Resident Magazine NY OCTOBER 2019 USAIN BOLT

THE POWER ISSUE

USAIN BOLT

SPRINTING HIS WAY TO THE TOP AND BEYOND

STUART VARNEY ON PAGE 84

CLEAN. HEALTHY. EFFECTIVE. SKINCARE.

Boutique Resort Hotel on Seneca Lake Wine Trail in Beautiful Geneva, N.Y.

“One of the world’s most beautiful inns.”

- Brides

“I next checked into Geneva On The Lake, a grand resort in the lively burg of Geneva. It’s an excellent home base, since Geneva’s downtown has become the region’s restaurant and bar nexus.”

- Travel + Leisure

Summer and Fall Getaway Packages

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Sagoskin

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Norah Bradford CULTURE EDITOR

R. Couri Hay SOCIAL COLUMNIST

Clara Morgan

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Jax Cohen, Simon Gusev FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

W.A. Muller, Bennett Marcus, Carlos Lacayo, Elizabeth Elston, Lauren Bens, Norah Bradford, Katie Harris, Harry Brads, Steve Shine, Lillian Langtry, Marvin Scott

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Christopher A. Pape

ART DIRECTOR

Yuri Jin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Neil Tandy, Jaime Pavon, Roger Neve, Udo Spreitzenbarth, Patrick McMullan

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Sands

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Hillary Latos

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & EVENTS

Kenza Salahdine

SPONSORSHIP DIRECTOR

Colin Thompson

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Scott Pauker

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Don Fetherman

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT

Tom Fahey

MANAGING PARTNERS

Adam Pierce, Don Winter

Olfactive High Jewelry

Storie Veneziane, a series designed as a collection of olfactive High Jewelry: pure essences faceted like gems, precious bottles, long-lasting perfume extracts. A series of five olfactory tales that reveal the myriad facets of Venice, a city at once alluring and enigmatic, legendary and constantly reinvented.

Saks Fifth Avenue | Spa Valmont For Plaza Athénée New York | Rescue Spa New York

EDITOR’S NOTE

Now that fall is in full swing, it’s time to reflect on what makes this season so special, such as the fact that you can finally pull out your favorite boots! It’s definitely time to turn up the chic during this cozy time of the year with some of our favorite fall finds. Whether you’re embarking on new adventures this October onboard a luxury cruise or heading to hotter temperatures, we’ve picked our most desired destinations, from dazzling Dubai, to the always jamming Jamaica.

You don’t have to be a stock market master to relate to FOX Business Network’s number one anchor, Stuart Varney, who spoke with us about his road to ruling the ratings with his show Varney & Co. With comedic whit and a personable personality, Varney is a pioneering news veteran who has had a long and illustrious career – and he isn’t planning on slowing down any time soon! This British boy has indeed achieved the American dream and is always ready to bring his viewers the most insightful yet entertaining business and political news of the day. She might have been around politics as the former wife of former Florida governor Charlie Crist, but Carole Crist is carving out her own role in this new chapter of her life. This beautiful boss lady, who turns 50 this month, founded CLC Global Advisors, a company that advises clients on how to make the most out of investing and philanthropy, and is working harder than ever while looking great doing it! Carole, who is originally from Long Island, also throws parties to raise funds for important charitable causes including Rebuild Puerto Rico, which she has been working on with philanthropist Brock Pierce.

If you want to change up your look and more importantly, your life, visit Rochelle and Savana Peetoom at Peetoom Salon in Williamsburg. These sisters, who are rock stars at home in their native Holland, are heading up the first ever Rob Peetoom salon in New York. We also spoke with Olympic legend Usain Bolt, who is running full speed ahead into the future. On October 25th, Usain will be honored with the 2019 International Humanitarian award by The American Friends of Jamaica in New York City. Meanwhile, the founders of Heavenly Rx, who are at the center of the CBD craze, open up about how they have taken their brand to new heights.

It’s never too early to start preparing for the holiday season, which is why you will find our favorite festive cocktails and Italian wines. Whether you’re taking advantage of gala season or heading to Miami, where you can relax at The Ritz Carlton, Bal Harbour, enjoy fall to the fullest!

IG @allthefamenoneofthefortune

Julie Sagoskin - Editor in Chief julies@resident.com

A

REBUILD PUERTO RICO

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th, 2019 at the iconic Faena Hotel Miami Beach, 3201 Collins Avenue, Faena District, Miami Beach, FL 33140

8:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception * The Penthouse at FAENA 9:00 p.m. Dinner and Gala Reception

During this year’s Art Basel Miami, join us for REBUILD PUERTO RICO, a special VIP gala to raise funds to benefit various non-profit organizations committed to helping the people of Puerto Rico. The Integro Foundation strives to improve the environmental, social, and economic health of the communities in Puerto Rico through public education and engagement.

Tickets starting at $1,000, with sponsorships starting at $10,000.

CO-CHAIRS

Brock Pierce Philanthropist, Entrepreneur & Cryptocurrency Pioneer

Carole Crist CEO, CLC Global Advisors & former First Lady of Florida

Celebrate Halloween

In celebration of Halloween, we are again inviting children 12 and under and their families to trick-or-treat at over 100 local businesses in East Midtown!

Now in its fifth year, Trick-or-Treat with East Midtown has welcomed more than 13,000 families to East Midtown. Be part of this great family event!

Visit us at the plaza outside 919 3rd Avenue (at East 56th Street) to pick up yourtrick-or-treat bags, get your face painted, enter our costume contest and then head out to collect treats!

Visit www.EastMidtown.org/Halloween for details.

LIFESTYLE & LOCATION AT NINE52

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MONICA WEBSTER

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M: 203.952.5226

monica.webster@elliman.com

elliman.com/newyorkcity

THE SEASON KICKS OFF

Madonna, Consequence, J.Lo, Scores, Succession, Christian Louboutin, FIT, Kelly Fischer, City Harvest & Wendy Williams

By R. Couri Hay with Photos by Patrick Mcmullan

J.Lo in Hustlers

Jennifer Lopez plays a stripper who steals from her wealthy Wall Street clients in Hustler based on the real life story of three dancers who drugged and bilked their customers at Scores the legendary gentleman’s club on West 28th st which wasn’t involved

.When asked how she prepared for her sexy pole dancing scenes J.Lo confessed, “I was terrified, I felt exposed. I was up there in f**** dental floss.” Cardi B., who was once a stripper in real life and is featured in the film said, “I have a passion for music. But I also have a passion for money and paying my bills.” Scores also has a club in the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic city where celebrities including boxer Floyd Mayweather and 50 Cent hang out to watch the sun come up over the boardwalk after the other clubs close down. Rapper T-Pain

recently received lap dances from two bodacious beauties at Scores in AC while the DJ played his hit song, “I’m In Love with A Stripper.” The signer made it rain with thousands of singles while ordering bottles of 1942 Tequila while smoking hookah on the club’s terrace overlooking the ocean.

scoresac.com

Succession

HBO’s blockbuster series Succession about a media family’s ups and downs, which is said to be a fictionalized version of Rupet Murdock’s family, is TV’s hottest drama. The show was nominated for five Emmy Awards. Season two stars Jeremy Strong,Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin. Despite his cheeky new role, Kieran confesses “people keep asking about Macaulay. Some things change and some things don’t.” The show is already, thankfully, confirmed for a third season.

Madonna is Madame X Madonna kept her fans waiting for nearly three for her exhilarating Madame X concerts at the Brooklyn Academy

of Music. The theatrical shows, which showcased Madonna in an eye patch with an “X” on it, were supposed start at 8pm but she didn’t hit the stage until 10:30, it was over at 1am. The Material Girl was joined by three of her younger daughters who all danced with her. Her eldest daugh ter, Lourdes was projected on the big screen doing ballet moves dur ing the icon’s hit, “Frozen.” The topical act referenced gun control and abortion. Madonna called herself a “freedom fighter.”

tale shoes are worn by many stars including Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé and me.” She went on to say, “Last year I got married and I tried to keep it a secret, but it didn’t work. Christian made me a custom pair of shoes and when I put them on, I never felt more beautiful in my life.” Guests included Martha Stewart, Muffie Potter Aston, Audrey Gruss, Glenda Bailey, Valerie Simpson, Jean Shafiroff, FITs Valerie Steele and Dr. Joyce Brown. The Museum at FIT also opened the chic exhibition entitled Paris, Capital of Fashion which explores the cultural construction of Paris as the capital of fashion. It runs through January 4th, 2020.

Christian Louboutin @ FIT

Nick Jonas’s wife, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas gave iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin The Museum at FIT’s annual award at Lincoln Center. Chopra-Jonas quoted Marilyn Monroe in her speech saying, “I can conquer the world if you give me the right pair of shoes.” She added, “Louboutin’s fairy

Andrew Dice Clay @ Robert’s Steakhouse

Andrew Dice Clay threw a hissy fit at Chef Will Savarese’s critically acclaimed restaurant Robert’s Steakhouse in Atlantic City after preforming with Rosanne Barr at the Hard Rock Hotel. Clay booked a private room at the trendy steakhouse for ten friends but sent his steak back twice moaning and groaning. The first time the humorless comedian said the meat wasn’t cooked enough,

Madonna @ Madame X tour

Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B. and Constance Wu @ Hustlers

Brian Cox, Sarah Snook and Jeremy Strong @ Succession

Jean Shafiroff @ FIT

Priyanka Chopra and Christian Louboutin @ FIT

the second time he said it was too well done; the third time he finally ate it. His embarrassed security team told the exasper ated kitchen staff, “Don’t take it personally, he does this all the time.” Perhaps he wanted the res taurant to pick up the tab, which they didn’t. In the end, Clay, who was last seen on the big screen with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born, picked up the $1500 tab. He was the only customer to send his steak back all night. At another table, with no complaints, was the singer Morris Day, who appeared in Prince’s movie Purple Rain.

SAFARI ROUND UP

City Harvest

Worlds. Guests in cluded actress Janel

SOCIAL SAFARI

A group of America’s top chefs including Geoffrey Zakarian, Todd English, Josh

Michael Symon and hockey player Rod Gilbert joined celebrity chef marketer

Herb Karlitz and iconic golfer Sir Nicholas Faldo at a golf tournament to benefit City Harvest, which has helped feed 1.2 million New Yorkers since 1982, at the Alpine Country Club. karlitz.com

Kelly Fischer: Blending

Swiss Ambassador Martin Dahinden hosted an exhibit for the artist Kelly Fischer @ Consulate General Switzerland in NYC entitled Kelly Fischer: Blending

The exhibit is the seventh edition of Art @ The Consulate, a curatorial program which showcases Swiss artists in the US. The show will be up until February at 633 3rd Ave. The popular painters next show opens at the Scope Art Fair Miami on

kelly-fischer.com

Consequence Debuts “Complex Con”

Kanye West may soon be able to add the word “minister” in front of his name. The rapper’s been expanding what he calls his “Sunday Service” beyond his home in California to Chicago where he was born. He preached at a church in Atlanta, the city where he grew up, in front of nearly 1,000 congregants. He told the crowd, “Reconnecting with my faith has helped me be a better husband and father.” After

the service, Kanye greeted comedian Chris Tucker, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly and his longtime collaborator, Consequence, who has also worked with John Legend and Patti LaBelle. The rapper’s new song “Complex Con” about hip hop culture JUST debuted on iTunes. Instaram.com/constv Consequence’s eightyear-old son Caiden Mills’ album titled “Just Being a Kid” about growing up in Staten Island will drop in the Fall.

Wendy Williams & Andrea Cor reale

Wendy Williams, Congressman Jerry Nadler and NY Attorney General Letitia James were all watching their waist lines at lawyer Howard Fensterman’s “Garden Party for America” on Long Island. Celebrity ca terer Andrea Correale from Elegant Affairs served up a healthy buffet including Tus can Kale Ceaser Salad and wild grilled salmon. Andrea has also cooked for Candace Bushnell, Alec Baldwin and Kevin Costner. elegantaffairscaterers.com

Moby & Julie Mintz

advice about their futures from intuitive psychologist Dr. Carmen Harra, who just released an album of love songs titled ‘Behind Closed Doors” in London and on Amazon. Carmen also wrote The Karma Queens’ Guide to Relationships with her daughter Alexandra.

carmenharra.com

Moby, the record producer has a new protégé, the talented singer Julie Mintz. The two friends cele brated the release of Mintz’s new single called “Purple Rain/Mil lion Reasons,” a Prince and Gaga mash-up, at the Sofitel in LA.

juliemintz.com

Carmen Harra

Ben Affleck, Hilary and Bill Clin ton, Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Nancy Pelosi have all gotten

Swiss Ambassador Martin Dahinden and artst Kelly Fisher @ Blending Worlds

Consequence and his son Caiden Mills

Julie Mintz

Todd English and Herb Karlitz

Sofia Symonds

Andrea Correale and Candace Bushnell

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (swing)

Janel Tanna

STEPHANIE RUHLE

Resident Cover Party

By HILLARY LATOS

Resident Magazine celebrated our September cover party with MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle in conjunction with the launch of her new podcast, “Modern Ruhles: Compelling Conversations in Culturally Complicated Times” with MSNBC and iheartradio at newly opened Meatpacking hotspot, Catch Steak. Stephanie looked gorgeous dripping with diamond jewelry designed by Aldy & Co. Media and fashion heavyweights such as Bob Pittman, CEO of iheartradio, Rich Bressler, Sheinelle Jones, Chris Jansing, Donny Deutsche, Joanna Cole,

Robbie Meyer, Mary Alice Stephenson, Petra Nemcova, Rande Gerber and Mike Feldman as well as political power players including former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Rep. Sean Maloney and his husband Randy Florke. Guests enjoyed delicacies prepared by Catch Steak and wines provided by Il Borro, La Crema and Mirabeau and specialty cocktails prepared with Vesica Vodka and whiskey and bourbon from Savage and Cooke, and sweets from Keto Pops.

SCOTT SCHEEL

Resident Cover Party

By HILLARY LATOS

RSPONSORS FOR THE EVENT:

esident Magazine celebrated our August Cover with Commercial Real Estate Investment Coach J. Scott Scheel at the Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar. Our VIP guests enjoyed wines by Hertelendy Vineyards and delicacies prepared by the Russian Samovar.

GIVE THE GIFT OF A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Snuggle up beside a wood-burning fireplace, ice skate in our grand open-air pavilion, and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine from award-winning chefs—all included in your overnight rate. Rejuvenate with a nature-inspired treatment at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House—ranked the #1 resort spa in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler. Join us on our mountaintop and let your stresses melt away.

BOOK YOUR DECEMBER GETAWAY TODAY

The Art of Nature Awareness

December 2-6

Ballroom Dancing Weekend

December 6-8

Ugly Sweater Weekend

December 13-15

Holiday Family Fun

December 13-22

Kids stay & eat free!

877.243.3911 | mohonk.com | New Paltz, NY

ROB PEETOOM SALON A Cut Above the Rest

By julie sagoskin Photographed By Roger Neve

Hair: Nick Kersten & Amy Clark

Make-up: David Stella

Styling: Isabelle Kramer

Whether you want a unique new look with a high-end hair color or a sleek and stylish bob, Rob Peetoom, the founder of Rob Peetoom salons, recently opened his first US salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and will revitalize your style – and your life!

Rob Peetoom, the patriarch of a hair dynasty, has passed on his legacy of styling lustrous locks to his daughters, Rochelle and Savana, who grew up in the industry and are now overseeing the new Williamsburg location. With over a dozen successful salons in Holland and three in Bali, they are now taking New York by stylish storm!

“We are a family business first and foremost,” explained Savana, the US Director and partner of the salon, along with Rochelle, CEO. “We’re all involved in every decision being made. I’ve always felt like I was a part of the brand, but these past three years I’ve been more hands-on. Our father is still very much involved as well. Rochelle and I run the company worldwide and my brother does Amsterdam. It’s a second generation, we’re all busy in the day to day stuff.”

When it comes to their recently opened space in New York, the sisters are excited about bringing the brand and their famous blowouts to Brooklyn.

These new kids on the block have already coiffed the community at events such as their weekly bubbles and blowouts and are introducing the Big Apple to their Balayage treatments and beauty offerings. From wild to wavy styles, their Williamsburg location is providing professional services in a stylish spot. “I love inviting neighborhood people into the space,” explained Savana. “We built it like a home, and I think people really love the space. They feel comfortable, and this builds loyalty, as does our customer service, which is such a big part of it all. Things such as knowing what kind of coffee our customers want are all so important.”

Their current salon, which will definitely have you looking extra sweet, was once a soda factory. The industrial space is now a mixture of a white and grey color palette, with furnishings from Tacchini, an Italian design company. They even have a room for new stylists to train and partake in classes about the best cut and color techniques.

While those who visit the Williamsburg location are already starting to experience their enhanced European techniques, they are hoping to make a move into Manhattan in the near future. “The Williamsburg space is our flagship, but eventually we’ll probably open small boutique spots in the city,” said Savana. “We have a lot of clients from Manhattan who come to us in Brooklyn, but can’t wait for us to be closer to their home.”

When it comes to managing your mane, Rob Peetoom’s philosophy is based on three main pillars. According to Savana, her father believed that everything starts with quality services, as well as top stylists and a stunning space. “We try to make every salon as beautiful as possible. You really feel at home in all of our spaces. Our stylists are a huge pillar, we pride ourselves on education. They make the business grow and that goes hand in hand with our quality services. From the moment someone comes in, to

the moment they leave, it’s a beautiful experience. When they run into someone on the street who says, ‘oh wow, you look great, what did you change?’ it changes your whole outlook and perspective. This also brings out inner beauty. If you look good, you feel good.”

