226 W. 44th St., 866-987-9692; discoverytsx.com Empire State Building – From the Observatory on the 86th floor, reached by express elevator in less than a minute, Manhattan is an unforgettable spectacle day or night. You’ll enjoy the panoramic view, which, on a clear day, reaches 80 miles in each direction. Visitors may also enjoy the free changing exhibits in the lobby. Daily, 8am-2am; last elevator at 1:15. $27; $24 (seniors, 62+); $21 (6-12); free (under 5). 350 Fifth Ave. (34th St.), 212-736-3100; esbnyc.com Gracie Mansion – Built in 1799 on the site of a war fort captured by the British during the Revolutionary War and the home of NYC’s mayor since 1942. General tours are offered most Weds. at 10, 11am, 1 & 2pm, with Tues. afternoon Tea Tours for groups of 25-50. Both must be reserved in advance. Carl Schurz Park, East End Ave. at 88th St., 212-570-4751; nyc.gov/html/om/html/ gracie.html Grand Central Terminal – Not just the central hub of commuter transportation, this landmark masterpiece boasts a vast, and dramatic sunken central room, ornamented by a ceiling depicting constellations and an information booth adorned with a beautiful, recognizable clock. Visitors can enjoy fine dining and retail opportunities throughout the terminal. Upcoming events include The Centennial Holiday Fair (through 12/24); Centennial Holiday Light Show (through 12/26). 42nd St & Park Ave., 212-532-4900; grandcentralterminal.com

New York City is teeming with celebrities, but there’s only place you can guarantee yourself some star-spotting: Madame Tussauds in Times Square. New figures include Katy Perry (pictured here), portrayed from her sold-out California Dreams tour in 2011, and, in celebration of her first English album in six years, Celine Dion. Samuel L. Jackson has been re-waxed as Nick Fury and will be joining the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience, an adventure that includes an ultra-sensory, interactive film featuring an array of special effects. See our Madame Tussauds listing for more information.

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SIGHTSEEINGNEWYORK

Gray Line Sightseeing Tours – Daily tours by open-top deluxe doubledecker buses and luxury coaches including the All Loops Tour, a 2-day ticket hop-on and off with 50+ stops from Times Square and Broadway to Harlem to Brooklyn. 777 Eighth Ave. btw. 47th & 48th Sts.; PABT, 42nd St. & Eighth Ave.; Grand Central, Park Avenue btw. 41th & 42th Sts., 800-669-0051; newyorksightseeing.com Harlem Spirituals/New York Visions – Exciting neighborhood tours of NY. Explore Harlem with Gospel tours on Sun. and Wed. ($59) and the popular evening soul food & jazz tours Mon., Thurs. & Sat. ($155); New York Visions uncovers the hidden treasures of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn ($69 in Brooklyn, $59 & up in Manhattan and the Bronx). Tours available in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish. 2008 Concierge Choice Award Nominee. Available through major hotels. 212-391-0900; harlemspirituals.com Helicopter Flight Services Tours – Fly high above New York City via helicopter and get one of the best views around. They offer three helicopter tour options that include breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, NY Harbor, the Chrysler Building, Central Park, Columbia University, the George Washington Bridge, Yankee Stadium and the Financial Center. Reservations are recommended. Customized after-hours tours available upon request. Downtown Heliport (Pier 6 & the East River), 212-355-0801; heliny.com The High Line – A public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Upcoming events include: The Gaits: A High Line Soundwalk (12/24). Gansevoort St. to W. 34th St. bet. 10th & 11th Aves; thehighline.org Hornblower Cruises and Events – Hornblower offers world-class dining cruises aboard state-of-the-art luxury yachts set against the sparkling New York City skyline and offering innovative, fun features and freshly prepared cuisine. The new Hornblower Hyrbid offers the most eco-friendly cruise experience with leading technology. Upcoming special cruises include: Santa’s Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise (12/24); New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise (1/1). Hudson River Park’s Pier 40, 212-337-0001; hornblower.com Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – The museum complex includes the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier with seven full decks and four theme halls; the guided missile submarine Growler; an extensive aircraft collection including the A-12 Blackbird and the British Airways Concorde; and the Space Shuttle

Pavilion, which allows visitors to get up close to the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Upcoming events include: Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony (12/7); Kids Week 2014 (2/15-23).Pier 86, W. 46th St. & 12th Ave., 212-245-0072; intrepidmuseum.org Liberty Helicopter Tours – Thrilling airborne tour options in modern jet helicopters including The Big Apple ($150/person); New York, New York ($215/ person); Romance/VIP Tour ($995/person). Switch it up with the Soar and Sail/Big Apple, a combo package, which includes a helicopter and harbor cruise experience. Tours depart Monday – Saturday from 9am-6:30pm and Sundays from 9am-5pm. Reservations required for 6 or more passengers. Downtown Heliport (Pier 6 & the East River), 800-542-9933; libertyhelicopter.com Madame Tussauds New York – Rub elbows with the Hollywood elite, sports heroes, and political heavyweights…well almost. At Madame Tussauds, you can view and take snapshots with over 200 wax replicas of your favorite stars. Visit the museum’s Cinema 4D experience that puts you in the midst of all the action, including adventures with Marvel Super Heroes. Open 365 days a year. $36; $29 (4-12). 234 W. 42nd St. (Seventh-Eighth Aves.), 866-841-3505; www.madametussauds.com/newyork Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour – Enjoy a behind-the-scenes guided walking tour of the recently renovated, state-of-the-art World’s Most Famous Arena. Go inside the locker rooms and relive historic moments with the new Garden 366 retrospective and the Defining Moments exhibit. Daily, 10:30am-3pm. Seventh Ave. btw. 31st & 33rd Sts., 212-465-5800; www.thegarden.com/tours.html Metro Sightseeing Bus Tours – The best way for tourists and New Yorkers alike to immerse themselves in the culture and history of New York City. The two-hour bus tour offers an in-depth look into the iconic landmarks of the city on a brand-new double-decker bus complete with licensed live tour guides and a state-of-the-art sound system. Tours include the Metro Bus Tour, New York Post Headlines Tour, and combo tickets with Circle Line Sightseeing. Pier 83, W. 42nd St. and 12th Ave., 888-603-8298; metrosightseeingny.com NBC Studio Tour – Stroll through the halls of NBC, the NBC Sharp Globe Theater, and the studios of some of NBC’s most popular shows, including SNL, Today, and others. Tours run every 15 to 30 minutes, seven days a

SHORT-TERM LIVING ON THE EDGE OF MANHATTAN The new Silver Suites Residences at Silver Towers and Beekman Tower offer luxurious short-term living spaces on both breathtaking edges of Manhattan. Featuring studio-to-three-bedroom layouts, both Silver Suites properties offer fully furnished units, bursting with modern elegance and class. The residences at Silver Towers are available to individuals and corporate tenants for a minimum of six months, while the Beekman Tower suites are open to individuals and corporate tenants for a minimum of 30 days or more. Silver Suites Residences at Silver Towers amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum light exposure, gym membership, a 75-foot indoor pool, a stylish entertaining terrace, park, and a dog run. The Silver Suites Residences at Beekman Tower provide signature events, an on-site fitness center, and an exclusive rooftop lounge. Both properties provide 24-hour concierge and doorman service, a cross-town commuter shuttle for convenience, business center, and comprehensive digital services to keep you connected. Silver Suites Residences at Silver Towers, 606 West 42nd Street (11th Avenue); Silver Suites Residences at Beekman Tower, 3 Mitchell Place (1st Avenue and 49th Street). For more information, call 866-204-1185 or visit silversuitesresidences.com

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ONTHETOWN

week. Reservations recommended. Mon.-Thurs., 8:30am-5:30pm; Fri.-Sat., 8:30am-6:30pm; Sun., 9:15am-4:30pm (schedule subject to change). 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 49th St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves., 212-664-3700; nbcstudiotour.com New York Botanical Garden – One of America’s foremost public gardens, with 50 gardens and plant collections situated on 250 acres. Upcoming events include: The Holiday Train Show (through 1/12); Close: The Photography of Allan Pollok-Morris (through 3/16). Tues.-Sun., 10am-6pm; closed Mon. except federal holidays. 2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, 718-817-8700; nybg.org New York Water Taxi – Tours include the Hop-On/Hop-Off pass, with stops at Fulton Ferry Landing, South Street Seaport, Battery Park, Greenwich Village (Christopher St.), and West 44th St., the Statue of Liberty Express, Statue by Night, and many more. Upcoming cruises include: NYC Audubon Winter EcoCruise (every Sun. from 1/5-3/9). 212-742-1969; nywatertaxi.com NY SKYRIDE – A combination of movie-motion and sights rolled up into New York’s only aerial

virtual tour simulator. Guide Kevin Bacon takes you on an adventure above, through, and underneath New York. An IMAX®-style digital presentation combining HD technology, customdesigned seats, and a 6-meter/18-foot screen. Open daily 8am-10pm. Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Ave. (33rd St.), 2nd floor, 212-279-9777; skyride.com OnBoard Tours – NY See It All! is NYC’s most comprehensive 5-1/2-hour tour, which combines driving with short walks and includes a cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more. Departs at 10am & 12:30pm. $89.99; under 12, $69.99 (Fri.-Sun., $99.99/$79.99). Other tours include NY See the Lights!, NY See the Best (including the Empire State Building—without the lines) and the Jersey Gardens Shopping Tour. The See the Holiday Lights Tour runs through 1/5. 212-852-4821; onboardnewyorktours.com On Location Tours – On Location Tours creates tours that allow people to feel as though they are part of a TV show or movie, by being able to shop, eat, drink, and dance at the sites seen on both the big and small screens. There are four distinctive

tours to choose from: the New York TV and Movie Tour; the Central Park Movie Tour; the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour; and the Sopranos Sites Tour. 212-209-3370; onlocationtours.com Radio City Music Hall – Explore the iconic concert hall on tours that bring music and design history to life. The famous Radio City Stage Door Tour, takes visitors behind-the-scenes of the theater, lounges and corridors of Radio City (daily, 11am-3pm; $19.95; seniors & under 12, $15). Tickets sold at Radio City on the day of the tour. The Career Educational Tour gives groups all the perks of the Stage Door Tour, plus insider info on what it takes to run a landmark like Radio City (contact Group Sales at 212-4656080). 1260 Sixth Ave. (50th St.), 212-247-4777; radiocity.com THE RIDE – A spectacular immersive and interactive entertainment experience that moves you through midtown as an ever-changing show featuring actors, performers, and citizens unfolds before you. Each vehicle features over 3,000 LED lights, 40 video screens, an IMAX Theater’s worth of audio equipment, cutting-edge speakers, and

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Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer/Photographer Bart Barlow

SIGHTSEEINGNEWYORK

[ The magic of the city: skaters below the iconic Christmas tree; right: Rockefeller Center’s Managing Director, Keith Douglas ]

Holiday Spirit

in the heart of

New York

By Melanie Baker

At Rockefeller Center, the tree, the rink, the shops, and the food make for the ultimate winter experience. Spanning 22 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Rockefeller Center boasts sought-after views from Top of the Rock, over 100 retail destinations, 40 dining destinations to wow your palate, and nine full-service restaurants for a true New York City culinary experience. While tourists and locals rush to this historic hub year-round, the holiday season offers a unique experience full of iconic traditions bursting with New York flavor. We met with Keith Douglas, Managing Director at Rockefeller Center, inside Del Frisco’s Grille to get an inside look at the Center’s upcoming winter season.

