Talk of the Town Fall 2013 by Bergen County the Magazine

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Talk of The Town has been the area’s leader in home theater and audio systems for over two decades. Let one of our sales/design experts create a home entertainment system that will enhance your lifestyle. Our team can design and install your system to ensure ease of use and maximum performance. Our theaters and media rooms are creatively designed to fit both the purpose and style that you want - and best of all we work with-in your budget. From LED and LCD TV’s to fully integrated media rooms and audio systems, Talk of The Town can make your house the only place you’ll want to be.

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INTRODUCTION Director of Operations Bob Dodge Publishers Sharon & Steven Goldstein Associate Publisher Brandon Goldstein Executive Editor Nayda Rondon Contributing Editor Justin Davidson Director of Marketing Sergio Rodrigues Design Director Evan Eagleson

eighty6 Contributing Writers Jennifer Bonazzo Julianne Cantarella Kate Cronauer Jay Eagleson George McKechnie Richard Posluszny Nick Poyner Heidi Raker Sergio Rodrigues Nayda Rondon Kathleen Rothstein Tessa Viole Whisky Joe

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The Magazine www.BCTHEMAG.com For advertising and information, call 201-265-2286. Copyright 2013. All materials are the property of Bergen County the Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

FALL 2013

Dear Readers, The greatest time of the year has arrived once again! Undeterred by threats of last winter’s apocalypse, this Fall is back with a vengeance. And football. But more importantly, football. Will the Jets win five games this year? Will the Giants make the playoffs? Should I sit Arian Foster in my fantasy league for the first week? Does a new year of football signify the need for an even larger TV? These, my friends, are the questions that keep me up at night. For me, Fall is always the time I get back into my workout. Summer is too lax for any routine that doesn’t require an umbrella-laden cocktail, so once Labor Day comes around, I get myself back together. This year, I’m hoping to take a jab at the Nexersys Home Simulator. You mean I can punch it as hard as I’m able and it won’t punch back? I’m in! Of course, Man Central has all the other cool gadgets you will ever need—whether you’re tracking the final storms of hurricane season or you just want to hear that weatherman in crisp, perfect sound. Speaking of perfect sound, you may have noticed all of the incredible headphones Denon has been launching recently. There is a pair for every type of music listener, whether you’re a traveler or, as Denon so kindly puts it, an “exercise freak.” Do you find yourself forgetting things a lot? You had a billion dollar idea that is now lost somewhere in that busy brain? Evernote, a mobile app that lets you take notes that include text, photos, audio notes and clippings from the web, is the sure-fire way to guarantee that your next billion dollar idea nets you at least two (billion). Looking to escape this holiday season? I’d look no further than the newly minted James Royal Palm in South Beach. The refreshing salty air, the amazing food, the art and music, and the women. Oh, yes, the women. And while you’re lounging beachside, you might want to be reassured that back here up North your home wine cellar is still regulating its temperature nicely. There are now a slew of applications that allow you to control everything from room temperature and home lighting to what temperature your Jacuzzi should be at the moment you return from your trip. Be sure to check it out. There is so much more that I can fit into this one brief note. But for now, I sincerely hope you enjoy the Fall as much as I do and that you feel free to take me up on an open invite to drop by our store and say hello. If you don’t make it past the sea of HD TVs to get to me, I’ll understand completely. Yours truly, Bob Dodge

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CONTENTS

FALL 2013 10

The Giants & the Jets: Going to MetLife This February?

We take a look at their chances.

Integrated Wireless Technologies for Smart Homes Applications Welcome to the new world of high-performance, fully integrated systems custom designed to perfectly match your home, your family and your lifestyle.

Man Central The newest trends

Changing the Face of Dentistry The Center for Aesthetic Enhancement in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, is helping to make the world a more beautiful place one smile and face at a time.

Edward Armah: Crowning a Fashion Monarch He’s giving new life and style to the classic men’s fashion staple of bow ties.

The Ryland Inn: Stately Haven of Fine Dining Fantastic food in a quaint rural setting

In the Palm of Luxury The James Royal Palm is Miami’s newest hotel hotspot.

Hot Sauce: Health Elixir, Masculine Tonic & Essential Ingredient Spicy insights from Bergen County native and hot sauce aficionado Chef Johnny McLaughlin

Manon: MePa Mecca The perfect place to start the night (and keep it going)

Hudson Whiskey: Distilled With Determination Through gumption and progressive innovation, the team at Tuthilltown Distillery is building upon the past to build a better future… and whiskey.

Not Your Ordinary Beers Adding adjuncts to your brew can prove addicting.

Style Guide Looks for the fashionable man

Evernote: Your Brain Will Thank You This central hub houses all of the information you want to save and easily allows you come back to it all anytime, anywhere.

She’s Just Not That Into You Save yourself some heartache by learning how to tell if she’s really interested in you.

The Name Game These days, celebrities seem to be competing to outdo one another in the quest for the weirdest, the most original, and worst of all, the cleverest word play.

64 8

Fitnity: The Newest Innovation in Weight Loss Combining the attention of a personal trainer with the convenience of working out on your own time and choosing foods you enjoy, it’s a flexible health option.

Auto: 2013’s “It” Cars The 2013 Audi RS5 and 2013 BMW M6 Coupe have got that indescribable something.

Headphones for Every Lifestyle Today’s listeners want high-performing headphones tailored to their tastes and activities.

Dawn of the New Unemployment Woodcliff Lake filmmaker L.E. Salas raises disturbing economic and immigration issues with his new zombie satire movie, Dead Man Working.

Norton Herrick: Entertaining the Possibilities The man, his plans and the growing diversity of his ever-expanding empire

80 FALL 2013

The GIANTS & the JETS:

Going to MetLife This February? We take a look at their chances. WRITTEN BY

JUSTIN DAVIDSON and BRANDON GOLDSTEIN

he Giants aren’t the favorite to win the Super Bowl this year, but if the 2007 and 2011 teams taught us anything, it is never, ever to count out Big Blue. Could they essentially be playing a home game at MetLife come February? Compared to the rest of the NFC East, the Giants are the most stable team. In Washington, RGIII is coming back from a knee injury. Even if he’s healthy, the Redskins could either win 11 or lose 11. In Dallas, Tony Romo is still Tony Romo, even with his fancy-schmancy new contract. The Cowboys always underachieve, but perhaps this is the year they buck the trend. And in Philly, the ole walrus Andy Reid has scuttled along to Kansas City. Now, Chip Kelly is running the show. The Eagles have too many questions going into the season, and could go either boom or bust. A few veterans are no longer with the team this year. Osi Umenyiora, one of the original defensive linemen who helped establish the Giants identity, is now with Atlanta. Ahmad Bradshaw, the team’s leading rusher the last three seasons, will be getting carries from Andrew Luck in Indianapolis. It’s tough to lose veterans, but even though they missed out on the playoffs last year, with two championship teams in the last six years, business in Giants-town is booming. The Giants are always shuffling the defensive line, and if Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul stay healthy, then it should mitigate Osi’s depar-

ture. But JPP needs to prove that his back is fine after surgery. He was nothing short of a monster in 2011, but he was hurting last season. If he returns to form, RGIII, Romo, and whoever is behind center for the Eagles, should proceed with extreme caution. The Giants were lousy against the run last year, so GM Jerry Reese brought in a few new faces on the interior. Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson should help solidify what was a shoddy unit last year. Corey Webster got burned last year. Actually, he got burned quite a bit—eight times for touchdowns, to be specific. He needs to bounce back, and the rest of the guys need to stay healthy and perform to their abilities. If Prince Amukamara, Antrel Rolle and Terrell Thomas get the job done, then Perry Fewell’s unit, which ranked next to last in total defense last year, will be better instantly. Much remains to be seen as far as Giants linebackers. They’re young; veterans Chase Blackburn and Michael Boley are no longer with the team. Again, with the Giants, injuries are a concern. Both Jacquian Williams and Keith Rivers missed time last Continued on pg. 12

FALL 2013

A Literary GIANT Justin Tuck is a leader when it comes to promoting reading

Nobody gets to the Patriots quite like Justin Tuck. The big defensive end from the small town—and I mean small town—of Kellyton, Alabama, helped lead the Giants to the ultimate victory twice, and for that he will always live on in Giants lore. And the accomplishments of this two-time Super Bowl champion are equally impressive off the field. Tuck grew up in a house that his father, a factory worker, built brick by brick. Along with five older sisters and a brother, Tuck grew up surrounded by so many other relatives that the area they all lived in was aptly nicknamed Tuckville. Although the Tuck clan wasn’t rich, they were a happy and charitable one. “As a kid growing up with not having a lot, I learned to make more of what I have,” Tuck told Talk of the Town. Tuck’s size made him naturally suited for sports, earning him the nickname of “He-Man.” Reading was another early love. The two passions have followed him throughout his life. He starred on the high school gridiron, before heading to Notre Dame, where he set the school’s career-record for sacks. Now entering his ninth season with the Giants, Tuck, 30, has made his mark on the NFL. Off the field, Tuck and his wife, Lauran, have also made a memorable impact through Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, a charity organization the pair founded in 2008 to encourage kids to Read, Understand, Succeed and Hope. Through R.U.S.H., Justin and Lauran have raised more than $1.5 million in support of youth literacy. They have donated over 55,000 books to children in New York, New Jersey and Central Alabama. Over 10,000 children have received books through R.U.S.H., in addition to participating in other Tuck-promoted reading initiatives, such as essay contests and posters that track reading progress in the classroom. Each year, R.U.S.H. holds its annual Celebrity Billiards Tournament. At this year’s event, which took place earlier in the summer at Slate in New York, Anthony Anderson served as the master of ceremonies; the event drew a legion of athletes and celebrities ranging from Buddy Valastro and Steve Schirripa to Eli Manning and Victor Cruz, who came to play pool and raise funds. Now in its fifth year, the turnout means a lot to the Giants veteran. “It’s heartwarming. It really is, because you know you’re doing your part in making this world a better place. You’re hopefully changing the outcome of what these kids face,” said Tuck, who added, “There’s still a lot of work to be done.” This year, the Fort Lee resident donated some of the proceeds to Hurricane Sandy relief. He also recently penned a children’s book called Home-Field Advantage, and, in June, he and his wife welcomed another son into the world. And when his playing days are over, R.U.S.H. and the Tucks will keep fighting to promote literacy. “If you can change one kid, maybe you can change a classroom,” Tuck emphasized. “If you can change a classroom, maybe you can change a community.”

FALL 2013

The GIANTS & the JETS:

Going to MetLife This February?

Continued from pg. 10

season. They need to stay on the field. Former Cowboy Dan Connor was added to the mix and has been competing with Mark Herzlich for the starting job at middle linebacker. David Wilson is the starter at running back for now, but Andre Brown should see significant time. It’s tough for teams to let go of guys like Bradshaw, but hey, football is a business, and for the Giants, business has been booming. The Giants aren’t really a running team, but if they can establish the run, then it should make things a little easier for Eli. The receiving corps should be among the best in the league, despite losing tight end Martellus Bennett to Chicago. Brandon Myers should be a more than adequate replacement. He quietly hauled in 79 balls last year on a lousy Oakland offense. Besides, Eli always has a new tight end. New Jersey native Victor Cruz was rewarded with a rich contract, and will need to prove his worth. Hakeem Nicks regressed in his fourth season due to injuries, and this year he’s looking to bounce back. If he does, the Cruz-Nicks tandem could be downright scary. Entering his sophomore season, Rueben Randle could become a favorite target for Eli. Look for him to have a breakout season. Arguably the most pressing issues for Big Blue are on the offensive line. As of now, the only sure thing on the Giants O-Line is left tackle. Will Beatty, the team’s second round pick back in 2009 out of Connecticut, resigned for big bucks, and will protect Eli’s blindside. But then it gets tricky. Center David Baas was injured in preseason, and could miss time at the start of the regular season. Last year, Baas was hampered by injuries as well. Right tackle David Diehl is getting up there in age and wasn’t all that good last season, but if he can hold it down, the team won’t be forced to rush first-round pick Justin Pugh into the starting spot. Still, Pugh should get ample playing time this season. Chris Snee is coming back from surgery as well. Luckily, the Giants have guys who can play several different line positions. Kevin Boothe, James Brewer and Jim

Cordle may be moving around a bit if someone goes down. Last season, Eli came just short of 4,000 yards passing, a figure he has eclipsed in the prior three seasons. His completion percentage clocked in at 59.9%, which fell just short of the 60% mark for the first time since 2007. If the Giants are to win it all again, Eli needs to be on top of his game. We know he’ll have a dud from time to time, but if he stays consistent, the MetLife in February is a possibility. Also, Eli is entering his tenth season. That’s a little strange. Feels like just yesterday he was a baby out of Ole Miss, making that pouty face we all know so well. Time will tell how the 2013 season goes for the New York Giants. The Giants have more to be happy with than most teams, and Tom Coughlin demands the best from whoever suits up. With a two-time Super Bowl MVP with the name Manning on the back of his blue jersey, the Giants might just make another run. You never know, and that’s the glory of the NFL.

The Jets If you’re a Giants fan at this moment, or the fan of pretty much any other NFL team, you’re giddy knowing one thing: Your team is not the joke of the league. Sadly, it is looking as if the Jets win that championship by a landslide. Let’s start with the core components and work our way out. First off, you have a firecracker head coach in Rex Ryan who already doesn’t see eye to eye with new GM John Idzik. The writing is on the wall for Ryan’s future if he doesn’t turn this around, and it isn’t all X’s and O’s. Next, let us look at the most important aspect of the team: The QB. Unlike with our MetLife rivals, the New York Jets are still up in the air about who’s going to be their starting QB this year. Even if Sanchez does win, he will have Geno looking over his shoulder every day. Sexy Rexy knows this too. The issue? If Sanchez begins the season and fails, Continued on pg. 14

FALL 2013

Proving every day that “impossible” is just an opinion.