Rob Peetoom embarked on his now expansive hair empire in Holland, where he founded his first salon in Santpoort in 1969, and has since taken his beauty business to new hair heights! “Opening in New York is “the third piece of the triangle,” said Savana. “Holland stands for our down-to-earth and natural roots, whereas in Bali it’s more about spirituality and healing. We were missing that aspirational beauty feel, and what better city to find that than New York, and specifically Williamsburg? It’s so up and coming and you wouldn’t be able to get this type of space in Manhattan. It reminds us of Holland. It’s more of a neighborhood than a bustling city.”

“We really needed to find a space that allows us to create the sensation and the experience you get when you come to our other salons,” said Rochelle. “This incredible space is over 3,000 square foot with tons of natural light. You wouldn’t find this on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, that’s a different type of space altogether, it’s so noisy and busy. We’re

near lots of hotels and cute areas, so we have the right type of clientele nearby.”

In addition to ensuring their stylists receive the best education, these sisters are also educating their new New York clients about their brand which Savana explained “is all part of the journey and part of the fun.” They are also able to enlighten customers and future loyal Peetoom followers through their own Peetoom Bookazine & Newspaper, which is what makes their standout salon so special.

The Peetoom brand is also based on “providing unparalleled career opportunities for our stylists,” said Rochelle. This uncommon practice is what makes the company so unique. “With us you can work two years in New York and then go and work in Bali and come back to New York,” explained Savana, who currently boasts a slew of Dutch stylists with decades of experience amongst her New York staff. “We organize accommodations, flights, everything. They can become a trainer, partner, or even do editorial work. We don’t know of any other hair dressing company that provide this kind of career path. Our people stay with us for a long time to build a career and the longer they stay with us, the better they become.”

This elevated establishment is also focused more on timeless looks than the latest trends. They even have their own academy in Holland, where their full-fledged team of educators, who are trained in the French way of cutting hair, have perfected the methods of creating the perfect coiffed look. This education provides expertise that are sought after by the likes of major beauty publications like Refinery29 and more, with Rob Peetoom Williamsburg’s staff regularly being quoted.

At Rob Peetoom, Rochelle wants to make sure you look and feel like the best version of well, you! “We want to make the person look the best they can, not just give them a look that we wanted to try out. You have so many hairdressers out there who are so creative and do trendy things, but our education is based on having the consultation with the customer and taking into consideration what their wishes are and looking at their lifestyle. Our stylists look at their face, shape, color of their skin tone, as well as what stage of life they’re in,

and come up with a cut or color best suited for them. We are very consistent. We want to be lifelong partners for our customers when it comes to beautiful and natural looking hair.”

Aside from mind blowing blowouts, you will also be blown away by their beauty treatments. For the real Rob Peetoom experience, enjoy their facials, lash services, waxing, and makeup services, with partner, Ilia – just beware - you might get addicted to these sensational beauty services! From their use of French skincare brand Biologique Recherche to a relaxing hair and scalp ritual treatment featuring Davines products, you won’t even need a vacation when you can have this serene salon staycation experience! You’ll definitely feel uplifted with their Amsterdam Lift, as well as their Bali Glow and Brooklyn Balance.

Their unique Balinese Hair & Scalp Ritual, fully reclined in the Yume wash basin while your head and neck are supported by a cushion, emulates the feeling of lying in bed. By cleaning the scalp

and using a steam machine on the hair, they treat everything from hair loss to dry scalp and restore hydration, and all the while make you feel like you’re getting a massage. Nobody does relaxation like Rob Peetoom!

For the Peetoom sisters, it’s all about passion and persistence.” I don’t feel like I work a day in my life,” said Savana. “When I see my stylists working well, it makes me happy.” Their stylists, who they refer to as artists, are also part of the Peetoom family. In fact, some of their artistic talents have been with them for almost twenty years. Savana and Rochelle even brought some of their top team members from Holland to their stylish Williamsburg spot.

From a renewed color to a classic cut, the stylists at this new contemporary and chic Rob Peetoom Salon will leave you contently coiffed and feeling confident!

October Beauty Finds

By julie sagoskin

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Stick ritahazan.com

MARTINA SLAJEROVA

Keeping Up with her KetoDiet App

By w. a. muller

If you want to maintain a healthy low-carb diet, there’s an app for that! Just follow the keto diet, which is easier and tastier than ever when you keep up with Martina Slajerova and her KetoDiet app!

After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, a thyroid condition which caused her to start feeling unusually tired and led to noticeable weight gain, Martina began looking into ways that she could combat her symptoms aside from medication.

“I started learning about the keto diet because I knew that it was great for maintaining energy levels. The diet also gave me mental clarity because I could

focus on things that really mattered without having to change my diet too much. It may sound too good to be true, but keto works by lowering your carbohydrate level so you don’t think about food so much, you just eat naturally when you’re hungry.”

After experimenting with the diet for a few months, Martina, with the help of her partner, Nikos Konstas who also became keen on keto, started working on an app. “We never meant for the app to be a business,” explained Martina. “We really just did it as a personal project. We wanted to create something for us and maybe a few people out there who might be interested in the diet. We never planned on creating a blog or a website or to keep working on the website, but

then we realized that so many people wanted to learn about it and do more, and eventually it became a full-time job for both of us. Nikos used to make jokes about how no one will visit the website and it will be a waste of time. He turned out to be completely wrong!”

With an accessible app, as well as a well-known blog and website, where they share thousands of recipes and work with medical experts who write articles for them, Martina and Nikos want their users to keep up with the latest keto news! Their popular KetoDiet app, which allows people to track their nutrients and what they’re eating is an ongoing project for the couple. “One of the most important

things is for people to know what they’re consuming,” said Martina. “It’s easy to go over the recommended levels of carbohydrates, so we have a guide for people to understand everything from what to eat to what to avoid, especially when eating out at a restaurant. The app has a lot of science plus practical stuff, so people can make informed decisions.”

In order to ensure that every aspect of the app and website are as accurate as possible, they are currently going through a certification process which ensures that all of their content and editorial process are correct. After all, Martina explained that what sets them apart is that “our experts dispense all of the medical advice so that our users can trust us.”

After going through different diets, Martina was determined to find a way to eat the way that she wanted – and now her followers can feel just as good about themselves! “I felt like this was the first diet that didn’t feel like a diet. I don’t count calories and never feel hungry. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever tried, it’s so easy to follow. It’s just the way I’ve been eating for the last eight years.”

When it comes to creating mouthwatering meals that will also help minimize your carbohydrate intake, Martina puts a tasty twist on some of her favorite dishes by changing a few ingredients. With a focus on innovative international recipes, you too can get in on the keto craze by following the KetoDiet app! Martina, who is from the Czech Republic, loves showcasing both sweet and savory Czech specialties, as well as Mediterranean plates that Nikos is familiar with due to his Greek background.

According to Martina, going low-carb doesn’t mean you have to give up cake! “People say I love treats and sweet foods, and the truth is you can still occasionally enjoy them if you make them with low-carb sweeteners. There are also lots of alternatives to flour that taste like the real thing. It’s not as restrictive as people might think.”

Nikos even remembers using his colleagues as keto diet taste testers by bringing them some of Martina’s best keto creations. “I would take whatever she made to work. “Once I brought chocolate muffins where she used almond flour, low-carb sweeteners and avocado. Nobody knew the difference!”

Martina is always cooking up a new recipe – as well as a new cookbook. Her eighth cookbook, which will be out early next year, will focus on simple recipes. These partners in keto are currently experimenting with new types of apps and web apps so that you can keep eating the foods you love, all while staying on the keto diet.

ketodietapp.com

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER®

How to Always Ensure Browfection™

By w. a. muller

Whether you’re looking for a day or evening look – or both – one thing you don’t want to forget is your brows! While sometimes overlooked, eyebrows are getting a lot of attention these days, especially with celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Lily Collins, and Zendaya who are all known for their eye-catching brows.

Just like your wardrobe, eyebrow trends can change with the seasons and this fall, a natural-looking brow is on-trend – especially fuller, yet subtly arched brows. ‘Natural’ brows also make the perfect accessory for every occasion and they require minimal effort.

According to Helene Marie, European Wax Center’s Waxing & Brow Styling Expert, a regular wax appointment to tidy up the brows, along with a few styling products and easy tips, are all you need to achieve your best brow look this fall.

While mornings can be hectic, every woman wants to look her best before starting her day.

For an effortless look, especially if you’re pressed for time, Helene Marie suggests European Wax Center’s Browfection™ Tinted Brow Builder from their Strut Boldy product line. The brow builder helps define, tint, and thicken your brows for a natural effortless look that will last throughout the day.

Going into the afternoon, you may want a little boost or extra pop to refresh your morning makeup. To add a bit of shimmer to your natural look, Helene recommends adding Oh My Brow!™ Highlighter to the bottom of your brows. The highlighter will add a glow in the sun during your lunch break or a soft, illumination during your after-work plans.

As you transition from a day to evening look, you may want a more dramatic or bolder brow. To achieve that look, Helene suggests combining several of European Wax Center’s brow products. First,

outline the brows with the Browfection™ Brow Liner and Shaper, then fill in brows with the Browfection™ Brow Powder Duo, and finally, use the Ready. Set. Brow.! Perfect Brow Groomer to lock brows in place.

Above all, Helene Marie encourages women to embrace their natural brows since all brows are unique. For those who prefer a completely natural brow without color, she suggests European Wax Center’s Ready Set. Brow! Perfect Brow Groomer, a clear brow-setting gel, which will instantly shape and set your natural brows.

Strut confidently this season for a fresh new look, from day to night, starting with your brows!

European Wax Center’s Strut Boldly Collection retails for around or under $20.

waxcenter.com

Photographer: Jaime Pavon - @pavonphoto | jaimepavon.com

Models: Alexis Sequoia @missalexissequoiadouglas

Fashion Styling: Rebecca Morris @byrebeccaorourke

MUA: Alexandra Baranoff @alexandrabaranoff x Sally Harlor @sallyharlorartists

Retouching: Karla Cevallos @lolaretouch

SHE WAS A FAST MACHINE. SHE KEPT

HER

MOTOR CLEAN.

JEANSSfizio

@sfizio_official | BELTZara @zara | BOOTSSfizio

@sfizio_official

EARRINGSStylist owned |

JACKETSfizio

@sfizio_official |

BODYSUITStylist owned |

SHE WAS THE BEST DAMN WOMAN I HAD EVER SEEN

KNOCKIN’ ME OUT WITH THOSE AMERICAN THIGHS

VIONIC Fall’s Most Fashion-Forward Looks

By julie sagoskin

With their hot heels and stylish sneakers which boast built-in

Vio-Motion Support Technology, Vionic’s versatile and vast array of chic and more importantly, comfortable shoes, will have you feeling fabulous on your feet all day long!

1 Codie Sneaker $139.95

Sleek lines and contrasting colors give a minimalist edge to Codie, a sporty leather or leather camo sneaker designed for the woman on the move. Builtin Vio-Motion Support Technology for comfort.

2 Waverly loafer in Black Nubuck $139.95

An elevated loafer designed for the chicest of wearers, Waverly features detailed stitching, a wooden heel and rich nubuck or leather uppers. Built in Vio-Motion Support technology provides all day comfort.

3 Joslyn Ankle Boot in Medium $179.95

Joslyn is a leather ankle boot with wool accent. A stacked heel affords just the right amount of height. Features Weather Resistant Leather and Woolblend Textile. Heel Height: 1.59", Durable rubber outsole. Made for walking - has built-in Vio-Motion support technology.

4 Luciana/White Perforated Boots $159.95

A dreamcatcher perforated design makes Luciana the dreamiest bootie for every season and every occasion. Heel Height: 1.59", Durable rubber outsole. Made for walking - has built-in Vio-Motion support technology.

5 Nareen Block Heel $139.95

This medium block heel slingback in kid suede delivers classic styling with spirit. Available in 5 colors. 2.36" heel. Vionic's versatile collection of heels and wedges offers advanced comfort features like a deep heel cup and enhanced forefoot contour, bringing innovation and style into one transformative solution.

6 Perk Lacey/Black with Tortoiseshell heel

$149.95

Lacey's got it all-a stylish open heel with a backstrap that'll easily take you from day to soirée. 3.1" heel & rubber outsole. Vionic's versatile collection of heels and wedges offers advanced comfort features like a deep heel cup and enhanced forefoot contour, bringing innovation and style into one transformative solution.

POP BAG USA Make Your

Style Pop

By Jax Cohen

The best accessories are those that really stand – or ‘pop’ – out from a crowd. That’s why this season, we’re obsessing over Pop Bag USA. The Tuscany-born brand brings us fall’s most popular trends of hand-drawn illustrations, studded details, color-blocking, and embroidered prints. If you’re more into a simpler, subdued look to complement your style, this Italian fashion house also offers a selection of single-color essentials to rock on any occasion. Happen to be dreaming of a half-navy leather, half-iridescent pearl, mediumsized studded tote with a metallic champagne handle? You’re in luck! Pop Bag has an entire “Design Your Own” section, where you can choose from a long list of colors and fabrics for customizable tote panels and handles for your very own creation.

No matter the style, shape, personality, or origin story, there’s one thing consistent with all Pop Bag USA products –the small-batch, luxurious quality of Italian leather. Despite its name, Pop Bag USA was founded in Tuscany, a region famous for its production of wine, art, and quality leather goods – basically all of life’s finest things. Produced in the beautiful city of Florence, every Pop Bag product begins with Tuscany’s centuries-old method of

designing highest-quality leather goods and are crafted with the unparalleled workmanship that is woven into the DNA of local craftsmen.

Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far to get your hands on one of Pop Bag’s cool-girl bags and accessories. With locations all around the world from France, Germany, Hong Kong, and many more, Pop Bag USA has now opened its first U.S. location on the 4th floor of Time Warner Center’s Shops of Columbus Circle, where you can get a feel for the quality Italian pebbled or saffiano leather for yourself. At the trendy storefront, check out exclusive in-store only select designs and their limited-edition artist collections with legendary artists Hektad and Jonny Detiger.

Pop Bag also has Pop Wallets; a wallet base that comes with interchangeable wallet covers made of the same leather and textures as the Pop Bag panels. Along with wallets, Pop Bag has other quality leather accessories such as Mini Bags, Pop Backpacks, Phone Bags, Envelopes, and Key Chains.

By giving customers ultimate design power and by launching exciting artist collaborations, this growing brand allows you to carry a staple piece that is

reflective of your unique style and personality, while maintaining top quality, storage convenience, and comfort.

As the movement toward sustainable fashion continues, Pop Bag is the ideal purse for sustainable quality. After all, the bag itself is buildable, with different components allowing you to mix, match and exchange each panel.

Design your own bags range from $185 to $270. Here you can create a bag based on your unique mood, destination, or season with the following steps:

1.Choose your size

2.Choose your front panel

3.Choose your back panel

4.Choose your handles

5.Add your accessories

Voila! Your Pop Bag is ready to be worn in the streets or front row at Fashion Week!

@popbagusa popbagusa.com

Photo Credit: Margaret Pattillo

BBROCK PIERCE

Humanitarian & Blockchain Pioneer

By Bennett Marcus Photographed By Neil Tandy

Shot on location at Nine52 | 416 West 52nd Street New York, NY, PH 825

rock Pierce is known as a technology visionary, especially in the field of cryptocurrency – Rolling Stone magazine dubbed him the “first cult leader of the cryptocurrency world” - but he prefers to be described as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. “Cryptocurrencies and blockchains and digital currency have been a substantial part of my career, but I’ve done lots of things outside of that,” says the charismatic 38-yearold.

Puerto Rico booster

A former child actor and videogame tycoon before conquering digital currency, the Minnesota native settled in Puerto Rico after starting a crypto bank there and has now turned his energy into revitalizing

the hurricane-ravaged island. But make no mistake, Pierce is not a part-time second-home owner who flies in during the cold months to enjoy the tropics; he is all-in as a resident of Puerto Rico.

“I live at ground zero, on the corner of Calle del Cristo and Fortaleza and my immediate next door neighbor is the governor’s mansion,” he says. At press time, that governor is Wanda Vázquez, who took over the office after her predecessor, Ricardo Rosselló, was ousted amidst widespread peaceful public protests. “It’s rare, almost unheard of, that a head of state is forced to resign without any violence,” notes Pierce, adding that there were no serious injuries during the uprising, and nobody went to jail. “Rather extraordinary, especially when

you think about past revolutionary events throughout Latin America. The Puerto Rican people are able to demonstrate their force through peaceful protests. So, it was an extraordinary thing to witness, having been on the ground and having been right in the heart of everything that happened.”

In demand around the world for speaking engagements, Pierce found that people tend to follow him wherever he goes. After Hurricane Maria hit, he moved to Puerto Rico permanently in 2017, and since then 1,500 to 2,000 people have relocated there as well. “I went there because it’s the place I thought I could have the biggest impact. We’re still in the early stages, but all big things have small beginnings.”

Creating a startup ecosystem

“Puerto Rico has a tremendous amount of engineering talent but historically it has lacked opportunity and so one of the things that we’re trying to do is create a support system - a cultivation, a nurturing, of a startup ecosystem.” He notes new tax legislation for “qualified opportunity zones,” in which people who invest capital gains for at least 10 years reap tax benefits.

The goal is to create innovative companies and jobs so that Puerto Rico can solve its challenges through entrepreneurship. “We spend a tremendous amount of time supporting those activities, me specifically because this is my background, teaching the next generation and helping them to avoid the pitfalls that are typical to learning new traits.”

Nature conservation, charitable foundation

Another area of Pierce’s focus is nature conservation and preservation, which had not previously been a part of his background. “It just feels like something important, to continue to cultivate the beauty that is Puerto Rico.”