Q. Tourists flock to New York City during the holiday season and always make a stop at Rockefeller Center. What’s the charm?

Q. The tree lighting is one of the kickoffs to the holiday season. What’s goes into planning that event?

KD: Rockefeller Center embodies the holiday spirit more than any other destination in New York City. The centerpiece is certainly the Christmas tree, towering over the Plaza at over 75 feet, lit up with more than 45,000 LED lights, but there is also The Rink, the fantastic holiday windows at the center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck — all decorated for the holidays! And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (through Dec. 31) is always a family favorite. There’s no place that celebrates the holidays like Rockefeller Center.

KD: We partner with NBC to make this a magical event for those who are here that evening, and the millions who are watching it live on NBC. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is truly the launch to the holiday season around the world. [The tree] has been embraced by visitors and has become such a tradition for families coming to New York. And I think New Yorkers like to get at least one glimpse of the Christmas tree at some point during the holiday season.

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ONTHETOWN

Q. How do you handle the search? KD: We think about Christmas all year long, so we start looking for the trees in the winter of the previous year. Hundreds of people submit their tree on rockefellercenter.com. This year’s tree arrived on November 8, followed by the lighting, which is open to everyone, on December 4. The 2013 tree will be up until January 7 and then milled into lumber to be used by Habitat for Humanity. Q. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a quintessential holiday activity in New York. What makes the Rockefeller skating experience so special? KD: It’s a quintessential New York moment being on that ice, in midtown Manhattan, with [the statue of] Prometheus in the background, right underneath the Christmas tree, yet in an intimate setting — you can’t replicate that anywhere else. The ice-skating rink is up from Columbus Day weekend through early April. Q. How do the restaurants and shops in Rockefeller Center prepare for the holidays? Are there special menus or décor? KD: We’re very proud of our entire restaurant program at Rockefeller Center, and have nine full-service restaurants. The two that overlook the ice-skating rink are Rockefeller Center Café and The Sea Grill. The Rockefeller Center Rockefeller Center Café offers Breakfast 48th-51st Streets with Santa, which (5th/6th Avenues) is always hugely popular with the kids. You can see the skaters and the Christmas tree in the background, and sit on Santa’s lap. It’s such a great moment. The Sea Grill is open for lunch and dinner and offers fine dining, and it’s a great romantic date spot. All of the retailers decorate and get very excited about the holidays, but we are especially excited with the opening of the Rainbow Room in the fall of 2014. That will be something truly special for the holidays next year. Keith Douglas is the Managing Director of Business Development, Sales, and Marketing for Tishman Speyer at Rockefeller Center in New York City. For more information on Rockefeller Center’s holiday events, dining, and shopping, please visit rockefellercenter.com. Please turn to our dining (p.110) and shopping (p.48) sections for more coverage of Rockefeller Center’s retailers and restaurants, including Del Frisco’s Grille, Onassis, and Rain.

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“floor-shaker” sound system technology. The Holiday Edition of The Ride runs through 1/5; visit webstie for schedule. Box office at Madame Tussauds, 234 W. 42nd St., 866-811-4111; experiencetheride.com Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square – Ripley’s isn’t for those with a weak stomach. With 18,000 square feet of astonishing artifacts and exciting interactive exhibits— including the world’s largest collection of shrunken heads, New York’s only laser maze and the new Willard Wigan microminiature sculpture collection that is so small it takes 400 times magnification to be seen properly—you’ll witness the juggernaut of human oddities and mind-blowing wonders from real life stories. Open daily, 9am-1am. 234 W. 42nd St. (Seventh-Eighth Aves.), 212-398-3133; ripleysnewyork.com Rockefeller Center - Considered one of the outstanding architectural achievements in the world, the internationally famous landmark is renowned for its exquisitely maintained Art Deco ornamentation. The 70–story masterpiece is the GE Building (“30 Rock”), decorated inside and out with murals and reliefs celebrating Wisdom and the advances in electronic communication. The Lower Plaza offers summer dining in a garden setting, below street level in the shadow of one of New York’s great landmarks. Overlooking it all is Paul Manship’s famous 18-foot, eight-ton gilded bronze statue of Prometheus. Fifth to Sixth Ave. btw. 48th & 51th Sts., 212-632-3975; rockefellercenter.com Skyline Segway Tour – New York’s only Segway tour, offering amazing skyline views of the city from New Jersey’s 1,212-acre waterfront Liberty State Park. Sights include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Central NJ Railroad, the George Washington Bridge, the High Line park, and the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, among others. Tours depart from Battery Park at State & Water Sts., and include a 20-minute Segway-riding lesson. Battery Park, 212-260-0400; skylinesegway.com Spirit Cruises – Spirit Cruises is New York’s most vibrant and entertaining dining vessel. Its bountiful buffets, stunning skyline and Statue of Liberty views and non-stop DJ music provide a one-of-a-kind New York experience. Lunch and dinner cruises daily. Upcoming cruises include: Gospel Lunch Cruise (12/7); New York Santa Lunch Cruise (12/14); New Year’s Eve Family Lunch Cruise (12/31); New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise (12/31); New Year’s Day Lunch and Dinner Cruises (1/1); Valentine’s Day Weekend Dining Cruises (2/14-15). Chelsea Piers, 23rd St. & the Hudson River, 866-483-3866; spiritcruises.com

Statue Cruises – The Statue of Liberty is officially open. Visitors have access to Liberty Island, including the grounds, pedestal, the statue, and limited areas on Ellis Island. Statue Cruises also offers up to 20 Statue of Liberty Harbor Tours every day, offering the closest possible views of famed New York City landmarks with on-board National Park Service Rangers lending their valuable expertise to passengers. 877-523-9849; statuecruises.com Sugartooth Tours – A dessert-only walking tour of NYC. Sugartooth Tours is structured to include no more than 16 people per tour, keeping the experience intimate and conversational. Visitors can expect to be taken to some of the most famous dessert locations in NYC, as well as some of the best-kept secret sweet spots. In addition to tasting a minimum of six neighborhood delicacies on each tour, a thorough historical and culinary background is included at each stop via a licensed NYC tour guide. The Union Square Holiday Dessert Tour runs through 12/22. Call or visit website for schedule. 800-838-3006; sugartoothtours.com Top of the Rock – Capture the most comprehensive and stunning view of the city up to 70 floors above street level at Rockefeller Center. Top of the Rock is chockfull of modern, innovative features, with three decks featuring outdoor terraces and indoor space. Open daily, 8am-midnight. Last elevator at 11pm. Reserved-time tickets available. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, (W. 50th St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.), 877-692-7625; topoftherocknyc.com World Yacht – With a fleet of four beautiful vessels, World Yacht is an idyllic setting for romantic dinners, dinner parties, Sunday brunches — with a complimentary mimosa, of course — and more. Each vessel is climatecontrolled and offers a two-level dining room, dance floor, and spacious outdoor decks. Dinner cruises sail year round; guests enjoy a four-course dinner, breathtaking views of New York City skyline, music and entertainment. Upcoming events include a New Year’s Cruise on 12/31. Pier 81, W. 41st St., 212-630-8100; worldyacht.com Yankee Stadium Tours – Tour the home of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, a fantastic destination for all ages. Bring your group or family and experience all that the new Yankee Stadium has to offer, including Monument Park — where you’ll see legendary Yankees’ monuments, plaques, and retired numbers — and the Yankees Museum Presented by Bank of America, with World Series trophies, rings, and baseball artifacts. Yankee Stadium, 1 E. 161st St., 646-977-8687; yankees.com/tours

11/12/13 8:29 PM

DININGNEW YORK

DINING

New York

Caviar Russe

Le Cirque

Le Cirque has been a New York institution since it opened in 1974 at the Mayfair Hotel. In its current home in a two-story setting, you dine under a very elegant “big top” light shade in a space that reflects pleasure and happiness. Behind the all-glass bar is a kaleidoscope wine tower that connects to the mezzanine. Operated by Sirio Maccioni, his wife, and three sons, the Le Cirque restaurant group now includes the whimsical Italian eatery Osteria del Circo, Sirio in the Pierre Hotel, and several branches outside of New York. Some of today’s most famous chefs began their careers here and many of the recipes are included in their first cookbook, A Table at Le Cirque by Sirio Maccioni and Pamela Fiori. The gorgeous signature lobster salad can be ordered as an appetizer or entrée. Chunks of fresh, tender lobster are artfully arranged with slices of avocado, caviar, haricot vert, perhaps an asparagus stalk, and some crème fraiche. Another tasty appetizer is Foie Gras Ravioli with cabbage marmalade and truffle foam. The Paupiette of Black Bass Le Cirque entrée is just plain yummy. Rolled in a paper thin and crispy potato “crute” the fish is tender and flaky. Rack of lamb for two, another signature dish, is prepared with fennel and peppers, or broad beans and goat cheese. Either way, it’s delicious. For a truly unique experience, reserve a spot at their “Chef’s Table” where you can get front-row seats to the culinary action inside their famed kitchen and enjoy a special chef’s tasting menu paired with wines from their award-winning cellar. This boutique restaurant began as a tasting room for international clients shopping for the best caviar for their own restaurants. When it became a restaurant in its own right it was unanimously praised by The New York Times and other major media and recently earned a Michelin star. With just 25 seats, this intimate room with Old World murals and carved wooden moldings is lighted with Murano chandeliers. There is also a private party room and small bar at the open kitchen for caviar tastings and crudo.