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The GIANTS & the JETS:

Going to MetLife This February?

Continued from pg. 12

and Geno Smith is put in to gain some true NFL experience, the season will most likely be a wash, as will Ryan’s tenure as head coach of the Jets, and possibly of any other team. Let’s face it, though: Sanchez is no franchise QB. In his best days, he was heralded for not turning the ball over and letting Rex’s ground and pound win the game. You’re lucky if you get 200 yards out of him per start, and the deep threat was nonexistent. Defenses quickly became aware and unimpressed with Sanchez’s capabilities. Soon, eight men filled the box to stop the run, and the Jets offense was immobile. Geno Smith is just not ready yet. There were some nice passes in his preseason start, but the three interceptions and a safety left much to be desired. We’re not in West Virginia anymore. Then we look at the running game this year. Now at the helm is Bilal Powell. (You might be asking: “who?) With thousand-yard rusher Shonn Greene currently the bulldozer back for the Titans, this is the first year in several that the Jets do not have a thousand-yard rusher to fall on. Powell has looked good in preseason, but we wouldn’t start him in our fantasy league. Can Chris Ivory become a perfect complementary back? That remains to be seen this preseason. Once the ball is snapped on opening day, it may be another story. Regardless of who is starting QB

FALL 2013

and running the ball, a big question still looms: Will they be afforded any protection? The offensive line was not too solid last year, except for Brandon Moore’s behind, causing the fumble of the year when Mark Sanchez ran into Moore than he could handle. Unfortunately, veteran Moore retired and in his place left just one of the gaps that needed to be filled in this offseason. Brian Winters, the third round pick, showed up nicely in preseason game three. He was filling in for Vlad Ducasse, another Rex Ryan draft blunder. With staples D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold returning, there is some hope, as long as they can bond the rest of the line to be one cohesive unit. Look to our other offensive weapons and you do not see much. Jeremy Kerley showed the most potential as a weapon last year when Santonio Holmes got hurt. With Holmes still recovering from his injury, there is boom or bust Stephen Hill, who is no longer a rookie, and Braylon Edwards, who no other team even wanted a look at, forget pass to. An offense with no outstanding skill players does not bode well for a home field advantage Super Bowl. Yet, maybe the defense can win it all! Nope. Let’s start with a spat of optimism. At least on this side of the ball, there is some talent. A young defensive line—

including Muhammad Wilkerson, last year’s pick Quinton Coples, and one of this year’s first picks Sheldon Richardson—carries some promise that no teams are going to be running on our interior this year. The issue is when their running back takes it outside. Calvin Pace hasn’t shown a propensity to be able to contain well. If Coples can make the shift to linebacker this year, a fan can only hope that he has answered one of our problems. Our cornerback core looks interesting. With Jets favorite Darelle Revis taking his talents to Tampa, first pick Dee Milliner has some big shoes to fill. The outstanding corner from Alabama has been raised in a near NFL style program for years, so hopefully the transition is not too severe. With Antonio Cromartie locking down the team’s number one and Kyle Wilson filling the nickel slot proficiently, Dee may experience some growing pains. As usual, middle linebacker David Harris will continue to captain the defensive ship and lock down the middle of the field. It would be hard pressed to say that the Patriots do not have the division all but locked up this year. The Dolphins are doing some interesting things, and the Bills are hoping rookie QB E.J. Manuel gives them the boost they’ve been lacking, but there is definitely space for the Jets to grab a wild card spot. The Jets are in an interesting spot this year with a lot on the line. As Jets fans, we’d love to see them do well. While expectations are running low, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. There is a lot of young talent on this team. Geno Smith might not be the man to take us to the playoffs in his first year, but his future is bright. The defensive side is young and eager, and it will be a treat seeing what they can do this year. Will we be going to MetLife this February to see the Jets in the Super Bowl? Probably not. But, as Jet fans always do, we will remain eternally optimistic.

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Designing Your Digital Lifestyle

TALK T WN of the

audio • video • automation • home theaters

Integrated

Wireless Technologies for Smart Homes

Applications Welcome to the new world of high-performance, fully integrated systems custom designed to perfectly match your home, your family and your lifestyle. WRITTEN BY

GEORGE E. McKECHNIE

magine being able to monitor and control all of the major systems in your home from the smart phone in your pocket: Make sure the housecleaners closed up the house this time, and lock it remotely if they forgot. Check up on the nanny—or your teenagers—while waiting for your flight. Fire up your Jacuzzi from your car, as you return from a long weekend trip. Make sure the wine cellar temperature at your vacation home is holding steady after the storm. Adjust the watering schedule for your newly sodded lawn—from Paris. These are just a few of the tasks that can be accomplished—effortlessly and cost-effectively—in the new world of wireless home integration. What makes this possible? Astute home integration specialists are harnessing today’s technological advances to monitor and control almost anything in the home, from almost anywhere in the world, by combining the following elements: Advanced wireless home security systems, which include remotely controlled door locks, Internet-compatible smart surveillance cameras and custom communications applications, together with wireless door and window sensors and motion detectors Cloud (off-site) computing and data storage of security camera images, heating and cooling data, water usage, home lighting plans, intrusion and access control data… you name it Continued on pg. 18

FALL 2013

TV FOR HIM. , DECOR FOR HER. Hidden technology with high design appeal. , Vanishing mirror displays from Seura. For more information contact your local authorized dealer: Talk of the Town at 201.236.1006 or visit them on the web at: www.talkofthetownvideo.com You can also contact us directly at 1.800.957.3872

Designing Your Digital Lifestyle

TALK T r WN of the

audio • video • automation • home theaters

Continued from pg. 16

Home entertainment systems that stream audio and video content (via the Internet or local network) from wherever source you choose—worldwide Smart appliances that can be controlled remotely (Oven, turn off the lasagna; we’re running late) Cost-effective home integration processors that coordinate all of the systems and communicate via text messages, email or voice mail with whomever you choose. Automated lighting, heating and cooling, and window covering control that will help keep your home comfortable, energy-efficient and safe The ubiquitous smart phone, iPad or whatever

So what’s the big deal? Haven’t some of these features—like lighting control and step-back thermostats— been around for more than a decade? Yes, they have, but the latest versions are wireless, network-compatible and inexpensive to purchase and install. These factors dramatically increase the ease of use, completeness of integration and cost-effectiveness, allowing these elements to be integrated into a convenient, easy-to-use system controlled by your smart phone. Also, new devices, such as remote water sensors and shutoff; bed pads that measure heart rate, temperature and quality of sleep; and intelligent surveillance cameras (that protect household privacy by not recording until a triggering event occurs), dramatically expand the range of solutions available today to assist special needs family members. And more apps are on the way, almost every day. The concept of wireless home

integration is so powerful that it has attracted the attention of some of the largest electronic service providers in the country. Comcast, ADT and Verizon, for example, have begun to offer basic home control functions by way of their existing phone or cable TV connections to the house. This is useful since it allows households with minimal integration needs (such as a simple alarm system or the desire to remotely schedule a ball game to record on a DVR) to just add these features to an existing service contract. And it’s certainly getting the word out about new wireless features. But these corporations deal in cookie-cutter, one-sizefits-all solutions. They don’t have the interest—or capacity—to assess your needs fully or tailor custom solutions from the broad range of available elements. The new world we’re talking about involves high-performance, fully integrated systems, designed and inContinued on pg. 20

FALL 2013

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Integrated Wireless Technologies for Smart Homes Applications

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stalled by seasoned specialists who respect your time and know how to make you happy; specialists who can custom integrate these systems to match your home, your family and your lifestyle. Here are some of the hallmarks of custom home integration: High-performance streaming of audio and video content, from whatever source you choose, using superior DACs (digital to audio converters) to deliver the highest possible quality. Leaders in this area include, Peachtree Audio, Crestron and Pioneer Elite. Powerful and flexible control systems that are up to whatever tasks are required of them—energy management, thermostat control, window shade or drape activation, home theater control, multi-room audio and much more—installed by

FALL 2013

technicians experienced in custom home integration, who can program them to your specific needs and preferences. Crestron and Control 4 are dominant players in this space. Comprehensive wireless network coverage for your home (regardless of size or layout) to support all of your needs: computers, wireless streaming of audio, lighting and shade control, etc., installed and configured by IT experts. The ability to custom-tailor the above applications—as well as specialty products—to the adaptive needs of elderly or disabled household members. These include health monitoring and alert devices, medication dispensers, appliance monitors, water flow alerts with remote shut-off, special se-

curity and surveillance accommodations, and adaptive computer, phone and related devices to help those with vision, hearing, movement or cognitive impairments. Skillfully integrated by knowledgeable specialists, wireless home integration offers a new world of safety, security, comfort and control. It expands the notion of luxury beyond the realm of premium goods and services, and redefines it in terms even more valuable: real-time high value information about your home and everything inside and around it, and the ultimate control over the systems that make it work. Properly designed and installed, wireless home integration allows the owner to tailor his home to his lifestyle, his family’s needs, even his own personality, and makes his home fully responsive to his control. Welcome to the future.

Zombies give new meaning to the phrase “working stiff.”

DAWN OF THE NEW UNEMPLOYMENT

Woodcliff Lake filmmaker L.E. Salas raises disturbing economic and immigration issues with his new zombie satire movie, Dead Man Working WRITTEN BY

NAYDA RONDON

ombies are infesting our streets, and the living are terrified. Not for their lives, but for their jobs. The walking corpses, retaining their memories of their past work life, are rising from their graves to devour the jobs of the living in today’s harrowing economic climate. The new workforce poses a serious menace. Zombies don’t need bathroom breaks. They don’t need food. They don’t need healthcare. It doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in, or whether you have a blue-collar or white-collar job. If you’re alive and working, you are in danger of economic cannibalization. This is the novel premise of the horror-satire film Dead Man Working, the creative brainchild of writer/producer/director/editor L.E. Salas, a Woodcliff Lake resident who filmed many of the movie’s scenes locally on a shoestring budget of about $30,000. The “docu-fiction,” which made its Garden State debut this summer

FALL 2013

at the New Jersey International Film Festival in New Brunswick to favorable reviews, is part horror movie, part allegorical social commentary. Salas, who was born in Jersey City of a Peruvian mother and a Cuban father who braved a 14-mile, shark-infested swim to freedom, weaves in themes such as immigration and undocumented workers into the movie in a fun, scary and totally original way. “I decided to make this film while working on set of another zombie film in Los Angeles that was a rather odd entry into the zombie genre. With that in mind, I knew I did not want to make a mindless zombie film; I’ll leave that to someone else,” Salas explains. “That, combined with the American Zeitgeist of 2009, led me to make Dead Man Working. As a whole, we were in a huge state of transition—economically, politically and emotionally—and that was on my mind constantly. We had two huge financial bailouts, one initiated by the exiting president and

the other by his successor. The unemployment rate was out of control and there was a devastating housing market crisis.” In Dead Man Working, the undead slowly begin to take jobs away from everyone, including migrant workers. “I thought it would be interesting to use zombies as a threatening workforce that would affect even those who are attributed as taking jobs away from American workers. Most of my own work does have an element of immigration, which often stems from being the son of a Cuban father and a Peruvian mother who both migrated to the United States in the late ’60 and early ’70s. Everyone has an immigration story. Mine, along with recent migrants and their children, just happens to be more current.” However, realizing that some of the “heavy” themes and issues might not appeal to as broad an audience as he would like, Salas hit upon the current zombie craze in popular culture

Living workers are terrified of the zombie job invasion.

to make his story “sexier” and more appealing to the masses. The strategy worked. “The most exciting outcome so far has been the attention the film has garnered,” Salas notes. “It has had a great run in the independent and underground film festival circuit. At the Hoboken International Film Festival this year, we were nominated for four awards, including best feature film, and we walked away with awards for best editing and best screenplay.” Partly as a result of the positive buzz around Dead Man Working, Salas has been happily inundated with new projects, including a short film and a documentary series, as well as co-editing a documentary about heavy metal music in Cuba directed by Tracey Ruiz. In addition, Salas has two book projects in the works; one is a motivational book that’s still a couple of years away from completion and the second is a book about the adult entertainment industry, which Salas finished this past year. “If my wildest dreams come true, I would have one of my scripts or films optioned by a larger film company and make enough money to live comfortably enough to solely focus on making more art. I would love to have a documentary series picked up by Netflix and be working on a larger scale making my own feature films and other media projects. Would it be too far-fetched to have a production house in New Jersey that serves as both a production house to work out of and space for young artists to study

and absorb multimedia?” Salas’s ambitious goals started early. “Since I can remember, I have always been in love with television, film and anything that was artistically creative,” says Salas, who has worked on 15 independent films since graduating from The College of New Jersey in 2002 with a bachelor’s in communications and a minor in film. “Like most people, I initially wanted to be in front of the camera and sometimes I find myself still wanting to do it, but I really do prefer being behind the scenes. My parents bought us a video camera when my sisters and I were kids and we would make home videos but also use it to create what I would call extremely independent films,” he says with a laugh. The independent streak continues today. Since graduating college with screenwriting and hands-on filmmaking experience, Salas has directed movies that are predominantly self-funded. And once a film is finished, the hard work continues for Salas, who handles all of the ins and outs of promotion and self-distribution. “Ideally, I would prefer to be distributed and not have to concentrate on that,” Salas admits. “Far from the Island, a film about the waves of immigration from Cuba to the United States over the past 50 years and its effect on the family unit, was hard to promote because of how its political position may have been interpreted. I launched a grassroots push and got the film shown in Latin organizations at colleges and universities like Duke, Yale, Rutgers and Seton

Hall to name a few. It all culminated with the film being an official selection at the 2007 Orlando film fest where Far from the Island screened along side Taxi to the Darkside; the documentary that went on to win the academy award later that year.” With Dead Man Working just out of its festival run, Salas is now focusing on screenings at colleges and universities across the country, as well as local venues such as The Montvale Free Public Library. Although he’s suffered a few setbacks and big-time success still eludes him, Salas counts his blessings. He considers himself fortunate to work for a Manhattan company that’s in his field and which keeps him artistically satisfied. “It allows me to produce the films I produce,” he explains. “There was a time when I was 25 and not working in my field when I was just about done. I had minor television and film gigs but nothing substantial. But even then, I was determined to do what I wanted to do, especially at the time when independent filmmaking was getting easier. Now it is just a whole other ballgame. Anyone can pick up a camera. This is when it gets interesting.” And judging from Dead Man Working and the other projects Salas has in the pipeline, things should keep getting more and more interesting as this talented and ambitious filmmaker continues to move ahead in his creative pursuits. Visit www.deadmanworkingmovie.com for more on Dead Man Working, including trailers.