He believes Puerto Rico is perhaps the most underappreciated part of America. “Most people

don’t even know that Puerto Rico has the only tropical rain forest in the United States. Obviously, it’s an island surrounded by beaches, on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and, on the other side, the Caribbean. It’s one of those magical and beautiful enchanted islands that I would highly encourage everyone to visit at some point.”

Hurricane Maria clearly had a huge impact on the island, and there is still a long way to go as far as recovery, in issues both large and small. One area of conservation they are focusing on is trying to restore the endangered green parrot population that was decimated by the storm.

“There is a specific green parrot that lives in the El Yunque rainforest, and prior to Hurricane Maria there were 56 of the wild birds that were being protected and cultivated, and the storm killed all but two of them,” Pierce says. Other pockets of the birds were also devastated by the storm: four survived in the town of Maricao, and 75 remain in the Rio Abajo forest in the island’s central mountains. Called the Puerto Rican Amazon, it is Puerto Rico’s only remaining native parrot.

Pierce is also supporting efforts to save the coqui frog, several species of which are endangered. “The coqui is the symbol of Puerto Rico, so trying to support those types of initiatives, the rainforest overall, the coral reefs, and nature conservation is a core area of focus for Integro, which is my principal charity on the island.”

Education

Education is another area of focus. The University of Puerto Rico lost its library in the hurricane, and Pierce made a $50,000 donation to assist in the rebuilding, and to provide students with the tools of innovation.

Technology education is another cause about which Pierce is passionate. This year, he was selected as an ambassador to Korea by the Kyungbuk Governor and the president of Kumoh National Institute of Technology to create a scholarship for students at the University of Puerto Rico College of Engineering. Pierce is also a frequent lecturer at Singularity University and has spoken at the Milken Global Conference, the Mobile World Congress, Stanford University, USC, and UCLA.

CAROLE CRIST

Everything To Me is Politics

By Bennett Marcus Photographed By Neil Tandy

Hair by: Angela Carroll for Angelo David | Gamma+ Italia | The Flex Brush

Makeup by: Brazier Ray for Chanel Beauty @brazierray

Shot on location at Nine52 | 416 West 52nd Street New York, NY, PH 825

“Capital with a Conscience” is the motto of CLC Global Advisors, a company that advises clients on “impact” investing and philanthropy. “Capital with a Conscience means I’m sort of a translator or bridge builder for the private sector and the public sector,” says Carole Crist, Founder and CEO. As former First Lady of Florida – her exhusband, Charlie Crist, served as Governor from 2007-2011 – she understands both sectors intimately, and believes that if investors want to have impact and solve real problems for people, the two are inextricably linked.

“The investment community, global or domestic, has a choice. Why not be conscientious about how you invest your capital for profit, choosing projects, ventures or funds that benefit society?”

Carole says. “What I do is for profit, but basically philanthropy and public service for profit. That’s what impact investing by definition is. We also work with many non-profit organizations, organizing events in order to raise both awareness and funds.”

Carole Crist’s proprietary product is her connections, the network of people that she has cultivated over 30 years of building relationships in both the private and public realms. Carole states simply, “I’m a strategist.” She is very selective, identifying ventures that have impact in some way, whether through job creation, social or economic development, or philanthropy of some sort, like medical or environmental research. “It’s got to connect with me; I’ve got to be inspired.” One example is Opportunity Zones, located in

underserved communities throughout the U.S. that lack capital inflow and job creation. “Investments that improve the lives of people, that’s the kind of stuff that gets me up in the morning and makes me tick, gives me motivation. So, I identify what people want, what they need, then lay out a strategic plan to accomplish their goals.”

From humble start to Florida’s First Lady Carole grew up in Roslyn, New York, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University with a degree in Accounting, and worked in her family’s business, Franco-American Novelty Company, a 100-year-old global wholesale business specializing in Halloween costumes. She became President of the firm in 2000, after her father’s death, and handed the reigns to her sister in 2007, after she decamped to Florida and met Charlie Crist, the state’s sitting Governor.

On-the-job political training

Newly divorced and thinking she’d never marry again, the next thing she knew, she was marrying the Governor of Florida. “I didn’t follow politics at all,” Carole says. “I mean I literally went to Georgetown Business School in Washington, DC, and never even visited the White House when it used to be open to the public,” she says with a laugh.

Over almost ten years being active in her husband’s political career, which also included a run for US Senate and being considered as a possible running mate as John McCain’s VP, Carole gained

a wealth of knowledge and experience. “I was exposed to so much at such a high level, the most sophisticated minds in politics on both the Republican side and the Democratic side,” she says. She focused a lot on donors and fundraising, networking with consultants, media personalities, pollsters and strategists, and met many billionaires, including Donald Trump in his pre-politics days, with whom the Crists dined at Mar-a-Lago.

Carole was seated next to Barack Obama at his first official NGA Governor’s Dinner at the White House. “In this historic moment, the first AfricanAmerican President of the United States of America, his very first official dinner as the President, I was a dinner guest sitting next to him.”

Directing a winning Congressional campaign

Carole’s astuteness came into play when she stepped in as Campaign Director for her husband’s 2016 Congressional race. His unsuccessful bid for an additional term as Governor in 2014, on top of a failed Senate run got her motivated. “Basically, I got tired of losing and I said: here’s how this is going to go down. I’m going to be running things. Charlie, are you okay with that?” He was. Carole developed a winning strategy, the “Hometown Candidate,” and handled everything in the campaign. “Every resume, every interview, plus the build out of the teams for the offices in both Washington DC and St. Petersburg, everything in that race from top to bottom all went through me, and I loved it.”

The most important education: Integrity

Though she studied at business school and steered a successful political campaign, the most important and life-changing training came from her ex-husband, Charlie. “Charlie Crist taught me: you work for the people, not the other way around,” she says. “I’ve met a lot of members of Congress, state officials and Governors, and I have never met somebody as committed to his constituents.”

In Crist’s Congressional district, they held roundtable discussions in minority neighborhoods to find out what kind of help people needed, and often it was access to capital. “For minorities, women and millennials, how are you supposed to build a business if nobody will loan you money?” Carole explains. “You need access to capital so that you can start a business, invest in your retail store, café, whatever it is, and hire some people.” This led Carole to urge Charlie to join the Financial Services Committee. “You want to believe that there’s someone that actually cares, wants to serve, wants to help; they’re going to wake up every day and say okay, your problems are my problems, how can I help solve them?”

She didn’t know any of that; Charlie taught her, and the experience proved priceless. “It was the most amazing journey ever, and I loved it, and it serves me very well today because at the end of the day, I am a political strategist. However, right now I’m applying that skill set to the private sector for people, brands, firms, ventures, charity events, initiatives, foundations, what have you. But…everything to me is politics.”

Charlie also taught Carole, who was born Jewish, about Christianity. “I learned so much about the power of service and helping others.” Life’s challenges, she realized, were really a gift, teaching empathy and compassion. “If you’re not in their shoes to know what they’re feeling, you can never really help them.”

“I know people need help; there are problems to solve, diseases to cure, jobs to create. I feel a duty, an obligation,” says Carole. “Why has God blessed me in this way, some girl from Roslyn, New York? What am I doing here, meeting with Presidents and members of royal families, speaking on panels at Davos? Are you kidding me? I feel very blessed; I don’t have a choice, it’s a duty. And that’s what CLC Global Advisors is all about.”

“The investment community, global or domestic, has a choice. Why not be conscientious about how you invest your capital for profit, choosing projects, ventures or funds that benefit society?”

BROCK PIERCE & CAROLE CRIST

On Rebuilding Puerto Rico

By Bennett Marcus Photographed By Neil Tandy

Shot on location at Nine52 | 416 West 52nd Street New York, NY, PH 825

AA highlight of this year’s Art Basel Miami

A Beach will be the Re-build Puerto Rico

A gala, to raise funds to benefit various non-profit organizations committed to helping the people of Puerto Rico, which sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017. “Puerto Rico has more artists per capita than anywhere in the United States, hence the reason for doing this at Art Basel,” says philanthropist Brock Pierce, who teamed up with Carole Crist, CEO of CLC Global Advisors, to plan the fundraiser. The event, which will take place at the iconic penthouse at the Faena Hotel, will also raise awareness of Puerto Rico in general.

“I like to say Puerto Rico has a PR problem,” Pierce quips, so making people aware of its cuisine, culture, art, opportunity for economic development and innovative job creation, as well as its incredible nature are broader missions. “It’s one of those places that most people have just kind of forgotten exists, and it’s one of the most beautiful aspects of the United States.”

Pierce, an entrepreneur and blockchain pioneer, adopted the island as his home and has become its biggest booster, helping to fund many of these causes through his non-profit Integro Founda-tion.

“I have never met someone quite so fascinating intellectually. What amazes me is his great ability to mobilize people for good, and his sincerity and authenticity as it relates to his commitment to Puerto Rico and this project is truly extraordinary,” says Crist, former Florida First Lady.

Noting the strong ties between the state of Florida and Puerto Rico, and her company’s mission of “Capital with a Conscience and improving the lives of people,” Crist feels it was a natural fit to join forces. “Brock is uniquely positioned as a global entrepreneur and philanthropist, and I felt it would be a really great project to collaborate on.”

“I look at him as a real American asset, his brain, his humanity, his breadth of knowledge,” Crist says. “I’m like holy moly: this is extraordinary; blockchain, cryptocurrency, technology, he’s a

historian. The guy blows my mind, and that’s rare for me. So that’s part of the inspiration.”

He swung into action immediately after Hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas, organizing a WhatsApp list mobilizing all of his contacts all over the world to donate supplies, medicines, food, pet food, and for help rescuing animals, as well as items like artwork that can be sold to benefit the victims. “He’s a community builder,” Crist said from Miami, where she was on her way to a warehouse where many of these supplies had been collected.

And people responded right away. “It’s extraordinary, he’s like an activator, and he gets people inspired and they want to help,” she says. “He’s so hands on, he’ll roll up his sleeves and sweat, do whatever he can to help. I’ve never seen anybody like that. All day, every day, around the clock, 24/7.”

While Pierce’s main focus is Puerto Rico, the people in the Bahamas are suffering and need help. “That’s what he does,” Crist says.

DINING OUT: NYC

By Jax Cohen & Lauren Bens

Roasted masala

Raise a glass to great food at Roasted Masala, a family-owned and operated restaurant that brings the unique flavors of Indian cuisine to life!

Indulge in incredible Indian cuisine with carefully crafted dishes that are always cooked up with love and care. Try their authentic classics including the baadshah platter, lamb cafreal, XecXec crab curry and other complex dishes from centuries-old recipes. Their Chicken Malai Kabab and Recheado Shrimp, made with curry leaves, goan chili and vinegar, as well as their savory samosas, will have you saying more please all meal long! Their palatable plates, made with natural ingredients and fresh spices and aromatic herbs from India, will heighten your senses. They might not have alcoholic beverages, but their Mango Lassi will make any dish even more delicious. Manager and co-founder Samson Severes comes from a

family of restauranteurs in India, and will make you feel like family from the moment you enter Roasted Masala. This comfortable and intimate dining spot even has a Head Tandoor chef – get ready for your taste buds to be tantalized!

914 Columbus Ave. New York, NY 10025

917.388.3586 roastedmasala.com

Caffe Napoli

This cozy and scrumptious spot, which was first opened by the Silvestri family over four decades ago, brings the best of Italy to New York City’s Little Italy. While they started out as a small cafe serving coffee and pastries, Caffe Napoli now offers a full menu of authentic and expertly prepared plates. This little gem which features

exposed brick walls is now a favorite amongst both locals and tourists – once you dig into their Parmigiana Chicken it’s not hard to see why! Taste a piece of New York’s culinary history when you stop by for their appetizing appetizers such as the Zucchini Fritti, Cuocere le Vongole and Stuffed Mushrooms. Other must-try dishes include the Veal Sorrentina, a scallopini of veal topped with prosciutto, eggplant and melted mozzarella in a chicken jus reduction, as well as the Broiled Salmon served in a white wine, garlic and fresh lemon sauce. From pizza to pasta to shrimp parmigiana, you will find your own favorite at this fun spot!

191 Hester St. New York, NY 10013

212.226.8705 caffenapolinyc.com

Caffe Napoli

Buenos Aires

From delectable brunch dishes to scrumptious steaks, enjoy authentic Argentinian cuisine at Buenos Aires, a favorite East Village spot. Owner Ismael Alba brings the best of his beloved homeland to New York City, and always ensures you feel at home! With brick wall décor, plenty of Argentinian soccer paraphernalia and a lovely outdoor area, you will have plenty of fun while enjoying a fine feast. Their extensive and carefully curated menu features Ravioles de Langosta, or Lobster Ravioli in Pink Sauce, and of course their mouth-watering meats, including Filet Mignon and palatable Porterhouse. Cheers to a laidback yet fine dining experience with a signature sangria!

513 East 6th St.

New York, NY 10019

212.228.2775

buenosairesnyc.com

Burke & Wills

Never had kangaroo before? It’s time to get adventurous at New York City’s popular Australianinfluenced restaurant, Burke & Willis. This modern bistro may hail from Down Under, but its cuisine is anything but low brow. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Burke & Willis boasts a raw bar and a rotisserie menu that changes seasonally. Whether or not a modern-take on traditional ‘roo appeals to you, it is hard to argue with the allure of two-for-one drinks and a $1 oyster offer at Happy Hour (till 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends). With its eclectic, wildlife-inspired décor, intimate seating areas and creative cocktail list, this Upper West Side eatery will definitely entice your taste buds. You can also go back in time at Burke & Wills’ speakeasy bar, The Manhattan Cricket Club, located in the narrow upstairs space above the restaurant. The club is accessible via a tufted green leather door inside the dining establishment. With the walls lined with cricket trophies, vintage photographs and books by Dickens and Maupassant on display, this suave speakeasy is designed in the style of a 1870’s apartment. Matching its oldschool vibe, the drinks at The Manhattan Club are inspired by the old British Empire outposts. Mixologist Greg Seider, who has created cocktail menus for The Mercer Kitchen and the Minetta Tavern, crafts beverages that showcase a mix of exotic flavors, local teas and herbs.

226 W 79th St.

New York, NY 10024

646.823.9251

burkeandwillisny.com

Buenos Aires

Burke & Wills

Le Petit Rooster

The West Side’s latest hot spot, Le Petit Rooster, has already made a name for itself as a charming wine bar, bistro and rotisserie on the Upper West Side. This modern classic bistro celebrates French cuisine and wine in a casual, cozy setting. Spearheaded by chef Alex Tobar, the former sous chef to Jose Andres in Miami, Le Petit Rooster offers classic French dishes elevated with modern techniques. Start with classic French repasts such as Roclette and Ham Croquettes or opt for something lighter – the fresh Arugula Beet Salad with subtle goat cheese is seriously scrumptious! Follow these plates with a beautifully presented Ricotta Pea Ravioli, but make sure to leave room for their incredible desserts, such as the warm bread pudding or decadent chocolate mousse. Le Petit Rooster’s beverage menu offers a diverse and local beer selection, plus a long list of aperitifs, vermouths, and ciders, and of course, a large selection of French wines. With an open kitchen, booths for two, soft dim lighting and lots of wood furnishings, the quaint bistro has a sultry, casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing neighborhood date night.

491 Columbus Ave.

New York, NY 10024

646.609.6009

Lepetitrooster.com

Trattoria Italienne

Northern Italian and Southern French cooking meet at Trattoria Italienne, the chic Flatiron restaurant brought to you by esteemed chef and coowner Jared Sippel. With traditional dishes and a rustically decorated and intimate dining room, Trattoria Italienne is reminiscent of your favorite hole-in-the-wall gem you found on your travels. Chef Sippel’s cuisine features the best ingredients of the season, highlighting Trattoria Italienne’s close relationships with their purveyors. A meal at Trattoria Italienne is best divided into Stuzzichini; Per la Tavola; Pasta; Secondi and Contorni. Start by sharing Panzerotto, a plate of freshly sliced salumi and smoked mozzarella. Follow this up with homemade pastas, such as Spinach Parpadelle with Red Wine Beef and Chicken Liver Ragu. Just make sure to make room for their mouth-watering mains, including their Grilled Ocean Trout with Late Summer Succotash. Trattoria Italienne’s wine program showcases regional specific wines that pair perfectly with their menu offerings, proving that an authentic Old World dining experience can be found right in the heart of NYC.

19 West 24th St.

New York, NY 10010

212.600.5139

Italiennenyc.com

Temple Court

Located in the landmark building that is now the lavish Beekman Hotel, restaurateur and acclaimed chef Tom Colicchio’s restaurant makes a name for itself as one of Manhattan’s hottest spots to wine and dine. With a menu of seasonal dishes inspired by old American classics with their own signature touch, Temple Count delivers a one-of-a-kind dining experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The gridded stained-glass windows, exposed brick walls, jewel-toned plush furnishings and antique accents give this Financial District eatery a sexy, luxurious vibe. Colicchio’s knowledge of both traditional and boundary-pushing cooking techniques ensures that you will find diverse flavors and innovative presentation. Try quintessential New York City dishes such as Oysters Rockefeller, as well as contemporary combinations like Smoked Short Ribs with Szechuan Peppercorn and Broccoli Pesto. Enjoy this James Beard award-winning restaurant, which features some of history’s best culinary staples in a stunning and historic architectural space.

5 Beekman St.

New York, NY 10038

212.658.1848

templecourtnyc.com

Temple Court

FIRRIATO Sicily’s Most Sustainable Wines

By Julie Sagoskin Photographed By Firriato

They might be known for their fine wines, but Firriato is also the first winery in Europe to achieve zero-point greenhouse gas emissions. This sustainable and award-winning winery, which is led by aristocrat Federico Lombardo di Monte Iato, is situated in scenic Sicily.