The crème brûlée is not only delectable, but you want to get to the bottom of it so you can see the recipe imprinted in the dish. The Crepe Suzette dessert, complete with tableside flambé, was recently chosen by Zagat as one of the top 100 dishes in New York. Lunch Monday to Friday, 11:45am to 2:30pm; dinner Monday to Saturday 5:30 to 11pm. Closed Sunday.

All the caviars—Caspian, Siberian, and American—are sustainably raised and a fun way to begin your caviar experience here is with the introductory plate with several mother-of-pearl spoons and different choices. In addition to spoons, you can order a “purse.” This is a crepe blini filled with 10 grams of caviar and tied with a scallion leaf, or share a larger service for your table with toast points, blini, potatoes, and crème fraiche. Executive Chef Chris Agnew, a veteran of Alain Ducasse, created a tasting menu with dishes like Risotto with Sea Urchin and Siberian Caviar, or the signature Foie Gras Terrine layered with prosciutto and quince. The menu offers 10 selections of seafood, meat and game, and pasta, such as Taglietelli with Farm Egg, a wonderfully satisfying and earthy dish with white Alba truffles shaved over it. In winter Agnew likes to roast venison and serve it up with three variations on a particular vegetable, such as beets. Even dessert includes caviar: a dollop is served on top of the caramelized brioche with a pan-seared sliver of Asian pear and white chocolate ice cream. For a sublime finish to your repast, a freshly baked Madeleine is presented to you in a linen napkin folded into a petite basket. This is indeed the good life!

Location 538 Madison Avenue, Second Floor • 212-980-5908 • caviarrusse.com

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Lunch, crudo, dinner, Monday to Saturday noon to 10 pm; Sunday brunch noon to 4 pm. Location 151 E. 58th Street • 212-644-0202 • lecirque.com

11/12/13 8:33 PM

winter

cheer

By Marian Betancourt

Sea Grill

Le Perigord As soon as you walk into Le Perigord on the Upper East Side you know that you want to stay for awhile. In this elegant environment of warm gold and greens, soft lighting, fine linens, and fresh roses, you can enjoy great food and wine and be able to converse with your dinner partners as if in your own home. Owner, host, and wine steward par excellence, Georges Briguet, a big, affable man, born in the Rhone Valley of Switzerland, has been welcoming his guests here with obvious pleasure since 1964 and shows no sign of growing tired of it as he approaches his golden anniversary. Early on, Craig Claiborne came to dinner with Julia Child as his guest, and gave the restaurant a four-star review in The New York Times.

Like Briguet, the staff wears tuxedos, creating an environment that while formal is also very congenial. They take the time to discuss the menu and the wine list, and offer you a baguette or brioche while you decide. And when your food arrives, they will carve and serve it for you tableside. Evan Sung

Sarah Girner

Chef Joel Benjamin, who came to Le Perigord after nine years at Lutèce, is originally from Brittany and puts his own spin on the best French classics. Goose liver from their namesake Perigord region is fashioned into a delicate and tasty foie gras served cold in an aspic of Sauternes or warm with seasonal fruit. Dover sole is prepared with lemon butter sauce, or grilled with mustard sauce. Either way it is sensational. For Lamb Provençal en croute, the eye loin is trimmed of all fat, seared at high heat, bundled with vegetables and rolled in pastry dough. The roast duck with seasonal fruits is another signature, and the winter menu may include quail with mushrooms in a truffle sauce.

Lunch Monday to Friday noon to 3 pm; dinner daily 5:30 to 9:45 pm.

Enjoy a rink-side table for lunch or dinner in this temple to seafood with floor to ceiling windows looking onto the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink. Bring the family because there is a children’s menu. The signature Sea Grill Chowder with lobster, shrimp, clams, and smoked bacon is a tasty winter first course. Also try the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, which is lightly dusted with ground corn flakes and baked rather than fried. It is served with stone ground mustard sauce. Another favorite is the Rock Roll, a rock shrimp tempura with spiced Japanese mayonnaise and soy sauce. Chilled seafood platters for two or four persons are very popular with friends enjoying after work cocktails in the lounge. They consist of ceviches of Long Island fluke, oysters with plum wine granite, Blue Island littleneck clams, and wild Long Island mussels. If you love lobster, you can get all you want with Chef Yuhi Fujinaga’s three-course prix-fixe lobster dinner of Lobster Carpaccio, Lobster Risotto, and Grilled Lobster Pot that also includes shrimp, mussels clams, chorizo, and red bliss potatoes. From the a la carte menu, choose from such entrées as Montauk Wild Ocean Striped Bass a la Plancha with edamame puree, haricot vert, baby carrots, pearl onions, and lobster emulsion. A must-have dessert is the sweet-tart signature Key Lime Pie with a glaze of Angostura bitters and fresh cream.

Location 19 W. 49th Street • 212-332-7610 • theseagrillnyc.com

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Lunch weekdays 11:30 to 3 pm; dinner Monday to Saturday 5 to 10 pm, Lounge weekdays 4:30 to 10 pm, Saturdays 2 to 10 pm. Location 405 E. 52nd Street • 212-755-6244 • leperigord.com

11/12/13 8:34 PM

DININGNEW YORK

DINING

New York

Hardings

Bouley

Nicole Bartelme

Hardings is a warm and welcoming restaurant in a landmark 1895 building with a 25-foot ceiling, an eclectic décor of old prints, an antique flag and a large, square handmade wooden bar. Big easy chairs in the front lounge allow you to watch the scene outside while keeping warm. You can also gather your friends for drinks in a small private room glowing with candlelight. Bartenders in bowties and suspenders create cocktails like the Martinez, a sort of winter martini of gin, equal amounts of both sweet and dry vermouths, cherry liqueur, and most important, it is stirred, not shaken. A tangy orange peel is twisted and misted over the glass. To increase your pleasure, try a Fig Toast—grilled country bread with garlic butter, whipped goat cheese, and dried mission figs rehydrated with red wine and balsamic vinegar. You could stop right there and be perfectly happy, but Chef Ariel Fox, who grew up on a small farm in California and trained at Le Cordon Bleu, creates dishes that bring modern culinary ideas to what she calls “flashes of nostalgia.” Winter, according to Fox, is all about slow cooking and roasting and she prepares a sumptuous dish of braised short ribs, “sauced” with potato puree and accompanied by sweet and juicy roasted baby turnips. Justifiably famous is Fox’s Griddle Cakes dessert. Imagine your favorite childhood breakfast with butter and maple syrup. Then top it with a very sinful scoop of whiskey-soaked ice cream. True winter cheer! Serious foodies should come early in the week and early in the evening for as the weekend approaches, Hardings is more crowded and noisy. Lunch Monday to Friday noon to 3 pm; dinner Monday to Saturday, 6 to 11 pm; Bar Monday to Saturday, 4:30 to 1 am. Closed Sunday.

Several hundred fresh apples line the shelved walls of the foyer at Bouley like little round books in a library, their perfume intoxicating. Pass through to the dining room and you are in a country home with upholstered dining chairs and banquettes, carpeted floors, fresh flowers and a welcoming fireplace. At this Michelin-starred restaurant, the table comes first and you won’t find anybody peeking at their iPhones. David Bouley, who trained many of today’s top chefs, has held the highest Zagat rating since he began and remains on the cutting edge of culinary inspiration. His dishes are largely organic and local with a lightness and complexity that leaves you thinking about them long afterward. While you decide whether you want to choose from the famous fivecourse tasting menu, you will be presented with an amuse bouche, perhaps a tiny bun of apple foam enclosing some tangy pearls of salmon roe. Other wonderful choices include Forager’s Treasure of Wild Mushrooms with sweet garlic, special spices, grilled toro (tuna belly) and black truffle. The Organic Connecticut Farm Egg is softly poached in a coconut garlic broth and wrapped in a paper thin slice of grilled Serrano ham. Big Eye Tuna is trimmed to dice-sized cubes with pearls of caviar, green apple, and bergamot. It is presented in a domed glass bowl, and your waiter removes the dome to a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” from the table. New England Black Sea Bass is accompanied by purees of rose beets and blonde rhutabaga, sprinkled with toasted pine nuts. The Hot Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé of white coffee cloud, coffee ice cream and chocolate mousse is a happy ending to a marvelous experience.

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Location 163 Duane Street • 212-964-2525 • bouleynyc.com

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Lunch and dinner seven days a week, 11:30 am to 11:30 pm. Location 32 East 21st Street • 212-600-2105 • hardingsnyc.com

11/12/13 8:34 PM

winter Eleven Madison Park

cheer

Peacock Alley Peacock Alley was so named for the fashionable swells who strolled through the original Waldorf=Astoria at the turn of the last century in order to be seen. Today this is still a place to see world leaders and celebrities, though they are usually less formally attired. Winter is especially festive and you can enjoy the “scene” while you have breakfast, lunch, a dinner of small plates, or cocktails. Peacock Salad is an entrée salad so popular for lunch it is always on the menu; the ingredients simply change with the season. In winter, it may include kale and other greens, roasted chestnuts, butternut squash, toasted pumpkin seeds, and maple cider dressing. Pan seared dayboat scallops are warming and delicious with butternut squash, pearl onions, and Puy lentils. The Waldorf roof is also abuzzwith hives providing honey for desserts such as Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Rooftop Honey Meringue and Cinnamon Ice Cream. An Artisanal Cheese Plate with Rooftop Honey with candied nuts and fig cake is a wonderful repast with drinks. Red Velvet Cake was invented at the Waldorf and has been reinvented for the modern diner and colored with beet juice rather than food dye. It is also made into mini-red velvet cupcakes frosted with mascarpone cream cheese and garnished with a couple of crispy paper thin beet chips. Adding to the enjoyment, the nightly piano player transforms the area into a magical place to be. Breakfast Monday to Friday 7 to 10 am; Lunch Monday to Friday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; Small plates, Monday to Saturday, 2:30 to 10 pm, Sunday 2:30 to 7:30 pm.