FALL 2013

THE NEWEST TRENDS

MANCENTRAL

URC Complete Control Mobile iOS App The new app allows end users to control their home systems from three extremely popular consumer devices— the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®. Complete Control Mobile, like URC’s previously announced Total Control® Mobile app for whole-house control, provides “iAccess” for URC Complete Control one-room or multi-room control systems.

The app leverages the local area IP network to transform end users’ iDevices into convenient mobile devices for control of AV, home theater, lighting and more. Its customizable graphical interface enables the installer to design control screens with the buttons and functions that best suit the user’s personal preferences. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

SwingTIP SwingTIP is a sports tech device aimed at helping improve your golf swing. The tiny 3D Bluetooth sensor device attaches to any golf club and transmits real-time swing analysis to your smartphone or tablet. SwingTIP reproduces a 3D animation of your swing alongside key performance metrics and activates your mobile device to auto-video record your swing to show you what happened with your swing, why it happened and how to fix it. SwingTIP pinpoints flaws in your swing plane, path, power and impact aspects, and provides instruction tips and practice drills from renowned coaches. SwingTIP worked with golf pros to help provide real life critiques. Visit www.SwingTIP.com for more info.

AudioXperts KORNERS Perfect for design-minded homeowners who demand that their speakers blend into the surrounding décor without sacrificing performance, Korners offers professional integrators an innovative solution to traditional, in-wall and ceiling speakers. The initial Korners lineup includes the Korners Speaker, a two-way L/C/R loudspeaker with the unique ability to fit perfectly into any corner or anywhere a wall meets the ceiling or floor. To complement the Korners Speaker, the Korners Kompact Sub, a wireless-ready, 100-watt powered subwoofer, can be positioned in a corner or against a wall. An optional wireless transmitter makes for easier placement and installation. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Samsung 55” KN55S9C Curved OLED TV Samsung has now introduced the all-new 55-inch curved OLED HDTV. The Samsung KN55S9C sports a gentle curve to the screen, which gives it a stadium-like effect. The 1080p resolution OLED panel uses self-emitting RGB sub-pixels, laid directly on the color display panel without a filter. It produces rich colors and unparalleled blacks, and includes multi-view capabilities in which two viewers can watch separate programs simultaneously (by using the included active 3D glasses to separate the images). Earbuds built into the 3D glasses provide separate audio for each program. The TV is supported/surrounded by a metal “Timeless Arena” frame. The all-new Samsung KN55S9C is available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Nexersys Home Finally, an answer to the question: How can I play video games and not sit on my ass all day? Based on high-intensity interval training, Nexersys has combined the latest in exercise equipment and interactive gaming to bring one of the coolest items yet to make Man Central. When the bell rings and the bout begins, Nexersys allows you to simultaneously exercise and take out your frustration in a productive and healthy way. It’s perfect for the father who has anger issues, or anyone else for that matter. Find this knockout at nexersys.com Continued on pg. 26

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THE NEWEST TRENDS

MANCENTRAL Continued from pg. 25

Janus Halcyon 50 Motorcycle These beauties pay homage to the great bikes of the 1920s and 1930s with a simple style and elegance about them that words cannot describe. Janus Founders Devin Biek and Richard Worsham began the company to create bikes that were simple, stylish, lightweight and easy to ride; motorcycles that would appeal to a new generation of riders, male and female. Their Halcyon 50 is just that. The small, 2-stroke, 49.9cc-engine has enough muscle to get you about town easily. Perfect for that Sunday cruise throughout the neighborhood, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an indisputable attention grabber. Take a ride at janusmotorcycles.com.

Sonos PLAYBAR The SONOS PLAYBAR wireless soundbar delivers sophisticated home theater acoustics and wirelessly streams all the music on earth through one streamlined, easy-to-use soundbar. Connecting to your TV using a single optical cable, PLAYBAR plays everything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connected to the TV, including cable boxes and game consoles. Control PLAYBAR volume and mute using your existing TV, cable or universal remote. To stream music you can download the free Sonos Controller Apps for your smartphone, tablet or computer. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Meridian DIRECTOR DAC Director is a high-quality DAC (digital to analogue converter) designed to deliver superior audio quality from any digital source. Built in Britain to the same standards as all Meridian products, Director breathes new life into digital sources when listened to on analogue hi-fi systems. Director forms the ideal add-on for network players and music servers with digital outputs, bringing Meridian performance and ultimate sound quality to an entirely new class of audio products and systems. These sound-enhancing technologies are derived from the award-winning line of Reference 800 Series components, significantly outperforming the DACs found in computers and most network players. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale. Continued on pg. 28

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Continued from pg. 26

Planar Professional (UR8450) 4K Ultra HD 84â&#x20AC;? LCD Display Designed for resolution-rich commercial applications, Planar UltraRes Series displays deliver the image quality, connectivity, industrial design and configuration options demanded by applications requiring ultra-high resolution display technology. The large screen area and high pixel density of Planar UltraRes SeriesÂ are ideal for displaying and viewing the highest quality, resolution-rich video and still images. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Formlabs Form1 3D Printer 3D printing has already completely upended the manufacturing world. For starters, companies are able to produce parts right at their plant without having to outsource to others. The U.S. military is also using it to produce replacement parts for assets overseas. Finally, though, the technology has become affordable enough that anyone willing to learn computer design software can now create anything at his or her fingertips. Prepare for the most incredible invention boom ever. See what it can do at formlabs.com.

FALL 2013

Changing the

Face of Dentistry The Center for Aesthetic Enhancement in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, is helping to make the world a more beautiful place one smile and face at a time. WRITTEN BY

JENNIFER BONAZZO

r. Bruce Freund, D.D.S., and his wife, Rhonda, are taking a healthylooking smile to the next level. Step into their chic Center for Aesthetic Enhancement, and you know the practice is far more than a typical “drill and fill” establishment. Here, as evidenced by the wallto-wall unique art and modern sculptures created by Dr. Freund himself, you know you are in a place where art is truly treasured, and where care and equal importance is given to expressing it in all its forms—whether through conventional artistic mediums or through every single aesthetic treatment and service Dr. Freund performs for his clients. “I believe the teeth are merely a piece of the art work,” Dr. Freund explained. “The lips are the frame around them and then this picture continues on with the face. Having a great deal of knowledge of the facial anatomy allows me to create more than just a beautiful smile, but a younger and beautiful face as well.” Dr. Freund’s wife and number one fan, Rhonda Freund, is equally passionate. Rhonda attended facial Continued on pg. 32

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The World’s First Curved OLED TV Organic self-emitting pixels create real colors, ultimate contrast and virtually blur-free motion clarity for a picture that’s as authentic as anything you’ve ever seen. Check out this 55” Samsung OLED 3D HDTV with a curved screen that looks stunning thanks to the striking clarity. See it first at Talk of the Town.

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©2013 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. All rights reserved. Samsung, Samsung SMART TV, Micro-Dimming Ultimate, SMART Hub, SMART Interaction and Samsung Apps are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Evolution Kit sold separately. Not available for all TV models. Available in 2013. Performance and specifi cations may vary subject to hardware limitations. Voice and gesture commands may vary. Available Apps may vary by product/model and may require fees. Internet service required. Specifi cations and product information are subject to change. Screen images are simulated.

Continued from pg. 30

aesthetics training right alongside Dr. Freund and later became his first model for cosmetic artwork. The couple takes pride in literally “putting their best face forward,” believing it is important to let potential clients know the wonderful results Dr. Freund is capable of achieving. “I believe in him because he is good at what he does,” Rhonda said. “It is the love of his work which is projected onto the beautiful outcome of his clients’ treatments.” During a career of more than 25 years, Dr. Freund has distinguished himself by providing impeccable cosmetic dental work, including laser periodontal therapy, teeth whitening, crowns, laminates and even laser gum lifts. Yet that is only the beginning. His experience with facial aesthetics has led him into the field of facial injectables. He uses muscle relaxers to turn back the clock. According to Dr. Freund, these injectables have no down time and offer guaranteed results in as little as two weeks. Dr. Freund also uses natural, biocompatible facial fillers to not only reduce lines, but also to

FALL 2013

give clients greater cheek volume and plumper, more youthful-looking lips. The services provided extend even further into beautifying with finishing touches, such as waxing, customized facials and microdermabrasion. While women still make up the majority of clientele in Dr. Freund’s practice and indeed in similar practices all around the world, men are becoming increasingly interested in aesthetic enhancement services. In fact, between 2000 and 2012, the number of men undergoing Botox and other similar treatments jumped by 258 percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Freund believes that seeing their spouses and partners coming home glowing with youth has sparked some men’s curiosity, therefore creating a growing trend of injectables among men. “Everyone wants to look younger. Men experience just as much stress as women—whether it is due to the economy, the job market, the terror on the news. All that stress appears at some point on their faces. That is where we come in,” Dr. Freund noted.

Middle-aged and older men are not the only males using these services in order to gain confidence and look younger. Younger males are using cosmetic enhancements as preventative tools against the start or worsening of lines and wrinkles that are bound to inevitably appear down the road. According to Dr. Freund, all of his clients— regardless of their gender or age— can rest assured that every service provided at the Center for Aesthetic Enhancement is focused on ensuring the best possible results. Both Dr. Freund and Rhonda encourage women and men to look around at other people their age who do not have the lines they have, and to realize that those people are more than likely receiving the same types of services Dr. Freund offers; the kind of treatment these people think they deserve in order to look and feel their most attractive. Dr. Freund stated, “They are able to project their newly found self esteem into the world, bringing them not only more confidence, but more success as well.” For a private consultation, contact Dr. Bruce Freund at 201-568-0606.

DIRECTOR

Director is a simple way to enjoy Meridian and make all your digital music sound its best. UPGRADE MUSIC THROUGHOUT YOUR HOME Director is a high-quality DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) designed to deliver superior audio quality from any digital source. Built in Britain to the same standards as any Meridian product, Director breathes new life into digital sources when listened to on analogue hi-fi systems. Director forms the ideal add-on for network players and music servers with digital outputs, bringing Meridian performance and ultimate sound quality to an entirely new class of audio products and systems. These sound enhancing technologies are derived from the award-winning line of Reference 800 Series components, and significantly outperform the DACs found in computers and most network players. Experience the Director at Talk of the Town in Allendale, NJ. Designing Your Digital Lifestyle

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Edward

Armah Crowning a Fashion Monarch

He’s giving new life and style to the classic men’s fashion staple of bow ties. WRITTEN BY

TESSA VIOLE

atively from Ghana and now living in Springfield, New Jersey, Edward Armah has redefined the way we look at bow ties, as well as other men’s fashion accessories, by creating his own brand, “Butterfly Bow Ties” (now named after the designer). I had the pleasure of interviewing him about how he got his start and what his future plans are for his brand.

Neiman Marcus, a high-end retailer, and Oxford, makers of high quality clothing in the USA, since 1916.

What inspired you to start designing? Armah: My main inspirations were mainly my passion for fashion and the quest for the best men’s accessories in the world.

Did you always want to be a fashion designer? Armah: Growing up in Ghana in a very humble family where everyone revered being a doctor, lawyer or architect, I urged myself to be a pacesetter. My challenge was to build my own brand—an empire. Entertainment syndication was my first choice, but destiny swayed me to the path of fashion.

Why do you primarily design accessories? What will be your next focus? Armah: Accessories are imposing buying items. Everyone likes accessories. They require no size and are easy to notice on people. I am working on an amazing collection that will be a big surprise and a breathtaking moment for the industry.

How did you get your start in the fashion industry? Armah: In a sense, fashion has always been a part of me. It started as a family trade; my grandmother had a sewing school and I worked with her. I acquired more skills in the industry when I moved to the United States, as I worked for

What inspired the name of “Butterfly Bowties” for your company? Armah: The name butterfly was inspired by the four ways Continued on pg. 36

FALL 2013

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Edward Armah Crowning a Fashion Monarch Continued from pg. 34

you can wear my bow tie, which is similar to the metamorphosis in a butterfly’s life cycle. Also, when tied, my brightly colored bow ties resemble butterflies. My original designs were extremely colorful.