“When talking about winemaking and vine growing, Sicily should be considered a content rather than a region,” explained Federico. “Here we have maybe the biggest number of native vines in the world, as well as a very long history of winemaking dating back 6,000 years ago. We also have a huge range of production scenarios, from the marine viticulture of Favignana Island, to the mountain viticulture on the active Etna volcano. In Sicily you’ll find the most diverse soils in Europe as well as various amounts of different production scenarios.”

Firriato, a family-owned business, invites visitors to their posh properties that feature natural and lush landscapes, making them one of the leaders in the wine tourism industry. In fact, they recently added another exquisite estate to their portfolio. Right now, Firriato has 470ha of vineyard all in certified organic farming, divided into six estates with a lot of different terroirs growing more than 18 different natives.

According to Federico, the Firriato philosophy is centered around the idea that they are custodians of an authentic terroir. “We are strongly committed to protecting Sicily, our heritage, our tradition, and our environment. We value and respect the Sicilian production zones and the autochthonous vines. We began investing in Nero D’Avola at the beginning of the 1980s when nobody else was betting on it. We were the first Sicilian winery to invest in the Perricone vine, which at the time we started growing it, was close to extinction. Right now we’re continuing this process by doing a clonal selection of the native vines. We own two experimental vineyards where we grow what we call Sicilian relic vines.”

Ever since he began underwater diving as a teenager, Federico has been aware of the decreased biodiversity around the world, which is why he has been focused on ensuring Firriato incorporates environmentally friendly practices.

“I was lucky because I had the chance to travel a lot in my life and to visit many places. I figured out that the problem was not simply underwater, but also generally distributed all around the world. I convinced myself that there’s not just a local environment but rather an earth system that everyone must protect. This has created a strong commitment in me to do as much as I can, both in the winery and in my everyday life. Going carbon neutral certified is the completion, or rather the finishing touch of this huge project that involves everything I do. However, I also call it just the first step because I want to maintain this level of environmental sustainability by creating an awareness in everyone. I strongly believe that everyone must do something.”

After following a strict certification process, Firriato became the first winery in Europe to achieve the coveted zero emissions point. This was acquired

with the support of specific environmental protection activities in foreign emerging economies, resulting in reforestation projects in tropical areas and with the production of energy from renewable sources. In fact, Federico never even needs to use pesticides to protect his grapes due to their unique climate.

Their latest sustainable winery, built on the volcano, is part of their “Etna Project.” After all, Firriato was one of the first brands to invest in the volcano, turning them into one the biggest Sicilian wine companies in 1994. “We started to acquire land and vineyards on the north side of the volcano and began growing in terms of production since the Etna really had to be explored. At the same time, our winery was sharing space with the resort, so we needed more space and thus decided to build a new one. Just to give you an example, Etna mountain

can’t be considered just a single terroir. Rather, it’s a complex mix of different volcanic soils with very different climates depending on the zone, altitude and solar exposition, from xeric climates to the alpine one.

Aside from being sustainable, Firriato’s wines are also simply delicious! Federico enjoys a glass of Etna Rosso with swordfish or tuna, and a dry Zibibbo, an aromatic vine, when enjoying fusion or spicy food.

Firriato, the largest sparkling wine producer on the volcano, with specific quality project solutions for ETNA doc sparkling wines, is currently preparing for the 2019 harvest season, which is sure to be as sustainable as ever!

firriato.it

701WEST An Enticing New Addition at

The Times Square Edition

By julie sagoskin

Times Square might be known for being a tourist zone, but with the addition of 701West, located in The Times Square EDITION, the crossroads of the world will now be just as famous for its tasty plates! After all, John Fraser, who is spearheading the food and beverage program at 701West, is the first ever Michelin-starred chef in Times Square. Chef Fraser, who uses only the freshest ingredients in his fine fare, is inspired by classical French, Asian and Latin influences. With succulent dishes in a sumptuous jewel-box like atmosphere, Chef Fraser is definitely making the area a fine-dining destination.

From their salon area to the dining room, which features electric blue velvet banquettes, you will be able to enjoy your meal in a seductively stylish setting. The white marble mosaic floors and wood panels also add to the ambiance of this special space within Ian Schrager’s hottest new hotel.

This elevated dining experience is focused on providing personalized attention and extremely palatable plates. Their charcoal grill is another great addition to the restaurant - just ask your taste buds after they taste the grilled whole King Crab with bonito butter and an A-5 Wagyu with smashed garlic.

Enjoy their three-course prix-fixe menu which includes plenty of innovative twists on traditional dishes. You can also choose to do a wine pairing with each course – after all, each dish is conceived with an Old-World wine list in mind - or cheers to their expertly crafted cuisine with a creative cocktail. Get cozy with their Comfort Zone, made with Cold Brew liquor, Chinese Five Spice, Coconut Milk and Espresso. It might be fall but you can still relive those hot summer days with their refreshing Song of Summer, composed of Hendrick’s Midsummer Gin, Pine, Cucumber 45 and your choice of Krug or Dom Perignon.

Start out in their salon, where you can find your favorites with a fun twist, such as Tempura Squid and of course, caviar service – you’ll definitely want to try the Siberian Sturgeon! Their carefully curated cheese menu includes Adarre Reserve, made with pasteurized sheep and gold milk, Lou Bren, with Raw Sheep’s Milk, and many other mouthwatering options.

Choose from an array of appetizing appetizers, ranging from the Beet Confit, with Japanese Strawberry and Rhubarb, to Hudson Valley Foie Gras. The Warm King Crab, served with Daikon and Chablis-Citrus Butter, as well as the Quail au Poivre, made with

Juniper Cabbage, Grains and Seeds and Octopus Carpaccio with Jalapeno and Early Tomatoes will get this tasty party started. Their seasonal entrees include Poached Black Bass with Olives, Fennel and Saffron Broth, plus Long Island Duck Breast with Herbes de Provence, Morels and Peas that will leave you longing for more! Other favorites include the Prime Filet Mignon with Stuffed Cabbage and Rosemary Lardo, plus the Grilled Tuna, served with Polenta, Eggplant and Citrus-Beef Tallow.

Indulge in Olive Oil Ice Cream with Cherry Tomatoes, Sorrel, Aged Balsamic Sweet Corn Flan, Smoked Cherries, Caramel and Harissa, or save room for the Chocolate and Pecan Ganache made with Halva and Apricot Sorbet.

Their delectable dishes and personalized service make this one unique and unforgettable dining experience. With so many surprises such as additional tasty treats throughout the meal, you can dig into deliciousness at this enticing addition at the Times Square Edition.

701 7th Ave 11th floor, New York, NY 10036

212.261.5400

701westnyc.com

LA CREMA 40 Years of Wine Making Elegance

By w. a. muller

La Crema, one of Russian River Valley’s pioneering wineries, will reach a momentous milestone this fall: its 40th anniversary. To celebrate four decades of winemaking excellence, the winery, founded on its principal of using traditional Burgundian practices in crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, will release a special bottling made in collaboration with founding winemaker, Rod Berglund.

La Crema’s history is vibrant, and the winery has been a significant part of Sonoma County’s esteemed winemaking circle since its inception in 1979. The winery helped to establish prominence for the enviable winegrowing appellation of Russian River Valley during its early days. More notable, La Crema played a fundamental role in propelling single-vineyard designated wine from cool-climate appellations, and was an integral part of the Sonoma Coast’s rise to winemaking fame as one of the first to craft Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this previously unfamiliar appellation. Today, La Crema is still known for its celebrated single-vineyard wines and Sonoma Coast collection. While the winery continues to grow in popularity, La Crema maintains the same focus and Burgundian winemaking practices that it envisioned 40 years ago.

In the years since its founding, La Crema has put down roots in the Russian River Valley with the opening of its tasting room in 2016 at the historic Saralee’s Vineyard. However, the winery’s trailblazing spirit still rings true, and La Crema has continued to explore and craft wines from other cool-climate regions, like Monterey, Anderson Valley, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Winemaker Craig McAllister draws inspiration from these regions to create a collection of highly regarded, appellation-specific and single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that exude a distinct sense of place. At first sip, these are some of our favorite vintages that embody the fine art of Sonoma winemaking and are truly masterpieces.

La Crema Brut Rose ($50) - Delicate and nuanced, this wine will seamlessly serve you throughout your holiday planning or any splendid affair that calls for bubbles. A versatile and food friendly Rosé, it pairs well with holiday mainstays like turkey and fish, while its balanced acidity lends itself to a variety of other holiday must-haves like baked brie, crostini and charcuterie. Not to mention, this wine is deliciously luxurious all on its own.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017 ($25) - One of La Crema’s signature wines, this Pinot Noir hails from the Sonoma Coast, California’s premiere cool-climate wine growing region. This wine has flavors of berry fruit and plums, with subtle hints of exotic space and toast, rounding out with a fresh, balanced acidity and fine tannins that drive a long finish. The bold red fruit flavors in this wine pair nicely with bacon wrapped-stuffed dates and a light, airy chocolate mousse.

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 ($23) - Celebrated for being an ideal landscape for winemaking, the stunningly beautiful Sonoma Coast is a craggy coastline where grassy pastures and redwood forests run rampid. The region’s excellence is more than confirmed in this Chardonnay. Full of apricot, lemon, gala apple and subtle oak spice aromas and richly textured and concentrated with balanced acidity that drives a lingering finish.

lacrema.com

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

Imbibing Season is Here with Great Cheer!

By w. a. muller

Iconic winemaker and now spirits maker Dave Phinney comes in twice with his second label wine drop with 8 Years in the Desert and his Burning Chair Bourbon and Lip Service Rye from his new Savage & Cooke distillery on Mare Island outside of San Francisco. Next up, Master Distiller Myraim Hendrickx shares her Rutte Celery Gin from the Netherlands

8 Years in the Desert

The 2018 vintage marks the third release of our eight-year passion play known as Eight Years in the Desert by the iconic Dave Phinney.

orinswift.com

Catch Me if You Can

Twisted Alchemy is an award-winning, curated 100% cold-pressed juice containing zero added sugars, zero added sugars, and GMO-free ingredients. Twisted Alchemy elevates spirits by providing 100% fruit juice that highlights the true flavor of the spirits in a cocktail.

1 1/2 parts Lip Service Rye

1/4 parts Twisted Alchemy® Cold-Pressed Persian Lime Juice

2 parts Regatta Ginger Beer

Dash simple syrup

Method: Build over ice in the famous Old Moscow Copper Mug

oldmoscowmugs.com | twistedalchemy.com

where Rutte Gin & Genever is small batched to production where each with every bottle uniquely handcrafted, utilizing only natural ingredients. Twisted Alchemey comes in as the perfect elevation to compliment to any cocktail or mocktail. Happy sipping season is here!

The Madison

The Burning Chair Bourbon by renowned wine and spirits creator Dave Phinney featuring carefully selected four-year-old Bourbon barrels which are the base of the blend.

2 oz Burning Chair Bourbon 1/2 oz Cherry Heering (The Original Cherry Brandy)

1/2 oz honey Syrup

savageandcooke.com

1 oz Twisted Alchemy® Cold-Pressed Eureka Lemon Juice

Orange Twist

Rutte Green Snapper

Rutte Distillery with Master Distiller Myriam Hendrickx featuring the The Rutte Green Snapper. Bloody Mary’s hot, green, celery-heavy sister. The Rutte Green Snapper with Rutte Celery Gin perfectly balances savory and sweet, sour and spicy – a smart, simple freshly styled cocktail for the ingredient conscious imbiber.

1.5 oz Rutte Celery Gin

3.5 oz Fresh green juice

Garnish: celery stalks

royaldistillers.com

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CUSAIN BOLT

SPRINTING HIS WAY TO THE TOP AND BEYOND

By hillary latos Photographed By UDO SPREITZENBARTH

Produced by Colin Thompson

Barber: Paul Tyndale

IG: @pringlepaul9072

Shot on location at The AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica

onsidered to be the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain St. Leo Bolt is known as the fastest man in the world with eight Olympic gold medals, and holds the world record for the 100 meter race. After beating his own personal best, Usain Bolt has officially retired and is dedicating his life to his entrepreneurial projects and philanthropy. By leveraging his fame and achievements, Bolt works tirelessly to elevate Jamaica as a country to support the next generation of young Jamaican athletes and underprivileged youth

though his namesake Usain Bolt Foundation. This year the Board of Directors at the American Friends of Jamaica has recognized Usain Bolt’s philanthropic impact and achievements for Jamaica and will be awarding Bolt with the prestigious International Humanitarian Award at their annual Hummingbird Gala in New York City.

In addition to running his charitable foundation, Bolt also has a clothing line with Puma, a line of signature watches with Hublot, a restaurant chain

named ‘Tracks and Records’, and recently launched the Bolt Mobility electric scooters- an alternative to urban transportation. Expanding rapidly around the world, this dockless scooter is currently available in select cities in the US, Japan, Germany and Australia. Life after retirement hasn’t slowed down a bit for the fastest man in the world and here Resident Magazine speaks to the incredible Usain Bolt about his philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors and what is next on the horizon.

As you have transitioned from athlete to philanthropist tell us about the Usain Bolt Foundation and its achievements?

As I grew up during hard times, I saw how other kids who lived predominantly in the rural areas were suffering and recognized what they needed most. This is who I focused my charity towards.

I know it’s not always easy but I try to find ways and means to give back as much as possible. We’ve developed athletics and sports programs in these overlooked rural areas and built a lot of playgrounds to enhance their lives through educational and cultural development to effect a positive change.

In Jamaica we are working on better facilities. I think the young athletes are not as driven as the ones that I grew up with. That’s why I still try to keep connected to the sport to push these young athletes.

What has been your most successful project?

My contribution to the Walkers Place of Safety, an orphanage in Kingston that was destroyed by a fire, helped rebuild a state-of-the-art facility for the children.

Do you have the right resources and partnerships to achieve your goals?

It’s always good to have new partners and we work a lot with UNICEF in Jamaica who has been an integral part of helping us.

How can foreign organizations support the Usain Bolt Foundation?

It’s all about getting the commitment to figure out ways they can help. I encourage people and corporations to visit Jamaica and and see the rough times people have so they can then decide how they want to help and contribute.

How do you feel about being honored this fall at the American Friends of Jamaica Gala?

For me it’s always a pleasure when people recognize the work you I have done and all of the hard work and dedication you I have put in to building Jamaica.

How have you been received as a spokesperson for Jamaica?

People around the world, especially Jamaicans, have told me that I’ve really been a good brand for the country. When they have travelled abroad, the people they have encountered said, “Oh you’re from Usain Bolt’s country.”

Usain Bolt with Hillary Latos from Resident Magazine against the panorama of Kingston

What lies in your future?

Continuing my work. My goal hasn’t really changed in trying to develop my brand and help as many people as I possibly can. I have a big project coming up to bring over 500 computers to rural schools. One thing I have been privy to is that I’ve been exposed to the world, and a lot of people don’t understand how to dream big. They only know what’s in their immediate environment, but once they have access to the internet they can see what’s out there and be exposed to different things they can achieve.

What do you see is the fast track to the next phase?

I don’t rush into anything. One thing I’ve learned is that you always need to do your research and make sure everything is concrete, and take your time to process it and figure out the good and the bad. Currently, we are just working on what we have and things in the pipeline.

What advice would you give to people that you have inspired?

With the internet and Instagram I can easily communicate with my fans. I’m always happy when people message me to thank me for inspiring them to work hard. My advice is to never give up,

no matter how many injuries or setbacks. Because no matter what you do, it’s not going to be an easy journey, it’s going to be tough. Throughout my track and field career, I kept on pushing and focused on trying to be as great as possible.

What motivated you to beat your own world records? I always try to push boundaries. Growing up here, it was a small part of the world. I always set goals and it’s important to have a great team around you that has the same goals. You have to want great things for yourself. I wanted bigger things for myself and wanted to learn the sport. I never limit myself. Anything is possible. Don’t think limits. I would train harder and push. I would give my all at competitions. But now I’m officially retired.

How do you focus your energy during a competition? It’s all about the preparation, I try to always be confident, calm and relaxed. The preparation I put behind the scenes that no one sees makes it easy for me to focus my energy.

Which athletes have really inspired you?

Many athletes have inspired me from my field such as Olympian sprinters Michael Johnson,

Don Quarrie, Herb McKenley, and basketball player Kevin Garnett.

Are there any songs that inspire you?

I just love music in general, but especially reggae. I always feel the energy and vibe that would get me going and motivated.

What are your favorite things about living in Jamaica? It’s just the people, they are very relaxed and chill. A lot of people come up to me and you never know what kind of conversation you will spark here and whom you will meet, but it’s all about the conversation.

How does your public personae differ than who you really are?

I think a lot of people see me as a showman but I’m actually very relaxed and chill and pretty lazy. But you would never guess that.

usainbolt.com theafj.org

The AFJ is a registered 501 c 3 non profit organization in New York that supports tax deductible donations to fund projects and foundations in Jamaica.

AC HOTEL KINGSTON Design Meets Luxury in Kingston

By Jax Cohen

Hotels by Marriott has announced the opening of AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica. This exciting venture brings the brand’s celebrated forward-thinking design approach to the island. The idea for this exciting new hotel came from the vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, founder and president of AC Hotels. Catalan founded the brand in 1998 in Spain and brought it into the Marriott International portfolio in 2011, launching AC Hotels by Marriott globally in locations including France, Denmark, the United States, Latin America, Puerto Rico and now, Jamaica.