This may be the “starriest” of the city’s restaurants with three stars from Michelin, four from The New York Times and more. Located in a former insurance building with two-story windows overlooking Madison Square Park, it is modestly adorned with large vases of winter jasmine, honeysuckle, and pussy willows. Under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Humm, this has been transformed into a temple of extraordinary cuisine where you will be warmed and welcomed with an experience you are not likely to forget.

NYC

Lunch Thursday to Saturday, noon to 1 pm; dinner Monday to Sunday 5:30 to 10 pm. Location 11 Madison Avenue • 212-889-0905 • elevenmadisonpark.com

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There are no menus here and your dinner remains a mystery until it appears before you. You will be asked if you have any particular likes, dislikes, or food allergies; then, whether you prefer beef, duck or a vegetarian meal. Just sit back and wait for the adventure to begin. Winter to this chef means truffles, an ingredient he says he can’t live without, so you can count on them in some dish. It has also been reported that a truly succulent honey lavender-glazed roast duck appears from time to time. Humm is from Switzerland and trained in Europe and has become an advocate for New York State ingredients, publishing his recent I Love New York cookbook. According to Humm combining parsnips with apples and pears in a soup brings out the natural sweetness and makes for a great, soulful dish and brings you warmth in the perfect season. Of course, there is no menu listing this soup, but you may just get to taste that—or something like it. After dinner the fun continues with a visit to the kitchen to chat with the chefs. Location The Waldorf=Astoria, 301 Park Avenue • 212-872-1275 • peacockalleyrestaurant.com

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Promenade PICKS Oceana

A staple of NYC’s seafood-dining scene for over 20 years, located in a glittering and expansive Rockefeller Center space since 2009, Oceana offers a main dining room, three unique settings for private dining (The Wine Room, The Grand Salon, and The Chef’s Table), and additional outdoor seating during the warmer months.

Mona Zubair

A pure and natural ethos characterizes Executive Chef Ben Pollinger’s cooking style. Through his innovative compositions, traditional preparations of whole fish and other offerings are transformed into superb global cuisine. He works with nothing short of the best seasonally available whole fish, fillets, and shellfish and prepares them with flavor profiles you may not have experienced before — such as fish with robust Indian spices, a light and Mediterranean-inspired preparation, or an all-American iconic dish like the lobster roll. Although any restaurateur or chef will tell you that the greatest reward is getting a positive response from patrons, Oceana has sustained quite a few more tangible ones as well. Oceana earned its seventh Michelin star for 2014, and in his three-star review, former Times critic Frank Bruni wrote, “The fish was excellent, and superbly cooked. More than that, it was a vessel for an exhilarating voyage around the world, through culinary traditions as disparate as Italian and Indian.” On top of it all, Wine Director Pedro Goncalves curates a wine list that features over 1000 selections and a “Just Gin” list with over 40 different varieties.

Hakkasan New York Hakkasan New York, the authentic modern Cantonese restaurant located in midtown Manhattan, has been awarded the esteemed one star rating from Michelin for the second year in a row. In addition, the restaurant has been honored with a notable Concierge Choice Award (conciergechoiceawards.com) for 2013. Hakkasan New York continues to be home to one of the city’s most popular dining destinations since opening in 2012. The prominent restaurant features outstanding contemporary Cantonese cuisine, an extensively curated cocktail and beverage selection, and impeccable service creating an unparalleled dining experience. The stunning, 11,000-square-foot space includes a spectacular 80-foot entranceway greets guests as they enter the 200-cover restaurant, which has been designed with a deep blue color scheme and red and pink undertones, punctuated by Italian marble slabs, semi-transparent glass and mirrors.

NYC

Every Sunday from 4-9pm, they offer 50% off their award-winning wine collection (including the coveted White Burgundy and Bordeaux), and in January they plan to begin serving breakfast. They will be closed on Christmas Day, but open on Christmas Eve from 5 to 10pm for their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. Location 120 W. 49th St. • 212-759-5941 • oceanarestaurant.com

Special dishes inspired by local flavors and influences have been created for the New York clientele by Chef Ho Chee Boon, and include stir-fry lobster with wild mushroom XO sauce, and truffle braised egg noodle with enoki mushroom. Hakkasan classics are also available, plus bespoke Asian-inspired desserts and specialty cocktails.

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Dinner Mon.-Wed., 5:30 to 11pm; Thurs.-Sat. until midnight. Sun., 5:30-10pm. Sat. & Sun. brunch, 11:30am-3pm Locations 311 W. 43rd St. • 212-776-1818 • hakkasan.com/newyork

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American ABC Kitchen - Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Dan Kluger impress diners inside ABC Carpet & Home with a mission to “engage in regionallygrown, organically focused cuisine that is rooted in cultivating a safe relationship with the environment and our table.” Indulge taste buds with main plates like wood oven roasted Maine lobster. ABC Carpet & Home, 35 E. 18th St., 212-475-5829; abckitchennyc.com

Salmon are just a few signature dishes that you will find along with a full assortment of fresh sushi and sashimi. Dinner, Mon.-Sat., 6pm-close. Breakfast, Mon.-Fri., 6:30am-10:30am and Sat.-Sun., 6:30am-3pm. 107 Rivington St., 212-796-8040; co-oprestaurant.com

Doral Arrowwood - Located on the property of Westchester County’s Doral Arrowwood hotel and picturesque golf course, diners are treated to three dining options. Dine al fresco at Mulligan’s Outdoor Cafe, which overlooks the ninth green and features salads, light dishes, and grilled special-

Aldea -Named after the Portuguese word for village, Aldea’s seasonal, New American menu is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula and Chef George Mendes’ heritage. Searching for the rustic and elemental properties in his cooking, Mendes breaks down his menu between land and sea, and allows the cutting edge flavor combinations to guide palates. 31 W. 17th St., 212-675-7223; aldearestaurant.com Betony - Named after an herb in the mint family renowned for its healing qualities, this new midtown restaurant features modern American dishes such as Marinated Trout Roe with Puffed Rice and Cucumber; Grilled Short Ribs; Poached Lobster with Chestnuts and Spices; and Red Plum Cake with Ricotta and Perilla for dessert. All baking, including breads, is done in-house. 41 W. 57th St., 212-465-2400; betony-nyc.com Blue Smoke - Danny Meyer’s award-winning BBQ joint menu includes spareribs Kansas City-style (saucy), Memphis baby back ribs, and Texas salt and pepper beef ribs. Catch side dish fever with sweet potato wedge fries with maple dip and Jackie’s fry bread with chipotle butter. Live music at the Jazz Standard downstairs. 116 E. 27th St., 212-447-7733; 255 Vesey St., 212-889-2005; bluesmoke.com The Breslin Bar and Dining Room - Located in the trendy Ace Hotel, The Breslin takes a cue from its hip clientele and pushes the envelope on gastropub fare. The menu offers creative terrine options on the lunch and dinner menus, while lamb burgers, roasted turbot, and pig’s foot for two round out the experimental flavor profile. Ace Hotel, 16 W. 29th St., 212-679-1939; thebreslin.com Bryant Park Grill - Overlooking Bryant Park and set behind the landmarked New York Public Library, this American cuisine gem features romantic dining settings ideal for dates, events, or a night out with friends. From fun and filling salads, to prime meats and fresh seafood, the restaurant’s high-end, traditional menu is a crowd pleaser. 25 W. 40th St., 212-840-6500; arkrestaurants.com CO-OP Food & Drink - Executive Chef James London – formally of The Crow’s Nest in Montauk – combines his deep Southern South Carolina roots with his passion for Japanese cuisine to create a new “East Meets South” menu that is not only unique, but redefines “inventive”. Ginger Fried Chicken, Truffle Mac and Cheese, and Miso Cured

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DININGNEWYORK

ties. The PUB has a wrap-around bar and fireplace as well as 14 high-definition flat-screen TVs, pool tables, dartboards, and a dance floor. The light, airy Atrium serves buffet-style lunches and à la carte dinners. 975 Anderson Hill Road, Rye Brook, NY, 914-939-5500; doralarrowwood.com

large, square handmade wooden bar. Chef Ariel Fox whips up specialties like Fig Toast—grilled country bread with garlic butter, whipped goat cheese, and dried mission figs rehydrated with red wine and balsamic vinegar. 32 East 21st St., 212-600-2105; hardingsnyc.com.

Eleven Madison Park - Relive the glamorous era of Cole Porter and New York’s café society in the sleek, high-ceilinged elegance of what was once the cavernous Art Deco assembly hall of the old Met Life Building. Executive Chef Daniel Humm creates an unforgettable dining presentation with an exquisitely tailored tasting menu. Humm’s epicurean vision seeks to tell an authentic New York City story through innovative flavors presented with each course. 11 Madison Ave. (24th St.), 212-889-0905; elevenmadisonpark.com

The Harrison - Hospitality and contemporary tastes join forces at The Harrison. This Tribeca eatery gives off the vibe of a long-time neighborhood haunt, serving comfort food with a downtown twist. 355 Greenwich St. (Harrison St.), 212-274-9310; theharrison.com

EVR Gastro-Lounge - 5,000 square feet of sleek, haute design and a menu of delectable Nouveau-American dishes, featuring lobster mahi ceviche, wonton wrapped mozarella, a beet and goat cheese terrine, short rib au jus burger petites, and homemade cheesecake lollipops for a sweet end to the meal. Cocktails crafted by in-house mixologist Orson Salicetti, such as the Beauty Leaf (tangerine, vodka, yellow chartreuse, agave nectar, and lime), offer exciting new flavors that are as unique as the lounge itself. 54 W. 39th St., 212-997-3900; evrnyc.com 48 - In Rockefeller Center’s McGraw Hill Building, an upscale cocktail lounge that restores an air of understated elegance to Midtown. Providing a refreshing divergence with its classic ambiance, innovative cocktails and irresistible food. 1221 Sixth Ave. (48th St.), 212-554-4848; 48nyc.com The Four Seasons - A New York culinary monument lives at The Four Seasons. As seasons change, so do the menu and décor at this beautiful restaurant serving excellent American seasonal specialties. The restaurant has two dining rooms: the Pool Room with its trees and marble pool, and the woodpaneled Grill Room. One of America’s most complete wine lists. We strongly recommend that you make your reservation at least 5 to 7 days in advance. 99 E. 52nd St., 212-754-9494; fourseasonsrestaurant.com Gramercy Tavern - Step foot into this classic American tavern for a taste of history and updated classic dishes from beef tartare to roasted lamb. Chef Michael Anthony is the winner of the 2012 James Beard Award for ‘Best Chef: NYC.’ 42 E. 20th St., 212-477-0777; gramercytavern.com Hardings - A warm and welcoming restaurant in a landmark 1895 building with a 25-foot ceiling, an eclectic décor of old prints, an antique flag and a