What led To the name change from “Butterfly Bowties” to “Edward Armah?” Armah: Shortly after going into business, I realized that I wasn’t just making bow ties any more. I was now making a full line of men’s accessories. Branding my line as EDWARD ARMAH seemed to bear more weight than just keeping it as Butterfly Bow Ties.

Explain to our readers what makes your designs so innovative.

Everything you design is handmade in the U.S.A. What are your fabrics of choice? Armah: I believe America is the greatest country in the world that believes in innovation and hard work. I believe that the best is made here. My fabrics of choice range from anything you can think of to what you can imagine. Wool, cashmere, linen, silk, cotton and even leather. Just name it and we will make it.

“Bowtie King” is a cute and fitting nickname for you! Who gave you that nickname? Armah: My clients named me the “Bow Tie King.” Because bow ties were a staple in my attire, my clients back when I worked at Oxford would say: “I want the ‘Bow Tie King’ to help me.”

Armah: I describe my collection as innovative, inspirational, affordable and accessible because I haven’t failed at providing our industry what it continually thirsts for—new and fresher ideas. I keep coming up with new products that take the hassle out of old ones. Just like the PC and MAC. My modern four-in-one bow ties have more value than the bow ties that were made in the past. I came up with a pocket circle, which unlike its square counterpart, is stress-free.

What are your fashion tips for men? Armah: A suit is always a suit, but men will have to start focusing on details; accessories are what make the suit. Your pocket circle, lapel flowers, cufflinks, socks and some cool bracelets. Don’t be hesitant in trying out some cool and exciting accessories.

What are the next steps for your company? Armah: We are growing globally. We have started distribution in Japan, Canada and London. We are working on a full collection, as well.

Where can customers purchase your designs? Armah: Customers can buy my designs at Neiman Marcus, Sal Lauretta, Vero Uomo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Garmany, as well as online.

Visit www.butterflybowties.com for more information.

FALL 2013 XX

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Headphones for Every Lifestyle

Today’s listeners want high-performing headphones tailored to their tastes and activities. WRITTEN BY

SERGIO RODRIGUES

inding the perfect headphones that sound great, fit well, and go anywhere is becoming a growing obsession among listeners in the U.S. and worldwide. The reason for the skyrocketing demand for just the right headphones? The escalating numbers of consumers using smart phones and portable media players. Portable audio has become portable entertainment, and consumers are looking for the best listening experience that suits their tastes and lifestyles, and goes wherever they go. In fact, the growth of the premium segment of the headphone market in many areas outpaces the mass segment—a trend that’s unusual in consumer electronics. The new connection between headphones and portable listening devices has led to innovation in integrated controls and enhancement of the user experience through apps. Above all, though, customers want top-notch portable sound quality; buying the least expensive in-ear head-

FALL 2013

phones at the local discount store just doesn’t cut it anymore. Denon Electronics is responding to the exploding demand for high-performance, personalized headphones by leveraging its brand heritage as a provider of premium audio quality, and putting greater focus on tailoring headphones to users’ lifestyles. Denon has more than 100 years of experience in producing finely tuned audio products, developing and incorporating innovative technologies, and a passion for excellence in sound. The company has adapted its legacy of unsurpassed audio quality to the special preferences and needs of five different types of headphone users. “We offer exceptional personal audio experiences for a range of consumer lifestyles,” said Petro Shimonishi, Denon’s senior global product manager of headphones. “Consumers now have many choices—headphones designed to deliver the best sound quality for the type of music they prefer, and for their work, leisure and sports activities.”

Personalized Headphones for Diverse Listeners

Denon’s lifestyle-oriented lineup of headphones are designed and engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of specific consumer lifestyles, incorporating 18 patent-pending designs and technologies.

Globe Cruiser™

Designed for the frequent traveler, the Global Cruiser line features three models that offer exceptional portability, wireless technology and superior noisecanceling or noise-isolating capability.

Music Maniac™

These five models appeal to audiophiles who demand top-notch performance focusing on acoustic purity and audio quality. Music Maniac models are tuned to a flat equalization (EQ) to provide the acoustically transparent audio performance preferred by traditional audiophiles. Users can choose from on-ear, over-theear and in-ear models that deliver audiophile-grade personal listening experiences.

Urban Raver™

Five models of Urban Raver headphones are targeted to younger music enthusiasts who listen to contemporary music genres with heavy emphasis on bass. Users can select from on-ear and in-ear styles featuring high performance and accentuated bass curve. Urban Raver headphones are designed to offer explosive bass performance and enhanced treble so users can hear subtle hi-hat rhythms. Continued on pg. 40

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Headphones for Every Lifestyle Continued from pg. 39

Exercise Freak™

Available in blue, black and yellow, Exercise Freak wireless, in-ear headphones were designed especially for sports and fitness enthusiasts. Super-lightweight, with no cables to get in the way of workout activities, these headphones feature sweat-proof, in-ear earpieces with built-in cushions for ventilation and comfort. Exercise Freak headphones are tuned to provide a slightly accentuated bass curve for motivating workouts.

Exercise Freak Headphones for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Events

These Exercise Freak headphones are available in a limited-edition pink color to show support for the cause to fight breast cancer. The Exercise Freak has a rechargeable battery that lasts seven hours, long enough for a marathon. A portion of the purchase price goes to Susan G. Komen®.

Classic

Denon also offers four models of Classic headphones for comfortable, smooth in-ear and over-the-ear listening experiences for users of all types and tastes. Continued on pg. 42

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Continued from pg. 40

Advanced Features Enhance Unique Listening Experiences Integrated microphones and controls.

Denon’s headphone lineup features integrated controls and microphones on all new models for control of the iPhone, iPad, and iPhone Touch.

Patent-pending pentagonally shaped memoryfoam ear pads for on-ear and over-the-ear models.

Designed to provide an extremely comfortable fit and minimize dead space within the ear pad, Denon’s patentpending pentagonally shaped ear pads more closely represent the shape of the human ear.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

Wireless models developed for frequent travelers and fitness enthusiasts—users who require headphone mobility—include Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity to enhance the on-the-go listening experience.

Apps for different lifestyles.

Denon offers a suite of lifestyle-specific apps, each designed for unique headphone categories. Available on the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at iTunes, the Denon apps complement the new Denon headphones to deliver a personalized experience.

Denon Audio App. For use with the Music Maniac

headphone, this app allows users to customize their EQ and EQ presets to set music levels for optimum performance. The app features an integrated audio player for playback of all music stored on the iPhone or iPod touch, allows for instant playlist creation

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directly from the app and enables simple access to Internet radio via TuneIn, which offers over 70,000 global radio stations. Denon Club App. For use with the Urban Raver, this app allows users to easily update Facebook and Twitter statuses on music they like from the Urban Raver Community, look up lyrics to their favorite songs, share artist information, discover new artists and customize their EQ and EQ presets, giving users full power over their music. Denon Travel App. Designed to maximize the travel experience when used with Denon Globe Cruiser Headphones, this app offers users easy access to their most frequently used travel apps. Denon Sport App. Created in conjunction with MapMyFitness, this app features GPS tracking for outdoor activities. With access to online communities via Facebook and Twitter, users can easily share their workout progress with friends and track their fitness goals in a workout journal. The app even lets users map their locations, how fast they’re going and how long it should take to complete a run at a target pace. To keep up with today’s consumer demands for exceptional, personalized portable audio experiences, manufacturers will need to keep innovating in order to deliver headphones that not only offer best-in-class sound, looks and functionality, but also suit listeners’ tastes and lifestyles. Talk of the Town is an authorized Denon Dealer in Allendale, New Jersey. Stop by today and pick up a pair of top quality headphones.

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FITNITY

The Newest Innovation in Weight Loss WRITTEN BY

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Combining the attention of a personal trainer with the convenience of working out on your own time and choosing foods you enjoy, it’s a flexible health option.

o you’ve tried apps that track your food, workouts or walking distance with fluctuating success. Maybe you’ve tried fad diets, exercise classes or even had meals delivered to your door? After every different approach you’ve tried, you likely learned that your diet method and technique need work. Problem is you’re just not sure how to change it. You have trouble staying consistent in your exercise routine or a particular diet just isn’t working for you. If this is the case, Fitnity just may be the key to your lasting success. Fitnity combines the attention of a personal trainer with the convenience and flexibility of working out on your own time

while letting you choose foods you enjoy. Clients will work toward their weight loss goal with a remote trainer who will design customized programs specifically personalized for each individual. Trainers will initially discuss a client’s goals, food and exercise preferences, time schedule and availability in order to build personalized workouts and food guidelines. Follow-up phone calls are done between clients and trainers on a bi-weekly basis; on the non-phone call weeks, email check-ins allow for feedback, support and continued recommendations on workouts and diet choices to guide clients toward their weight-loss goal. The key to Fitnity, however, may not be the workouts or diet plans as much as the particular client’s ability to learn how to eat in

a way that is optimal for his or her body and goal weight. Focusing on getting clients “back to the basics,” trainers choose whole, natural foods and avoid “diet” and processed foods that may hinder weight-loss progress. There are no forbidden foods, but a smart guide on how to classify foods and how much to eat from which category. Rather than a short-term “diet,” this approach to eating is a journey to learn healthier eating habits that will translate to everyday life, forever. According to the National Weight Registry, one of the six key strategies for long-term weight maintenance is maintaining a consistent eating pattern. Therefore, learning about foods, the macronutrients they are comprised of and how to balance the nutrient scale will allow clients to continue mak-

ing smart choices with unrestricted food options. Additionally, workouts are built to suit preferences related to location, equipment availability and activities that clients enjoy, as well as how much time they have to dedicate. With their remote trainer checking in, clients will always get feedback on workouts completed, new exercises to try, as well as stay challenged as their fitness improves. All workouts, meals and snacks that are consumed, and the client’s mood are logged in on the Fitnity app. The information is available between the client and the trainer to discuss setbacks, victories and future goals. While some clients may not see the need to track their mood along with their diet and exercise, doing so may help them make a connection between makContinued on pg. 46

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No transfusions. That’s how we operate. Englewood Hospital is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in bloodless medicine and surgery, with almost 20 years of groundbreaking experience. Top U.S. and international hospitals, as well as the federal government and military, have come to us to learn the latest transfusion-free techniques on the most advanced equipment. Transfusion-free surgery reduces infections and complications, speeds recovery and healing, shortens a hospital stay, and results in better outcomes. Nearly 100 % of our surgeries are bloodless because it’s simply better medicine – one of many reasons why we are rated among the nation’s top-quality hospitals. To learn more, call 888.766.2566 or visit englewoodhospital.com.

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Note: For patients willing to accept it, our goal is to avoid blood transfusions during medical and surgical procedures. However, not all patients may be good candidates for blood conservation. Ask your doctor or surgeon about bloodless medicine and conservation.

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FITNITY Continued from pg. 45

ing bad or good food choices, completing or skipping a workout or how much they eat and when. Recognizing habits that occur because of how one feels can be an essential step in weight-loss success. By working remotely with a trainer and recording information in the Fitnity app, users can enjoy the flexibility of working out whenever and wherever they desire. There is no rushing to the gym or fitting in an appointment with the nutritionist. Instead, they simply follow along with the app and check in with the trainer to enjoy the flexibility needed in today’s busy world. In addition, all information is privately kept between the client and trainer so that there is no pressure to feel that someone may be judging your fitness level or food choices. Although remote, the client-trainer relationship is an integral part of Finity’s program. There is growing evidence to indicate that an individual’s weight-loss plan that includes a personal coach and evolving steps is more effective than one that does not. Not only did participants who worked with a personal coach lose more weight, but they were also able to decrease their overall health risks and increase their physical activity compared to those who tried to make changes on their own. Fitnity’s bi-weekly check-in calls will help clients establish a personal, supportive relationship with their coach and help lead to weight-loss success. With its flexibility, accountability, affordability and personalized approach to fitness, as well as helpful guidelines to learn and build individualized meals, Fitnity and its mobile app may just be one of the newest secrets to weight-loss success. See how you can get started today by visiting fitnity.com.