Embracing the AC brand’s focus on purposeful design, the AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica features 220 rooms to provide guests with thoughtfullydesigned moments of beauty and experiences that elevate their stay and help them focus on what is important to them. The result is a sophisticated yet unpretentious style and innovative food and beverage programming with locally-inspired experiences for both international travelers and locals. Guests will have access to a spacious 24-hour fitness center; an outdoor pool; the brand’s signature AC Kitchen which provides a daily European-inspired breakfast buffet infused with a taste of Jamaica; and the AC Lounge, which

offers a chic, open and comfortable ambiance, ideal for co-working and socializing. “We are delighted to welcome our first AC Hotel to Jamaica, offering travelers a modern aesthetic and intuitive service, as well as an opportunity to slow down and uncover the beauty in the essential while visiting the destination,” said Toni Stoeckl, Vice President, Distinctive Select Brands for Marriott International, and Global Brand Leader, AC Hotels by Marriott.

This new addition to the city is expected to have positive implications for the country’s tourism sector. In a recent walk-through of the hotel,

Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edward Bartlett said, “The debut of a brand like AC Hotels in Kingston will solidify the city’s status as a strong city tourism destination.” AC Hotel Kingston Jamaica adds a modern touch not only to the Kingston skyline but to the wider Caribbean region, joining AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado as the brand’s second hotel in the region. The hotel design includes elegant, clean lines that are signature features of the brand, along with thoughtful touches that harmoniously reflect Jamaica’s vibrant flair. Throughout the hotel, guests will find an impressive collection of art, crafted by Jamaican artists, and one-ofa-kind furnishings that have also been locally made. The hotel is equipped with over 18,000 square feet of cutting-edge meeting and banquet facilities, making this the largest meeting space in the city, and an ideal spot to conduct business. The meeting rooms, which draw inspiration from iconic Jamaican landmarks, can accommodate

up to 6 meetings simultaneously. The spacious conference room, named Rock Steady, is able to welcome up to 600 guests and can even split into 3 different independent conference rooms if needed. The elegantly designed Blue Mountain room serves as an additional independent meeting space and can accommodate up to 50 people at once. For more intimate, private meetings, the Cays – Pelican Cay and Lime Cay, are identical rooms which can each accommodate up to 10 people and may be joined to double the occupancy. Each meeting space includes the latest audio-visual technology complete with seamless hospitality services. So, whether you are hosting a small meeting, or a group of up to 600 people, the hotel is ready to cater to groups of various sizes.

“My family and I are determined to play our part in building the economy in the Caribbean. This is a monumental occasion as we venture beyond the beach to establish our first AC Hotel by Marriott,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of the Sandals Resorts International and ATL Group of Companies. “We are excited

to work with a global company like Marriott International, while retaining the local Jamaican touch for guests visiting the city.” The Stewart family, who owns the AC Hotel Kingston Jamaica, selected Koen Hietbrink to oversee the hotel’s operations as General Manager. In addition to Koen’s fourteen years of leadership experience with the Marriott brand, Koen has led the openings of numerous Marriott properties in the Caribbean. Guests staying at AC Hotel Kingston Jamaica may earn and redeem valuable Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Points while staying at the property. Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott’s new travel program launched in February 2019 to replace Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). The program offers its 130 million members an extraordinary portfolio of 30 global brands and 7,000+ hotels located in 131 countries and territories, an expansive list of experiences allowing members to pursue their passions while traveling or during a stay-cation, and unmatched benefits and rewards.

achotelkingston.com

THE RITZ CARLTON BAL HARBOUR, MIAMI Get Back to Bliss

By Lauren Bens

Get ready to sit back, relax and live the life of luxury when you visit the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami. Located in ‘an oasis of calm in one of the world’s most exciting cities’, this is where both pampering and partying both come alive.

Escape to this relaxing resort where you can indulge in their endless upscale amenities. Enjoy their 10,000-square-foot waterfront Exhale Bal Harbour spa and fitness studio with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strengthtraining equipment, personal training and group exercise classes. With millions of dollars worth of paintings, photography and sculpture, you are in for a very stylish stay.

Located near the legendary Bal Harbour Shops, also known as a shopper’s perfect paradise, you’ll find the area’s top shops, restaurants and of course, the best people watching. With a European-edged outdoor heated swimming pool, rentable cabanas featuring hot tubs and limousine service, you will definitely be whisked away to elegance beyond your wildest dreams.

This resort really knows how to bring on the luxe life, especially with their Bal Harbour Suite. With a gourmet kitchen and dining room, plus two bedrooms and ocean views from every room, this spacious suite has all the chic comforts of home. For a regal stay in this Ritz, book the Presidential suite, which features a theatre as well as a grand piano – you won’t need to leave your room to be entertained!

For a more laidback yet equally as refined retreat, book either the one- or two-bedroom Oceanfront Suites with ten-foot floor to ceiling windows and a free-standing soaking bathtub with views. With room service, high-end décor and more, you will be blown away at the Ritz Carlton Bal Habour, Miami!

Feeling famished? For some savory or sweet treats by the seaside, stop by Water’s Edge. This poolside dining option offers everything from kids fare to cocktails. Indulge in Avocado Hummus or Grilled Wings and satisfy your poolside cravings so you can go back to having fun in the sun. if you want to see some of the freshest seafood Miami has to offer, dig in to deliciousness at Artisan Beach House.

This waterfront destination, which is open all day, serves up smoked salmon and shrimp cocktail, and also boasts one of the best Sunday brunches in town. With a private dining room that can host up to 180 guests, you can get the party started in the middle of Miami. Bite into the Biscayne Crab Cakes with Chayote and Green Mango slaw with Piquillo Sauce – after you go to the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, you don’t go back!

If the sun’s got you beat, take a deep breath and rejuvenate at the Exhale Spa. This wellness destination allows you to get fit and unwind at the same time. After taking barre classes that provide full body workouts or practicing yoga, chill out in the steam room or enjoy a reiki session. Fancy a Facial? Try out the power facial! This customizable skin care treatment is designed to fit you and your needs. Whether you want to get rid of wrinkles or undo sun damage, you can make sure your skin is invigorated, hydrated, and smooth. Find serenity with their Signature Flow Massage which incorporates more lymphatic drainage than a traditional deep tissue, resulting in greater detoxification and an enhanced boost to the immune system.

Host your dream wedding with clear skies and crashing waves as the backdrop. With an experienced wedding advisor to assist with the details, plus world-class cuisine and all the pampering you can handle, say “I do” to this prime Miami location. With their Wedding Party Getaway package, you can take your whole crew to get glam before the big day!

Aside from hosting A-listers, The Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami can also be considered an art lovers heaven. With the hotel’s Art Access pass to the city’s top museums and private collections, you can check out the coolest and most creative spots in Miami. Their kid-friendly water sports, libraries and gaming system also ensure there is endless fun for the whole family!

Can’t decide where to hold your next conference or business meeting? Host it by the oceanside! The Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami provides customizable menus, stylish décor and state of the art technology – your presentation is sure to go perfectly in this posh setting. With a conference concierge, audiovisual and technology technicians and event spaces of all sizes, you can brainstorm by the beach! They even offer team-building exercises including mediation, yoga and whiskey tastings as well as wellness breaks.

Pack all of your most stylish swimsuits for your Bal Harbour vacation in the brand new luxurious luggage by Speck Travel.

The new sophisticated Speck collection consists of three high-quality and protective pieces of luggage available in Hyacinth Pink, Concrete Grey, Black, and Macaw Blue, as well as two backpacks. With their 22-inch Carry-On, you’ll find any excuse for a weekend getaway, while the 29-inch Upright is perfect for a longer trip. These well-crafted pieces allow you to squeeze every bit of awesome into your trip – and your suitcase! For a short and relaxing getaway, the 22-inch carry on is the perfect size for storing your essentials. This smaller yet beautifully designed carry-on is customized to fit your everyday needs and make your travel experience hassle-free. The larger 29-inch protects your valuables so you can just focus on your time in paradise. If a quick trip to Florida is in your future, spend it at the Ritz Bal Harbour, Miami, and pack stylishly with Speck Travel!

ritzcarlton.com/Miami/Bal_Harbour

MANDARIN ORIENTAL Power-off in Paradise

By Lauren Bens

Turn up the heat with a visit to Florida, where things are about to get a lot hotter when you stay at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, located in Brickell Key. Enjoy the ultimate relaxing getaway when you unplug at this luxury hotel with their Power off in Paradise package, which is available until the end of December 2020. With an infinity pool and infinite dining options, as well as serene spa options, there are plenty of ways to break away from reality in at this Oriental inspired luxury hotel. From a sun-kissed day on South Beach to some downtown disco, get ready to make some

moves in Miami – just remember to leave your phone at home!

Recharge your batteries and escape from your everyday stress when you enter one of their most exclusive suites. Your phone will also get a break with their individual Mandarin Oriental cell phone sleeping bags! With five-star luxury in a location that promises nothing but clear blue water and beautiful people, you can have a luxurious but low-key getaway. The Premier Bay View Two Bedroom Suite, which offers two bathrooms, two balconies, and two bedrooms, guarantees a perfect

time in paradise at this haute hotel. With the Junior Bay View Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony, you can bask in the sun without leaving your room.

For a super posh stay, check into the Mandarin Presidential Suite. This one-bedroom suite includes a private spa room, spacious kitchen, living room, and dining room. With a Peloton Bike and in-room wellness basket featuring mindful activities such as a puzzle, board games and Buddha board, you don’t even have to leave your room – or turn on your electronics – to have

fun! They even offer private family yoga and singing bowl sessions.

For some body and soul rejuvenation, sit back and relax at the five-star Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami. You might have already escaped to paradise, but with their Digital Wellness Escape, you’ll really never want to go back to reality! Concentrating on the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, hands and feet, this restorative treatment eases stresses and strains which can result from the overuse of digital devices in the real world.

Enjoy a fresh and healthy Bento Box lunch for four at Oasis Pool Café which is also part of your power off package, so you can stay fit and refreshed during your stay. La Mar, a chic outdoor bar and lounge, features acclaimed cuisine from the legendary Chef Gaston Acurio. Enjoy mouthwatering and palatable plates including Los Choritos (muscles), tasty tapas such

as Cebichito (catch of the day, shrimp, octopus, sweet potato, choclo, cancha, spicy leche de tigre) and Yuquitas ( crispy yucca, huancaina sauce, queso fresco, togarashi). Take in views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline while you tantalize your taste buds with upscale novo-Andean and Asian-Peruvian fusion fare. You can also savor a scrumptious two-hour brunch with unlimited cocktails and desserts. Wake up to some delicious bites at Breakfast on the Bay, which offers a plethora of healthy options, plus a continental breakfast buffet. With plenty of Latin specialties, omelets, smoothies and cold presses juices, you might even turn into a morning person!

If you’re looking for a place to host your next meeting, the Mandarin, which is conveniently located in a prestigious area just 20 minutes from Miami International Airport, allows you to conduct your business in style. With scrumptious catering options, comfortable spaces and

efficient equipment, your business meetings at the Mandarin can be both productive and tasty!

Make your Miami getaway even more glamorous with the stylish and durable Ultralight Aircraft Aluminum Carry-On by Hammacher Schlemmer. This lightweight and luxurious bag keeps all of your personal belongings safe and secure, so all you have to worry about is getting to your destination! Can’t decide what to pack? With the Ultralight Aircraft Aluminum Under Seat CarryOn, you have plenty of room, so you can take all the swimsuits and shoes you want! The carry-on even has an aluminum shell which blocks signals from RFID chips, ensuring your information is kept safe before, during and after your trip. With space for a laptop, you can even get some work done on the plane before heading to the beach upon arrival.

mandarinoriental.com

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE

See the Skyline with Their American Institute of Architects New York Tour

By lauren bens

New York City has historically set the skyscraper architecture scene with buildings such as the iconic Chrysler Building, which was a trailblazer in architectural lighting in 1931. Over the last decade, the skyline has transformed not only in size, but also in dynamic new building shapes, such as those which twist and turn to create a very futuristic vision. Living up to its fame as the city that never sleeps, New York City’s skyline is constantly evolving.

The best experts in this subject are the American Institute of Architects (AIANY) tour guides — all licensed and established professional architects — who host the “Around Manhattan” Architecture boat cruises with Classic Harbor Line. October (aka Archtober), marks their 10th year enlightening over 11,000 plus guests about the most historic

skyline in the world, where every building has a unique back story. An added bonus is the vantage point of Classic Harbor Line’s 1920s-inspired commuter yachts designed by brothers John and Rick Scarano of Scarano Boat Builders in Albany, NY. The largest motor yacht in their fleet, Yacht Manhattan II, was completed in 2014 and specially designed with architecture tours in mind.

“Manhattan II is a refinement on our original Manhattan I, our first effort at a Manhattan excursion boat specifically designed to see the skyline of Manhattan through overhead skylights,” notes John Scarano. “We wanted larger groups to be able to see as much of the skyline as possible wherever they looked around the boat from inside the cabin.”

To mark the 10-year anniversary in October, (aka

Archtober), Classic Harbor Line is debuting a new boat tour that focuses on the remarkable skyline of Manhattan after sunset. Guests will learn how— and why—the city’s buildings and landmarks light up each night, as well as more about their carefully planned and orchestrated seasonal and holiday changes. The joy of seeing it from this waterside perspective is the double view provided by the iconic NYC skyline reflecting off the surrounding waters. The new tour addition, officially called the AIANY Architecture and Lights of Gotham, runs on Tuesdays, October 1 and 8 from 7:30-9:45 pm and October 22 and 29 from 6:30-8:45 pm. Find tickets under All New Architecture Tour on https:// sail-nyc.com.

To commemorate this 10th season of collaborative architecture tours, Classic Harbor Line guests will

be treated to a “10-year retrospective” narrative from the perspective of one of six AIANY guides who have witnessed this historically dynamic decade of physical change for New York City. One of the original AIANY architecture guides celebrating this 10-year anniversary, Arthur Platt, has developed his own rhythm and tour focal points over the years.

“During the circumnavigation, we offer guests a comprehensive understanding of the city as seen from the water. Along with seeing thrilling new structures and sites, I feel the tours are most successful when the goals of urban design, architecture and landscape architecture are discovered by audiences from all over an increasingly urbanized planet,” explained Platt.

Architecture has also been experiencing its own

significant changes, such as the increase of women architects who are making their mark on the NYC skyline, including Ayumi Sugiyama of Big Architecture, who designed the new American Copper Building with undulating towers connected by a skybridge pool on NYC’s East Side. Meanwhile, Cameron Ringness designed the Statue Of Liberty Museum and Signe Nielsen is responsible for designing the new park spaces of Governors Island. Maverick architect Bjarke Engles brought exciting and at times controversial changes to the skyline through three striking buildings that are either completed or near completion along the Westside skyline near the Hudson River’s edge. Architects have also exercised more creative freedom when it comes to lighting over the past decade. Some of the most exciting examples of this trend are The Municipal Building on Chambers Street and Pier 17 near the Seaport

Museum. “In addition to older buildings that added lighting, there are a few new ones I look forward to seeing light up, like the iconic Via57West at West 57th on the Hudson River,” says Lead Gotham Lights Tour guide and AIA architect Joseph Lengeling.

You’ll definitely want to gather a savvy group together or indulge yourself in the best architecture tour in the care of real professionals. Join the architects, boat captains and experienced crew aboard the Yacht Manhattan II for a journey through time as you fully circumnavigate the island of Manhattan and uncover critically-acclaimed structures, as well as changes and developments to the NYC skyline and waterfront since the inception of this tour in 2009.

sail-nyc.com

DUBAI Las Vegas on Steroids

By Marvin Scott

Dubai is a magical and mesmerizing city. Think Las Vegas on steroids. There are no glittering neon lights to lure you in, but there is an electrifying vibrancy that beckons a first-time visitor.

The invitation begins with the sighting of the city’s dazzling skyline, an eclectic array of magnificent skyscrapers reaching into the cloudless sky. It’s like a living museum of architecture, with modernistic edifices, no two buildings looking alike.

No visit to Dubai is complete without a visit to one of the city’s nearly 100 shopping malls. Billed as the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall offers more than 1,300 stores. Although you’ll find everything from Hermes to Versace, this mall offers much more than just retail shops. Here you’ll find a cinema, an Olympic-size ice rink, a spectacular aquarium and underwater zoo. With enough activities to work up an appetite, you’ll be pleased that there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

At the Mall of the Emirates we found winter in the middle of the desert. The temperature outside was sizzling in the 80s, but inside the world’s largest indoor snow park it was below freezing at 28 degrees. To combat the cold, we were given full-length down coats and boots before entering the icy environment of “Ski Dubai.”

There were skiers riding the chairlift and others on the slopes with five different runs varying in steepness. Elsewhere, kids were enjoying a bobsled ride.

Our room on the 55th floor of the Rose Rayaan By Rotana Hotel offered a commanding panorama of this futuristic city. Our eyes were fixated on the towering Burj Khalifa, which at 160 floors stands as the world’s tallest building. In a matter of minutes, an elevator propelled us to the 148th floor, the highest-level visitors can go. There are even offices above and a prayer room at the very top. Standing on the world’s highest outdoor observation deck, we could see the breathtaking vista below. The first five floors of this skyscraper are occupied by an exclusive Armani Hotel, while floors 19 to 108 are private residences.

You haven’t experienced Dubai until you visit its renowned souks, or market places, especially The Gold Souk. All that glitters here is dazzling gold of all shapes and weights, from rings to magnificently designed chest plates. Meanwhile, the scent of saffron and incense will beckon you to the Spice Souk where you will find shops selling spices, perfumes, incense and a potpourri of other goods.

Focused on becoming the world’s premier family destination, Dubai continues to develop attractions for the entire family to enjoy. There are several water parks, including Jumeirah’s Wild Wadi, and the LEGOLAND Water Park, plus a host of theme parks.