Inside Park at St. Bart’s - Take in stunning, historic views of the Terrace at St. Bartholomew’s Church, just steps away with intricate, Byzantine-like decorative stenciling, true to the immense room’s original colors, motifs, and craftsmanship, painstakingly replicated on the 30-foot ceiling, as well as on the walls and overhanging balcony. 325 Park Ave., 212-593-3333; insideparknyc.com The Lion -Founding chef and partner of the Waverly Inn, John DeLucie’s restaurant offers his unique, Italian-American take on classic cuisine, including a decadent fresh raw bar, which has attracted both celebrities and serious foodies alike. 62 W. 9th St., 212-353-8400; thelionnyc.com Malt n Mash - Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, this New World pub and grill features “Modernist American fare” from executive chef Nahid Ahmed. The menu is divided into five categories: Raw, Share, Land, Sea and Sweet. The dishes are technique-driven and artfully presented, as items include a roulade of Foie Gras with chipotle peanut butter; Hamachi seasoned with tangerine dashi and togarashi; Sweetbreads with popcorn and ramps; and Octopus with black garlic. 53 Gansevoort St. (near Greenwich St.), 646-561-3931; maltnmash.com Peacock Alley - Named for the fashionable swells who strolled through the original Waldorf=Astoria at the turn of the last century in order to be seen, Peacock Alley still draws quite a distinguished crowd. The popular Peacock Salad always stays on the menu, but the ingredients are tailored to fit the season. The Waldorf=Astoria; 301 Park Ave., 212-872-1275; peacockalleyrestaurant.com. Per Se - Offering stunning views of Central Park from each table, with a décor of dark woods and metal surfaces, and two unique nine-course tasting menus are created to excite your mind, satisfy your appetite and pique your curiosity. Reservations accepted one month in advance. Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle (60th St.), 4th Floor, 212-823-9335; perseny.com

Named after Lever House, the glass-box, international-style skyscraper that rises above it, Casa Lever is one of Manhattan’s ultimate see-and-beseen dining destinations, and where you expect to run into the cast of TV’s Mad Men. Executive Chef Alessandro Caporale offers many outstanding pasta dishes, such as the Linguine with King Crab, Santa Barbara sea urchin, and pepperoncino. Veal Milanese, the traditional breaded chop, is served with wild-arugula-and-tomato salad dressed with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic, and Parmesan. In addition to their Friday and Saturday Chef’s Weekend Dinners, Casa Lever is now offering a Saturday Brunch menu — including a prix-fixe option — that includes specialty egg dishes, classic Casa Lever favorites, and more to the sounds of live music. 390 Park Ave. (53rd St.), 212-888-2700; casalever.com

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The Red Cat - This popular Chelsea bistro—the creation of chef/owner Jimmy Bradley—features clean presentation mixed with cutting edge contemporary flavors such as all natural chicken with grilled lemon, arugula, pickled fennel, radish, and red onion. The spot lives up to its sassy name with sporty red banquettes to match the innovative American plates. Comforting, yet confidently inventive, The Red Cat has it all. 227 Tenth Ave. (23rd St.), 212-242-1122; theredcat.com

ence to Manhattan. Signature dishes include Stir-Fry Lobster with Wild Mushrooms in XO Sauce and Hakka noodle with mushrooms and Chinese chive. A Michelin-starred, elegant oasis in the hubbub of Times Square. 311 W. 43rd St., 212-776-1818; hakkasan.com/newyork

Lychee House - “Modern Chinese” inspired by contemporary culinary practices and ranging from comfort food like shredded sesame chicken to more exotic dishes. Lychee House strives for the freshest, seasonal ingredients to incorporate into their global Chinese menu. Dim Sum available on evenings,

Red Rooster - Restaurateur rock star Marcus Samuelsson successfully conjures up mouthwatering comfort food celebrating the roots of American cuisine and the diverse culinary traditions of its Harlem location. Named in honor of the legendary Harlem speakeasy. 310 Lenox Ave. (125th St.), 212-792-9001; redroosterharlem.com Rock Center Cafe - Boasting up-close views of the Ice Rink, this stylish eatery offers contemporary American specialties such as Atlantic salmon, skirt steak, and corn-flour crusted calamari. 20 W. 50th St., 212-332-7620; rockcentercafeny.com 2 West - An elegant, French-American eatery with park views on the waterfront. Chef James Dangler leads a menu of flavorful and classic comfort foods including a terrine of foie gras, yellowtail hamachi crudo, and the bacon wrapped filet mignon with jumbo asparagus and sauce bordelaise. Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park, 2 West St., 917-790-2525; ritzcarlton.com

argentinian Malbec Wine Bar and Restaurant/Tango House - At Malbec, the star is the Argentinean Malbec wine. They offer the best selection directly imported from Argentina, including special tastings of rare Malbec wines. Of course, grilled meats are their specialty, among other expertly prepared Argentinean dishes. Tango House presents a thrilling tango musical with professional musicians and dancers direct from Buenos Aires. 428 Lafayette St. (so. of Astor Pl.), 212-419-4645; malbechouse.com

Brazilian Texas de Brazil - Scheduled to open their first location in NYC in January 2014, the family-owned Texas de Brazil is an authentic Brazilian-American churrascaria that combines “the culture and feast of Brazil with the service and class of the states.” 1011 Third Ave. (60th St.); texasdebrazil.com

CHINESE Hakkasan New York - The world-renowned modern Chinese restaurant is now in New York City, bringing their authentic Cantonese cuisine, impeccable service and unparalleled dining experi-

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holidays and at weekend brunch. 141 E. 55th St. (Lexington-Third Aves.), 212-753-3900; lycheehouse.com

DELIS Katz’s Delicatessen - Sometimes it’s best to leave a classic alone, as in the case of this legendary deli. This Lower East Side joint has been serving half-pound sandwiches of hot pastrami and corned beef, grilled franks, matzoh ball soup, and more since 1888. Open late Thurs. and all night Fri. & Sat. 205 E. Houston St. (Ludlow St.), 212-254-2246; katzsdelicatessen.com

Located in what their Twitter bio (@EVR_nyc) refers to as “Manhattan’s Empire District,” upon close inspection, versatile is indeed a word that comes to mind when you enter EVR Gastro-Lounge—along with posh, sleek, and cocktails. A sky-high ceiling in the bar area is festooned with industrial cords and light bulbs that mimic stars. The mirrored tile host stand and DJ booth near the entrance contrast with wall mounted cages made of rough iron. The open, airy front gives way to a bi-level, cave-like atmosphere in the back where glass and steel meet scrawled graffiti coming together in a host of Picasso-esque faces. Alternately glitzy and gritty, from specialty cocktails, to business lunches, to after-work hangouts, to late-night revelry; it’s rare to see a place that can do it all, and do it all well. 54 W. 39th St., 212-997-3900; EVRnyc.com

P J Bernstein Deli Restaurant - Family-owned and -run since 1982, serving classic kosher-style deli cuisine including classics both old and new. Offering dine-in, carry-out, delivery and catering. Favorites include pastrami and corned beef piled high, soups, and more. Open 7 days, 8am-9:30pm. 1215 Third Ave. (70th-71st Sts.), 212-879-0914; pjbernstein.com

French/French Bistro Bouchon Bakery - Thomas Keller’s unique twist on French boulangerie fare, with freshly made sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as a wide range of desserts including handmade viennoiserie, confections, pastries, tarts and cookies. Private catering, specialty cakes, such as wedding cakes, and various seasonal and holiday offerings are also available for special order. 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9366; Rockefeller Center on 49th St. btw. 5th & 6th Aves., 212-782-3890; bouchonbakery.com Bouley - At this Michelin-starred restaurant, David Bouley’s dishes are largely organic and local with a lightness and complexity that leaves you thinking about them long afterward. The Organic Connecticut Farm Egg is softly poached in a coconut garlic broth and wrapped in a paper thin slice of grilled Serrano ham, and Big Eye Tuna is trimmed to dice-sized cubes with pearls of caviar, green apple, and bergamot. 163 Duane St., 212-964-2525; bouleynyc.com Brasserie 8 1/2 - Descend an elegant sweeping staircase to enter a world of brasserie bests. A delicate fusion of creativity and comfort, featuring a world-class art collection, haute French cuisine, and a plush atmosphere, complemented by Latin- and Asian-influenced dishes and raw bar. 9 W. 57th St., 212-829-0812; patinagroup.com

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Nestled in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood, just a block away from the esteemed Carnegie Hall, Molyvos has been known for serving soulful Greek cuisine since 1997. Named for the traditional seaside village on the Greek island of Lesvos, Molyvos takes its guests on a multi-sensory journey to the Aegean Sea and all of its bounty and beauty via menus by acclaimed Executive Chef Jim Botsacos and the largest all-Greek wine list in the U.S. Grab a seat by the sunny, windowlined café area near the sprawling bar for a quick lunch or settle into the formal dining room for a leisurely dinner channeling the flavors of the Mediterranean. (There’s also an excellent pre- or post-theatre $38 prix-fixe.) Experience Molyvos’ weekend brunch of delectable chef’s specialties, like “avga sto fourno” or sweet “tsoureki” toast with strawberries, among other must-tries. Even if you can’t relax on a gorgeous Greek island, at least you can eat like you did. 871 Seventh Ave. (55th-56th Sts.), 212-582-7500; molyvos.com