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Ryland Inn Stately Haven of Fine Dining Fantastic food in a quaint rural setting WRITTEN BY

JUSTIN DAVIDSON

t’s only about an hour from Bergen County, but the Ryland Inn feels like a world away. Located in bucolic Hunterdon County, this stately white structure is the centerpiece on 10.5 acres of country land. It appears to be more high-class farmhouse than historic restaurant. Inside the walls of this picturesque place, however, is some of the best food the region has to offer. The Ryland’s history dates back more than 200 years. Political types have long dined here. Ronald Reagan, in fact, was a guest back in the day. It was about 20 years ago, however, when the restaurant really took off from a culinary standpoint when renowned Chef Craig Shelton took his immense talents out to Whitehouse Station to the Ryland and began working his magic. Shelton essentially put New Jersey fine dining on the map. He was a pioneer in the “farm to table” school, and graced the cover of Gourmet magazine. Eventually, under Chef Shelton’s direction, the Ryland Inn won the prestigious James Beard Award. A few years ago, the Ryland ran into some trouble and it was forced to shut its doors for several years. It finally reopened last fall, and is just as grand as ever. A new ownership group and a new chef envision the current state of the Ryland Inn as a natural progression in its storied history. When Landmark Hospitality, which also own Liberty House in Jersey City, made the move to purchase the Ryland Inn, it needed the assistance of Craig Shelton to choose the chef who would uphold the Ryland’s incredible standards and continue its reputation of excellence. With the selection of Anthony Bucco, Shelton knew the Ryland Inn was in for many more years of awards and accolades. After eating some of Chef Anthony Bucco’s culinary delights and checking out the grounds, my fellow diner and I could tell that the Ryland was prepped to evolve in the most appropriate of ways. The GPS told us to head the wrong way after getting off the exit for the Ryland. So, we abandoned technology, and just asked directions to the Ryland Inn from one of the few people walking around a street lined with houses more suited for the heartland than the northeast. A kind woman told us to drive a few hundred feet in the other direction. We didn’t miss it. Sitting toward the back of the expansive green property is the Ryland. It gazes at you like the Mona Lisa, and beckons diners to come in and sample its dishes—like salmon tartare in a bowl of cantaloupe soup, watermelon balls and caviar. The interior of the restaurant is elegant, yet simple. Wooden furnishings make this stately haven a place that transcends any season. In the winter, it’s Continued on pg. 52

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The

Ryland Inn Continued from pg. 51

easy to imagine sitting by a fireplace at the Ryland, enjoying a fine bourbon. And on this late summer day, it was just as homey and pleasant. Chef Bucco has the uncanny ability to create seasonal delights for his guests. The aforementioned salmon tartare dish was a refreshing treat for any summer feast. An heirloom tomato salad, with a rainbow assortment of tomatoes and ricotta, also helped set the season. Even bread is done better here at the Ryland. A crunchy, and thankfully not too buttery roll, sliced open and filled with some fantastic butter and rosemary salt was so good that a well-trained member of the staff realized I would want another one before I even asked. Chef Bucco prepared a masterful pan-seared halibut dish that rested on a bed of chanterelles, and corn and lobster sauce. Upon first bite, I was transported to New England where I have had some of the finest seafood bisque in my life. But I was not in New England. I was in New Jersey. Bucco and his cadre of chefs have no limits in their culinary capabilities. “Most of the chefs in this kitchen want to be head chef at their own restaurant some day,” he noted. It is Anthony’s belief, and now ours, that they are all more

than capable of realizing their dreams. The service is equally remarkable. More than a stone’s throw from New York City, the idea of an entire “fine dining” experience seems farfetched. Yet a short trip to Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and you soon find yourself at the pinnacle of New Jersey’s fine dining. Bucco works tirelessly and ceaselessly to meet and exceed this high bar. I was particularly impressed by how the staff frequently undergoes train-

ing seminars and teachings. The sommelier is expected to be remarkably knowledgeable, and the Ryland’s is one step away from achieving a “Master” designation. Staff members aren’t just trained in the beginning, and then left to their tasks. They are expected to improve upon their knowledge and technique every single day. It is just another element that sets the Ryland Inn apart. Bucco serves foie gras, and the richness of one bite is enough to make you Continued on pg. 54

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The

Ryland Inn Continued from pg. 52

melt in your seat. What stood out was the ability of staff and kitchen to read patrons’ minds. In my case, how could they know that a white chocolate panna cotta with green tea ice cream would be the ideal dessert for a warm summer day? Everything I ate was perfect for the weather, my mood, and the setting. The Ryland Inn is poetry in motion. As we ate our food and tasted unique wines like O.P.P. (Other People’s Pinot) from a formidable list in the chef ’s private dining room, we saw a large kitchen staff hard at work for a weekend wedding. The chef ’s private dining room, which guests can reserve, overlooks the staff. Think Top Chef but with less bickering. It’s the perfect setting for intimacy and a peek into the world of a top restaurant. If you take one look at this place, you’ll instantly know that many brides and grooms dream of having their weddings on a property such as this. It’s elegant, charming, and simply peaceful. But behind the walls, as we saw, are first-class, state-of-the-art facilities that guarantee comfort and perfection. The property lets you know that this is the place to be for a special moment, without overly stating it. You feel special here; the ambiance is like something out of a part of history, or a scene in a painting or a classic film. The Ryland

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The Bar Scene Ryland Inn’s bar contains one of the most comprehensive whiskey lists in New Jersey. Christopher James, who has been named “Most Imaginative Bartender” by Thrillist, is anything but your typical mixologist. For him, bartending isn’t simply a job; it’s a life-fulfilling career. James breathes bartending every day, constantly learning, going to conventions and entering in competitions. His passion for the craft permeates the entire room, which boasts dark woods and plush leathers. While sitting with us, he commented that he needed to build another shelf for his collection of bitters. “Overall, there must be 40-something of them,” he claimed with a big grin on his face. He takes it upon himself to make sure the Ryland Inn’s bar is world class. After trying a rare bourbon cocktail, a homemade rum cocktail and an unexpectedly refreshing tequila cocktail, I couldn’t agree more.

Inn and all of its rooms for diners and wedding parties have a way of evoking calmness for distinctive, memorable moments. Currently, there are grand plans to create more facilities on the grounds. Scheduled for completion by late October, construction is now taking place on a banquet hall, which will accommodate about 150 people and offer a world class dining experience on a beautiful, intimate piece of New Jersey real estate. (The restaurant is not presently open during the day, so the reno-

vations pose no real distraction.) Plans are also in place to build an actual inn where guests can spend the night. The property was originally created with that idea in mind. A carriage house would house the horse and carriage, and after a few beers you could retreat to the inn for some rest. Within a few years, the vision of a boutique hotel with intimate rooms, incredible food and service should be a reality and there will no longer be the excuse that “Whitehouse Station is too far of a drive.” Indeed, even now it is both quicker and less expensive to get there on a Friday night for dinner than it is to dine comparably in any New York City restaurant. The future is shaping up nicely, and upon completion, the Ryland Inn will be fully capable of accommodating absolutely anything that you, your family or an entire wedding party could dream up. When we left the Ryland Inn and set course for home, we definitely felt more relaxed than before we arrived. That’s part of Ryland Inn’s charm and appeal. A trip to the Ryland Inn feels like a weekend country getaway, even if it’s just for a few hours.

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Easy, powerful and as modern as tomorrow While there are places in your home that it’s ideal to have a URC remote or URC control device that will remain in a room, we recognize there are times when you want providing the MRX-1. At any time in the future, you can download the CC Control iOS App. Then, for a nominal one-time setup fee, your integration specialist will establish communication between your own iDevices and the controller. It’s a solution that’s easy, powerful, and as modern as tomorrow!

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In the Palm of Luxury The James Royal Palm is Miami’s newest hotel hotspot. WRITTEN BY

BRANDON GOLDSTEIN

s soon as the leaves begin to change their color, sometime in September, I begin planning my escape from the Northeast. I suddenly long for ever-green palm trees and sunlight that had only been absent for, well, not even a month. I do love the fall, but it’s never too early to plan my quick, yet brief exit to somewhere warm. I think back to my stay last February in Miami. Layin’ on the beach, my toes in the sand, sippin’ a cocktail with one of those tiny umbrellas in it, while bikini-clad women strolled past me. Not a worry on my mind, I had found my happy place. It’s your turn to find yours. With early planning in mind, you may be able to time your trip perfectly so that the minute the first snow of the season touches the chilled Jersey ground, you’re

sippin’ on a mai tai in warm, bright South Beach. The envy of all your friends, and frankly, me. Miami, much like New York City, is a place unlike any other in this country. Its uniqueness stems not only from its cultural and ethnic blend, but also the influence of its near perfect year-round weather and coastal geography. When it comes to deciding where to stay in Miami, there are many choices. Some are old classics, relics of the glorious Miami of the 1950s that have survived the city’s tumultuous ups and downs. For instance, The Delano and Fontainebleau, lining famed Collins Avenue, are constant reminders of Miami’s unmistakable modernist Art Deco style and the city’s impact on architecture in general. Yet, one hotel stood out to me: The James Royal Palm. Not only was its location central to Miami’s Continued on pg. 58

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In the Palm of Luxury Continued from pg. 57

incredible cultural district, but it was taken over, renovated and reopened this past November by The James Hotel brand, which already has outstanding hotels in New York and Chicago. When I approached the Royal Palm, the entrance was somewhat unassuming. Unlike most of Miami’s hotels, whose towering frames hug the sidewalk begging you to walk inside, the RP took a different approach. An inviting front yard of palm trees, blooming flowers and grass areas perfectly hides the long circular driveway leading up to the

front door. Once you walk in, you’re immediately taken back to Miami’s heyday. Prior to The James takeover of the Royal Palm, its tumultuous history had left it in need of a dusting. Its rich history, dating back to the hotel’s creation in 1939, had been hidden by years of ghastly additions and gaudy renovations that left no traces of the hotel’s original footprint and design. When the acquisition of The James was finalized in 2011, the new management brought in celebrated interior architect Lauren Rottett to peel back the layers of the Royal Palm to reveal its genuine and timeless beauty.

Boutique Chic Following its $42 million renovation, the James Royal Palm delivers a luxury oceanfront boutique hotel with modern, residentially styled and guest-centric services. The hotel has successfully been brought into the 21st century with world-class hospitality while still paying homage to the classic Miami we all came to love. Once you walk into the lobby, you realize that Rottett precisely replicated or used items from the hotel’s golden age. What was once the hotel’s front desk—a large, curving green-shaded glass and marble counter—has been preserved and transformed into the lobby’s café. Custom-made wood furniture mimics the furniture of old while simultaneously offering modern comfort that invites lounging spectators to enjoy the buzz of a booming hotel lobby. A long, wide hallway showcases more of the hotel’s history, such as the porthole windows casting light on more lounge spaces. On the other side, the lobby bar seamlessly and subtly blends in with the art deco architecture of the wide, yet low-ceilinged space. The hotel’s floor plan is craftily deceiving, never hinting at the fact that there are actually 393 guestContinued on pg. 60

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rooms. With different towers and multiple elevator banks all hidden from view, it is hard to see the hotel as anything but a private, small boutique hotel. As I approached the door to my room, excited anticipation crept over me. Will it be nice? Will it be comfortable? Will the amenities go above and beyond to make me feel at home, while constantly reminding me that I’m privy to services here that home life never provides? These are the things that came to mind. I opened the door and peered straight. Looking back at me was my reflection in a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the beach on the left and the city on the right. To my direct right was a small pantry and sink; to my left was a large, wall-mounted plasma TV, with a dining table and comfortable seating area across from it. On the table sat a glass bottle full of water, which I later learned was refreshed twice daily (a small but notable gesture that differentiates top-tier hospitality from the rest). Free in-room Wi-Fi is another, and if you were wondering, The James Royal Palm offers that as well. However, two very important things seemed to be missing: a bed and a bathroom (I know you were

thinking it). Once I walked in a bit further I realized the place was much more spacious than originally anticipated. A king-size bed and large bathroom were just around the corner. The shower, a walk-in with room for several more than you typically need (wink), also had a window in it with views of the beach. Plug your iPod into the room’s stereo and it will rival the hotel’s spa in relaxation. The room’s décor was a blend of luxurious modern luxury and artistic renderings highlighting the culture of Miami. It soon became evident that not just individual rooms, but the entire hotel believed in cultivating and showcasing Miami’s illustrious heritage. As a new hotel on the strip, The Royal Palm knew embracing Miami’s culture was as crucial as the exemplary hospitality it offered. That is why The Royal Palm formed partnerships with Miami’s Museum of Contemporary Art, The National Young Arts Foundation and the New World Symphony not only to establish itself within the community, but to create another platform by which these great organizations could

showcase their work and thrive.

Leisure & Dining Activities My first full day in Miami started with a quick trip to the gym, which coincidentally overlooks the pool. (Extra motivation for my workout I suppose.) After the gym, I walked past the pool to the back gate, where you cross a walking path and immediately hit the beach. The bright orange umbrellas signal The Royal Palm’s turf. I sat down and just looked at the beautiful Atlantic, which you often can’t call beautiful from up in Jersey. When I sat down, The Royal Palm’s beach club provided me with two towels, and a basket with fresh fruit and bottled water within. In my case, I only wish it had come with sunscreen. Less than an hour later I could already feel the burn. So although a full dining and bar menu is offered on the beach, I instead opted to have lunch and a cocktail poolside. The James Royal Palm offers on-premise dining options that are reasons to visit unto themselves. Local Miami resident and award-winning chef Kris Wessel is at the helm of Florida Cookery. This auContinued on pg. 62

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ucts st prod t e u q o i d au are available a

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In the Palm of Luxury

Continued from pg. 60

thentic Florida restaurant serves a variety of fresh, seasonal food, boasting a unique twist on hyperregional Florida fare that reflects the history of South Florida, as well as his own personal history in the area. Chef Wessel’s passion for locally sourced, seasonal and distinctive ingredients inspires a menu that includes Frog Legs Bathing in Lime Leaves, Lychee Roasted Quail and Mango Pie. With my curiosity trumping my skepticism, I decided to try the frog legs, which were delicious. Another restaurant on The Royal Palm’s grounds is Catch, where I had dinner. True to Manhattan’s Meatpacking District original, its sister restaurant in Miami provides an innovative dining experience with a culinary foundation of globally influenced seafood. Even if you can’t make the trip to Miami, you must try Catch in New York City. No matter the location, Catch does not disappoint. It’s often my goal to experience everything the hotel has to offer before I start going elsewhere. With the gym, pool and beach already crossed off my list, having had Florida Cookery for lunch and res-

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ervations at Catch for dinner, there were still a few stops in my exploration. Of course, what is a hotel without a full service spa, right? A massage, outside on a balcony overlooking the beach was now in order. With the sounds of waves crashing and cool ocean breezes perfectly contrasting the warm massage oil, it was one of the best spa experiences I have had. After a shower (I love that shower), it was time for my dinner at Catch. I started with a cocktail called The Dirty Bastard (Irish whiskey, ginger beer, lime), which was served in a unique copper mug. We (a few of my friends joined me) then followed up with some sushi, had Cantonese Lobster, crispy pork shank and Alaskan king crab, all of which were generous portions and absolutely delicious. A side of applewood bacon Brussels sprouts? Yes, please! As daylight ran out, nightlife was only beginning. We stopped in to South Shore, a relaxing open-air bar right outside the hotel’s pool area. It specializes in rum cocktails, so we all had our fair share before heading just outside The Royal Palm’s front door to SL Miami Nightclub. Another Manhattan

mainstay in the Meatpacking District, SL’s nearly 2,200-square foot venue fuses modern nightlife elements from New York City with inspired décor to match Miami’s Art Deco flair. Drinks were a bit pricey, but that was to be expected. Miami really comes alive at night. The streets never empty until the wee hours of the morning, and you can hop from rooftop club to underground lounge. I’d check out The Rec Room at The Gale not too far down the road from RP. It’s a great space. The thing about The James Royal Palm in Miami is that it has so much to offer inclusively. I could have spent days there and never gone out to experience the rest of the city. They thought of everything, providing so many of the small conveniences that we take for granted in our daily routines. This, to me, is the epitome of hospitality—making you feel like you’re at home regardless of how far away you are. As the morning frost settles on your car this autumn, and you contemplate moving your talents elsewhere, just remember: there is no place like home… unless it’s Miami Beach.