With the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and year-round sunshine, the miles of pristine beaches extending along the coast are a welcoming diversion for visitors. And yes, there is a nightlife in Dubai. Catering to over 200 nationalities that call the

Emirates home. Dubai serves up cuisine from India to Peru, France to Vietnam and every flavor in between. With hundreds of world-class restaurants and stylish lounges and nightclubs to choose from, Dubai is a city where gastronomy and nightlife thrive.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip was the evening we spent in the Arabian desert. A 45-minute drive from our hotel brought us to a rendezvous point where we raced across the sand dunes in a Land Rover before settling down at a nearby camp for a traditional Bedouin dinner. At sunset, we were dazzled by the setting sun that was transforming a pale blue sky into a bright orange color against which was dramatically silhouetted by three camels crossing a ridge.

The piece de resistance of our trip was a dinner at the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, where the Royal Suite is available for $24,000 a night. An elevator whisked us to the 27th floor where we entered a golden seashell entrance hallway to the hotels opulent signature restaurant, Al Muntaha, which specializes in modern French cuisine. We shared a toast with our hostess and indulged in a six-course dinner with wine pairing. It was an epicurean delight fit for a Sheik.

Next year Dubai will host Expo 2020, allowing visitors a chance to experience a visionary city that dares to dream big - and then turns those dreams into reality.

visitdubai.com

Photo Credit: Marvin Scott

November 4th-11th 2019

It’s official! For the first time ever the annual AQUA X Jet Ski Racing World Championship is being hosted in Nassau, Bahamas. To celebrate this exciting event we are inviting attendees and participants to book with us here at Sunrise Beach Villas. Any guest that books a minimum 3 day stay with our hotel during November 4 -11, 2019 will receive the following: Complimentary bottles of water* Complimentary WIFI for the duration of your stay Welcome Fruit Basket* Bagels & Cream Cheese*

In order to redeem this special please feel free to contact us directly and use the term AQUAX. Come and watch the exciting races and then relax in your private villa at our property which offers a tranquil setting & the ocean as our backyard. Secure your villa today!

*Offer valid when staying on our property anytime from November 4 – 11, 2019.

ONLY THREE HOURS FROM PARADISE

Non-stop flights to Nassau, Bahamas

Experience everything that paradise has to offer when staying at Sunrise Beach Villas. Located on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, our property ensures privacy & security, which presents the perfect getaway for all.

Come visit us...you’re welcome to stay.

STUART VARNEY

Business News Veteran

By julie sagoskin Photographed By UDO SPREITZENBARTH

Shot on location at: The Royale, 188 East 64th Street PH4, courtesy of Douglas Elliman Photography Assistant: Diaja Henry

From the stock market to the latest political scandal which affects your finances, Stuart Varney knows his business, which is why his live show, Varney & Co., on FOX Business Network routinely ranks as the number one business news program in America.

This British boy has certainly come a long way from first crossing the pond to conquering the country’s biggest business news headlines. Before landing in the land of milk and honey in 1973, Stuart had received a degree from the London School of

Economics and was traveling around the world. While in Hong Kong, the future face of FOX Business got a job working for Radio Hong Kong as a news reporter on the streets before starting over in San Francisco.

“The first moment that I arrived in America, I landed at JFK and was immediately taken to Westport, Connecticut. I got up the next morning and walked around and thought my goodness me, the streets are paved with gold. It was a very wealthy place and instantly I could see opportunity and money and it was something that I could aspire to.”

After inquiring about an ad he had read in the local paper calling for an entry level newscaster position, Stuart found himself on the air at a small business station which had been purchased by two entrepreneurs. When someone named Ted Turner came calling about a new concept on a new channel, Stuart jumped at the chance. With a vast knowledge of both business and television, Varney became the very first person to broadcast on CNN in the old World Trade Center studios on June 2nd, 1980. Turner had indeed turned Stuart into a national news star.

“I was a newcomer to America, a young guy in my late 20’s, early 30’s, and suddenly there’s a brand new thing, this 24/7 news network that airs coast to coast. Nobody had done anything like that before, and I was in on the ground floor. I learned an enormous amount and because it was so new and so unique, I got to interview all kinds of people that would have been really out of reach. It started doing very well and I stayed at CNN for almost 20 years.”

This personable television personality always puts his own perspective on things, which is what has led to some pretty impressive ratings. Stuart is definitely both entertaining and educational – especially with his English accent!

With the addition of Stuart, Fox Business Network, which launched in October 2007 and is celebrating its 12th anniversary this month, is the leading business network on television, having topped CNBC in Business Day for the second consecutive year in 2018. In fact, Varney & Co. just marked three consecutive years of dominating the competition in terms of total viewership. “Why we’ve lasted such a long time is that we are different from other business shows and other business networks. I go out of my way to be different. Fox Business is relatively new in the great scheme of things. They’ve really let me do my own thing. I’m a happy guy – they’ll have to carry me out! I never thought I’d be here but glad I am. It’s a challenge but a good challenge. You watch my show and it’s not a forecasting or Wall Street show, it’s a money and politics show. I want to grab the attention of the audience and know that they’re enjoying themselves.”

This ambitious anchor has indeed achieved the American dream in his adopted country which he credits to the generosity and accepting nature of the American people. “Here I am, a guy with an obvious foreign voice telling Americans what’s going on in their society, and they accepted it. America is and was and always will be, I think, the land of extraordinary opportunity. Nobody ever cared what my dad did for a living, what school I went to or who I was. If you have drive and ability you can move up the food chain here and I’m entranced by this. If you had told me years and years ago that I would do well in the television news business, I would have laughed. When you’re working on the ground floor of any operation, you don’t see yourself 20 or 30 years in the future doing well, you just struggle to get through the day to make an impact and make a career. I was very fortunate to stay with CNN for so long, I saw the development of something completely new in the news business.”

In order to meet the demands of singularly anchoring a 3-hour live show, Stuart has made Hoboken his home as it is just a short commute to his studio. By 4am, Stuart is already busy writing opinion pieces and preparing to bring the biggest business news stories to his adoring audience. “If you have your name on your show it’s you that has to be there, so that means I have to make all kinds of accommodations in my personal life to meet my professional life. I just stayed in the game, I enjoyed some success and I want to stay in it.”

While he loves taking visitors on a walking tour around Manhattan, a city he has come to love for its vitality and of course, restaurants, Stuart has also come to appreciate the aliveness and homey feel of Hoboken. “It’s such a young community, all you see are young couples with babies and dogs. I like to be surrounded by youth and enthusiasm. I don’t go out at night since I have to be up so early, but Hoboken is really a fascinating place.”

He might be a busy Fox star, but Stuart always finds time for family. With six children and nine grandchildren, he’s just as busy keeping up with the Varney clan as he is reporting on the virulent stock market. While Stuart’s children and their families live everywhere from New England to New Zealand, this doting dad dedicates just as much time to staying in touch with everyone, even if it’s through the internet, as he does preparing for his show. His children have also branched out into differing industries, from winemaking to

the hotel business, but his youngest daughter is following in her father’s footsteps and is now a part of the Fox family where she works at Fox Nation.

Aside from working hard on his show, Stuart also has a large working tree farm in Upstate New York, one of his four residences, where he grows hard wood timber and hard maple that goes into high-end furniture. The farm, located two hours outside of New Jersey, is where the 71-year old anchor, who has no plans to retire anytime soon, relaxes and regroups away from his beloved but non-stop business show. Stuart’s own personal retreat reminds him of the rolling green pastures of the English countryside.

“Having any kind of acreage in England costs an arm and a leg. In America, it’s much cheaper. I found the property purely by accident. It’s really possible to have a very attractive lifestyle here in this great country. When I found the place it was a wreck, so I got it in a distress sale. It used to be a beef farm with cattle but hadn’t been a real farm for 20 years. It took me years to visit all the parts of the property and to build tracks and roads to make it accessible. I never considered having a tree farm but it’s a money maker and you can really enjoy nature out here.” Though there are three houses on the property, making it a favorite spot for family reunions, Stuart also owns homes in Naples, Florida, and Cape Cod, in order to be closer to two of his children and their families.

When it comes to his most memorable on-air moments, Stuart mostly enjoys straight talkers who speak their mind, including President Donald Trump and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. “President Trump is the best interview that I’ve ever done, not because I got anything special from him, but because he answers any and all questions directly, and that is so refreshing. You may or may not like his politics, his tone or his style, but you get honest answers. With most politicians, you get a deflection, or you don’t know what they really think or what they want to say. They’re usually super guarded, but he breaks the mold all the time. You can ask him anything and you might get a harsh answer, but you’ll definitely get a straight answer. You might not like him, but don’t tell me it’s not exciting stuff. I liked sharpedged politicians.’

With the election looming, the savvy and sharpwitted Stuart wants to make sure that America doesn’t become a socialist country. “The election will make a big difference to the economy and have a significant impact on investors. Whether Trump wins or loses, it will have big consequences. I just report on what the market is doing and how America is doing. I support a vigorous, capitalist America, and that’s what we’ve got, at least for now.”

This number one business newsman and family man is always finding fresh ways to reach his Fox Business fans. He is still savoring his long-standing success and isn’t slowing down any time soon!

TAMSEN FADAL Bringing Broadway’s Breaking News

By Julie Sagoskin

From the biggest Broadway shows to the brightest stars lighting up the Great White Way, Tamsen Fadal, host of Broadway Profiles with Tamsen Fadal on PIX11, has all the latest breaking Broadway news! Tune into her show, which airs once a month nationwide, and learn how to score seats to some of the most in-demand shows as well as other insider tips!

What are some of the biggest shows that are about to hit Broadway?

I have been looking forward to seeing Jagged Little Pill since I first heard about its run last year in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The musical is inspired by the groundbreaking album by Alanis Morrissette, and tells the story of a multigenerational family dealing with gender identity and race issues.

I had the chance to meet with some of the stars, including Celia Gooding, who stars as Frankie in the musical. Celia is the daughter of Tony winner

LaChanze, so it’s been a thrill to see her following in her mother’s footsteps on the stage.

Jagged Little Pill opens November 3rd at the Broadhurst Theatre.

And I absolutely cannot wait for the revival of West Side Story, which is a new interpretation of the iconic musical. Directed by the incomparable Ivo van Hove, fresh off the Tony-Award-Winning run of ‘Network’, starring Bryan Cranston, West Side Story is set to open in February 2020 at the Broadway Theater.

Any big stars to check out?

Lots of big names are starring in Broadway productions this season.

Brian Cox is a busy man these days. From running a TV empire on the HBO series ‘Succession,’ to hitting the stage in ‘The Great Society’ the sequel

to ‘All the Way,” Cox takes on the role of President LBJ after his landslide victory in 1964 and his decision not to run for re-election.

Plus, you’ve got Tom Hiddleston, currently starring in ‘Betrayal,’ making his Broadway debut. You may recognize him from this summer’s Marvel Universe blockbuster movie ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, as Thor’s brother, Loki.

Mary-Louise Parker is back on Broadway in the new play, ‘The Sound Inside’. And Oscar winner Marisa Tomei is starring in ‘The Rose Tattoo’.

Most exciting Special Events:

‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ is just about the most fun you can have at the theater. It’s an evening of hiphop, improv comedy and incredible musical numbers created on the spot from audience suggestions. And you never know might show up. Guest stars like Daveed Diggs, Wayne Brady or Lin-Manuel

Miranda (who is a co-conceiver of the show) may take the stage as a surprise guest. It’s at the Booth Theatre and it’s a must see.

Favorite Off-Broadway shows headed to Broadway?

I just can’t say enough about ‘Slave Play’. Provocative would be an understatement, this is truly an incredible piece of theater. Playwright Jeremy O. Harris has burst onto the scene and created a play that is getting people talking about race, gender and sex in America. After its sold-out run at New York Theatre Workshop, Slave Play is now heading to Broadway in October.

What Movies are now Musicals?

Probably the biggest show in the Broadway universe, right now, is ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’. Everything about this show, from the sets to the music, will blow your mind.

‘Mean Girls: The Musical’ is totally fetch, and Tina Fey’s musical is still going strong with newcomer

Renee Rapp making her Broadway debut as the latest Regina George.

And, fun fact, ‘Come From Away’ is actually being made into a movie. It’s not that often, a show goes from Broadway to the big screen, and this one is truly special.

Upcoming kid-friendly shows?

Well, all of the Disney shows are great for kids and adults. Everything from ‘The Lion King’ to ‘Aladdin’ to ‘Frozen’ are all amazing, gorgeous productions.

But one that I know a lot of families are looking forward to is ‘The Lightning Thief’. This is The Percy Jackson musical, based on the popular teen fantasy novels. It opens October 16th at the Longacre Theatre.

What are some of the biggest Broadway trends right now? Bio-musicals! From Summer, the Donna Summer

Musical to Beautiful, The Carole King Musical, to Ain’t Too Proud, The Life and Times of The Temptations and Tina, The Tina Turner Musical (opening Nov 7th) this season is filled with the stories of real people coming to the stage.

Best way to get tickets during the holiday season?

Broadway.com is not only easy to navigate, but if you have family in cities other than New York, it’s easy to find touring shows here as well.

Be sure to check out Broadway Profiles with Tamsen Fadal, it airs monthly across the country and shares the stories of people both on and off the stage who bring Broadway to life.

Broadway Profiles is executive produced by John Gore, Tamsen Fadal and Broadway Channel SVP Matthew Hege and produced by Keith Hurd.

broadwayprofiles.com

Photo

DR. MICHAEL HALL Miami Longevity Clinic

By Bennett Marcus

Celebrity Clients

At the Hall Longevity Clinic in Miami Beach, Dr. Michael Hall, MD provides regenerative aesthetic, and anti-aging medical treatments, as well as general medicine, travel vaccinations and basic women’s health. Over the years, he has treated members of the Saudi Arabian Royal family, the King and Queen of Swaziland, Simon Cowell and Blaine Trump. Drake, the rapper, gave Dr. Hall a shout-out on Instagram after a visit last year.

Social Justice Warrior

Dr. Hall is trained as a family physician and eye surgeon, a healthcare policy expert, and provided humanitarian services around the world, including to the survivors the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 2010 Haitian earthquake and the recent Bahaminan hurricane. He is a published author and is certified in traditional Chinese medicine. As social justice warrior, he has made it his cause to make health care affordable and more efficient with his medical software company, wellskor. A helicopter pilot, Dr. Hall is a designated Aviation Medical Examiner offering FAA-required exams for commercial airline pilots. His life has been a journey of curiosity, learning and fighting for social justice.

NY Presbyterian & Weill Cornell Medical Center

As a young ophthalmology resident at New YorkPresbyterian -Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr.

Hall observed cases in which African American patients were treated unfairly, and sometimes became victims of malpractice due to racial profiling by doctors. He registered an official complaint with hospital staff and was dismissed from his duties. “I was eight months away from finishing my residency, and I was literally just thrown out,” he says. He went to the US Southern District federal court and the New York State Department of Health which found the hospital was in the wrong, but his federal judge sat on the case for three years, forcing Dr. Hall to sue his judge for relief. He took it to the New York Times, which exposed the coverup.

Lower East Side Service Center

Dr. Hall next took a job as medical director at the Lower East Side Service Center, a substance abuse clinic, found that he loved it, and obtained a master’s degree in healthcare policy from NYU, transforming his career. “I wanted to look at the 30,000-foot view and really see what we’re doing; I had felt that medicine for me really was more at the global level because of Cornell. I was kind of forced into thinking differently about how to look at the patient.”

Volunteerism & Indian Ocean tsunami

He became a community and family physician, board-certified after a two-year residency and then

moved to New Zealand to study their healthcare system. While working with the indigenous Maori, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit. He took two bags with gear donated from the community and flew on his own to Sri Lanka to join another doctor there. To help survivors, he worked with a church, visiting their multiple outreach centers and orphanages. Five of his Maori nurses from New Zealand also came at their own expense. “It was beautiful experience,” he says.

Traditional Chinese & Maori medicine

While working with the Maori, he learned about natural and plant-based medicine, and then went on to work with indigenous peoples in Hawaii, Montana, and Maine. “I found that to be a pivotal point to understand our real human connection to one another, these tribes of people all over the world use local plants, sustainable diets and ancient implements to heal themselves. “That led him to a fellowship in traditional Chinese medicine at the University of Miami, combining a holistic component with Western medicine. “Then anti-aging just made sense because obviously it’s conscious awareness and real preventative medicine.” He attends conferences with top scientists who are “trying to crack the code on what goes on in the body as we age.”

hallongevity.com

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ELIZABETH SUTTON Artist & Designer

By Carlos Lacayo

Rising Star & Architectural Digest

The number of accolades and accomplishments artist, designer and entrepreneur Elizabeth Sutton has achieved over the last year are more than some would in a lifetime. Elizabeth’s Arc Collection tiles for Tilebar won “Best in Show Wall Treatment” at the Architectural Digest Design Show and Best in Show Product Design Award in “Applied Finishes and Materials” at the HD Expo, the largest hospitality convention in the US. She was named ‘Rising Star’ by POWER Magazine and was honored at The Plaza Hotel where she spoke on a panel alongside actresses Rona Lee Shimon and Margarita Levieva. She was also a panelist at the Columbia University-sponsored WIN Summit, joining such bold-faced names as Randi Zuckerberg.