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Jean Georges - Contemporary French works of art created by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. There is both a formal dining room and the more casual Nougatine Room. Reservations are generally taken one month in advance. Jacket and tie required. Trump International Hotel, 1 Central Park West (60th-61st Sts.), 212-299-3900; jean-georges.com Le Cirque - French-Italian cuisine that is just as exciting to the palate as it is a feast for the eye, with dishes such as Poached Scottish Blue Lobster, and Chateaubriand for Two, among many other classics. A dress code is in effect, so jackets required for gentlemen, as are elegant looks for the ladies. 151 E. 58th St., 212-644-0202; lecirque.com Le Périgord - Off the beaten path, just steps past First Avenue lives a French gastronomic pillar. Long regarded as one of New York City’s superb old-school French dining rooms, this refined and luxurious gem is one of the longest-running four-star operations under the same management. The menu blends classical French techniques with a lighter contemporary touch, natural flavors, sauces and spices, and high-quality produce. Jacket and tie required. 405 E. 52nd St., 212-755-6244; leperigord.com

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Minetta Tavern - This Greenwich Village landmark—opened in 1937 and frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Eugene O’Neill, e. e. cummings, and Dylan Thomas—was renovated in 2008 as a Parisian steakhouse meets New York City tavern. Try one of several inventive cocktails and pair with classics like the Black Label Burger or Mouclade. 113 MacDougal St. (Bleecker St.), 212-475-3850; minettatavernny.com The Modern at MoMA - As sleek, elegant, and contemporary as the MoMA that houses it, The Modern, part of Danny Meyer’s elite Union Square Hospitality Group, features original FrenchAmerican cuisine by chef Gabriel Kreuther. Enjoy views of the picturesque sculpture garden in the classic dining room or opt for a more casual menu at the curved marble bar in the Bar Room. Reservations accepted up to 28 days in advance. 9 W. 53rd St., 212-333-1220; themodernnyc.com Nice Matin - An uptown brunch fixture with lunch and dinner menus held in equally high regard. With warm colors, chic light fixtures, and plush chairs, this gorgeous space is lively, yet still conducive to easy conversation. The wine list and

the cocktails are wonderfully imaginative. 201 W. 79th St., 212-873-6423; nicematinnyc.com Orsay - This Upper East Side brasserie features a classic Art Nouveau interior, using rich woods, traditional moldings, and mirrors. The menu marries modern French and classic fare, like the famous chicken liver mousse and foie gras, with an award-winning wine list dominated by French and American varietals. 1057 Lexington Ave. (75th St.), 212-517-6400; orsayrestaurant.com Pomme Palais - Sweet and savory treats from renowned chef Michel Richard inside the iconic Palace Hotel. Don’t miss the handcrafted chocolates made in-house. Breakfast, lunch, and light dinner served as well. The Palace Hotel, 30 E. 51st St. (Madison-Park Aves.), 212-303-7755; pommepalais.com Triomphe - Big flavors tucked in an intimate setting at the Iroquois Hotel. Offering a warm and comfortable atmosphere, both stylish and subtle, and a diverse menu of French American cuisine with an international flair. Iroquois Hotel, 49 W. 44th St., 212-453-4233; triomphe-newyork.com

Villard Michel Richard - Showcasing chef Michel Richard’s fine cuisine within the Villard Mansion, guests dine on bistro-style, indulging in dishes like Prime Cote De Boeuf Au Poivre, a mouthwatering Lobster Burger, and Tuna and Watermelon Tartare. 455 Madison Ave. (50th-51st Sts.), 212-891-8100; villardmichelrichard.com

GERMAN Reichenbach Hall - Otherwise known as “Munich in Midtown,” Reichenbach Hall is a traditional German bierhalle featuring communal tables and serving up authentic fare. With seating for more than 200 people, a full bar including fourteen authentic German beers on tap, and a festive atmosphere enhanced by traditional Bavarian music, it is Oktoberfest every night. Prost! 5 W. 37th St., 212-302-7744; reichenbachhall.com

GREEK Molyvos - Nestled in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood, just a block away from the esteemed

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Carnegie Hall, Molyvos is known for serving soulful Greek cuisine since 1997. Named for the traditional seaside village on the Greek island of Lesvos, Molyvos takes its guests on a multi-sensory journey to the Aegean Sea and all of its bounty and beauty via menus by acclaimed Executive Chef Jim Botsacos and the largest all-Greek wine list in the US. 871 Seventh Ave. (55-56 Sts.), 212-582-7500; molyvos.com

Indian Darbar - Reviewers and patrons consistently give high marks to this cozy, bi-level restaurant and lounge located on the East Side. Zagat rated, Darbar is a superb choice for classic Indian food done extra right with great ambience and service. 152 E. 46th St., 212-681-4500; darbarny.com Dévi - Dévi provides diners with an upscale Indian experience, with lush authentic flavors of Indian home cooking. A prime décor of rich textiles and brightly colored lanterns combine with robust flavorful dishes that take the helm of the Dévi experience. 8 E. 18th St., 212-691-2100; devinyc.com

international and eclectic Alcala - Close to the U.N., take a palate vacation to Spain’s Basque area with

[ Pomme Palais ]

regionally authentic plates with a variety of paellas, hearty and adventurously seasoned meats, and freshly prepared fish. 246 E. 44th St., 212-370-1866; alcalarestaurant.com

Italian Abboccato - “True Italian cuisine in the heart of Manhattan,” with time honored recipes elevated through the talent and techniques of their chefs. An array of cicchetti (little bites), antipasti, and an extensive grappa collection, as well as family-style meals, and specials such as the Terrazza happy hour menu and prix-fixe dinner menu, are all available. 136 W 55th St., 212-265-4000; abboccato.com Casa Lever - “Milan meets Manhattan” at this restaurant from the team behind Sant Ambroeus. The atmosphere is stunning—how could it not be, located in Lever House, a masterpiece of modern architecture, and with modern art adorning the walls? Indulge in classic Milanese Italian dishes and some of the best service in the city. 390 Park Ave. (53rd St.), 212-888-2700; casalever.com Circo - A whimsical Italian eatery created by legendary Sirio Maccioni in collaboration with his wife Egidiana and sons Marco and Mauro. The room resembles a circus tent with its red-and-yellow striped panels and circus ring,

[ Villard Michel Richard ]

Renowned Chef Michel Richard has officially opened his two New York City concepts – Pomme Palais and Villard Michel Richard – located at the iconic New York Palace, where Michel will deliver his refreshingly inventive, signature culinary style reflected with the touches of whimsy and clever presentations for which he is best known. Pomme Palais is filled with an array of Michel’s most loved treats, both sweet and savory, and he further delights New Yorkers with handcrafted specialty chocolates made in-house. The market, located at 51st St. & Madison Ave., is open all day serving breakfast, lunch and light dinner options that can be enjoyed in a casual sit-down setting or taken away. A selection of Michel’s breakfast indulgences include croissants and éclairs as well as croque monsieur & madame sandwiches. Soups such as lobster bisque and white bean, salads such as frisée with lardons and spinach with bacon vinaigrette and Michel’s favorite items like fried chicken and gougères, are lunch and light dinner options. 30 E. 51st St. (Madison-Park Aves.), 212-303-7755; pommepalais.com At Villard Michel Richard, Richard showcases his masterful culinary techniques and vibrant artistic imagination. Located in the historic Villard Mansion at 50th St. & Madison Ave., the restaurant playfully juxtaposes Michel’s casual French-American cuisine alongside décor that showcases the gilded opulence of the landmarked space. (A special gourmet tasting menu is also available at the Gallery in Villard Michel Richard.) Open for dinner only, the Gallery serves as Michel’s signature fine dining room that presents modern twists on sophisticated, lighter French fare. 455 Madison Ave. (50th-51st Sts.), 212-891-8100; villardmichelrichard.com Both Pomme Palais and Villard Michel Richard have been created by renowned designer Jeffrey Beers. Jeffrey worked closely with Michel to elegantly showcase his jovial spirit, emphasize his art of cuisine, and elevate the total culinary experience within each space. Pomme Palais evokes a jewel-box of a pastry shop unleashing a cheery and imaginative market setting with a vibrant color palette. Villard Michel Richard reveals a more refined and dramatic dining experience. The inspired design honors the landmark interiors of the New York Palace’s Villard Mansion while infusing the space with contemporary energy and distinct elements of Michel’s playfulness.

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designed by Adam D. Tihany. The menu includes Maccioni family favorites, housemade pastas, an array of tantalizing meat and fish dishes, and their famous Tuscan 30-vegetable and cannellini bean soup, along with show-stopping Italian desserts. 120 W. 55th St., 212-265-3636; circonyc.com La Masseria - “A farmhouse in the middle of Manhattan,” offering authentic classic dishes from the Puglia region of Italy, utilizing the freshest natural ingredients for simple, pastas, risottos, and meat and fish dishes. The rustic decor blends rural Italian style, nostalgia and charm, complementing the top notch cuisine and extensive wine list. 235 W. 48th St., 212-582-2111; lamasserianyc.com

Japanese and sushi Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill - Featuring some of the freshest fish this side of Tokyo, served in a lovely wood-and-mural setting. Delicious cooked entrées are available for those not intrigued by the extensive raw fish selections. Quality sake options

round out the pristine menu. Open 7 days; 12pm-2am. 119 Sullivan St. (Spring-Prince Sts.), 212-343-0404; 308 W. 58th St., 212-397-0404; blueribbonrestaurants.com BondSt - This high-end Japanese restaurant focuses on the finest and freshest delicacies of

Locanda Verde - A casual, energetic neighborhood Italian taverna in Tribeca serving celebrated chef Andrew Carmellini’s soul-satisfying riffs on Italian cooking. Treat yourself to the addictive crostini selections, which compliment the wellrounded wine list and inventive cocktail selection. 377 Greenwich St. (North Moore-Greenwich St.), 212-925-3797; locandaverdenyc.com Marea - Chef Michael White offers a fresh interpretation of Italian coastal cuisine with a strong focus on impeccably prepared seafood, in addition to fresh raw selections. Dishes such as sea urchin with lardo, lobster with burrata, eggplant funghetto, and seared sea scallops with potato puree stick out as true culinary gems. 240 Central Park S. (Broadway), 212-582-5100; marea-nyc.com OTTO Enoteca and Pizzeria - Reminiscent of an Italian train station, Otto, or “eight” in Italian, delivers a world of pizza, cooked on a griddle instead of in an oven, that ranges from traditional margheritas to more creative interpretations, like pizza topped with spicy salami, cacio, and mozzarella. Sample antipasti, cheeses or appetizers that include eggplant, and white beans and balsamic. Wine drinkers, from sippers to sommeliers, will enjoy a choice of 500 Italian labels. 1 Fifth Ave. (8th St.), 212-995-9559; ottopizzeria.com Patsy’s - Renowned for its celebrity clientele (it was Frank Sinatra’s favorite), this landmark has been family-run since 1944. The Neapolitan cuisine is heavenly, including stuffed veal chops marsala, spicy lobster fra diavolo, savory calamari stuffed with seafood, and more. A “must go” New York favorite. 236 W. 56th St., 212-247-3491; patsys.com Sirio Ristorante - Located in the Pierre, a Taj Hotel New York, Sirio offers traditional Tuscan cuisine in a Fellini-esque atmosphere, with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Italian vintages. The Caviar Bar features specially selected labeled caviar imported from Italy,—as well as an array of seafood, including oysters. 795 Fifth Ave. (61st St.), 212-940-8195; siriony.com