NORTON HERRICK Entertaining the Possibilities

WRITTEN BY

JUSTIN DAVIDSON

The man, his plans and the growing diversity of his ever-expanding empire

hrough hard work and a drive to do right by others, Brooklyn native Norton Herrick worked his way up to chairman and CEO of The Herrick Company, a major real estate investment company that oversees billions of dollars worth of transactions. Recently, Herrick has expanded his empire, and has begun producing major Hollywood films. Broadway shows, television and thoroughbred racing are some of his other passions, and he is finding success there as well. Talk of the Town chatted with Mr. Herrick about some of his current projects and his gift for getting the job done right.

It’s been quite a year for you. Recently, 2 Guns featuring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington, debuted at number one at the box office. As the producer, how thrilled were you with the strong opening? It was great. Close to a $30 million box office opening for the weekend and being number one, it is obviously what you want. It’s still going strong, and hopefully it will end up with close to $100 million box of-

fice at the end of the day. When you have Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington in an action film comedy— it’s kind of an action and comedy—the synergies between them were incredible. It was like they were born to do this movie. They had [Balthasar Kormakur] the director, who was great. The producer was Marc Platt, who also produced Wicked. He’s a great producer. Everything was perfect for this film to succeed. What went through your mind when you first saw the 2 Guns script? Absolute winner. Particularly when I read it, and we knew, at the time when I got it, Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg were attached as well as Balthasar Kormakur and Marc Platt, so it was an easy call for me to write the check. What was it like working with these two heavyweight actors? The cooperation was amazing between them, the director and the producers. Everybody worked together. It was just great. No issues

or problems at all, ever. You have another movie project with Mark Wahlberg, Lone Survivor, which is slated to come out soon. Tell us about that. The story is about four Navy Seals going up in the mountains of Afghanistan fighting 200 Taliban, and basically, as the name goes, only one survived. It’s a great, heartfelt story. Another action film. Mark did an incredible job… Universal has decided to put it on the Oscar path for Best Film, and I feel this will be nominated, and it would be great to win. To have a Tony, an Oscar, and my horse winning the Dubai Worldcup in the same year, what more would I want? There will be a small release in December, and then they’ll put it out wide at the beginning of 2014. Earlier this year, Very Good Girls, a coming-of-age film that you produced, premiered at Sundance. Starring Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Olsen and Demi Moore, it’s not 2 Guns. What was that experience like? I was born in Brooklyn, and we shot Continued on pg. 66

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the movie in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, so that was fun. Richard Dreyfuss is also in the movie, and he was born and raised in Brooklyn, so that just made it fun. They did a great job. It turned out to be a coming-of-age, heartfelt movie. We’re not sure who will be distributing it yet. We’re working on that. It’s going to be PG-13. We did some testing on it, and young women love it; actually, women of all ages love it, and they’ll bring the guys with them. The guys will enjoy it too. Then there’s Nightlight, a horror film. It seems you like all types of genres. Is there any you don’t enjoy? I’m just one of many who read the script. My three boys, they read scripts… We have several people read the scripts before we agree to anything. It’s really not about what I like. It’s about what we feel could be a wide-release and what the market would want. As long as it’s tasteful… One of my sons has probably read every horror book, and seen every horror movie there is, and he loves

horror. So if we get a script that’s a horror script, he reads it, and if he says, “This is going to work, Dad,” then we’ll do it. What do you look for in a script? It’s not only about liking and loving the script. It’s also about the marketing. We have marketing folks that have been around for a long time that read it, that make sure it’s fit for, hopefully, a wide audience and if there’s an audience for it. So of course the financial numbers and the talent are important. The first thing is liking the script, and the second thing is getting the right director and a strong director. Then you have the financials to consider. You’ve also had Broadway success. In 2009, Hair won the Tony for Best Revival. Pippin did the same this past year, also taking home three other Tony Awards. Why do you think your projects have done so well? We have several people that are in my company or consult for us and

read the scripts, and they’ll listen to the music if it’s a musical. It’s kind of like movies… You look for the right producer and the director... Barry Weissler did Pippin… and we have Diane Paulus directing. There’s another one I’m working on with Barry right now that, hopefully, will get produced that Diane is directing. The key is the product as well as the director and the producer. After that comes bringing them in at a realistic cost so it makes financial sense. Herrick Entertainment also is a prominent player in thoroughbred racing. Animal Kingdom won the Kentucky Derby in 2011, and then this past year, he won the World Cup in Dubai. How is putting out a successful horse similar to other entertainment areas in which you’re involved? Again, it’s about that key person— the general partner who has been around horses his whole life. That’s Barry Irwin. I’m a partner in Team Valor, and Barry Irwin is the general partner of Team Valor. He knows what to look for, and he knows what Continued on pg. 68

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NORTON HERRICK Entertaining the Possibilities five years ago. It’s the largest one in the world, the first one in America. It’s in Benson, Minnesota… It’s a green plant that solves an environmental problem for the turkey farmers that have to get rid of the turkey manure and it is clean burning. They’re financially smart as well as feel-good projects. Describe your mindset when it comes to humanitarian causes.

Continued from pg. 66

to pick, and I now have a good feel for it. One of my assistants has been around horses all her life, and she helps me with the selections. It’s about breeding, and how fit the animal is, and the configuration of the animal, and Barry Irwin is great at that. It’s all about people. Every business is about management and picking the right people and I’ve been fortunate to have been able to do that.

It’s just something my family has always done, and I just feel it’s something one needs to do. Once you and your family are provided for, you should give back. That’s what life is all about. We had an extensive library of movies from the Golden Age of film, which we donated to the University of Miami for its film school. We also made a generous gift to The Hebrew University in Jerusalem where we have a cousin who works in cancer research. He’s a world-renowned and award-winning scientist who studies DNA methylation, which deals with how gene expression determines cancer. The funds donated support this cutting edge genetic and cancer research. We just try to find the right places to be productive and helpful for the world. Who or what inspires you?

The Herrick Company, your real estate investment firm, has completed billions of dollars of property transactions. Where would you say your business savvy comes from? (laughs) I don’t know. I guess my dad and mom who were both very business savvy and worked hard all their lives. I’ve been working since I was 14 years old. Every summer, every vacation, I was always working. That was the case in grammar school, high school and college… I was always entrepreneurial. When I was a water boy on a construction job, I ended up selling sodas. Through college I had several jobs. I guess I just have a good feel for things. Probably a lot of experience and losing money early on. When you’re losing money, you learn real quick. Your company has offices all over the East Coast: New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut and New Hampshire. How do you get around, and do you ever sleep? It’s funny you say that. I’m for sure a workaholic. I work 24/7, pretty much. I enjoy what I do… If I’m bored, it’s not for long. I’ll move on and we’ll go into another business or do something else, and try to do some fun things, and some green projects, which we’ve done. We built a power plant fueled by turkey manure about

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My dad died at 48 years old, but he always worked hard and would always do the right thing. He was always kind to people, even though we weren’t wealthy when I was younger. But we did OK, and he was always there for people. If somebody needed a few dollars, he was always there giving it to them. I think that’s why I’ve always worked hard—to prove to him that I’m a good son; I always wanted to accomplish things for him to be proud of me. Any other projects down the road we can look forward to? We have partners in probably 15 to 20 horses now, so we’re always hopeful we’ll have a good one. I’m looking forward to doing a show called Waitress that Diane Paulus will be directing. I’ll be involved in taking Spiderman on a world tour. As far as movies, I’m working on a five-picture slate deal, which I really can’t tell you too much about with a famous London writer-producer-director. We’ll be producing and financing. There’s always real estate projects going on—working on buying an existing hotel deal in South Florida, an office building in New York, about 50 retail stores around the country. There’s always real estate deals happening here.

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2013’S

“IT” CARS THE 2013 AUDI RS5 AND 2013 BMW M6 COUPE HAVE GOT THAT INDESCRIBABLE SOMETHING WRITTEN BY

RICHARD POSLUSZNY

very year consumers are presented with a bevy of all-new vehicles for the next model year. Some are a bit juicier than others. When it comes to enthusiasts—the diehard gearheads who have oil pumping through their veins—there is typically an “it” car. It sounds a lot like the entertainment world with its “it” girl and guy, doesn’t it? For 2013, if I had to pick one “it” car, I’d actually have to pick two. That’s because these vehicles are the true standouts for 2013: the Audi RS5 and BMW M6. On the surface they may seem a bit too familiar. Both vehicles are German, both have two doors and both use V8 motors as powerplants. However, that’s essentially where the similarities end. To be honest, the Audi and BMW were hatched from two completely alternate universes and each was built for a different kind of customer. I

said these two specific autos were “it” cars, not competitors. Now, let me tell you why they’re so different.

AUDI RS5

Based on what is arguably Audi’s best-looking model, the A5, the RS5 is the standard car that’s been going to the gym and working out. A lot. Think of it as the A5’s no-neck, steroid-taking, body builder cousin. Equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 motor producing 450 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, it has ample power to get you up and moving in a hurry. But it’s not so much the amount of power it has that makes the RS5 unique. To be more specific, it’s the way the vehicle delivers the power. The RS5 comes standard with two different elements that really help raise the bar. First, it features the four rings legendary Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. SecContinued on pg. 72

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2013’S

“IT” CARS Continued from pg. 70

ond, the beast of an engine, which is similar to the range-topping R8s, is coupled with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that shifts at the pace of a speeding bullet. Topping this off is its high-revving V8 that feels most optimal spinning above 5,000 rpms when most powerplants are nearly at their redline. To put things in perspective, most motors hit their end point around 6,000 to 6,500 rpms while the RS5 ends at 8,500. In theory this sounds fun because this means the motor gets more raucous as revs climb. However, in reality this quickly becomes an annoyance. If you find yourself driving around town in congestion and the motor isn’t spinning at more than 3,000 rpms it feels lazy. There’s no question the RS5 was really meant for the highway.

This is further proved when you get up near the triple-digit mark on a long expanse of road. At speed, the RS5 actually reminds me of the Bentley Continental GT because of its firm yet finely tuned suspension and hefty feel. Need to pass? No problem. Downshift by tapping the left paddle behind the steering wheel, the gearbox happily downshifts, the exhaust roars and you’re off. You should see the look on a Toyota Prius driver’s face as you overtake at 8,000 revs. It’s like those American Express commercials, priceless. The RS5 is not your ordinary vehicle, that’s for sure. While it has a maniac of a motor, it easily can be used for daily driving and it can double as a winter car and take on the brutal elements with its Quattro AWD. Of course, you just have to

equip it with a proper set of winter tires. No chains required. If you like what you hear, act fast. RS5s are as common as a unicorn these days and they’re likely to get gobbled up quick. Its base price starts at $68,900. Considering its versatility and fun factor, I’d say it makes its competitors’ lives much harder.