This summer, Elizabeth was chosen to paint the esteemed MP Pool party, an 8,500 sq ft pool deck on Roosevelt Island which was featured in Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest Spain, New York Post, Curbed, and Time Out NY. With a passion for hospitality, she has created bespoke artworks for the upscale steakhouse, Wall Street Grill. She’s launched a clutch collection, leather handbags and belts, interior tiles, disposable placemats, and additional home décor items, as well as her blog – all within a calendar year.

elizabethsuttoncollection.com

Janovic Paint & Decorating

Sutton has a new collaboration with Janovic, the largest paint supplier in NYC. Sutton was commissioned to create five curated color palettes using 58 shades of Benjamin Moore paints. Her artworks are featured prominently on four NYC buildings, and the collaboration is being advertised on 18 bus shelters throughout Manhattan.

janovic.com/elizabeth-sutton

Eden Rock Hotel in St. Barth

The New York native recently released her first capsule collection of leather handbags and accessories. This November, Sutton will launch a major collaboration with one of the world’s most exclusive hotel properties, Eden Rock St Barths, along with a wallpaper collection that is poised to change the game of the interior design world. And last but not least, Sutton is painting what she considers to be her most creative work to date – a pool table in collaboration with Blatt Billiards.

oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths/the-hotel/

ArtStart

Sutton’s brand is about inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Her goal is to encourage others to be true to who they are, regardless of society’s judgments and opinions. Her dream is to inspire women everywhere to be self-sufficient, financially independent, and confident. In addition to mentoring women, many of whom find themselves stuck like Sutton once felt, she is highly involved in philanthropic endeavors. In 2017, she raised $35,000 for ArtStart, an organization that provides music and art therapy for homeless youth in NYC shelters.

art-start.org

United Hatzalah

Her painting for United Hatzalah was auctioned at their first annual gala for $36,000, with all proceeds going to the lifesaving organization, “I try to build philanthropy into everything that I do. It is very much a part of who I am, and it will always be very much a part of the Elizabeth Sutton Collection brand. One day, I hope to start my own charity.” Add it to the long list of things Sutton has on her to-do list.

israelrescue.org

Bergdorf Goodman & The Times

Elizabeth is New York City born and raised and a single mother of two. In less than four years, she has created a burgeoning art career through her Instagram account, with international collectors stemming from all over the world. In addition to her original paintings, Sutton translates her artworks onto an array of products, including tile, placemats, clutches, leather accessories, belts, and wallpaper. Her designs have received prestigious awards, and her bags have been featured in the New York Times Sunday Styles section, in Bergdorf Goodman advertisements, as well as artwork placements in Architectural Digest; all at the tender age of 29.

elizabethsuttoncollection.com

JACKIE ROGERS

Designs For All Seasons

By Elizabeth Elston

For decades, Jackie Rogers couture collections have been dressing the world’s most powerful women and men. From blouses to pants to beautiful gowns, each piece is made in her New York Salon to ensure its quality and fit. Jackie Rogers has remained a top designer within womenswear with her designs worn by socialites, celebrities and international jetsetters alike.

Jackie was discovered by the most renowned couturiers of Rome, including Simonetta and Fabiani, and was immediately pressed into runway action Her madcap lifestyle inspired Fellini to write a part for her into his film “8 ½” and gave her the line of the film” “You’re finished, you’ve got nothing left to say.” During shopping excursion to Paris, Jackie had an epiphany that changed her life forever. Jackie Rogers bought her first Chanel suit (“around $600”) and as she stood for the first fitting found herself thinking, “It would be nice to work here.” Jackie learned Chanel was looking for models and quickly found herself an interview, “Chanel liked me, hired me on the spot and paid me top dollar.” Rogers left the

prince and la dolce vita behind to pursue her dream. Her contract with Chanel was for one year.

At the end of her time there, Chanel insisted that she remain. Jackie Rogers though knew one thing was important: that she work with “Mademoiselle” on the collection. Surprisingly, Chanel agreed and Rogers remained at the House of Chanel, learning the style and techniques of her mentor.

However, Jackie was eager to get home to begin her own career. Against Chanel’s advice, she returned to New York and her modeling and television work while she investigated the fashion possibilities. “One day I was getting my hair cut at Vidal Sassoon,” she says, “when my hairdresser informed me he was cutting the hair of 250 guys a week at night! Great! I suggested, we get together and work out of my apartment. “He’d cut hair, I’d sell Ken Scott’s incredible men’s shirts” they were all the rage there in the Sixties.

Jackie was soon designing her own collection for both men and women. Lee Radziwell discovered

Jackie and soon brought her sister, Jackie Onassis. Jackie’s following today includes many of the world’s most stylish and influential women in society, politics and entertainment. “I’m the only designer today who ever worked with the great Coco Chanel,” says Rogers. “From her I learned that fashion doesn’t start with design. Everything comes from fabrication.” Working just as Chanel did, with the fabric, (“Chanel never sketched; I don’t either.”), Jackie Rogers molds and contours the fabric until a shape emerges. “It’s like sculpting,” she explains.

Jackie Rogers 2020 Collection for All Seasons showcases the latest designer pieces, including beautifully draped dresses, sequined tailored jackets and separates in a multi-colored palette, and reintroducing menswear apparel with which Jackie Rogers fashion design career started. In addition to her New York City salon, Jackie’s collections can also be seen at her Palm Beach, FL boutique.

jackierogers.com

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LAWRENCE SCOTT

Producing Global Lyme Alliance’s 5th Annual New York Gala

By Harry Brads

Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the leading 501(c)(3) dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, will hold its 5th Annual New York City Gala on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at Cipriani 42nd Street at 6:30 p.m. The event aims to raise Lyme disease awareness and research funds to improve diagnostics, treatments and ultimately find a cure for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Celebrated event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events is producing the gala experience and donating his designs and décor to the virtuous cause for the fourth year in a row. Showcasing his unique commitment to philanthropic causes, the spectacular and oneof-a-kind gala will be a night to remember for invited celebrities, business leaders, and top scientists alike.

Awareness and funding of Lyme disease are more important than ever, with a record number of cases reported. According to the CDC there are 427,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year in the U.S.—a 30% increase from previous years. Community

support can make a difference—for patients today and tomorrow.

GLA’s New York Gala is the premier awareness and fundraising event dedicated to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The GLA NYC Gala brings together leaders in business, entertainment, and science. Guests are part of a meaningful and inspirational evening, coming together to support Lyme patients and GLA’s mission to conquer this insidious disease. More than 700 individuals, including celebrities, business leaders, philanthropists and noteworthy scientists, are expected to attend the event.

Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events, through his event planning expertise and long-standing dedication to the community, has devoted himself to venerable causes for decades. He supports more than 30 charitable endeavors annually, including the Global Lyme Alliance for the past five consecutive years.

Past honorees and supporters of the GLA NYC Gala include: Bryan Adams, Joseph Abboud, Carlos Brito,

Skye Cowie, Kat Cunning, Chris Daughtry, David Foster, Sutton Foster, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Yolanda Hadid, Ally Hilfiger, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Avril Lavigne, Jay McInerney, Jim Miller, Tommy Mottola, Mike Schneider, Larry Scott, Rosanna Scotto, Ramona Singer, Victor Slezak, Lori Stokes, Thalia, Marisol and Rob Thomas, and Erin and Jimmy Walker.

GLA has gained international recognition for its groundbreaking research findings, expansive outreach programs, and connecting patients to qualified caregivers.

gla.org

Facebook: GlobalLymeAlliance

Instagram: GlobalLymeAlliance

Twitter: @LymeAlliance

lawrencescottevents.com

Facebook: LawrenceScottEvents

Instagram: lawrencescottevents

Twitter: larryscottevent

RESCUE DOGS ROCK NYC Giving Dogs A

New

Lease On Life

By Lillian Langtry

Rescue Dogs Rescue NYC is a not for profit animal rescue charity founded in 2015, which relies solely on donations and fundraising to help animals in need. Since its inception, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC has, to date, saved over 4,500 animals. Co-founders Jackie O’Sullivan and Stacey Silverstein started the rescue to save abused and at-risk dogs from kill shelters and provide vetting services and ultimately loving homes.

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s goal is to raise awareness of the ever-growing plight of homeless animals in the United States, in shelters as well as those abandoned in the streets. Working to educate about the huge potential these animals have as family pets is one of the key issues Rescue Dogs NYC is trying to tackle. There are way too many fantastic animals that are euthanized every day just because they are homeless. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC introduces these animals to the public and seeks to educate them that unwanted companion animals are not damaged goods or unworthy, but can be fostered into wonderful family pets. Sadly, the abuse, neglect, cruelty and medical cases cost shelters the most money, and often are the first animals to euthanized.

The mission of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC is the rescue of these animals and providing of immediate emergency care, medical or otherwise, they need and deserve. Besides medical treatments, the animals are rehabilitated through trainers and behavior specialists to help overcome past trauma. All dogs live with foster families and volunteers, which also helps them in their socialization process. “It is our belief that no injured or abused animals should lose its life simply due to lack of funds. We do not have our own shelter, and rely on volunteers, fosters and adopters to take the animals into their home and provide them with proper care and a nurturing environment,” said Jackie.

All animals are vaccinated, heartworm tested, microchipped and behavior altered. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC fully screens all homes, fosters and adopters, including references, interviews with applicants, and a home visit to ensure the home is the right fit for the animal.

After a successful first gala last year, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC will host their 2nd annual gala on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 at 583 Park Avenue,

New York City, starting at 6:00 PM. The cocktail and dinner reception gala will raise funds and awareness to help animals in need, and will be co-chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump. The event will be produced by Robin Lathrop of By Robin.

Although awareness has risen, and adoption rates have gone up, there is unfortunately still much room for improvement. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s outreach and education is spread through their website and social media, as well as community events such as their annual gala.

“We are pleased to announce a major addition to our rescue efforts – the acquisition of our very own adoption and rehabilitation center in Suffolk County, NY, on half an acre of green outdoor space for our four-legged friends to enjoy while waiting for their forever home,” said Stacey.

rescuedogsrocknyc.org

Facebook: @RescueDogsRockNyc

Twitter: @RDR_NYC

Instagram: @rescuedogsrocknyc

GROTTO BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

ALL INCLUSIVE

Bermuda’s only hotel with an all inclusive supplement including: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Unlimited Bar Brand Drinks, Theme Night Buffets, Afternoon Tea, Non- Motorized water sports, Bermuda Public Transport Pass, Tennis Courts Fees.

3 RESTAURANTS

Relax and mingle at the Rum House Bar or have an exquisite meal at the Hibiscus Dining Room, or in the Palm Court. After dinner, enjoy the warm tropical breezes on one of the terraces surrounding the Great House. Enjoy a casual Lunch at the Bayside Grill beside the pool.

SPA

Offering the only such “adventure”, of gazing fathoms down into crystal clear, turquoise hued, mineral water surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites in a 500,000 year old environment, is guaranteed to leave the participant in complete awe.

ANDY DEFRANCESCO

Controversial Investor Andy D Talks

Making Big Bets Early, Work Ethic, and if You Don’t Want to Bet With Him, Don’t Bet Against Him Because He’s Proven Leprechauns Do Exist

By Katie Harris Photographed By UDO SPREITZENBARTH

Groomer: Zuleika Viera

Andy DeFrancesco has built a career out of a knack for seeing around corners and a willingness to take risks ahead of the crowd. Those traits have led the 49-year-old serial investor, fund manager and motor-racing fan into countries and asset plays that some might view as a bit over the top, or at least highly contrarian.

There was, for example, the 2006 investment in an oil wells in drug-plagued and violent Colombia when he and his backers were doing quite well investing in the safer locales in the oil and gas fields of the eastern United States. Then, there was DeFrancesco’s bet on a tiny gold mine in Tyrone County in Northern Ireland. That particular venture sounded at the time more like the setup for a joke about chasing leprechaun’s than a serious investment.

DeFrancesco, a Toronto native who built a twodecade career working as an equity trader; banker and then fund manager at firms like Merrill Lynch Canada, Canaccord Genuity, and then a private

family office in that city’s Bay Street financial district, concedes that he got his share of ribbing at the time about leprechauns and finding a mythical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

With these and other investments, however, the stockily-built DeFrancesco, who stands just five feet, five inches tall, has often gotten the last laugh. He and his partners profited nicely on both the Colombian oil and Irish gold investments as well as both a group of Canadian investors and his own immediate family. “About $42mm was invested in Delavaco Energy which was sold 23 months later for $102mm. This particular investment helped my family launch Delavaco Holdings, the springboard for our multiple successes.”

But it’s his ability to have seen the promise in cannabis – starting in 2013 – that is arguably his boldest move to date, filled with big scores and even a few bumps and stock swoons along the way. His first bet on Toronto-based Aphria, which became publicly-

traded, started to pay off big when it became apparent that Canada was going to pass a law legalizing recreational marijuana use.

“It went from a beach with fun waves where the kids love to play to a tsunami of positive news,” says DeFrancesco, during a recent phone call from his family’s second home in Miami. “And all of a sudden, I was one of the guys everyone was calling.”

In recent years, DeFrancesco’s commitment to both medicinal and recreational marijuana has morphed into a wide-ranging collection of private and publiclytraded companies and assets in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. Last year, he became chairman and chief investment officer of SOL Global Investments, a Toronto-based company that owns a wide variety of cannabis assets, including a collection of recreational-pot cultivation and dispensary assets in the U.S., principally in Michigan, Florida, and California. DeFrancesco’s family owns a sizable share of the common stock of SOL Global.

But in recent months, DeFrancesco and his management team decided that the markets weren’t giving SOL Global the value the underlying businesses are worth. So moving forward, the company is being broken up into three corporate pure plays — the first, Bluma Wellness, will be a “multi-state operator” of U.S. marijuana cultivation and dispensaries; the second,HeavenlyRx, will be a seed to shelf, grower, manufacturer and marketer of purely medicinal or CBD-based wellness cannabis products; and the third, SOL Investment Group, which DeFrancesco will run as chief executive, will be a hybrid investment fund, a cross between private equity and hedge taking positions in all areas Andy and his team see opportunities in, including cannabisrelated ventures, as well as being large shareholders of the aforementioned Bluma Wellness and HeavenlyRx.

Bluma Wellness, which will play the growth of recreational cannabis in the U.S., will arguably become the most prominent of the three companies. It will be led by Brady Cobb, a south Florida lawyer whom DeFrancesco tapped last year to be CEO of the company that morphed into SOL Global. (DeFrancesco also recruited Paul Norman, a Briton and former President of Kelloggs North America with an extensive consumer-products background,

to lead Heavenly RX, along with appointing world renowned Fox TV host and author Judge Jeanine Pirro to the board.)

Cobb, with his clean-cut good looks and corporate polish, serves as the perfect counterpart to the genuine but blunt and filter-lacking, what you see is what you get, jeans, jacket, and Adidas-wearing DeFrancesco. Cobb regularly talks up the cannabis industry on cable-business news and has a compelling personal story worthy of a Hollywood movie. The son of the late Clyde Walton Cobb, a larger-thanlife former pot smuggler who did a stint in prison for his crimes, the younger Cobb has spent years working behind the scenes to successfully change marijuana laws on both the state and national level, including lobbying for the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which among other provisions has allowed hemp to be turned into a variety of medicinal or CBD-based cannabis products. It didn’t hurt that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., represents farmers in his state who see opportunity in hemp production.

DeFrancesco calls Brady, who once served as his lawyer when he was seeking to obtain Florida cannabis licenses, “smart as hell.”

For all his successes as an investor, DeFrancesco, a father of two boys and two girls, is used to sharing the media limelight with his oldest son, Devlin, 19, who has inherited his father’s penchant for taking risks. Devlin, a super preemie, born 4 months early at only pound and given his last rights more than once plies his trade on racetracks in Europe and the U.S., strapped into Formula 3 and IMSA Daytona Prototype cars.

Though DeFrancesco admits that he’s scared to death watching his son driving around tracks at speeds in excess of 195 miles per hour, he fully supports his career choice. “I could deter him but at the end of the day, he is going to make his own decision,” says DeFrancesco. “I don’t want him to look back and say ‘you gave me the wrong advice.’ I am also a huge racing fan.”

DeFrancesco, whose family invests in collector cars, owns the 1989 Ferrari F40 from the late David Peterson of the Peterson Automotive Museum In LA, admits to racking up his share of speeding tickets over the years and has passed his love of professional motor racing to his two sons. The boys inadvertently led DeFrancesco to his next big investment play: the esports business.

“I watched my sons with headphones on play video racing games in the middle of the night against thousands of other kids in places like Australia and England,” he says. “When my younger son Lachlan was 11 or 12, he could name every soccer player in every position in England’s Premier League and I couldn’t figure out how. It turns out that he learned it all from playing e-sports.”

In the past two years, DeFrancesco has taken big stakes in Millennial Esports, a Canadian-based company with operations in North America and Europe, and Stream Hatchet, a Spanish company that compiles analytics on e-sports activity.

“Most people might think that esports has nothing to do with the cannabis business,” he says. “ But one of the biggest demographics using recreational cannabis is gamers. Don’t tell me you can’t picture a group of college kids and early 20-somethings sitting in the basement of the house, stoned and playing video games.”

It might seem unseemly to profit from this kind of adolescent behavior. But DeFrancesco doesn’t claim to be a paragon of virtue. He’s a hard-nosed investor who gets a kick out of spotting sociological and business trends and then investing in them before others catch on.

“I’ve been told so many times by doubters that ‘you are nuts because you will never get that done’ and that for me is like hitting the nitrous button in a street race,” says DeFrancesco, referring to the button on a race-car that quickly boosts the horsepower of a car engine. “I sometimes find it more satisfying to prove negative people wrong than the financial reward of an investment.”

When asked for a few words of wisdom for the next generation of investors, DeFrancesco offered the following sage advice, “Always be positive. Always be loyal. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Work way harder than your competition and avoid stupid people at all costs. And the most important, believe in yourself no matter what anyone says because I’ve proven that leprechauns do exist more times than once.”

BONITA SPRINGS

•

•

•

• Accented by Tropical Surroundings

$2,295,000 MLS 219059521

FORT MYERS

• Tropical Paradise with 150’ River Frontage

• 5 BR, 7 BA + Den, 6,000 S.F. Living

• Open Air Terraces, Infinity Pool/Spa

• Private Separate Gym

$1,650,000 MLS 219054055 Troy De Mond 239.822.0332

• 3 BR, 5 BA + Den, Over 4,400 S.F.