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the sea. They boast one of the most extensive sake menus in the city, along with their own saketinis, available in the cozy, candle-lit lounge downstairs, or more formal dining areas upstairs. From playful tempura to catch of the day raw delicacies, BondSt is sushi nirvana. 6 Bond St. (Broadway-Lafayette St.), 212-777-2500; bondstrestaurant.com Cherry – This stunning restaurant/supper club serves a menu of modern Japanese cuisine melded with classic French influences as well as a varied selection of new takes on classic sushi and sashimi. The menu of crafted cocktails is complemented by one of the city’s largest selections of Sake. Sultry fabrics and subtle lighting bathe the downstairs dining room in a veil of elegance and mystery. 355 W. 16th St., 212-929-5800; cherrynyc.com

[ Rock Center Café ]

Overlooking Rockefeller Center’s landmark Prometheus statue and the famed ice-skating rink during the colder months, Rock Center Café serves up delectable American grill fare from Executive Chef Antonio Prontelli in an unforgettable setting. Fresh roasted vegetables, Atlantic salmon, Mushroom Risotto, and the RCC Chef’s Burger — a savory blend of DeBragga Black Angus Short-Rib and Chuck, New York Sharp Cheddar, and House-cured Pickles — are big menu standouts. Try one of Rock Center Café’s housecrafted cocktails to pair with your plates, like the Pear Bellini, Strawberry Margarita, and Lemon Citrus Martini. Dessert features the timeless Big Apple favorite, New York Cheesecake, and other sweet treats by Pastry Chef Michael Gabriel. Breakfast served Mon.-Fri., 7:30-10am; lunch served Mon.-Fri., 10:30am-4pm, Sat.-Sun., 10am-4pm; dinner served Sun.-Thurs., 4-11pm, Fri.-Sat., 4pm-12am. Rockefeller Center, 20 W. 50th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-332-7620; patinagroup.com

Hakubai - The only branch of Japan’s renowned ancient Nadaman restaurant, and one of the very few in the U.S. serving Kaiseki, which has its roots in Zen Buddhism and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Both the dishes and food change with the seasons. The elegant, comfortable Tatami rooms feature perfect presentation and flawless service. Kitano Hotel, 66 Park Ave. (38th St.), 212-885-7111; kitano.com/dining/hakubai Masa - Owner Masa Takayama’s four-star restaurant continues to elate sushi enthusiasts. Evoking the quiet aura of a rare temple, the décor is simple while the finest fish selections are prepared with painstaking care by the staff. Sit at the 27-foot-long sushi bar, and watch Masa in his zone. Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle (Broadway and 59th.), 4th Floor, 212-823-9800; masanyc.com Ninja New York - A one-of-a-kind, entertaining dining experience featuring a recreated 18th-c. Japanese ninja village and high-end contemporary sJapanese cuisine. 25 Hudson St. (Reade-Duane Sts.), 212-274-8500; ninjanewyork.com

[ Del Frisco’s Grille ]

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Part of the famed Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House brand, Del Frisco’s Grille invites diners in with an expansive bar, wood-burning oven, spacious leather seating, and stylish overhead linen lanterns that give off a comforting glow. Attention to quality, fresh ingredients, and innovative flavors set Del Frisco’s Grille apart from a traditional dining experience. Sharable plates — ranging from Ahi Tacos to Lollipop Chicken Wings — will appeal to a variety of taste buds. Greens take a big seat at the table, with the Steakhouse Salad with Broiled Prime Sliced Steak, Deviled Egg, Crunchy Cress, Avocado, Bacon, Parmesan, Blue Cheese, and Lemon-Horseradish Dressing. Of course, the best of land and sea are equally represented ; prepare your palate for Sole Francese with Lump Crab, Arugula-Cherry Tomato Salad, topped with Chive-Lemon Butter, and Del Frisco’s Signature Steaks, from the 12oz Filet Mignon to the 16oz Prime Ribeye, both rich, buttery smooth, and bursting with flavor. Lunch served Mon.Sun., 11am-3pm. Open for dinner Sun., 4-10pm, Mon.-Sat., 4-11pm. Rockefeller Center, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-767-0371; delfriscosgrille.com

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Nobu - Since its 1994 opening, celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa has raised the bar with his daring cuisine that fuses influences from Tokyo to Peru in partnership with restaurateur Drew Nieporent and actor Robert De Niro. David Rockwell’s lovely Japanese countryside setting showcases yellowtail tuna tartare, monkfish liver pate, both served with caviar, squid “pasta” with asparagus, butter and garlic or New Style Sashimi, seared in garlic, ginger, sesame seeds and scallions. 105 Hudson St. (Franklin St.), 212-219-0500; noburestaurants.com Nobu Next Door - Superstar chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous fusion menu of Asian and South American delicacies is now available at this spin-off restaurant. Featuring a simpler menu than its famed neighbor Nobu and David Rockwell designed décor, Nobu Next Door is also a joint venture of Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and Tribeca Grill restaurateur Drew Nieporent. 105 Hudson St. (Franklin St.), 212-334-4445; noburestaurants.com Sugiyama - Chef-owner Nao Sugiyama’s creates the finest in Kaiseki meal presentation with his own

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twist that emphasizes the sensory aspects of dining experience. Kaiseki dining—multi-course, prixfixe dinners that range from the mini-Kaiseki to a majestic 14-course extravaganza—are all personally prepared behind an open counter. 251 W. 55th St., 212-956-0670; sugiyama-nyc.com

KOREAN Bann - The premier destination in New York for modern Korean cuisine. Young Choi, owner of Woo Lae Oak, got even more creative with Bann, the city’s highest-rated Korean restaurant according to Zagat. The elegant, cool ambiance is characterized by the hand-crafted copper bar and marble tables, with the flickering flames of smokeless barbecue grills in the center of each table—the fare is very eclectic. 350 W. 50th St., 212-582-4446; bannrestaurant.com Jungsik - Fine Korean dining at the hands of Chef Jungsik Yim, from crispy pork belly to delicate black cod. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday. 2 Harrison St. (Hudson St.), 212-219-0900; jungsik.kr

Mexican/Tex-Mex El Parador Café - NYC’s oldest—and one of the most authentic—Mexican restaurant. Recommended dishes include the mole poblano, Mexico’s national dish with a half-chicken stewed in a complex, multi-layered sauce with over 24 ingredients. Lauded for having the best ceviche by The Times, and named the city’s top Mexican restaurant by Open Table diners. 325 E. 34th St., 212-679-6812; elparadorcafe.com MAYA - Chef Richard Sandoval innovates the Tequileria trend with his Upper East Side Mexican eatery. Spinning traditional cuisine, Maya puts emphasis on a modern menu, boasting inventive guacamoles from traditional to spicy crab, refreshing ceviche, heartily packed quesadillas, and mouthwatering chef’s specials like slow roasted pork carnitas and mahi mahi “a la talla”. Accompanying the impressive menu is an extensive tequila list, 200 bottles strong, some of which are infused in-house, for diners to sip straight up or mixed into artfully crafted cocktails. 1191 First Ave., 212-585-1818; richardsandoval.com/mayany

Ofrenda - A cozy and rustic restaurant, offering the authentic flavors of Mexican home-style cooking in all its varieties. Excellent values include Oaxacan style mole, grilled pork chuletas, grilled sirloin steak, chile relleno, and fried sweet plantains with salsa verde and queso fresco. Dinner 7 days, and Sat./Sun. brunch. 113 Seventh Ave. South (W. 10th-Christopher Sts), 212-924-2305; ofrendanyc.com VIKTOR & Spoils - A modern Mexican taqueria and tequila bar serving classic and new style tacos alongside a world-class tequila, mezcal, and cocktail program by Steve Olson, a leading expert and acting wine and spirits consultant for Bon Appetit. V&S combines Executive Chef James London’s globally influenced menu of tacos, taquitos, nachos, Elote corn, and churros with Olson’s passion and expertise for Mexican culture and artisanal products to create an authentic experience. 105 Rivington St., 212-475-3485; hotelonrivington.com

SCANDINAVIAN Aquavit - This modern Scandinavian establishment reflects the best of minimalist mid-century design

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with its pale wood tones, soft indirect lighting, and unique tableware. The menu focuses on “seasonal Nordic cusine,” with plates like beet gravlax, and herring in strained buttermilk. A large selection of aquavits—potato vodka infused with fruits or spices—is available, along with cocktails inspired by the region. 65 E. 55th St., 212-307-7311; aquavit.org

Seafood Caviar Russe - This jewel box boite is one of America’s largest caviar importers, and they let you taste the caviar you are buying. In addition to the retail component, which offers gift boxes and much more, their restaurant offers a tasting menu with exquisite caviar selections, dinner a la carte, raw bar, and more. 2013 Michelin Star rated. 538 Madison Ave. (54th-55th Sts.), 2nd Floor, 212-980-5908; caviarrusse.com McCormick & Schmick’s - Fresh seafood, tender steaks and fine wines in a classic “private club” atmosphere. Their menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They also source products from local ranches, farms and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes. Their goal is to exceed your dining expectations. 1285 Sixth Ave. (51st St.), 212-459-1222; mccormickandschmicks.com Oceana - Oceana pulls out all the stops with a comprehensive seafood lover’s menu, featuring fresh whole fish, prime meats, naturally raised fowl, stunning desserts, and dishes that reflect the season’s freshest flavors. Complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, chef ’s table, and outdoor dining, Oceana also recently introduced a renovated café area, transforming the former raw bar into a space at which to enjoy a drink and a variety of the finest oysters and other small plates. 120 W. 49th St., 212-759-5941; oceanarestaurant.com The Sea Fire Grill - Seasonally focused contemporary American seafood and an elegant yet classic experience. Guests are passionate about the daily East and West coast oysters, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Wild Striped Bass. 158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785; theseafiregrill.com