BMW M6

The Bavarians and their wondrous ability to construct some of the most desirable big body coupes have been ongoing for decades. BMWs like the 3.0 CSL and 6-Series have been making people’s hearts melt for what feels like eons. Now the latest and greatest is the all-new M6. And I have to say this one turned me into a puddle of mushy love. Subtle exterior differences set Continued on pg. 74

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2013’S

“IT” CARS Continued from pg. 72

this car apart from the standard 6-Series coupe. Examples include its new front and rear valences, big brake kit and large diameter wheels. While the basic 6 looks good, this just ups the ante in every department without becoming offensive. Most folks won’t realize it’s an M6 until you’re long gone. That’s a good thing because you don’t want too much attention, particularly from the law. When you have a forced induction V8 motor under the hood producing 560 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, you don’t want to be driving around with a target on your back. As one would expect, this powerplant delivers power like a sledgehammer—all at once. Zero to 60 is claimed to be 4.1 seconds but feels much, much quicker than that when you’re getting on the highway and you see the speedome-

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ter climb so fast it’s a little bit scary. What really makes this motor shine, though, is the newly developed seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. You can drive it in “D,” which is essentially an automatic mode, but likely you’ll be shifting yourself via the paddles on the steering wheel. The gearbox features three flavors of shifting: quick, fast, really fast. Even when the speed is dialed way up, the M6 delivers smooth shifts that don’t harshly jolt you; the same can’t be said of other transmissions in high-performance autos. In addition, the vehicle’s suspension and steering feel can be adjusted with three different levels as well. What I found amazing was how comfortable the M6’s suspension was even when operating at the tautest level. What I found disheartening was how artificial and,

frankly, obtuse the M6’s steering input was when dialed all the way up. For me, I believe the car operates best with the Comfort steering selected as it feels more nimble. The thing that makes the M6 such a standout this year is the culmination of typical BMWness. All of this vehicle’s immense power is sent only to the rear wheels and its steering feel provides feedback, which is unheard of in today’s modern autos. This equates to a very fun car that is lively, and if you’re not careful, can get you into a handful of trouble. Considering how dull today’s sports cars are, this is a welcome find. Sound good to you? Its base price is a sky high $109,200 but I will say it is one of the most impressive cars I’ve driven in the past 12 months. It’s money well spent.

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Hot Sauce Health Elixir, Masculine Tonic & Essential Ingredient Spicy insights from Bergen County native and hot sauce aficionado Chef Johnny McLaughlin WRITTEN BY

HEIDI RAKER

ohnny McLaughlin, Hudson Valley chef and founder of the premier artisan food company Heartbreaking Dawns, believes hot sauce should have the complexity and appeal of wine, rich with robust flavors that tease and lash the palate. A self-taught chef who has received national recognition, Chef Johnny has an encyclopedic knowledge of peppers and their many reputed uses and benefits. “Capsaicin, the natural chemical found in hot peppers, works similarly to acupuncture in my experience,” said Chef Johnny. “It goes where the body needs it, increasing blood flow and energy to trouble areas. It’s been found to be healing to stomach ulcers and other (gastrointestinal) maladies, disorders, which many people might

FALL 2013

think would be harmed by hot peppers. Hot sauce and capsaicin are magical medicines for many people around the globe.” Heartbreaking Dawns was formed four years ago when McLaughlin and his wife, Nicole, had a bumper crop of their backyard chili pepperbushes. The two decided to experiment with the abundant harvest, blending the peppers into an array of hot sauces for their family and friends. Once Chef Johnny had Heartbreaking Dawns’ first recipes in hand, he began using his past experience in the tattoo industry to find tattoo artists to come up with illustrations for the bottles with attractive designs such as sexy pin-up girls and colorful Mexican-inspired sugar skulls. The designs whimsically marry Chef Johnny’s artistic talents and passion for culinary arts with his

love for body art. Combining a variety of peppers possessing ascending heat levels, tropical fruits and spices, Heartbreaking Dawns’ first three hot sauces were aggressively developed and quickly caught fire on the palates of those in the Hudson Valley community. Today, the Heartbreaking Dawns line has expanded to include grilling and barbecue sauces, dry rubs and seasonings, preserves and chutneys. Under the name 1776 Beverage Company, Chef Johnny has also launched a line of artisanal sodas, which are free of corn syrup and made with natural cane sugar. “That first bottle, covered with a sticker I designed and printed from home, made this feel like more than a kitchen experiment,” Chef Johnny noted. “Now we have over 25 award-winning products. It’s been a very suc-

cessful journey for us as a company.” “We use ripe fresh fruits to lightly sweeten some of our original hot sauces to provide subtle hints that complement the featured pepper. Our Classic Gold uses a backdrop of brown sugar and tomato, providing a delicious twist on traditional red hot sauce,” Chef Johnny explained. “Our Superhots, 1542 Chocolate Habanero Hot Sauce, 1841 Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce, 1498 Trinidad Scorpion Hot Sauce (our number one seller in the Superhots category) and CAUTERIZER Trinidad Scorpion Hot Sauce use fruit, spice and freshly grown peppers to deliver a range of earthy and floral notes or deep chocolate tones. What makes our hot sauces so special, particularly our extreme heat sauces, is that we achieve a high heat naturally by using specialty super hot Continued on pg. 78

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Hot Sauce Health Elixir, Masculine Tonic & Essential Ingredient

Continued from pg. 77

peppers, each with its own unique flavor notes in addition to heat. Other hot sauces that use pepper extract to achieve heat have a horrible aftertaste. Heartbreaking Dawns products are all produced by hand with a lot of love and deep appreciation for both pepper and craftsmanship.” The hot sauce industry has been booming in recent years with foodies demanding more sauces with a deep dimension of heat. “Hot sauce, when used properly, can lend a quiet, warm perfume of earthy and floral notes or ratchet up the ‘meatiness’ of any number of sauces, protein blends,

dressings and even ice creams. Once you know how to use it, hot sauce becomes man’s best friend,” explained Chef Johnny. “Hot sauce isn’t just for chili and its image has changed dramatically in recent years as heat fans celebrate its powers of delivering potent umami, a deeper dimension of taste to dishes both savory and sweet.” Chef Johnny suggests hot sauce as an essential ingredient in expanding food and drink flavors. Here are some of his suggestions. Need a side sauce? Soften up some onion and garlic, and reduce with a fruit-based hot sauce. Finish it off with

Heidi Raker, a Bergen-based food blogger and publicist, can be found at www. redheadwithafork.com. For more on Chef Johnny and Heartbreaking Dawns, visit www.heartbreakingdawns.com.

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fresh cilantro and drizzle over dish. Combine 542 Chocolate Habanero Sauce with crème fraiche. Polish with some melted New York sharp cheddar and pickle for an awesome dip. Kick back than with Electric Lemonade. Add Heartbreaking Dawns’ pear and apple-based Ghost Sauce to bring out delicious bursts of flavor. Muddle in fresh cilantro for a finishing touch. Leave out the vermouth next time you mix a martini. Instead, film the martini glass with a sweet, fruit-based hot sauce. “I have a passion for bringing heat into the kitchen and onto the palate,” Chef Johnny concluded. “Knowing how and when to deliver warmth through food and drink is an essential culinary skill that no man should be without.”

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MANON: MePa MECCA The perfect place to start the night (and keep it going) WRITTEN BY

JUSTIN DAVIDSON

f the traffic cooperates, getting to the hyper-chic, luxurious confines of Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meatpacking District is no real challenge for the amusement-seeking Jersey crowd. Located just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw across the Hudson, Manon, a golden temple filled with models, great bottles and flavorful food, is the best new hot spot to spring up in an area that not too long ago was primarily occupied by butchers. Manon is a massive, multi-floor space, geared toward the late-night crowd. The bar, located at street level, is captivating. A cascade of lights, contrasting with the exposed brick of the building, gives scene-savvy patrons a proper setting to sample delicious drinks. While the knowledgeable bartenders can whip up anything you might request, Manon offers a unique menu

to put you in the right state of mind. For instance, there’s the “Rock God,” described as “Strong and spiced. If you like Bourbon old-fashioned or drinking whiskey from the bottle.” The ingredients are a mystery, but the depiction is spot-on. Then there’s the “Do What Thou Wilt.” The sole descriptor on the beverage menu reads “Don’t Order This.” I won’t spoil the fun. But if you’re feeling up to it—and know where you’re staying or how you’re getting home—it’s well worth a chance. The mezzanine floor separates the luxurious bar crowd from the dining area, located on the third floor. If you want to unwind and take in the scene, which looks like a nightly Fashion Week after-party, then the mezzanine is the place to go. Manon is filled from top to bottom with the beautiful people

of this great city, and the mezzanine level offers the perfect vantage point for people watching. But there is also food at Manon, and it is quite good. Upstairs, a very plush, intimately lit interior welcomes diners as they begin their journey into the Manhattan night. The portions are not overly generous, so as not to leave you catatonic for a night out in MePa. For starters, I had the Hamachi sushi. The light-pink cuts of fish were elegantly plated with kumquat, citrus puree, watermelon radish and red chili. Much like the scene downstairs, it is the perfect combination of zest and pop. Chef Tae Strain does a superb beef tartare. While beef can be overwhelming at a late-night spot, Chef Strain finds the right balance of flavors so as not to leave you feeling bloated.

Like many restaurants, Manon offers a seasonal menu. One dish that should be a mainstay, however, is the lamb loin. Lamb done wrong can be very fatty. Chef Strain does a marvelous job of separating each cut. It was plated so magnificently that I was almost hesitant to bring meat to mouth. But I was hungry, and this after all is a restaurant. It is a fantastic dish; the maitake mushrooms, English peas, asparagus and black garlic combine with the lamb to bring out a wonderful flavor. To wrap up the evening, I had the plums with honey semifreddo. For a warm summer night, this chilled, mousse-like slab of heaven, encircled with a ring of tangy plums, was the perfect conclusion to my dining experience. After a double espresso, it was time to start the party night.

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HUDSON WHISKEY Distilled With Determination TEXT AND PHOTOS BY

JOSEPH “WHISKY JOE” GRATKOWSKI

Through gumption and progressive innovation, the team at Tuthilltown Distillery is building upon the past to build a better future… and whiskey.

he guts and bravery of American whiskies do not come solely from our pioneering history; they also have to do with the notion that anyone can create whiskey from the simple combination of what can be found around them, and with time. Resourcefulness and a spirited nature are traits that have always characterized distillers. For instance, many of Scotland’s whiskey producers, already facing taxes back in the 1640s, found ways a-round the laws by operating in privacy or in the night, giving rise to terms like “moonshiners.” Making use of local resources to create something with a sum greater than its parts seems to be another component of whiskey makers. This throwback spirit is being echoed across our nation now more than ever. Craft distilling of whiskey in the USA is currently exploding, enjoying a boom similar to that of craft beer in the 1990s. Exemplifying this spirit of gumption and innovation is Tuthilltown Distillery, maker of Hudson Whiskey. Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley, about 75 miles north of Manhattan, the distillery is co-owned and run by Ralph Frenzo. About 10 years ago, Ralph set out to create a climber’s ranch with camping and café facilities for climbers to come and enjoy. “I was a professional rock climber living in Manhattan… had a climbing gym, built two or three others, helped stage the X-Games for ESPN,” he said. “I had been climbing the cliffs around here for 30 years. It is the second most visited climbing area in the USA. All that time, there was never anywhere for climbers to maybe get a cup of coffee, or have a bunk for the night when it rained.” The Tuthilltown Grist Mill seemed perfectly suited for his plans—36 acres, 11 buildings, two houses, even a Huckleberry Finn-like swimming hole, with rope swings. Yet, to Ralph’s dismay, several neighbors around

this property took him to court in order to block his plans. However, determined not to be foiled, Ralph went in a different direction. “I called the local zoning officer to figure out what I had the right to do,” he explained. Discovering that Tuthilltown was in a farm district and that in New York wineries are considered a farm use, Ralph decided to put his Tuthilltown Gristmill back to work as a distillery. “I spent the winter fermenting apple cider in my basement, distilling it off a tea-kettle still on my kitchen stove. I got the design off a website. It wasn’t really potable; you wouldn’t want to drink it,” Ralph said. Around that time, Brian Lee, a former electrical engineer, contacted Ralph seeking to buy the mill in order to make artisan cornmeal. Instead of selling, Ralph convinced Brian to join him in his distillery-building venture. “We were mail order brides,” joked Ralph. “We didn’t know a thing about each other. Except that we were both willing to take a chance.” This saga gets even more exciting when you consider that both Ralph and Brian are self-taught distillers, acquiring their knowledge through research trips to Europe, reading and sharing emails with one another. “After three years we got our licenses,” Ralph noted. “We had a still in place that we got from Germany, custom built. We installed all the electrical…dry wall…everything!” As with most start-up distilleries, this team had to find a way to generate income while their whiskey aged. Thankfully, the Hudson Valley is loaded with a vast assortment of farms and apple orchards that dot their surrounding area. Vodka and gin were likely suspects as they are fairly quick to distill and do not require aging. In addition, they made a corn whiskey, which they named Old Gristmill Authentic American Corn Whiskey and sold only in New York. A farm down the road from Continued on pg. 84

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HUDSON WHISKEY Distilled With Determination

Continued from pg. 83

them made fantastic cider, which the new partners used to make their vodka. The early success of their lighter spirits helped buy them enough time to age several types of whiskey—their flagship Hudson Baby Bourbon, Manhattan Rye, New York Corn Whiskey, Single Malt and Four Grain Whiskey. There is little to no automation involved in their process. All of the corn they use is sourced within ten miles of the distillery. In fact, they tend to use a particularly unique strain of the corn called wapsie. “It’s a smaller, tighter kernel,” explained Ralph. “Not very productive, it does not have a lot of starch, but it has a nice flavor component that we were looking for, and it is non-GMO (genetically modified organism).” One of the most environmentally friendly distilleries anywhere, Tuthilltown uses solar panels to gather about 50,000 watts an hour. The distillery has also tested a prototype that would take its wet stillage (grain slurry of solids and water with sugar and starch taken out of it) and turn it into steam, with which they can power the stills and the cooker. Currently some of the solids go to a local cattle farmer that occasionally repays the favor with some excellent steaks. “Our goal is ‘green’ whiskey,” Ralph emphasized. “Our goal is totally 0 or less carbon footprint whiskey. Distilleries and breweries make a lot of CO2; it’s part of the process. We are trying to offset that.” Tuthilltown’s whiskey aging method is equally progressive. Rather than using the tried-and-true process of rotating the barrels during aging (to maximize the interJoseph Gratkowski is on twitter @whiskyjourney, online at www.whiskyjoe.com; contact him by e-mail at whiskyjourney@gmail.com.