• Southern Exposure & Lake View

• Pool/Spa & Outdoor Kitchen

• Desirable Location

$1,695,000 MLS 219043550 Connie Lummis, The Lummis Team 239.289.3543

SANIBEL ISLAND

• Steps to Beach, Private Setting on 1.5 Lots

• 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, Pool/Spa

• Beautiful Tongue & Groove Throughout

• Elevator, Fireplace, 2 Master Suites, Newer Roof

$1,495,000 MLS 218084340 McMurray & Nette 239.850.7888

CAPE CORAL

• Vacation Villa, 4 BR, 4 BA, Built in 2012

• Canal Front, 300’ Seawall, 10 Mins. to River

• 4,000+/- S.F., 2 Master Retreats

• Huge Lanai & Pool Area, S. Exposure

$1,375,000 MLS 219021487 Jim Peterson 239.470.2353

THE ROYALE

188 East 64th Street, Penthouse 4

By w. a. muller

Listed for $10,950,000 by Tal Alexander, Michael Lorber, Alexander Boriskin and Jared Schwadron of Douglas Elliman, Penthouse 4 at The Royale is a stunning, completely-renovated, Up-per East Side duplex that has never been lived in. A new level of elegance is surrounded by dra-matic walls of glass showcasing astounding city, Central Park and river views. The meticulously-appointed interior offers opulent living space and leaves no detail overlooked in both design and function. Enhancing the allure of this one-of-a-kind residence, which underwent a complete transformation, are the quality finishes and state-ofthe-art technology incorporated throughout. Soaring 19’ ceilings and incredible natural light pour into every room; while one touch allows you to con-trol every element of lighting from sunrise to sunset. The piece de resistance is the blissful outdoor space provided by two expansive, private terraces with outdoor speakers and unobstructed views spanning Central Park, the George Washington Bridge and East River.

The extensive list of thoughtful features include a sound isolation barrier on all floors, new Emtec tilt-and-turn windows, custom-cut Calcutta

Oriente 3/4” marble flooring, LED recessed ceiling and cove lighting, a custom Andromeda chandelier fabricated in Italy, Sparks 6’ fire ribbon fireplace with a 40.000 BTU fan blower and remote, custom removable Calcutta Oriente marble face and custom-made removable stainless steel mantle for service accessibility in the living room, and radiant electric heat floors in all baths and showers with individual programmable Wi-Fi thermostats. Custom milled floor-to-ceiling, walnut wall panels in a gloss finish the main level living areas and extend to the full height of the second level; a feature that adorns the upper rooms as well. The main living space features one of the most sophisticated surround sound systems available, as well as a custom lift to conceal the Samsung 85’ 4K Smart TV when not in use. The open chef’s kitchen has no detail left unturned, with Calcutta Oriente marble, white gloss cabinetry, a large dining peninsula, and a full suite of integrated Miele and SubZero appliances.

Unparalleled views continue into the master suite, where a custom fabricated, large dressing room is connected to the spa-like deluxe bath, draped in Calcutta marble and custom porcelain tile. Dornbracht fixtures, a hanging glass vanity,

fabulous rain shower and Toto water closet provides a true spa-like experience. The comforts continue with a corner home office, laundry room, Crestron home electronic integration system with Core 3 processing, Lutron controls for lighting and win-dow shades, music system, and a new 6-zone central AC throughout the residence. The security and surveillance system provides remote monitoring, allowing you to control everything from any-where in the world.

Set back from the street in a lovely landscaped plaza, the white-glove Royale treats residents to an array of amenities with an attended lobby, fitness center, garage, guest entertaining space and kid’s playroom. The prime address between Lexington and Third Avenues is minutes from Central Park, shopping, restaurants and other attractions. Pets are welcomed.

The Royale

188 East 64th Street, PENTHOUSE4

Upper East Side, New York

$10,950,000

Douglas Elliman

Agents: Tal Alexander, Michael Lorber, Alexander Boriskin and Jared Schwadron

AGNIESZKA PILAT

Disrupting the Art World with her Disrupt Series

By Juile Sagoskin

After growing up in Poland, under the rigid rules of conformity imposed by the Soviet Union, Agnieszka Pilat brought her artistic talents to America, where she is now known for her industrial inspired artwork. Upon moving to San Francisco, Pilat noticed a divide between the tech industry and the art community, and began putting her own perspective on this discrepancy in her now highly sought after pieces. “A lot of my artist friends are being pushed out

because of home prices. It’s a very interesting situation for me personally because I came from Eastern Europe, a place where the textile industry really fell apart. I wanted to tell my story about industry and be a positive voice and protector of entrepreneurs in America. I’m so grateful to be in America, it’s such an amazing privilege.”

Agnieszka was an aspiring artist even at a young age, and eventually went to art school to study

illustration for graphic novels. However, she soon realized her penchant and passion for painting.

“I was living here in San Francisco and making contacts in Silicon Valley when a big real estate developer approached me and asked me to paint a machine for him. This really opened the door to the work that you see now. As a good painter you don’t want to paint the outside of the surface, you have to paint the essence of what you’re working on.”

While she usually paints objects from a bygone era which bring about feelings of nostalgia, Agnieszka was recently commissioned to paint the Waymo self-driving car. During this project, she projected the fear of people losing their jobs onto the piece, which made it especially hard for her at the time. After all, this passionate painter’s main mission is to always humanize technology while expressing her sometimes mixed feelings about old devices as well as the evolving modernization of things.

Her current creative collection, called Disrupt, explores the complex relationship between man and machine and will be on display at Art Basel in Miami in December. “I chose to call this collection Disrupt because I thought the word was a bit provocative. Technology is disrupting the current status quo, and I wanted to show that disruption is not something happening uniquely right now. People will look back at history and reflect on what happened in the past. In Europe you might look at the Greek ruins, but North America is a new country, so all of the reflections of the past are rooted in technology here. Looking at relics of the past brings nostalgia and peace of mind to people. Whoever holds the reins to technology is who is making and shaping the world. I compare painting industrial machines and consumer products to painting a person.”

Agnieszka has always aimed to build a bridge between the art world and industrial sphere – after all, the art world is driven by technology. “I’m very interested in being the voice of the machine as the world continues changing. It’s also very interesting to be an artist here. Tech money is young money, whereas New York has the culture and patronage.”

While she’s not ready to move to Manhattan just yet, Agnieszka is currently represented by four galleries in New York, as well as those in Seattle, Boston, and across California. She also has a quarterly newsletter that is both authentic and deeply personal. Aside from painting images that make people nostalgic, Agnieszka sometimes feels nostalgic for her hometown of Lodz, which is why she visits her mother and brother who still live there every Christmas.

Agnieszka continues to be inspired by the rapid growth of San Francisco and is still switching things up and more importantly, disrupting the way people think about machines – and maybe even their own past.

agnieszkapilat.com

TIAGO AZEVEDO

Reaching The Heights of The Low Brow Form

By Steve Shine

Conceptual Realism. Cartoon-tainted abstract surrealism. Low Brow. There are quite a few terms to describe the subversive art form that arose from the 1970s underground comic book world, but there is no one like Tiago Azevedo, one of its most practiced and passionate disciples. The artist, based in Germany but raised in Portugal, uses pop culture, fantasy, fables, religion and even works by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen to influence his artwork, which blends classical techniques from the Baroque and PreRaphaelite with contemporary concepts, like his unmistakable signature: wildly manipulated eyes, whose dimensions he alters because “it’s the perfect way to directly transfer to the canvas the emotions I want to convey.” He will be exhibiting in New York this fall and winter.

The end result are creations like his most recent “Historical Figures” collection, a seven-piece series that depicts re-imagined figures like Cleopatra, Queen Victoria, Joan of Arc, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, Louis XIV and Queen Elizabeth immersed in a surrealist milieu. “It started with the desire of coating figures that inspired me with layers of fantasy and mystique,” he says. “These figures touched me either for their life journey or their legendary beauty.” Though blessed with a wild imagination, Tiago found painting actual people liberating. “I do not have to think about how the character will be,” he says. “The image just comes to me in my mind, all I have to do is to gather a series of techniques to

translate it to the canvas.” For the charismatic queen of Egypt, he strove to depict “her mesmerizing gaze that seduced two of the most powerful rulers of the Roman Empire” while for the French resistance heroine, he wanted to show “her sensuality despite of her aggressive and masculine charm.” His favorite character, Napoleon, challenged him to capture “his austere figure while also imaging the splendour of his era.”

His preferred method is oil painting “because it allows me to work with multiple layers and achieve the transparency effect I desire,” the artist says. “It also provides contrast and vibrancy of colors that would be difficult to achieve with any other technique. Oil also dries a lot slower, so this gives me time to work on details.”

“Painting is a way to say everything I want, everything that fascinates and inspires me in one single image,” continues the artist. “I have an idea of a particular subject, then comes a blurred image on my mind that I convert into a quick sketch to capture how I want it to be, this is the most creative part, then when it is time to paint, that turns out to be a sequence of technical steps that end in a finished canvas. It is a laborious process with a lot of attention to detail, expression and texture.”

“Historical Figures” is Azevedo’s third major collection, and his only based on real life figures.

“I paint mostly portraits of imaginary characters that touch me the most. I have always been passionate about fables,” says Tiago who was born in Portugal on Terceira Island. The lush landscape of the terrain – part of Azores archipelago -- triggered his early

imagination and trained his budding eye to the fantastic. “I love the imaginary, the mystique and fantasy inherent to them.”

The artist’s previous collections -- “Fairytales” and “Religion” – were critical hits in the pop surrealist art community, leading to exhibitions at both the Louvre and Vatican. “My audience tends to be very diversified,” Tiago says. “It consists mainly of people who love the fantastic, but as almost all my paintings are portraits, sometimes people simply fall in love with the way the painted figure looks at them, as if they were talking to them, and curiously these are the people who often purchase my originals simply because they fell in love with the subject.”

The “low brow” technique has appealed to him since he was a child -- “I spent most of my time

painting figures related to fantasy,” he explains – but he put his art career on hold to pursue a more stable profession: architecture. “I felt the social pressure that art was not a profession,” he remembers. He enrolled in Lusíada University in Portugal, and upon graduation worked on several major projects, including Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich. “Architecture was undoubtedly an impulse to paint,” he says, adding it was in Germany the seeds of his childhood fascination with fantasy began to take hold. “It was there I became more and more in love with the original version of fairytales, which although a little darker, contain much more juice and matter to work with. The Baroque and the Middle Ages also fascinate me because of the strong contrast and dramatic effecta.” Though he enjoyed the artistic element of his new profession, the experience steered him back to his true love. “I discovered that

painting was something that was my nature,” he says. “Painting gradually took over my life and I decided to make it a productive profession. I am sure I made the right decision because now feel complete for doing something that is my true passion.”

So consumed with painting, he has taken to teaching his technique and the form online. His YouTube channel -- youtube.com/user/tgoazevedo -- gives viewers lessons in painting history, art and tutorials.

“It is a great satisfaction to see such a large number of people understanding the concept behind what I create, it makes me feel like my mission of stimulating emotions within people has been fulfilled,” the artist says.

tiagoazevedo.com

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST Heading into the 2020 Awards Season

By Norah Bradford

The Awards season (The Golden Globes, BAFTA’s and of course Academy Awards) is officially underway after the conclusion of the Toronto International Film Fest (TIFF). While film festivals such as the Venice International Film Festival (or ‘Bienale’) and Telluride Film Festivals that take place just before and view a few of the top upcoming films, TIFF paints the first picture as to the true Oscar contenders with a larger array of screenings, and more than 200 movies.

The 2020 Awards will likely be dominated by winners whose films and documentaries are based on true stories. Although the Fast and the Fictional tends to dominate the box office it is those films who put truth before fantasy that will get the gold this Winter.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is an American drama film directed by Marielle Heller with a screenplay by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, based on the Esquire article Can You Say...Hero? by Tom Junod. The film stars Tom Hanks,

Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Cooper, and stars Rhys as a journalist for Esquire who is assigned to profile beloved television icon Fred Rogers (Hanks).

Sony Pictures Releasing abeautifulday.movie

Ford

Versus Ferrari

A high-octane film interpretation of the battle to dominate the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race by Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon) and Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale) with Ford against Ferrari.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures foxmovies.com

Greed

Greed is a British satirical film, written and directed by Michael Winterbottom. Loosely based on UK Tycoon Philip Green, Greed is the fictional story of a retail billionaire, set in the glamorous and celebrity-

filled world of luxury fashion, which is centered around the buildup to a spectacular 60th birthday party in an exclusive hotel on the Greek island of Mykonos. It stars Steve Coogan, David Mitchell, Isla Fisher, Shirley Henderson, Asa Butterfield, Dinita Gohil, Shanina Shaik and Sarah Solemani.

Sony Pictures Releasing film4productions.com/productions/2019/greed

Harriet

Harriet is an American biographical film about slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, who wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard, it stars Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, with Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe in supporting roles.

Focus Features focusfeatures.com/harriet

How to Build A Girl

A coming of age tale based on the author, Caitlin

Moran’s life story, focusing on her working-class upbringing and breaking out of her surroundings to become a rock and roll critic and experience life.

Lionsgate film4productions.com/productions/2019/howbuild-girl

Judy

Judy is a British-American biographical drama film about the life of American actress and singer Judy Garland in 1969, as she arrives in London for a run of sell-out concerts at the Talk of the Town. Directed by Rupert Goold, it is an adaptation of the Olivier and Tony-nominated West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter. The film stars Renée Zellweger as Garland, with Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell and Michael Gambon in supporting roles.

LD Entertainment judythefilm.com

Just Mercy

Just Mercy is an American legal drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, and starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, and Brie Larson. It tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who with the help of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson appeals his murder conviction.

Warner Bros. Pictures justmercy.eji.org

The Kingmaker

A story charting the rise and fall and highly improbable rise again of the Marcos family in Philippine politics. Imelda Marcos, notorious for her shoe collection The Kingmaker relates the story of her reinvention and reinterpretation of recent history to help her son secure the Vice-Presidency.

Evergreen Pictures evergreenpictures.tv

The Capote Tapes

Truman Capote’s unfinished last work, Answered Prayers is considered afresh through a series of interviews with those who knew the author discovered by Paris Review co-founder George Plimpton, tapes and animations. After Truman published three articles concerning Manhattan society all the manuscripts disappeared and The Capote Tapes illuminates what happened to them.

Hatch House Media hatch-house.com

HAMPTONS CHARITY SCENE

By Clara Morgan

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Annual Gala in the Hamptons took place at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY. The benefit supported the 15th Annual PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament and celebrated over $788 million raised in the past quarter-century for prostate cancer research, and had a special musical performance by Bryan Adams.

Bonnie Pfeifer Evans ©BFA

Plum Simons and Dr. Jonathan Simons ©Patrick McMullan

Kevin McCarthy ©Patrick McMullan

Robert Citrone ©BFA

Bryan Adams, Michael Milken for PCF ©BFA

Christine Jones ©BFA

AddisonWolfe.com

BELLE TERRE

Belle Terre is located in the heart of Carversville. The Panacussing Creek meanders lazily throughout the 12.6 acres property and a lily pond is the perfect retreat to mediate and relax. The property offers a stone two-story English Manor home. The kitchen features a professional Vulcan range, and the adjacent family room has a massive brick wall with wood burning stove. The dining room has period herringbone wood floors and original wall paneling. The guest cottage has two bedrooms, living room and full kitchen. The barn is equipped with 3 stalls for horses or other animals and a large paddock exterior use. The home takes advantage of “Green” concepts and utilizes solar panels for inexpensive electricity and a geothermal heating system. Belle Terre is not just a property of distinction, but is a philosophical experience that permeates to the Soul.

PENN HALL

$3,100,000

Penn Hall is a stately home of approximately 9,000 plus footage sited on 7.88 acres of meadows accentuated by a natural stream and pond. The long, meandering driveway moves through this pastoral setting and delivers you to a proper auto court and front portal. This sprawling estate boasts six bedrooms, five full baths and two half baths. Nine fireplaces are strategically arranged throughout the home. Penn Hall is a home for those who are used to indulgence, privacy and the prestige of all that the neighboring towns have to offer.

$1,695,000

For property information contact Art Mazzei at 610.428.4885, or Laurie Madaus at 203.948.5157

HAMPTONS SOCIAL SCENE

By Clara Morgan

Couture fashion designer Jackie Rogers presented

SocietyAllure.com

her 2020 Collection for All Seasons at the private residence of Dena Weiner in Southampton, NY ©Rob Rich/

Trokel

Fishy

Cocktail

Maria and Kenneth Fishel welcomed guests to their Bridgehampton, NY estate for a cocktail reception benefiting the Center for Jewish Life Chabad in Sag Harbor ©Johnny Nunez

Marigay

The Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center held its 18th Annual Dinner at the estate of Libbie Mugrabi with cocktails ©Patrick McMullan

Lieba Nesis, Libbie Mugrabi, Jane Scher

Kenneth Fishel, Maria Fishel

Clare Risman, Bill Ford, Neville Clayton, Marigay McKee, Ross Allen

Pamela Morgan, Suzanne Murphy, Stephen Kornblau, Louise Kornblau

Jean Shafiroff, Jackie Rogers

Ann Liguori

We at Cuestión Tequila believe that everything in life should be cuestioned, for it is the pursuit of wisdom, wonder and shared adventure that makes life itself worth living.

Cuestión Tequila is an ultra-premium spirit made from 100% all natural, hand-selected Blue Weber agave; Estate grown for 10 years and distilled in the highlands of the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico and then bottled in hand-blown artisanal bottles that are as unique as the tequila within.