SPANISH/TAPAS Calle Ocho - This enormous restaurant inside New York’s Hotel Excelsior is named for 8th Street, the site of the annual festival in the Cuban area of Miami known as Little Havana. It has a long bar with dark red leather seats, red walls, and an open kitchen within the dining room that turns out Pan-Latin cuisine. 45 W. 81st St., 212-873-5025; calleochonyc.com Tio Pepe - “It’s party time at Tio Pepe,” a Greenwich Village Spanish and Mexican eatery that’s been open since 1970. Experience a lively bar scene, a sidewalk cafe, Latino music, and a main dining room with a skylight garden patio room, chandeliers, and stone and brick walls. The fresh guacamole is made to order in tableside stone bowls, the corn chips are warm, the salsa is snappy, and jumbo pitchers of margaritas and excellent sangria are the order of the day. 168 W. 4th St., 212-242-6480/9338; tiopepenyc.com

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Located steps from Manhattan’s Theatre District and the famed Carnegie Hall, Ed Sullivan Theater, and New York City Center, Abboccato is known for serving some of New York City’s finest authentic, home-style Italian cuisine. Offering diners a true taste of Italy, the cozy 75-seat restaurant is perfectly suited for a leisurely meal and pre-theatre bite without the hectic tumult of Times Square. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Jim Botsacos, Abboccato’s cuisine represents the diverse regions of Italy, from Sicily to Lombardi. An array of Cicchetti (little bites), antipasti, and an extensive grappa collection, as well as family-style meals, and specials such as the Terrazza happy hour menu and prix-fixe dinner menu ($38) are all available. 136 W. 55th St., 212-265-4000; abboccato.com

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Steakhouses Benjamin Steakhouse - Peter Luger alumnus Benjamin Prelvukaj and chef Arturo McLeod join forces to create an opulent steakhouse in the century-old Chemist Club building. Six cuts of dry-aged beef are available, from 36-ounce porterhouses to top sirloins to rib eyes to succulent filet mignon. 52 E. 41st St., 212-297-9177; benjaminsteakhouse.com Bobby Van’s - Established in 1969, Bobby Van’s boasts 8 locations throughout the Northeast including five in Manhattan, two in Washington, DC and the original in Bridgehampton, Long Island. The menu includes the finest USDA cuts, from filet mignon to sirloin, and seafood lovers will make room for the

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impressive 3 pound lobster. 135 W. 50th St.; 230 Park Ave. (46th St.); 131 E. 54th St.; 120 W. 45th St.; 25 Broad St.; visit bobbyvans.com for more info. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House - This spacious steak hot spot soars two-stories high, offering diners spectacular view, and Broadway’s theatres are just a block or two away. The menu features fresh USDA aged prime beef shipped straight out of the Midwest twice a week. Lobster, fish, lamb, osso buco, and veal chops receive equal billing. Beautifully appointed private party facilities and unique wine cellar dining. 1221 Avenue of the Americas (49th St.), 212-575-5129; delfriscos.com Morton’s The Steakhouse - Famous for USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, fine wine and elegant desserts, Morton’s wide-open, modern and stylish dining room can accommodate large parties or an intimate dinner for two. The private boardrooms are ideal for meetings, celebrations and events, and Bar 12-21 is the perfect gathering place for a lively yet intimate evening out. 551 Fifth Ave. (45th St.), 212-972-3315; World Trade Center: 136 Washington St., 212-608-0171; mortons.com/newyork Staghorn Steakhouse - One of NYC’s premier steakhouses, Staghorn Steakhouse provides an exceptional urban dining experience in an elegant modern setting. Located just a few steps from Jacob Javits Convention Center, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station and Macy’s, they offer not only firstrate, dry-aged USDA Prime cuts of beef, but also a variety of premium seafood specialties. 315 W. 36th St., 212-239-4390; staghornsteakhouse.com Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse - Midwestern grain-fed steaks are the star here, while the signature dishes include brick chicken, Colorado organic lamb chops, Alaskan king crab legs, creamed corn and au gratin potatoes. Enjoy their elegant, yet intimate atmosphere, the perfect complement to a great meal. 233 Park Ave. So. (19th St.), 212-220-9200; vicandanthonys.com

THAI Bangkok House - A Thai haven amidst the chain restaurant sea of Times Square. The reasonably priced food has exotic flavors that will challenge your taste buds and please your appetites. We recommend ordering a few entrées that can be shared easily with a group. Great for before or after a Broadway show. 360 W. 46th St., 212-541-5943; bangkokhouseny.com Breeze - Breeze brings “fantasy” to Thai food by combining it with a touch of French richness, offering a fresh, unique take on one of the zestiest cuisines in the world. 661 Ninth Ave. (46th St.), 212-262-7777; breezenyc.com

VEGETARIAN Pure Food and Wine - New York City’s premier raw-foods restaurant, located in Gramercy Park, utilizing organic and seasonal fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to create a unique, award-winning culinary experience. Open daily. 54 Irving Pl. (17th St.), 212-477-1010; purefoodandwine.com Quintessence - Innovators of the raw food movement, featuring exotic ingredients and tastes that form the innovative dishes at this East Village outpost. 100% organic, vegan, and raw, this unique menu includes Mexican and Indian platters, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, “guiltless” desserts, and more. Breakfast served 10am-noon, weekdays. 263 E. 10th St., 646-654-1823; raw-q.com

VIETNAMESE Le Colonial - The authentic French-Vietnamese The menu emphasizes vegetables, fresh seafood, meats, and an artful use of herbs and spices, and the dishes are inventively light, low in fat, visually arresting and vividly (yet mostly mildly) flavored. 149 E. 57th St., 212-752-0808; lecolonialnyc.com

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THEINTERVIEW

Morton’s The Steakhouse 551 5th Avenue • 212-972-3315 • mortons.com/newyork World Trade Center location: 136 Washington Street (Club Quarters Hotel) 212-608-0171 • mortons.com/newyorkwtc

[ Left: Michael Rains; above: The dining room; right: A succulent steak ]

Morton’s: the Steakhouse with staying power

Talking with Michael Rains, the general manager of the 5th Avenue location, whose style is all about about creating a culture of happiness for the staff and the guests. And great steak, of course!

By Kristopher Carpenter

orton’s Steakhouse began, as every concept does, with one restaurant: A Chicago steakhouse on State Street that grew to nine locations under the ownership of its proprietors Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch. Since then, ownership has changed hands more than once (most recently, it was acquired by Landry’s in 2012), and under their mantle the second Morton’s of Manhattan just opened near the World Trade Center. What does all that mean to the General Manager of Morton’s 5th Avenue, Michael Rains? Well, nothing really. A steak purist and Morton’s employee for almost two decades Rains has a simple mission for his outpost of the empire: “Serve the best steak you can get, with the best possible service.” The Arkansas native’s easy speech, sharp but balanced style, and seeming calmness all endorse his management style of cultivating a culture of happiness. Rains credits Morton’s second owner, the late Allen J. Bernstein — who expanded Morton’s from nine locations to around 70 — with shaping his thoughts on the issue. “He believed that if you can create a restaurant where the employees are happy, they’ll keep the guests happy. And that’s a good first step toward having a great product.” We sat down with him to discuss the atmosphere and the meat at Morton’s.

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Q. There are a lot of steakhouses in New York; what makes Morton’s stand out? MR: I truly feel that we have the best steak in town and I’m not just saying that. I worked at this location for 16 years from the day it opened in 1993, until I left for two years in 2009 and went to a competitor. I’m not going to name them, but as a manager you eat through the entire menu [they actually make you] and I just didn’t think their steak was as good. They had other menu items that I liked but I still felt that Morton’s was the best steak I’d ever had. It was the truth then and I’m proud to say it still is. It’s a simple recipe, too: take a tried and true giant broiler for a good char, with a little bit of seasoning salt, and that’s it. There’s no butter on our steaks; we just rely on the flavor of the USDA Prime meat. A lot of people come in and ask for a steak sauce and I tell them, you probably won’t need it. Besides our steak though, we shine in the service department. Some steakhouses might feel that if you’re spending this much money on a steak you deserve to be badgered and belittled, but we definitely don’t. We’re a hospitality-driven house and I feel that’s one of our biggest strengths. Q. What was your restaurant experience prior to being hired as a server at Morton’s? MR: I didn’t really have any. I’d gone to a party and heard a guy playing guitar in a back room. I went into that room, and there was Tylor Field III, who’s now our Beverage Director for Morton’s and Oceanaire under the Landry’s umbrella, and another guitar, which I picked up and started playing. He was singing the blues and we ended up playing together for

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about three hours. Afterwards, he asked me if I’d ever waited tables, and I said I had — which I hadn’t. He told me he was opening a steakhouse and asked if I wanted a job. He told me I’d have to cut my hair, but otherwise I was hired. So, the next day I went and got my hair cut and the day after that I got hired. I didn’t have any experience whatsoever, but I studied the materials they gave me like the bar exam and then started the training process. Q. So you passed? MR: No, sadly, I failed the first training course. But it was incredibly rigorous; training took three weeks, seven days a week, eight hours a day, except for four hours a day on Sundays. At the end, I got held back — almost as if in school — because they felt I needed a little more time. But somehow, I made it out onto the floor and, miraculously, a month later one of the managers told me that I was voted most improved. I still consider that a compliment. Q. Is there anything wonderful on the menu here that people might not think to order? MR: We put caviar on the menu several years ago, but I don’t think it sold as well as it was delicious. Other than that, I’d say our desserts. Everyone usually eats so much steak that they can’t even contemplate dessert, but ours are quite good. Our sundae is decadent and amazing, with tons of whipped cream and caramel sauce, as is our molten chocolate cake. It’s got a gooey warm pudding center, served with raspberries and ice cream. It’s even kid-approved; when I bring it home to my son, it’s like Christmas to him.

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