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action of the spirit and the wood), they use bass speakers to vibrate the barrels, which are stored upright instead of on their sides. A sound engineer measures the aging space and utilizes specifics, like barrel placement, to find the perfect sound waves to optimize the method. In the bottling room, there is a singular bottling line with one set of automated fillers. Here, they hand-inspect each and every bottle to help ensure that everything is perfect and that no particles have snuck into the bottom of the bottles. The bottles are then hand-dipped into wax to seal them and immediately cooled off in a bucket of ice water. After garnering much success and many accolades, Ralph and Brian teamed with William Grant & Sons, a family-owned company and a major player in the liquor industry. This new alliance has allowed them to continue focusing on their products, such as Hudson Maple Cask Rye. This new limited edition whiskey starts off double distilled from locally harvested New York rye grain and is aged in new charred oak barrels. They then impart a rich maple quality to the spirit by aging it in used whiskey casks, which held fresh maple syrup. Looking farther down the line, the team has 750 apple trees currently planted, and another 750 in the works. “We are starting from scratch, to make a Hudson Valley Apple Brandy,” said Ralph, who estimated the brandy will be ready for sale in about 10 years. There is certainly a comforting feeling of the past when you walk around Tuthilltown Distillery. Yet it is clear they are keeping their eyes forward toward growth and greater success. “It is about more than just whiskey here,” Ralph noted. “It is amazing what you can learn and what you can accomplish with patience and tenacity. You can’t give up; never give up.”

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NOT YOUR ORDINARY BEERS Adding adjuncts to your brew can prove addicting WRITTEN BY

KATE CRONAUER

he craft beer scene is really starting to gather steam and brewers are forging ahead with new, more extreme and out-of-the-box beers each season. Adjunct can refer to the addition of a certain type of grain, other than malted barley. Corn, oatmeal, rice, rye, wheat and unmalted barley are a few examples. These adjuncts usually affect the viscosity of a beer. Unmalted barley is used in Guinness to create foam and aid in head retention. Corn is used in mass-produced American lagers and lends a thinner, lighter mouth feel. Proteins released when brewing with oats will impart a smooth, rich finish. Toasted oats, brown rice and jasmine rice can also bulk up mouth feel and contribute nut-like characteristics. The addition of sugar and spices is also a part of brewing and another great way to kick things up a notch.

A Sweet Touch

Agave, candy sugar, raw sugar,

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honey, lactose, maple syrup and molasses each offer their own unique qualities. Breckenridge Brewery’s Agave wheat beer is a citrusy beer with a creamy sweetness. Plum, fig and maple are noted in The Bruery’s Autumn Maple beer. Dried flowers, herbs and spices can all be used in brewing.

Garden Variety

Anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, lavender, rosemary, sage and spruce tips are some adjuncts used in beer. Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout is brewed with rich dark malts, which are complemented by a delightful licorice scent and powerful flavor. Sam Adam’s brews Longshot Honey B’s Lavender Ale, which has a very floral, almost grassy aroma and a sweet honey lavender taste. My personal favorite example is Saison du Buff, a collaboration beer between Dogfish Head Brewery, Stone Brewing Co. and Victory Brewing Company. Brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, this effervescent beer holds a few surprises! You can smell the harmonious spices,

along with the esters produced by the yeast, a piney, minty, crisp aroma. As it lightly washes over your tongue it changes from sweet to earthy to spicy with a beautiful clean finish. Let’s not forget about hops, coffee, chocolate, fruit, wine must, tea and nuts. Most of these additives seem almost commonplace now. Dogfish Head Brewery recently released a new, year-round selection, Sixty-One. The addition of wine must contributes a pinkish hue, a berry aroma and a magnificent marmalade-like sweetness that is balanced by the beers’ classic hop addition. The realm of fruit is wide and varied from apricots to prunes, mangos to kumquats.

Creativity Abounds

Beer itself can be the adjunct… in food that is. In more and more restaurants one can see beer employed to brine chicken, make soup and sauces or cheese fondue. Likewise, breweries like Flying Dog and Rogue Ales are using items such as oysters and bacon in their beers. Some beers are even being created to taste like your favorite foods or drinks; things like peanut butter and jelly, pizza and bloody Mary beer.

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Evernote

Your Brain Will Thank You Later

WRITTEN BY

JAY EAGLESON

This central hub houses all of the information you want to save and easily allows you to come back to it all anytime, anywhere.

magine, if you will, your very own Google. A place where all of your personal documents, notes, grocery lists, ingenious ideas, bookmarked websites and photos can live. A search engine/filing cabinet/ photo album/cookbook/note-taking/ work-collaborating/cool-stuff-saving powerhouse. Well, friends, it’s real, it’s awesome, and it can all be yours with Evernote. I like to think of Evernote as a backup for your brain and the company’s tagline pretty much says it all: “Remember everything.” Record text, photo or audio notes on any device, then have them available anywhere, anytime. Imagine never forgetting that great idea you had while relaxing on the beach. Keep a shared grocery list with your significant other. Clip ideas from the web for your latest project. Store

all of your old Microsoft Word documents and be able to search through them easily to find what you need. Evernote has allowed many—including me—to become paperless and, if we’re being honest, way less forgetful. The scenario of leaving an important piece of mail or notebook at home or at the office doesn’t exist for me anymore; it’s all in Evernote. When I need to keep receipts for a business trip, I snap a photo of the receipt, then throw it away. When I have to share some ideas with my team at work, it goes into our shared notebook in Evernote. Here’s how it works: You create “notebooks” that you then fill with “notes.” Each notebook allows you to fill it with text, photos, audio notes, clippings from the web, and more. Like notebooks on a shelf, these notebooks are organized by category. Taking a trip? Curating ideas for work? Planning

a wedding? Create a new notebook for each event or project in your life. But don’t worry. You don’t have to stay too organized. Evernote’s best feature is the search functionality. It allows you to search through text, documents you’ve uploaded and photos. Photos are then scanned for text and when you search for a word in Evernote, any photo that has that word somewhere in it will show up. It’s very powerful. You’ll find yourself taking pictures of everything and searching for it later. Simply stated, I could not imagine my life without Evernote at this point. Evernote gets me. Having an index of my personal and business life with the ability to search for information anytime, anywhere is amazing. Oh, and one last thing: Evernote is free.

5 Real World Evernote Uses

5 Evernote Features

Vacation.

Shared Notebooks.

Workouts.

Notes.

Instruction Manuals & Warranties.

Photos of Text.

Planning a trip? Create a new notebook and send all your information for your trip to one place. Flight, hotel, car rental and itinerary will all be stored together and accessible throughout your trip.

Keep track of your workouts and bring in new exercise ideas that you see online by clipping them from the web to your workout notebook.

Photos and PDFs are all readable and searchable within Evernote. Never again will you wonder where that manual or warranty info for your new flat screen is.

Direct Mail.

Ever get something in the mail and it sits on your desk for a month? Snap a photo into Evernote and find it when you need it.

Receipts.

Do you have a drawer full of receipts at home or at your office? Stop making a mess and just snap a photo of each receipt you have into Evernote. You can find them anytime with a quick search.

Shared notebooks are a great way to share information with a team of people, your friends or your significant other. Everyone contributes, and all the information lives in one place for reference.

Forget all of the other note-taking apps on your phone. By using Evernote to log notes, you’ll have an easy time finding them later.

Take a photo with Evernote of anything with text. Evernote will read the text, even if it’s handwritten and allow you to search for it later. It makes bills, tickets, sticky notes and more all searchable for you to find later.

Emails.

Forward emails to your personalized Evernote email address. Those emails will live in Evernote for your future use.

Webpage Clipper.

Save great things you see on the web to your Evernote account right from your web browser.

Jay Eagleson, founder of the marketing company Eighty6 (www.theEighty6.com), would love to know how Evernote changes your life. Send him your comments or questions at jay.eagleson@theEighty6.com.

FALL 2013 93

She’s Just Not That Into You Save yourself some heartache by learning how to tell if she’s really interested in you.

dmittedly, gauging a woman’s interest can be tricky, but not as tricky as you think. Trust me; women are quite adept at sending clear messages through their behavior. If a woman views you as a friend, or worse, a nuisance, she’ll have no

WRITTEN BY

JULIANNE CANTARELLA

trouble letting you know. Sadly, our desires can alter our reality. My goal for you is to recognize and extinguish bad behavior, so that you can experience good, kind and appropriate behavior. In the process, you will learn to identify if she really wants a relationship with you. Unrequited love sucks and can damage your self-esteem and confidence. You’re a great guy and deserve to be appreciated, respected and shown kindness. So to avoid being treated badly, here are some behaviors that will clearly let you know that she’s just not that into you… Continued on pg. 96

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Continued from pg. 94

1) She doesn’t have time for you She comes up with every excuse in the book as to why she can’t spend time with you. She never commits to plans and always has something else to do. That is, unless she needs something from you. That “she has to wash her hair” excuse should be a red flag and a clear indication that you are not a priority. If she does throw you a bone and works you into her schedule, are you paying for the evening and playing chauffeur extraordinaire?

2) You do all the calling Ok, so yes, you should be courting her. You should be calling her, plan-

ning the date and making sure she knows you want to be with her. However, if weeks go by and she hasn’t once picked up the phone, or takes forever to answer your messages or texts, that speaks volumes about her lack of interest.

friend or a nuisance. She is not digging you, because if she were, you would get more than a cold cheek to kiss.

3) She has not introduced you to any of the significant people in her life

When you do catch up with her, she lets you know about all the great things she has been doing, only just not with you… She’s on the go, has a great social life, but you have no part of it. Clearly, she does not view you as a boyfriend.

Do you feel as if you’re in a “secret” relationship? The only secret here is that you are not in a relationship. If you haven’t visited her apartment, met her friends or family and have no details of her personal life then, she’s just not that into you.

4) She’s totally hands off Do you continuously get the “cheek” when you go in for a kiss? Or do you have to coerce her into cuddling? Dude, you are nothing more than a

5) She’s living her life and doesn’t invite you in

6) She’s says she’s “not ready for a relationship” When she says she is not ready for a relationship, it’s because she is not ready for a relationship... with you anyway. Don’t make it something it’s not. Believe her when she tells you she’s not ready for a relationship. It will save you a lot of pain and confusion.

If you’re sheepishly shaking your head and thinking, yup, been there, done that, then take heart. Everyone has fallen prey to “shiny object” syndrome, being attracted to something’s beauty rather than its substance. We convince ourselves that the object of our desire is unique, holding the appeal that it is different from anything else. When caught up in the hypnotic effect of the shiny object, it is easy to ignore the signals and talk ourselves into believing there is more to it than there actually is. “Take note and choose wisely young grasshopper.” Watch for the signals I have outlined for you so that you can spend your time and attention on someone who truly appreciates you. After all, you’re a great catch and you deserve so much more. Julianne Cantarella, a former therapist turned matchmaker and dating/relationship coach, is dedicated to helping mature singles in the Garden State find love through her company, New Jersey’s Matchmaker, LLC. Visit www.newjerseysmatchmaker.com for more details.

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e m a G e m a N The These days, celebrities seem to be competing to outdo one another in the quest for the weirdest, the most original, and worst of all, the cleverest word play. WRITTEN BY

NICK POYNER

y name is Nicholas. Nick for short. “A good, strong name,” my father tells me. When I was in kindergarten, I learned that Nick, a name shared with both classmates and Santa Claus, could be used as a deadly weapon. A sixth grader cleverly rhymed my name with something more fitting for a Richard, then proceeded to make it into a catchy tune. Others joined in. Since then, I’ve met hundreds of other Nicks. I’ve met fewer Blue Ivys. I am not a celebrity nor have I ever named a child. Still, there are certain rules celebrities should follow when naming their children. Not extensive rules; just commonsense rules. First, they should ask themselves, “Would I want to be named that?” This is important. The old day-in-the-life scenario. Would they want to respond to the name Birdie? No. It’s demeaning.

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Next, will the child be mocked for his or her name? Celebrities have to deal with constant tabloid exposure. Exposure the child will inevitably face. When babies are born, the country gets excited. We wait to see that “stars are just like us” and ask ourselves “What kind of name is Pilot Inspektor?” Why throw a beautiful baby into a life of ridicule so soon? They’ll get there one day. I promise. Then we have North West. Oh, boy. Word play. Bonus points for creativity, but horrible idea for a child’s name. Ask Tu Morrow. I am a Kanye West fan. He is a talented individual. But, maybe he should leave that stuff on the studio floor. Here’s an idea. Maybe children shouldn’t be named after things people sort of enjoy. Northwest is one of my top five favorite directions but… An Apple a day keeps the doctor away, but… My favorite name for Super-

man is Kal-El, but… I once stayed at a hotel in the Bronx, but… The last one is a big issue. Being named after a city must be hard. Every day, Bronx will think, “Is this where I was conceived?” And the answer is, “Yeah, probably.” By that logic, I could have been a Phoenix. Cool name. Firebird. But I thank my parents for not letting it endure in my life like that and, instead, bringing it up in casual con-versation. When it comes down to it, I think unique names are great. Builds character. Spell Brandy any which way. Two i’s? Why not? Go crazy. I do hope we never get to the point of hashtagging our children’s names, but honestly, we’re probably already there. One final note, naming a child Audio Science is mean. Oh, also, congratulations to George Alexander Louis. A good, strong name.

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